As we leave November behind us and move into December toward the winter break and the half-way point in the school year, it's a great time to reflect on the past three months and how school communities and SD8 as a whole are supporting each child in their learning journey.

Through the fall and into the coming winter, SD8 staff, students, families, and education partners are focused on supporting children to connect with one another through events such as a school-wide hot breakfast at Salmo Elementary prepared by school board office staff and enjoyed by all, and celebration of a beautiful new sign at Blewett Elementary supported by the school PAC.  

Another ongoing focus is teaching and learning skills and knowledge that will serve students for a lifetime. For example, at Wildflower Nelson students are learning how to resolve conflict in a healthy way while at Brent Kennedy Elementary students worked to understand the importance of honesty. 

Students have also worked together to understand their own culture and the culture and identity of those around them by marking Indigenous Veterans' Day and Remembrance Day across the district in early November, with SD8 Aboriginal Education staff sharing information about athlete Tom Longboat and Métis leader Louis Riel, both Indigenous veterans.  

Leadership has been another fall focus with our Board of Education and students participating in the Student Leadership Conference hosted by Mount Sentinel Secondary.  

We are into the season of winter concerts and celebrations of the holiday season so please be sure to check school updates emailed to families and shared on school websites for the dates and times of upcoming winter concerts.  

The winter break begins for all students at the end of the school day on December 20, with school back in session on January 6, 2025.  

Happy holidays to all, and to all a good December!

Warmly,  

Trish 

Superintendent's Report - December 2024