Blog Posts

Hourglass on laptop computer concept for time management and countdown to deadline iStock Image - Hourglass + Laptop
October 22, 2024

The Value of Time: Leading Through Connection and Presence

Most of us understand that time is a precious commodity. There is no going back when a moment, a week, or a year has passed. So how we spend our time ought to be a key consideration. What is more, the demands of life and career are such that it can often feel as if there is not enough time to do the things we want or need to do. Time pressure is real, and I am certainly not immune.

Hourglass on laptop computer concept for time management and countdown to deadline iStock Image - Hourglass + Laptop
For elementary students wearing school spirit wear 2024 - Clearbrook Students
October 21, 2024

Creating a Community That Cares

At École Clearbrook Elementary, we understand that students’ emotional well-being is the foundation of learning and success. When a student feels regulated, safe and has a sense of belonging at school, building literacy and numeracy skills takes flight. Teachers at Clearbrook intentionally target and teach social-emotional learning skills and strategies that positively impact our students’ social-emotional well-being.

For elementary students wearing school spirit wear 2024 - Clearbrook Students
Six students and 1 Adult holding up books in front of them in the library. Wonder Pup Books Group Photo
September 24, 2024

Building Lifelong Learners: Fostering Literacy and Self-Regulation

At Semá:th Elementary, we encourage all our students to become lifelong learners and take responsibility for their learning. A big part of what we do here is build strong literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities. We also focus a lot on self-regulation, teaching kids how to understand and manage their feelings and actions. In our classrooms, we use group discussions, teamwork, and personalized feedback to help students see what they’re good at and celebrate their achievements.

Six students and 1 Adult holding up books in front of them in the library. Wonder Pup Books Group Photo
AI Generated image with a picture frame that reads "30 Years. Lessons." 30 Years. 30 Lessons
August 10, 2024

30 Years. 30 Lessons.

The coming school year will be my 30th in public education.  It hardly seems possible, but I’ve double checked the math. It’s been an extraordinary journey so far, and I am beyond grateful for the wonderful experiences and opportunities that have been afforded me. Inspired by my friend and colleague Chris Kennedy, who is well known for posting lists on his Culture of Yes blog, I have decided to commemorate the occasion by posting a list of my own.

AI Generated image with a picture frame that reads "30 Years. Lessons." 30 Years. 30 Lessons
Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
June 26, 2024

Family Partnerships

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.

Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
Detail view of graduation caps during commencement. iStock Image - Grad Cap
June 26, 2024

From Caps and Gowns to New Beginnings

As I reflect on the many high school graduations I have attended over the years, the occasion never loses its magic. Each time I see our students donning their caps and gowns, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. The nature of our work in public education often means the fruits of our labour are not immediately visible the way they are, for example, when a developer hands over the keys to a new home. Our equivalent moment comes at graduation. It is a symbolic turning of the keys, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our graduates.

Detail view of graduation caps during commencement. iStock Image - Grad Cap
June 12, 2024

Parent Monthly Memo for June

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.  

Marathon running race, large group of runners
June 4, 2024

The Home Stretch: Finishing Strong

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.”

Marathon running race, large group of runners
Classroom sit within a forested trail to learn about Indigenous Plants and Animals in the area
May 28, 2024

Blue Jay Students Blossom with Indigenous Plant Knowledge

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.

Classroom sit within a forested trail to learn about Indigenous Plants and Animals in the area