Blog Posts

Six students and 1 Adult holding up books in front of them in the library. Wonder Pup Books Group Photo
September 24, 2024

Building Lifelong Learners: Fostering Literacy and Self-Regulation

At Semá:th Elementary, we encourage all our students to become lifelong learners and take responsibility for their learning. A big part of what we do here is build strong literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities. We also focus a lot on self-regulation, teaching kids how to understand and manage their feelings and actions. In our classrooms, we use group discussions, teamwork, and personalized feedback to help students see what they’re good at and celebrate their achievements.

Six students and 1 Adult holding up books in front of them in the library. Wonder Pup Books Group Photo
Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
June 26, 2024

Family Partnerships

At Kandal, we are committed to strengthening our family partnerships in our school community. It’s no secret that the more parents are involved in their children’s lives, both at home and at school, the more they will be in the ‘know’ about how best to support their children. To this end, our kindergarten and grade 1 teachers and our English Language Learners (ELL) teachers initiated the “Parents as Partners” program.

Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
Marathon running race, large group of runners
June 4, 2024

The Home Stretch: Finishing Strong

Many years ago, as I trained for my first marathon, one of my mentors—a seasoned runner with countless marathons behind him—shared invaluable wisdom about the importance of finishing strong. He emphasized the need to maintain enough energy to cross the finish line with a smile and a strong pace, regardless of how the race began.

I can still recall his words echoing in my mind: “Remember, it’s not about how you start the marathon; it’s about how you finish. Finish strong.”

Marathon running race, large group of runners
Classroom sit within a forested trail to learn about Indigenous Plants and Animals in the area
May 28, 2024

Blue Jay Students Blossom with Indigenous Plant Knowledge

As part of the district’s unwavering commitment to Indigenous Education, Blue Jay is dedicated to expanding our understanding of Indigenous ways of learning. The last part of May and the beginning of June, known as tem’elile or Salmonberry Time according to the Stó:lō Seasons of the Moon calendar found on the Indigenous Education website, marks the start of the berry season and the return of the Salmon to their home.

Classroom sit within a forested trail to learn about Indigenous Plants and Animals in the area
Six smiling teacher candidates standing in the library IKT - Superintendent Newsletter - 24APR2024
April 22, 2024

The Impact of Hosting Teacher Candidates

An important part of giving back to the profession is when veteran teachers become mentors to new teaching candidates.  I am thrilled to highlight the significant role and benefits of hosting student teachers at Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw. Currently, we have the pleasure of hosting six teacher candidates from the University of the Fraser Valley who are diligently navigating their long practicums alongside amazing educators within our building. As we embrace this opportunity, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that hosting student teachers has on our school community.

Six smiling teacher candidates standing in the library IKT - Superintendent Newsletter - 24APR2024
Students and families gathered in the school gym on the floor, ready to watch a movie Harry Sayers - March Movie Night
March 15, 2024

“Reach for the Stars”: Engaging the Harry Sayers Parent Community

At Harry Sayers Elementary, one of our goals is to strive to “Increase parent and community engagement” as part of our School Plan and the School District Strategic Plan. During the pandemic, parents were not able to volunteer or be part of the school community like they once were.

Students and families gathered in the school gym on the floor, ready to watch a movie Harry Sayers - March Movie Night
Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
March 15, 2024

Connecting and Celebrating: A Journey Across our District

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.

Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
Bags of produce items loaded in the back of a truck Little Green Apple - February Superintendent Newsletter Image
February 28, 2024

Building Bridges for All Students

In the pursuit of fostering a more equitable and inclusive society, schools play a pivotal role. We envision leading a school that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive student support. Drawing inspiration from "The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger" by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson (2011), we believe that creating an equitable educational environment contributes to a stronger and more cohesive society.  

Bags of produce items loaded in the back of a truck Little Green Apple - February Superintendent Newsletter Image
Sunrise light at the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on a foggy morning, suspended walking bridge in middle of forest, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. iStock - Capilano Suspension Bridge
February 1, 2024

The Bridge to Anywhere

There are no guarantees in life, but wherever you want to go or can imagine going, education is probably the best way there. How does a child in Kindergarten one day become an architect? How does a grade nine student become an arthroscopic surgeon or an agriculturist? How does one become an electrician or a chef? You guessed it - education. This is why I often describe education as the bridge to anywhere.

Sunrise light at the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on a foggy morning, suspended walking bridge in middle of forest, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. iStock - Capilano Suspension Bridge