Revitalized School Plans

We just recently concluded a 2-year journey of completely reimagining School Plans. Considerable time was spent envisioning what these traditional documents could become — exploring data, ensuring that we heard from student voices that may sometimes be overlooked, and ensuring the plans were visual and interactive. These new plans are ‘living documents’ that respond to the ever-changing conditions in our schools and with our students.

Revitalized school plans were launched in February. If you want to take a quick peek at one, I’ve linked École Deep Cove Elementary. Others can be found on our district website.

A Commitment to A Better Future

Understanding the past as well as the present, provides us with opportunities to build a better tomorrow. Our shared commitment to Truth & Reconciliation is clear and unwavering. This important work creates brighter futures for all of us, and most importantly for the Indigenous children and youth in our care.

From including Indigenous Learner Success as a key pillar within the Strategic Plan, to the many teachings and initiatives being implemented across our district, we continue to focus on our shared commitment of being better. This is difficult but critical work — work that is central to what we believe and do.

I was honoured to be part of an afternoon of cultural understanding and Coast Salish drum making with respected Tsawout First Nation member, Bruce Underwood. Bruce led our management team through the contemporary method of drum making while teaching all of us about its cultural and historical importance.

This iconic symbol of the local land and people occupies a prominent place in my office, reminding me about the important work that still lies ahead.

Stelly’s Indigenous Cultural Room

We were proud to open a new Indigenous Cultural Room at Stelly’s Secondary last month. This has been a multi-year journey which was finally realized this spring. It has provided Indigenous students with a place of cultural connection and belonging — a space where they join with others to celebrate their rich history.

A huge thank you to the Stelly’s administration, staff and students as well as the Indigenous Education Department and Facilities Department who worked together to turn an awkwardly configured space into a bright and beautiful focal point.

84 New Childcare Spaces

After several years of planning, community consultation, funding approvals, rezoning and final occupancy permits, the ŚEŚIŚEJ Childcare Centre became a reality. In partnership with Beacon Community Services who operates the program, this childcare facility accommodates up to 84 children from infant/toddler to elementary after-school support.

The childcare centre is located at the intersection of White Road and Veyaness Road on land once used to house South Saanich School which first opened its doors in 1873.

Donated by the Turgoose family to the South Saanich School District many years ago, this parcel of land is too small for a modern elementary school, but perfectly suited for a Nature Based Early Learning Centre.

In April 2023, the Saanich Board of Education approved naming the new facility ŚEŚIŚEJ, a SENĆOŦEN word recommended by local Elders meaning “Little Forest”. The centre will provide SENĆOŦEN language teaching and incorporate First Peoples Principles of Learning in their programming as well as partnering with W̱SÁNEĆ Elders and educators.

A Disruptive Technology

My previous post (“Disruptive Technology”) is about Artificial Intelligence (AI) — the ubiquitous and disruptive technology that’s circling the globe. This latest innovative wave is also washing over K-12 education and will be a large part of our focus as we head into the new school year. It is both an exciting time around the possibilities it opens, as well as a time for us to ensure that we build a careful plan of how best to utilize it.

BTW … I created the image in this section as well as the header using AI.

Stay tuned for more information about how we will be moving ahead with AI later this fall.

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Summer Break

These are just some of the events that made 2023-24 a memorable year. This is truly an exciting time for our school district as we collectively continue to build bright pathways to the future.

Thank you to our 1400 staff, 7400 students and their families, the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nation and the broader community. I look forward to seeing you again in the fall as we begin another exciting leg of our shared journey together.

We are better because of you. Have a wonderful summer everyone.

Dave