October 28, 2013 - Superintendent's update to the Board

On Thursday, October 17, Trout Lake was inundated with thousands of eager and enthusiastic young elementary school cross country runners. Almost 3,000 athletes from 73 schools participated in the 2013 District Elementary Cross Country Championships.
On Wednesday October 16 around 20 schools from across the district participated in a demonstration project with Destination Imagination. At Maquinna Elementary students, were tasked with creating a tower to support a ping pong ball with a few household products such as a paper bag, sheet of paper and felt twisty ties..
Bruce Elementary school students had a special treat last week. They were invited to visit UBC Farm’s Intergenerational Landed Learning Program. They learned all about soil ecology, sustainable cultivation and had a chance to get their hands dirty in one of the farm’s many gardens. The teacher in charge has described this lesson as “transformational” for many of the participants.
Osler Elementary enjoyed a visit from Project Chef and their philanthropic supporters Les Dames d&apos;Escoffier on “Foods Day”, which was celebrated on Thursday October 24. On the menu last Thursday was stir fry.
Gordon Teacher, Graeme Cotton and Britannia Secondary teacher, Romy Cooper were recently awarded the Governor General’s Award for History Teaching Excellence, a national prize which will bring them all the way to Ottawa for a special ceremony. On Tuesday of last week, Romy and Graeme’s students congratulated their teachers during a special celebration event.
Tupper Secondary’s Big (best) Buddies program is a unique peer to peer program aimed at connecting senior Tupper student leaders with the school’s lifeskills class. Last Monday, Tupper’s Best Buddies headed to Hillcrest ice rink for some skating adventures. Both the lifeskills students and the Best Buddies had a great time together.
On Tuesday Oct 8, Nootka Elementary hosted an Aboriginal Gathering and Bannock Breakfast. During the celebration, the students created decorations, helped with the erection of a Tee Pee. Student leaders wrote scripts and introduced special VIPs at the &apos;gathering assembly’.
On Tuesday, October 22, Prince of Wales mini school was visited by George Kourounis, a Canadian “weather extremist” and storm chaser. During his presentation, George spoke to students about his extreme experiences – from chasing tornado outbreaks in Kansas, monster hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and forest fires in British Columbia. He was even lowered into an erupting volcano on one of his many adventures.
15 singers from Tupper had the fantastic opportunity to perform with the US band &apos;Paramore’ at the PNE Forum. The students performed during a massive rock concert in front of thousands of fans. They were amazing ambassadors of Tupper and pulled off a great performance, looking stylish in their red choral gowns.
The Take a Hike Program at John Oliver has recently returned from their two fall backcountry trips. The Grade 11 and 12 class went for a 10-day backpacking trip to Tenquille Lake just north of the Pemberton Valley where they enjoyed spectacular views of the Coast Mountains from the top of Mount McCleod and Finch Ridge. Meanwhile, the Grade 10 and 11 class went sea kayaking for 3 days up Indian Arm. In spite of some bad weather along the way, I understand that the students had huge smiles on their faces by the end of the trip.
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
On October 15, Minister Fassbender opened Sexsmith, Gladstone, Windermere, Pinnacle, Strathcona
We Day, Free The Children - October 18
Education of Urban Aboriginal Youth - UBC Research Conference - Oct 18 2013 4 Urban Aboriginal Youth Groups presented their responses to the research question “What or who could make you want to stay in school”. Guest speakers include: Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs; Chief Wayne Christian, Chief of Splatsin Indian Band; and Darlene Shackelly, Executive Director of the Native Courtworkers and Counseling Association of BC.