Superintendent’s Update

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

This has been a powerful week of remembering and acknowledging the recent passing of the esteemed Justice Murray Sinclair who passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 73. Dr. Sinclair, a prominent Indigenous leader, former senator, Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, and the esteemed chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Remembrance Day and National Indigenous Veterans Day

Thank you for taking part in Remembrance Day ceremonies that had local veterans share stories of loss and love, students providing remarks, stories, song, and dance–diverse ways of commemorating Justice Sinclair’s passing on November 4, 2024, National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, 2024, and Remembrance Day on November 11, 2024.

Barriere Elementary School – October 29, 2024: A Journey in Truth & Reconciliation

Principal Brogan shared how Paul and Thomas (Facilities Department) had assisted to install their mural in which every child and adult at Barriere Elementary had created a tile of Secwépemc beliefs and ways of living for good health.

Simpcw First Nation staff and community members shared teachings that were represented on the tiles. Mr. Brogan and the staff are very proud of this collaborative art installation. He said that it furthers their journey in Truth and Reconciliation and is a legacy for the future.

Mr. Brogan and I visited Ms. Matthews’ Grade 3 class, and they were solving a Math Mystery-Case of Trick or Treating. As Mr. Brogan asked the students about what their school stands for, they shared that students are focused on being kind, respectful, safe, and responsible. They enjoyed sharing examples such as “I was helping a friend”, “I walked with a new friend”, and “I picked up his bag when he dropped it”.

Ms. Miller was covering Ms. Bonderud’s Grade 5-6 class, and they were discussing what it means to be a leader and the ways that they share their skills as outside mentors who help students when they get hurt or need support with conflict resolution. We visited Ms. Smailes’ Grade 4-5 class who were working on a “count back” strategy. They also asked me questions about what it is like to be in my job and they posed questions such as, “What is your favourite school?” and I described how I go to every school and they each have unique strengths.

After recess, we went into Ms. Kivari’s Grade 3-4 class who were enjoying their snack. We toured the renovated kitchen through Feeding Futures funding, and Mr. Brogan shared how they prepare lunches every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and they provide free flowing snacks for all students. Annie and Angela were in the kitchen and they showed me their delicious menu, and Mr. Brogan said, “And the most important aspect is that it is made with love.”

We then visited Ms. Peterson’s Grade 1-2 class, where they were reading and students were using their favourite book choices for group reading. Ms. Fraser was teaching Phys. Ed. Ms. McGravey’s Grade 2-3 students were learning about shapes and solids, and provided examples of each when asked.

Mr. Scott’s Kindergarten class was learning about “x”, studying patterns with “x”, and he drew images that represented a word with “x” in them such as “x-ray” and “box”. They showed me a graphing exercise where they charted on a bar graph their preferred treats.

Ms. Eustache had a small reading group who talked to me about their book, which was “Trapped in Ice” by Eric Walters. They summarized key events and shared themes such as “overcoming challenges”. Ms. Eustache also shared her passion for beading and showed us her earrings and how they were made. Ms. Collier’s Grade 6 class stopped to share how they are leaders in the school, and they were proud to share examples such as being good role models, helping others, and being good lunch and outdoor monitors.

Barriere Secondary School – October 29, 2024

Principal Markides and Vice Principal Ruberg and I started our school visit by attending one of Barriere’s first Grade 7-8 drama productions. Ms. Fennel shared that the production had three parts. It began with a monologue by Georgia (Grade 9), which continued into a short play about a haunted house, and it concluded with a play about a community seeking to get rid of an evil witch with the help of a King and Queen. Mr. Markides explained that this was the first time in six years that they have been able to establish their drama class with interest from all grades. It is an exciting opportunity to continue to build this program based on students’ genuine interest and investment of time and passion in learning and sharing their learning.

Before carrying on to see more classes, we stopped to talk with Laura, the cafeteria cook and manager, who works with students to mentor them in how to plan and cook meals for students and for themselves. Laura helps them to see how this is a life skill as well as potentially a career that is fulfilling and brings joy to others. The school uses Feeding Futures funding as well as local grant funds to prepare breakfast three days a week and lunch every day. “I love what I do,” shared Laura.

We visited Mr. Fielding’s Grade 9-12 Shop program and students were working on planning, including designing an item that they had researched and pricing the materials. Mr. Fielding explained, “It is about preparing the students to know how to choose something to build and to know the cost and materials before starting the project.” The competencies of collaboration and critical thinking are developed through their work together. Students made the items which were things that they will use at home including a shelf for books and a bench.

The Food 10-12 class was making cookies, and two students, Sophie (Grade 9) and Teagan (Grade 10) were preparing for their cookies and the cookie display to be part of a contest.

Take Our Kids to Work Day – November 6, 2024

Take Our Kids to Work Day is a national event throughout Canada where students in Grade 9 are invited to attend work for the day with a family member or friends to learn about careers. SD73’s Manager of Health and Safety Melissa McGarry and daughter Naveah McGarry worked together at the School Board Office on Wednesday. Thanks to everyone who welcomed students into their workplaces this week.

SKSS Students Showcase Artwork at 19th Annual Exhibition – November 6, 2024

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, South Kamloops Secondary School hosted a community reception for their 19th Annual Art Exhibition and Fundraiser. The Perspectives of the Grasslands Exhibition featured a collection of 50 original artworks by Grade 10–12 SKKS Art students. The students’ works were inspired by the importance and beauty of the Interior Grasslands of BC. Read more.

Sníne Elementary Community Engagement

With the District’s newest school, Sníne Elementary, currently being built and anticipated to be opened in the Fall 2026, we are engaging with school communities who would be sending students to the new school. We’ve enjoyed connecting with Sa-Hali, Aberdeen, McGowan, and Dufferin staff and parents so far. To learn more, please go here.

Disposition of Property Community Engagement

The potential sale of three properties are a focus of broad consultation. Last week, we hosted a community webinar, which is available to watch here. There is also a survey (available until November 12, 2024 at noon) for you to share your views on whether the Board should consider selling these properties or other possible uses. To learn more and to provide feedback, go here.

Inaugural Board Meeting and Board Notes

On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education held its Inaugural Board meeting and elected the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, British Columbia School Trustees' Association Provincial Council representative, and British Columbia Public School Employers' Association representative of the Board for the 2024-2025 term. Read more.

To learn more about the Regular Public Board Meeting on November 4, 2024, please feel free to read the Board Notes here.

District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC)

Join DPAC for their 2nd annual PAC Workshop on November 14, 2024 at the Henry Grube Education Centre. This year, the workshop theme is Opening our Circle and the focus will be on the basics of running an inclusive, thoughtful, and effective parent group. You'll have a chance to connect with District mentors in treasury, fundraising, running meetings, setting up bylaws, and more. Tips will also be shared on volunteer recruitment and retention, goal setting, and school community building. The evening is open to up to four members of each PAC executive. You must RSVP to attend. Dinner, childminding, swag, and take-home tools are all included. Breakouts and info-sharing start at 5 pm, followed by dinner and presentations at 6:30 pm. Travel and hotel subsidies are provided for out-of-town schools. Please RSVP to sd73dpac@gmail.com.

This weekend, I wish you time to reflect on the past and remember those who lost their lives in war and to treasure the time that you have with those you love.

Rhonda Nixon, PhD
Superintendent