Strategic Focus - June 2026
Download the PDF version of the Strategic Focus: Connecting our Priorities HERE.
SUMMER MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
As the 2025–26 school year comes to a close, I want to thank our students, families, staff, Rightsholders, community partners, and everyone who has supported our schools this year.
Throughout the year, there have been so many examples of student success across our District. Whether in classrooms, on stages, on playing fields, or through leadership opportunities, our students have inspired us with their hard work, creativity, kindness, and determination.
This year also reminded us of the importance of working together. Families, staff, Rightsholders, community organizations, and local partners have all played an important role in helping our students succeed. From cultural learning opportunities and community events to extracurricular activities, playground projects, early learning programs, career experiences, and everyday classroom learning, your support has made a real difference. Thank you for helping create opportunities that enrich the lives of our students.
As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded that success is something we achieve together. Every person who supports our schools helps create a place where students can learn, grow, and feel that they belong. Together, we continue to support strong learning, build positive relationships, create pathways for future success, strengthen our connections with one another, and help students become confident, curious, and caring individuals who thrive in their learning, relationships, and community.
On behalf of the Board of Education and the District Leadership Team, thank you for your continued partnership and support. It is a privilege to serve the students and families of K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83.
As summer begins, I hope you have time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with family and friends. Whether you are travelling, exploring the outdoors, or simply spending time at home, I wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer.
We look forward to welcoming our students back in September for another exciting year of learning, growth, and new opportunities.
Donna Kriger
Superintendent of Schools
WELCOME TO THE JUNE STRATEGIC FOCUS
Welcome to the June edition of Strategic Focus – Connecting Our Priorities. This publication showcases the collective efforts of our schools, staff, students, and community partners as we continue to bring our District Strategic Plan to life.
As we celebrate the conclusion of another successful school year, we extend our congratulations to the Class of 2026. Our graduates have reached an important milestone through their hard work and perseverance, and we are proud of all they have accomplished. We wish them every success as they take their next steps toward future opportunities.
Inside this edition, you will find highlights connected to the priority areas:
- Intellectual Development – SD83 Talks Showcase, Numeracy at Falkland School
- Human & Social Development – Years of Service recognition, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Services acknowledgement, District Track & Field Meet, A.L. Fortune Track & Field at BC Provincial, Salmon Arm Jewels Rugby 7’s at Provincials
- Community Partnership Development – National Indigenous History Month Celebration at M.V. Beattie, Early Learning and Child Care Celebration & Gathering
- Organizational Development – 2026-27 school registration
- Effective Governance and Leadership – June Regular Board meeting and B.C. School Trustee elections
Stay connected and informed by visiting our District website (www.sd83.bc.ca) for important dates, news, and resources.
REMINDERS
September 1 - New Student Registration
September 8 - Inservice Day for All Staff
September 9 - First Day of School for Students (3-hr early dismissal)
September 21 - School-based Pro-D
September 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (no school)
The 2026-27 District School Year Calendar is available on the District’s website: 2026-27 School Year Calendar (2026-27 District Calendar, 2026-2027 School District Calendar Summary).
SD83 TALKS SHOWCASE
Last year’s topics of rodeo, artificial intelligence, and Christmas trees gave way this year to topics like energy drinks, the human brain, authentic self-expression, and the future of electric vehicles at the fourth annual SD83 Talks District Showcase on June 4, 2026, at the A.L. Fortune Theatre.
SD83 Talks is a “version 2.0” of the former District public speaking competition, which has been part of the District since the 1990s. During SD83 Talks, students inform or persuade an audience on a topic of their choice, using up to five visual slides to strengthen their message. Students in grades 5 through 8 participate at the school level, with winners advancing to the District Showcase.
Principal Duncan Hazlewood, who co-hosted SD83 Talks alongside Vice Principal Morgen MacDonald, noted the strength of this year’s presenters. “Our students demonstrated a deep understanding of their topics and spoke with both confidence and passion,” he shared. “It was such a pleasure to be among such inspiring young folks. Our future is in great hands!”
This year’s showcase featured students from Grades 5 through 8, each bringing forward unique perspectives and ideas. Organizers congratulated all participants for reaching this final stage, emphasizing that every student on the stage represented excellence in communication and courage.
