Superintendent's Message to Parents - October 2022 - We are thankful!

Hello everyone. The school year has gotten off to a great start and here we are entering the second month already.

We are moving toward Thanksgiving weekend and, though there are challenges in our world, there is also much for which to be thankful. Here are four things for which BRSD is grateful right now:

• The opportunity to welcome those who are new. September brings a host of new faces to our school division – from little ones starting Kindergarten or Grade 1 to families moving into our communities and staff who are joining our team or moving to a new role. It’s an honour to welcome those who are new and we are thankful to have them with us!
• The ongoing support of families. Division-wide, our enrollment numbers appear to be very stable and we are thankful for every family who makes the choice to have their children attend a BRSD school. We are also grateful to all the families who have been able to join their school community at school events, such as barbecues and meet-the-teacher nights, that have helped kick the school year off in fine fashion.
• BRSD Staff. From bus drivers and mechanics who ensure students get to school and home again safely, to members of the Facilities teams who keep buildings and yards in good condition; from the Finance team who makes sure both the bills and the staff are paid to the Human Resources team that ensures quality staff are available to fill all roles; from the Learning teams which help ensure resources are available to meet student needs of all kinds to the dedicated teachers, educational assistants, learning commons facilitators, administrative assistants and school leaders who support students throughout every hour of the school day, Battle River School Division is very thankful for the dedication and commitment of staff.

 Beautiful fall weather. These warm fall days have allowed students and staff to enjoy time outside and take full advantage of the opportunity for schoolyard activities, cross-country runs, neighbourhood walks and more. The opportunity to practice evacuation drills (from both the school / office and the bus) without heading out into rain or -25 temperatures is a bonus for which we are all thankful!

Students will enjoy an extra-long weekend, as they won’t return to class until Wednesday, October 12. School staff will have a Collaboration Day on October 11, during which they will work together to continue planning how to provide high quality teaching, in order to help ensure optimal student learning.

In this time of being thankful, I wish you a season filled with the people and activities that help you remember all that is good.

Dr. Rita Marler