Volume 12 | June 24, 2019
Highlights for June 24, 2019
Board Notes are from the regular meeting of the Board of Education for School District No.73 (Kamloops-Thompson). Expect your next issue of Board Notes after the August 26, 2019 meeting. Read the full agenda here .
EDUCATION TOPIC
After-School Sports and Arts Initiative (ASSAI)
The after-school programming that began as a legacy from the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 has grown into 70 activities serving 2,000 students at 13 schools in the district. Under the leadership of Alexandra Inglis, ASSAI has developed into the largest and most celebrated tuition-free after- school program in BC thanks to funding from our Provincial government, the City of Kamloops and the United Way. Julian Cruz , a well-spoken grade 5 student from Parkcrest Elementary, presented highlights of the program. Read more .
REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Parent-Teacher Interview
Schedule 2019-2020 
To allow for formal, face-to-face parent teacher interviews, elementary schools will close one hour early once in the calendar year, and secondary schools will close one and a half (1.5) hours early each semester. See the full 2019-2020 schedule for parent teacher interviews as well as first and last day of school hours. 
Board Authority/Authorized Courses

School districts develop Board/Authority Authorized (BAA) courses to help meet local community needs while providing choice and flexibility for students. After review by the Education Committee of the Whole, the following courses were approved by the Board:
  • Kamloops School of the Arts - Minors
  • Psychology 12 - Social Psychology
  • Outdoor Education - Fly Fishing 11/12
  • Leadership 11
  • Leadership 12
Once approved by the  Ministry , the course outlines will be posted to the SD73 website. 
REPORTS FROM SECRETARY-TREASURER

Annual Trustee Stipend Report 

As per Board Policy 203.1, Trustee stipends have been reviewed and will increase 1.78% effective July 1, 2019 for a total annual cost of $3,637. SD73 annual stipends continue to be below the average of comparable school districts. 

Vehicle Allowances and
Business Use Mileage

The mileage rate for employees who use their cars on approved district business will increase from $.055/km to $0.58/km for the 2019-2020 school year as per the rate established by the Canadian government.
REPORTS FROM CHAIR
Maymie Tegart and the students at Blue River Elementary celebrated their community in a student-led publication entitled, If You Come to Blue River . The colourful and informative book, features artwork and descriptions by each student describing the myriad of activities to be enjoyed during each of the four seasons in Blue River. 

The summer issue of Admin Info , the magazine published by the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, features Sarah Seymour from Sa-Hali Secondary. This grade 11 student lent her voice to the development of national policy in Ottawa on issues such as gender equality, climate change and health and wellness. 
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
Trustee Sim thanked Chair Karpuk for her open letter to the community of Clearwater, Raft River and Vavenby. The letter expressed the Board’s concern for the students and families impacted by the mill closure, and assured the community that this September schools will be open and welcoming students. Trustee Sim noted that many students at Clearwater Secondary’s graduation ceremony thanked their teachers for being instrumental in helping each graduate connect to their interests and passions. 

Trustee Jules remarked on the significant increase in Aboriginal graduates since she graduated in 1983. At that time, Trustee Jules was only one of 4 students at the first celebration held by the Aboriginal Friendship Society. This year over 130 Aboriginal students attended the Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony. Trustee Jules , also attended Chase Secondary’s graduation ceremony on June 21 and will wrap up the 2019 graduation season at Sun Peaks Education Society on June 25. 
CONSENT AGENDA
SD73 APP NOW AVAILABLE
District and School News
You can now connect to SD73 and your child's school on your mobile. Subscribe to receive updates, alerts, notifications and event information.
The next regular public Board Meeting is Monday, August 24, 2019
5:00 pm at the School Board Office in Kamloops, 1383 9th Avenue.