Saturday’s devastating incident at the Lapu Lapu celebrations in Vancouver are understandably upsetting for adults and children alike. It is often hard to know how to reassure our children when we ourselves are striving to process and make sense of these losses. Children may experience a wide range of emotions in response to what they hear or see; it is important to remember that they will look to the adults in their lives to help them feel safe and to make sense of the world. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel unprepared to help your child understand and process these events. We are reaching out to share with you some strategies and resources that will help guide your conversations with your child with the understanding that people are going to be impacted in a variety of ways, based on age and development as well as their own involvement and connection to this terrible tragedy.

Limit exposure to news stories on traditional and social media channels

Consider how you access news and how that may impact children nearby. Young children may not know how to make sense of the news they are seeing and can quickly become overwhelmed. Encourage your older child to rely on reputable news sources, and where possible limit their consumption and exposure to upsetting coverage.

It is important to have conversations, and model with your own behaviours, the additional traumatic impact for victims and families when upsetting images are re-circulated. We are respectfully suggesting that individuals do not watch, repost or share videos of the tragedy.

Acknowledge feelings

Our children and youth will look to us for cues on how to process this upsetting information. Acknowledging our own feelings gives children a model for how to express and process their strong emotions. It is normal to experience a range of emotions in response to such unsettling news.

It is important to note that the intensity of these feeling are going to be impacted by a family’s personal connections to the event, their history of loss and trauma, and degree of exposure to the traumatic stimuli on social media.

Listen more than you speak

Listen to your child’s concerns before offering any explanations. Give them an opportunity to voice their fears and ask age-appropriate open-ended questions. Ask what they may have heard and what that information means to them. You may uncover misconceptions and unfounded fears that need correcting. These questions will also help you understand if your child is coming from a place of curiosity, concern or fear, and will help you gain a sense of what your child may need from adults to feel safe and supported.

Some of the questions you can ask include the following:

• Tell me what you have heard about this?
• Where did you first hear about this?
• How are you feeling?
• What questions do you have?

Provide facts

Tell the truth but do it gently. Give your child facts as long as it is consistent with their stage of development – keep conversations age appropriate. Children need to know their concerns and questions are being taken seriously by the adults around them and that they can trust their adults to be truthful with them. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so.

Importance of Routine

Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults. It can also be important to give children permission to continue to find and celebrate hope in their daily world.

Encourage empathy and compassion

Remind your child there may be others in their daily lives who may be impacted by this tragedy. Talk with your child about how we need to treat others with extra compassion and empathy during times like these. Tragedies and times of sadness and grief can serve as meaningful moments to teach compassion, which can help children feel empowered as they find additional ways to be kind and caring.

As school district staff, we recognize that our students may require additional support. We will continue to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our students. Be mindful of any changes in your child’s typical behavioural norms. If you feel your child needs additional support, please reach out to your school and/or access the community supports identified in the following resources.

Resources

• BC Hospice Resources
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• ERASE
• Healthlinkbc: Helping Children with Grief
• Kelty Mental Health
• Learning through Loss
• Foundry Virtual BC – Foundry BC App

The post Letter for families regarding Saturday’s tragedy at Lapu Lapu Day celebration appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the skills that will help prevent your child and youth from using substances
• Navigate the challenges that arise while teaching these skills to your child and youth
• Create a step-by-step plan for implementing substance use prevention strategies
• Increase your ability to effectively support yourself and your child/youth at the same time

Time: 6:00-7:30pm PST (includes Q&A)

Please register in advance by selecting the session which you would like to attend:

• April 29th – 6:00-7:30pm PST
• May 7th – 6:00-7:30pm PST
• May 8th – 6:00-7:30pm PST

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Superintendent’s Report

The Superintendent’s monthly report is available at https://togetherwelearn.prn.bc.ca/2025/04/10/superintendents-report-april-2025/

Board Meeting

Our public Board Meeting was held on April 14^th. The recording is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jcWjLAFhQc on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/peacerivernorth

The schedule, agenda, and meeting packages for board meetings are available at https://policy.prn.bc.ca/board-meeting-schedule/

Kindergarten Registration

It’s time to register for Kindergarten if your child was born in 2020. New student registrations for next year are due May 1^st this year. See https://www.prn.bc.ca/register-for-school/ for more details.

Job Postings

We’re hiring! See https://www.makeafuture.ca/bc-schools-and-districts/peace-river-north-school-district-no-60/ for more details.

BC Services Card and MyEducation BC Parent Login

Tired of resetting your portal password? Parents can login to MyEducation BC with their BC Services Card app. For more details see https://myedbc.prn.bc.ca/parent-login-with-bc-services-card/

Upcoming Dates

April 18, 2025 – Good Friday (Schools Closed)

April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday (Schools Closed)

May 9, 2025 – Non-Instructional Day (Schools Closed)

May 19, 2025 – Victoria Day (Schools Closed)

June 26, 2025 – Last Day for Students

June 27, 2025 – Administrative Day – Schools close at end of day for summer.

For more information on the district calendar please see https://www.prn.bc.ca/district/district-calendars/

School Contacts

You can find phone numbers and websites for schools along with a school catchment locator at https://www.prn.bc.ca/schools/ .

