The St. Clair Catholic District School Board has a new vision of being "future-ready" as the school year begins.
Director of Education Deb Crawford said they have a new multi-year strategic plan.
"Almost every single parent that responded to our large consultation, said they really are concerned about their children being prepared for the future," said Crawford. "The future's uncertain, they're not sure what kind of skills students need, but they're very focused on their students getting skills that are transferable to the workplace."
Crawford said they're increasing their focus on teachers teaching transferable skills, critical thinking and creativity.
"In Sarnia, we're working closely with Lambton College's Enactus program, where we have elementary and secondary students that are working on entrepreneurial skill development and social service learning projects," she said.
Crawford said the board will also have an increased partnership with the Lambton College Skilled Trades Training Centre.
"We're going to have all of our Grade 7 and 8 students working to become aware of those trades and opportunities and skills that are needed," she said.
Crawford said while a small enrolment decline has been recorded in the elementary grades, secondary enrolment is strong.
The board's projected elementary numbers for October 31, 2019 were 6,071 students, compared to 6,115 as of October 31, 2018. Projected secondary enrolment for October 31, 2019 was 2,612 students, compared to 2,596 October 31, 2018.
