Count Ravi Parmar among those who are happy to see another year marred by the pandemic finally fading away in the rear-view mirror.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a challenging year for many,B次元官网网址� said Parmar, Sooke School District education board chair. B次元官网网址淏ut like many people, I continue to be amazed by the amazing work our students, families, and teachers do.

B次元官网网址淲e welcomed a new board this year (following the municipal elections in November). ItB次元官网网址檚 the most diverse board in the districtB次元官网网址檚 history and includes Russ Chipps, probably the first Indigenous chief in Canada to be elected to a school board.B次元官网网址�

Parmar said many trustees on the board are young parents, and five of the seven trustees are Sooke School District graduates.

RELATED:

RELATED:

The board got off to a busy start, quickly reaffirming support for the districtB次元官网网址檚 new SOGI 123 program, which Parmar said is the first of its kind in the province.

The programB次元官网网址檚 goals are to provide leadership on the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to ensure an inclusive learning environment for sexual minorities, transgender, and gender non-conforming students.

B次元官网网址淥ur priorities for the next four years are honouring studentsB次元官网网址� voices, fostering the creation of a safe, inclusive learning environment for all students, and building new schools,B次元官网网址� Parmar said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e already working on those.B次元官网网址�

He said the board continues to progress on implementing its strategic plan, focusing on the three key priorities of growth, learning and engagement.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a busy year as well with the opening of two new schools,B次元官网网址� Parmar noted.

Pexsisen Elementary School opened in September, with a capacity of 500 students, and the 700-seat Lellum Middle School opened in November.

B次元官网网址漈hat was challenging during a pandemic with supply chain issues,B次元官网网址� Parmar said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 proud of all of our efforts.B次元官网网址�

Another elementary school in the south Latoria area will open in 2025. All three schools are in Langford, one of the fastest-growing communities in the province.

B次元官网网址淭he biggest priority is building a new elementary school in Port Renfrew, a commitment the board made to Pacheedaht First Nation Chief Jeff James,B次元官网网址� Parmar said.

news@sookenewsmirror.com
Like us on and follow us on