Safe, Caring & Inclusive Learning Communities

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Several members of our Student Support Services team attended the PDA Live online session through POPARD, alongside over 120 participants from across the province.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The session highlighted the strong connection between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), autism, and anxiety—reminding us that what can look like refusal is often an anxiety-driven response to everyday demands.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key takeaways focused on practical strategies: prioritizing relationships, flexibility, and student autonomy, and using indirect, collaborative approaches to reduce anxiety and increase engagement.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Great learning and thoughtful discussion that directly supports our work in inclusive and responsive classrooms.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SD27 Early Learning Coordinator, Beulah Smith joined Denisiqi at Naghtaneqed Elementary school for "Growing Little Roots" an early learning event sharing child development information and building relationships through playful engagement. Our station provided opportunities for building literacy skills through play.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/26dc7053-b8bf-49e9-9821-ead3c7c93dcf?fingerprint=ppb20260422045143" alt="Ready, Set, Learn2 BEULAH SMITH" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0bac6a8c-7624-4409-8b75-8bc0ec748724?fingerprint=ppb20260422045142" alt="Ready, Set, Learn5 BEULAH SMITH" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since February 2026 of this year, CCSD27 has been seeking input on the Northern BC School District's Accessibility Plan. The plan's key themes are to increase visibility of those with disabilities, develop targeted education and training programs, increase integration in school, and to focus on accessibility, empathy, and sensitivity training. The survey can be completed by accessing the district's website by clicking on "Our District, Accessibility, and the Northern BC School Districts Accessibility Plan Survey."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0735afb7-eda1-43d1-aac2-e04cecb158f4?fingerprint=ppb20260416053916" alt="CCSD27 Seeks Input on Accessibility Plan Hattie Darney" width="443" height="232" style="width:443px;height:232px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CCSD27 has access to online sessions for parents, caregivers, grandparents and youth ages 10 &amp; up! The last session for "Establishing Safe, Caring, &amp; Respectful Digital Communities" is on May 13th from 6:30-7:30pm. The last session for "Establishing Family Practices for Safeguarding Against Cyberbullying &amp; Sextortion" is on June 10th from 6:30-7:30pm. You can access these workshops using the school district's website under "Students &amp; Families, Safe &amp; Inclusive Schools." A big shout out to ERASE and Safer Schools Together for these offerings!</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/179d7314-5fbc-4ca7-aa38-6b1cf5b88f60?fingerprint=ppb20260415043634" alt="60 Minute Online Workshops for Families from Safer Schools Together &amp; ERASE2 Hattie Darney" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1e2f6b34-e955-4dcd-a516-7b85c26cb010?fingerprint=ppb20260415043634" alt="60 Minute Online Workshops for Families from Safer Schools Together &amp; ERASE1 Hattie Darney" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cariboo Chilcotin School District is pleased to introduce the Super Attendance Recognition Program, a new initiative that celebrates student effort and acknowledges the vital role families play in supporting regular school attendance.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Being present at school supports learning, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. Each day helps students build relationships, establish routines, and engage fully in the experiences that support their growth and success. For this reason, attendance is a key focus for the District.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recognizing Effort, Progress, and Commitment</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The program is designed to recognize attendance in meaningful and encouraging ways. Each month, students will be celebrated if they meet one or more of the following criteria during the previous month:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Achieve 90% or greater attendance for the month</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Improve attendance by 10% or more compared to the previous month</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Maintain 90% or greater attendance year to date</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who meet any of these milestones will receive a certificate recognizing their effort and commitment to being present at school.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monthly and Year-End Draws</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">From all eligible students across the three categories, one student will be selected each month to receive a family-focused gift. In February, for example, prizes included $100 grocery gift certificates. Students eligible for monthly recognition are also automatically entered into a grand year-end draw, offering another opportunity for families to be recognized and celebrated.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Shared Responsibility</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This program is not about perfect attendance. It is about recognizing effort, growth, and partnership. By celebrating attendance, the District aims to strengthen connections between students, families, and schools while encouraging positive habits that support learning and well-being.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families with questions are encouraged to contact their school for more information.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2d62853f-523f-46df-a515-ab88c619d04f?fingerprint=ppb20260412023642" alt="C Lenardon Attendance 1 cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d8d1e0d4-9305-44c1-a9fe-6843de65de65?fingerprint=ppb20260412023645" alt="Clenardon Attendance 2 cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The students of Likely Elementary are practicing the concept of “filling someone’s bucket,” inspired by the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Through activities that encourage writing kind notes and sharing positive actions, students learn that their words and choices can uplift others. This practice promotes a caring environment where everyone feels valued and respected, reinforcing the school’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community. By focusing on kindness and empathy, these activities help build strong relationships and a culture where every student belongs.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7ab06a8f-4c98-4c53-a351-2584e2a092e6?fingerprint=ppb20260106223324" alt="Likely Filling Buckets and Building Communi Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4ada2c8e-60f5-4778-a2c0-d9d45d77ed26?fingerprint=ppb20260106223321" alt="Likely Filling Buckets and Building Communi 2 Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This display, featuring colorful paper lights arranged on a tree with the message “We light up our school with kindness,” celebrates the power of positive actions and words. Each light represents a student’s commitment to spreading kindness, creating a collective symbol of care and respect within the school community. By contributing their ideas, students learn that generosity is not only about material gifts but also about offering support, compassion, and goodwill—values that strengthen relationships and nurture a culture of giving.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e881fc1f-33d1-4f09-8904-d8cd67752b92?fingerprint=ppb20260106223056" alt="December Generosity and Kindness Sari Small" width="580" height="773" style="width:580px;height:773px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Likely Elementary’s gratitude tree display highlights how the students contribute their own voices while being part of a shared classroom community. Each leaf represents something meaningful to an individual student, encouraging personal reflection and responsibility for expressing what matters most—an example of Independence through inquiry and choice. At the same time, these individual contributions come together to form a vibrant collective artwork, creating a welcoming environment where every perspective is valued. This activity embodies the Indigenous principles of Belonging and Independence by fostering inclusion and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7176f389-786a-433b-aba6-6e0ac206cd77?fingerprint=ppb20260106222828" alt="Likely October Gratitude Sari Small" width="584" height="779" style="width:584px;height:779px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Created by students in September, this collaborative display at Likely Elementary - features rays of hope written by each student surrounding a bright sun. This reflects a classroom culture where every voice matters. By inviting students to share their personal hopes for the year, the activity creates a space where individual contributions come together to form a unified message of optimism. Each piece adds to the whole, symbolizing that our community shines brightest when everyone is included and valued.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/20257b66-2d89-4cca-b770-875984deefe4?fingerprint=ppb20260106222530" alt="Likely Rays of Hope Sari Small" width="606" height="807" style="width:606px;height:807px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today educators in a variety of roles and responsibilities within the school setting came together to train or re-train on non-violent crisis intervention strategies with district principal Kristina Beaulne. The verbal and non-verbal behaviours, actions and strategies that educators use can have a profound de-escalating effect with youth and with grown-ups in our learning communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this learning round today.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b92c04fb-4915-4e59-bd6c-12396a44229e?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training1 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43f81bc7-7a97-49b2-8814-9de760f68238?fingerprint=ppb20251217033943" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training2 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>