Our Channels

Our communication channels include our primary channel, www.prn.bc.ca , social media via https://www.facebook.com/sd60prn – https://www.threads.net/@sd60prn – https://x.com/sd60 , https://bsky.app/profile/sd60prn.bsky.social, and email.

The post Superintendent’s April 2025 Report and SD60 Updates appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

SD 60 Student Admission + School Choice Letter to Parents April 2025

Due to enrollment some schools are closed to new variances in advance.

Margaret Ma Murray Community School is closed to new variances for 2025-2026

A printable Attendance Variance Application is available. Complete and bring this form to your home catchment school. Paper copies are also available at your home catchment school. The school will share the completed application to the variance school requested. In the case of shared custody agreements both parents should be in agreement prior to submitting a variance application.

For information on registering for school please see our Register for School page.

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Join us for a public Annual Budget presentation on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. at the District Board Office (10112 105 Avenue, Fort St. John)

and/or

Fill out the survey linked below or scan the QR Code:

https://forms.office.com/r/sRHvE0Ug87?origin=lprLink

If you have any questions or need more information, please email budget@prn.bc.ca.

The post 2025/26 Annual Budget Input appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

Superintendent’s Report

The Superintendent’s monthly report is available at https://togetherwelearn.prn.bc.ca/2025/03/06/superintendents-report-march-2025/

Board Meeting

Our public Board Meeting was held on March 10^th. The recording is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMZJ58FkEHM on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/peacerivernorth

The schedule, agenda, and meeting packages for board meetings are available at https://policy.prn.bc.ca/board-meeting-schedule/

Kindergarten Registration

It’s time to register for Kindergarten if your child was born in 2020. New student registrations for next year are due May 1^st this year. See https://www.prn.bc.ca/register-for-school/ for more details.

Job Postings

We’re hiring! See https://www.makeafuture.ca/bc-schools-and-districts/peace-river-north-school-district-no-60/ for more details.

BC Services Card and MyEducation BC Parent Login

Tired of resetting your portal password? Parents can login to MyEducation BC with their BC Services Card app. For more details see https://myedbc.prn.bc.ca/parent-login-with-bc-services-card/

Upcoming Dates

March 17 – 28, 2025 – Spring Break (Schools Closed)

March 31, 2025 – School open after Spring Break

April 11, 2025 – Non-Instructional Day (Schools Closed)

April 18, 2025 – Good Friday (Schools Closed)

April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday (Schools Closed)

May 9, 2025 – Non-Instructional Day (Schools Closed)

May 19, 2025 – Victoria Day (Schools Closed)

For more information on the district calendar please see https://www.prn.bc.ca/district/district-calendars/

School Contacts

You can find phone numbers and websites for schools along with a school catchment locator at https://www.prn.bc.ca/schools/ .

This is an update from School District 60: Peace River North. You are receiving this email as you are a contact for a student in our provincial student information system. If you have any school specific questions, please kindly contact your school office or administration.

Our communication channels include our primary channel, www.prn.bc.ca , social media via https://www.facebook.com/sd60prn – https://www.threads.net/@sd60prn – https://x.com/sd60 , https://bsky.app/profile/sd60prn.bsky.social, and email.

Take Care,

Jarrod Bell

Director of Instruction

School District 60: Peace River North

School Board Office

The post March 2025 Superintendent’s Report and SD60 Updates appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

February is celebrated provincially and nationally as Black History Month. Many educators and schools are honouring Black History Month by exploring the rich history, achievements, and stories of Black Canadians, aligning with our commitments to the BC Curriculum. The provincial Social Studies curriculum is structured around Big Ideas, Content, and Competencies that guide teachers in their planning and presentation.

For more information on the Social Studies Curriculum, please visit the official curriculum website at https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/social-studies.

Learn more about Black History Month at https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/black-canadians.html

The post Black History Month appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

It’s time for the Annual SD60 Band FUNdraiser, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!

What’s Happening?

• Live Performances by SD60 Band students and special guests!
• Delicious Treats like popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, and more
• Fun Activities including face painting, a kids’ play area, and a dance zone
• Silent Auction featuring unique items from local businesses
• Vendor Tables showcasing local talent and products

Whether you’re a fan of live music, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone who believes in the power of music education, this event is for YOU!

The SD60 Band FUNdraiser has something for everyone!

Support local by browsing vendor tables and silent auction items featuring amazing contributions from our community.

This is a Family-friendly event!

Your participation helps support music education in our schools, funds exciting trips for our students, and ensures the SD60 Band continues to thrive.

Let’s make this a day to remember!

Together, we can support our young musicians and celebrate the joy of music in our community.

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Schools remain open.

The post Buses Cancelled – Wednesday, February 5, 2025 appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.

• Learn the factors that lead to substance use and mental health needs from a trauma-informed lens
• Focus on prevention rather than intervention/response
• Applies to parents, guardians and caregivers of all age groups (youth aged 0-5, 6-10, and 11-18)
• Learn ways that these skills can be applied to yourself and the rest of your family to support the mental health of parents, guardians and caregivers

• February 20, 6:00-7:30 pm PST
• February 25, 6:00-7:30 pm PST
• February 26, 6:00-7:30 pm PST

The post Substance Use Prevention Webinar appeared first on Peace River North - School District 60.