Superintendent’s Update May 2026

Superintendent's Update |

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,

As we enter the final month of the school year, there is a strong sense of reflection, celebration, and anticipation across our district. June is a special time in our district as classrooms and schools are filled with year-end activities, opportunities to recognize learning and growth, and the excitement of graduation ceremonies. I look forward to joining many of these celebrations in the weeks ahead.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of schools and classrooms across the district. I continue to be deeply impressed by the care, commitment, and professionalism of our staff, as well as the curiosity, creativity, and resilience of our students. From the structured activities for students at recess, to the coordinated efforts of our food programs, to our schools doing “whatever it takes” to help students learn, I am continuously inspired by the strong relationships, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to student success and well-being I see in schools across the district. As a district, we are committed to knowing each learner and creating learning and working environments where students and staff want to run to school and walk home. 

My update this month highlights a range of important updates and opportunities, including information sessions for those interested in running as a school trustee in the fall election, resources for those considering becoming foster caregivers, recent good news stories from across the district, and updates from the Board of Education. Each of these reflects the many ways our district connects with and supports our broader community.

It is important to also highlight our valued partnership with the City of Kamloops. This was brought to life this month as the watermain break in East Kamloops impacted a number of our schools. The City’s effective communication support and the tremendous effort of school and district staff and parents help keep school disruptions to a minimum. 

As we navigate this busy and meaningful time of year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff, families, and caregivers for your ongoing partnership and commitment to supporting student achievement and well-being. Your dedication makes a difference in the lives of our learners each and every day.

I look forward to the weeks ahead as we come together to celebrate a successful school year.

Warm regards,

Mike St. John

Superintendent

2026 SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTION INFORMATION SESSIONS

We’re hosting two information sessions for community members interested in learning more about the role of a school trustee, in preparation for the election in October 2026.

These sessions will provide an overview of trustee roles and responsibilities, the impact trustees have on local education, key election details, and what to expect if you are considering running for trustee.  

In-Person Session:

  • Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 pm 
  • Location: Henry Grube Education Centre, 245 Kitchener Crescent, Kamloops, BC

Online Session:

  • Date: Thursday, June 9, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 pm
  • Location: Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 655 2056 7294 | Passcode: 793572)

BECOME A FOSTER CAREGIVER

 Are you interested in caring for children and youth? Consider joining the foster caregiver community. Learn more at https://www.icsfp.info/becoming-foster-parent

image_03.a7afdd9274.png

HIGHLIGHTS FROM APRIL & MAY

Teck Highland Valley Copper Investment Brings Robotics Learning to Life in SD73

Thanks to a significant investment from Teck Highland Valley Copper to support the Students Coding for the Future program, students across the SD73 are gaining hands-on experience with robotics, coding, and problem solving—skills that will support their learning today and into the future. 

Read more here.

KSA Students Hit the Right Note as CBC Music Class Challenge Finalists

Kamloops School of the Arts students were recently selected as one of this year’s finalists in the CBC Music Class Challenge, making the top 10 in their category. Congratulations to the talented students and dedicated staff whose creativity, commitment, and passion made this outstanding achievement possible.

Read more here.

UPDATES FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

To learn more about the recent Board Meetings, read the latest Board Notes here. The next Regular Public Board meeting will be Monday, June 22, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Henry Grube Education Centre.  

2026-2027 Annual Budget Summary

At the Special Public Board Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 Annual Budget Bylaw. Read the 2026-2027 Annual Budget Summary here