Enrolment breakdown
qathet School District (qSD) interim superintendent of schools' Vianne Kintzinger reported at the September 25 board meeting that, as of September 12, 2024, there were a total 1,176 students enrolled in qSD; 833 of those students are in secondary school.
Kintzinger indicated that this was a healthy number and close to what was projected. The number rises to a total of 2,059 students in the school district, taking into account that more than 1,000 students are enrolled in Partners in Education (PIE), a provincial online learning school that allows students to be educated, in part or whole, at sites outside of in-person school campuses.
There are currently 65 international students enrolled in qSD; a majority are at Brooks Secondary School, an increase from last year's 46 international students.
"We serve 500 students in Indigenous Education and it was reported to me that 150 students are from the Tla'amin community," said Kintzinger.
Approves capital plan
qSD’s board of education approved and submitted a Minor Capital Plan to BC Ministry of Education as detailed in the staff memorandum of September 11, 2024.
Mechanical and ventilation upgrade for Edgehill Elementary School at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
Carbon Neutral Capital Program: LED lighting for Westview and Edgehill elementary schools at an estimated cost of $265,000.
Bus Acquisition Program: One bus to fit the criteria for replacement at an estimated cost of $247,000.
Learning outcomes
An annual Enhanced Student Learning Report presentation was given at the September 25 board meeting. Like most school districts around the province, qSD has been focused on improving literacy outputs from students.
The report indicated that implemented enhanced literacy programs are showing a positive impact on improving outcomes. However, numeracy/math skills have dropped for students in grades four to seven.
The graduation rate in qSD is at 75 per cent, an increase from previous years, but still below provincial average.
This year a record number of students attended summer school. 280 students attended summer programming at two elementary schools. Brooks Secondary also had students upgrading their skills over the summer.
For more information about the qSD 2023-2028 strategic plan, go to sd47.bc.ca/page/83/strategic-planning.
Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