In Grade 5, Leah Choi earned top honours with her persuasive presentation arguing that energy drinks should be banned for those under 16. Also representing the Grade 5 division were Nixon Mann (Armstrong Field Lacrosse) and Liv Danbrook (Why Living in the Country is Better than Living in the City).
In the combined Grades 6 and 7 division, Jordyn Guenther captured first place with an engaging and informative presentation on the human brain. Other presenters included Halle Godbout (Predicting the Weather – We Can Do Better) and Reese Abel (Ways to Help Students Succeed in School).
In Grade 8, Ava Ward earned first place with her powerful presentation on the importance of being your authentic self. Fellow presenter Laith Algiasena explored the timely topic of why electric vehicles are the future.
Judging this year’s event were Director of Instruction Jennifer Findlay, District Principal Steven Drapala, and Trustee Corryn Grayston. Many thanks to those folks for their enthusiasm and expertise!
SD83 Talks continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to pursue personal interests while refining their skills as writers, thinkers, and speakers. The event supports the development of core competencies in communication, as well as critical and creative thinking.
“Of most worth is how our speakers push through their nerves, find their voice, and share their thinking with confidence,” Hazlewood added.
Shelly Cull (co-organizer), Hazlewood and MacDonald extend their sincere thanks to all the staff and students who contributed to this inspiring showcase, as well as to A.L. Fortune Secondary for hosting and to the parent community for their continued support.
NUMERACY COMES ALIVE AT FALKLAND SCHOOL
For five exciting weeks, Falkland School students and teachers immersed themselves in a dynamic numeracy residency that brought problem solving, mathematical thinking, and joyful learning to the forefront of classroom life.
The residency supported students in Grades 2/3, 4/5, and 7/8, with teachers selecting a pathway that best matched their students' needs and learning goals. Some classes explored Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms approach, engaging students in collaborative problem solving, rich mathematical discussions, and tasks designed to get everyone thinking. Other classes implemented a comprehensive numeracy framework that blended daily problem solving, number routines, engaging math games, and targeted instruction on critical grade-level concepts.
Throughout the residency, classrooms buzzed with mathematical conversations as students worked together to tackle challenges, explain their thinking, and build confidence in their abilities. Daily routines helped strengthen number sense, while games provided meaningful opportunities to practice skills in fun and engaging ways.
Teachers appreciated the opportunity to deepen their instructional practices and explore strategies that promote student thinking, perseverance, and mathematical reasoning. The residency also provided time for collaboration, reflection, and the development of sustainable routines that can continue long after the five weeks concluded.
The result? Students who are more willing to take risks, share ideas, and approach mathematics with curiosity and confidence.
This numeracy residency advances the District’s goal of Intellectual Development by engaging students in collaborative problem solving, critical thinking, and meaningful mathematical reasoning that builds confidence, deepened understanding, and fostered independent, flexible learners.
APPRECIATION FOR DEDICATED YEARS OF SERVICE
Employees reaching career milestones were recognized prior to the Regular Board meeting on June 23, 2026. Ten of 31 staff members celebrating 20 and 30 years of service were honoured for their dedication and long-standing contributions.
Each honouree received a commemorative glass plaque along with a personalized pen as a token of appreciation for their years of commitment.
Those in attendance were, from left to right:
Susan Housden (30 years)
Loree Boyd (30 years)
Gloria Cox (20 years)
Tracey Ward (20 years)
Kyla Hadden (20 years)
Ava Franklin (20 years)
Shannon Seed (30 years)
David Hollatz (20 years)
Allison Tyssen (20 years)
Megan Weir (20 years)
Through their dedication, these staff members contribute directly to the District’s mission of empowering students to become confident, curious, and caring individuals who thrive in their learning, relationships, and community.
Congratulations to all honourees on their well-deserved recognition.
SD83 CERTIFIED ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST SERVICES
PVSS student exploring tactile map during an orientation and mobility lesson
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) refers to the skills, knowledge, and tools that people who are blind or partially sighted need to travel safely, efficiently, and gracefully at home, school, and in the community night or day in all weather conditions. O&M specialists teach their students how to answer the questions: “Where am I?”, “Where am I going?” and “How am I going to get there?” According to the BC Ministry of Education’s Inclusive Education Services manual, O&M is an essential part of the curriculum for students with visual impairment. O&M services are provided by a qualified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
A Certified O&M Specialist (or COMS) has successfully completed a post-graduate program of study in Orientation and Mobility, passed a knowledge exam and maintains their certification through continuing education, service, and professional practice. As of June 2026, SD83 Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Kelly Manduca, is certified as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist! Having consistent O&M service will support our K-12 students with blindness or low vision to become skilled, independent, and confident travelers as they pursue their goals!
