Superintendent's Report

**  Additional updates related to COVID-19 can be found on our district website.  

Approximate in-person attendance levels:  96%

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Assessment – In both formal and informal ways, assessment occurs throughout the year both in the classroom and through District collections. We were unable to carry out district-wide assessments in the Spring due to Covid and will be collecting assessment this fall in the areas of numeracy and literacy. This will enable schools to get a better sense of some of the gaps that have developed over the last six months and prioritize resources and programming accordingly.

Thinking Classrooms – a thinking classroom is a structure and approach where students work collaboratively solving rich tasks carefully designed to meet the learning standards.

Support for learning during transition back to school – Beginning the week of September 21st, District Learning Services will be providing a weekly learning plan for those families wanting more time before returning to their school. The plan will entail links, resources and activities with a focus on numeracy, literacy and social development, tailored to primary, intermediate and middle school curriculum. These plans will be shared out to the families from their home school along with other classroom and school communications.

Buick Creek School – We are excited to see the new learning model at Buick Creek School up and running. Teachers from the Key Learning Center travel out to the community four days a week to provide instruction and support to 22 students ranging in grades from K-9. Along with EA support, a weekly StrongStart and administration oversight from the KEY, the community school has a full complement of educational services.

Human & Social Development

Operations / HR

Federal Safe Return to Class Fund – School District No. 60 is set to receive $2.3 million over the course of this school year as part of a federal program to assist schools during COVID. Further information on this fund was attached to the public board documentation and a board motion this evening will set out the parameters of this allocation.

New Teacher Orientation

Staff take new teachers on a tour of the region.

Future Upgrades to Upper Halfway School – As the district looks at upgrades and potential building enhancements to Upper Halfway School, Facilities staff, Trustees and the community have made recent visits to the school.

Tour of Upper Halfway School grounds by drone.

Truth & Reconciliation

This school year, SD60 is pleased to carry out an Equity Scan, which will solicit feedback from the community and lay the foundation for an equity action plan to enhance services to our Indigenous families. This process is guided by the Ministry of Education and carried out by a District working group. A link to the guiding document on this process is available below.

Backgrounder #5

Below is a link to some background information on the leadership structures of Indigenous peoples.

“Take 3”

** Additional updates related to COVID-19 can be found on our district website.

COVID-19

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Human & Social Development

A number of SEL initiatives are underway including this virtual workshop on September 1 for teachers, with a focus on building relationships with students.

Career & Skill Development

International Education – We have been working with our National and International Partners to support our International Students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the students from last year have returned home and a few have stayed in Canada to be able to complete their studies. Many students who had planned to study with us in September have deferred their programs until the second semester and are hoping to be able to join us once the international borders open.

The Careers Department is looking at an exciting year ahead for all our students.

Operations / HR

SD60 prepares to welcome its new teachers! During the orientation sessions, they will get assistance with documentation and take a tour of the region on a school bus. They will also be connected to our mentorship program throughout the year that helps them adjust to their new surroundings and in many cases, their new profession.

Commitment to non-sexist environment

School District 60 along with the Peace River North Teacher’s Association, are committed to a non-sexist working environment. A letter co-signed by the Local President and the Superintendent will be going out to all staff this week.

Transportation – Congratulations on our recent inspection report!

Out of 44 buses that were audited mid-August, 97.45% of them passed with 100%. Only two of the buses had small repairs to make. The CVSE Supervisor noted that we should be proud as those were among the best scores in BC. Both CVSE Inspectors were impressed with our Preventative Maintenance Plan and wished more facilities followed our example. They loved the individual books that had been made for each SD60 vehicle. No looking for documents – everything wrapped in one tidy package.

Health & Safety

COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan

HVAC  – Facilities and HVAC

1. A facilities employee looks after all the changing of filters and physically visiting all the unit ventilators on site. 

2. We change all of the filters on a regular schedule. 

3. We are working with Rocky Point Engineering on all of our indoor air exchanges.

4. We have our HVAC contractors working on the programming to meet and or exceed ASHRE standards in our classrooms. 

Truth & Reconciliation

School District No. 60 has signed Local Education Agreements (LEA) with all three of our First Nations Communities; Blueberry River First Nations, Doig River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation. The gap in educational outcomes between First Nation students and non-First Nation students is a persistent legacy of colonialism (TRC, 2015). Local Education Agreements are important tools for building relationships between First Nation communities and Boards of Education, in order to support improved First Nation student outcomes (FNESC, 2019).

By signing Local Education Agreements, School District No. 60 and the First Nations communities (BRFN, DRFN, and HRFN) acknowledge the importance of working together for the benefit of First Nation students and are committed to open, respectful sharing of ideas and information to make educational decisions on behalf of First Nation students. Regular scheduled meetings will take place throughout the year where School District No. 60 will share achievement, enrollment and attendance reports with each of the First Nations communities. The school district will work collaboratively with each of the First Nations communities to ensure First Nation students have equitable access to educational programs that will provide them with the skills they need to reach their greatest potential, grounded in their culture and confident with their identity, knowledge and skills, ready for post-secondary education, workplace training and employment.

