Sunshine Coast School District

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 46 ANNOUNCES EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS

The Board of Education of School District No. 46 has released its District Enhancement Plan, after consultation with Sunshine Coast Teachers’ Association, CUPE Local 801 support staff representatives, the District Parents Advisory Council and principals and vice-principals.

In its Annual Amended Budget passed February 14, the Board allocated approximately $1.2 million of unrestricted surplus to the Plan, which amounts to the equivalent of about 3% of the district’s annual operating budget.

“The fact the board has been able to implement this plan unanimously and so responsively is the result of our senior staff’s high level of competence and diligence, the great input we received from our stakeholders and our vision, strategic plan and strong commitment to getting these tax dollars into the system to directly benefit our students,” said Board Chair Silas White.

“I remember we were in a similar surplus situation when I came onto the board in 2005, and we debated for most of the three-year term about how we should spend it. The problem then was we had not taken the leadership in setting out a vision and plan for the district or developed the positive relationships with our stakeholders in order to seek open feedback. We’re a very different board and district today.”

Highlights of the District Enhancement Plan, which can be found on the district website (www.sd46.bc.ca) includes almost $380,000 in staff training and collaboration that will foster innovative programming and teaching practices, district morale and a strong focus on improving student achievement; over $90,000 toward ensuring the health and safety of students and staff (including emergency preparedness); $140,000 to green initiatives and improving the looks of school facilities; $180,000 for improvements in technological capacity; a $105,000 investment in an international program that will improve enrolment and cultural awareness in schools; and $285,000 to be directly spent on classroom supports at the school level.

Since the expenditure of surplus represents a one-time injection of money into the education system, it could not be spent on ongoing staffing costs that would not have sustainable funding in subsequent years. “Of course we did receive suggestions with ongoing costs, such as for non-enrolling library or music instruction, but we will take these ideas into consideration when we work on our next annual budget over the next few months. This process will also seek public input,” said White.

Letter to Parents and Guardians regarding Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)

January 17, 2012

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) is an important opportunity that our schools have each year to assess the reading, writing and numeracy skills of their students in grades 4 and 7.  While the results play no role in providing data for report cards, individual FSA results are shared with parents.  It is a “snapshot” of how each child is performing on a given day. Classroom assessment of learning is the ongoing collection of student achievement throughout the year.

Key points regarding the FSA:

• As for any other mandated program in our schools such as math or literacy instruction, the FSA is to be completed by all students in B.C. Exceptions are rare and would be a family emergency, long term illness, extensive adaptations or other extenuating situations. If these apply, please speak to your child’s principal.  The principal will assess any request based on the above major issues.

• FSA is aligned with the B.C. Performance Standards and is written and marked by B.C. educators.

• FSA is not used by School District No. 46 to rank students or schools on the Sunshine Coast.

• FSA (along with report card and other data) helps schools and districts to focus their efforts to improve student results on the B.C. Curriculum.

• FSA is very similar to regular classroom assessment assignments and is not damaging in any way for students. It is a good opportunity to practice assessment skills.

• The total time taken for all activities, spread over several days, is approximately 4.5 hours. Of this, approximately two hours is spent completing the assessment at computers.

• The FSA is a part of the School Act and its Regulations. It is a part of good assessment of students and will lead to a better understanding of effective instruction and is, therefore, a good use of instructional time.

• Students with special needs are provided with accommodations to match their learning needs as identified on the Individual Education Plan.

Parents and guardian can support the FSA by encouraging their child to do their best and making sure they are well rested and attend school during the assessment period. As well, if you have any questions regarding the FSA or your child’s participation in this assessment, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal.

Please review the attached brochure for further information regarding the Foundation Skills Assessment or go to www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa  

Sincerely,


Patrick Bocking
Superintendent

Sunshine Coast RCMP Remind Motorist to be Mindful of School Zones, School Buses and Crossing Guards

2012-01-12 13:44 PST    

The Sunshine Coast RCMP have recently received reports expressing concern with the speed of which motorists are driving in school zones and failing to yield the right of way at intersections where children are crossing, even with school guards present. Additionally, the RCMP have received reports of motorists passing school buses when “stop” equipment is activated, putting children at serious risk of injury. As such, the RCMP would like to remind drivers to use extra caution and exercise patience while driving through school zones, around school buses and at intersections where students are crossing. It is also important to obey traffic signals and crossing guards during times before and after school hours to ensure pedestrian safety.

The Sunshine Coast RCMP will be stepping up traffic enforcement in these areas and motorists should express a “zero tolerance” approach, issuing fines to drivers found in violation. Motorists or registered owners may be charged with the following and possibly other offences:

• Fail to obey traffic control device: $121.00 fine
• Fail to yield to pedestrian: $167.00 fine
• Fail to obey flag man: $196.00 fine
• Fail to exercise duty to a pedestrian: $138.00 fine
• Fail to stop for school bus: $167.00 fine
• Disobey traffic sign or signal: $121.00 fine
• Fail to obey school guard or school patrol: $167.00 fine

Paddy McCallum, Secondary School Teacher at Chatelech Secondary School, has been chosen by Seaspan, Ledcor, Kiewit and Sons, London Drugs and Actsafe to be added to the awards roster of the WorkSafeBC video competition. Read more about Paddy and his students accomplishments last year in the January/February 2012 publication of WorkSafe BC

NEW ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT TO JOIN SD46!

