Welcome Message to SD83 Families
August 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to another school year! I hope this message find you well and that the summer of 2024 has been wonderful for you and your family. I would like to extend a special welcome to families new to our district. I am certain that you will find our district to be an inclusive and inviting community for both you and your child(ren).
The beginning of a new school year is always one of my favourite times of year. With it comes a collective optimism and enthusiasm. I believe it is because it represents a fresh start and world of new possibilities for both learners and staff. We have exceptional educators who work tirelessly each day to fulfill our district mission of “empowering students to become confident, curious, and caring individuals who thrive in their learning, relationships, and community.”
This year will bring some changes that I would like to make you aware of. As you may have heard, a new Ministerial Order has resulted in the restriction of personal digital devices within all school districts across the province. The Board of Education for School District No. 83 has implemented a new policy, and an Administrative Procedure has also been developed to assist schools in the implementation of the Order and policy.
In June, the Board of Education passed a motion to begin the work of reconfiguring Salmon Arm urban and rural feeder schools whereby elementary schools will become Kindergarten to grade 7 and multiple secondary schools will include grades 8 to 12. This work will involve the refinement of school catchment boundaries as well as establishing a feeder system for the secondary schools.
The 2024-25 school year represents the second year of the District Strategic Plan. Throughout the year, we will share the progress we are making in each of our six strategic priorities which include: Intellectual Development, Human and Social Development, Career Development, Community Partnership Development, Organizational Development, and Effective Governance and Leadership.
Finally, I would like to ask for your assistance regarding student attendance. Since COVID, districts across the province are witnessing an increase in student absences. We know that attendance matters and has a correlation to student achievement and social-emotional skills. As few as two days of absence a month will result in missing a month of school over the course of a school year. As we endeavor to provide your children with a strong academic foundation, I would invite you to assist us by making daily attendance a priority for your children.
As we embark on a new school year, let’s embrace the opportunities it brings. I invite you to work alongside us as we endeavor to create positive and enriching educational experiences for your children. You are valued partners within the school district. Imagine what we can accomplish together if we practice compassion and understanding, embrace each other’s differences, and create harmonious relationships where every voice is heard and valued. The pencils are sharp, the pens are new, and the notebooks are blank. Let’s work together to fill the pages of this year with new and memorable experiences for all students.
I trust you will enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming your children during the morning of Wednesday, September 4th.
With gratitude,
Donna Kriger
Superintendent of Schools
