Students demonstrate sign language at Board meeting

Two and a half years ago a Grade 2 student moved to Highland Park in Armstrong from Northern BC. Bella’s first language is American Sign Language and her new school had no ASL users when she arrived. Soon students were wanting to learn, and at the SD83 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night a group of students demonstrated some of their skills to trustees!
The group introduced themselves in sign language as well as helping trustees and those in the audience learn some simple signs, such as hello and thank you.

Kristina Baker, SD83 itinerant Hearing Resource Teacher, told trustees that because she is an itinerant teacher she has the opportunity to work with a variety of administrators, teachers, CEAs and best of all, students. “The District’s mission and vision is that we want to empower students to become confident, curious, and caring individuals who thrive in their learning, relationships, and community and to prepare our students to become educated citizens who contribute positively to a dynamic, sustainable, and diverse world.”
“And I believe what is being showcased here today embodies all of that.”

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Salmon Arm School Configuration
Significant concerns about the number of transitions students in the Salmon Arm area experience is the driving reason for Salmon Arm school configurations to once again be under discussion. At the School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) Board of Education meeting on Tuesday the Board directed administration to bring forward reconfiguration options for the Salmon Arm area schools.

Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger noted that the topic was raised in 2019-20, when the district was looking at long range facility planning as, at that point in time, projections showed that enrolment pressure necessitated change. “According to new Baragar projection data, the enrolment pressures which once existed in Salmon Arm appear to have changed. What remains a significant concern is the number of transitions students in the Salmon Arm area experience.”

Kriger pointed out that what the research shows about transitions is:

• School transitions negatively impact students who are “at risk” or “”marginalized.”
• Transitions that occur in older grades correlate with higher dropout rates.
• Younger students often achieve at higher levels when they attend school with older students. Student leadership, culture, and access to curricular expertise may all be factors.
• Grade 9 is a critical year for predicting a successful graduation.
• Transitions are more impactful on student success than poor attendance.

She added in a recent Committee of the Whole meeting where this topic was under discussion, local school principals and leaders shared with trustees that:

• Transitions between schools disproportionately impact diverse learners and Indigenous students.
• Relationships and trust “take time” with parents and with students.
• Difficult to track a successful graduation when it involves multiple schools.
• Multi-grade schools allow for establishing safety and culture which both require time.
• Salmon Arm Secondary is #27 of 300 plus secondary schools for highest number of graduates. Surrey currently has 29 secondary schools. “We have more graduates at SAS than many of the Surrey schools.”

MORE INFORMATION HERE
BACKGROUND
RESEARCH & DEMOGRAPHICS

Off to Quebec
The Board gave approval in principle for a Shuswap Middle School trip to Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa from May 26 to June 1. The trip, which is being organized by Roni Wocknitz and Kristy Ross, is for Grade 8 French Immersion students. The trip is to experience French Canadian language and culture and students will be going on city tours, doing cultural and historical activities, taste traditional meals as well as take part in outdoor excursions. The trip is being organized through Jumpstreet Tours. Organizers comment they already have 30 students committed to the trip, as well as three chaperones. Trustees thanked organizers for their work in providing this opportunity to students. It was also noted that they appreciated that Jumpstreet provided night security.
MORE INFORMATION HERE

Trustee Remuneration
According to its policy , trustee remuneration is to be reviewed annually and an adjustment may be made to the base remuneration amount only, effective December 1st of each year. The adjustment will reflect the BC Consumer Price Index change from the previous year. Accordingly, the Board had a motion to adjust the trustee annual remuneration. Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler walked the Board through the 2022 consumer price index , which showed BC to be at 6.9 per cent. The Board passed a motion that the remuneration be increased by the 2022 BC Consumer Price Index rate of 6.9 per cent effective Dec. 1, 2023. Vice Chair Corryn Grayston also wanted to discuss rural zone stipends, which is part of the policy, and that will be brought forward to the December Board of Education meeting.

Enrolment Fluctuations Procedure
The Board also passed a motion asking that an administration procedure be developed to try to locate students who would normally be expected to return to SD83 schools the next school year but who aren’t and haven’t been picked up by another school. She said this caught her interest when enrolment discussions took place earlier this year. She added that if an “exit” type-interview took place challenges, barriers, or gaps in support could be identified. “Right now operate in a bit of a vacuum about why those students have not returned.”