School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) will have its newest member of the senior management team in place early in 2012. Greg Kitchen has been appointed Assistant Superintendent with School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast). The position of Assistant Superintendent has been filled on an interim basis by Stewart Hercus, who has been superintendent and assistant superintendent in the district previously.

Mr. Kitchen has been Principal at the secondary level for 18 years. Currently, he is Principal of Salmon Arm Secondary School in School District No. 83 (North Okanagan). Salmon Arm Secondary is a dual campus secondary school located in the town of Salmon Arm and enrols students from neighbouring communities, as well as three First Nations.

Prior to this position, Mr. Kitchen has held vice-principalship and teacher positions in Armstrong, Sicamous and Golden, BC.

Mr. Kitchen holds a Bachelor of Education degree and Masters of Education (majoring in Administration and Curriculum) degree. He has strong interpersonal skills with a solid background in education and his considerable experience in Human Resources will be a huge strength to the school district.

“We are very excited to be welcoming Greg to our district,” commented Superintendent Bocking. “Greg is looking forward to working collaboratively with the staff, students and the Sunshine Coast community to support an excellent educational program for every student in the district.” 



Mr. Kitchen commented, “I was raised in North Vancouver and look forward to returning to the Coast, particularly a location as beautiful as the Sunshine Coast. In my visit to the district, I was pleased with the warm welcome I received from everybody and I am excited to work with an excellent district.”



Mr. Kitchen will commence his role with the school district in January, 2012. The school district welcomes Greg to the Sunshine Coast and thanks Stewart Hercus for his many years of dedication to the students and staff in School District No. 46.

SUNSHINE COAST LIONS CLUB ROARS AGAIN!

Sunshine Coast Lions Club members continue to support the Imagination Library program brought to the Sunshine Coast by School District No. 46.

Members of the Sunshine Coast Lions Club (L-R in photo: Paul Adams – Vice-President, Jim Brookes – Secretary-Treasurer and Len Schollen – President) met with School District No. 46 Early Learning Coordinator Kirsten Deasey and Superintendent Patrick Bocking to contribute a donation to the Imagination Library. The support of the Sunshine Coast Lions Club ensures that many young children on the Sunshine Coast will continue to benefit from the Imagination Library.

The Imagination Library program sends monthly books to Sunshine Coast children aged newborn to five years, at no charge to families. Families register to receive an age-appropriate, quality children’s book in the SPARK! Program. The child is mailed a book every month that is tailored to each age and stage of child development until his/her fifth birthday!

The program also offers a free 90-minute session on ways to support learning and literacy once every fall, winter and spring to parents of infants right up until their child begins Kindergarten.

Kirsten Deasey encourages parents to register their child today so that they don’t miss the fall session starting in October. Contact Kirsten by phone at 604-885-6787 to register.

SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS SECRETARY-TREASURER

The Board of Education of School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Weswick to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. Weswick has enjoyed great success in the financial department of School District No. 60 (Peace River North) in the role of Controller.

“Nicholas Weswick brings strong interpersonal, management and accounting and analytical skills to our school district,” stated Superintendent Patrick Bocking.  “He believes that the role of the Secretary-Treasurer is to ensure that resources are efficiently utilized to support student learning.”

Board Chair Silas White added, “The Board is excited to have selected Mr. Weswick to our leadership team.”

Originally from Vancouver Island, Mr. Weswick completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with distinction. Additionally, he completed the Certified General Accountant program with the Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia. In School District No. 60, he was responsible for managing teams within the district and overseeing the finance functions, including accounts payable and receivable and payroll and benefit areas. Mr. Weswick has been involved with project management, facilities planning and the development and implementation of several district initiatives.

Mr. Weswick commented, “I'm very excited to be joining the team at the Sunshine Coast School District, and look forward to working with the Board of Education, district staff, and community partners to support learning and learners in the years to come.”

Mr. Weswick will commence his role with the school district in October 2011. Until that time, John Pritchard, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, will be interim Secretary-Treasurer.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

The Board of Education of School District No. 46 has several administrative updates to report.

Brian Johnson, Principal of Davis Bay Elementary School, will be assuming the interim principalship of Madeira Park Elementary School in September 2011. The current Madeira Park Elementary School principal, Melanie Robinson, will not be continuing her principal assignment this fall due to other commitments. The district thanks Ms. Robinson for taking over the helm when Madeira Park Principal Fred Thorsell was transferred to Pender Harbour Secondary School to accommodate the medical leave of Nancy Brindley.