“Take 3”

Our facilities and maintenance departments have been hard at worK on repairs, upgrades, updates, renovations, construction projects, etc. of our schools.

The following are just three examples of what has been accomplished over the last three months:

Bert Bowes Middle School

Updates, additions and construction at BERT BOWES MIDDLE SCHOOL included:

Charlie Lake Elementary

Updates, additions and construction at CHARLIE LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL included:

Alwin Holland Elementary

Updates, additions and construction at ALWIN HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL included:

**  Additional updates related to COVID-19 can be found on our district website.  The graphic below is a reminder of what the various stages mean.  These criteria may be changed by the Public Health Office and the Ministry of Education prior to September startup.

** We do not expect a provincial announcement on which stage will be in effect until August. We are planning for stage 1, but will be prepared for other stages as well. We look forward to welcoming ALL our students back in September in whatever form that takes.

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

DISTRICT BAND PROGRAM – Normally the band students would get their awards in front of hundreds of district staff, parents, students and other audience members.  Since we could not do that this year, we borrowed a studio audience straight from Hollywood and filmed our own awards show for them! 
Please honour them by watching – we have students from most elementary schools, both middle schools and high schools represented. 
ElementarySchools – https://youtu.be/CNr45QXDpT0

MiddleSchools – https://youtu.be/uI_9lkzQK_s

High Schools – https://youtu.be/yZWZTTP0BfM

FULL SD60 Band Awards – https://youtu.be/xnBCDvJZ-sc

Human & Social Development

The District has put together tips and resources for teachers and parents in relation to navigating the anxiety of school startup. Please check out the tip sheet attached.

Career & Skill Development

ADST Summer and Beyond – The District has partnered with the Fort St John Public Library to create 20 project kits that can be signed out by families. Through grant funding, we were able to purchase tools and glue guns that make up these project kits. The library is also preparing 3 kits that correspond specifically to the ADST project videos that the Careers Department has put out.

ADST – Moneca’s MakerSpace Weekly Project – Felt Puppet – https://www.prn.bc.ca/curric/?p=1272

BAA Courses – for approval by the Board 

• BAA Health Science – Public Health 12
• BAA Health Science II – Patient Care & Medical Services 12
• BAA Health Science – Nursing 12
• BAA Health Science – The Whole Individual 12
• BAA Hospitality & Tourism 2B – Hotel & Restaurant Management 12
• BAA Hospitality & Tourism 2A – Hotel & Restaurant Management 12
• BAA Health I – Life Management Skills 12
• BAA Restaurant Management 12
• BAA Access – Office Fundamentals Skills 12
• BAA Excel – Office Fundamentals Skills 12
• BAA Outlook – Office Fundamentals Skills 12
• BAA PowerPoint – Office Fundamentals Skills 12
• BAA Word – Office Fundamentals Skills 12
• BAA Astronomy 1A:  Introduction 11
• BAA Astronomy 1B:  Exploring the Universe 12

Operations / HR

Online Services and Supports for Staff through “Lifespeak” – Staff get free access through a login and password to access information and support for personal health and wellness. This information is disseminated monthly through our HR department.

Recruitment of new teachers for September – The District has hired 21 new teachers for the Fall and has been in contact with them during the pandemic. They are all looking forward to coming to our region. Overall, while we continue to recruit staff for some specialty positions, the number of applications has been robust and we are in a very good position for September startup.

Truth & Reconciliation

National Indigenous People’s Day:  June 21, 2020
Please click on the link below to learn more about how this national holiday is celebrated around the country:
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1534872397533

Local Education Agreements (LEA) – School District No. 60 is proud to move forward on these agreements with our three local bands: Halfway River First Nation, Doig River First Nation and the Blueberry River First Nations. This is a funding and education agreement that will ensure District and First Nations collaboration on the success of our First Nation students.

Dane-zaa Coloring Book – made by the SD60 Language Committee at the Indigenous Education Centre and the Language was approved by elders from the Doig River First Nation. Pronunciation and links to First Voices are at the back. Also available is a colouring book for older students in Dane-zaa. Cree numbers and animals and a colouring book for older students is also available using the same pictures as the Dane-zaa books. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c3ELS-crWUIrUGwK39BEzEk_cvZxDkpDP78I-1Yit_g/edit?ts=5ed80971#slide=id.g775af399c3_0_64

“Take 3”

MMMCS (Margaret Ma Murray Community School) – Over the course of 2 years, we have had a focus on building community while providing food for families.  Vulnerable students worked with staff to start seeds for our garden cubes back in April/May.  With students in the school over the last 6 weeks, we began to see a need to do SEL/ADST with them. We combined our talents, built more food cubes with the kids, built mason bee houses and planted the produce we grew with students. We now have 7 food cubes.  These food cubes allow a healthy activity within our school day to plan, water, weed for SEL breaks.  They are providing learning opportunities as staff engage with students and teach them about pollination, food production, growing, lifecycles, carpentry, gardening, etc.  It also provides alternative activities during recess and lunch for students/staff where they are outside engaging in a healthy activity of watering/planting.