Superintendent’s Report
Bus Accident
Superintendent Donna Kriger noted that two SD83 buses were in an accident near Pierre’s Point on Monday. She expressed her thanks to all the staff who helped at the scene and behind the scenes. She told trustees that the principal and vice-principal of Carlin both happened to be in the area when the accident occurred and stopped and helped with students. “I appreciate all the love, care and attention that they gave to students and the drivers.” She also gave a big shout out to all of the students. “They were respectful and cooperative.” She told trustees that she contacted each family and they were absolutely gracious. “Thank you for your graciousness.”
Written Learning Updates
Kriger also expressed her thanks to all the educators who have been working on the first Written Learning Update (formerly known as report cards) under the Ministry’s new reporting policy. She said this is a significant shift to focus on descriptive and personalized feedback for students and meaningful opportunities to include student voice and is a significant amount of work. “Thank you to the teachers across the district who have shown dedication through the assessment that goes on and then the reporting.” She also thanked the educators who are involved with the SD83 Communicating Student Learning Working Group, who have provided templates, exemplars, and resources to support the change.
Provincial Changes to Grade 10 Curriculum
As many have heard in the news, the province has added mandatory holocaust curriculum to Grade 10. This change will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. She noted the scope of the Grade 10 Social Studies curriculum may also be broadened to include additions that reflect the diversity and history of B.C., such as learning related to Japanese Internment and discrimination against culturally diverse groups. “I’ve only been a few short years in BC but I’m immensely proud to be an educator in this province and work under a ministry that is really proactive.”

Human & Social Development
Kriger reported she wanted to highlight she is really proud of the work the Board has done in this area. She noted in response to last year’s Inclusive Education review, and to support social emotional learning, a Vice-Principal of Student Wellness has been added. She said there will also a large group of staff taking part in a collaborative learning series on The Behaviour Code (authored by Minnahan & Rappaport), which addresses the four most challenging behaviours of anxiety, oppositional, withdrawn, and sexualized. Kriger reported that society is not the same post-pandemic as pre-pandemic. “Our classrooms, schools and students have changed. All of us have changed in some way because of pandemic. There are changes in behaviour – a new normal that our teachers and CEAs are dealing with on a daily basis.”
Career Development
Kriger noted that within the B.C. curriculum, career-life development from Kindergarten to Grade 5 is largely about expanding a sense of self and discovering awareness of personal interests and strengths. “As students mature and get older those experiences and diversity begins to expand. When they get to high school level that’s when kids get to high school get to explore career life interests.” In Grade 6-9, students are introduced to increasingly diverse experiential learning opportunities and ways in family, mentors, and community networks support students’ self-awareness and continued career life development. She added in Grade 10-12 career-life interests and possibilities start to become meaningful considerations for students. For example, she said approximately 50 students participated in a career field trip to Tolko Lumber and Plywood Plant in Armstrong. Students rotated through eight interactive stations to learn a bit about the trades at the mill, including carpentry, millwright, heavy duty mechanic, electrical and power engineering, and machining. She said Career Life Education and Career Life Connections are required courses for graduation. Kriger thanked the entire career education department for the top notch work being done. She added she was recently told that at a recent provincial career education meeting, Director Reid Findlay was highlighted as an exemplar of work being done in the province in this area.
She added the dual credit area is really expanding and she noted the Early Childhood Education dual credit program will soon be beginning in SD83, along with the Medical Lab Assistant and the Emergency Medical Responder program. Please check with the career coordinator at one of the high schools for further information.
Organizational Development
Kriger said under the Strategic Plan goal of Organizational Development (which states SD83 will develop and enhance procedures and practices that will assist in meeting the strategic plan priorities) she highlighted several partnerships. This included in the North Shuswap area, with early learning staff working with the North Shuswap Childcare Society. She added SD83 Operations have been on-site to determine an appropriate location for onsite childcare. The next step is to explore funding options. Also, the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) Team, of which SD83 Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington, is in collaboration with the Ministry of Child and Family Development, and Child and Youth Mental Health to get established.
She also noted that in the Armstrong area, SD83’s Vice Principal of Early Learning, Allison de Boer, is organizing a community engagement session for childcare providers, teachers, early childhood educators, caregivers, and community service providers on November 29. This session will discuss recent data and research related to the early years in the Armstrong area.
Effective Governance and Leadership
Kriger reported to trustees that under this strategic goal, the Policy Committee is giving priority to revising Policy 121 – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The committee is nearing completion of its work revising Section 300 (Students) of the Board Policy Manual.
SD83 Values – Belonging/Respect
Kriger informed the Board that parents/caregivers/guardians have requested an information session related to SOGI 123. She thanked the SD83 District Parent Advisory Committee executive, who are working with Director Gillian Dawe-Taylor, Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington, and SOGI lead teacher Amy Witt to develop a question and answer session to support a sense of belonging for all students and families across the district. “Thank you to DPAC and SD83 staff who are working to continue to build upon the strong foundation of respect between families, stakeholders, and Rightsholders that currently exists.”
SD83 Values – Reconciliation
Kriger reported she, Director Chelsea Prince, Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler, and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Guillou attended the Indigenous Veteran’s Day at Splatsin on Nov. 8, where she learned a lot, including that Indigenous veterans who chose to serve in the military had to give up their status. Then, after the war, did not receive the benefits provided to other soldiers.
SD83 Value – Equity
Kriger reported SD83 is working with Shuswap Food Action Society and is holding a parent meeting on Nov. 29 to discuss what equity looks like in a school food program. This relates to the Ministry Feeding Futures grant, which has provided over $900,000 to ensure all SD83 students have access to nutritious food.
SD83 Celebrations
Congrats to Ronan Wiens of Jackson who defended his provincial High School Cross Country Running title at the BC Championships in White Rock. Also, congrats to the five SD83 swimmers who qualified for the BC Aquatics Championships, and to the Jackson junior girls’ volleyball team as they earned a spot at the provincials in Surrey this upcoming weekend!
Kriger wrapped up her report with some photos of a bench that was recently installed at North Canoe Elementary School, which was dedicated to the memory of secretary Shannon Martinson. The bench was donated by a local parent whose children felt a close connection to the school because of Shannon’s caring nature.
VIEW SLIDESHOW HERE

