On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, we acknowledge and celebrate the crucial contributions that education workers have made to publicly funded education in Ontario and all over the world. In Bluewater District School Board, we say “thank you” to our wonderful support staff in our schools and work sites, who fulfill a vast and varied range of responsibilities in their diverse roles each day. This includes all our Education Support Personnel (ESP), Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP), Office Professionals and Technicians (OPT), and custodial and maintenance staff.
ESP consists of educational assistants, early childhood educators, child and youth workers, and outdoor education specialists. The many responsibilities shouldered by these committed and caring staff members include direct classroom assistance to students and staff, mental health support, and environmental education.
PSSP is comprised of behaviour expertise professionals, communication disorder assistants, mental health leaders and workers, speech language pathologists, student support attendance counsellors, and psychological services staff. These amazing professionals provide support for our students with attendance, mental health, communication, behavioural, special education, and learning/developmental needs. They service all Bluewater schools and help deliver system professional development and collaboration.
OPT extends to all our school office and system support staff, who assume many varied and busy roles on the frontlines and behind the scenes across our district. We also recognize our custodians and maintenance workers, who keep all our board and school facilities safe and in tip top shape for our students, staff, and families.
Join us on World Education Support Personnel Day as we celebrate our incredible and invaluable support staff, whose work is critical to the success of our students, staff, and the overall safe and smooth operation of our system.