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Essential Services Workers In-School Support Program

Testimonials from the parents ….

“Thank you so much for everything you guys have done. We really appreciate it!!! My son had a great time and it took a huge weight off my shoulders during this hectic time.”

“Thank you, my daughter loved it! She had so much fun.”

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Charlie Lake Elementary – “Lakers” first week back …

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Bert Ambrose Elementary – Families have had the opportunity to adopt a garden bed to help beautify our school grounds. The Mervyn-Mumma family prepared the soil and planted their two garden beds. The look of pride and accomplishment from Max Mumma (Gr 2) shows how much he enjoyed this activity.

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** A Reminder to the public to please follow school speed zones as several students are attending on-site.

** Additional updates related to COVID-19 can be found on our district website.

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Continuity of Learning Plan: Stage 3 Re-entry plans

• As per the BC Restart Plan, SD60 is planning for a Stage 3 return to in-class instruction the week of June 1st.
• Safety First.  All WorksafeBC, Public Health and Ministry of Education requirements are in place for Stage 3.
• The models entail offering 2 days a week at the elementary level (K-Grade 5) and 1 day per week at the middle/secondary level (Grades 6-12).  
• For elementary (K-Grade 5), up to half of the students will attend on Tuesday and Wednesday while the other half will attend on Thursday and Friday.  Mondays will be used to support remote-learning for those students not attending.
• Attendance will be staggered to ensure no more than 50% density at any given time at the elementary level (K-Grade 5) and 20% at the middle/secondary level (Grades 6-12).
• For remote learning, the quantity of work and contacts with the family will be reduced.
• Schools are in the process of connecting with families to find out which students are coming back the week of June 1st.  Attendance is optional.
• The schools and the District continue to plan the logistics around transportation, access to the buildings, etc.
• Service to vulnerable students and the children of Essential Services Workers is available up to 5 days per week – in consultation with the child’s home school.

Early Learning Initiatives

SD60 staff has worked to provide a series of videos and extension activities for families who have students entering Kindergarten in September.  They are great resources for young children of any age and our schools will be using them as they reach out to parents as part of their “Welcome to Kindergarten” program.
Early Learning Support Videos

Human & Social Development

Health & Wellness Sessions

Supporting our Indigenous Students during COVID-19

Brief summary of some of the reach-outs/supports that the Indigenous Support Workers and the District Indigenous department have been doing during COVID  

• Students: zoom calls, teachers, staff, Indigenous Ed Dept, Google classroom, Google Hangouts, email Learn 60, meet & greet, in-person, 1:1 w/physical distancing
• Parents: Phone calls, texting, email
• Discussing Meal Programs
• Dropping off and picking up student learning packages
• Indigenous Principal keeping in touch with community Elders
• Lunch Club – medicine wheel teachings, etc.
• Meeting outside on school playground or at their home
• 70% of students now attending at AH on-site are Indigenous 
• Administrator & ISSW picking up and dropping off student, taking her to school, she’s catching up on her work and feeling good about it; the 1:1 time is appreciated
• Indigenous cultural contest – students are to do a video doing a cultural experience,  2-4 minutes long, send in videos, looking for quality videos and experiences .  Prizes 1st-3rd
• ISSW recording stories  “Cultural Story Time” videos to give to teachers to share with their classes, i.e. Jingle Dancer book. Next focus will be on the Seven Teachings
• ISSWs are participating and recording moosehide tanning with Elder Mabel Harding 
• ISSWs beading feathers on moosehide for Gr 8 Upper Pine transitioning students
• NPSS YCWs are making welcome cards to the Gr 9 & ELC Gr 10’s transitioning to NPSS next year
• Grade 6 Learning Journeys – for vulnerable transitioning students to middle school STBM w/student and parent(s)
• Capstone Gr 12 students are a priority for some staff 
• Gr 4’s are making a little tipi and we will make  a diorama representing Doig Day
• Family Photo/Scavenger Hunt – early June for one week focuses on Indigenous culture, encourage family participation, learn about our community, mostly outdoor activity
• Youth Care Workers at Bert Bowes are doing individual tours for the Grade 6’s
• Indigenous Education Centre New Facebook Page 

• Contact we have had with the bands during this time
  • Indigenous Education Advisory Council updates and deliveries
  • May 21 Indigenous Education Advisory Council 2020-21 Preliminary Budget Zoom Meeting 
  • Indigenous Principal communicating with Band Ed Coordinators/Managers
  • During an ISSW/YCW meeting, Indigenous Principal called Blueberry Education Manager, Patsy Greyeyes, to clarify their lockdown procedures and how we could best support student’s school work delivery. 
  • ISSW’s/YCW have been contacting bands in regards for meals program (band)
  • ISSW contact band through the Doig Facebook page (private members only), she lets band members know what is happening at the school
  • Teachers have been in contact with Education Coordinators through text, calls, and email
  • IEC staff are making sure students are getting their student work packages out, some issues in returning of finished assignments.  But some bands are doing well in returning packages
  • It has been problematic with bands being on full lockdown, but we have to follow their direction and respect their decision to keep their band members safe.
  • Some bands have been in regular communication with Indigenous Transition Coaches and Support Teachers.  

