Circle of Care: Students
- Mental Health Week- May 5th-11th, 2024 | Healing through Compassion (1f): On May 9th, Schools throughout SD46 will be participating in a district wide Walk, Run, and Roll for Mental Health!We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week theme is centered on the healing power of compassion, embodying the belief that our collective kindness can transform the landscape of mental well-being. In the face of adversity, compassion remains a cornerstone of our community. We invite all members of our learning community – students, educators, parents and caregivers and community members – to join hands in fostering an environment where kindness isn’t just a word, but an action. Let’s walk not just for our own mental well-being but for those around us who may be struggling.
- Kevin Lamoureux Student Leadership and Indigenous Student Workshops (1h): This April, more than 175 student leaders from across the district were invigorated by a compelling talk on leadership from guest speaker Kevin Lamoureux. The momentum carried into the afternoon, where over 75 Indigenous students from across the coast gathered in circle with Kevin. This gathering underscored the remarkable hope and potential for change embodied by young people.
- Groovemasters Drumming Residency (1k): This month, all elementary schools enjoyed a captivating one-day drumming residency with Groovemasters. This district-wide program is supported by ArtStart grants and district Fine Arts funding, enriching our schools with artist performances.
- Careers Update (1l): On April 29th, Kathleen and Cathy from Skilledtradesbc visited Chatelech Secondary to deliver a presentation to the Train in Trades Carpentry class. Their talk focused on apprenticeship opportunities and the significance of training in trades. Following the presentation, they received a tour of our newly constructed workspace dedicated to the class. During the tour, they engaged with students from last year’s Train in Trades Automotive class. These students enthusiastically demonstrated their Capstone projects. The visit concluded with Kathleen and Cathy traveling to Elphinstone Secondary to present to the Cook Level 2 class, further strengthening our partnership and commitment to vocational education.
- Capstone Showcases (1l): Our secondary schools recently hosted showcases featuring the Capstone Projects from our students. These projects represent the pinnacle of learning from the Career Life Connections (CLC) 12 program. These showcases offer an opportunity for families and the community to see firsthand the advancements our students have made in their educational journeys. Participants earn two credits for developing their project ideas and an additional two upon completion. The events celebrate the varied journeys and significant knowledge our students have gained.
Circle of Care: Staff
- Professional Development Day Featuring Kevin Lamoureux (2b): We were honoured to host Kevin Lamoureux, a distinguished scholar of Ojibwe heritage, for a significant Professional Development Day dedicated to the themes of decolonization. Since 2020, Kevin has played a pivotal role in our “Ensouling our Schools” initiative. His extensive experience includes positions such as Associate Vice President at the University of Winnipeg and Education Lead at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. His dedication to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation greatly contributes to our mission of fostering an inclusive environment where every child is sacred. More than 120 staff members, parents, and caregivers participated in the day’s events, which featured a keynote address by Kevin and discussion groups focused on the intensive work of decolonizing our schools.
- Anti-Racism Committee Update (2b): The inaugural meeting of the Anti-Racism Committee was held to establish foundational relationships and connections among members. This initial gathering provided a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with the K-12 Action Plan. During the meeting, members dedicated time to review the objectives and strategies outlined in the plan and to reflect on our current progress in promoting an inclusive educational environment. The discussions were enriching and set a positive tone for collaborative efforts moving forward. The group is scheduled to reconvene in June to continue its important work in ensuring our commitment to anti-racism is reflected throughout our district’s policies and practices.
- April Inclusion Support Teacher’s Meeting (2b, 2c): April 24th marked another engaging meeting for the dedicated Inclusion Support Teachers (ISTs) who convene monthly to share insights and strategies aimed at enhancing their educational practices. These gatherings have become a source of enrichment and professional growth for the IST group. This month’s session focused on the intricacies of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and learning goals, specifically examining their relationship with the new reporting order. A substantial part of the discussion centered on how these IEPs align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring that instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials can be customized and adjusted to accommodate individual learners’ needs. The positive impact of these discussions is already resonating within the community, underscoring the commitment of ISTs to continuous improvement and the success of every student. As the ISTs work towards seamlessly integrating new policies into their teaching, they reaffirm their vital role in shaping an inclusive future for education
- Ed Leadership Team May Meeting with Shane Safir (2d): In our May monthly meeting, the Ed Leadership Team was honoured to participate in an impactful workshop facilitated by Shane Safir, author of “Street Data.” During the session, we engaged deeply with the “Street Data” framework, focusing on orienting towards student agency and listening at the margins of educational experiences. The workshop included discussions and activities around developing equity-centered inquiry questions and new methods for gathering data in our district.
- Green Book Club (2d): We are delighted to invite our educators to the upcoming Green Book Club, scheduled for May 16th from 4 to 6 PM at the Roberts Creek Elementary Library. This event is proudly hosted by Langdale Elementary and our SD46 Environmental Education and Climate Action Committee. This year, we are thrilled to feature author Gillian Judson and her influential work, ‘Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education.’ The session will be an engaging mix of indoor and outdoor activities, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the first 30 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
- Aspiring Leaders Series (2d): We are excited to announce the upcoming CSL Aspiring Leaders series scheduled for May 22 and June 14 at the Sechelt Early Years Centre. This series is designed to empower our educators with Compassionate Systems Leadership skills, which integrates tools from systems thinking to enhance personal wellness and strengthen professional relationships. The program is open to all teachers looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Circle of Care: Community
- Strategic Plan Update (3a): The Writing Team recently completed a four-day session to draft the Action Plan for the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This draft was presented to the Board of Education during the April Committee of the Whole meeting. Following this, an Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole meeting was convened to finalize the Student Learning Goal and recommend the Action Plan. With the board’s approval expected soon, our attention will soon turn towards the implementation phase. We are excited about the upcoming launch of the new Strategic Plan in the 2024-2025 school year and eagerly anticipate the learning community’s involvement in this transformative journey!
- Spring Connecting Community Foyer Visits (3c): Driven by the success of the fall Community Connection Foyer visits, Safe and Caring Schools Coordinator, Sue Bailey, orchestrated a series of spring Community Connection visits. These sessions took place at both Chatelech and Elphinstone Secondary Schools, with Pender Harbour Secondary also receiving vital community outreach. The initiative has seen an impressive roster of professionals engaging with the students, including experts from Public Health, Mental Health and Substance Use, and Child and Youth Mental Health services. Representatives from shíshálh Nation, the Tobacco and Vapour Reduction Coordinator, SCRD Recreation, and the Sechelt Youth Centre also contributed their expertise. This collaboration signals a shared commitment across agencies to equip our youth with essential health and wellness information. Organizers have designed these visits to be both informative and enjoyable, ensuring a captivating experience for the students which resulted in high student participation.