SD33 ChillTalks

In this episode, Brad Johnston talks about his experiences as a student, teacher and leader in the Chilliwack school district.  His inspiration to teach started with parents who were educators in the district and his involvement in sports.  This month, Brad was voted to be the president of the Chilliwack Principals and Vice Principals Association.  

In this episode, we talk with Kathryn about her work in the Indigenous Education department. Using a giant map of Canada, she has visited 40 classes this year, teaching about the stories of this land. As a member of the Mental Health and Behaviour team, she brings Indigenous perspectives about health to support students and staff in our schools.

In this episode, Sheri talks about her journey from supervision assistant to her current role as a career advisor. Along the way, she committed herself to explore the learning needs of her colleagues, leading to the organization of a PD event for support staff earlier this month. Sheri also took the opportunity this week at SD33 Ignite to inspire other educators with her talk "Trade Up" where she talked about the ways she shares her passion for the trades with students.

In this episode, we talk to Joe Mauro about his work as a coach. Earlier this week, at the Athletics Gala, we celebrated the dedication and commitment of over 200 coaches. Joe was recognized for having coached for over 39 years in our district.

With almost 30 years of experience in Indigenous Education, Nerine Graham shares her journey as a leader.  She talks about the early support from Michael Audet that helped shape the department's work as well as her personal commitment to relationships that has allowed staff to thrive.

In this episode, we talk with Helen Plummer about her journey in education, which includes multiple districts and a variety of roles in middle, secondary and alternate schools.  We will hear about how her detail orientation, education experiences and ability to build school culture have been important in opening Chilliwack’s newest school, STITÓ:S LÁ:LÉM TOTÍ:LT.

In this episode, we hear from Lynnette Earle, who is passionate about improving the education system and sees assessment as the place to leverage change. Her students experience a focus on competencies and proficiency, and her involvement in the Empowerment Ecosystem has created opportunities for professional growth and connection to other like-minded educators.  

The SD33 Senior Exec team sent a statement throughout the district on March 8th saying, “One of our team’s many reflections is that we are grateful to and for all the women in our organization. We see you”. In this episode, you will hear Rohan, Paula, Kirk and Dave talk about some of the significant women who have impacted their lives.

In this episode, we talk with Troy Gibbs, Vice Principal at Robertson Elementary, who has recently moved from GW Graham Secondary School. As he talks about his journey as an educator in the southern US, Japan and various roles in SD33, he says the common thread that drives his work is the “love for children.” Troy also shares the personal meaning that Black History Month holds for him.

In this episode we hear from Deb Chand and Eili MacConnell about the important role of the teacher librarian in our schools.  They are passionate about books and committed to finding the right book for every student in their schools.  As a side note, if you look closely at their picture, you will see Eili's hedgehog named Sonic.  

In this episode, we speak with Mark Klassen, Manager of Facilities.  We talk about his “superpower” of relationship building and how he has used it in his varied district leadership roles.  Mark tells us that he enjoys finding solutions and has been doing this in all his portfolios which have included building projects, health and safety and community rentals.

In this episode, Rachael and Nadine discuss their experience co-leading the district's Human Resources department.  Coming from different backgrounds, they value each other's perspectives as they develop new processes and procedures to meet the needs of our 2000 employees better.

In this episode we are excited to talk with Stacey Grace (Whitlam) and to learn more about trauma-informed practice. With 16 years of teaching in district and school-based alternate education, Stacey talks about her move from reactive to proactive and how she is able to create a space where students experience “unconditional acceptance and support.”

In this episode, Jason Templeton, a math teacher at Chilliwack Secondary School talks about his focus on student engagement and deep learning using vertical non-permanent surfaces. His teaching has been influenced by Peter Liljedahl’s book “Building Thinking Classroom" and his students learn math through small group instruction that includes lots of movement, communication and doing!

Paul Bernard, District Administrator - International Student Program and Sharon Bernard, District Vice Principal - Alternate Education and Kw'iyequel Secondary School talk about the educational journey that has brought them to their current leadership roles in our district.  They also discuss how they manage the overlap in their personal and work lives.

A couple of weeks away from retirement, Tammie Chernoff and Damon Fultz talk about their career journey as teachers.  In this episode words like "honored, privileged and blessed" are used to describe their work and young teachers are encouraged to learn and evolve with their students. Tammie shares her deep belief that "the day every child was born, was the happiest day in someone's life". They both gave 110% to their work, have kept their focus on students and are proud to be teachers!

Nicole Driscoll, District Principal of Early Learning and Kiran Sidhu, Program Lead at Fraser Valley Child Development Center, talk about the work they lead with children, parents and staff in the area of Early Learning. We also hear about the important partnership between SD33 and FVCDC and how this is preparing us for the work ahead as child care moves within the Ministry of Education.

After presenting at last week's District Ignite session, Kristina Daneluz talks about her reasons for sharing the message about Inclusion in French Immersion. She speaks about the tension in her practice that led to the idea of offering "Hospitality" to her students. With 20 years of teaching experience and a commitment to self-reflection, she continues to unravel her assumptions and feels that she is becoming more genuine in the process.

Jillian starts by saying that if you can say "Speech-Language Pathologist", UBC will give you a Master's Degree in the program! She goes on to explain her role in the district and also shares her story of creating the "SWAP" a tool mirroring the "SNAP".  This is used by teachers to support language development in the classroom.

