June 28, 2023
RE: Superintendent’s Year-End Letter 2023
Dear Families,
With the 2022/2023 school year ending, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone in our learning community for making this year one of growth, accomplishment, and connection.
To the students, thank you for actively engaging in your learning and sharing your passion with us. From our youngest learners starting their education journey in our StrongStart programs, to our graduating students who are starting a new chapter in their lives, I am continuously impressed by your curiosity, hard work, and community spirit; congratulations for all you have achieved this year. Thank you also to the students who organized and lead the district’s first Student Forum on Inclusion and Anti-Racism. Your commitment to making positive change from within your learning community helps to lead us towards a more inclusive and culturally responsive future.
To all staff, thank you for your continued contributions to our district. The academic, music, fine arts, and athletic opportunities you have provided to students have directly benefitted each student’s development as a whole person. Thank you for providing students with the tools, opportunities, and experiences they need to fulfill their potential.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Indigenous Education Department, who along with GVTA and CUPE, organized the district’s second annual Indigenous Storytelling and Film Festival. This highly engaging professional development event provided staff with the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation and awareness of Indigenous perspectives and worldviews. As a school district we are committed to finding ways to better understand how to engage and activate the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
To families and caregivers, thank you for being a valued partner in helping to provide inclusive, safe, and engaging opportunities that support student learning and growth. Your contributions both inside and outside of the classroom truly enrich our learning community.
To Rightsholders, stakeholders, and community partners, thank you for joining us in our commitment to providing each student with the opportunity to fulfill their potential and pursue their aspirations. Your thoughtful engagement helps us to create more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for all students.
On a final note, I would like to acknowledge those students and staff graduating or otherwise moving on from the district; you have enriched our learning community, and I wish you the best on your next steps. For those returning next year, I wish you a safe, fun-filled, and restful summer break. I look forward to seeing you in the 2023/2024 school year.
Sincerely,
Deb Whitten
Superintendent of Schools
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