Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education & Secretary to the Board
I am pleased to present the 2024 Director’s Annual Report to our Durham District School Board (DDSB) families, staff, and community. This report will provide our key publics with a glimpse into a few of last year’s highlights of the work we have undertaken as a community of learners, leaders, community, trustees and staff.
The Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is the blueprint for our work. Passed by the board of trustees at the beginning of 2024, the MYSP prioritizes meaningful learning, connected communities, and well-being for our DDSB community: students, staff, and families. Our underlying goal is to create safe, caring, and respectful environments where each person can show up authentically and thrive.
This work is one of collaborative commitment, care, and dedication.
Reflecting on the past year, one of the highlights that stands out for me is the way we continue to grow together as a vibrant community, both figuratively and literally! This September, we welcomed students into two new schools: our new Beaver River Public School in Brock Township, and Maamawi iyaawag Public School in North Oshawa. Both schools are beautiful and light-filled spaces, which will provide wonderful working and learning environments for our students and staff teams. Additionally, we opened a new addition to Mary Street Community School at the start of this school year, featuring spacious, modern learning spaces in the heart of Oshawa. The renaming of Ontario Street Public School in Ajax is a reflection of our continuous commitment to modernization and responsive change. As we continue to grow, we invite you to learn more about our upcoming construction projects.
In our schools, updated Ministry guidance (PPM 128) has resulted in a board-wide Code of Conduct being implemented in September, with new restrictions around cell phone use in classrooms and provisions restricting vaping on Board property.
In addition to our MYSP, we released several new and updated resources to support our learners and educators that you will find conveniently linked for you on our 2024 Resources page.
As we look forward to 2025, let us carry forward the lessons we've learned and the successes we've celebrated. Together, we have faced challenges and embraced opportunities, a clear demonstration of the strength and determination of our community. We live and work in an ever-changing world, and our communities are impacted by and are a reflection of our evolving societies. We too continue to learn, to modernize, and to change. Change requires time, reflection, and even mistakes. We appreciate the opportunity to learn from our communities in grace and partnership as we galvanize our efforts to ensure the success of our students. Let us continue to inspire one another, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and passion; together, we are building a brighter future.
With great optimism for what lies ahead,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