Congratulations, Kelly, our students and school community will greatly benefit from your specialized knowledge and commitment to inclusive education!
DISTRICT TRACK & FIELD MEET 2026
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, hundreds of students participated in the District Track & Field Meet at SASCU Little Mountain Field, where students in Grades 4–7 competed in ball throw, long jump, high jump, sprints, long-distance running, and relays.
Organizer Paul Rosman, Principal of Sorrento Elementary, extended thanks to the many coaches and assistants who helped make the event a success by running stations and ensuring athletes were organized and prepared. He acknowledged the Sorrento Parent Advisory Council for operating the concession that was literally cooking all day with the first hot dog requests coming in before 9 am.
Rosman also highlighted the ongoing support of retired Assistant Superintendent Carl Cooper who once again contributed by marking lanes, recording sprint finishes for photo review, and helping organize the 400-metre event. Director of Instruction Jen Findlay was busy all day overseeing operations in the scorer’s tent, while principal Joel Menzies took the lead in getting hundreds of athletes organized into heats for the sprints and relays. Special thanks also goes out to Kristen Crawford, District Principal of Indigenous Education, who stepped in as needed and where needed to ensure the day ran smoothly.
SD83 extends sincere thanks to Rosman and the many volunteers who helped make the day such a success for students.
A.L. FORTUNE TRACK & FIELD AT BC PROVINCIALS
Nine athletes from A.L. Fortune Secondary represented the Falcons Track & Field Teams at the BC Provincial Championships held in Langley from June 4–6, 2026, capping off an impressive season with record-breaking performances and strong provincial results.
Duke Reynolds, Ryerson Taber, Noah Heroux, Kingston Soper, David Aylard, Evan Nicholls, Shaden Cormier, Tristan Fergus, and Liam Murray all earned the opportunity to compete against the province’s top athletes, showcasing both depth and talent across the team.
left to right: Tristan, Ryerson, Kingston, Lian, David, Evan, Shaden, Noah and front: Duke
Ryerson
The Falcons set four new records over the course of the meet, highlighted by Ryerson Taber becoming the first athlete in school history to break the 9:45 barrier in the 1500m race walk.
Tristan Fergus finished the 200 metres with a 23.30 time, while the senior boys’ 4x400m relay team shaved three seconds off their previous best time to clock 3:36.54, placing 11th overall and narrowly missing a spot in the finals. With three Grade 11 athletes on that relay squad and having already set the North Zone meet record earlier in May, the future looks promising for continued success.
left to right: Tristan, Evan, Shaden, David
The highlight of the weekend came from Shaden Cormier, who advanced to the finals in the 400m hurdles and secured a sixth-place finish with a personal best time of 59.31. Among Grade 11 competitors in that event, Cormier ranked third, signaling a strong return next season.
Best of luck to Tristan Fergus, who is graduating from ALF this year and is planning to attend university for track.
left to right: Brody Cormier (Coach and former ALF athlete who runs for UBCO presently), Tristan Fergus, Steven Stankoven (ALF Teacher and Coach)
Congratulations to the A.L. Fortune athletes for their success at the BC Provincial Championships!
SALMON ARM JEWELS RUGBY 7’S CAPTURE 4TH AT PROVINCIALS
This year's Jewels went undefeated in regular season, in Zone playoffs and captured the Okanagan Valley Championship title on May 19, 2026. They are coached by local Yeti Rugby player Michelle Hoekstra, and Jayson Ursulak also a local Yeti rugby player.
Returning to the field in a different role, now as a coach, Ally Ursulak was a key player for the two previous 7th place Provincial standings in ‘25 and ’24 and had the opportunity this year to coach and mentor former teammates and two sisters Emma and Joanna Ursulak.
This team was built on trust, skill, practice and a little bit of singing and dancing! They were known for belting out Justin Bieber's “Baby” on the sidelines before games and many other songs during road trips. Teacher sponsor Alysse Hambleton noted the team cheer before taking the field was so loud and so memorable that it would regularly give spectators goosebumps.
