Welcome Back Message from Jill Jensen, Superintendent of Schools

Dear Students, Families and Staff, 

As we begin a new school year, I gratefully acknowledge that we live, learn, and grow on the traditional and unceded territories of the Hulq’uminum and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. Our journey in this beautiful place is shaped by the waters that connect us and remind us that we are inextricably linked to one another and to the waters and lands that sustain us.  

I am delighted to welcome both new and returning families to our schools. It is a joy to see our students back, ready to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections.   

I would like to extend gratitude and thanks to our staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure our facilities are clean and well-maintained, our grounds are well cared for, and our classrooms are ready to welcome students. Everything that happens “behind the scenes” demonstrates our staff’s ongoing care and commitment to ensuring healthy and supportive learning spaces and experiences.  

In starting the school year, I am mindful of the role diversity and interconnectedness plays in environments that flourish and thrive. Relationships matter. With ourselves, others, and this place. Our schools reflect the diversity and opportunity for connectedness found within our communities, valuing the varied backgrounds and unique perspectives of all our students and families. Each person brings distinct strengths and gifts that enrich our collective experience. My hope is for our schools to provide opportunities for these strengths and gifts to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated.   

I've been considering the phrase “all my relations” for some time now. It's hugely important. It's our saving grace in the end.  

 It points to the truth that we are all related, that we are all connected, that we all belong to each other. The most important word is “all”. Not just those who look like me, sing like me, dance like me, speak like me, pray like me, or behave like me.  

ALL my relations. That means every person, just as it means every rock, mineral, blade of grass, and creature.  

We live because everything else does. If we were to choose collectively to live that teaching, the energy of our change of consciousness would heal each of us - and heal the planet.  

• - Richard Wagamese  

When we share our gifts, we enrich our community, and contribute to creating welcoming, caring, inclusive spaces. Too often, we engage in deficit thinking, focused on what is missing or what is wrong. I encourage each of us this year to recognize the abundance we enjoy and commit to growing what is positive and good. When we identify what we can give and put our energy into creating warm, caring, thoughtful spaces, we will build stronger relationships with ourselves, with each other and with our environment. Each of us is responsible for how we choose to show up and who we choose to be and become. I am grateful to all our staff for the many ways they contribute to our high functioning and provincially respected system. I also recognize how privileged we are to be working with the students in our district - our future leaders and stewards. It is my hope that we each approach our work with open hearts and open minds, engaging in acts of reciprocity, as we walk and learn alongside each other.   

I look forward to a year of learning and growing alongside you.  

Yours in learning and with gratitude, 

Jill Jensen

Superintendent of Schools 

School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands)