Superintendent’s Report – May 2023

May 19, 2023

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)

** click here to see the full Framework Plan

Intellectual Development

Yong Zhao recently presented at the BCSTA AGM and referred to the matrix above in terms of what we emphasize for student instruction.  It is a high level reminder to plan our instruction and resources with the students’ strengths and abilities in mind.  This is a foundational concept in Universal Design for Learning, a framework for learning that is used in many schools:

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

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Human & Social Development

MusicFest Canada Nationals in Niagara Falls

The Senior Jazz and Concert Band recently participated in this prestigious competition (by invite only) and took silver in both categories.  Congratulations to our students and staff! 

Pictured above is Mr. Price with the hardware.

 

Spring Band Concert

The annual Spring Band Concert was a great success and was also the last concert for a handful of our grade 12 students.  In a thoughtful gesture, these grade 12 students took turns conducting several pieces of the performance.  We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

 

Careers & Skill Development

Xplorefest 2023

On May 4th, the SD60 Career Department hosted Xplorefest in the Pomeroy Sports Center, with a focus on grade 5’s.  Most schools participated and spent up to 2 hours exploring future career possibilities with hands-on displays and activities spread over the two ice rink areas:

 

 

Baldonnel Elementary Entrepreneur Fair

The grade 5/6 class participated in an Entrepreneur Event this year.  After two months of preparation, the fair was held in our gym on Friday, May 12th.  Students decided what type of business they wanted to create. They learned terminology, read stories about different businesses (such as the Ford company) and decided what type of business they wanted to run.  They learned how to advertise, how to budget, plan, produce and sell their goods.  Students paid back any loan they borrowed from their parents in order to purchase materials needed to produce their goods.  They also paid a small table rental fee to the school.  The best part was that they were able to keep their profits.  Each student will conference many times during the two months, with the final conference being a completion of a profit or loss calculation form.

Here are some examples of profits made, after repaying loans and table fees:

Woodworking business selling bird homes and food caddies:  profit $360
Floating Candles:  profit $190
Plants:  profit $100
Bath Salts & Candles:  profit $10 dollars (but any item sold this week will be pure profit)
Lip Balms, Body Scrubs & Bracelets:  profit $120
We plan to hold this event every two years.  Hope to see you at our next one!
Christine Todd, Principal, Baldonnel Elementary

 

 

Operations / HR

Hudson’s Hope Elementary Secondary School

Energizing Communities Champion Award – Congratulations to Ms. Bach at Hudson’s Hope!

On May 11, 2023, Ms. Suzan Bach was recognized with an award for her commitment to education and emotional wellness of students by Classroom Champions.  The award was presented by Team Canada Bobsleigh Pilot, Orion Edwards.

 “Today was celebration of Hudson Hope teacher and award recipient, Ms. Suzan Bach participating in Classroom Champions for her creative leadership and dedication to student physical and mental wellness. The event also celebrates student participants in the award-winning Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Classroom Champions matches world-class athletes with classrooms to improve student engagement, build growth mindsets, and inspire positive educational environments. Throughout the year-long curriculum, the students learn critical skills like goal setting, perseverance, teamwork and leadership. The special in-person school event is made possible by Petronas.”    … from CLASSROOM CHAMPIONS

For more information please see the Media & Photo Advisory from Classroom Champions. 

Derrek Beam, Principal, Hudson’s Hope Elementary Secondary School

Wildfires in North Peace Region

A special thank you to our provincial Emergency Services who are working day and night to respond to local wildfires.

SD60 closed some of our schools north of Charlie Lake for the week of May 15-19 and continued to provide education and care in all other schools, with an evacuation plan in place:

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Truth & Reconciliation

Indigenous Day 2023

This staff educational day was held on Friday, May 5th and included approximately 600 staff members from all our partner groups in the district.  It was educational and engaging.  A highlight was to see our students singing Tsuu Na Yah led by teacher Sabrina Brooks and Elder Garry Oker.  We also received a great overview of the local history of some of our First Nations.

 

 

“Take 3”

Clearview Elementary Secondary School

Students return to school following Boundary Lake wildfire evacuation orders & alerts —

“It is awesome to see students back today! Students got off the bus with their usual excitement and enjoyed seeing everyone again and connecting with friends. Some were anxious about not getting their online work completed before coming but staff have been very understanding and supportive and will allow extensions on assignments after also being able to give in person support. We came back to a hot lunch meal prepared by the community and enjoyed the warm weather at lunch break.
Students have shared stories of community banding together with people, even students who disked fields or held hoses with community water trucks helping protect homes. Many students had been evacuated and talked of staying with family, friends or grandparents for a couple of days. They have shown resilience and it is great to see almost everyone back on day one. Many were fascinated by the many helicopters and planes that flew in to help, with some picking up water at nearby spots including local dugouts. We want to thank those that came to aid and protect so much; thank you to a heroic community.”
Craig Brownlee, Principal, Clearview Elementary Secondary

 

Hudson’s Hope Elementary Secondary School

Jump Rope for Heart

Our students fundraised for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and held their Jump Rope for Heart “heart pumping” activities on Thursday, May 11th, 2023.

Ask a Cop

Our local RCMP have been visiting classes and providing “Ask a Cop” opportunities.  Students are able to learn about what RCMP do in their role in communities, as well as ask “burning questions” during a general question period.  Our RCMP have also been providing intramural activities at lunch.

Thank you for creating strong connections with our students.

Rainbow Crosswalks

Congratulations to our G.S.A. Club who applied for and received funding from the District of Hudson’s Hope to “rainbow up” the crosswalks beside our school.  The District will paint/re-paint new crosswalks at locations by the school along the highway.

Club members will paint rainbow colors between the existing crosswalk lines, similar to the picture above.   Students/staff/community members are very welcome to help with painting.  Contact Ms. Mee at the school if you’re interested (mmee@prn.bc.ca).

 

Earth Day – We combined our Earth Day Cleanup activities on the same day as Jump Rope for Heart (May 11th).  We were also fortunate to have a special visitor, Orion Edwards (our Classroom Champions leader), presenting to the school and Orion participated in the day’s activities as well.

Derrek Beam, Principal, Hudson’s Hope Elementary Secondary

 

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