<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Falkland Elementary hosted their Ready, Set, Learn event on Monday, February 9, 2026, bringing together families for an afternoon of playful learning, creativity, and connection. The StrongStart classroom was set up with a variety of hands‑on activities that encouraged children to explore, build, and create in ways that support early learning and development.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Children enjoyed stacking colourful character blocks into impressive towers, sorting loose parts, exploring sensory materials, and engaging in imaginative play using wooden pieces, puppets, and storytelling stones. Craft tables were busy with children designing, cutting, gluing, and creating their own characters and artwork with the support of families and staff. The room buzzed with curiosity as children investigated materials, tried new activities, and shared their creations.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/01a4624c-7d03-4f0a-baac-e700c7b6ef93" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL4" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/269333b7-34dd-4dbe-91c1-3f3f32198419" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0885a4be-ef0e-4db4-a1cf-520f22325eab" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The event also benefited from the support of community partners, including Child Care Resource and Referral and Family Navigator. Their participation provided families with opportunities to learn more about local early learning resources and supports.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a fun and meaningful Ready, Set, Learn session. Falkland Elementary created a welcoming space for early learners to explore, play, and connect as they continue their journey toward school readiness.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c31efe54-158c-4c9b-b005-d2e7fb1e8a0f" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL7" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df680b80-9958-450c-95bc-cecb8d8e9b2b" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL6" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e27cb28d-cbcb-4c33-a2bc-020cf29c4b81" alt="Ready, Set, Learn - FAL5" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn is a free, province‑wide initiative offered by our District that supports families with children ages three to five. The program provides playful early learning experiences, helps children become familiar with school settings, and strengthens connections between families, schools, and community partners.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families interested in learning more or finding upcoming sessions can visit:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn Program Information:</span><br><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/ready-set-learn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.sd83.bc.ca/ready-set-learn</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recent District News on Ready, Set, Learn:</span><br><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/news/Ready-Set-Learn-2026" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.sd83.bc.ca/news/Ready-Set-Learn-2026</span></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4d7d2f2b-b7c7-40a0-ba0a-7ec6744e5164" alt="Elettter for Minister Page 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f95bcb3e-7af3-42a4-9de0-9d00ed1a6dbd" alt="Elettter for Minister Page 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The links referenced in the letter are accessible, below:</strong></b></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/mental-health-and-substance-use" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Expect Respect and a Safe Education (erase) website</strong></b></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/tumbler-ridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">website to support people through the Tumbler Ridge tragedy</strong></b></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/erase-for-students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Report It tool</strong></b></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/94353c98-a498-4090-b3ab-22ebbab96979" alt="Letterhead" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 13, 2026</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This has been a particularly challenging and difficult week across our province, our school district, and our school communities. As we continue to process the tragic events that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, it is important to acknowledge both the emotional impact such events can have and to reassure you that students are safe in our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The safety and well-being of students is our highest priority. Our schools have established comprehensive safety procedures and protocols that have been in place for many years, which are followed carefully and consistently. These measures are designed to both prevent and respond effectively to any situation that may arise. Some of the key practices that support student safety include:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Members of our school teams are trained to respond promptly and effectively to critical incidents.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our schools conduct regular emergency drills, including fire drills, lockdowns, and secure-and-hold procedures.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and families can report safety concerns anonymously using the </span><a href="https://erasereportit.gov.bc.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ERASE Report It Tool</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> available on our school websites.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our schools work in partnership with Safer Schools Together (SST), an international organization that collaborates with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and school districts across British Columbia. SST provides expertise in threat assessment, worrisome online behaviour reporting, and consultation services to support school safety.</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year, families receive a</span><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/documents/1c192ae4-9d08-5665-84c8-bf2c0d649b53/Fair-Notice-Letter-2025.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Fair Notice Letter</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> outlining the procedures followed when threats are made.</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All visitors are required to report to the main office to sign in, ensuring that staff are aware of who is in their building and what the purpose of their visit is.</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All volunteers in our schools are required to complete a Criminal Record Check.</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our administrative teams works closely with school-based and district counsellors to support students who may be experiencing mental health challenges.</span></li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our schools have access to a District Vice-Principal of Wellness who assists with responding to and supporting worrisome behaviours.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition, the following safety measures have been reinforced since the events in Tumbler Ridge:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All exterior doors remain locked during the school day, with a single point of entry limited to the main entrance.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Increased visibility of the RCMP in the vicinity of our schools, at the request of the District.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The District will be working alongside the RCMP to provide principals and vice-principals with additional situational learning related to threatening situations. This collaborative learning will further strengthen our collective ability to respond effectively and keep students and staff safe.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We recognize that events such as these can raise understandable concerns and emotions. Please know that we are committed to maintaining a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment where every child can feel secure and valued. We encourage families to speak with their children, to reach out to your school if support is needed, and to connect with your school whenever questions arise. You may refer to the </span><a href="/documents/9decea4c-a0e1-43e6-8f69-75e871210e46/2025-02-11-Letter-to-Families.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Letter to Families</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> dated February 11, 2026, for strategies and resources to help guide your conversations.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued partnership with the District and your school community. Your trust, communication, and support are deeply appreciated. Together, we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student. While this has been a difficult time, we remain hopeful and confident in the strength of our community. By working together with care, vigilance, and compassion, we will move forward — and better days are ahead.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Donna Kriger</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent of Schools</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;To download a copy of this letter, click </span><a href="/documents/7b353834-c839-41e4-9db3-e674b8ed753e/2026-02-District-Response-to-Safety-Concerns.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HERE</span></a></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>