This year, the SD8 International Program was fortunate to host a Grade 12 student from Italy at LV Rogers Secondary School (LVR). The student is blind, so the first job of SD8 staff was to prepare teachers with tools they needed to make the student’s educational materials accessible.
Media Release: Budget Funds K-12 Enrollment Growth but Lacks Increases to Support Education Costs
[Victoria, B.C. – February 22, 2022] Today’s provincial budget continues to fund enrollment growth in the K-12 sector but falls short of covering increased education costs for districts.
Advocacy: Response to FNLC Letter on FSAs
[Sent February 9, 2022]
President Higginson to Minister Whiteside:
“We concur with the FNLC that there is much work to be done to improve educational outcomes for First Nations students in B.C.”
Focusing on Cultural Awareness in SD27
In October and November, SD27 staff had the opportunity to take part in a cross-cultural workshop presented by elders and knowledge keepers at Esk’etemc.
Sa-Hali Students Explore Social Justice
Students in Sa-Hali Secondary School’s Social Justice Club in School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson) created an amazing video on anti-racism, discrimination and allyship.
Surrey Launches Black Studies Course
The district is set to launch Black Studies 12, a new course exploring the rich and diverse history of Black peoples in B.C. and Canada, as well as the historical impacts on current events and ongoing issues of racism, oppression, decolonization and identity in today’s world.
Something Awesome at Seymour Heights
Something Awesome is a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) group of passionate students and two teacher leaders, Ms. Lane and Ms. Lusk, at Seymour Heights Elementary.
Advocacy: Increased Annual Facilities Grant Funding
[Sent December 9, 2021]
President Higginson to Minister Whiteside:
“Boards of education across B.C. share a common interest in having safe, healthy schools for students to learn within. Annual Facilities Grants, which focus on the regular maintenance of schools and related facilities, are intended to contribute to this goal.”
Advocacy: Declaration of National Opiate Death Crisis
[Sent November 30, 2021]
President Higginson to CSBA President French:
“Conversations on substance use education, prevention and intervention are common concerns for students, families and staff in our province’s schools.”
Burnaby Students Celebrate Kindness Day
The efforts of a Kindergarten class connected to World Kindness Day were spread far and wide when a video of their infectious dance of joy went practically viral.