Catchment Area Review in Terrace – Upcoming Consultations

Two community consultations will be taking place in the coming days related to the proposed changes to the catchment areas for two Terrace elementary schools – Suwilaawks Community School and Cassie Hall Elementary School.

An in person consultation will take place at Suwilaawks Community School on Tuesday March 12 at 6:00 p.m. while an online consultation will take place the following evening, Wednesday March 13, at 6:00 p.m. At both sessions, School District representatives will share details about the proposed changes to take effect for the 2024-25 school year, and provide an opportunity for questions and input.

There is no need to register for the in person session. However, those attending the online consultation must register in advance by clicking HERE.

To review the update presentation made to the Board of Education in January 2024, click HERE.

We look forward to broad participation in the consultation sessions.

 

2023-2024 Student Learning Survey

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Help us plan for the future – tell us about your education experience.  Students in Grades 4, 7, 10 and 12, their parents/caregivers and all staff in B.C. public schools are invited to participate in the 2023-2024 Student Learning Survey, an annual online satisfaction survey about their school experience.  This year’s survey is now open to May 3, 2024.

The survey covers a range of topics, providing a comprehensive picture of the educational experience in B.C. public schools. Questions were developed with input from partner groups, teachers and experts in educational measurement and special education.  If a school district or school has added questions, it may take longer.  The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete.

All responses are anonymous and confidential.  Student and staff surveys are available in English and French. Parent surveys are available in 18 additional languages.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s website at 2023-2024 Student Learning Survey or contact your School Principal.

To take the survey access the following link: 

Student Learning Survey 2023-2024

The results of the parent/caregiver Student Learning Survey will be available through the Ministry of Education and Child Care website in summer 2024.

Welcome Back to School!

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Ama Sah / Good Day,

On behalf of Coast Mountains School District, I’d like to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year!

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for everyone involved in our education system, but in particular, for our learners. Heading back to school in September allows children and youth to reconnect with friends they may not have seen over the summer, as well as begin to forge relationships with both classmates and caring adults who may be new in their lives. In many cases, these relationships become the cornerstone for authentic and meaningful learning experiences over the course of the school year.

As a school district, Coast Mountains will continue to focus this year on the priorities identified in the Board’s Strategic Plan – Engage, Ignite, Empower. With overarching goals related to learning, organizational wellness and cultural diversity, district-wide actions in 2023-2024 will serve to improve outcomes for students as measured through multiple indicators including graduation rates, provincial assessment results and classroom evidence of learning. To be sure, staff members across the entire district will strive to create learning spaces that are safe, welcoming and inclusive so that all students feel a sense of belonging and experience success. To learn more about our school district’s Strategic Plan, visit our website at https://cmsd.bc.ca/strategic-plan.

Please take a moment to review the rest of this important communication which includes school start-up and bussing information for Hazelton, Kitwanga, Kitimat, Kitamaat Village, Stewart, Terrace, Thornhill and surrounding communities. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, do not hesitate to contact your child’s school.

Again, welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We all look forward to seeing you in September.

Sincerely,
Aaron Callaghan
Superintendent of Schools
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Pre-Registration & Opening Day Information

Pre-registration for all schools will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 29 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Students not pre-registered should register on these dates.

District Schools will open on Tuesday, September 5 for all students (except Kindergarten):

  • Kindergarten students are requested to begin attending on the date arranged by the school.
  • Buses will make their morning runs at the usual time and their return runs after students have been in attendance for approximately two hours EXCEPT for students enrolled at Hazelton Secondary, Kitwanga Elementary, Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary, Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary and New Hazelton Elementary Schools who will attend at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5.
  • The alternate bus times for the afternoon of September 5 only for Kitwanga/Hazelton Schools and Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School as well as the 2023-2024 Bus Schedule/Routes effective September 5 and 6 respectively are available at https://cmsd.bc.ca/bus-routes-and-schedules.

Regular school hours and bus runs will begin on Wednesday, September 6. Access the following links to view the 2023-2024 Return to School Messages and Bus Routes including school contacts:

2023-24 Hazelton-Kitwanga Return to School Message & Bus Schedules

2023-24 Kitimat & Kitamaat Village Return to School Message & Bus Schedules

2023-24 Stewart Return to School Message

2023-24 Terrace-Thornhill Return to School Message & Bus Schedules

Should you have questions or concerns regarding bus routing and scheduling the following steps are suggested:

  1. Contact your child’s/children’s School Principal.
  2. Contact the Operations Manager at Diversified Transportation bus lines at 250-635-7042 or 1-855-538-5287 for out of town.

