​Dear SD43 families,

I wish to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning students and families. I hope you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer and are looking forward to the 2024-2025 school year. The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement, and we anticipate many great accomplishments by our students and staff. 

Looking ahead, families may be curious about changes to cell phone and device use in schools. While codes of conduct for students have been updated in accordance with provincial directives, the new rules largely align with previous practice at elementary and middle schools. Students in secondary schools will notice clearer expectations that devices remain away during class time. The main goal is to reduce social media and game-related distractions during class time so that students are able to focus on learning. Students will still use laptops in class to support their learning and, in some cases, teachers may allow the use of cell phones for specific activities.

The Province's Feeding Futures funding will continue to enhance food security for children in our school district by increasing access to nutritious meals and snacks. We will be expanding existing local programs and partnerships to support students facing financial challenges at home.

In keeping with our Directions 2025 strategic plan, we will continue our focus on literacy and numeracy competencies across all grades. We will also continue to equip students for a world that requires practical scientific, technical, and innovative skills through STEAM education and initiatives like the globally released Minecraft Education Pacific Northwest Experience, created in collaboration with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, SD43, and Microsoft Canada.

In alignment with our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality learning environments, numerous capital projects are underway, in addition to maintenance and upgrade initiatives across the district. Here is an overview of this year's construction projects in SD43:

• The new middle/secondary school on Burke Mountain is rapidly moving forward with site works well underway and preparations for the new school building starting very soon.
• Foundation work has been completed at Moody Elementary and the new building is starting to take shape.
• A classroom addition at Scott Creek Middle is under construction and a new addition has been announced for Dr. Charles Best Secondary.
• A seismic replacement has also been announced for Montgomery Middle, with an estimated completion goal of Fall 2028.
• Childcare spaces at Coast Salish Elementary are nearing completion, providing some much-needed placements for the local community.
• The Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) space at Centennial Secondary has been completed.
• The Project Definition Report (Business Case) for a replacement Hazel Trembath Elementary has been submitted and the district now awaits a response from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

As the school year begins, we enthusiastically welcome your children into classrooms either as new students or those continuing their educational journey.

I wish you all a successful and fulfilling 2024-25 school year!

Sincerely,

​Patricia Gartland
Superintendent/CEO