In this episode, Caelah Merrick tells us about the unique ways he brings joy and engagement into his classroom.  His morning starts with him peeking out the window as the kids start bouncing up and down followed by his own jumping along with them.  His career in SD33 includes working at AD Rundle and Kwiyeqel Secondary where he used various outdoor activities to connect with his students. Finally, he tells us about his son who is going to the Pokemon World Championship in London next year!

In this episode, Ashley Munro, grade three teacher at Central Elementary tells us about spending Earth Day at Ruby Creek and the Cheam Wetlands. We hear about her passion for incorporating outdoor play as a regular part of her classroom experience and how this practice supports the mental health for both the teacher and students. You will hear more from Ashley at the upcoming Compassionate Classroom retreat.

Dale Servatius, a Sardis Secondary teacher, shares with us his passion for teaching the BC First Peoples 12 course as well as his journey here in SD33. Themes of place-based and hands-on learning and the importance of community connection are highlighted. On the heels of the Ministry's announcement of an Indigenous Course Graduation requirement, Dale provides encouragement and advice for teachers who may be looking for a starting place.

In this episode we will hear from Linda Zenzen and Dylan Hewitt who are involved in the SD33 teacher mentorship program.  They talk about the ways in which the mentorship experience is providing learning and growth opportunities for both mentor and mentee.

Carla Thompson shares her teaching journey that lead her from classroom teacher to the recent appointment as Vice Principal.  When asked what advice she would give to other people interested in this, she says “Go for it”!

Paula Gosal, uses the story of her grandmother, her mother and her own journey as an educational leader to explain the significance of International Women's Day to her.  She also talks about her doctoral work and her focus on the challenges faced by women leaders in BC Secondary Schools.

This episode features Justin Moore, District Vice Principal for Curriculum. You will hear about his journey to teaching adults at SFU and UFV that started as a young student needing learning assistance. Justin also tells us about how he uses his Biology degree to get creative in the kitchen, baking sourdough bread and making different cheeses, which he calls his science experiments.

This episode features Gerry Slykhuis, Secretary Treasurer and Matt Slykhuis, Imagine High Teacher - an SD33 father and son team. In addition to sharing things about their work, Gerry and Matt give us some interesting insight into their family and how running together has been a way to stay connected. Next year, as Gerry turns 65, he plans to do a 100 km run over a 24 hour period!

In this episode Arlene tells us her story of joining the Indigenous Education department where she has been for 20 year.  We will hear about her current work and also be challenged with her thoughts for the future as she tells teachers to “Go for it” when it comes to Indigenizing curriculum. This podcast is co-hosted by Kirk Savage who will share with us three things about his life that most people in the district don't know!

Their leadership in creating the Sardis Secondary School Farm was featured in the BCTF teacher magazine titled “Growing an appetite for science and agriculture”.  When Joe and Tania set out to create the school farm, they had three big ideas in mind for the farm: first, to connect secondary, middle, and elementary classrooms in a meaningful way that fosters mentorship and relationship- building; second, to educate students about agricultural practices in BC and create opportunities for students to develop skills and career goals; and third, to increase place-based learning.

A graduate from Sardis Secondary school, Gord shares his story of being inspired by his math teacher to pursue Electrical Engineering at UBC and his interesting career path to IT Manager in our district. He also connects the IT department’s work to the strategic plan goals of “high quality instruction” and “data-driven decision making”.

Shauna Monkman, an inspiring K teacher from McCammon Elementary. Shauna talks with us about her passion for the early years, small group instruction as well her drive to share her practice with others through Twitter and Instagram. #SD33Learns, #HumanSocialSD33, #TransitionsSD33, #LiteracySD33, #NumeracySD33.

Cathy Preibisch from our District Mental Health Team talks about her leadership in this important work as well as some of her personal strategies to maintain good mental health.

After a recent experience of answering phones at the SBO on a snow day, Paula wanted us to explore the role that Carol plays in our district. Carol has worked at the SBO for 18 years and tells us about her work at the front desk as well as her role in International Education.  

This episode features Jared Mumford, School Board Chair who also finds time to co-chair the Chilliwack Healthier Community with the Mayor, all while taking singing lessons and hiking in the local mountains with his two sons. He also leaves us with the challenge of finding out more about his music band from the 90s!

Sean Wicker, District Principal and President of the Chilliwack Principals and Vice Principals Association shares some thoughts for teachers who are considering the role of formal school leadership. 

Al will give us an understanding of the background work that starts at 2 am by him and his team if SD33 decides on a school closure.  He also talks about overseeing building projects comparable to those in the Surrey School District which is over 5 times our size!

Danielle shares about her journey from Kindergarten teacher to President of the CTA.  We also hear her response to the statement "Everything I need to know, I learned in Kindergarten".

Brenda Point, District Principal for Indigenous Education shares her story of growing up in Manitoba, moving to Chilliwack and her journey as an educator and leader in SD33.

Darren Watt, a Sardis Secondary School teacher talks about the Adult Business Certificate of Technology program and how adults in the community are able to complete graduation requirements.

The school year has started in Chilliwack and September 30th is an important date for our guest today. Niki Wiens is our district Systems Information Manager and in this episode, she talks about her role in ensuring that our 1701 is completed and connects her work to our district budget, staffing and strategic plan.

Growing up in Sri Lanka and attending a school of 12,000 boys where the motto was "Disce aut Discede" (Learn or Depart), Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam contrasts his school experience to our district commitments to equity and inclusion in our new strategic plan.