Education Directions
Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk was happy to report the Education Directions Committee has two students on it. “It is wonderful to have student voice.” The new students are Claire Marino from Jackson, and Sage Bryant-Currie from Salmon Arm Secondary. She also noted that the committee heard from Director Reid Findlay and Deborah Roberts, BC Emergency Health Services Emergency Medical Responder and Youth Pathways Project Coordinator, who discussed new dual credit opportunities for SD83 students including the Emergency Medical Responder program. The committee also reviewed its terms of reference as well as hearing from Director of Instruction Jen Findlay who presented on Communicating Student Learning and the new reporting policy. Jen Findlay also updated the committee on a new literacy program being used. “Really nice to be part of that learning alongside so many dedicated primary and learning resource teachers. When you walk in classroom, there is a common language, and common strategies. There is a really exciting energy about learning.” The next Education Directions meeting is in February.

Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported the committee discussed the quarterly financials, went through the raw data for the Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) report, which is brought to the Board (and posted on the website) at a later date. She noted that it was felt the $75,000 reporting point should be raised, but that isn’t their decision. The committee also had an update on facilities.
Secretary-Treasurer Dale Culler provided the Board with a quarterly financial report, covering from year end on June 30, 2024 to the end of September 2023 . He noted the financials look quite different at this point because it only includes one month of school being in session.

Pleasant Valley Secondary School Gym Update
Director of Operations Travis Elwood reported PVSS gym construction is proceeding well. He noted occupancy and gym use is still slated for fall 2024, although the project might not be totally complete until later. “Progress is proceeding steadily and the contractor is holding to the timeline,” he told trustees. Elwood added the contract was awarded in July, and the contract signed in August was for the compressed completion timeline. He commented by doing the demolition early they were able to mitigate some risk for potential delays. He said most of the concrete work is complete, the structural steel frame is on its way and the weather has been cooperating!

Partner Group Liaison
The next Partner Group Liaison meeting will be on November 29 with Vice Chair Grayston chairing.

