At the heart of our work is student success. Every decision we make, every policy we set, every conversation we have must come back to one question: How does this help our BGCDSB students thrive? Across our schools, we see countless examples of success; students excelling academically, discovering their passions in the arts, achieving in athletics, demonstrating our Catholic values, and leadership in ways that inspire us all. Every milestone reached big or small is a good news story that reminds us why we are here. It is proof that when we all work together and when we invest in our students, amazing things happen.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the vital role of our Diocese of Hamilton, our union partners and our many community organizations. Education is not a solitary effort, it is a shared responsibility. Our teachers, support staff, and administrators work tirelessly to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. Our churches and community partners provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Together, we form a network of support that ensures every student has the tools they need to succeed.
As we celebrate success, we must also recognize that not every student begins their educational journey from the same starting point. Equity and inclusion are not just words, they are commitments. They mean ensuring that every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, or background, has access to the same opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our classrooms are diverse, and that diversity is a strength. It enriches learning, fosters empathy, and prepares students for a world that values collaboration and understanding. But diversity also calls us to action. It requires us to identify and remove the barriers that stand in the way of student success whether they are systemic, cultural, or economic. As trustees, we have a responsibility to lead with equity in mind. That means constantly asking hard questions: Are our policies inclusive? Are our resources distributed fairly? Are we listening to voices that have historically been marginalized? Equity is not about treating everyone the same, it is about giving each student what they need to succeed.
We must continue to champion initiatives that promote inclusion, celebrate our diversity, and create safe spaces for all students because when every student feels valued and supported, our entire system becomes stronger.
We are living in a time of change and challenge. Recent media coverage about ministry takeovers of school boards has sparked important conversations about governance, accountability, and trust. These stories serve as a reminder of the critical role trustees play in maintaining strong, transparent, and effective governance. As trustees, we are not here to manage day-to-day operations, that is the role of our professional staff and we thankfully have a very capable group to take care of the business of education. As trustees, our responsibility is to set the vision, establish policy, and ensure accountability. We are the voice of the public-the voice of our students and families-in education, and that voice matters.
Local governance matters because education is deeply connected to the community. Decisions made closest to the community are the ones that best reflect its values, its needs, and its aspirations. When governance falters, the risk is not just administrative, it is a risk to public confidence in education. That is why we must lead with integrity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on student achievement and well-being.
As we look ahead, our priorities are clear. We must continue to celebrate and build on the successes in our classrooms. We must continue to support our educators and staff, recognizing that their well-being is essential to student success. We must continue to engage our families and communities in meaningful dialogue, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. And we must also continue to advocate, at every level, for the resources and policies that allow our students to thrive.
As we know, this work will not always be easy. There will be challenges, and there will be moments when the path forward is unclear. But I believe in the strength of this board, in the dedication of our staff, the abilities of our students, and in the support and resilience of our families and communities. Together, we can navigate challenges and emerge stronger.
In closing, I want to thank you all, the trustees, staff, union partners, students, families, and community members, for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to education. Let us move forward with courage, with clarity of purpose, and with a shared vision: that every student, in every BGCDSB school, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
My Christmas wish for you all is that the peace and love of Christ fills your hearts and homes this season.
Thank you, Merci, Megwich
Lori Di Castri
Chair of the Board