Attention Landlords .. CMSD82 is Seeking Rental Properties for New Employees in the Communities of Kitimat, Terrace and the Hazeltons

 

In preparation for the upcoming school year, Coast Mountains School District 82 wishes to secure rental properties for new employees in the communities of Kitimat, Terrace and the Hazeltons.

If you have a rental property and you would like to explore the opportunity to rent your property to teaching professionals, School District 82 invites you to contact us at rentals@cmsd.bc.ca.

Alternatively, we provide a link to the following flyer for sharing with family, friends and/or acquaintances for their interest in an opportunity to rent property to teaching professionals:

CMSD82 Flyer – Seeking Rental Properties in Kitimat, Terrace & Hazelton Areas for New Employees

Thank you in advance for your interest and support in sharing this flyer were possible.

 

 

 

CMSD82 Stories of Impact … A New Publication!

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We are pleased to introduce the CMSD82 Stories of Impact, a newly created publication to illustrate the importance of sharing stories of student learning and engagement taking place in our schools and district this school year.  These stories allow us to celebrate the great things happening for learners, but also serve to build public confidence in the work we do with children every day.

Kindly access the following link to view the first issue of this publication which shares stories of impact for Nechako Elementary School, New Hazelton Elementary School and Uplands Elementary School:

CMSD82 Stories of Impact – April 17, 2023

Over the remaining months of the school year, we will share these positive and inspirational school stories that align with the following three goal areas of the school district’s Strategic Plan:

  • Student Learning / Realizing Students’ Full Potential
  • Inclusion / Diversity / Culture
  • Student Well-Being

Should you have questions, please contact Carole Gagnon, Executive Assistant at (250) 638-4401 or via email at carole.gagnon@cmsd.bc.ca for assistance.

 

Student & Family Affordability Fund

 

At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, the Ministry of Education and Child Care announced a one-time grant to school districts to help make life more affordable for families who are facing financial challenges. Coast Mountains School District received a grant of $510,045 to be used primarily to support healthy food programming and expenses related to school fees and supplies.  Through a consultative process, priorities and allocations have been identified and the grant is being actioned with the support of schools and partners.

In Coast Mountains Schools District, approximately 75% of the fund will be used to support existing food programming both during and outside of the school day.  School food, including breakfast, lunch, snack and pantry programs, will receive support, ensuring all learners have access to healthy, nourishing options every day.  Funds have also been committed for local community partners and First Nations to support feeding learners and their families through other channels.  Additionally, approximately 5% of the grant will be used to support school concerts and cultural events, while the remaining 20% will help offset costs related to school fees and other expenses for children to fully participate in their schooling experience.  Examples of expenses that may be submitted include school based extra-curricular activities, athletics fees, school supplies, or clothing for winter.

School staff members, parents, or caregivers can make a request for financial support of a learner’s fee or expense by completing a Student & Family Affordability Fund form.  The form is available in every school office in Coast Mountains School District and is also available for download at: CMSD82 Student & Family Affordability Fund 2022 (fillable)

Completed forms must be submitted to the child’s school, where they will be received by the Principal.

Any inquiries about the Student & Family Affordability Fund should be directed to the school Principal.

We are Hiring! Join our Team!

 

Coast Mountains School District 82 is accepting applications for the following positions currently available in its Hazelton, Kitimat, Kitwanga, Terrace and Stewart school communities.

The school district provides educational support for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students in nineteen schools with a teaching, professional and support staff of more than 650 employees.  Learn more about an interesting career in education and about our team by viewing the school district’s recruitment video (click on link to open) via YouTube. 

  • Certified Teachers Teaching on Call
  • Non-Certified Teachers Teaching on Call
  • Certified Education Assistants
  • Non-Certified Education Assistants
  • Summer Student Labourers
  • Casual Support Staff

Hours of work are generally 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

All of our employment opportunities are posted on our school district website at www.cmsd.bc.ca under the Quicklinks section of the website’s home page.

To view or download the CMSD82 Recruitment Poster in PDF format, please access the following link.  Please feel free to share this link with family, friends and/or acquaintances for their interest.

We are Hiring! Join our Team!- February 17, 2023

APPLY TODAY!  Please email your resume with references to our Human Resources Department at HR@cmsd.bc.ca.  Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Should you have questions, or you require more information, please contact:

Penny DeJong – Human Resources Officer, Teachers & Exempt Staff
Tel: (250) 638-4403

Kyla Magnusson – Human Resources Officer, Support Staff
Tel: (250) 638-4440

 

 

2023-2024 StrongStart & Kindergarten to Grade 12 Registration Is Now Open

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In preparation for the 2023-2024 school year, the Board of Education is seeking the cooperation of parents/caregivers in registering new students for the StrongStart Early Learning Program, Kindergarten and Grade 1 to 12 for the upcoming school year (2023-2024) in Coast Mountains School District.

