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Report to the Community highlights challenging year of teaching and learning

December 14, 2021

SPS_425x325_ReportToCommunity.jpgSaskatoon Public Schools' 2020-21 Report to the Community is a snapshot of an academic year filled with much joy and many triumphs and accomplishments, but also unprecedented challenges.

The report highlights the work done by staff and students as they continued to learn and celebrate community while facing the uncertainty of a school year in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

"Despite the challenges created by a global pandemic, learning remained our focus," said Colleen MacPherson, chair of the Saskatoon Board of Education. "This report will show there was joy and success in our classrooms, and everyone—our students, our staff, our leadership team—brought their best to school each and every day."

The report shares examples of the exceptional ways in which staff members came together to ensure learning continued for students. From the start of the school year in September, staff showed creativity and dedication in developing plans and procedures that supported the safe operations of schools. With the support of students and families, schools remained safe and welcoming places for children and youth.

"Staff accomplished what would have seemed impossible any other year," said Director of Education Shane Skjerven. "Classes ran every day during a pandemic, except for that memorable week in November during a record-breaking snowstorm. Despite the challenges of the school year, everyone came together, and our students are better for it. Through it all, schools maintained an unwavering focus on our four student goals—academic excellence, character, engagement, and well-being.

The 2020-21 school year was the second year of the strategic plan that will guide Saskatoon Public Schools' work through 2024. The plan sets out the division's vision and the commitment to student goals.

"The work of our staff members required a new best, and they achieved it," Skjerven said. "Students learned vital lessons in leadership, empathy, and responsibility by watching the example of their teachers and school staff."

Read the 2020-21 Report to the Community HERE.