Blog Posts

Happy October!

At Semá:th Elementary, we encourage all our students to become lifelong learners and take responsibility for their learning. A big part of what we do here is build strong literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities. We also focus a lot on self-regulation, teaching kids how to understand and manage their feelings and actions. In our classrooms, we use group discussions, teamwork, and personalized feedback to help students see what they’re good at and celebrate their achievements.

A world-class, innovative, and individualized educational experience for every student. This is our collective vision, reaffirmed by our Board of Education this past June when they approved a new multi-year strategic plan. The vision is a powerful one, and my role as Superintendent is to help bring it to life.

The coming school year will be my 30th in public education.  It hardly seems possible, but I’ve double checked the math. It’s been an extraordinary journey so far, and I am beyond grateful for the wonderful experiences and opportunities that have been afforded me. Inspired by my friend and colleague Chris Kennedy, who is well known for posting lists on his Culture of Yes blog, I have decided to commemorate the occasion by posting a list of my own.

At Kandal, we are committed to strengthening our family partnerships in our school community. It’s no secret that the more parents are involved in their children’s lives, both at home and at school, the more they will be in the ‘know’ about how best to support their children. To this end, our kindergarten and grade 1 teachers and our English Language Learners (ELL) teachers initiated the “Parents as Partners” program.

As I reflect on the many high school graduations I have attended over the years, the occasion never loses its magic. Each time I see our students donning their caps and gowns, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. The nature of our work in public education often means the fruits of our labour are not immediately visible the way they are, for example, when a developer hands over the keys to a new home. Our equivalent moment comes at graduation. It is a symbolic turning of the keys, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our graduates.

Many years ago, as I trained for my first marathon, one of my mentors—a seasoned runner with countless marathons behind him—shared invaluable wisdom about the importance of finishing strong. He emphasized the need to maintain enough energy to cross the finish line with a smile and a strong pace, regardless of how the race began.

I can still recall his words echoing in my mind: “Remember, it’s not about how you start the marathon; it’s about how you finish. Finish strong.”

As part of the district’s unwavering commitment to Indigenous Education, Blue Jay is dedicated to expanding our understanding of Indigenous ways of learning. The last part of May and the beginning of June, known as tem’elile or Salmonberry Time according to the Stó:lō Seasons of the Moon calendar found on the Indigenous Education website, marks the start of the berry season and the return of the Salmon to their home.

An important part of giving back to the profession is when veteran teachers become mentors to new teaching candidates.  I am thrilled to highlight the significant role and benefits of hosting student teachers at Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw. Currently, we have the pleasure of hosting six teacher candidates from the University of the Fraser Valley who are diligently navigating their long practicums alongside amazing educators within our building. As we embrace this opportunity, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that hosting student teachers has on our school community.