Circle of Care: Students
- Transit Triumph for Youth: Commencing this September, youth under 18 will enjoy complimentary BC Transit bus rides on the Sunshine Coast, a feat achieved through the advocacy efforts of two exceptional students, Colton, an Elphinstone Secondary alumnus, and Cael, a grade 12 student and student trustee at Elphinstone Secondary. Their dedication has brought about a significant change, enhancing mobility and independence for local youth. (1a)
- Early Years Festival: On March 9th, we celebrated our young families with children up to five years old at the Early Years Fair. The event featured petting zoos, pony rides, free giveaways including backpacks and books, a communal mural activity, and more, fostering a sense of community and supporting our vision for thriving children. (1b)
- Adolescent Well-being Insights: The release of the BC Adolescent Health Survey for the 22-23 academic year offers valuable data to further our understanding and support of our students’ health and wellness. (1f)
- Athletic Achievements: (1g)
- Our elementary 4/5 and 6/7 students showcased their athletic prowess in basketball at Elphinstone Secondary’s and Chatelech Secondary’s Playdays this month, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and skills.
- Chatelech Secondary’s Thomas Kerr triumphed in snowboard provincials clinching 1st (Terrain Giant Slalom) and 2nd place (Giant Slalom). The boys’ snowboarding team (Beckett Garden, August Denham, Thomas Kerr, Miller Keays, Martin Krutsky, Henry Rose, Carson Summers, Kannan Herrington) also made us proud by securing 3rd overall. In wrestling, Coen Enthoven made an impressive 6th-place finish in the province.
- Careers Update: (1l)
- The ‘Find Your Fit’ tour provided over 700 students with a hands-on introduction to various career paths, fostering early career awareness and engagement.
- A collaborative effort with the Construction Foundation offered Grade 4/5 students’ practical insights into the trades, enriching their learning experience.
- Work in Trades: Four Work in Trades $1,000 cheques were distributed to students who have completed the Work in Trades courses and then 1000 hours of work.
Circle of Care: Staff
- Krangle Klassic: The spirited staff volleyball tournament highlighted camaraderie and competitive spirit, culminating in a thrilling victory for Chatelech Secondary. (2a)
- Professional Development: A focus on transformative stories and community building, along with a range of workshops, supported our staff’s continuous learning and adaptation to new educational strategies at the SCTA organized February Pro D Day. (2b)
- Collaborative Learning: Our district welcomed educators from Yellowknife, sharing insights and strategies, particularly in adopting the BC curriculum, fostering mutual growth and understanding. (2d)
- Enhanced Communication and Engagement: Last week, our schools hosted informal learning updates and family conferences, fostering a deeper connection between families and educators. To align with the new reporting framework, we’ve adjusted our early dismissal schedule, facilitating connections with families ahead of the formal reporting period. This change aims to enhance engagement and provide timely insights into students’ progress. In compliance with the updated reporting guidelines, parents and caregivers will now have the opportunity to access their child’s reflections on Core Competencies and goal-setting activities three times annually. Utilizing the Spaces ePortfolio platform, students on the Sunshine Coast can showcase their learning journey through various formats, including photos, videos, and written reflections, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive experience for families. (2e)
Circle of Care: Community
- Cultural Insight: The Kairos Exercise hosted by DPAC at Chatelech Secondary offered parents and caregivers profound insights into our collective history, supporting the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. (3a)
- Strategic Visioning: (3a, 3c)
- The Strategic Plan Writing Team’s recent sessions reflect our community’s commitment to shaping a forward-looking educational landscape, integrating diverse voices and building a cohesive strategy for the future.
- On February 29th, we gathered at the shíshálh Nation Hall to engage in Listening Circles with the Elders and members of the shíshálh Nation This gathering was a key step in shaping our new strategic plan, ensuring it is informed by and respectful of the views and rights of the shíshálh Nation. The session underscored our ongoing commitment to honoring and incorporating the insights of the community’s rightsholders in our planning process.