This report highlights key updates and events from the past month, all grounded in our core values of learning, belonging, integrity, and equity.<\/strong><\/p>
Trustee Tours: School Tours Underway!<\/strong><\/p>
Trustees and the Senior Management Team successfully completed the first of four annual school tours, visiting SCAS Gibsons, Elphinstone Secondary, Gibsons Elementary, and Langdale Elementary. Each school showcased its unique community, highlighted achievements, and shared growth plans for the year ahead. A huge thank you to the principals, staff, and students for the warm welcome and for sharing the incredible learning happening in your schools!<\/p>
ArtStarts Elementary Performances: SAM2 by Scrap Arts Music!<\/strong><\/p>
All nine elementary schools in the district enjoyed inspiring performances of SAM2 by Scrap Arts Music thanks to an ArtStarts Grant and district funding. These engaging presentations brought the arts to life for students, inspiring creativity and eco-conscious artistry. Scrap Arts Music transforms recycled materials into high-energy percussion performances. With handcrafted instruments made from salvaged materials, they blend rhythm, movement, and sustainability. They were dynamic, unforgettable musical experiences!<\/p>
Gold for Coen Enthoven at BC Provincial Wrestling Championships!<\/strong><\/p>
Congratulations to Coen Enthoven, a Grade 12 student at Chatelech Secondary, for winning gold at the BC Provincial Wrestling Championships! This incredible achievement reflects Coen\u2019s hard work and dedication, along with the support of coaches Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Rines, manager Ms. Allen, and the entire team. We are so proud of their success and commitment this season!<\/p>
\u00a0<\/strong>Pink Shirt Day: Dancing for Kindness and Inclusion<\/strong><\/p>
Gibsons Dance Centre brought the spirit of kindness and inclusion to life on Pink Shirt Day with incredible performances at five elementary schools: Roberts Creek, Langdale, Gibsons, Cedar Grove, and Davis Bay. Featuring student choreography, the performances showcased talent, teamwork, and a commitment to anti-bullying. A standout moment at Langdale Elementary saw dancers continue flawlessly for over a minute without music, impressively staying in sync until the track resumed. With students ranging from ages 8 to 17, this event was a beautiful reflection of our caring and connected community.<\/p>
Tom Schimmer Training: Professional Growth for Secondary Staff<\/strong><\/p>
Secondary school teachers participated in a full-day professional learning session with renowned education leader Tom Schimmer. This session, held on February 12, focused on assessment practices and student learning strategies. Educators from Elphinstone, Chatelech, SCAS, and Pender Harbour engaged in valuable discussions and training, strengthening assessment practices in the secondary setting across the district.<\/p>
CSS Presents <\/strong>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<\/em><\/p>
Chatelech Secondary\u2019s Music Theatre Ensemble, in partnership with Coast Music Theatre Company, successfully presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<\/em> in the Chatelech Theatre. Performances ran from February 28 to March 9, bringing the community together for an outstanding musical production. A special thank you to teacher Sara Douglas for her leadership in making this production a success!<\/p>
Domtar Donates $10,000 to Support Learning Initiatives <\/strong><\/p>
Indigenous Learning gratefully received a generous $10,000 donation from Domtar (Howe Sound Pulp and Paper) in February. The donation is an acknowledgement of the strong Indigenous Learning programs in the district, and is designed to empower Indigenous students and their families.\u00a0 Aimed at supporting Indigenous students to imagine a future where career and post-secondary opportunities are within reach, the donation will help create connections and pathways to success. A heartfelt thank you to Domtar and all those involved in securing this contribution for our schools!<\/p>
Elphinstone Secondary Hosts 2025 Regional Public Speaking Competition<\/strong><\/p>
Elphinstone Secondary hosted the 2025 Regional Skills Canada BC Public Speaking Competition on March 6. Students showcased their public speaking skills, with the winner advancing to the provincial competition and potentially Nationals in Regina. This event, co-hosted by the Technology Festival Association of BC, Skills Canada, Toastmasters International, and the district, provided an incredible opportunity for students to develop confidence and communication skills. Thank you to everyone who made this competition a success!<\/p>
Elphinstone Secondary Students Shine in Veterans Affairs Remembrance Day Contest<\/strong><\/p>
Three students from Elphinstone Secondary advanced to the regional level of the Legion\u2019s Remembrance Day Contest. Under the guidance of teacher Ms. Van Nuys, students from Humanities and Visual Arts classes created thoughtful artistic and written works. Congratulations to Koray (poetry), Cierra (black and white artwork), and Sydney (colour artwork) for representing the Sunshine Coast at the regional level!<\/p>
Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others<\/strong><\/p>
During the week of February 24-28, our district welcomed two presenters from Plea Community Services\u2019 Children of the Street program who delivered their impactful TCO2 (Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others) presentation to students in grades 5 through 12. This program, uniquely developed by youth for youth, focuses on preventing sexual exploitation and fosters essential life skills among students.<\/p>
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Through engaging sessions, the presenters empowered students to recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, understand the nuances of online safety, and explore various other critical topics. We are pleased to report that students across nearly all schools in the district participated in these age-appropriate, developmentally tailored presentations.<\/p>
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Additionally, a virtual session was held for parents on Tuesday evening, providing them with valuable insights and information regarding the themes covered in the student presentations. The feedback received from both students and parents was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the importance of open discussions around these vital issues.<\/p>
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For those interested in further exploring this essential topic, we encourage you to visit the TCO2 section of the Children of the Street website: https:\/\/www.childrenofthestreet.com\/workshops\/youth-workshops\/tco2\/<\/a><\/p>
Empowerment through Understanding: Navigating Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions<\/strong><\/p>
Career Programs Update<\/strong><\/p>
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