Letter to families from Superintendent

Dear Parent(s), Guardian(s), and Caregiver(s): 

I am reaching out to express my heartfelt concern for you and your family. Please know that you, your child(ren) and community are in my thoughts and prayers.

As you are aware, a tragic wildfire moved through the North Shuswap region of our district last night. We have heard “unofficially” that the North Shuswap School remains intact, however, we are still waiting for confirmation from the Regional Emergency Services. I am aware that homes and property were impacted by the fire and my heart goes out to all SD83 families and community members who have experienced a tragic loss. Likewise, my thoughts are with the members of the Little Shuswap Indian Band and members of the Adams Lake Indian Band who have also experienced significant loss resulting from the wildfires.

BC Premier Eby has issued a Provincial State of Emergency due to the wildfires we are currently experiencing. I would like to take an opportunity to share some information with you that will hopefully provide some answers during this time of uncertainty.

• To obtain factual updates regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders, please visit EmergencyInfoBC. 

• If you are in an area that is place on an Evacuation Alert or Order, you will be notified through television, radio, and connected wireless devices. 
• Anyone forced to evacuate can obtain information located at Emergency Evacuee Guidance for the Public which provides information regarding when to evacuate and how to access food, clothing and lodging in the event of an emergency. It also provides information regarding specialized services such as pet care and transportation. 

The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District will continue to take direction from the province as this situation continues to develop. At this time, I want to reassure you that we will be developing plans to assist any families which might be displaced from their home communities to access alternate placement in other schools for their children.

Letter to Families from SD83 Superintendent Donna Kriger (pdf)
Information to Support Families (pdf)

If you are needing support or questions answered, please reach out to the District Education Support Centre in Salmon Arm at (250)-832-2157. 

I want to especially thank those of you who have helped to battle this wildfire, those who have shown love and care for families who have needed to evacuate, those who have helped to move livestock, and everyone who has demonstrated the goodness of humanity in your acts of kindness, both big and small.

The safety and well-being of you and your child(ren) are of utmost importance to my team and me. Please stay safe as we endure the uncertainty of these fires together.

Holding you close in my heart, 

Donna Kriger
Superintendent of Schools