Schools across the district came together on Remembrance Day to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country. Assemblies featured reflective ceremonies, educational presentations, and heartfelt performances by bands and choirs, creating moments of learning and remembrance.

Through creative expressions, including artwork and messages of hope, our schools shared their visions for a peaceful world while remembering the sacrifices made by others.

Funds were also raised for the Poppy Fund, which supports veterans and their families. The day served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of striving for equity, inclusion, and peace in our communities.

A group of secondary students proudly represented the district at the Ethics Bowl held at Simon Fraser University. The event included collaborative discussions and critical debates centered on the theme Democracy in Our Backyard. As part of the challenge, students explored pressing societal topics such as food banks, urban planning, and voting rights, demonstrating their ability to thoughtfully engage with complex issues.

Throughout the day, our students impressed judges and peers alike with well-structured arguments and insightful perspectives. This enriching experience helped them refine their critical thinking and public speaking skills while contributing meaningfully to discussions that shape our communities.

A rainy day turned into a hands-on learning opportunity as students embraced the puddles on their playground. Working together, they reshaped the landscape by moving sand and digging channels to guide water from one puddle to another.

This spontaneous project sparked curiosity and exploration, which allowed them to investigate scientific concepts such as water movement and the forces that shape it. Along the way, they developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills as they collaborated to achieve a shared goal.

An engaging project on animal life cycles combined literacy and science, bringing collaboration and creativity to the forefront. The class began by researching and writing an information book about bats, sharing their discoveries in a collaborative effort.

Building on this foundation, each student chose an animal to study independently. By gathering facts, organizing ideas, and creating their own informational books, they demonstrated their understanding through thoughtful writing and creativity.

This hands-on learning experience allowed them to develop critical thinking and communication skills in meaningful ways.

The fall season brought opportunities for outdoor adventures, blending exploration, skill-building, and connection with nature.

A camping trip became a highlight for the students as they embraced the rainy weather and found joy in an unexpected adventure. Gathered around campfires, they enjoyed s’mores, played spirited games like werewolf, and created whimsical shadow scenes in their tents. Peaceful walks along the river provided moments for reflection, allowing students to form a deeper connection with nature. These walks made the trip an unforgettable experience, leaving lasting impressions on all who participated.

Closer to home, the school’s new fishing club gathered at the wharf at sunrise. Practicing fishing techniques and observing local wildlife, they shared quiet moments of joy. The club provided a chance to develop new skills while forging a deeper connection with nature.

Secondary students embraced the changing seasons with hands-on culinary projects that highlighted the art of canning and baking. They carefully peeled, chopped, and preserved freshly harvested apples in spiced jars, preparing them for future recipes. 

As the season progressed, the preserved apples became the centerpiece of their next project. They crafted mini apple pies, pairing the spiced filling with freshly made dough. Measuring ingredients, rolling crusts, and perfecting baking techniques, they created treats that were as flavourful as they were skillfully made.

These activities offered more than just practical kitchen experience. They gave the students insight into the journey of food from raw ingredients to finished dishes, cultivating an appreciation for the care and creativity involved in cooking.

Indigenous educational storytellers brought meaningful teachings to our classrooms, deepening connections to the Indigenous cultures and the land we share. Through engaging narratives, they highlighted the significance of Turtle Island and the importance of respecting and connecting with the natural world.

One highlight of their visit was the story of “Bear Woman,” which revealed the depth and complexity of traditional storytelling and its essential role in preserving cultural heritage. The storytellers emphasized the importance of passing down knowledge to future generations, weaving lessons of wisdom and care into their messages.

These visits provided valuable insights and strengthened appreciation for Indigenous perspectives, encouraging reflection on the vital connections between people, culture and the environment. Students were left with a renewed understanding of the land’s history and a deeper respect for its enduring significance.

Preschoolers explored the world of bubbles through a hands-on activity that combined creativity and curiosity. After enjoying the fun of blowing and catching bubbles outdoors, they extended the experience by making bubble art indoors.

Using a mixture of soap and paint, they blew air through straws to create bubbles, then gently pressed paper onto the frothy surface. As the bubbles popped, they formed intricate, flower-like patterns, leaving behind colorful and unique designs.

This playful activity offered an opportunity to merge art and science, encouraging creative expression and sparking connections with the wolrd around them.