I remember it clearly — the time someone first referred to me as ‘Sir’.
I was a first-year teacher — fresh from university — and could easily pass for Grade 11 or 12. When a student in my class addressed me with that formal little word, I was stunned. “Sir?” I thought. “That’s what you call someone’s dad — not me.”
Fast forward a couple of years to present day, and ‘Sir’ is now a regular part of my daily soundtrack — at the grocery store; on the sidewalk; even at my favourite coffee shop –though the baristas there now greet me with my name, which might be a sign I’m spending a bit too much time caffeinating.
Something to reflect on.
Even the man in the mirror every morning — who’s sporting a few more grey hairs than should be there — doesn’t have any answers either for the regular reference to ‘Sir’. He just stares back, amused, as if to say, “You’re not 25 anymore, Dave. Let it go.”
Now, before you leave this post because its looking like a vanity post (and maybe it is a little), please stick with me. Because, I want to talk about transitions, especially those affecting our students — those inevitable life shifts that sneak up on us, whether we’re ready or not.
Every one of us goes through them.
Some are joyful — marriage, kids, landing that first real job. Others are harder — illness, loss, unexpected detours. And in between, there are the subtle ones — the slow realization that you’ve changed, that your role in the world is evolving, that you’re no longer the ‘young one’ in the room.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my own life transitions — both personal and professional. Were they good? Did they lead to growth? Would I have done anything differently if I’d known what was coming? These questions don’t have easy answers, but they’re worth asking. Because transitions shape us. They challenge us. And they remind us that nothing stays the same forever.
Which brings me to our students. If we, as adults, find transitions tricky, how are we preparing young people for the ones they’ll face? Are we helping them build the resilience they’ll need when life throws them a curveball? Are we giving them the tools to navigate a world that’s changing faster than ever — where AI, climate change, social media and social upheaval are part of the daily news cycle?
The truth is, life in 2025 is complex. And while every generation has faced its own version of ‘hard‘, today’s challenges are uniquely unpredictable. That’s why education matters more than ever — not just for teaching facts, but for helping students develop the mindset to adapt, to persevere, and to thrive.
Education is that critical ‘people builder’ space where we have the privilege of providing the children and youth of our community with the abilities of thinking critically and creatively, being compassionate and welcoming of others, and engaging their curiosity to be life-long learners. We hold that power and responsibility.
As we head into another new school year, the importance of transitions continues in its importance for our students.
And for me?
I’m still in the game — loving what I do. Still passionate about public education. Still learning. Still growing. And yes, still secretly hoping someone will check my ID when I order a glass of wine — just once, for old time’s sake.
(This post was inspired by the author prompting AI on the idea of the importance of life transitions. The personal stories and anecdotes are real and written without AI.)
There’s so much I am grateful for as Superintendent. But if I had to name just one thing that stands out, it’s this: I get to be part of a professional community that never stops striving to be better. Every day I’m surrounded by people who challenge and inspire me to grow — people who believe deeply in creating spaces where every learner can thrive. Together, we’re not just educators. We’re leaders. And we’re building something meaningful.
Like everywhere else, our district is affected by global issues. The global social and political realities of today are significant and impacting us in unexpected ways. In some of my previous posts I have commented on things such as the current political turmoil, economic uncertainty and social media biases — where we have seen the marginalizing of people because of their beliefs and personal preferences. I have blogged about the problems of racism, bigotry and hatred — because they are important topics for me — areas where we need conversation and action against them. As a school system, we have an obligation to combat these intolerances and be strong in our belief of being the places of kindness and understanding — the places where students feel welcomed, safe and included.
Tucker catching up on some critical down time
These are some of the current influences that are shaping my thinking and wonderings. With this as a backdrop, I’ve compiled a short list of 4 areas of personal reflection that I’d like to share — areas where I’ve spent some time — at work, on my drive home or perhaps walking Tucker:
Student Success
Artificial Intelligence & Education
Political and Economic Upheaval
A Personal Perspective
Student Success
We are 1/2 way throughStrategic Plan 2022-2027 — and making some good progress in:Literacy; Indigenous Learner Success; Mental Health & Wellness; and Global Citizenship.
School Plans, Personal Growth Plans, Long-Range Facilities Plans, staff recruitment, the Information Technology Plan, budget planning and many other areas are all examples of how we align our efforts to the Strategic Plan, building on what we know works well as well as trying new things to make us better.
Overall student literacy rates are showing improvement including for students with complex learning needs. There is still a difference in literacy rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, but the gap is narrowing.
Overall, students are feeling welcomed and safe at school. There has been a significant improvement of Indigenous students feeling a sense of belonging.
It is clear that having an adult with whom every child feels connected makes a tremendous difference in students’ sense of safety, as well as feeling valued for who they are in this world.
Graduation rates for all students continue to show a steady increase, with the biggest increase seen for the 6-year Indigenous student graduation rate increasing from 56% (2022-22) to 73% (2023-24).
These are just a few of the trends we are seeing. I encourage you to look over the entire Reportwhen you have some time. While there is still much work to be done — especially as it relates to building equity — it is important to acknowledge the efforts our staff are providing in building successful learning opportunities for the students in our care.
Artificial Intelligence and Education
This is an exciting time to be in K-12 education.
In the words of a friend and colleague, “The AI you’re using today is the worst it’s ever going to be.” Being the most recent ‘disruptive technology‘, AI is altering the educational landscape — changing how we lesson plan, increasing accessibility to the curriculum, as well as how we assess student progress. It also provides opportunities within the business side of our system.
But, this newest of technologies also comes with questions and worries. We’re not ignoring these, but instead we’re building a foundation of understanding that is continually evolving alongside of the technology. By embracing the conversation, we have the best opportunity to leverage its possibilities, while being cognizant of ensuring its appropriate use.