Previous to joining us in 1980, Mr. Johnson worked in the school districts of North Vancouver and Delta, primarily in Special Education. He lived in Africa for six months and taught Junior High School in Kenya. Mr. Johnson has worked as an early intermediate teacher at Sechelt, Cedar Grove and Davis Bay Elementary Schools. He holds a Masters of Education degree with a focus in administration and special education.

Robert Collison is appointed Manager of Facilities and Transportation with the school district effective July 2011. Mr. Collison has been Manager, Buildings and Maintenance in the Kamloops School District and the Richmond School District over the past seven years. He has over 20 years’ experience working in school districts and has in-depth knowledge of building systems and structures. His school district familiarity of custodial, grounds and maintenance will benefit him in his role to provide the best environment to support learning and teaching in School District No. 46.

“I am very excited to be joining the team at SD46. I look forward to a bright and sustainable future for the staff and students on the beautiful Sunshine Coast,” commented Rob Collison.
 
Board Chair Silas White commented that these employees are part of the strong organization that School District No. 46 is, and that serving students to the best of our ability continues to be our highest priority. “School District No. 46 is a great place to work and learn. I look forward to Rob joining our school district and wish to thank Stewart Hercus for filling the interim position of Manager of Facilities. We are fortunate to have a strong network of staff who contribute to the ongoing success of our students in the district and in the province,” said Chair White.

UPDATE ON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

The Board of Education of School District No. 46 has several administrative updates to report. Diane Ready, Secretary-Treasurer, will be retiring August 31, 2011. Ms. Ready joined the district in August 2009 with responsibilities in finance, facilities maintenance and information technology in support of the superintendent and board of education. Superintendent Deborah Palmer said, “I wish Diane every success in her future endeavours.”

Tom Hierck, Assistant Superintendent since February 2008, has been appointed Executive Director of BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) effective August 1, 2011. Mr. Hierck is returning to the BCPVPA; during the period 2004 to 2006 he was seconded to BCPVPA in the role of President. Previous to his position in School District No. 46, Mr. Hierck worked with the Ministry of Education as Project Director for the Student Centred Leadership Pilot Project and prior to this period, he was a teacher, vice-principal and principal in Kootenay Lake and Cariboo-Chilcotin school districts.

“I congratulate Tom on his new and exciting role with BCPVPA,” said Deborah Palmer. “Tom’s focus on curriculum development and implementation complemented the already strong management team of principals existing in our school district. BCPVPA is fortunate to have Tom playing a key leadership role in their organization.”

Chair Silas White commented, “We have appreciated the services of Diane and Tom and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”

School District No. 46 anticipates hiring individuals to these roles when the new superintendent, Patrick Bocking, joins the district in August.

BOARD OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

The Board of Education is pleased to announce the following administrative assignments for 2011-2012. The school district operates with three family groupings: Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour. The schools are staffed and budgeted within each family group.

Gibsons Family includes Elphinstone Secondary School and its feeder schools, Langdale Elementary,Cedar Grove Elementary, Gibsons Elementary and Roberts Creek Elementary. Sechelt Family consists of Chatelech Secondary School and its feeder schools, West Sechelt, Kinnikinnick, Davis Bay and Halfmoon Bay Elementary Schools. Pender Harbour Family comprises Pender Harbour Secondary and Madeira Park Elementary Schools. The Sunshine Coast Alternative School supports learners in all our family groupings.

The administrator appointments for September 2011 are as follows:

Pender Harbour Family: Pender Harbour Secondary: Mark Heidebrecht, Principal. Madeira Park Elementary School: Melanie Robinson, Principal.

Sechelt Family: Chatelech Secondary School: John Brisebois, Principal & Vanessa Clarke, Vice-Principal. West Sechelt Elementary School: Susan Budgell, Principal. Kinnikinnick Elementary School: Cathy McCubbin, Principal. Davis Bay Elementary School: Sally Thicke, Principal. Halfmoon Bay Elementary School: Ray Clayton, Principal.

Gibsons Family: Elphinstone Secondary School: Fred Thorsell, Principal & Paul Bishop, Vice-Principal. Roberts Creek Elementary School: Gloria McBain, Principal. Gibsons Elementary School: Deborah Palmer, Principal. Cedar Grove Elementary School: Dave Hunt, Principal. Langdale Elementary School: Bob McCubbin, Principal.

Sunshine Coast Alternative School: Carolyn Spence, Principal. There will be no vice-principal assignment at the Sunshine Coast Alternative School. Supervision of specific Sunshine Coast Alternative School programs will be shared with other building principals. Further program details will follow at a later date.

The Board of Education thanks John Clements, retiring Principal of Elphinstone Secondary School and Ann Skelcher, currently on leave from Davis Bay Elementary School, for their dedication and commitment to the children, students and staff of school district since 1981. Best wishes are extended to them on their retirement. The Board also extends wishes for a healthy recovery to Nancy Brindley, as she continues her medical leave.