Superintendent's Message to Parents - December 2022

Hello everyone. What a cold start to an exciting month!

Its concert season

We are all very excited to have concerts happening in-person again. Many schools are getting ready and many students are getting excited to perform for their families. Even schools that don’t have concerts have festive activities planned. The days ahead will be a flurry of activity.

Awards Nights

Awards Nights are back, too. Awards Nights are an opportunity to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding work and skills. It gives me great hope to see the number of students across BRSD who are being celebrated for academic excellence, outstanding citizenship, athletic prowess and more. The future is bright!

Finding the balance

High absence rates have been an issue for many BRSD schools throughout the fall, as a number of respiratory and intestinal ‘bugs’ have made the rounds. We’re grateful to those who ensure students stay home if they aren’t well.

We also know the importance of consistency and routine. Having a predictable schedule of school days and activities is very helpful to students’ ability to learn and to regulate their emotions. Our schools are open, even when absence rates are high or it’s too cold for the buses to run, so we can provide an environment that supports student learning and wellbeing. Thank you for making attendance a priority when your children are well.

There is just over two weeks until the Christmas / Winter break. The days might be cold, but they also promise to be a time of heartwarming cheer in schools. Enjoy every moment of this festive season!

Dr. Rita Marler