Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)
** click here to see the Framework Report that outlines the goals, strategies, targets, and resource allocations for student success in all areas.
Student Learning – Intellectual Development
Beginner Band Retreat 2025
Thanks to everyone who supported our Beginner Band Retreat. It was another great year of students from all elementary schools working side by side with senior band students to learn music. The retreat is a cornerstone of the SD60 Band Program, combining music education with social–emotional learning, teamwork, and mentorship.
Students participated in small-group instrument clinics, full-band rehearsals, and engaging team-building activities designed to strengthen both musical and interpersonal skills. Senior band mentors modeled leadership and encouraged our new musicians to listen, collaborate, and support one another: the same skills that make a successful ensemble and a thriving school community.
Held at the North Peace Cultural Centre, the event brought together over a hundred and fifty students and volunteers for a full day of connection, growth, and music-making. These shared experiences help young musicians develop confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging across schools.
Sabrina Brooks, District Band Coordinator
** Reminder: SD60 Band Concert, November 27 from 6-9pm at the NP Cultural Center
Student Learning – Human & Social Development
NPSS Cafeteria Sees Significant Improvements
Over the summer and early fall, plans were implemented to take over the operation of the cafeteria to provide meals for students at a reasonable price. Led by our Feeding Futures Coordinator, Nancy Burchell, in coordination with the admin team at NPSS, staff were hired and renovations carried out. Additionally, the “Pantry Program” gained a new spot and profile within the cafeteria space. The pantry program provides snacks and basic meals to students in need at no cost. With reasonable prices and a great food selection, they have already seen significant interest and purchases from the student population. Congratulations to the entire team!
“Gio” leads the new staff as the Cafeteria Coordinator.
Great selection and prices.
Below, the image represents the wealth of information that can be gleaned from the “Square” point of sale system. This includes daily, weekly, and monthly tracking of sales, the most popular items sold, etc.
“The Pantry”
Fresh fruit and juice in “The Pantry”
Fresh fruit-flavoured water for free throughout the day
SD60 Students Attending International Para Hockey Tournament in Dawson Creek
The week of December 1-5, hundreds of students in grades 4-7 across the district will be able to watch some international para hockey games in Dawson Creek at the Ovintiv Events Centre as part of the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy. This will be at no cost to the students and will include a bagged lunch. Our students will be viewing the following games:
- Monday, December 1st: CZECHIA vs CANADA
- Wednesday, December 3rd: CHINA vs CZECHIA
- Friday, December 5th: SEMI FINAL #1
There are several other evening games, and as part of a special promotion, parents can “buy one get one free” for a few games by accessing the QR code in the poster below.
Student Learning – Career & Skill Development
WorkSafeBC Profiles Project Heavy Duty
Please check out the recently released video from WorkSafeBC that highlights this unique learning experience:
ELC Students Explore Healthcare Careers
As reported on Energetic City, ELC students took part in an annual career fair on October 21 that brought together 22 different organizations to showcase career opportunities.
This is one of several events, such as “Adventures in Healthcare,” that are encouraging our students to consider careers in healthcare.
People Development
Elementary Music Training Session
Designed for teachers with no prior music training, hosted by Sandra Gunn.
Book Clubs
On the PDF below you will find information for teachers about the PRNTA/SD 60 book club professional development opportunity.
There are three books that are most popular and we would like to grow the number of teachers in these groups.
- Shifting the Balance K-2 or Shifting the Balance 3-5
- Vocabulary Connections
- Rebooting Assessment
Please also note that there are other book options still available to select (see slides below).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Charmaine Chrétien (cchretien@prn.bc.ca) or Megan Jesperson, PRNTA Pro-D Chair (mjesperson@prn.bc.ca).
Final registration deadline is November 21, 2025
POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders)
Learning in November
- Prompting and Errorless Learning
- Introduction to IEPs and BC’s Curriculum
- Barriers to Literacy for Students with ASD
- Rethinking Attention-Seeking Behaviours
- Structured Work Systems
- Behaviour Improvement/Intervention Planning
- Creating Effective Student Profiles
- Data Collection
- Video Modeling
- Increasing Student Motivation & Engagement
- Supporting Executive Functioning Skills in Adolescents
- Increasing Student Cooperation
Truth & Reconciliation
Walking in the Path of Justice Conference 2025
Several staff will be participating in this 3-day conference, hosted by the Doig River First Nations, in Dawson Creek from November 19 to 21, 2025.
It will be exploring potential new legal pathways for local Indigenous youth and adults.
“Take 3”
NPSS – El Dia de Los Muertos
Students in Spanish class did an outstanding job recreating mini altars (ofrendas) to commemorate famous people, beloved pets, and family members as part of the El Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Through this hands-on project, students explored the rich traditions surrounding this important Latin American holiday — learning how communities honour and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away, rather than mourning their loss.
Each altar was unique and meaningful, beautifully decorated with symbols such as marigolds, candles, photos, and favourite items of the person or pet being remembered. This activity was both educational and artistic, transforming the classroom into a vibrant cultural display.
Aligned with a teaching philosophy that values experiential immersion into cultures, rather than simply teaching about them, this project allowed students to connect personally with cultural traditions, deepen their understanding of Spanish-speaking communities, and reflect on the universal themes of memory, gratitude, and love.
Adriana Barranti, Spanish Teacher, North Peace Secondary School
Duncan Cran Elementary
Griff Peet, Principal, Duncan Cran Elementary
Jaimelia Turner, Vice-Principal, Duncan Cran Elementary
Taylor Elementary
“Rock On” — A Small Act with a Lasting Impact
As part of our school’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) goal, both staff and students engage in Spirit activities designed to strengthen community and foster emotional well-being throughout the school year. In May, the student leadership team, under the guidance of teacher leader Mrs. Germain, initiated a school-wide project entitled “Rock On.”
Students were organized into multi-grade groups and spent several afternoons painting rocks with creative designs and positive messages. One group in particular focused on writing inspirational words intended to uplift members of the community. The culminating phase of the project involved distributing the painted rocks throughout the Taylor community as a gesture of kindness and connection.
Unbeknownst to the students, one of these rocks would have a profound and lasting impact on a local family.
The Gellings family of Taylor was preparing for a deeply difficult occasion—the memorial service for their son. The day before the service, while engaged in preparations, Mrs. Marie Gellings was informed by her granddaughter that a group of students had been outside and had left something on the lawn. Her granddaughter handed her a painted rock inscribed with a single word: “HOPE.”
In that moment, Mrs. Gellings was deeply moved and comforted by this unexpected message of encouragement. She later learned about the “Rock On” project and identified the student who had created the rock. In a touching expression of gratitude, Mrs. Gellings and her husband recently visited the school to provide a pizza lunch for the student’s class. They wished to acknowledge the students’ efforts and to emphasize the powerful, lasting impact that even the simplest acts of kindness can have.
Today, the “HOPE” rock sits permanently on the Gellings family coffee table — a treasured reminder of compassion, community, and the impact of spreading kindness.