Collective Responsibility
We are more effective when we work collaboratively and seamlessly to support student needs. We are ALL responsible for working together for the success of ALL students. Improving communication and access to common information, establishing effective instructional and support teams, and focusing on wrapping around and strengthening the core relationship of teacher-student-families will improve student success.
We have developed a Framework for Collective Responsibility that will help guide the work we do from creating, implementing and monitoring School Plans for Learner Success, Local Education Agreements with First Nation communities, Individual Education Plans (IEP), and interventions by School-Based Teams (SBT). Common district assessments, with results made available in a timely and user-friendly format, support collaborative learning conversations by teams. Collective responsibility is a theme that emerges across all the other focus areas as we all do our parts toward common goals. Examples of this work include:
•Focus for the current year on walking together
•Collective Responsibility Framework
•New district data warehouse and information management system
•Strengthened school-based team (SBT) processes
•More opportunities for cross-school collaboration
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER for the success of ALL learners in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District:
Crafting
150 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary hosted a Craft Night on December 18th for students, parents and family. Many different types of crafts were available for making. Special note going out to Oliver from the Conservation Society for joining us and helping make sustainable and recyclable door hangings. The door hangings were beautiful and helped teach our students about sustainable holiday activities.
It takes a community to...
Lac La Hache Elementary
It was wonderful having two RCMP officers as well as community volunteers helping us to make some delicious cinnamon buns for the holiday season.
Engaging our Community with Family Games Night
Nesika Elementary
We are ALL responsible for working together for the success of ALL students. At Nesika, we know that focusing on wrapping around and strengthening the core relationship of teacher-student-families will improve student success. Over a hundred families joined us for an engaging holiday-style Family Board Games Night. Many thanks to our PAC and student leadership group for supporting this event.
Nesika Elementary Spreads Cheer
Nesika Elementary
The amazing students at École Nesika Elementary decorated coffee sleeves to help spread cheer at local coffee shop, The Bean Counter. Check them out!
Seasonal Cooperative Event
Lac La Hache/GROW
The PAC groups from both GROW and Lac La Hache got together to co-sponsor a seasonal craft event that was enjoyed by students from both educational programs. The students really enjoyed and appreciated making seasonal center pieces to by given away to someone special in their lives.
RCMP Partnership and Safety Routines
Nesika Elementary
Thank you Williams Lake Staff Sergeant McKinnon his BC RCMP colleagues for spending time at Nesika this morning: talking through the importance of emergency routines like fire drills, hold and secure, and lockdown. Our students know these are routines we take seriously and why. We appreciate it!
The Season for Giving
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lac La Hache students are creating seasonal cards that can be included in the food hampers that the Lac La Hache volunteer Fire Department are distributing to families in our community this holiday season.
Turkey Dinner at Lunch
150 Mile Elementary
With the help of a veritable army of parent volunteers, 150 Mile Elementary hosted our annual turkey dinner at lunch. We managed to have a sit down dinner with all 233 students, 29 staff and over 12 parent volunteers. Many thanks to such an amazing parent support team that helps us immensely with making students comfortable at school with a strong sense of belonging.
Growing Together
Early Learning
SD27 StrongStart Educators participated in the Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Early Years training for educators and have been engaging in and sharing resources in their classrooms. Educators have been utilizing one recommended resource "Breathe Like A Bear" daily during group gathering time. Children and families are doing one or two of the fun mindful moments together. We are very excited to be helping young children "grow their tool box" with wonderful strategies for self-regulation. Caregivers are sharing the carry-over from class to home and are grateful to have more resources to tap into during "pressure points" when a quick breathing exercise is the key to maneuvering through some big emotions.
We are happy to share that Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Early Years (EASEY) at Home has now been launched on the Healthy Minds BC website and is FREE to all!
