糖心Swag

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

Thank you for supporting as parents everything we do at the school level to ensure that students’ environments and learning opportunities are inclusive, caring, and engaging. When I meet students in schools and at District events, they often share stories of how much they enjoy school. Connecting and relationships is a core commitment of the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan.

District Employee Engagement Results 2024

Thank you to the Transportation Department for their willingness to share the passion for what they most enjoy about their work last week, which is in this story now posted on our website.

George Hilliard Elementary School - October 11, 2024

Principal Topolovec shared how much she appreciates the supportive families and staff at George Hilliard. She highlighted how older students act as supervisors during recess and they take their responsibility to be positive role models very seriously.

They have committed to leadership training for these students, and their focus is on being kind and showing respect on the playground, in the field, and inside the school.

We started our classroom visits in Mr. Rhynold’s library, where he shared new resources and how much he enjoyed setting up the new space. We then met Steve Johnston who was cleaning in the hallway, and he stopped to share that he was a student at George Hilliard and pointed to his family home across the field. He was excited to share, “I really liked this school as a student because it was so connected to where I lived and we played every day. What makes this place even more special is that a Grade 6 student’s grandfather is the first custodian at the school.” The school has a sense of community and pride amongst students and staff that can be felt and it is evident in the stories shared.

Ms. Goddard’s Kindergarten students were listening to a read aloud of the picture book about giving thanks, which fit the time of year as it was right before Thanksgiving weekend. She shared how they had done a “wonder walk” and chose items from outside to make pictures for Thanksgiving. Ms. Ficke’s Grade 1-2 class was also reading about being thankful and locating the “tricky” words. Ms. Jacobsen’s Grade 5-6 class was focused on what happens in a soft start to share with the two teacher candidates Maddy and Marlee.

“Softs starts” involve activities that engage students in different ways: Monday–surveys, “Tech” Tuesdays, Wednesday–Math Games, Thursday–Art, and Friday–Reflections on important topics.

Bert Edwards Science and Technology School’s Annual Rivers Day – October 11, 2024

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Bert Edwards Science and Technology School hosted its 13th Annual Rivers Day. Students, teachers, staff, and community partners gathered along the banks of the North Thompson River to learn about Kamloops’ local rivers and waterways, Indigenous perspectives, industry connections, the science of rivers, and how everyone can impact local rivers in a positive way. Read more.

TRU Open House – October 19, 2024

The Systems Development priority outlined in the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan includes a commitment to building community partnerships and we are proud to have a strong community partnership with Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Students, parents, and guardians are invited to attend TRU's annual Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9 am to 2:30 pm. The TRU Open House offers an opportunity to discover over 100 booths, displays, and hands-on activities showcasing TRU’s wide range of programs. .

District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC)

Welcome back to all Parent Advisory Council (PAC) volunteers. PACs are open to everyone connected to a child in school so if you are interested in joining, please reach out. The District Parent Advisory Council is here to help – visit the DPAC page on sd73.bc.ca for DPAC’s contact information, meeting schedule, and meeting Zoom link.

As you enjoy this weekend, I hope that you take well-deserved time to rest and relax, and to reconnect with friends and family.


Rhonda Nixon, PhD
Superintendent