Blog Posts

At Kandal, we are committed to strengthening our family partnerships in our school community. It’s no secret that the more parents are involved in their children’s lives, both at home and at school, the more they will be in the ‘know’ about how best to support their children. To this end, our kindergarten and grade 1 teachers and our English Language Learners (ELL) teachers initiated the “Parents as Partners” program.

Hello families of King Traditional Elementary School!  Throughout the year, we communicate with our families often using email.  That said, another way we communicate is by sending home larger monthly information memos.  These memos are created in both English and Punjabi so that we can communicate with as many families as possible.  These memos are sent out electronically to all the emails we have on file.  

Many years ago, as I trained for my first marathon, one of my mentors—a seasoned runner with countless marathons behind him—shared invaluable wisdom about the importance of finishing strong. He emphasized the need to maintain enough energy to cross the finish line with a smile and a strong pace, regardless of how the race began.

I can still recall his words echoing in my mind: “Remember, it’s not about how you start the marathon; it’s about how you finish. Finish strong.”

As part of the district’s unwavering commitment to Indigenous Education, Blue Jay is dedicated to expanding our understanding of Indigenous ways of learning. The last part of May and the beginning of June, known as tem’elile or Salmonberry Time according to the Stó:lō Seasons of the Moon calendar found on the Indigenous Education website, marks the start of the berry season and the return of the Salmon to their home.

An important part of giving back to the profession is when veteran teachers become mentors to new teaching candidates.  I am thrilled to highlight the significant role and benefits of hosting student teachers at Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw. Currently, we have the pleasure of hosting six teacher candidates from the University of the Fraser Valley who are diligently navigating their long practicums alongside amazing educators within our building. As we embrace this opportunity, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that hosting student teachers has on our school community.

At Harry Sayers Elementary, one of our goals is to strive to “Increase parent and community engagement” as part of our School Plan and the School District Strategic Plan. During the pandemic, parents were not able to volunteer or be part of the school community like they once were.

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.

In the pursuit of fostering a more equitable and inclusive society, schools play a pivotal role. We envision leading a school that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive student support. Drawing inspiration from "The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger" by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson (2011), we believe that creating an equitable educational environment contributes to a stronger and more cohesive society.  

Hello families of King Traditional Elementary School!  Throughout the year, one of the ways