The first bell of September will ring next week as students from across qathet School District return to the classroom.
From kindergarten learners at Westview, Henderson, James Thomson and Texada elementary schools, to the teens filling the halls of Brooks Secondary School, the buildings and surrounding grounds will once again be alive with energy and possibilities.
The new school year is always a time of fresh starts. For some students, it marks the first day in a new building; for others, it’s the beginning of a final year before graduation. At every level, these transitions carry both excitement and challenges.
This fall, Brooks is welcoming grade eight students at the beginning of their high school journeys, and preparing senior students for postsecondary paths, apprenticeships and careers. In qSD elementary schools, teachers are focusing on literacy and numeracy foundations, while also fostering social-emotional learning that helps children thrive inside and outside of the classroom.
Challenges remain. Families continue to feel the pinch of rising costs and schools face ongoing pressures around staffing and resources. The wider community plays an important role in alleviating that pressure. From PAC volunteers organizing fundraisers to local businesses supporting sports and arts programs, a successful school year is a team effort.
Families, teachers, support staff and the broader community also play a part in creating a supportive and safe environment for learning (note to drivers, this includes speed zones in school areas). Whether volunteering at events, cheering on a school team or encouraging young people to do their best, every contribution matters.
What can you do to help the young people who will shape the future of our community?
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