Our Annual Report 2010–2011 is our way of sharing with the community our pride in the progress and accomplishments of the past year, most importantly the strides students are making in reaching their academic and personal goals. In this report you will learn about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusive education, our leadership initiatives, student achievement, and how we are growing to enhance student achievement. As well, we are sharing some of the wonderful stories about how our staff, students, parents and community partners are working together to create the citizens of tomorrow.

It is my privilege to lead the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), a role I assumed from retiring Director of Education Barrie Hammond in July 2011. Barrie’s vision, commitment and student focus allowed me to begin my leadership journey with confidence and the commitment that I too would make every decision based on what is best for our students.  

This was the last year of our Board’s strategic plan − Learning, Leadership, and Community: A Focus for our Future 2007–2011. Much progress was made towards reaching the ambitious goals. The three overarching pillars in our plan − Learning, Leadership and Community − framed a set of goals and objectives that resulted in cohesive, productive work plans to implement the best research-based practices for excellence in teaching and learning for our students’ benefit.

We have much to be proud of. Together we have created a learning environment where creativity, innovation and critical thinking are welcomed – because we know that validates individual and collective success. And it’s working – our sustained student achievement is proof of this. Our students are reaching their academic and personal goals. 

Our results on Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and district-wide assessments are indicators of the continuous improvement in student achievement. But we know that school is about so much more than just test scores − it is about the passage of individual discovery. Our focus on character development helps to expand self-awareness and empathy. When students learn about respect, accountability, determination and optimism, they deepen their understanding of citizenship and their responsibility to their neighbours around the corner and around the world.

Last year was a year of transition for the OCDSB. In December 2010, our newly elected Board of Trustees took office. In June 2011, the Board approved the new 2011−2015 strategic plan for the District. The plan is called Public Education: Doing it W.E.L.L., and includes four key priority areas for the District as it moves forward: Well-Being, Engagement, Leadership and Learning. Consultation with the community was a critical element of the strategic planning process. 

We know our schools are the heart of the community. We know we must provide high-quality programs and we do. We will continue to enhance our instructional practices because great teachers make all the difference. We will work together to support students in their academic achievement and their mental, social and emotional development. We will ensure equity of access to programs and to resources; and we will continue to encourage and support student leadership and citizenship to promote global competencies.

The leaders of this organization know that our core purpose is student achievement and well-being. Together we will continue our work and become an even more dynamic, creative learning organization that fosters the achievement, well-being and dignity of every student.

Dr. Jennifer Adams