Welcome to 2022!  Although we've begun the year with some evident challenges, we hold fast to maintaining optimism about the new year. Over the last two years, our world has managed through significant situations that have required everyone to remain flexible and responsive to unexpected situations, and encouraged us to care deeply for one another. 

Kindness and caring should be at the centre of everything we do in our learning environments, and will help build the foundation for positive relationships between our staff, students, parents and communities. I am heartened by the stories and acts of kindness being carried out in our classrooms, work places and our communities everyday. Every initiative, from baking treats for Christmas hampers, setting up shelter beds for locals in need, raising money to assist families affected by flooding in other parts of the province, to contributing to a non-profit organization to help improve access to clean water in African communities, we see our students focusing on how they can help others and “be the change they wish to see in the world.” 

As we recount the events of 2021, we look forward to the next several months of continuing to support each other and learn together. Please enjoy a few of the highlights from SD8 from the last month showing some of the cooperative learning opportunities including some of the many acts of kindness our students and staff have taken part in.

Sincerely, 
Trish Smillie, Superintendent of Schools