We are developing district-wide understanding and capacity so that all our students are members of classrooms that are inclusive learning communities. We are becoming more able to grow the strengths and meet the needs of students in their classrooms with their peers. We will provide appropriate supports and interventions whether a student has a diagnosis connected to a special education category or not. We are creating learning environments that enable students to develop a sense of belonging and ensure they see themselves in the curriculum. We know the improvements we make for vulnerable students or students with different interests and talents will benefit all students.
Some examples of the work of our plan are:
- Fostering a growth mindset: all students can be successful
- Shifting from pull-out to push-in supports so learning happens with peers in the context of classroom learning
- Shifting from finding the right place for students to creating classroom communities for all students
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) school leads team
- Ease Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) program K-12 and Mental Health Literacy (Gr 7-12) for the benefit of staff and students
- Training for staff and community in creating trauma-informed resilient classrooms: Circle of Courage
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in as an inclusive community in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District:
Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today educators in a variety of roles and responsibilities within the school setting came together to train or re-train on non-violent crisis intervention strategies with district principal Kristina Beaulne. The verbal and non-verbal behaviours, actions and strategies that educators use can have a profound de-escalating effect with youth and with grown-ups in our learning communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this learning round today.</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/b92c04fb-4915-4e59-bd6c-12396a44229e" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training1 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/43f81bc7-7a97-49b2-8814-9de760f68238" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training2 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>
Columneetza Remembers
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On November 10th, Columneetza held thoughtful ceremony for Remembrance Day and National Aboriginal Veteran’s Day. Honoured guests from Williams Lake First Nation welcomed the school community with reflective words and soulful drumming and song. The ceremony included music by the junior tour band, and several student presentations including original poetry.</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/b7e8728e-d1ae-4cf2-ae81-9bb16df8bfb3" alt="Columneetza Remembers holly zurak 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></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/745f27a5-c152-4224-a700-cc931b1f54fd" alt="Columneetza Remembers holly zurak 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Book Club Fosters Belonging
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher-librarian Alanna Vachon and Grade 7 Teacher Lacy Custance are building a Book Club at Columneetza. Each month the group chooses a new book and then meets to share takeaway and discussion points over food and friendship. The new Columneetza Book Club is just one way we’re building a sense of belonging for our middle school students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/02ea38c1-351c-458c-8b0d-7571e403f57b" alt="Book Club fosters Belonging holly zurak" width="496" height="372" style="width:496px;height:372px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
ERASE sessions for students, staff and caregivers
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On October 21st, 2025, a Safer Schools Together presenter visited Williams Lake to deliver face-to-face presentations to students, staff, parents and caregivers about staying safe online. Around 500 grade 7 & 8 students attended at Columneetza, a staff session and a parent/caregiver session were offered after school. Everyone who attended came away with new learning and strategies for safer digital behaviour. All were encouraged to stay informed, get educated, and pay attention to each other’s baseline in a caring way. We look forward to hosting this session again in the future.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6403efd3-0b26-4df6-90dd-79ede1a72868" alt="IMG 0580 holly zurak" width="558" height="418" style="width:558px;height:418px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Columneetza celebrates Diwali
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher leaders planned and executed a beautiful invitation to learning this week on the festival of light - Diwali! What a beautiful way for our students to experience and embrace existing or new-to-them cultural differences. There was food, music, art, henna, and lots of smiles!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7bd97722-f6ab-41cb-8fbd-73a26ab65955" alt="IMG 0589 holly zurak" width="370" height="277" style="width:370px;height:277px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Latin America Heritage Day!
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We celebrated Latin America Heritage Day. We had an amazing support from our Latin American staff and their family members! Gracias Columneetza!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cd429ca0-9ef6-4bc6-af57-d6527af61d70" alt="Latin America alina cameron" width="585" height="329" style="width:585px;height:329px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Columneetza Cares, The Gift of Giving
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our incredible team came together to cook and deliver a Thanksgiving dinner for families, and we also made turkey sandwiches for all our students! Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1d0f5853-89a8-4986-ab2f-d0f300c82449" alt="Thanksgiving alina cameron" width="784" height="441" style="width:784px;height:441px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
BGC visits the Columneetza hallway
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Youth outreach reps from Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake have been visiting Columneetza’s hallways in the first few weeks of school. Within our school we have many supports for our students and we are glad to share supports from the community as well. Thanks for spending time with us!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3d3f8953-f713-4199-8b37-4f993a79a63f" alt="IMG 9615 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Off to a Great Start!
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 7 students are settling in well at their new home campus of Columneetza Junior Secondary. A few have even turned into great hosts at the door, welcoming classmates!</span></p>
Welcome to the Hub!
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our social emotional learning team staff members have been working hard to create a space in the school where students can spend time if they need to self-regulate, talk to someone, find a safe space, or catch their breath. Consistently supervised by a member of the SEL team, this space has already been well used by our students. Open to all: we welcome you to check out the Hub!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/13e11b2c-6099-4543-8d81-139732e3696a" alt="IMG 9135 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Support Hits the Hallways
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vice-Principal Alina Cameron and learning support teacher Corinna Yaworski hit the hallways with Ms. Cameron’s mobile office. Visibility and supportive check-ins are important to our inclusive and caring school culture. We are happy to see our students settling in!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/129de347-6239-4631-a92c-93c9abcaf81e" alt="IMG 9292 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Columneetza Cares
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Columneetza, we welcomed all 700 students back to school with care and curiosity. At our school-wide assembly we went over the expected behaviours, communications, language and activities for students that make everyone feel safe, happy and respected. Homeroom teachers have been further covering the school’s code of conduct to ensure a high level of understanding for all. Shared understanding and a high level of respect have us beginning in a good way.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d1629f65-8a20-45c2-a6be-e83644b34af4" alt="IMG 9402 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Terry Fox Cancer Fundraiser Kick-Off & Code of Conduct Trivia Assembly
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, we learned more about Terry Fox and his amazing accomplishments as an athlete and a Canadian. We kicked off our assembly with a fundraising competition, some relay racing and donations for cancer research. On Sept. 25th our school will participate in the Terry Fox Run to honour cancer research and many will be wearing their orange shirts in support of Truth & Reconciliation. As well, part of our assembly focused on becoming better citizens by seeing which grade knew the Columneetza Code of Conduct the best through a game of trivia! </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/139bc85c-0c1f-51e0-9cae-f7e80cef36bb" alt="f08wlr8o.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>