Dear Parents/Guardians,

As another school year ends, the anticipation of summer and all its opportunities is in full swing. June is such a great time of year -- I have the privilege of attending every graduation ceremony this month to see the smiling faces on stage and in the audience that are bursting with pride.

I want to take just a few minutes to share some district updates with you before we begin the summer break.

STUDENT SUCCESS

We are half way through the Board’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 and are showing exciting trends in some of our data – from students feeling a greater sense of connection and engagement at school to improvements in literacy levels – we have much to be proud about in Saanich. The Enhancing Student Learning Report – Sept 2024 is easily accessible on our district website and I encourage you to review how we are doing against a wide range of measures. We are showing areas of success, as well as areas where we need to continue to focus our attention.

SCHOOLS AS PLACES OF BELONGING

One of the important pieces of work our district is doing is building understanding, acceptance, and acknowledgement of others. Society, including in school, continues to show examples of intolerance such as discrimination, racism, and homophobia. As schools, we play a critical role in breaking down these obstacles to success and wellbeing. We know that a child who feels appreciated and welcomed at school, regardless of their personal circumstances, is best equipped to learn and achieve. My personal commitment to you is that I will not waver from this belief, nor our need to build pathways towards ending these barriers to success.

Our strength as a community comes from believing that we are all worthy and capable.

CELL PHONE RESTRICTIONS

We are concluding the first year of implementing updated provincial standards on cell phone use in schools. Administrative procedure AP345 – Student Use of Personal Digital Devices outlines the expectations for students in Saanich.

• Elementary School Students: Little or no use of personal digital devices
• Middle School Students: Limited use of personal digital devices during instructional time for educational purposes
• Secondary School Students: Limited use of personal digital devices during instructional time for educational purposes, and during scheduled breaks.

These expectations have been put in place to help minimize the distraction that cell phones can cause, helping to maximize learning. There are exceptions to these restrictions for those who require their devices for medical monitoring, or personal communication and accessibility. These cell phone expectations serve as a reminder to all of us that our phones are a tool that have a place and purpose, but they need to be used responsibly and sometimes not at all. I, too, have been conscientious about using my phone only when it is needed.

Please take an opportunity this summer to have a conversation with your child about cell phone distractions and why we have these expectations at school.

THE POWER OF WHY: My 2024-2025 Reflections

It’s been 8 years since I started my professional blog The Power of Why. I use this platform to share thoughts on educational research, the importance of leadership and some personal wonderings on a range of different topics. I have just recently authored my year-end blog post where I offer some reflections in four areas: Student Success; Artificial Intelligence & Education; Political & Economic Upheaval; and A Personal Perspective. I hope that you can find 4-5 minutes to read My 2024-2025 Reflections. I discuss some of our collective work in Saanich Schools, as well as share a personal musing of where I place meaning in my life.

You can follow my blog by clicking on the link, Follow the Power of Why, at this website: The Power of Why | A Blog about Education, Leadership and My Passions – Dave Eberwein

Thank you for your ongoing support and for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful district.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and rejuvenating summer,

DAVE EBERWEIN

Superintendent & CEO, Saanich Schools