A letter from the Superintendent to caregivers and staff.
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September 15, 2023
Dear Caregiver(s) and Staff;
Welcome back to another school year in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, where we continue to have the privilege and responsibility to engage students and families across the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc, Tsilhqot’in, and Dakelh peoples.
Much behind the scenes work occurred over the summer, with our facilities department making improvements to our schools and school staffs readying the learning environments for our returning students.
SD27 has been involved in making significant change over the past four years, challenging the status quo in an effort to address the goals set out by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It has taken the collective will of many to take action with purpose and without compromise. On so many levels, this is outstanding modelling for the students in our care.
We are deeply appreciative to our staff for gathering on September 5th to continue our district’s growth and learning on the path to Truth and Reconciliation. It is deeply personal work, and it is everybody’s work. The District Days over the past four years have seen this journey placed front and centre and it is encouraging to see, and feel, how these conversations are opening people’s minds, and hearts. Ultimately, it is through education that we will continue to shape a more equitable and just society for the children we serve, as we work to be part of the solution moving forward. As Jo Chrona, our District Day guest speaker said, “It may not be perfect, but we can still act, and we can still grow.”
As we begin the new school year, we would like to welcome the new families and staff who have arrived in our communities. We also want to thank families and staff for all you do, and look forward to your continued support in providing the best opportunities we can for all of the children in our schools. We are all part of a community and together we will provide opportunities for children to shine and pursue their passions.
Sincerely,
Chris A. van der Mark
Superintendent of Schools
