Circle of Care: Students
- DSLT Grade 10 Selection Process: Secondary schools promoted the DSLT application process for grade 10 members this fall. Candidates were shortlisted and interviews conducted to complete the selection process. The selected Grade 10 members will join the District Student Leadership Team beginning at the January 2023 meeting. (1a)
- Fundraisers: Across the district, staff and students are making a difference in our local and wider community with fundraising campaigns to help those in need this holiday season. Through these efforts, students are continuing their development of the Personal and Social Core Competency, and its sub-competency, Social Awareness and Responsibility, which focuses on interacting with others and the natural world in respectful and caring ways. (1c)
- Winter Celebrations: District wide, schools have been creating special opportunities this holiday season to celebrate and connect with students and their families. (1b, 1c, 1k)
- Chatelech Secondary Ski Club: The Ski Club went to Whistler for their first trip this season on November 29th. (1g)
- ArtStarts Secondary School Performances of the Ridge: Secondary schools experienced a moving performance by Brendan McLeod of ‘Ridge’, a visceral music storytelling show centred around the Battle of Vimy that probes difficult yet necessary questions about how and why we grieve. These performances were brought to the schools as part of the ArtStarts and District-funded annual program. (1k)
Circle of Care: Staff
- Staff Wellness Special Event: On November 26th the District Staff Wellness Committee hosted their first Staff Wellness event! Over 150 staff, from diverse roles across the district, attended the elegantly decorated event which took place in the Chatelech Secondary foyer. The evening brought joy, laughter and music for all. Jessy Wollen, sexual health educator and unbeknownst to her, a natural stand-up comedian, graciously donated her time to emcee the event. Kinnikinnick Principal Bernadette Marie delivered an array of games that included prizes donated through varying local business’ to the lucky winners. Two talented local bands performed throughout the evening while staff enjoyed delicious nourishment from the infamous Salt and Swine food truck. The committee’s system wide approach for encouraging staff wellness through these types of events aligns with the Ministry’s Mental Health in Schools Strategy. The Staff Wellness Committee is looking forward to planning another event in the spring! (2a)
- November 21st Professional Development Day: In the morning, staff participated in self-directed Pro D and were also offered an opportunity to learn with Kate White (‘Getting to Good Goal Setting’) followed by an afternoon of principals working with their staffs on the equity scan, Communicating Student Learning as well as communicating their work around School Growth Plans. (2b)
- Parent/Teacher Connections: Report cards went home on November 25th and early dismissal days were on November 30th and December 1st, providing time for parents to connect with teachers regarding their child’s learning. Recently, we shared with families a tool created by Ms. Kaatz, Ms. Stevens and her class at Gibsons Elementary to help us understand the changes to Communicating Student Learning. Please take a look! https://bit.ly/sd46csl. (2e)
Circle of Care: Community
- Budget Consultations: Stakeholder and public budget consultations have been taking place to engage with students, staff, families and our community and gather input into the development of the 2023/2024 school district budget.(3a)