Nanaskomon Kakike (Forever Grateful), Pat Jansen

Pat Jansen, Principal of Indigenous Education, submitted the following Facebook post from a parent who appreciates the wonderful support her son is receiving from our Bert Bowes Indigenous Support Teacher Erin Gotzke! …. Thanks and Nanaskomon Kakike  (Forever Grateful)

Prespatou Elem-Jr Secondary

Mr. Wollen, a teacher, is sending out a video every Monday to help with the mental health of his students.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lluRZheZXC44uT_FsVeQZzC_GJhV4TuV/view

Career & Skill Development

BAA Course (Makers Making Change 12) – submitted for Board approval

SD60 MakerSpace Night Owl Project

Some of our ADST videos are now being profiled on the Skills Ready BC website

Operations / HR

Buick Creek School

• Previous staffing challenges led to other options being made available to families  of the 17 elementary students that were previously registered there.  This included attending Prespatou School, Upper Pine School or registering with the Key Learning Center for a hybrid distance education program.  Most families elected to follow the hybrid distance education program for the 2019-20 school year.
• While staffing challenges continue, we will be able to offer on-site instruction for the 2020-21 school year with teachers commuting from town.  The program will be administered by the Key Learning Center and will include four days of on-site instruction along with a day of remote instruction and support.  
• The students and staff will follow the regular district calendar.

AHCOTE Program

• For Fall 2020, SFU cancelled the offering due to insufficient student numbers.   The plan is to offer AHCOTE in Fall 2021.  This may have implications for our teacher staffing pool in the new year.

Post April Employment and Compensation Continuity

• Following the April 27th letter from the Province of BC that signalled an end to the full salary support for all public sector employees, the District engaged with its CUPE union partner to determine any changes to staffing levels.
• Following an agreed-upon process, 25 CUPE employees took a temporary full-time leave and 24 took a part-time temporary leave.  This is out of a group that includes over 400 employees.
• With the advent of Stage 3 back-to-school plans, several of these employees will be recalled.

SCHOOL CHARGES 2020-2021 – for approval by the Board

Truth & Reconciliation

Attached to the public agenda is “Backgrounder #4“, which gives some information on the language and oral traditions of Indigenous Peoples.

“Take 3”

Upper Pine Elem-Jr Secondary

• 

• 

• 

Three projects were done at home: a birchbark canoe by Charly King, a lever machine by Sam Dyksterhuis, & a density experiment by Jack Smith.

Scavenger Hunt!
Jayden L., from Mr. Platzer’s class at Alwin Holland, came up with the idea to make a scavenger hunt after he found an Easter egg hunt. As a project last week he worked on different hints so that the families of FSJ could have some fun during COVID 19. The first clue started at Save On Foods. Jayden would like to thank Amber Nurse who made the flower stickers for him, all the places he was able to put up the clues, and also the front line workers. Thank you, Jayden! Thank you everyone and have a great hunt!

District Band Program director, Sabrina Brooks, brought a few colleagues together for the MEXICAN HAT DANCE ….

Bus Drivers

Lisa Wiebe has been picking up garbage on the 271 road along her bus route. Janet Peterson has been making bird feeders equipped with suction cups that attach to the outside of windows so that seniors can enjoy the birds. Barb Scobie is still creating kitten mats (she is in mass production mode now). Hank Glover spends his free time at the computer designing more cards to send out to the senior. Arlene Myers and her husband are still fishing for the seniors. Laverne McEachern and Rosemary Baldry are on a telephone campaign to reach out to seniors in their communities as are many others. The homemade meals and baking are being delivered on a regular basis. To date 820 cards and letters have been delivered.

Duncan Cran Elementary

Here is a picture of the food support that we are sending out to support 20 families this week. We have received a tremendous amount of gratitude from the families for the support we are providing. The recipe cards with all the ingredients included to make the meal with their families have been a hit. We would like to make sure that you realize how much of a difference “we as a school district” are making to help our community.
Thank you for your support from the district … from Mr. Peet, Principal, Duncan Cran

Anne Roberts Young Elementary

Greg from Yellowridge (in his spare time) coordinated the construction and install of a large heart shaped sign (donated material and labor).  His intent is to acknowledge everyone for their efforts in the battle against Covid in particular showing appreciation for the front line workers and recognizing the seniors in the hospital or care home(s).

Duncan Cran Elementary

** Please see COVID-19 Report that was shared to the public at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 6th.

*** Kindergarten registration continues on our district website (www.prn.bc.ca). Parents can now register electronically, if desired. See link below.

https://www.prn.bc.ca/?p=4455

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Every school has made contact with their families and online learning has begun in various ways.  There are also many low-tech solutions out there, including sending out resources and activities for students and families.  Tech supports have been put into place to assist staff with this type of programming and the district is working directly with some families who need access to technology.

SD60 Recording Studio 

In cooperation with Russell Eggleston from “Sound in Town” and with teacher Ted Sloan coordinating, the district has set up a recording studio at the Key Learning Centre.  Recording of book readings has begun and they will be “livestreamed” at 10:00 a.m. each morning. Future content will also include diverse activities and presentations.  

