SD8 continuously monitors the action items for 2023-2024 based on the progress of last year’s action items and has made the necessary adjustments for the upcoming academic year. This includes a focus on the following:
Children and Youth in Care
- Full time Mental Health and Addictions Coordinator
- Working with ministry to improve engagement with Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH). Currently, there is limited sharing of information
- Collaboration with local delegated authorities such as Kinbasket Child and Family Services
Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities
- Identification and support of students with diverse abilities
- School based team and district-based team regular training and meetings
- Review of students with diverse abilities four times a year with principals of each school
Indigenous Learners
SD8 commits to the focus areas of Aboriginal education, built from extensive community, student and parent consultations: belonging, success, truth before reconciliation, and history and culture.
To support belonging, each school’s Aboriginal Education Action Plan designs supplemental and a continuum of supports to increase self-identified students’ sense of belonging. Activities include land-based learning, circle learning, and small group academic and cultural support at lunch and after school. The district designs “Culture Camp” learning opportunities on topics such as storytelling, music, Elder connections, and Two-Spirit role models.
Each year, the district hosts an annual Pow Wow, where students design personalized regalia, learn dances and teachings from knowledge keepers. Also, at the Pow Wow, there is an Aboriginal Grad Honoring, a grad public acknowledgement, and an honour dance for Aboriginal Grads. Métis Awareness Month is an annual Métis awareness opportunity with honoured Elder teachings, Métis history and culture teachings including handwork, jigging, fiddling and storytelling. The district hosts the wuqanqankimik Walk/Run/Wheel event, honouring teachings from Chief Jason Louie from Lower Kootenay Band: “to take long strides” toward Reconciliation.
