Blog Posts

Students and families gathered in the school gym on the floor, ready to watch a movie Harry Sayers - March Movie Night
March 15, 2024

“Reach for the Stars”: Engaging the Harry Sayers Parent Community

At Harry Sayers Elementary, one of our goals is to strive to “Increase parent and community engagement” as part of our School Plan and the School District Strategic Plan. During the pandemic, parents were not able to volunteer or be part of the school community like they once were.

Students and families gathered in the school gym on the floor, ready to watch a movie Harry Sayers - March Movie Night
Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
March 15, 2024

Connecting and Celebrating: A Journey Across our District

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.

Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
Bags of produce items loaded in the back of a truck Little Green Apple - February Superintendent Newsletter Image
February 28, 2024

Building Bridges for All Students

In the pursuit of fostering a more equitable and inclusive society, schools play a pivotal role. We envision leading a school that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive student support. Drawing inspiration from "The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger" by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson (2011), we believe that creating an equitable educational environment contributes to a stronger and more cohesive society.  

Bags of produce items loaded in the back of a truck Little Green Apple - February Superintendent Newsletter Image
Sunrise light at the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on a foggy morning, suspended walking bridge in middle of forest, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. iStock - Capilano Suspension Bridge
February 1, 2024

The Bridge to Anywhere

There are no guarantees in life, but wherever you want to go or can imagine going, education is probably the best way there. How does a child in Kindergarten one day become an architect? How does a grade nine student become an arthroscopic surgeon or an agriculturist? How does one become an electrician or a chef? You guessed it - education. This is why I often describe education as the bridge to anywhere.

Sunrise light at the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on a foggy morning, suspended walking bridge in middle of forest, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. iStock - Capilano Suspension Bridge
Students working within the classroom McMillan - Raelene's Classroom
February 1, 2024

Gentle Starts, Giant Connections

As we start each school day at McMillan Elementary, we seek connections with colleagues to chat about how we are feeling, the Netflix show we watched the night before, or how our kids' team performed at last night's game. We seek a morning connection to ground us for the emotional, social and mental demands of our day. Our students are no different. They, too, need this foundation to set them up for a successful day of learning.

Students working within the classroom McMillan - Raelene's Classroom
Group of diverse learners gathered together for a photo with smiling faces 28June2023 - Superintendent Newsletter - McMillan
June 29, 2023

Ready for Middle School! Why Inclusion Matters

Jayde and Skyla are twins in grade 5 who started school at McMillan in Kindergarten. The girls have a designation, due to cerebral palsy, and are confined to wheelchairs. They were nonverbal when they started school, and their learning and growth over the past six years has been remarkable to watch. Even more inspiring, though, has been watching them grow in their relationships with their peers.  I sat down with Jayde, Skyla and several of their friends to talk about their learning journeys as they get ready to move on to middle school.

Group of diverse learners gathered together for a photo with smiling faces 28June2023 - Superintendent Newsletter - McMillan
June 29, 2023

Outgoing Superintendent's Message of Gratitude

With my last blog post as superintendent (I still have a few more to write in my retirement), I would like to close with gratitude and appreciation for the many people with whom I have travelled this thirty-six-year path. I mentioned in my last post that it was because of the inspiration and encouragement of teachers, and one in particular, why I chose to become an educator. The journey to finding and fulfilling my purpose, particularly in leadership, has been filled with meandering adventures and learning. What resonates most with me are the people who have been on the journey with me.

Indigenous Room set up Godson Elementary Indigenous Room
June 20, 2023

Embedding Indigenous Culture in our school

As a school, Godson has collectively invested in embedding Indigenous culture throughout our programming. In addition, we are fortunate to have a cultural Indigenous Support Worker, Chandra Antone, who maintains her steadfast devotion to bettering the school culture and celebrating Indigenous ways of life, culture, and knowledge.

Indigenous Room set up Godson Elementary Indigenous Room
Elderly man holding man and speaks at his 90th birthday Mr. Marshall - KG - Superintendent Newsletter Image
June 20, 2023

A Road Not Taken

With all the recent retirement festivities I have had cause of late to reflect on my journey in the education system.  One of the frequent questions I have been asked is why I decide to become a teacher “all those years ago.”  I have had occasion over the years to mention it on World Teacher Day, but for me, the decision had everything to do with my school experiences, and a challenge extended to me by a very special human being.

Elderly man holding man and speaks at his 90th birthday Mr. Marshall - KG - Superintendent Newsletter Image
equity framework pillars
May 23, 2023

Equitable Endeavours through our District's Equity Framework

In previous posts, I have shared my perspectives on the spectre of systemic racism in education, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples. I highlighted two interrelated constructs related to this issue: epistemic racism (the idea that there is only one form of true knowledge) and the related “racism of low expectations” highlighted in the 2016 Auditor General’s Report.

equity framework pillars