Link for the livestream and previously recorded sessions: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1iWYzypWsYM1-lvfS6GR7A/live

Calendar Time with Mr. McColm

Message from Ms. Scheck at Margaret Ma Murray School:

Please see attached calendar time from kindergarten student Melody. Her family moved away over Spring Break, but can’t register there so she continues to be part of Mr. McColm’s class. She created this with her mom after watching Mr. McColm’s post to parents/students ….

Human & Social Development

Schools have been supporting students and families with creative food delivery programs.  A big thank you to our community supporters who have assisted with this process. The next phase of support will include strategic on-site service to small groups of students.  This has already begun for the children of Essential Services Workers and will be expanding to assist other essential services groups as well as students who require in-person support.  This will be done with the appropriate precautions and has been mandated by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Provincial Health Officer. 

Here is a slide show of some of the ways we have come together as a school district and community over the last few weeks.  It is called “Silver Linings” and was put together by director Jarrod Bell.  

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ESisyjYw9Gn6w4wqFoPUezKp9LaZtsAzL-297wXXmG0/edit?usp=sharing

Career & Skill Development

The Careers department has put together some terrific project videos for students and their families.  Here is a message from District Principal, Brian Campbell:

Hello everyone,

This week in Moneca’s Maker Space we have a project that is for everyone.  Adaptations of this project can be done not just for Elementary but for Middle School and High School as well.  You will also find a lesson in the description each week from Elaine McEachern.

We would love to see what our students have built!

Operations / HR

Four weeks ago, the district set up a number of key plans to guide us through these challenging times:

Staff have been using these plans to adjust to the new physical distancing requirements with some employees working from home.  Several staff have signed up to help supervise the children of Essential Services Workers.  

Truth & Reconciliation

Attached to the public agenda is “Backgrounder #3”, which gives some information on the traditional laws and governance of Indigenous Peoples.

“Take 3”

Clearview Elem-Jr Secondary

Art teacher, Mrs. Viens, had grade 7/8 students create Zentangle art and grade 8/9 students create Haida art. Students learned about Haida and West Coast art along with the story-telling tradition. Clearview is currently focusing on learning the Beaver language, so the words are in Beaver rather than Haida.

Upper Halfway Elementary

Total Oilfield Rentals sponsored a hockey clinic for students. The day involved hockey skills, a BBQ lunch, skating and a game.

School Bus Drivers

Abe Wiebe is building bunkbeds for a new Bible Camp in Buick and Barb Scobie has been crocheting mats for the SPCA to send home with adopted kittens.

Shona Duff has been volunteering as a grocery delivery person to seniors and shut-ins in Hudson’s Hope.

Alana Copeland and Bailie Hambrook are delivering care packages for the Metis Society to their elders.

NPSS Staff: Missing our Students

https://npss.prn.bc.ca/?p=5886

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Reading Recovery: A Lifeline to Literacy!

The goal of Reading Recovery is to reduce the number of students who have difficulty learning to read and write by providing the intervention to Grade One students who are struggling to learn in the classroom setting.  In Reading Recovery, selected students receive one-on-one 30 minute lessons that occur daily over 12-20 weeks with a specially trained teacher.  

At the end of the lesson series many students are reading and writing at grade level.  For those students who do not meet grade level, recommendations are put in place for further support.

After completing a series of lessons, all students can:

1. Read increasingly more difficult texts at an instructional level, expanding their power to learn from their own efforts and solve problems as they read and write.
2. Compose increasingly complex messages and monitor their own work, knowing when and how to get help.
3. Continue to learn within a supportive classroom environment.

 Text Reading

These students were initially the very lowest achieving literacy learners in their classrooms.  They all make positive gains for future learning.

Reading Recovery – 30 minute lesson, individually designed by a specially trained teacher.

“My child has become so confident. He’s in grade four and now gets up in church to read in front of everyone. That wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t had the opportunity to be in Reading Recovery.” (quote from a parent)

Reading Recovery Teachers – InService Sessions 

Currently we have 10 schools offering Reading Recovery.  This year we have 3 teachers training locally to get their Reading Recovery Certification.  We also have 6 other teachers who are in the on-going group and meet monthly for InService sessions led by the district Teacher Leader.  

Tracey Sawchuk has been the Teacher Leader in our district since 2006, providing leadership for our Reading Recovery program. 

Human / Social Development

Kindness: Pink Shirt Day

Video: Students from Robert Ogilvie Elementary … video about their understanding of Pink Shirt Day.

Career & Skill Development

Regional Skills Canada competition.  Click on this link to see how our students performed at the competition.  The Gold medalists from secondary move on to the provincials.  The Gold and Silver medalists from the junior division move on to provincials.  Congratulations to the NPSS robotics team who won their fifth straight regional competition.

Achievement Updates

Truth & Reconciliation

Report on the Jan. 27 Indigenous Day:  Click here for a great slideshow of pictures from the event!

