Superintendent’s Report to the Board | May 2025

This report highlights key updates and events from the past month, all grounded in our core values of learning, belonging, integrity, and equity.

BCSTA AGM Presentation – Student Voice in Governance

SD46 was invited to present at the 2025 BC School Trustees Association Annual General Meeting. The session, titled “Listening to Lead: The Power of Student Trustees,” was delivered by Board Chair Amanda Amaral, Superintendent Kate Kerr, current Student Trustee Alexis Proust, and former Student Trustee Cael Read. The presentation highlighted the evolution of student voice in SD46, including the role of Student Trustees and the District Student Leadership Team (DSLT), and showcased the district’s commitment to structures that support student success and engagement in educational governance.

Elementary ArtStarts Performances
In April, elementary students across the district enjoyed a performance by Rain City Improv, thanks to the support of an annual ArtStarts grant and district funding. These performances help bring arts and culture directly into our schools, ensuring access for all students.

Pender Harbour Secondary Capstone Presentations                                                

On April 24th, Pender Harbour Secondary students presented their Capstone projects to an audience of community Scholarship and Bursary donors, staff, and families. Their projects showcased learning in areas such as Health Care, Harm Reduction, Carpentry, Automotive, and Fine Arts. We are grateful to our donors for their continued support and presence.

Professional Learning Highlight: Deep Listening with Shane Safir                       

In April, the Educational Leadership Team and Learning Guides participated in a powerful professional learning session titled Deep Listening—A Pathway to Navigating Complex Change, featuring acclaimed author and equity-centered educator Shane Safir.

Safir, best known for her books Street Data and The Listening Leader, facilitated a rigorous workshop focused on the practice of deep listening as a transformative leadership approach. Through this session, participants explored how to build trust, surface authentic voices, and navigate complex change in our school communities.

This session supported district leadership in developing deeper strategies for community engagement, voice-centered design, and equitable practice. The learning aligns closely with our ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and continuous improvement across the district.

April Professional Development Day
April’s district-wide Professional Development Day offered staff a range of learning opportunities, including:

• A History of the shíshálh People, presented by shíshálh Knowledge Keeper Wesley Jeffries
• All Things Microsoft 365 workshop, supporting technology integration in schools
• The Confident Ally – SOGI Pro-D Masterclass, led by SD46 graduate Mischa Oak
  • We are excited to also announce that Mischa will be returning for a virtual Parent and Caregiver session on Wednesday, May 28th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This event aims to empower families with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster inclusive environments at home and in our schools.

Implementation And Evaluation of A School-Based Elementary Mental Health Literacy Intervention

We are excited to announce that we have committed to collaborate with “The Implementation and Evaluation of a School-Based Elementary Mental Health Literacy Intervention,” project led by Dr. Yifeng Wei from the University of Alberta. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s Mental Health in Schools Strategy and core competencies.

Three SD46 Elementary School Counsellors will help update nationwide research for the Mental Health Literacy (MHL) framework, which is an excellent resource for promoting positive mental health among our students. MHL aims to increase mental health knowledge, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and ultimately improve mental health outcomes for students.  By implementing mental health literacy interventions in elementary schools, we are dedicated to fostering equitable access and embracing diversity to ensure all students can achieve optimal mental health.

Over the next three years, School District 46 will actively support this project through participation on the project committee, participant recruitment, and facilitating various research activities. We are looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Wei and her esteemed team on this significant endeavor that promises to positively impact our community.

Terry Fox School Run – 2024 Results
Sunshine Coast schools collectively raised an impressive $8,731.40 for cancer research during this year’s Terry Fox School Run. Notably, Halfmoon Bay Elementary and Langdale Elementary each contributed over $2,000, demonstrating outstanding leadership and school spirit. This achievement reflects the continued commitment of our students and staff to honouring Terry Fox’s legacy through generosity, determination, and community collaboration. Planning is already underway to mark the 45th anniversary of Terry’s Marathon of Hope in September 2025.

Aspiring Leaders Program – Final Session
In April, the final session of the Aspiring Leaders program took place, concluding a year of collaborative learning and leadership development. Participants engaged in a series of sessions throughout the school year, grounded in a Compassionate Systems Leadership approach. We are proud of this dedicated group for their commitment to growth and leadership in our district.

Trustee School Tours – Days Two and Three
Trustees and members of the Senior Leadership Team continued their annual school tours in April and May, visiting Davis Bay Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Pender Harbour Secondary, Madeira Park Elementary, and Halfmoon Bay Elementary. Each school shared highlights through the lens of their School Growth Plans, offering a unique look into the learning, culture, and priorities of their communities.

Career Programs Update
April was a busy month for community connections and planning for next year’s programs. Highlights included meetings with Capilano University to explore future partnerships, CLE 10 Day presentations at Chatelech Secondary, and a WorkBC session for Horizons students. Train in Trades site visits and interviews were held for Carpentry, Automotive, and Professional Cook, while three students committed to the ECE Dual Credit program with VIU. One past ECE student has now registered for full certification, showing the impact of these opportunities.