EASEY at Home is a collection of online evidence-informed and culturally relevant resources including downloadable tip sheets and interactive activities with topics that include:
• how to guide your child through big emotions
• how to help your child with fears
• common signs of stress in the early years and how to reduce stress in the home
• how to recognize the many faces of anxiety and support your child through times of separation.
Let's share this wonderful resource with colleagues and families. (Pictured is one of the resource books we are utilizing in our StrongStart Centers)
Friday Skating is a Great Way to End a School Week
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lac La Hache students and staff are very thankful to the Lac La Hache Community Association as well as for the many volunteer skating marshals who help make our Friday afternoon skating sessions possible. The students look forward to getting out on the ice at the Rolf Zeiss Memorial arena and have really improved their skating skills.
Denisiqi Services Society Receives BCPVPA Partnership Award
School District 27 Principals and Vice Principals
School District 27 PVP proudly congratulate Denisiqi Services Society on receiving a BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association (BCPVPA) Partnership Award. This honour recognizes their commitment to collective responsibility—working alongside schools, families, and communities to support the success and well-being of every student.
Denisiqi exemplifies what it means to put students at the center of learning. Through programs like Youth Outreach and Land-Based Activities they provide culturally meaningful experiences and essential supports that address academic, social, and emotional needs. Their hands-on approach—whether guiding smudging ceremonies, drum-making, or beading workshops—celebrates cultural heritage while fostering inclusion and connection among all students.
Their ability to meet students and families where they are, offering flexible counselling, tutoring, and life skills programming, underscores the power of partnership in reducing barriers to education. Denisiqi’s collaboration with schools across the district is a wonderful example of how collective responsibility creates a stronger, more inclusive educational community.
Congratulations to Denisiqi Services Society on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your transformative impact on the lives of students and families in our district.
Collective Responsibility in Action at Tatla Lake School
Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School
At School District 27, collective responsibility means working together to ensure every student achieves success. This approach shines at Tatla Lake School, where staff are collaborating with KOOL School to support students in grades 8-12 who are completing their core subjects online.
The teaching team of Tatla Lake and KOOL School exemplify the power of partnership. Through regular feedback and collaboration, KOOL School teachers are designing assignments tailored to students' unique interests and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. This personalized approach helps students remain engaged and thrive in their learning.
Our gratitude to Audra Peterson, Tatla Lake’s Grade 5-12 teacher, and the dedicated teachers at KOOL School for putting students at the center of learning. Your efforts demonstrate how collective responsibility can create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
Local Constable Visits Primary Social Studies Classes
Horse Lake Elementary
Constable Brandon Visscher of the 100 Mile House RCMP came to talk to the grade 1 and grade 2/3 Social Studies classes about what a police officer does in a day to day setting and answered the many questions posed by our students about what the job entails. The classes have been learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen and the rules and laws of school and community as well as services that the government provides to our communities such as police, firefighters, schools, and postal services. Students were very excited to see and speak with a real police officer and even got autographs from Constable Visscher at the end of his talk!
BGC Challenging Youth to Problem Solve
Skyline Alternate
The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) arrived at Skyline to collaborate with students and encourage groups to build structures that span a certain distance. At first students grumbled through the activity and a few minutes into the project all youth were engaged and working together. Great community involvement with Skyline youth.
Stewardship
Lake City Secondary
With a desire to help keep our school grounds clean, Mrs. Davis' class spent 30 minutes outside picking up garbage.
Returning Student Helping Out
Skyline Alternate
A graduated student returned to assist Skyline youth in creating interest in the Music Program offered by community member Biosin. So much talent at the school. I can’t wait to hear the end result.
Time to Vote!
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Students are learning that it is their right to vote in a democratic society. It is our collective responsibility to teach them how and to vote with an open mind and to take pride in the place they live.
