Civil Municipal - May 2024

teacher. A profound pride has marked Pharand’s leadership since becoming Director on September 1, 2022. “I am so proud to work for this board that puts student achievement first and recognizes staff and students’ diverse talents and strengths.” This sentiment echoes LPS’s core values, which emphasize every student’s success, promoting self- esteem, and nurturing career aspirations. Pharand’s vision, deeply rooted in the beautiful local geography, highlights learning in the natural environment, regardless of the season. Serving as a trustee since 2014, Ellen Chambers, Chair and Trustee of the Lakehead District School Board, shares a similar mission. Elected Chair in December 2018, Chambers aims to rid discrimination. “My focus is equity and social justice—working to make Thunder Bay free of racism, homophobia, and transphobia.” LPS celebrates staff achievements, such as Jasmine Sgambelluri, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Resource Teacher, and the May 2023 recipient of the Lakehead Public Schools Exemplary Leader Award. “A special shout-out to Lisa Nutley, my eighth-grade teacher, who honored me with OPC’s Grade eight award for student leadership and planted the seed to pursue a career in education. Here we are 23 years later…” Lakehead’s rock-solid plan, core values, and caring staff guide them to continue a legacy of nurturing students who are academically accomplished, socially conscious, and equipped to lead in the future’s unknown landscape. OUTDOOR, LAND, AND CULTURAL- BASED LEARNING Programs offered by Lakehead Public Schools display a commitment to land and cultural-based learning by combining educational experiences with the natural environment and Indigenous culture. A crown jewel in this approach is the Kingfisher Lake Outdoor Education Center (KLOEC), described by Chambers as a remote yet stunningly picturesque 203 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 LAKEHEAD DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD