Welcome Back

Welcome Back to a New School Year!

Dear Salt Spring Elementary Families,

On behalf of both of us, we are delighted to welcome all new and returning students, families, and staff to another exciting year at Salt Spring Elementary.

We are pleased to report that our first week back was a tremendous success. Our hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds were filled with energy, enthusiasm, and smiling faces as students reconnected with friends, met new classmates, and quickly settled into learning routines. It was wonderful to see such a positive start to the school year and a strong sense of community throughout the building.

This year, our work will continue to be guided by our school focus: Learn. Lead. Belong. These three words capture what we want every child to experience at Salt Spring Elementary: confidence and growth as learners, opportunities to develop leadership and agency, and a strong sense of belonging within a caring school community. Our goal is to ensure every student feels supported to learn with confidence, lead their own learning, and belong in a school where they are valued, included, and connected. 

Our school growth plan reflects these priorities and will guide our work throughout the year. We are focusing on strengthening literacy outcomes for all learners through evidence-informed instructional practices, while continuing to create engaging learning experiences that increase student voice, choice, and ownership. Equally important, we will continue to build on the strong culture of belonging, safety, and well-being that our students and families identify as a hallmark of Salt Spring Elementary. We want every child to feel challenged, supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their personal best.

Families are invited to stop by the bulletin board in the entrance hallway, where staff members have shared their personal commitments to our Learn. Lead. Belong. goal. These commitments reflect the many ways our team is working together to support students and ensure that every child feels welcomed, successful, and connected throughout the school year.

We are also pleased to welcome both returning staff members and several new members of our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, talented, and caring team of educators and support staff. Whether returning to our school or joining us for the first time, each staff member brings unique strengths, expertise, and enthusiasm that enrich our learning community. We have been especially impressed by the collaboration, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by staff as they prepared for the school year and worked together to ensure a smooth and positive start for students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We know that strong relationships between home and school help students thrive, and we look forward to working together throughout the year. We are excited for the opportunities ahead and for all the ways our students will learn, lead, and belong in the months to come.

Warm regards,

Amy Dearden
Principal

Katharine Byers
Vice Principal