It is important that parents/caregivers take note of the specific registration deadlines and procedures.

Please visit the following pages (click on the links below to view) for the specific registration details, deadlines and options on how to register your child for the StrongStart Program and Kindergarten to Grade 12.  These pages can also be viewed on the main page of the School District’s website located under the Parent Resources tab.

2023-2024 New Student Registration & Cross Boundary Application

2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Procedures

2023-2024 StrongStart Early Learning Program Registration Procedure

A general overview for the information of parents/caregivers:

  • The StrongStart Program provides parent/caregiver participation and a learning program for children 0 to 5 years of age.
  • All School District 82 elementary schools offer full day Kindergarten for our youngest learners.  To register, children must turn five years of age by December 31 in the same calendar year that they begin school.  Registration for Kindergarten takes place from January 16 to February 24, 2023.
  • The Cross Boundary procedure for Kindergarten to Grade 12 is detailed for parents/caregivers interested in an out-of-catchment area school for their child to attend.
  • Students who opt for French Immersion usually enter the program in Kindergarten and continue their French studies through to grade twelve.  In Grade 12, students receive a ‘Double Dogwood’ (a bilingual graduation certificate).  Students may also begin the program in Grade 1.  Please visit the Kindergarten Registration Procedures page for details.

Should you require further assistance, please contact Carole Gagnon, Executive Assistant at the Coast Mountains Board of Education Office at (250) 638-4401 or via email at carole.gagnon@cmsd.bc.ca.

 

CMSD82 Strategic Plan 2022-2027 – Engage, Ignite, Empower

In Coast Mountains School District 82, we are proud of our successes and the positive impact we have on students’ lives.  Our Board of Education remains committed to putting students at the centre of everything we do with special thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff who are highly skilled, motivated and committed to the well-being, inclusion and success of our students in every one of our schools.  We are always challenging ourselves to be even better for our students.

As School District 82 continues to grow and evolve, our Board of Education has developed a Strategic Plan through the culmination of extensive consultation with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.  The commitment and enthusiasm shown in developing this plan has demonstrated how deeply passionate our communities are about the education and well-being of our children, our youth, and our communities.

The Board of Education is pleased to present a clear, strong, collective vision and plan to guide us as we move forward over the next five years (2022-2027).  To view the CMSD82 Strategic Poster & Plan 2022-2027, please access the link provided below.  The development and implementation of the Strategic Plan provides a collective focus for the school district to pursue the Board’s significant priorities and goals.

CMSD82 Strategic Poster & Plan 2022-2027

Guided by the Mission, Values and Vision statements, the Strategic Plan identifies our strategic priorities and goals.  These priorities reflect our commitment to:

 All Students Realizing their Full Potential
Honouring and Respecting Culture and Diversity
Well-Being within the Educational Community

Our five-year Strategic Plan offers a framework to guide administration, staff, parents/guardians and students towards more relevant and engaging learning experiences.  Now that the Board of Education has finalized the priorities, the school district’s senior leadership will create the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL).  The goals outlined in the operational plan (FESL) will be clearly outlined, with measurable and achievable goals, providing the next steps for our school district.  There is a commitment from the school district to use our plan for continuous quality improvements, being reflective, accountable and innovative in our focus on excellence in achieving learning outcomes.

Thank you for taking the time to read our Strategic Plan.  The Board of Education recognizes that we cannot achieve our goals alone – your engagement and involvement in this process is highly valued and very gratefully received.  We invite staff, students, families, educational partner groups and community members to learn more and support us in achieving our Goals, living our Values and achieving our Vision.

Please continue to engage in the conversations about the future of our school district community by attending Public Board Meetings, DPAC and PAC Meetings or emailing our Superintendent Janet Meyer at janet.meyer@cmsd.bc.ca with feedback or questions.

Learning Together, Realizing Success for All – Engage, Ignite, Empower!

 

 

BC Government Expands Health and Safety Measures for K-12 Students

 

The Provincial government updated its K-12 education health and safety guidelines to require masks for kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

Earlier today, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced updates to the Public Health Communicable Disease Guidance for K-12 Schools and the Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings to require masks for kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

Beginning Monday, October 4, 2021, all students in B.C. schools will be required to wear a mask when inside a school building, including while at their desks and on buses.  This builds on the existing guidelines that currently apply to all students in grades 4 to 12.

As always, students will not be required to wear a mask if they are unable to for health or behavioural reasons.  A full list of exemptions can be found on the B.C. Ministry of Health website.  School personnel will ensure that students exempt from wearing a mask are supported.

Parents/guardians should contact their School Principal if they have questions or they require further information.