The Salmon Arm Jewels Rugby 7's team captured fourth at Rugby 7's Provincials in Abbotsford on May 28-29, 2026. First day at Provincials had another undefeated set of games with 39-0, 39-0 and 35-5 for SAS! First game on day 2 was a success sending the SAS Jewels to the semifinals for the first time in history.
The Jewels finished 4th out of 78 teams across British Columbia, setting a historical record provincial placement for either Girls or Boys Rugby in the community of Salmon Arm.
During the Jewels run for a Provincial title, Athletic Director Tekki Brown Hryniw and Vice Principal Kris Hryniw helped organize various student videos featuring rousing support and clips from games to encourage the team and show how much the school was behind them.
We are all incredibly proud of this solid team built with strong senior players and a group of sturdy juniors ready to step in next year! We look forward to what this amazing group of individuals can build together next season!
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION AT M.V. BEATTIE
On June 1, 2026, staff and students from M.V. Beattie Elementary School and Shihiya School came together for a day of learning in recognition of National Indigenous History Month. Students had the opportunity to learn from several Knowledge Keepers, rotating through a variety of engaging, hands-on stations in multi-age groups.
Activities throughout the day included drumming, traditional games, storytelling, and an assembly that brought everyone together in a spirit of respect and community.
At lunchtime, students and staff enjoyed bannock and chili, generously provided by the Shuswap Food Action Society and Souper Meals.
We are so grateful to the Knowledge Keepers and community partners who made this special day possible.
EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE CELEBRATION & GATHERING
On June 5, Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) leaders from across the province gathered in Kelowna to share stories that matter.
District Vice Principal of ELCC Allison de Boer shared that the day’s theme—Roots, Ripples, and Renewal—offered a meaningful framework for reflection, fostering connection and shared learning, while also inspiring ongoing growth and system change.
We know that the early years are foundational, and investment in high-quality learning and care has a positive lifetime impact. District leads shared innovative practices and celebrated successes across a wide range of topics, including community connections and outreach, high-quality child care, early years community hub models, rich early learning environments, pedagogies of play, and strengthening transitions from the early years to kindergarten.
K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw SD83's story, We Are All Connected, highlighted the importance of belonging, interdependence, and community, as well as the understanding that all learning is relational.
2026-2027 SCHOOL REGISTRATION
New student registration for the 2026-2027 school year will begin on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Registration must be completed at your child’s catchment school, which is determined by your physical address, or at a Program of Choice school such as South Canoe for Outdoor Learning.
To access our catchment School Locator tool or learn more about our Program of Choice schools, visit the District Registration webpage.
If you have a child starting Kindergarten in September 2026, watch our Kindergarten Information Session video to learn more.
JUNE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education of School District No. 83 (K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw) held their Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
At the meeting, trustees heard from the Salmon Arm Inashkiki Twinning Committee delegation, received the Superintendent’s Report from Superintendent Donna Kriger, and heard a presentation on the Inclusion Resource Teacher position from Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education and student Supports Chelsea Prince. Trustees also approved the 2026–27 Board Annual Work Plan, 2026–27 Facility Rental Fees, the 2026–27 Annual Budget, and the 2027–28 Five-Year Capital Plan Submission (Major), along with other business.
Read more about the Board meeting in the From the Board Report – June 23, 2026 (https://www.sd83.bc.ca/documents/2026-06-23-From-The-Board).
B.C. SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTIONS RESOURCES
The next General Local Election for School Trustee of the Board of Education of School District No. 83 (K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw) will be held on October 17, 2026.
School Trustees are elected for a four-year term with elections occurring at the same time as the Local Government elections. The Board of Education's five seats are distributed across four trustee electoral areas:
- Area 1 – City Armstrong/Township of Spallumcheen/Falkland, Silver Creek, Ranchero (Area D - CSRD) - 1 Trustee
- Area 2 - City of Enderby/Malakwa (Area E - CSRD)/District of Sicamous/Mara, Grindrod, Mabel Lake (Area F - RDNO) – 1 Trustee
- Area 3 - North Shuswap, Sorrento, Carlin (Areas C & F - CSRD)– 1 Trustee
- Area 4 - Salmon Arm – 2 Trustees
For more information, visit our 2026 School Trustee Elections webpage.
