As schools across the Kamloops-Thompson School District celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, we would like to take a moment to recognize another very important group of graduates—our Just B4 Preschool Class of 2026. 

This June, children from our preschool programs at Arthur Hatton, Beattie, Marion Schilling, Barriere, and Raft River elementary schools gathered with their families and educators to celebrate a milestone that may not come with scholarships or valedictorian speeches, but is every bit as important—their very first graduation. 

Over the past year, these young learners have grown in remarkable ways. They have learned to share, take turns, solve problems, build friendships, ask thoughtful questions, and develop the confidence to try new things. They have explored, created, imagined, and discovered through play while building the foundational skills that will support them as they begin their Kindergarten journey this fall. 

Their graduation ceremonies were filled with smiles, laughter, proud families, and a few happy tears as we celebrated just how far they have come. While Grade 12 graduates may be preparing for college, careers, and life beyond school, our preschool graduates are preparing for something equally exciting—the first day of Kindergarten. 

We are incredibly proud of each and every child and grateful to the dedicated Early Childhood Educators and families who have supported them along the way. 

Congratulations to the Just B4 Preschool Class of 2026! Kindergarten, you've been warned—they're ready, they're excited, and they have approximately one million questions. 

Story provided by Marianne Vande Pol, District Early Years Coordinator