Rainbow District School Board held its first meeting in the Centre for Education on Wembley Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The occasion was marked by an Indigenous ceremony, the naming of the boardroom in honour of a long-time trustee, and a special presentation by a former principal of Wembley Public School.
Elder Julie Ozawagosh delivered the traditional opening with Gimaa Steven Miller of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Chop Waindubence, an Aboriginal support worker with the board, and Bob Goulais provided singing and drumming as the flag of the Anishnawbek Nation was carried in.
The flag is being displayed in the boardroom. A smudging ceremony took place earlier in the day.
“We are delighted that you could be here to begin the first of many gatherings to come in this boardroom in a good way,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg.
“We respect the land that we are on, reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation, and value our partnership and our friendship.”
Following the traditional opening, the boardroom was named in memory of long-time trustee Ernie Checkeris. Muiriel MacLeod Checkeris, Vicki Kett and Frank Benish, who served as trustees together, attended the dedication.
A trustee with Rainbow District School Board, the former Sudbury Board of Education and its predecessor boards for 55 years, Checkeris has the distinction of being one of the longest-serving trustees in Ontario.
“Ernie Checkeris was a pillar in the educational community, locally, provincially and nationally,” said Chair Doreen Dewar. “It is with tremendous pride and a great sense of gratitude that Rainbow District School Board dedicates this boardroom in his honour.”
The Rainbow District School Board Centre for Education is housed in the former Wembley Public School, which opened in 1944. Jim Sutherland, the second longest serving principal of Wembley Public School, presented the original school bell to the board.
“The bell was used to summon students from the playground to class for many, many years,” he said.
“We are pleased to accept this bell and will place it in a prominent location for all to enjoy,” said Blaseg.
“It will be a reminder of the rich heritage of Wembley Public School, linking the past to the present, and ringing in a new chapter as the Centre for Education serves all students in Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin Island and Shining Tree.”
