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;">As part of our classroom presentation theme, “Culture, Celebration, and Connection,” students were invited to share a presentation or talk about a topic that has brought them love, happiness, or a sense of togetherness. This could include culture, traditions, celebrations, vacations, music, special events, or meaningful personal memories.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To model the activity for her students, Ms. Divya shared a presentation about her own culture and traditions and wore a saree as part of representing her cultural background. Her intention was to give students an opportunity to see and appreciate different cultures from around the world while promoting connection, positivity, and respect for diversity. Ms. Lum also shared about her traditions and kindly treated the class to homemade Chow Mein, which further enriched the students’ learning experience.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/45746b07-1a56-4985-8a11-f65d8f93ab2f" alt="Cultural Connection at Horse Lake School Murray Helmer" width="523" height="566" style="width:523px;height:566px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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;">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" 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" 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>