Circle of Care: Students
- Strategic Planning Student Forum Grades 7-12: On December 8th, a dynamic workshop was held at Chatelech Secondary, bringing together over 80 students and staff from across the district. This gathering aimed to incorporate student perspectives in shaping the new strategic plan. (1a)
- Gender Neutral Washrooms: Gender neutral bathrooms at Elphinstone Secondary have received an upgrade, making safe spaces for all students at the school. (1a, 1b)
- Winter Celebrations: Throughout the district, schools are hosting special events this holiday season to foster connections with students and their families. (1b, 1c, 1k)
- Fundraisers: District-wide, our students and staff are actively contributing to local and broader community causes with various holiday fundraisers. These initiatives are an excellent way for students to enhance their Personal and Social Core Competency, particularly Social Awareness and Responsibility. (1c)
- North vs. South Hockey Game: The much-anticipated annual hockey match between northern and southern secondary schools happened on December 7th at Gibsons Arena. This event is a source of year-long pride with the win going to the south this year with a final score of 11 to 2. This event not only features exciting hockey, but a Duck toss, figure skating displays, a 50/50 draw, and a chance to win $250. This year, the event raised over $1,500 to support our local food bank. Thanks to Mark Sauer and his team for organizing such an incredible event along with the leadership groups from Elphinstone, Chatelech and Pender Harbour, the DSLT and several Sunshine Coast staff to make this another successful event! (1g)
- Grade 4/5 Tripleball Jamboree & Grade 6/7 Volleyball Playday: A fantastic volleyball season wrapped up with events at Gibsons Elementary and Elphinstone Secondary. Elementary students gathered for a day of sport and camaraderie. Thanks to all coaches and schools for fostering a love of the game! (1g)
- ArtStarts K-12 School Performances: Every school enjoyed the energetic ‘Hip Hop 101’ performance by Metaphor. This event is part of the annual program funded by ArtStarts and the district. (1k)
- Nutcracker: Thanks to a transportation grant from the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, the district organized a special lottery and funded two fortunate classes to experience the Waldorf Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” at Raven’s Cry Theatre on December 8th. (1k)
- Careers Updates: (1l)
- Sechelt Band Career Fair: Cathy Gordon had a table set up at this event on November 2nd to promote Train in Trades, Work in Trades, work experience and dual credit in Early Childhood Education. This is a great way for the students to see SD46 in their environment. The fire department also had the emergency vehicles on site for the students to explore.
- Alive After Five: Elphinstone Secondary Grade 10’s received the ‘Alive After Five’ WorkSafe presentation. This is a wonderful presentation that has come to the coast for many years to discuss the safety of new workers.
- BC Ferries Recruitment: In November, B.C. Ferries attended each of our high schools and the alternate school to do presentations around recruitment. This was very well received and we look forward to our students having future opportunities with BC Ferries.
- Vancouver Employment and Career Fair: On November 27th, 48 students and three staff members attended the Vancouver Convention Centre for an employment and career fair. The students represented all of the high schools and came away with valuable information to inform future decisions.
- Simon Fraser University Presentation: On November 30th, Jennifer Roberts led a two-hour session with a panel of six principals and district staff to provide information to fourth year teacher practicum students from SFU. They provided information about our school district, highlighting many of our programs, schools, opportunities and why this is such an amazing place to work! Sixty future teachers attended this session and the feedback was outstanding!
Circle of Care: Staff
- November Professional Development Day: On November 20th, staff engaged in a Pro D Day with many offerings at school sites, including a session led by Kate White, the Blanket Exercise sponsored by the SCTA and arranged by Lisa Allen, led by Nancy and John Denham and Keith Julius, and Compassionate Systems Leadership training with Caroline Picard. (2b)
- District Health and Safety Training Days: Two days were dedicated to training the members of School Joint Health and Safety Committees, ensuring our schools remain safe and supported environments. (2b)
- BCSSA Conference and Learning for Leadership: Members of our Ed Leadership Team attended the BCSSA Fall Conference, connecting with peers for insightful learning sessions. Notable speakers included Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., and others, offering valuable insights into educational leadership. (2d)
- Metro/Fraser Secondary Fall Forum: In November, Paula Stroshein-Martinez, Chris Lekakis, Patrick Wadge and Jennifer Roberts attended the Secondary Fall Forum in North Vancouver. It was a very collaborative and inspiring event. They workshopped with several Metro and Fraser districts around Leadership Efficacy in Times of Change, Universal Design for Learning and Communicating Student Learning / New Reporting Order. (2d)
Circle of Care: Community
- Budget Consultations: We’re actively holding stakeholder and public consultations to shape the 2023/2024 school district budget, engaging with students, staff, families, and the community. (3a)