A warm welcome back after spring break. 

Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Winter is behind us and spring has arrived. These last three months of the school year often feel like they move at a more rapid pace as the weather improves. Most students have had a chance to recharge after two weeks away. They are keen to take part in more outdoor learning through field trips, school sports, environmental education and other dynamic activities like training for the Reconciliation Run, Walk, Wheel event coming up this June in all schools. Each week leading up to Run-Walk-Wheel, Aboriginal Education staff will share information related to specific reconciliation themes and training tips to work toward completing the event and taking reconciliACTION.

Scholarships and Graduation

Also quickly approaching is 2025 graduation for grade 12 students. Scholarship adjudications start in April and capstone projects get underway. To find out more about the adjudication process through our Scholarship Information Session, one of many online family engagement sessions we offer throughout the school year. You can attend sessions live on Zoom or watch the recordings when it works for you.

Kindergarten to Intermediate Students

For those youngest students about to embark on their K-12 education, Kindergarten orientation will take place in April and May. If your child will turn five in 2025, be sure to register for kindergarten now to receive information about the upcoming orientation for your catchment school, and other early learning events that are wonderful, positive, play-based introductions to school. 

Intermediate students will also participate in some exciting events this spring as they transition to middle or high school, with upcoming school visits supported by senior students who help younger learners understand what to expect in the next stage of their education. You can contact your child’s school to find out more.

SchoolMessenger and Student Safety

Nothing is more important than student safety and well-being. This is why SchoolMessenger has been activated in SD8. This communication app is used successfully by school districts, parents and guardians across B.C.

SchoolMessenger enhances communication with families by allowing families to customize how SD8 communicates with you – by phone, email, text and through the app on your devices.

If you have a child in elementary school or middle school, you will have already received an email this winter from your school principal inviting you to sign up for SafeArrival, a student absence reporting tool that is part of SchoolMessenger. If you have a child in high school, an invitation was recently emailed to you.

You can download the School Messenger Home App on your device, or create an account on the School Messenger website. For more information about the app, including information about data privacy, please contact your school.

I wish you a wonderful spring.

Warmly,  

Trish