More than 4,500 students and their families showed up at the Durham District School Board’s Education Centre in Whitby last Thursday for the Board’s first annual “Welcome Back to Learning ” BBQ.

Held just a few days before the students were due to return to classes for the new term, the event created a great deal of excitement among the attendees who enjoyed the free food –  thousands of hamburgers were served –  as well as the entertainment program which included wheelchair games and other activities.

And there were many smiling faces as thousands of students received free books and backpacks which were donated specially for the event.

Each family received a water bottle after completing a short three -question survey on their experiences with the Board.

At the BBQ were booth displays presented by 24 community partners. including Learning Disabilities Association of Durham Region, Durham College and Child Care/Early Years.

Commenting on the event, Board Chairperson Michael Barrett said ” it was a great feeling to see so many smiles of appreciation.”

Director of Education Lisa Millar was delighted with the turnout.

“ The BBQ allowed us to strengthen our connections to our students, parents, guardians and community members through sincere engagement. I can’t wait to do this again next year,  she said.

The Durham District School Board is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

It employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 131 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the Board accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses.

More information can be found on the Board’s website at www.ddsb.ca