Superintendent’s Update

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

This was a special week of students and staff celebrating change and looking ahead to new possibilities. Secondary students started to get Grad pictures, Grade 10 Indigenous students spent a day at TRU to see what it would be like in post-secondary, and staff at Brocklehurst shared how they had turned their courtyard into relaxation space as part of their transition from a middle to a secondary school this year. Nurturing Relationships/Connections and Well-being, and committing to Sustainability are important values in the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, and our stories this week show how we live these values.

Brocklehurst Secondary Builds Community and Connection in the Courtyard

When I visited Brocklehurst Secondary School, I noticed that a space that had been used for raising chickens had been turned into a courtyard.

During the change from a middle (Grade 7-9) to a secondary school (Grade 8-12) this past year, the staff and students worked together to reimagine their school spaces in order to nurture a sense of belonging.

Principal Perry shared, “We wanted to create a sense of calm with a new colour scheme and refreshed spaces that had a secondary feel.”

As a way to help with this transition and contribute to a positive new school culture, Brock Art Teacher, Steen Karpluk, had an idea to transform an old courtyard just off the art room into a fun and inviting space especially designed for students to connect with each other.

“I set up a courtyard space over the summer in order to create a place that students could call their own,” shared Steen Karpluk. “Over the summer I posted on a few Facebook groups looking for old patio furniture, decor, and games. I got a huge response, and was able to pick up almost everything for free. Students use the space to eat, play games, and hang out during mornings, lunches, breaks, and after school – my own classes sometimes use the courtyard as an alternative work space. It was important for me to create this space at Brock as our school was lacking many spaces that are FOR the students and we don't have a lot of outdoor seating, so I figured that this covered both of those bases.”

The courtyard, which was previously rarely used, is now filled with various seating areas, games and activities, plants and decorations, and students – thanks to generous donations from community members and the Brock Lions Club. Having a space of their own has made the transition easier for some students as it gives them a sense of belonging and connection. Since the start of the school year, students have been using the courtyard to hang out with friends between classes, play games, do homework, or work on art projects for Mr. Karpluk’s classes. Read more.

SD73-TRU Annual Indigenous Transitions Day to Post-secondary – November 19, 2024

I enjoyed starting my day on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 with Grade 10 students from secondary schools across our District.

As students began to enter into the large conference space at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), they could look at the booths set up along the side of the room.

Career Education Coordinator Sheila Brown and District Vice Principal Kerry Gairdner shared the different career pathways available to students while also providing them with information for further study when they left the day and wanted to reconnect with one of them to ask questions later on. Other booths from TRU invited students to learn more about arts, trades, nursing, business, and the Indigenous Development Program.

This year’s event started with a welcome and opening prayer from Elder Doe Thomas. Following the opening prayer, she welcomed each school individually, encouraging students to cheer for each other. TRU Indigenous Education Supervisor Jason Blair welcomed the students to TRU and talked about what a welcoming place TRU is. He also encouraged students to try things outside their comfort zones – expressing that he wasn't overly comfortable public speaking but was doing it today.

Mike Bowden, District Principal of Indigenous Education, encouraged students to take full advantage of the Transitions Day activities in order to starting thinking and planning for their future: “Grade 10 is a really important year, this is when you need to think about your future and what you’re taking in school and how you are engaging in your studies so that you have an opportunity to attend post-secondary, if you choose, and take all the knowledge to help with the future of the land, your peoples, and your communities. This is an important and formative year which is why you’re here today. You are here today to connect with TRU and to experience a post-secondary campus. The choices you make now will impact your choices when you graduate in three years.” Before moving into the day’s agenda MC Drew Rose encouraged students to be brave and ask lots of questions, sharing, “You are the future, this is a big step for you, learn as much as you can today.”  Read more.

Students Discover Law Careers with TRU Law Faculty – November 15, 2024

Each year, the District Career Development Department partners with the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) to host a career exploration event for students interested in learning about the exciting opportunities of working in Law. On Friday, November 15, 2024, 45 Grade 10-12 students from schools across the District participated in Discover Day: Discover the Law to learn about careers in the justice system. Read more.

Girls Explore Trades and Technology at TRU – November 20, 2024

Throughout November, the District Career Development Department has been celebrating National Career Development Month with various career exploration and transition events. This week, trades-based career opportunities were promoted at Girls Exploring Trades and Technology. On Wednesday, November 20, 2024 48 female students in Grades 6-9 got hands-on experience in a variety of trades at the School of Trades and Technology at TRU, including welding, plumbing, electrical, and heavy duty mechanics. Read more.

Career Programs Parent and Caregiver Information Session – November 27, 2024

Next week, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 6:00 pm–7:00 pm, District Vice-Principal of Career Programs, Kerry Gairdner, will host the Career Programs Information Session to provide information about the variety of District Career programs and events that are available to students. 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 had been a focus of broad consultation. Over the past few weeks, we have hosted a community webinar (watch it here) and gathered feedback through a community survey. The survey is now closed and the feedback collected was presented to the Board at the Regular Public Board Meeting on November 18, 2024. We have now submitted the results of consultation and the report on required information to the Ministry of Education and Child Care. There is now a minimum of a 90-day process for the Ministry to consult. To stay up to date on this consultation process, go here.

Board Notes

To learn more about the Regular Public Board Meeting on November 18, 2024, please feel free to read the Board Notes here.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy getting outside as we start to experience winter weather.

Rhonda Nixon, PhD
Superintendent