Superintendent’s Report – May 2025

Link for Kindergarten registration

 

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)

** click here to see the full Framework Plan

 

Student Learning – Intellectual Development

Mathematics Assessment and Practice (MAP) is a tool used in classrooms to support understanding of number sense.  This tool is used as part of a number sense routine in classrooms throughout the school year in grades 4 through 9.

 

 

 

North Peace Secondary Students Win GOLD at Skills Canada BC Robotics Competition – Headed to Nationals!

North Peace Secondary School is thrilled to announce that students Josh Coenders
and Nolan Cote have captured the Gold Medal in Robotics at the 2025 Skills Canada
BC Provincial Competition!   With their outstanding performance, Josh and Nolan have
earned the honour of representing Team BC at the 2025 National Skills Competition,
taking place May 28–31 in Regina, Saskatchewan. They will be supported by their teacher, Brant Churchill.

As industries continue to evolve with advancements in computing and robotics, the
ability to apply emerging technologies in product design and manufacturing has become
critical to staying competitive.  Advancements in computer technology and the growing
use of robotics have made it essential for companies to integrate these emerging tools
into product design and manufacturing to stay competitive.  Rapid prototyping — proving
that a basic design works — and concurrent engineering — team-based evaluation and
modification of a design — are two key methods industries now use to shorten
development timelines and reduce costs when bringing new products to market.

The 2025 Skills Canada BC event was a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication
of volunteers, competitors, technical committees, staff, sponsors, supporters, and the
thousands of spectators who brought energy and enthusiasm to the Tradex Centre.  This
year’s event was the largest ever, featuring nearly 500 competitors across 60 trades
and technology fields, over 5,000 spectators, and exciting Try-A-Skill areas
throughout the venue.

We extend a huge congratulations to all competitors who participated in this unforgettable experience.

Brian Campbell, District Principal, Careers & International Students

 

 

Curriculum Updates for 2025/2026 School Year

Here are some recently announced updates to learning standards in the Social Studies 10 and Physical and Health Education 10 curricula that will take effect at the start of the new school year on July 1, 2025.

The updates to Social Studies 10 include specifically requiring learning about:

  • The Holocaust and the concept of genocide
  • Racial segregation and the destruction of Hogan’s Alley
  • Internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II

In addition, there will be an expanded focus on existing learning about Residential Schools and other injustices towards First Peoples in BC and Canada.

The updates to Physical and Health Education 10 include:

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) learning

 

 

 

Student Learning – Human & Social Development

SD60 District Band Spring Concert — and a Farewell to Sandra Gunn!

 

Sandra Gunn is a long-serving Band Teacher and Coordinator in our District and is retiring at the end of this school year.

We are very grateful for her commitment to this outstanding program.

The good news is that she will be taking a part-time music position at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School in the Fall!

 

 

 

 

New Resources for Families Going Through Separation

The Health and Justice Alliance has created a new, free resource to support family well-being during parental separation.

This toolkit contains six key messages, images, social media posts and newsletter text that are linked to practical actions and tangible resources on an updated, interactive website to help parents and children navigate this stressful time and foster resilience.

The six messages address:

  • Dealing with Change
  • Moving Forward Financially
  • Managing Conflict
  • Caring for Yourself
  • Strengthening Relationships
  • Empowering Your Children

For more information, please visit the FamiliesChange.ca website.

 

 

 

 

Student Learning – Career & Skill Development

Future Ready – Parent Information Night at Northern Lights College – May 22, 2025

 

 

 

Xplorefest

Thursday, May 8, 2025 – School District No. 60 presents “XploreFest” to Grade 5 students (split classes are welcome to attend)  at the Pomeroy Sports Centre.

XploreFest is an interactive hands-on experience for students where they can get their hands dirty making something or completing a task.

The day is meant to inspire students about future careers.

 

 

 

 

Peace River North Performing Arts Festival 2025

Between April 4-13, many of our students competed in this festival and moved on to the provincials in Victoria BC – Congratulations!!  

Stage 1

Portlynn Bates (ARYE)

Brinklee Beck (BBMS)

Alternate: Anna Hogarth (ARYE)

Stage 2

Hailey Mclain & Brielle Beard (ELC)

Alternates: Macey Bates (DK) and Braelyn Gladysz (ELC)

Stage 3:

Julia Bennett (ELC) and Maddie Alexander (NPSS)

Alternates: Kori Daisley & Rian Neufeld (NPSS)

Modern 2:

Carissa Zaldy (BBMS)

Alternate: Mataya Howells (DK)

Modern 3:

Addyson Soderberg (NPSS)

Ballet 1:

Sophie Tang (BBMS)

Ballet 3:

Emily Peters (NPSS)

Merited Participants in Dance:

Temperance Milne (BBMS), Sophie Barker (ELC), Taylor Mannoly (NPSS) Kenlee White (ELC)

Merited Participants in Music:

Woodwinds – Savannah Drschiwiski, Payge McLeod (NPSS)

Voice – Karly Holmes (NPSS)

Strings – Isabelle Mark (BBMS)

submitted by Melissa Paakkonen, teacher, NPSS

 

 

 

 

People Development

POPEY (Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years)

Building Classroom Communities Where Literacy Learners Thrive

 

 

 

POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders)

Certification Program – July 7-11, 2025

 

 

 

Truth & Reconciliation

 

 

 

 

 

Reawakening our Language

A Gathering to Honour First Peoples Language Revitalization

In partnership with Doig River First Nation, Northern Lights College & University of Northern British Columbia.

 

 

 

 

 

“Take 3”

C. M. Finch Elementary

During the week of May 5-9, CM Finch held its annual Entrepreneur Fair, showcasing the creativity and financial learning of our grade 4-6 students.

Each student created handmade products to sell, gaining hands-on experience with entrepreneuring, money management, and customer service.  Some examples of wares were:  bath salts, lotion, catapults, fidgets, fire starters, plants, buttons, beaded zipper pulls, lip balm, bookmarks, stress balls, etc.

The event was a huge success, with support from parents, other classes, school board members, and board office staff who came to explore and purchase the wonderful items on display.

Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and the valuable skills they developed through this exciting event!

Ginger Alexander, Vice-Principal, C.M. Finch Elementary School

 

 

 

 

Alwin Holland Elementary

Let’s Talk Science Brings Dinosaurs to Life at Alwin Holland!

Students in Mrs. Snow’s class had a roaring good time during a special visit from Let’s Talk Science!  The team presented the Dynamic Dynos lesson, giving students a chance to explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs through fun, hands-on activities.

From learning how dinosaurs moved to uncovering what they ate, students were fully engaged in the interactive session that sparked curiosity and encouraged scientific thinking.  The visit was part of Let’s Talk Science‘s mission to make STEM learning exciting and accessible for students across Canada.

Thank you to Let’s Talk Science for bringing science to life at Alwin Holland in such a memorable way!

Janny Lavoie, Principal, Alwin Holland Elementary School

 

 

 

 

Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School

During the first week of May, students learned about the meaning behind Red Dress Day and solidified some of their learning of Truth and Reconciliation.   Participating in learning activities, stories, art work and a school wide walk were some of the opportunities provided to the students.

We culminated our learning with our Red Dress Walk on May 5th.

We are growing  in our understanding, knowledge and thinking  through our lessons and will continue to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Kathy Scheck, Principal, Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School