In Saanich, we produced a foundational document (Framework for Generative AI in Saanich Schools) that provides some of the ‘bumper pads or guiderails’ for AI in our schools. It is not the final word on how we use AI, but it does give us the foundation from which to build awareness and understanding, as well as increase our system capacity in capitalizing on this new, and evolving tool.
We hosted two staff GenAI Think Tanks this year as well as a virtual Parent Information Evening with 300 parents registered.
Our goal in these ongoing conversations is to share our current knowledge and progress, ask questions and continue our learning journey. We don’t have all of the answers. By asking questions and spending the time charting a path forward, we remain committed to being informed and progressive. We see the possibilities that AI can bring to our teaching and learning environments.
Stay tuned for continuing updates next year.
Political and Economic Upheaval
I have never intended for this blog to serve as a political platform—that has never been its purpose. Yet, remaining silent in the face of today’s turbulent political, social, and economic climate would be to ignore the wild uncertainty that surrounds us. This global instability is reverberating across all levels of governance — national, provincial, and local — leaving no community untouched, including here in British Columbia. Government budgets are in a state of flux, and school districts are not immune from the effects of this global uncertainty.
A Personal Perspective
Life is filled with moments that take your breath away and remind you there is a bigger picture . This past year, one of those moments was the birth of our granddaughter, Ophelia. What a pure bundle of joy! And, she just had her first birthday.
Baby Ophelia – 1 year old
Her brightness and inquisitiveness, the pure joy when she tastes new food, the giggles when you play peek-a-boo, and the screams of delight when you blow bubbles in her neck — they all put into perspective life’s priorities.
While there are many pressure points in our professional lives — in the end, what matters most are the people.
It is Ophelia and others like her who bring the greatest meaning to our lives and our priorities — both personally and professionally.
See you in September!
For those of you returning next year, I look forward to connecting with you again in our schools and district office. And, if you are off to new adventures thank you for being part of our community of learners. I wish you well.
Thank you to everyone who has entered my world this year — you have made an impact and a difference. I wish all of you a summer of rejuvenation, and opportunities to do the things that may get pushed aside during the busy school year.
Dave
(This post was written without the support of Artificial Intelligence.)
People who’ve done the work exude a kind of quiet power. They don’t need to shout about it. You may not even notice it, but it’s there.
It’s subtle, but if you look closely, it becomes obvious:
Real Ones Recognize Greta Thunberg’s Courage
recognizing the efforts of others who are beginning their journey;
not offering criticism when others trip along their way;
not tearing others down but building them up.
This quiet power comes from experience. From deep inside one’s being.
They know the kind of courage it takes to try something new. To begin. To keep going when it gets ugly. When the failures seem to outnumber the successes. When the inevitable roadblocks stop others.
They know what it feels like to be criticized. They are the real ones.
Real ones don’t criticize. They recognize.
The Courage to Begin
Starting something new is one of the most vulnerable things a person can do. Whether it’s launching a new initiative like writing your first blog, stepping into a new role, rewriting the rulebook, or experimenting with a new tool — the beginning is always the hardest part. It’s where one’s doubt is the loudest and the support from others is often its quietest.
But those who’ve been there — those who’ve travelled a similar path to you — they see you. They know the courage it takes just to begin. Behind every success story is a mountain of unseen effort. Early mornings. Late nights. Repetition. Sacrifice.
Real ones understand that discipline isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, it’s lonely and it’s necessary. And because they’ve lived it, they don’t mock your hustle.
They respect it.
The athlete respects the new gym attendee for the effort it takes to be awkward and unknowing in front of others.
The experienced master teacher honours the rookie who is trying new strategies.
The system leader cultivates a culture of emotional safety for new leaders allowing them the space to take risks.
To risk is to believe in something that doesn’t yet exist. It’s to bet on yourself when no one else will. Those who’ve taken real risks—who’ve put their time, money, and heart on the line—don’t belittle others for doing the same. They speak the language of the courageous.
Take the Risk to be Better
There’s nothing more raw than creating something from nothing. Sharing your ideas, your voice — it’s an act of vulnerability. True artists, makers, dreamers and doers know how exposed you feel when you put your work into the world — when you put yourself on the line. That’s why they applaud your courage.
It’s why you don’t see the athlete mocking the novice gym rat, nor the master teacher belittling the first year professional. These newcomers to the adventure are starting out and taking risks to be better — and that’s worth recognizing.
The Echo Chamber of the Uninspired
The loudest critics are often the ones doing the least. They haven’t risked. They haven’t built. They haven’t dared. Instead, they mock what they don’t understand. But their noise is just that—noise. It’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of their fear.
You’ll know you’re on the right path when the quiet nods start showing up. The athlete who sees your grind. The leader who respects your ambition. The mentor who sees your growth. Real ones don’t need to say much. Their recognition is subtle, but it’s real — and it’s earned.
Protecting Your Energy
Listen to Your ‘Why’ and Risk to be Better
Not every opinion deserves your attention. Learn to discern between critique and criticism. Protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset — because it is. Stay rooted in your purpose and let your “why” be louder than their “what ifs.”
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and believe in you. The right community doesn’t just cheer you on—they hold you accountable to your potential. They remind you who you are when you forget.
Keep BuildingYou
So keep going. Keep building. Keep growing. The world needs more people who are willing to try, to risk, to create. Don’t let the critics dim your drive. Let the real ones remind you that you’re not alone.
Let your superpower be your perseverance.
You’re just getting started.
(This post was inspired by the author prompting AI on the idea of someone being acknowledged by those who have travelled a similar path.)
The Power of Why 