Overview of the purpose and objective of the day

The purpose of the SD60 Reconciliation through Indigenous Education NID was to provide School District No. 60 staff with a difference of perspective held by Indigenous individuals in respect to the impact of prior Canadian law and policy.  Speaker Brad Baker presented on the impact of Residential Schools. All staff had the opportunity to increase their understanding of important facets of Indigenous history, pre-history, and practices so that reconciliation can be facilitated in classrooms by integrating this knowledge within their teaching practices.

A Collaborative Process!

SD 60 Senior Administration – Carleen Andrews

• North Peace Administrative Association  – Charmaine Chrétien and Pat Jansen 
• Peace River North Teachers Association – Jessica Dmytruk, Josie Gauthier, Michele Wiebe
• Indigenous Education Centre – Roberta Chouinard, Chris Neufeldt, 
• British Columbia Teachers Federation – 3 presenters 
• NPSS – hosted the venue, logistics, technology, sports teams assistance with set-up and tear-down
• City of Fort St John – provided lunch bags 
• Sound in Town – sound and lighting 

Some stats on the number of workshops:

The event showcased two keynote presentations and 36 workshops by 29 presenters.. The intent of inviting local First Nation presenters was to support the “local history.” The regular and support staff from Indigenous Education made 600 beaded lanyards for gift bags over a period of 3 months. 

“Take 3”

Bring on the BC Winter Games 2020!

“The town has welcomed us with open arms and everything has been exceptional.” (quote from a parent of an athlete)

“Our athletes, coaches, and officials spent four days commenting on how welcomed they felt, how friendly all the volunteers were, how amazing the venue at the Rod and Gun Club was, how tasty the food was, how buses all ran as punctual as Swiss trains, how nice the drivers were; and how well organized the whole experience was.” (Sea to Sky Nordics Biathlon Club)

Thor Schippmann & Heather Collins volunteering as Hospitality Hosts at Bert Bowes Middle School. They were responsible for providing snacks and games to the athletes when they came back to the school after their events.

All SD60 band programs, along with the community band, were involved!

Timely Rescue of Competitors Shirts from the Post Office

Jennie Copeland, Badminton Sport Chair, was in for an unpleasant surprise Friday morning. The badminton competitions were starting that morning and eight teams from eight zones were awaiting their BC Winter Games shirts.

They opened the boxes of shirts they had received from the shipping company that morning. Seven were accounted for, but there were no red shirts for Zone 2, Thompson-Okanagan. The shirts went missing in transit and were not expected to arrive until Monday morning, well after the athletes left on Sunday night.

Ever resourceful, Jennie found temporary T-shirts for the team photos that morning. Meanwhile, Kathy MacDonald, one of the parents of the Zone 8 – Cariboo North East and SD60 teacher, took matters into her own hands. She phoned the post office and found out that the box of shirts was in Fort St. John, but it was waiting to be processed for delivery.

Without skipping a beat, Jennie was on her way to the post office. By the time the skilled competition began, Zone 2 had their official Games red shirts! The community came together to make sure the athletes had everything they needed to have an enjoyable Games.

Wheelchair Basketball

Trent Read is a teacher at Dr. Kearney Middle School. When he’s not in the classroom, he is fulfilling his other passion – basketball. This week, with the 2020 Fort St. John BC Winter Games, Read found a way to get involved with the sport he loves.  Taking on a new role as a scorekeeper for Wheelchair Basketball. 

“Until this week, I had never seen wheelchair basketball or studied it in any way,” he said as he was about to take up his position at the scorers table. “I am so impressed with the athletes’ ability to control the ball, their chairs, and awareness of other players on the floor.”

Wheelchair Basketball games were held at Dr. Kearney Middle School, where Read teaches and coaches. Read was also impressed with how the crowd reacted to the events that were unfolding literally right in front of him. “This size gym helps create an infectious atmosphere. The crowd really gets into it at these games,” he said. 

But what impressed Read the most was the true spirit of the athletes. “Their teamwork for sure, but every one of those players was playing for pure joy and having fun while being competitive,” he said. 

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

“Camp Read S’More” during library time with Ms Dressler at Robert Ogilvie School!

For the last couple of weeks, students have taken the great outdoors inside when it comes to their library visits! Ms Dressler had a variety of stations set up, including 2 erected tents, where students could enjoy reading in a different environment.

Human & Social Development

Richard Stock, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a PBIS-SCP Team Member. Dr. Stock is full time Faculty in the Applied Behaviour Analysis–Autism Department at Capilano University. He is also Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario where he teaches graduate courses in ABA and an Adjunct Professor in Special Education at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Stock has extensive experience conducting functional assessments and designing positive behaviour support plans for children and youth with autism and developmental disabilities in collaboration with families and educators. He also teaches course work in Functional Assessment and Positive Behaviour Support and provides Tier 3 training to school districts. Dr. Stock is co-investigator on a national survey of PBIS practices in schools across Canada. 

