May 30, 2021
Dear SD43 families,
School District 43 and the Board of Education would like to express our deepest condolences and honour those that died at Residential Schools and those that live with the ongoing trauma of survival. Out of respect, and in recognition of the tragic discovery of the remains of Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, School District 43 will join the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia in lowering the Canadian flag to half-mast beginning Monday May 31st until further notice.
Each school community, based on grade level appropriateness and context, will experience and address this grim discovery and its impact differently. We encourage everyone to allow time for listening, caring and grieving. Trauma is experienced differently for every individual, and we ask that everyone be afforded the freedom to process events in a way that is best for them. The district will work with the Indigenous Education Department to provide culturally appropriate guidance and support to schools in addition to care for students of Indigenous ancestry.
Yours truly,
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 43 (COQUITLAM) BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kerri Palmer Isaak
Chair, Board of Education
SD43 Board and District Statement re Flag half-masting May 30 2021.pdf
