Superintendent's Report to the Board | April 2025
This report highlights key updates and events from the past month, all grounded in our core values of learning, belonging, integrity, and equity.
National Indigenous Languages Day – Honouring Language Keepers
March 31 marks National Indigenous Languages Day—a time to honour and uplift Indigenous languages and those who work to preserve them. More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken across Canada. Here on the Sunshine Coast, we recognize and celebrate she shashishalhem and Skwxwú7mesh snichem, and acknowledge the language keepers in our schools—Elders, teachers, youth, and community members—who carry this work forward. Their efforts sustain cultural knowledge and offer hope for future generations.
April is Earth Month – Honouring Earth Day on April 22
April is Earth Month, with Earth Day recognized on April 22. Nature-based learning, a key strand in our new Strategic Plan, is meaningfully integrated across the district. During April, schools engage in special Earth Month activities that deepen our shared commitment to ecological responsibility, care for our environment, and advocacy for the well-being of ourselves, others, and nature.
Primary Literacy Assessment Tool
The Early Learning Profile (ELP) primary literacy assessment is currently being piloted by primary teacher teams at seven elementary schools.
The ELP is accessible online, providing teachers with easy access to assessments across key literacy areas, including: oral language, phonological awareness, concepts of print, alphabet knowledge, phonics, and high-frequency words. PM Benchmarks are used to assess reading comprehension and fluency.
The assessment also features a Writing Continuum, designed to help educators track a child’s progress on the developmental continuum. The software offers tools to assist teachers in forming small groups for targeted mini-lessons, asking students only the questions they haven’t yet mastered, and sending home letters and resources for families.
Early Years Fair 2025
On March 8th, children and families across the coast gathered for the Early Years Fair 2025! Inspired by What’s My Superpower by Aviaq Johnston, a young Inuk author from Igloolik, Nunavut, this year’s theme celebrated every child’s unique strengths. Children made capes, wrist bands and masks, and families had fun with pony rides, the petting zoo, and connecting with district and local partners to learn about the programs and services offered in our community. Take a look at all of the people who worked together to make this day possible!
SPARK! to Secondary – Supporting the Move to High School
The SPARK! to Secondary program, in partnership with SD46, Community Schools and United Way BC, returns this spring with in-person sessions for parents and caregivers of students heading to high school. Sessions are held at Chatelech, Elphinstone, and Pender Harbour Secondary and will explore topics such as adolescent brain development, fostering independence, building healthy routines, and maintaining strong communication during the teen years.
School’s Out – Spring Programs for Grade 7 Students
This spring, Roberts Creek Community School, in partnership with SD46 and United Way BC, is offering a free after-school program for all Grade 7 students across the Sunshine Coast. At Chatelech, students can join “Ultimate” with Evan Kwantes and Glen Whitlock, while Elphinstone offers “On Location.” These programs help students build confidence, connect with peers, and get excited about the transition to secondary school.
Journeys to High School – Supporting Indigenous Learners
Journeys to High School is a collaborative program co-designed by School’s Out United Way, Sunshine Coast Community Schools, and SD46 to support Indigenous Grade 7 students as they prepare for high school. Events include a Gathering and Feast at the shíshálh Nation Longhouse, school orientation events, and “Bring a Friend to High School” activities—each fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection.
Elementary Basketball Play Days – Skill, Sportsmanship, and Spirit
This March, the energy was high as elementary students wrapped up the basketball season with exciting district Play Day tournaments. Chatelech Secondary hosted the Grade 4/5 Junior event with 30 teams from all nine schools participating in a fun and fast-paced 3-on-3 format. At Elphinstone Secondary, Grade 6/7 tournaments featured strong showings from teams across the district, with thrilling overtime finishes and standout performances from schools like West Sechelt, Cedar Grove, and Gibsons. These events celebrated teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit, thanks to the efforts of volunteer referees, high school helpers, coaches, and organizers.
Capstone Showcase at Gibsons Public Market
On April 6, students from Elphinstone and Chatelech Secondary Schools presented their Capstone projects at a special event hosted at the Gibsons Public Market. Organized by Elphinstone teacher James Yamamura, this public showcase gave students the opportunity to share their learning journeys, passions, and future aspirations with the broader community—highlighting the creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth achieved through their final high school projects.
Chatelech Student Named 2025 Loran Scholar
Congratulations to Chatelech Secondary’s Nardeen Ibrahim, who has been named a 2025 Loran Scholar—one of only 36 students selected from over 6,000 applicants across Canada. A dedicated student leader, Nardeen is active in the Social Justice Club, grad council, yearbook team, and school athletics, and also volunteers in the community. This prestigious award recognizes young leaders who demonstrate integrity, courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to service. We are incredibly proud of Nardeen and this remarkable achievement.
Toastmasters Youth Leadership – Pender Harbour Secondary
Beginning January 6, students in Pender Harbour Secondary’s Grade 12 Workforce class participated in the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program. Facilitated by Laurel Sukkau and supported by Johanna Rzepa, the eight-week program focused on building communication and leadership skills through hands-on speaking practice. With over 500 youth Toastmasters certificates awarded on the Sunshine Coast to date, this program continues to empower young voices and future leaders.
Fire Fighting Academy
The 4th Annual Fire Fighting Academy was another success, with 14 students participating in this intensive, hands-on training experience led by Sechelt Deputy Chief Steven Achterberg. The students’ dedication—and the community’s support—made this year’s academy a standout.
Work in Trade Reward
Congratulations to five past students who earned the Work in Trade Reward from the B.C. Government Ministry of Education and Child Care.
To earn this reward the students had to complete one of the four Work in Trades courses that involves theory work and 480 hours of work as an apprentice plus continue to work to a total of 900 hours. The hours worked must done before the student turns 19 years of age.
Congratulations to:
- Bodhi Biggs-Culinary Arts
- Kiran Chauhan-Culinary Arts
- Renee Milligan-Culinary Arts
- Brandon Straw-Culinary Arts
- Carson Summers-Competed the Automotive Tech level one and changed to Electrical
Spotlight on Resilience – Jingyi’s Inspiring Journey
Jingyi, a Grade 11 ELL student at Elphinstone Secondary, continues to inspire with her courage and determination since arriving as a beginner in English. From volunteering at the library to performing in the talent show and joining drama class, Jingyi pushes herself beyond comfort to learn and grow. Her academic dedication was recently recognized when she earned a certificate of distinction for her outstanding performance in the Global Fermat Mathematics Contest from the University of Waterloo, scoring in the top 25% of all participants! We are incredibly proud of Jingyi, and we celebrate her recent achievement.