During PBIS-SCP board meetings, team members provide updates on their PBS activities in their local provinces across the country. Dr. Stock’s recent update included:

– Bi-weekly PBIS distance consultations with school teams for School District No. 60 (Peace River North)

– Three on-site PBIS consultations for Peace River North School District No. 60 (during 2019-2020 academic year)

Career & Skill Development

Nations, working in partnership with CSKATEC (a registered Canadian non-profit organization working to empower youth through community engagement) facilitated a 2 – day skateboarding camp for SD60 middle school students on January 30 and 31, 2020.  Students from both Dr. Kearney Middle School and Bert Bowes Middle School participated in the camp. Students also worked, in collaboration with SD60 Careers and Maintenance departments, to build the ramps that were used in the 2 day skateboarding camp.

Nations is comprised of a group of Indigenous professional skateboarders who work with Indigenous youth within the youths’ home communities. Nations’ focus is on empowering youth to embrace their cultural identity and self-determination through the positive impact of skateboarding.  The Nations group members are passionate about sharing their own lived experiences, imparting the importance of keeping culture and traditions relevant and the positive impact youth can have within their own communities.   

Skateboarding Video:  https://youtu.be/DcXqGEaJfuw

Achievement Updates

Operations / HR

School District No. 60 has been a major partner in the BC Winter Games! 

Here are some stats to consider…

o   7 schools are accommodation sites hosting upwards of 1500 participants for the biggest slumber party ever seen in FSJ!

o   5 school facilities are being used as sport venues offering technical fields of play and competition space

o   the North Peace Secondary cafeteria will ramp up to serve over 16,000 meals in 4 days of Games.

o   The entire SD bus fleet is used to move participants throughout the community

o   Over 300 School District No. 60 employees (over 25% of our staff) have embraced these games and filled countless volunteer hours and leadership support for Games organizers 

Truth & Reconciliation

The above new teacher resource can be found here. It includes a section at the back called “Backgrounders”.  These one-page topics give an excellent background into the history and structures of BC First Nations.  One of these documents has been attached to the public references for the board meeting.

“Take 3”

Three examples of dynamic learning and fun from around the district

Puppet Residency at Bert Ambrose School

“The Most Amazing Time!”

“They were fun!  I liked their personalities!”

“It was a blast!”

These were some of the student comments about the puppet residency with Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Ritchie.  Our primary students absolutely loved working with the puppets. It was a very full week, with storytelling, learning how to convey movement and emotion, being introduced to performance techniques, seeing how to use props, and being introduced to the magical shadow puppets.

Many thanks to Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Ritchie for sharing their knowledge and love of puppets with our students.   Thank you, too, Bert Ambrose PAC and SD 60 for your support of the residency. Mrs. Tacey

Dance Residency at Alwin Holland Elementary

Jump Rope for Heart and Valentine’s Day!

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Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Applied Design Skills and Technologies

Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST) is part of the new BC Curriculum from K-9. It is also part of the Graduation Program that commences in Grade 10; courses offered at the secondary level are more specific to particular strands such as Electronics, Culinary Arts, Tourism and Accounting to name a few areas students can select as part of their graduation program requirements. 

ADST is the ability to design, make, acquire, and apply skills and technologies. ADST is very much a hands-on learning program that provides learning opportunities for students by learning the design process; it also develops multiple skills and supports student development in the areas of problem solving, critical and creative thinking.

There are many other terms that are commonly found that are connected to the ADST curriculum including Maker Spaces and STEM.  Maker spaces are locations within schools where students can make, learn and explore and share ideas using varied tools from high tech to no tech tools.  STEM explores four specific areas including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in an interdisciplinary manner. Both Maker Spaces and STEM correlate well with the ADST curriculum as they all provide focus on an inter-disciplinary, cross-curricular approach that embeds design thinking.

Please click here for a slide deck that gives an overview of our ADST programs.

Graphic Design:  Bert Ambrose – Mrs. London’s grade 5/6 class:  

“After our success at making Remembrance Day decorations for Fort St. John Advertising & Promotion Inc, we were asked to make Christmas decorations.  The students had to do a lot more planning this time, drawing windows to scale, selecting a theme, and planning their layouts. Everyone worked collaboratively with their groups and they were very proud of their designs. … each group got a chance to present their window design and explain how they wanted it to be installed.” Mrs. London

BAA Course Approvals:  Art Activism 10, 11, 12

Course Synopsis:

Art activists do more than create art that is visually appealing, rather they strive to change the world around them for the better through their artwork, promoting awareness and making a difference. In this course, students will take a stand for a social issue that is relevant to our community and work to facilitate change through art. Each year, we will investigate a local and/or global issue and create large scale artworks to sell, both within the school and the greater community with the goal of fundraising for the chosen cause, where appropriate to context.

Human & Social Development

Our Social Emotional Learning teacher, Cindy McGarroch, works with school-based teams to help develop programs, structures and activities that support positive school culture.  One such event is the upcoming “Great Kindness Challenge”. The link to information on this and other district-wide events and programs can be found on the SEL Blog.  

New Health and Wellness Website

We are proud to announce the launch of our staff Health and Wellness website!  This website contains information on employee benefits, staff discounts, our Employee and Family Assistance Program, and many more resources for Health and Wellness.