Happy Halloween from the Board Office
Board Office
The Board Office staff take great pride decorating the main entrance and lower hallway for the students of Marie Sharpe and Skyline to trick-or-treat. This years theme was Minions! With Superintendent Lenardon’ s direction of reduce and recycle for decorating, we were successful, with many staff sharing their Halloween decorations - even shredded paper was put to use. It was so much fun to see the 200+ costumes and smiles, especially when they received a sticker, mini candy, marshmallow bananas, and a full sized banana - to fit the theme!! Yes we fit fruit into the Halloween fun. Ba-na-na!
Helping Our Neighbours
Columneetza Junior Secondary School
Columneetza kicks off another great campaign in the October assembly, "Toques & Mittens" to help raise awareness for those in need of a little extra warmth this winter. We also had some Grade 7 classes raking leaves for the neighbours around the middle school. Generosity is near and dear to our school community as we build a culture of care. Columneetza Cares!
We Hired the Whole Family!
Columneetza Junior Secondary School
Thank you to SD27's Job Fair a few years back, we were able to hire Mr. Keaton Smith as a middle school teacher. He moved to BC from Alberta with his wife and son and settled into the Williams Lake area. We then hired on his wife Ms. Adriana Smith as a Letter of Permission teacher to help us out for a year and she has returned this year as a practicum student (Columneetza clearly made an impression - she wants to become a teacher)! After that, her father Mr. Rodolfo Funes was hired on as another Letter of Permission teacher, returning this year. Finally, Ms. Carmen Funes joined our team as a Noon Hour Supervisor. We have hired the whole family and they are such a wonderful addition to the staff.
Kindies, Cupcakes, and Collaboration
100 Mile Elementary & Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
A collaboration between kindergarten and grade 12 students exemplifies collective responsibility by fostering a shared commitment to the educational growth of all participants. Mrs. Varney and Mr. Kline provided this opportunity through an afternoon of making cupcakes, where older students mentored younger ones, promoting accountability and leadership skills. This joint activity encouraged collaboration, allowing students to learn from each other’s diverse perspectives. The interaction not only enhanced social and emotional development but also created a rich environment for exchanging knowledge and experiences. Ultimately, this approach emphasizes that the success of one student is interconnected with the success of all, highlighting the importance of community in education.
Creating Trauma-Informed, Resilient Schools
Education Department
Many SD27 staff participated in 3 separate sessions focusing on resilience with an emphasis on understanding how trauma impacts children and their school experience through the Circle of Courage model. Participants gained proactive strategies such as fostering connections, prioritizing social and emotional skills, establishing safety, and promoting play and learned the “how” in creating the best classroom and school supports for traumatized students and the school professionals who serve them. Participants learned how to assess students, create support plans, utilize strategies to collaborate with families and communities and collect and utilize outcome data.
Student Vote at Nesika
Nesika Elementary
Student Vote is an authentic learning program that provides students with the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice the habits of active and informed citizenship. The activities are intended to inform students about government and the electoral process, enhance information literacy skills, encourage research into the candidates and issues, and foster dialogue among students and their families. Students take on the role of election workers and coordinate a vote within their school. Participating students cast ballots for the election candidates running in the school’s electoral district. The results are shared publicly after the close of polls.
Inclusive Learning Environments
Mile 108 Elementary
Almost our whole staff - teachers and support staff - come together to learn about research, ideas, strategies, training and resources to support of neurodivergent learners. This was an excellent day of teamwork and learning that will benefit our whole school community.
Making Friendship Soup
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Students and Day Care brought in vegetables and we all made Friendship soup together. We taught students how to prepare vegetables and measure ingredients.
3-Year-Old Round-Up
SD27 Ready, Set, Learn
An annual event hosted by SD27, celebrating 3-year-old's and giving parents the opportunity to observe as their child engages in a fun filled activity circuit showcasing 3-year-old development skills. The activity circuit is supported by our wonderful community service providers; The Family Support Institute, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Center, Cariboo Regional District Library, Childcare Resource and Referral, Infant Development, Interior Health Audiology and Dental, Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, Cariboo Memorial Complex, Little Moccasins Learning Center, Child and youth Mental Health and our StrongStart Educators.
