Superintendent's Report - March 2025

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Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL)

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Student Learning – Human & Social Development

Celebrating Black History Month

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Ms. Waring’s Grade 5/6 students created a “We Are All Woven Together” quilt for display.

Each student chose and researched a significant person and then attached their piece of the quilt together.

Helen Waring, Grade 5/6 Teacher, Hudson’s Hope School

One of our Grade 1 classes did a project that is summed up with this picture.

Griff Peet, Principal, Duncan Cran Elementary

In recognition of Black History Month, a Grade 3 classroom engaged in a meaningful activity celebrating diversity and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students each received a piece of a large rainbow-colored poster featuring Dr. King’s image. They carefully colored their individual sections, which were then assembled to reveal the full poster, symbolizing unity and the beauty of differences. This collaborative project sparked discussions about Dr. King’s message of equality and how each person’s unique qualities contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community. The activity reinforced the importance of respect, kindness, and celebrating diversity in everyday life.

Glen Longley, Principal, Charlie Lake Elementary

What is Biochemisty?

Aloo Denish Obiero (popularly known as Aloo Denish) , is a Kenyan bioscientist (biochemist) , leader, and author born on January 2nd,1994, in Olando Village, Gwassi East Location, Suba District, Homa Bay County, Kenya, to parents Ghands Aloo Aira and Prisila Adoyo Aloo.

A passionate scientific researcher, he has conducted extensive laboratory-based research and analysis for various institutions. He is a contributing author of the book ‘Protocols for Cyanobacteria Sampling and Detection of Cyanotoxin.’ Among his scientific publications is ‘Identification of Toxic Blooms of Cyanobacteria in Marine Water Habitats.’

Biochemistry—the chemistry of life’s design,
Where molecules dance, interlink, and align,
A bridge between cells, atoms, and earth,
Defining each process, from death to birth.
From cells to tissues, to systems whole,
Biochemistry reveals life’s molecular role.

Atoms join with bonds of varied might—
Covalent, ionic, in complex rite.
Molecular structures, their shapes decide,
How functions emerge and systems collide.
Water, polar and bound by bonds unseen,
Becomes life’s solvent and essential scene.

Carbohydrates fuel, in branching chains,
While proteins give shape, structure, and gains.
Lipids form membranes, barriers and walls,
And nucleic acids hold life’s codes, small but tall.
Each plays its part, in pathways intertwined,
The building blocks of life, so meticulously designed.

Catabolism breaks, releasing life’s spark,
Anabolism builds, leaving nature’s mark.
Glycolysis starts, the fuel we ignite,
The citric cycle follows, energy in sight.
ATP fuels the cells’ endless demands,
In bioenergetic chains, life expands.

The enzymes, catalysts that spark each course,
Signal transductions, relay with molecular force.
Channels open, gates control flow,
Compartmented spaces, with roles to show.
Each process precise, a well-ordered dance,
In the cell’s intricate, coordinated trance.

DNA spirals, a double helix of code,
Blueprints of life in sequences bestowed,
Transcription to RNA, a message to read,
Translation to proteins, each cell’s vital creed.
Genes regulated, expressions controlled,
A symphony of life meticulously told.

With spectrums and gels, we separate, define,
Electrophoresis’ bands, chromatogram’s line,
PCR amplifies genes to explore,
CRISPR edits, opens new doors.
These tools unearth life’s secrets concealed,
In every lab, mysteries revealed.

From medicine’s cures to agricultural yields,
Biochemistry stretches across modern fields.
Personalized treatments, precision designed,
Green tech and ethics, the future aligned.
At life’s smallest scale, in molecules profound,
The promise of science and progress is found.

This is a poem that I shared with my Anatomy & Physiology 12 class, which was written by a black biochemist from Kenya.

As well, we had a short discussion about Henrietta Lacks, who was a black, African woman. Lack’s cervical cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line, which was used extensively for cellular research as it is an “immortal” line. There were many ethical considerations with this, as researchers profited from the cell lines, but Henrietta’s own family didn’t receive any benefit, nor did they consent to the procedure.

Lindsay Lynn, teacher, North Peace Secondary

Here are some photos of the projects my class did this month for black history month.

The first was focused on famous black Canadians and their impact on society.

The second was focused on the Underground Railroad and how messages were communicated using quilt patterns.

The third with the woman is focused on famous black Canadians. The research is put on a background of natural hair, which surrounds “Tapi“. The symbolism of it being on her natural hair is that she is both connected to Canadian history and embracing who she is. Natural hair was and is used as a form of oppression. Tapi is my friend’s daughter who came to live with my family 7 years ago from Zimbabwe. Tapi wanted the woman to represent her as she is now.

Rachel Kowalsky, teacher, Bert Ambrose Elementary

Artifacts and learning from Mrs. Powers’s grade 1/2 class as they learn about Canadian history as well as discrimination during Black Lives Matter in February.

Trina Powers, Grade 1/2 Teacher, Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School

Black History bulletin board at Robert Ogilvie Elementary School.

Christine Todd, Principal, Robert Ogilvie Elementary

Our library display for Black History Month. We also read age appropriate stories.

Tamara Hollman, teacher, Anne Roberts Young Elementary

Our grade 5/6 class at ARYES did some creative presentations for Black History Month.

Susan McGarvey, Grade 5/6 teacher, Anne Roberts Young Elementary

My grade 3/4 class did an art project on Kente Cloth Weaving from Ghana (pictured below) and then also a paragraph about prominent African Canadians.

Shannon Gallagher, Grade 3/4 teacher, Anne Roberts Young Elementary

This was a grade 1 French Immersion project. Mme Nicole read the story in both English and French. The class then discussed diversity; how families can look different from one another and extended it to friendships. Mme Nicole also shared that her family is mixed with East Indian cultural background and Irish/English Canadian background.

The students celebrated how everyone can be different, but they have so very much in common.

Mme Nicole, teacher, École Central Elementary School of the Arts

Video from the Robert Ogilvie Elementary Black History Assembly led by Raquel Robertson (teacher).

Jane Drew, SWIS Manager, SD60

People Development

Learning to be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course

“Take 3”

North Peace Secondary

Polar Bear Dip – Our Outdoor Education Program and North Peace Search and Rescue (NPSAR) worked together to organize this event.

In exchange for the professional setup and expertise that NPSAR can offer, 100% of the funds raised go to them. This year the Outdoor Education Program raised over $5,000.00 for NPSAR.

Approximately thirty (30) students took part in this 2nd Annual Polar Bear Dip.

Krista Peregoodoff, Vice-Principal, North Peace Secondary

Key Learning Centre

STEM Activity – Middle school students (grades 7-9) worked with their elementary school counterparts (grades K-6) on a STEM activity to see who could design and build a device to keep a raw egg safe when dropped.

Students worked hard to use the supplied materials creatively and then held their breath as their creation, containing the raw eggs, was dropped.

Many failures, some successes, and a lot of smiles and laughter were had by the students and staff.

Key Learning Centre

Thank you to the generosity of the City of Fort St. John, our students have been able to take part in two skating opportunities at the Pomeroy Sports Center.

For some of our students, it has been a chance to learn to skate. It has also been a chance for other students to practice and refine their skating skills.