The month of December brings the end to the calendar year. It is a natural time for reflection and visioning. This December our board focuses on our work of our affirmation. What is an affirmation and its purpose for a school board you might inquire? Affirmation: a statement or proposition that is declared to be true.
What do we declare to be true? It is an important question to answer as it will clearly establish the foundation for our actions as a board and district. During our strategic planning development process in 2019, we discussed the addition of an affirmation statement and agreed it was integral to include one as a way to communicate commitment to truth and reconciliation. Our affirmation reads “The Board of School District 46 affirms its commitment to Indigenous Peoples and Reconciliation by building relationships and deepening understanding of Indigenous history, worldviews, and ways of knowing.”
In September we recognized the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. From there as a board we decided to make Truth and Reconciliation a standing item on our Education Committee Agenda. This one small action has been a catalyst for enormous action and change as a board. We are diving into learning about our local history, Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing in our committee meetings and exploring tangible ways to demonstrate our understanding of our district affirmation in our work. Our affirmation statement has taken on a new meaning this year.
Reporting on a broader reflection of our work as a board is one that is an opportunity to acknowledge many firsts for us; each trustee feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment for their contributions to our collective success this year. Some of our firsts were by choice and others by requirement; all part of the privilege and joy of being in an elected position. We have appreciated the opportunity to engage with our community; your attention, comments and questions help us make better decisions and be responsive to community needs and desires. In the last ten months of our term we aspire to serve you and lead the district with the same energy, pride and dedication as we have done in the past year.
As each of us take time this month to reflect on the year and vision for the future what can we affirm for ourselves? What truth will guide us through 2022? As we move into winter, hibernation and long nights I hope you each find comfort and solace in your truth.
Wishing all of our students, staff and community the best this holiday season. We look forward to connecting again in 2022.