Schools are open, staffing is in place, buses are running, and it has been great to see the smiling faces of students and staff out in our buildings. Generally speaking, things appear to be going well all around the district, and staff are particularly pleased with how the new busing software has significantly shortened a number of route times for our bus students. Students too, I imagine!

Over the past month, the personal electronic device legislation was covered frequently in the media. I am happy to report that the new expectations seem to be going well, and that over two recent secondary school visits I saw a grand total of one cell phone. It was a little like travelling back in time (I think!) and I quite liked it. Kudos to all of our staff and students for doing their part to move this change forward.

Last week was about Truth and Reconciliation all across the country. Staff and students in our schools engaged in additional learning and activities over the week on a range of topics related to Indigenous history and culture, and we all came together wearing our orange shirts on Friday as a symbol of recognition of the longstanding harms caused by the Indian Act and the Residential School System. Monday, September 30th, was a statutory holiday set aside so that we could all reflect on these impacts and how we can all be allies in Reconciliation.

September also brought us some bad news regarding our budget. We have had to make some adjustments to spending in order to counter a drop in enrolment. I have written a letter specifically to this issue which has been shared system wide via email.  

Thanks and see you out there!

Dr. Peter Jory

Superintendent/CEO