Superintendent's Message to Parents - May 2023

Hello everyone! I think we can safely say spring has arrived. Our students (and staff!) are very excited for warmer weather and the opportunity to be outside more.

Thanks for your Feedback

Thank you to the 650 people who responded to the Numeracy and / or Literacy surveys this spring. We appreciate hearing your feedback and comments as we work on our programming for next year. The information is currently being compiled and we’ll share a summary with you as soon as we are able.

It’s Budget Time

Since we were given information about our funding for the next school year, in late March, BRSD has been evaluating and determining how to allocate the dollars we will receive in ways that are best suited to meeting our student needs. Some areas of the budget (such as Instruction) have decreased, and others (such as Operations and Maintenance) have received more, but overall, our funding for 2023-2024 is very close to what we received in the current year.  The final budget will be approved by the Board of Trustees at the end of May.

Graduation / Farewell Season Starts Friday

Our first high school graduation / farewell ceremony of this school year will take place on Friday, May 5. After that, we have at least one ceremony each weekend (except the long weekend) until the latter part of June. These events are always a great celebration of student achievement, and we look forward to being part of the excitement.

This is a Big Week!

We started the week with Bus Driver Appreciation Day on May 1 – a chance to acknowledge those dedicated people who deliver our students to school and home again safely each day. It’s also Education Week, which celebrates the wide variety of ways in which learning happens throughout our schools. In addition, this is Canadian Mental Health Week, including “Hats on for Mental Health Day” on May 3. As you know, supporting the mental health needs of students is a priority in our school division. Plus, last week we celebrated Administrative Professionals, giving us the chance to say “thanks” to those who keep our schools / offices running smoothly. These special days and weeks serve as a great reminder that everyone plays a role in the success of students. We are grateful to all of those who contribute to our school division.

Have a great month!

Dr. Rita Marler