Emergency Boot Camp
Lake City Secondary
30 Indigenous students from LCSS had the opportunity to take 2 days of structural firefighting training sponsored by the Williams Lake Fire Department and First Nations Emergency Services Society.
Harvest Soup
150 Mile Elementary
The staff with a large group of parents put on our annual Harvest Soup event at 150 Mile. In a collaborative effort about 12 parents with several staff and students came to help cook, serve and clean-up. Local root vegetables and locally purchased meats were all used to create soup for all students and served with yummy bannock.
Daybreak Rotary Club: Starfish Pack Program
Cataline Elementary
The Daybreak Rotary Club of Williams Lake is once again providing student assistance, supporting students and families with their Starfish Pack Program. With the help from dedicated volunteers and donations from Williams Lake families, businesses, and community groups, the Starfish Pack Program is helping families in need, delivering backpacks to Williams Lake schools at the end of each week so that students will have sufficient food for the weekend.
We are very thankful for the work of everyone involved in the Starfish Pack Program. It’s this wonderful collective effort that brings our schools, families, and community together! Thank-you, Daybreak Rotary Club of Williams Lake!
Potato House Partnership
Marie Sharpe Elementary
We are so thankful for the partnership we have with The Potato House who not only teach us valuable lessons, but also keep our bellies full.
Professional Boundaries Training for ALL SD27 Staff
District
All employees of Cariboo-Chilcotin School District engaged in training this Fall to ensure they understand their roles as members of the district team contributing to our workplace culture, service to and interactions with students and families, and public confidence in the system.
Starfish Backpacks
Marie Sharpe Elementary
We are fortunate to once again be partnering with the Williams Lake Rotary Club who provide our school with Starfish Backpacks. These backpacks provide valuable nutrition to families for the weekends.
Community Support Brings Science to Life for SD 27 Students
Community
The South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation generously sponsored a Science World visit to schools in the 100 Mile area. Science World presented a "How to Science" show for Kindergarten to Grade 3 classes, and "Earth, Wind and Science" show for Grade 4 to 7 classes. See the full story in the 100 Mile Free Press.
Photos: Patrick Davies 100 Mile Free Press.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Information Management System
District
The District worked with Softlanding to complete a design solution for collecting and presenting information to staff. The District now has a fully automated data warehouse that collects and creates displays of historical information on all key metrics in the district plan and utilized by our staff. The warehouse is connected to online reports created with PowerBI. Access to high quality information will increase knowledge we have about students and will also reduce manual data tasks allowing time to be spent on higher value tasks.
Walking Together into the 2024 2025 School Year
District
We held our District Day on September 3 which saw more than 800 SD27 staff, including educators, support staff, operations, transportation, custodial, human resources, IT, finance, payroll, and administrative staff gathered at schools with all sites connected virtually for the morning. We were welcomed to the traditional and unceded territories the school district is on by Williams Lake First Nation Chief Sellars, Xeni Gwet’in Chief William, and Ulkatcho Chief Price who shared what they wanted staff to know as we began serving their children and families in this school year. Monique Gray Smith was the keynote speaker for the morning and emphasized Indigenous traditional knowledge and values, relationship with others and nature, and trauma-informed practice. Teams had time to talk during the morning and had lunch together (many outside for BBQs and picnics) before spending the afternoon preparing to bring the key themes to life in their schools and departments over the first days and weeks of the new year.
Please click the photo to view
Celebrating World Teachers' Day as a Community
District
World Teachers’ Day is held internationally on October 5 to celebrate the work of teachers. In Cariboo-Chilcotin School District we recognize that the core relationship of education is between the teacher- student- caregivers. We also recognize that teachers have incredible support here from all the staff, especially at the school level, who wrap around and support that relationship and the work of teaching and learning. We extend a big THANK YOU to teachers and the colleagues who make their work possible and hope they enjoy these BC apples from Desert Hills.
