Superintendent’s Update

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

As we continue into September, thank you for embracing changes in school schedules and class configurations as enrollment stabilizes. This month, I connect to the core value of relationships and connections, the Grandfather Teaching of humility, and District Priorities (Intellectual Development, Human and Social Development, Cultural and Identity Development, Career Development, and Systems Development) in the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan.

George Hilliard Reopening – Sept. 10, 2024

Thank you to Principal Topolovec for hosting this event, and to Knowledge Keeper Jackie Jules for welcoming us to the territory of the Tk'emlups te Secwépemc peoples. I also appreciate the staff who prepared for this event (setting up chairs, tables, welcome signs, food, and more) to celebrate the reopening of George Hilliard Elementary School.

A number of staff and parents enjoyed hearing about the history of the school that began in 1959 with under 100 students and grew to just over 300 students. Now, the school is a vibrant neighborhood school once again, and staff were distributing welcome kits with the new school logo and a sweatshirt inside. It was a fun-filled late afternoon/early evening with students enjoying the bouncy castles and playing on the field, and parents, staff, trustees, and community members reminiscing about George Hilliard. Read more.

Logan Lake Elementary School – Sept. 11, 2024

Principal Collins and I began our day talking with Ms. Mullin who greets everyone with a smile, takes care of students who need ice packs, and helps guests. We visited Ms. Balson’s K-1 class who were making friendship bracelets. Jett had planned to give his bracelet to Nolan until they learned that they were to keep their creations as symbols of their “class family”. The students enjoyed sharing what they loved most about the bracelets, “the beads let light shine through”, “the colors are bright”, and “the beads feel soft”. Ms. Perfetto’s Gr. 1-2 class was also focused on family and they were making puzzle pieces with facts and pictures about each other. Ms. Campbell and Ms. Stalzer were switching positions and working in the classroom supporting students.

Ms. Humphrey’s Gr. 1-2 class was practicing printing “magic” c,o,a, and d letters on white boards. She worked with individuals and small groups as they were working. When I asked a few different students what their favorite letters are, most shared like Weston (his favorite was “W”) the first letters in their names.

Ms. Scarr’s Gr. 4 class was creating shapes by working in small groups and using paper and scissors to try to replicate a shape in the middle of their group. The purpose was for each student to persist and work individually and together to solve the questions that arose and barriers that emerged (i.e., not having another piece of paper). The lesson comes from a Growth Mindset resource based on Carol Dweck’s research.

On our way to the next class, we stopped to talk with Ms. Deegen, a Teacher On Call, whose passion is teaching in rural locations. Thank you to Ms. Deegen and every relief staff member who shares their dedication and passion for supporting students in our District. We appreciate you so much.

We entered Ms. Smith’s Gr. 3 Physical Education class playing a game of Monster Ball where students divide into two teams and throw balls at a ball to attempt to move it to the other side. The students had a lot of fun playing this game, and they even played a game of racing against the time of the other classes who cleaned up.

Logan Lake Secondary School – Sept. 11, 2024

Principal Collins and I went to Logan Lake Secondary School, and the most touching welcome sign (Welcome Dr. Nixon) was on the outside of the school thanks to Mr. Blakley.

We visited Mr. Wedge’s Art/Drama class taught by Mr. Gilroy. The students were illustrating and painting posters of a self-selected movie. Phoenix, a student in the class, showed me his inspiration to draw and paint doors. We then visited the woodshop, and Mr. Tiessen was teaching table saw safety, focusing on the position of the saw blade and positioning of the wood and ensuring a clear surface. Ms. O’Neill’s Gr. 6 class was writing letters to her to share personal information about their interests and strengths to help her to get to know them better. She is also going to implement “Rock Star of the Week” in which a student shares a talent or interest and teaches the class about it. One of her students, Jude, shared, “I am looking forward to everything this year!”.

Ms. Cardinal is teaching a new Gr. 12 course, Digital Photography. Kaden showed me his digital creation of pictures that showed varied perspectives of the outdoors based on the theme, Senses. He shared how much he enjoyed choosing the subjects and objects in the photos and his career aspiration has been to become a power engineer, and now, he sees potential in a digital arts career.

During recess, Ms. Knox stopped to share her work on whole brain teaching. One positive behavior strategy is to award stars to students for being kind, showing leadership, being a friend and mentor. When I asked her what gave her the idea to explore whole brain teaching, she explained, “A couple of years ago, I had a challenging class, and it inspired me to think about how best to engage intermediate students.” In this personal learning journey, she found research on student engagement and motivation.

While we were talking about learning, Frank from Facilities was preparing to put up a screen. I let him know how much his work is appreciated and how I know that there are always many requests at this time of year and his efforts to get to a school over lunch makes a big difference to the students and staff.

Ms. DeRose took time to share a powerful program, “Y Mind Teen”, that she is implementing at the school in partnership with the YMCA. She explained how she works with another staff member, and they take about 8-10 students / 7 week cycles for 1.5 hours a session. The focus is to engage in strategies to address anxiety and depression. Students highly value the resource and time.

Future School Leaders Graduate from Leadership Development Program – Sept. 9, 2024

At the Regular Public Board meeting on Monday, September 09, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and District staff celebrated this year's Leadership Development Program graduates.

For over 40 years, the Leadership Development Program has supported future school and District leaders with meaningful training opportunities, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Read more.

United Way Kick-off Breakfast – Sept. 12, 2024

Thank you to the United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo team for hosting the United Way BC Day Kick-off Breakfast at the Coast Kamloops Hotel this week. SD73 staff joined 300+ guests from the region to celebrate United Way programs that benefit the local community.

The morning featured videos about the local impact of the ‘Hi Neighbour’ program, guest speakers who shared how local programs and community services benefit their communities, and awards to organizations to show their appreciation to donors.

We look forward to taking part in the United Way fundraising campaign this year.

Starfish Backpacks Drive Thru Breakfast Fundraiser – Sept. 13, 2024

This morning, I was excited to join the Kamloops Food Bank for the Starfish Backpack Drive Thru Breakfast fundraiser. As I drove through the event, it was wonderful to see so many Starfish Backpack partners handing out breakfast and supplies. Thank you to everyone who drove through and made a donation this morning. This incredible program provides backpacks full of food to SD73 students and families to ensure they have enough to eat for the weekend.

District Learning Plan 2024

At the Regular Public Board Meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education reviewed the 2023-2024 District Learning Plan Results. As a District we have many areas to celebrate while also recognizing a need to continue a focus on improving life chances for learners who have historically not achieved as well as all students in literacy, numeracy, human and social development, and career development. For an executive summary of the 2024 District Learning Plan, read more here.

Board Notes – September 9, 2024

For those who would like to keep track of major events discussed at Board meetings, I will reference Board Notes (summaries of board meetings), which are available on the District website under “Our District/Board” under “Board Communications”. See board notes for the Regular Public Board meeting on September 9, 2024.

Take time with those who matter to you and enjoy being outside.

Rhonda Nixon, PhD

Superintendent