Superintendent’s Report – August 2020

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

Our district’s link to our website with COVID-19 resources, which includes an updated FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) section – based on parent survey responses.

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.

  • YOUTH DISCOVER EVENTS – Students will get hands-on experience at a Youth Discover Events in Elementary Schools. These exciting events connect students, parents and teachers with local professionals and their employers so you can see firsthand what potential careers are really like.
  • YOUTH TRAIN IN TRADES – Attend a trades training class at Northern Lights College. You’ll learn from skilled instructors and earn credits that count towards your high school diploma and Level 1 of your technical trades training.
  • YOUTH WORK IN TRADES PROGRAM – Get ahead on the work-based training of a trade apprenticeship while you’re still in high school. Not only will you take home a pay cheque, you’ll earn up to 16 credits towards your high school diploma, log 480 training hours toward your trade credential and maybe even earn a $1,000 award.
  • WORK EXPERIENCE 12 – Experiences outside of school expand our workplace skills and career-life options while providing opportunities for self-discovery.

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:

  • New track
  • New jump pit
  • New sidewalk to portable and on to The Key Learning Center
  • Two new vestibule entrances to classrooms in The Key Learning Center
  • New gym floor
  • A bottle fill station

Charlie Lake Elementary

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

  • Renovated staff room
  • Renovated office area
  • Floor & structural repairs
  • Floor patching

Alwin Holland Elementary

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

  • Outside of the school remediated
  • New HVAC system & controls
  • Insulation added
  • New triple pane windows
  • Paved parking lot & added lighting and plug-ins
  • Replaced damaged sidewalks