February is Inclusive Education Month, a time to reflect on areas for growth and celebrate the successes of our learners and staff with diverse abilities. At the last Public Board Meeting, Trustees heard from Seth Gizen, a recent graduate who participated in a globally unique District program: the Bamfield Marine Science Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired. By visiting a marine science centre on Vancouver Island and taking part in specially designed field research, the Program shows students new potential for their abilities, education, and future careers. Along with Lynn Wales, the teacher who developed and teaches the Program, Seth shared why we need learning experiences that include everyone. "It changed my life. The program offered a diverse place of understanding the ways of learning I never thought possible," Seth said. "I learned that my disability doesn't have to hold me back." The success of this program and the success of students like Seth - who is now studying cybersecurity at Okanagan College - are why we strive to break down barriers and create authentic inquiry opportunities for our learners.
Graduate Seth Gizen (middle, plaid shirt) stands between his former teachers and the Board of Education.
I recently had the opportunity to review the incredible work of our school and district teams who support priority students. Our Inclusive Education Department and school-based support staff include school psychologists, speech language pathologists, consultants, occupational and physical therapists, social emotional learning team, vision resource teachers, hearing resource teachers, learning disability intervention teachers, learning assistance teachers, counsellors, CEAs, and inclusion teachers. Their collective work results in our 81% graduation rates for students with designations – well above the provincial average. Individually, these specialists make immeasurable differences in the lives of students like Seth.
We only meet our commitment to the vision of Together We Learn thanks to the professionals working in our district and their compassionate approach to supporting each child. This is hard work, but each learner's success proves its worth.