At the end of September, students across the district engaged in meaningful learning activities to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Across schools, students took part in a range of experiences designed to deepen understanding of residential school histories and honour survivors. Activities included storytelling, film screenings, art-based reflection, and assemblies that encouraged thoughtful dialogue and personal connection. At one secondary school, the day began with a shared story and documentary viewing, followed by hands-on learning and creative expression through Indigenous rock art. The school community later gathered for a concentric circle ceremony, which was a moment of collective reflection and acknowledgment.

These activities provided students with opportunities to engage thoughtfully with the significance of the day, fostering empathy, understanding and a personal connection to the stories and histories of residential school survivors.

In September, schools across our district united for the annual Terry Fox Run, marking 45 years of courage, determination and hope. Students participated in assemblies and laced up their running shoes to honour Terry Fox’s mission and support cancer research.

This year's theme, "Finish It," inspired everyone to reflect on Terry's Marathon of Hope and the ongoing journey to end cancer. From kindergarten through high school, students took part in this year’s run on their school’s own schedule, showing that every step counts and every effort matters.

Terry's legacy continues to inspire new generations to dream big, persevere, and make a difference, one run at a time. By taking part in this annual tradition, school communities continue to advance Terry’s mission and support cancer research that is making a real impact in the fight against cancer.

Grades 10-12 students across several secondary schools in the district had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from BC post-secondary institutions. These visits gave students a valuable chance to learn more about academic programs, admissions, scholarships and campus life.

Students spent time visiting booths hosted by various institutions, asking questions and collecting materials to support their planning. They engaged in conversations about their interests, compared institutions, and considered the many options available to them. The atmosphere was both informative and interactive, which encouraged students to think more deeply about their future goals.

By bringing post-secondary representatives into school communities, these events spark meaningful conversations about life after high school. Students gain new insights and perspectives that help shape their decisions and prepare them for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Hands-on experimentation with watercolours and oil pastels brought colour theory to life in a vibrant classroom activity. Inspired by the changing season, the focus was on exploring the contrast between warm and cool, while using a colour wheel to guide their understanding and spark creativity.

Students blended hues and layered textures, learning how colour can bring out emotion and memory. Cool tones reminded some of oceans and quiet moments, while warm shades brought to mind sunsets and cozy fall evenings. The combination of materials and techniques encouraged thoughtful reflection and expressive choices.

This fun activity helped build foundational knowledge of design while offering space for personal expression. It also highlighted how visual art can connect learning with lived experience, showing that creativity thrives when learners are given the tools to explore, experiment, and interpret the world around them.

A Library Learning Commons was transformed into a “Bookshelf Bistro,” creating a cozy café-style space with tablecloths, flowers, tea lights and background music. In this playful setting, students sampled books instead of food as part of a school-wide book tasting.

With an incredible turnout, nearly every class explored six themed tables featuring a wide range of genres, from comedy and real-life stories to new non-fiction. Younger students rotated between tables while older ones browsed at their own pace, rating each “dish” in their bistro menus. Many embraced the café theme, asking for “takeout” to sign out a favourite book or describing a selection as “delicious.”

The excitement from this event is now carrying forward into a year-long reading challenge. Participants receive a scratch card, uncover a title, read it, and write a short review. Completing six reviews earns a free book, and along the way, their recommendations fill display boards and inspire others to join in the fun.

A playful math activity got kids thinking and talking as they took part in “Which One Doesn’t Belong?” — an exercise that invited close observation and creative reasoning. When shown a group of related images, students were asked to pick the one that seemed different, and more importantly, explain why.

This task gave students a chance to practice sharing their thinking using mathematical words, while also learning to listen to each other. Whether comparing leaves, bananas or canoes, they focused on details like colour, shape or condition to support their reasoning. As they talked through their observations, they discovered that each item could be seen as the one that doesn’t belong, depending on how you look at it. They also noticed that similarities and differences often overlap.

Building on this discovery, the class created their own “Which One Doesn’t Belong?” using everyday classroom materials. The experience encouraged questions, welcomed different views and highlighted the value of thoughtful math talk.

A pop art self-portrait project invited young artists to explore their creativity through bold colour, pattern, and comic-style design. Inspired by the work of Roy Lichtenstein, the activity began with a lesson on pop art and its signature use of primary colours, black outlines and dotted textures.

Students traced their photos using classroom windows, then added expressive details with felt pens and Sharpies. They were quick to embrace the process and took pride in their finished portraits. Optional onomatopoeia added a playful touch.

Now displayed in the hallway, the portraits spark curiosity and conversation as those passing by guess who’s who. The project encouraged self-expression, while reinforcing key design elements and art history. It also served as a reminder that being different is something to be proud of, and that art can be a powerful way to share who we are.

Kindergarten students explored “loose parts,” open-ended materials of various textures, shapes, and sizes that can be freely combined. These materials offered endless possibilities, inviting creativity, exploration, and a spirit of discovery.

During their first session, there were no set instructions. Children followed their interests, sorting cubes with maple leaves and squares, stacking translucent pumpkin shapes into small sculptures, or using animal and plant pieces to inspire storytelling. Even with the same materials, each child approached the experience differently, expressing their thoughts and creativity through play.

Through these moments, students practiced fine motor skills, explored early math through sorting and arranging, developed language by describing their creations, and expressed artistic imagination through open-ended design.

The beauty of loose parts lies in their openness. They offer no fixed answer. Instead, they encourage children to explore, experiment and invent. In this space of possibilities, every wooden block, stone or string brought new inspiration to life.