The graduating class of 2020 set a new highest-ever grad rate for the Sunshine Coast School District No. 46 (SD46).
More than 93 per cent of Grade 12 students graduated last year, director of instruction Paul Bishop told trustees at the Dec. 8 SD46 board meeting. This tops SD46’s previous graduation year that reached a 14-year high with a 87.7 graduation rate.
Trustees remarked that the local graduation rate had not been in the 90 per cent range before.
Bishop said he was “really excited by the continued growth in our graduation rates.”
Indigenous students “continue to be strong” at 84.6 per cent graduation rate – closely following their all-time high of 84.7 per cent the previous year.
Students graduated with honours at a rate of 76 per cent for the second year in a row. The data showed 88 per cent of graduating young women received honours, while 61 per cent of young men also graduated with honours. Of Indigenous students, 73 per cent graduated with honours – an increase from 63 per cent the year before.
Among students with diverse needs, 71 per cent graduated last year, and 54 per cent did so with honours.
Bishop said this data can now be used for the district to “see what’s making a difference for the successes and then where can we make more of a difference to help all students to achieve high levels.”
Emergency weather
As weeks of inclement weather hit the Sunshine Coast from mid-November onward, the school district took a number of steps to accommodate provincial emergency orders. After B.C. limited gas and diesel fill ups and put a temporary travel ban in place following widespread damage, SD46 moved all meetings to Zoom to conserve fuel for emergency services.
“For the first week, I have to say, we really shut down all operations in the district, really trying to reduce,” superintendent Kate Karr said at the Dec. 8 meeting (also on Zoom).
The schools also looked at postponing field trips but by the second week of the provincial emergency orders, SD46 was given guidance by the ministry to focus on the well-being of students and the importance of extracurricular activities and field trips. They resumed those activities, and encouraged carpooling and active transportation.
The prioritization of fuel for essential vehicles is in effect until Dec. 14.
Vaccines
Now that British Columbians ages five to 11 can receive immunization against COVID-19, SD46 will be continuing to notify families of any vaccine clinics Vancouver Coastal Health holds in Sunshine Coast schools.
“We know that getting people vaccinated helps protect them and people around them,” Kerr said, adding they want to make sure parents and families feel informed.
All vaccinations for elementary students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 must have parental consent. Individual student consent forms will be sent home to parents with immunization information.
Free rec for students
The joint-use agreement between the school district and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is being reactivated as of Jan. 4, 2022. Students will have free access to SCRD recreation facilities for curricular and extracurricular activities.
