Circle Of Care: Students
- Halloween: SD46 schools know how to get in the spirit of Halloween! Fun, spooky and spirited play was on display throughout the district on Friday, October 29th. From pumpkin carving and ghoulish cake contests to costume parades and haunted houses, it is always a special and memorable day for staff and students in our district. (1b)
- Remembrance Day Ceremonies: Schools had their Remembrance Day Ceremonies today. Some schools pre-recorded their ceremony and virtually played it to classrooms simultaneously at a set time, while other schools offered multiple ceremonies in the gym to keep gatherings small. All SD46 school offered creative solutions in unique times, without sacrificing intent and meaning of these ceremonies. (1b)
- The TD Grade One Book Giveaway: SD46 grade one students recently received their own copy of ‘Malaika’s Costume’ by Nadia L. Hohn through this annual program. Grade one teachers were supported with learning resources and a virtual launch party! (1d)
- Gibsons Grind 2021 | SD46 Elementary Cross-Country Championships: We had a fantastic turnout in early October with 7 schools represented and 61 athletes run. The student-athletes ran well and represented their schools with pride. (1g)
- Black Dog String Quartet: Elementary students across the district were treated to a moving performance by Black Dog String Quartet this past month. These performances are made possible by funding from ArtStarts and the District. (1k)
- SPIDER offers variety of unique courses, including: Digital Photography, Graphic Production, BC First Peoples, World History and Fashion Industry! Currently over 125 classes being taken. (1l)
Circle of Care: Staff
- CARE Project: Teachers across the Coast dove into learning about Reading &Writing Strategies in the launch of the CARE Project with Jennifer Serravallo’s team – and Darren Victory. The next session is scheduled for Nov. 15! (2b)
- New Ministry Reporting Order Communication & Training: SD46 is aligning with the Ministry of Education’s language using the new 4-point proficiency scale on elementary student report cards/checklists this school year. Parent/caregiver communication has been shared ahead of receiving their child’s report cards this year and staff training sessions are ongoing in preparation for next year when all school districts in the province will be moving to the new Ministry of Education’s K-9 Student Reporting Policy. (2b, 2e)
- Mental Health First Aid training took place October 27th and 29th. Mental Health First Aid is a training course designed to give participants the skills to help someone who is experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, decreases stigmatizing attitudes, and helps individuals identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. We had an excellent response with 12 people taking the course. (2b)
- District counsellor Vanessa Marie presented at the BC Counsellor’s conference on Friday October 22nd on the topic of Exploring Issues in Rural and Remote School Counselling. Vanessa was also a part of a panel for the BC SOGI Summit. (2d)
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) Basics: On November 15th, District Inclusive Education Coordinators, Paula Stroshein-Martinez and and Fiona James, are providing a virtual opportunity for parents/caregivers. The session will be an overview of the purpose of an Individual Education Plan and how and when to advocate for your child in order to collaboratively support them and their school-based team. (2e)
Circle of Care: Community
- West Sechelt Catchment Area Consultation: A virtual community consultation took place on November 9th to discuss and consider changes to the West Sechelt Elementary catchment area. (3a)
- Public Budget Consultation: A virtual community public budget consultation session is scheduled for November 16th. This is an opportunity to provide input into the development of the 2022/23 school district budget. (3a)
- Sunnyhill hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health and SD46 partnered for the semi-annual SHHC Outreach program. This provided an opportunity for families to come to ISS to have their children’s equipment adjusted and fitted to suit their changing needs. (3c)