Superintendent’s Update October 2026

Superintendent's Update | October 16, 2026

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,

October is a time to share thanks, recognize educators and leaders who make positive differences in students' lives, celebrate all the learning and events already happening since the start of the school year, and look forward with hope and excitement for an amazing school year ahead.

I want to first express my appreciation to the many people who helped ensure a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year these past six weeks. Across our district, teachers, school administrators, support staff, district staff, and families have worked together to create welcoming, caring, and inclusive learning environments where students feel known, valued, and ready to learn. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of all staff and for the support of parents and caregivers during this important first month of school.

One of the highlights of September was celebrating the opening of Sníne Elementary School alongside students, families, staff, Elders, community partners, and guests during the official grand opening ceremony. As I entered the gym before the event, I asked a student where he was headed. His response was simple and powerful: “It's our school opening.” In that moment, I was reminded that a new building becomes a school when it is filled with students, learning, and connection. It was inspiring to see how quickly students and staff have made Sníne their own.

At the end of September, schools across our district recognized Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important opportunity for learning, reflection, and remembrance, grounded in the experiences of residential school Survivors and their families and communities. As a district, we remain committed to fostering respect, empathy, and reconciliation through meaningful learning that helps create a more inclusive future for all.

September also marked the release of the 2026 Enhancing Student Learning Report. The report provides an update on the district's ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes and summarizes what we are learning through our review of student achievement data and other evidence. The report highlights areas of progress, identifies opportunities for continued growth, and guides our efforts to better know each learner and offer the support they need to succeed. I encourage families and staff to review the report and learn more about how we are working together to strengthen learning across our district. You can read the full report here.

Though we value the professionalism of our staff every day of the school year, the month of October provides a formal opportunity to recognize educational leaders and educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students. As we celebrate National Principals Month and World Teachers' Day, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our principals, vice-principals, teachers, and all staff who contribute to student success every day. Their leadership, care, expertise, and commitment help create positive conditions for learning and foster the connection, relationships, and sense of belonging that are at the heart of our schools.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to sharing the learning, successes, and celebrations that lie ahead as we work together to help every student thrive.

Warm regards,

Mike St. John

Superintendent

RECENT STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating the 2026 Leadership Development Program Graduates

At the Regular Public Board meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and District leadership recognized and celebrated nine Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduates who have successfully completed the LDP program and demonstrated readiness to take on leadership roles in SD73.