Respect and responsibility are the values we focus on in May. At SD46 this means “we support a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility through individual and shared growth”. I have taken some time to think about how we do this as a board and as a district. I am pleased to note there are many examples to share.
As a board we model respect and responsibility in a variety of ways. In a general sense we model this in the way we support each other with our diverse interests, talents and skills to achieve shared growth at the board table. We all to listen for alignment, seek to understand and find shared values in the work we do. In a more specific sense this is demonstrated by the board putting forward two motions to BCSTA for consideration at the provincial level; both motions were carried with broad support from trustees across the province! The motions lobbied for more support for mental health services and social emotional learning for our students; two areas important to all our board trustees. Our motions would not have been possible without trustees knowing and understanding the importance of respect and responsibility. We worked together demonstrating respect and took the opportunity to bring forward important issues BCSTA seriously demonstrating an understanding of responsibility.
As a district the values of respect and responsibility are easily evident. Trustees continue to enjoy virtual school tours to learn about the growth plans and special focuses of each school. When we tour we have heard about how the values of respect and responsibility are present in our schools. Our principals, teachers and staff have demonstrated respect and responsibility to our students in many implicit and explicit ways; from maintaining our buildings to a friendly acknowledgement in the hallways. It is wonderful to see our values alive in our schools!
And as the month ends we turn to value of celebration. One of life’s significant milestones is celebrated with the graduation from high school. We look forward to celebrating our many SD46 graduates next month!