An open letter to the community from Okanagan Skaha School District 67 trustees

To the staff of School District 67 and community:

On May 15, Premier John Horgan and Minister Rob Fleming announced that parents will have the opportunity to choose to send their children back to school on a gradual and part time basis beginning Monday, June 1.

As we prepare to make this next shift, we as a board felt it was appropriate to take the opportunity to pause and reflect on work completed during this time by everyone in our district.

Specifically, we would like to acknowledge School District 67 staff and our communities for the incredible amount of work that has gone in to building learning opportunities and supports for students and families.

Looking back over the past two months, it is amazing to consider how our district has worked to support continuity of learning opportunities for our students. It is equally remarkable to consider how quickly everyone has adapted. These changes do not happen without an entire team coming together.

Please know how much your work is appreciated, whether you are: staff supporting the food program for students and families; a member of our information technology team supporting remote learning software; an EA who is finding creative ways to stay connected to students; a custodian, facilities and maintenance team member who continues to keep schools clean and safe; district staff who continue to oversee operations from the board office; or a teacher or an administrator who oversees learning opportunities for our students.

While we can’t identify every individual in this letter, we are deeply grateful for the work you have all done supporting our school communities.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our larger community for their support.

When in-school instruction was halted, the district started plans to provide weekly food hampers to students and their families, knowing that many are struggling at this time.

Since then, we have received more than $20,000 in donations from individuals and businesses, a truly amazing demonstration of care and generosity. In addition, we received generous grants from the following groups: Breakfast Club of Canada, Vancouver Sun Children’s Foundation, Penny Lane Legacy Fund and a joint grant from the Community Foundation, United Way and Valley First. We also know that other community organizations have found creative ways to support this initiative.

We are proud to be part of a School District and community that has come together to support students, families and each other during this extraordinary time. Thank you.

Okanagan Skaha School District 67 trustees