Policy Committee
Committee Chair Brent Gennings reported the Policy Committee met on Nov. 1 where two policies were discussed, Policy 360 and Policy 121. Policy 360 – Student Admission was brought forward to the Board for first reading, which it approved. This policy is being updated as part of the Policy Committee’s review of Section 300 of the Board Policy Handbook. Gennings noted that work was nearing completion on updating the 300s (Student Section) of the Board’s Policy Manual.

Committee of the Whole (COW)
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported the Board held a COW meeting on Oct. 31 where the strategic plan and configuration of Salmon Arm schools were discussed. This meeting is recorded and available on the SD83 website.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Director of Instruction Gillian Dawe-Taylor updated the Board on student support and wellness. She began with a brief timeline of the history of People with Disabilities in B.C. and moving from special education to inclusion. Dawe-Taylor said inclusive education is ensuring that all students can access education with their peers through offering the support needed to meet the diverse needs of our students so that each student can become their most capable self.
She added in order to facilitate this there needs to be a commitment to teaching student by meeting them where they are, providing access points to learning and extending to an appropriate challenge level to maximize growth and potential – scaffolding instruction for complexity.

Also:

• a commitment to reducing and/or removing barriers to accessing learning, and an understanding that behaviour is communication – students are telling us they have unmet needs – and positioning ourselves to observe and explore what that need is and how we can best meet it in a school setting and/or advocating for or referring to other services.
• a fulsome student support model
•  a universal design for learning lens so that every student can access the curriculum and challenges are set appropriately to maximize their learning potential 
• support strategies that are available to all students in environments where their use is ‘normalized’ rather than ‘specialized’
• a tiered approach to support and interventions which includes universal, targeted intervention and more intensive support (i.e.: response to intervention models)
• ongoing professional development for staff for continual capacity building
• collaboration between students, parents/guardians/caregivers, teachers, learning resource teachers, district level staff, and other professionals (as needed) and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each member of the learning team
• school-based teams (SBT) who lead inclusion in the school and help strategize and solution find as complexities and challenges arise
• district and community support services that help school-based teams to meet the needs of students
• positive behavioural interventions, supports and restorative practices rather than punitive disciplinary ones
• an understanding of regulation: co and self  (i.e. the ability to regulate energy states, emotions, behaviours, and attention in ways that are socially acceptable and lead to calm, alert and ready to learn states of being
• understanding and providing social emotional learning
• ensuring educator wellness (if the staff isn’t well, they are less able to meet student needs)
• an understanding of trauma sensitive schools, classroom strategies and support – (i.e. understanding the ways in which violence, victimization and other traumatic experiences may have impacted students and their families and to apply that understanding to the design of systems of support and to instructional practice)

BCSTA Update
Lachmuth reported she attended the BCSTA meeting on Oct. 21-22. She said there was an exceptional presentation by the Metis Nation BC, part of which can be seen on YouTube. She also updated trustees on the BCSTA’s request to Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, to write a letter and release a statement committing to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the BC school system, including the human rights of transgender and other 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff, as well as addressing the misinformation being disseminated publicly regarding SOGI 123 resources.

BC Public Sector Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) Update
Lachmuth also reported on the BCPSEA symposium which she attended in early November, which covered a wide variety of topics focussed on Employee Well-Being: Legal and Societal Expectations for Employers.”It was an exceptional event. The content was jam packed with presentations and business.”

Quelmúcw Education Council Update
Lachmuth reported the Quelmúcw Education Council meeting is coming up next week.

Trustee Reports
Trustee VanBuskirk reported on the provincial advocacy day on Oct. 19 which included Elder Frank George, the Minister of Education Rachna Singh, and past BCSTA president Carole James was very well prepared, a good networking opportunity with other trustees, and she was very grateful to attend. “The purpose was to share public education concerns and priorities with politicians.” She said unfortunately local MLA Greg Kyllo was unable to attend but he did talk to her on the phone and said he would be very willing to attend a meeting with the Board. She also reported on attending the Salmon Arm Active Transportation Working Group meeting, and the Bastion Remembrance Day assembly.

Next meeting
The next regular meeting of the Board is on Tues., Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at the District Education Support Centre (DESC).