There's a common view of what excellence looks like across our society. But, we are all different. We are individual. We are unique. And since this is true, how can we all possibly fit into the same, generalized definition of excellence?
There's a common view of what excellence looks like across our society. But, we are all different. We are individual. We are unique. And since this is true, how can we all possibly fit into the same, generalized definition of excellence?
We value the uniqueness of each individual and believe everyone can excel and achieve excellence at the DSBN.
DSBN is a place where students can learn and grow at their own pace, in their own way. It is a place where they will determine their own goals and define their own personal version of excellence. We are each truly unique, and DSBN students and staff are empowered to learn and grow in a way that best reflects them as individuals.
Prioritizing and cultivating the relationships between educator and student by investing care and knowing each learner in the classroom community.
Using innovative, engaging and culturally responsive programming to support students now and as they transition to their future pathways.
Honouring student and staff voice as coauthors of their learning by valuing the importance of both collective and individual perspectives.
We respect and uphold the importance of equity, inclusion, dignity and human rights in all learning and working environments so individuals from all social realities and lived experiences are valued.
DSBN is a place where students and staff feel safe to be themselves. It is a place where we honour and actively dismantle barriers that prevent the celebration of each individual’s unique traits, cultures, talents and experiences. Our schools thrive on developing differentiated strategies to ensure each learner has what they need to flourish.
Uphold human rights and build knowledge and awareness of the principles of anti-bias, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-oppression and inclusion.
Identify and eliminate systemic barriers, racism and discrimination to ensure equitable access to positive opportunities and outcomes for all.
Provide differentiated strategies and programming to accommodate each learner in a way that promotes their inclusion and full participation in learning.
Examine and change policies, procedures and practices through an equity, inclusion and human rights lens to eliminate differential treatment and outcomes for sovereignty seeking and equity deserving groups.
We believe in cultivating learning and working communities where everyone feels safe and connected while increasing mental health awareness knowledge and skills.
DSBN is a place where individuals are encouraged to nurture their interpersonal, self-awareness and self-control skills to enhance their contributions, whether it be in the classroom, in the workplace, or interacting with others in the community. Together, we will seek to understand each persons’ context and work together to provide individualized supports.
Strengthen the universal delivery of social emotional learning and mental health literacy to ensure students have a diversity of skills to be successful.
Deepen our understanding of the unique experiences and circumstances of individuals to support the needs of students and school communities.
Enhance access to intensive and integrated supports that further promote the partnership between school and community.
We value and respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, families and individuals and believe in honouring these voices.
DSBN believes in taking action to demonstrate that the knowledge, experiences and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities are critical to learning and growth for everyone. We strongly believe that supporting First Nation, Inuit and Métis student voices and well-being includes investing in opportunities for these voices to be heard. We will commit to ongoing reconciliation by bringing the truths of history forward, enabling us to keep working towards creating positive, long-term change.
Invest in relationships with Indigenous organizations, Treaty Partners and families to strengthen community voice, build trust and offer reciprocity.
Promote strategies to work from an asset lens and drawing from the National Centre For Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action to strengthen the presence of First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultures, languages, histories and current realities to promote a deeper understanding for all.
Honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis student voice to further support their well-being and school experiences to promote students’ learning and growth.
We value caring and supportive environments that promote lifelong learning for all students, staff and community.
DSBN is a place where learning happens everywhere. Learning can happen inside the classroom, outside with nature, or in a virtual space. At the DSBN, learning is not limited to a classroom. Learning happens within a combination of the physical spaces we provide, as well as the supportive, caring and welcoming spaces we create. DSBN is a learning organization where students and staff feel comfortable to learn, empowered to excel and safe to be.
Establish learning spaces that are safe, welcoming and responsive to student needs.
Foster environments that promote lifelong learning for all students, staff and community through a collective responsibility to nurture a culture of trust, respect and cooperation.
Optimize our facilities and human resources to effectively and responsibly create environments that enhance learning.
Recognize that we are all part of local and global communities and responsible for environmental stewardship.
Redefining Excellence will guide everything we do for the next five years, including the decisions we make, the programs we create, and the goals we set out to achieve. Which is why the first step we took to develop our strategic plan began in March 2022 with a single goal - to find many ways as we could to listen.
Planning begins! Working and advisory groups formed. One-on-one meetings with community partners
Research, defining priorities and setting goals – small group discussions to seek input on these initial plans
Presentation road show for student, community, and stakeholder groups
Timeline development for student, staff, families, and community input
Creation, vetting and refinement of stakeholder questions for input
Internal implementation workshop for schools
The first in-person stakeholder feedback event takes place. The Ignite Survey launches and collects thoughts, and feedback for 14 days
The second in-person stakeholder feedback event takes place. Stakeholder feedback in hand, the creation of the new strategic plan begins
The strategic plan is passed by the Board of Trustees
We cast the net as far and as wide as we could to invite you. We asked you - students, staff, families, and community members - to share your thoughts with us and help shape the future of the DSBN - and share you did.
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