Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)

** click here to see the full Framework Plan

Student Learning – Intellectual Development

SD60 Pilots “K-3 Early Learning Profile (ELP)

The curriculum department will be connecting with a couple of teachers/administrators this year to try out this early learning literacy screening tool developed in the Central Okanagan School District.  While we already have the “K-Phonological” assessment, the ELP tool is more robust and in line with provincial expectations and funding. In addition to purchasing and piloting this tool, SD60 is still looking for additional literacy coaching support as part of this initiative.

Running Records Workshop

Student Learning – Human & Social Development

Ministry of Education & Child Care Introduces a Language Modernization Guide

Diwali 2024!  

Below is a picture of the Diwali Celebrations at Robert Ogilvie Elementary School, with Ms. Tewari and some students sharing their culture.  

Big thanks to Jane Drew for the photo and for supporting these international celebrations!

Senior Staff Having Some Hallowe’en Fun in Schools

Student Learning – Career & Skill Development

BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and Canfor Sponsors Resource Management Camp with students from NPSS

On Friday, November 1st, about 18 students from NPSS participated in a number of forestry and resource management activities at Peace Island Park.  This camp has been going on for many years thanks to the support of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and Canfor.  Even with the impending closure of local mills, there is a desire to keep these educational activities going.

People Development

Pedagogy Training for Support Staff

On the Non-Instructional Day of October 25th, a workshop was held for EAs in the area of number sense.  We continue to look for opportunities to support our support staff om instructional practices.

Conference Opportunities for Support Staff on the topic of Autism

Christmas Dinner & Dance 2024

As part of our efforts to thank staff and bring together employees from across all departments, the annual Christmas Dinner & Dance will take place on December 14th at the Pomeroy.   Tickets can be purchased by emailing Sharon Schell or contacting your school’s administrative assistant — get them soon as they are going fast and we only have 200 tickets available!   The price is very reasonable at $35 per person with the additional costs covered by the District.  There are also many prizes including a return trip for 2 to Vancouver!

Have You Thought About Becoming A Teacher?!

Truth & Reconciliation

At Duncan Cran Elementary, Finley Walter helped celebrate Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8th, by laying the Indigenous wreath on our monument and serving soup to the entire school.

Michelle Stoney (below) is an Indigenous artist from Hazelton who shares free coloring pages for kids.  We sourced a poppy from her work.

Ms. Amanda Desjarlais, our ISSW, Ms. Monica D’Eon and Ms. Janna Casey, our kitchen staff, prepared hamburger soup and Ms. Amanda’s parents made 300 pieces of bannock.

Equity in Action Summary Report

The Equity Action Plan (EAP) has been developed and will be implemented with the guidance and approval of the Indigenous Education Advisory Council (IEAC) and Indigenous communities. The plan reflects a commitment to continuously improving educational outcomes and achieving equity for Indigenous students within our district.

The Equity Action Plan was created through a collaborative process involving Indigenous community members, educators, students, and families to include their input.  During the 2023/2024 school year, the SD60 Equity in Action Committee gathered and analyzed data from surveys, focus groups, and district sources.  Initial results show a need for ongoing efforts to improve cultural safety and competencies among staff and students in all district schools.

SD60 Equity Scan Survey Demographics

The survey data represents three years of feedback on Equity Scan questions.  The purpose of the equity scan is to establish a baseline for guiding collaborative efforts and planning to address systemic inequities affecting our Indigenous learners.

Surveyed in 2022/23 and 2023/24

305 – Students

56   – Families & Council

41  – School Administrators

17  – Indigenous Staff

96  – Teachers

5   – Trustees

520 – Total surveyed

Learning Profile

The learning profile aims to address privilege, bias, and racism by promoting equity, inclusion, and cultural awareness in education. It highlights respectful communication, culturally appropriate practices, and active involvement of Indigenous families. It also calls for training in cultural competence for educators and support staff to improve understanding of Indigenous knowledge.

Theory of Change

If SD60 creates a plan to address privilege, bias, and racism; establishes effective communication with Indigenous families; improves educators’ cultural competence; and provides training for support staff, the district will create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Indigenous students.  This will lead to better academic results, higher engagement, and a stronger sense of belonging.  SD60 aims to offer an educational experience that honors Indigenous culture.

Action Plan 2024/2025

The Action Plan will be flexible and updated regularly. It will start by raising awareness of implicit bias, First Peoples Principles of Learning, and Indigenous knowledge.  Key strategies and actions will be taken to build an inclusive and culturally responsive environment for Indigenous students.

“Take 3”

Duncan Cran Elementary

Our Remembrance Day celebration was coordinated by Mr. Klaus and his class.  Our assembly highlighted wreath laying by each class, poems from Mrs. Henry and Mr. Morrison’s class and songs from Ms. Coles and Mrs. Ramstead’s class.

Our Indigenous Support Worker, Ms. Amanda, and our kitchen magicians, Ms. Casey and Ms. Monica, hosted soup and bannock for the whole school after our assembly.

Jaimelia Turner, Vice-Principal, Duncan Cran Elementary

Baldonnel Elementary

In recognition of Remembrance Day, Ms. McEachern’s grade 3/4 class created this original shadow box puppet act (video).

Our grade 5/6 students from Mrs. Olsen’s class shared what “peace” sounds like in 26 different languages.  All students performed original pieces and the kindergarten students made poppies.

The grade 1/2 (Mrs. Kay) and 2/3 classes (Mrs. Merrill) joined in singing an original song written by Tanya Merrill called “This is a Poppy.”  She wrote this to create an age appropriate song that would help teach the students the values of the day (video).

Craig Brownlee, Principal, Baldonnel Elementary

Key Learning Centre – Provincial Online Learning School

On Hallowe’en, some of our middle school students joined to carve pumpkins with their teacher at our Key Learning Centre.

There were a few others who joined the activity virtually from their homes from other cities in BC.

In recognition of Remembrance Day, we presented a virtual assembly via Zoom.

This year we had great attendance with approximately 70 students attending live, including our Buick Creek Elementary students, and the presentation was recorded so that folks can view it later on as well.  We all met and listened to the experiences and stories of Corporal (Retired) Matthew Heneghan – Medic.  Corporal Heneghan is very interesting, is well-spoken, and is a published author.  He shared that he uses his writing to help manage his emotions, his feelings and his mental health.

We were very fortunate to have this opportunity to have Corporal Heneghan be a part of our virtual  Remembrance Day assembly from his home in Falkland, BC and to have him share his experiences with us.

Christine Mann, Vice-Principal, Key Learning Centre – Provincial Online Learning School & Buick Creek Elementary