Submitted by Chair Amanda Amaral
October 8, 2025
Learning: Growing through holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential,
relational, and personalized learning.
(As reflected in the First Peoples Principles of Learning.)
As we reflect on the launch of this school year, I can say with confidence that we are living our value of learning every day we show up.
At the historic honorary graduation ceremony for the shíshálh Nation Elders who attended residential schools, we were given the opportunity for truly holistic learning. Listening to survivors’ stories compelled us to reflect more deeply on the profound and lasting impact of residential schools—not only on individuals, families, and communities, but on our entire country. This experience reminded us that learning is not limited to classrooms, but also comes from bearing witness to truth, being in community, building understanding, and carrying that knowledge forward into how we lead and serve. Thank you to all district staff who volunteered to make this event a success.
Our work with property disposal invited us to be reflexive, engaging with the feedback, ideas, and questions of our community. This process has taught us that decision-making is stronger when it is informed by many voices. It has also reinforced that learning includes listening, being open to different perspectives, and adapting as circumstances evolve.
Revising outdated board policies and bylaws has been a significant form of experiential learning for the Board. As we review and modernize these documents, we are not only ensuring they reflect current legal requirements but also the lived experiences and needs of our Board and learning community. This work underscores that learning is an ongoing process—policies and bylaws must evolve alongside our schools and society to remain relevant and supportive of all learners.
Attending the inaugural DPAC meeting of the school year and preparing for our annual DPAC/PAC/Principals and Board professional development night has grounded us in relational learning. These opportunities are about more than events—they are about fostering a supportive, interconnected learning environment where the Board, parents, and principals come together to co-construct a shared purpose and understanding. In doing so, we deepen our collective understanding of parent engagement and strengthen our shared responsibility for the success of every learner. We are eagerly anticipating this professional development night at the end of October.
We also see personalized learning in the daily work happening across our schools. For example, through trades and work experience programs, we witness how teachers and staff support the unique strengths and needs of each learner by providing opportunities to explore their passions and pathways.
As we continue our journey together in 2025, we remain committed to our value of learning and to nurturing a strong future for every learner in the Sunshine Coast School District.
Amanda Amaral
Chair