At the April 10 school board meeting, chair Silas White reported he and other chairs from across the province went to a Ministry of Education meeting to talk about Bill 22 on April 2 and 3.
There he learned School District No. 46 (SD46) will receive an additional $213,663 in next year's budget from the wage savings realized during the teacher job action. The money is meant to improve support for class size and composition.
White said Education Minister George Abbott spoke about an "exciting time of positive transition in BC Education" during the two-day meeting.
"The obvious elephant in the room for the entire session was the ongoing labour conflict with the BCTF and the challenge of 'moving forward' together under these circumstances," White said.
For White's notes on the meeting, see www.twitter.com/silaswhite.
FSAs
Superintendent of Schools Patrick Bocking reported the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) tests were completed this past month, and the data was sent electronically to the Ministry of Education.
Response booklets and student results will be sent home to parents April 20.
"The results of the FSA form a part of the data that helps the district and schools to plan for supporting improved student achievement," Bocking said.
Strategic plan
Bocking noted a survey will be going out to parents soon to ask for feedback on the district's strategic plan.
"It's based on our current strategic plan and asking for feedback and, of course, there are opportunities to add to it afterward," Bocking said.
The intent of the survey is to gather information for a forum planned for April 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Chatelech Secondary School.
The survey is also available at www.sd46.bc.ca.
Family Day
The board approved next year's calendar that has the tentative addition of Family Day on Feb. 18. While the day has been proclaimed in B.C., it has yet to be enacted by the Ministry of Labour.
Marks
Bocking reported that teachers are providing marks from the last semester for students in grades 10 to 12 this week. Bocking said the principals and vice principals are currently developing next year's timetables and the information is "critical to effectively staff and timetable their schools."
Early learning
The Early Learning Fair for children under five years of age and their families is set for April 28 at Chatelech Secondary School. Non-profit agencies that provide services and support to families of young children will be there and kids can enjoy games, face painting and crafts at the free event.