Career & Skill Development

School District 60 is proud to be one of two Chapters of Makers Making Change in British Columbia.  Zee Kesler from Makers Making Change was in town to help facilitate the first build event for the chapter.

Prior to the event, Brant Churchill, Jen Andrews and Kyle Drew, 3D printed the material needed to construct the switches and the ball pen holder.

Brant Churchill’s Physics 12 class participated in the morning build event with members of Learning Services and the Association of Community Living. The Grade 12 students remained at Duncan Cran Elementary for the afternoon to give a lesson in soldering to the teachers (Elementary ADST Representatives)  and build the assistive devices. See a time lapse video here.

Achievement Updates

Operations/HR

Parents are encouraged to register their children at their catchment area school as soon as possible.  This information is critical to our planning for next school year.

More information can be found on the district website:   www.prn.bc.ca

Truth & Reconciliation

The new teacher resource can be found here. It includes a section at the back called “Backgrounders”.  These one-page topics give an excellent background into the history and structures of BC First Nations.  One of these documents has been attached to the public references for the board meeting.

“Take 3”

Three examples of dynamic learning and fun from around the district

“We have been learning about the basic needs of living things, parts of plants, seasonal and weather changes, and First Peoples’ use of plants.  About 2 months ago, we planted seeds in our Tower Garden. We have been making daily observations and noting the growth of our plants. Today, in the middle of a snowstorm, we were able to harvest a variety of lettuce, arugula, kale, chives, and dill.  The students took turns washing and cutting the vegetables. We also made a dressing using the fresh dill and chives. We added carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes to our salad.

At snack time, we shared our salad. The students were excited to eat the salad and are looking forward to seeing what else will grow (we also planted bok choy, cucumber, tomatoes, green beans, Swiss chard, rainbow chard, and lavender).”   Mrs. Taillefer, Kindergarten Class.

“North Peace Secondary School is proud to state that the Musical Theatre class successfully produced the timeless classic Grease with over 80 students! Under the direction of Emry Mika and Nadine Aulin, over 60 students united to dance in large choreographed numbers, sing rich harmonies and ultimately, perform together. The elaborate set and iconic car was built under the direction of Nick Everett with over 20 stagecraft crew; they worked tirelessly to keep everyone and everything together- a little duct tape goes a long way. 

Every year NPSS tasks a musical production that it has been proud of. In recent years the number of students joining both theatre and crew has grown to the point where a Stage Craft class was introduced to the program this year again. It is quite exciting to watch this program thrive and with that development bring more arts classes, such as dance and choir, to our already booming arts community at NPSS”  Mr. Pauls, Principal

“Here is Head teacher Stevie Frempong at UH gathering materials for Christmas wreaths with the K-2 class. Also pictured is our new EA and bus driver Rudi Messerschmidt.” 

Mr Bell, Director of Instruction

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning

Intellectual Development

Curriculum With Technology (CWT):  Please click on the link here to view student examples and short movie clips.  The program has evolved to support not only improved quantity and quality of writing but also many other curriculum areas.  It is a 1:1 iPad program for grade 6 students across the district and has been instrumental in implementing the Universal Design For Learning framework.

Hudson’s Hope Science Fair:  “Our School Science Fair was once again a fantastic event.  It is truly amazing to watch our grade three to six students share their projects with their peers, parents, and judges.  I greatly enjoy observing how each child’s confidence grows as they present to different audiences.  A big thank you to our teachers and support staff for their guidance, and of course to parents for supporting your child(ren).  We had a great turnout of parents, relatives, and community members to our Fair! Also a big thank you to our many volunteer judges”.  Derrek Beam – Principal.  Further information can be found on the school website.

Human & Social Development

Here is a Courage/Bravery board from Taylor Elementary School.  Students in all classes have been discussing what it means to be brave and coming up with examples that are posted on the tree.  The bear comes from the Indigenous Seven Guiding Principles common in many communities.  In addition to the board, teachers integrate the topics into writing activities.

Career & Skill Development

Please see the attached NOP Skills Training Support Agreement – Final 2018-19. This is a report that summarizes how career education and trades training programs are supported by industry, district and ministry funding.  The report includes information from the neighbouring districts of Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek.

Operations

The construction on Anne Roberts Young Elementary School is proceeding full steam ahead.  There are many multi-use and shared spaces that will be part of this project.  Please see the attached memo that describes these spaces and partnerships.

“Take 3”

This section is dedicated to three great activities or events that have taken place over the last month around the district.

This is a picture of a Bert Ambrose student taking part in the Equine Assisted Learning project.  This program supports students with behavioral challenges and is a cooperative effort with the Indigenous Education Centre.

This is an Artist in Residence program at Charlie Lake Elementary School.  Local artist Mrs Haugen workshopped students in the art of Print-Making.

Truth & Reconciliation

Administrators learning about local Indigenous history with Sandra Apsassin.  This is part of an ongoing effort to learn more about the local history and look ahead to constructive and respectful partnerships.

Achievement Updates

Graduation Rates For SD60

Student Learning Survey 2018-19:  Grade 12 students:  Are you satisfied that school is preparing you for a job in the future?