Collective Responsibility

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 7 students at Columneetza were recently engaged in a learning opportunity brought to us by partners at UNBC. The UNBC group Active Minds brought in a program called "Dare to Design" in order to introduce intermediate students to the concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The students enjoyed it. Thanks UNBC!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/83c05b2c-386b-4ae3-b616-65949a99d98d?fingerprint=ppb20260603210009" alt="UNBC Partners Teach Students about STEM 2" width="549" height="412" style="width:549px;height:412px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ONetrix and SD27 maintenance staff partnered throughout May to provide us with a new state-of-the-art public address/communication system. They’ve done a great job, and it’s been a smooth transition! Thanks to Jordan, Adam, and your teams!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e6378e41-bac8-4b05-bda4-9fb11826ccdd?fingerprint=ppb20260603210011" alt="Partnering with O'Netrix" width="536" height="402" style="width:536px;height:402px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our community partners and friends at the Williams Lake Foundry joined the Columneetza hallways to celebrate YOUTH Week. The Foundry staff shared information, learning and drop-in opportunities, as well as free popcorn! Thanks for partnering with us.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/835df8c0-80cb-43d7-93e5-4471617905ce?fingerprint=ppb20260603210009" alt="Foundry Supports Youth Week at Columneetza" width="556" height="426" style="width:556px;height:426px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding collaboration and support shown by our partners across student services and the wider school community. Through thoughtful brainstorming and shared problem‑solving, teams from Student Services, Skyline, MCFD, Axis Parents, Columneetza Junior Secondary, and Williams Lake Secondary School have come together with one common goal: ensuring a student is fully supported and ready to return to their learning journey.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By sharing expertise, maintaining open communication, and planning intentionally, the team has created a transition plan focused on readiness, well‑being, and long‑term success. This coordinated approach ensures the student feels welcomed, supported, and confident as they return to school, highlighting the power of partnership in creating positive outcomes for our students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d61cdbdd-be8a-44fa-9e86-fa3d22c28fa0?fingerprint=ppb20260415040320" alt="Celebrating Collaboration and Care for Student Success alina cameron" width="464" height="464" style="width:464px;height:464px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrating our incredible custodial staff who play an essential role in the heart of our school, ensuring that our learning environment is safe, clean, and welcoming every day. Their dedication, consistency, and pride in their work often happen behind the scenes, yet their impact is felt by everyone who walks through our doors. Through their care and commitment, they help create a space where students can learn, staff can work, and our community can thrive. We are truly grateful for all that they do and the professionalism they bring to our school each day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/65966951-9ff6-4cf3-ba02-7ed91695c6d0?fingerprint=ppb20260415033742" alt="Our Incredible Custodial Staff alina cameron" width="463" height="347" style="width:463px;height:347px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Student Council has raised close to $1,500 through bake sales in support of the dream of building a new playground for Columneetza. Their dedication, teamwork, and leadership have made a big impact, and they are excited to continue working toward this goal.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to everyone who has supported their efforts. Together, we are making a difference for our students! 🎉👏</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/28b1c960-3df7-4403-b1b0-98384265ac4b?fingerprint=ppb20260110013736" alt="Dream of a new playground alina cameron" width="470" height="352" style="width:470px;height:352px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 12 students in CCSD27 can jump-start their trades career through the Thompson Rivers University Dual Credit Program! This unique opportunity lets students earn both high school graduation credits and post-secondary credits while completing a foundation year in one of four trades: Residential Carpentry, Heavy Duty Technician, Welding, or Residential Electrical. Tuition is covered through partnerships, with students only responsible for fees, books, and tools. Seats are competitive, so interested students should connect with their school’s Career Education Department early—typically in Grade 10—to begin the application process.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8cb46609-9f42-4ce8-8776-70ea68417070?fingerprint=ppb20251217034956" alt="High School Students Jump Start Their Trades Career1 Kelvin Parent" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ce2122f5-b3f5-45bf-a203-0ed7cc9c3855?fingerprint=ppb20251217040255" alt="High School Students Jump Start Their Trades Career2 Kelvin Parent" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Coaches Tim Hurley and Mike Wilson joined forces to bring their grade 7/8 and 5/6 volleyball teams together at Columneetza recently. The older girls showed incredible leadership, teaching and playing alongside younger students. This was a memorable experience for all!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/39121935-7625-49e4-9813-34717ad5b217?fingerprint=ppb20251217033916" alt="Columneetza and Cataline Volleyball holly zurak 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/941f1fa4-1b04-47a7-bd89-de091fe353bf?fingerprint=ppb20251217035020" alt="Columneetza and Cataline Volleyball holly zurak 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Campsall’s grade 5/6 crew has been over at Columneetza working on a STEM Egg drop with Mr. Shephard’s grade 9s! Today was the day… Congrats J &amp; D on your win! When the leadership class partners with our grade sixes and students build relationships, the transition to the middle school seems less intimidating. Thanks Columneetza!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e48927c0-e1cd-4458-af85-3f2520662762?fingerprint=ppb20260127215923" alt="Nesika and Columneetza Buddies1 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/50c14480-c70b-4f8f-8e1b-dfdd21ddb4ca?fingerprint=ppb20260127215924" alt="Nesika and Columneetza Buddies2 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza kicks off another great campaign in the October assembly, "Toques &amp; Mittens" to help raise awareness for those in need of a little extra warmth this winter. We also had some Grade 7 classes raking leaves for the neighbours around the middle school. Generosity is near and dear to our school community as we build a culture of care. Columneetza Cares!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e211f56-f756-5759-ab9c-a36f52588384?fingerprint=ppb20251217034956" alt="z4os1xu8-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/496429f4-35fe-55fa-b39e-96cae142995a?fingerprint=ppb20251217034010" alt="1fqpc7z9.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to SD27's Job Fair a few years back, we were able to hire Mr. Keaton Smith as a middle school teacher. He moved to BC from Alberta with his wife and son and settled into the Williams Lake area. We then hired on his wife Ms. Adriana Smith as a Letter of Permission teacher to help us out for a year and she has returned this year as a practicum student (Columneetza clearly made an impression - she wants to become a teacher)! After that, her father Mr. Rodolfo Funes was hired on as another Letter of Permission teacher, returning this year. Finally, Ms. Carmen Funes joined our team as a Noon Hour Supervisor. We have hired the whole family and they are such a wonderful addition to the staff.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/85fb7676-1497-5b77-830f-d3c9d989b94e?fingerprint=ppb20251217034611" alt="zpn7msay.jpg" width="548" height="411" style="width:548px;height:411px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>