Mountview PAC
Mountview Elementary
Our PAC put on an amazing back to school BBQ for our families. We had a wonderful turnout. It is fantastic to see busy parents set aside some time to help prepare and serve food and bring our little school community together. Thank you Mountview PAC!
Speech and Language Collaboration
Cataline Elementary
Cataline teachers, EAs, admin, and speech and language team meet together to respond to and practice with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices which support students with communication needs.
Kindergarteners Remind us that we All Matter
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Mrs. Hutchinson's kindergarteners help us spread the message that we all matter and that we all belong here. Excellent job. They reminded us that it is our collective responsibility to make everyone feel welcomed.
Marshmallow Challenge
Naghtaneqed Elementary Junior Senior School
First week of school, students participated in various team building activities. This was a collective responsibility activity. Students from all grades, worked together in teams, while teachers, EA's and the principal supported and guided students to build a strong and tall tower. Students sketched the tower design and worked communication and team work.
Welcome Back BBQ
150 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary PAC hosted a welcome back BBQ at the end of the first week of school. Over 180 students and parents came out to spend some time with teachers connecting and building community ties. Even the neighborhood bear made a visit in a nearby field munching on berries.
SD27 Rural Schools Walking Together
Rural Schools
In an effort to build community and foster collaboration to support staff and students, SD27 schools along Hwy 20 are 'Walking Together' this year! Principals and teachers from Anahim Lake, Alexis Creek, Tatla Lake, and Naghtanequed met together in early September to get to know each other and make connections. We look forward to other opportunities to connect and support one another this year!
STEM Projects with BGC
Skyline Alternate School
Youth had an enjoyable time with the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) staff building and modifying flying machines. Fun had by all.
Coming Together to Support Kids
Marie Sharpe Elementary
We are so fortunate to have dedicated maintenance staff who are committed to supporting our students through rough moments. Here, you can see how our painter, Tana, took her own break time to get a student's bike tire repaired at a our local bike shop (Red Shreds - who offered a free service), then worked with the student to put it back on.
Friday the 13th Turns Bad Luck Good!
Anahim Lake Senior Students
Students fried up perogies with onions and bacon to send home with every child at school on Friday, September 13th. Starting off our 2024-25 school year theme of 'Walking Together', our oldest students cooked and packed small containers of food to go home for the weekend. We will continue this initiative by encouraging even our youngest students to get involved in preparing what looks to be a popular way to connect inside and outside of school.
Walking Together - Meet our Team
Cataline Elementary
Cataline Elementary school staff started off the year in a good way, taking our first day together outdoors and setting the foundation for a year of "Walking Together". Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belong is the message our staff feels passionately about, as we collectively work as a team to honour and support all learners.
Mustangs Visit Nesika
Nesika Elementary
Nesika staff and students welcomed 3 members of the Williams Lake Mustangs hockey team. New members of the WL community, they generously gave of their time to get to know our community of learners. Students were visibly excited to have them in our building and asked some excellent questions to help build relationships and make connections. The players helped some student volunteers to get recess equipment ready for our classes to enjoy as well. We are grateful to these athletes for lifting spirits and promoting healthy, active living.
Fire Fighting, Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Training
Lac La Hache Elementary
Members of the volunteer Lac La Hache Fire Department spent a morning with Lac La Hache students teaching them valuable lessons about fire prevention, fire safety as well as how to use the powerful fire hose.
A Cataline Elementary School PACkers Welcome
Cataline Elementary
Starting the year in a good way, Cataline Elementary and school PAC hosted their Welcome Back BBQ, fostering community connections, bringing together families and school staff. The Cataline PAC is an integral part of our school community, providing opportunities to connect parents and school, as well as involving parents in volunteer activities (such as a Welcome Back BBQ) that builds community and supports our students and families.
Pet in the Classroom
Skyline Alternate
Having a leopard gecko has created an environment of caring, responsibility for all. Each student is taking responsibility to make sure others are doing their duty.
