Ama Sah / Good Day,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer and found time to rest, recharge and connect with family, friends and community. There is something special about the beginning of a new school year as our schools once again come alive with the energy, enthusiasm and possibilities that our students bring.
On behalf of Coast Mountains School District, I am pleased to welcome back our students, families, staff and community partners. I would also like to extend a particularly warm welcome to our new staff members. We are very pleased to have you join our team and hope you quickly feel at home in our schools and communities.
As we begin the year, we remain grounded in our District Strategic Plan and our shared commitment to Engage, Ignite and Empower every learner. This year, we will continue to strengthen the connection between our District Strategic Plan, School Growth Plans and individual professional growth — creating alignment from our shared district priorities, to the work within each school, to our own learning and growth as educators and leaders.
At the centre of all of this are our students.
There is much to look forward to this year. We will continue building upon our district-wide work in literacy, supporting strong foundations and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to be successful learners. Our work in numeracy is also growing, with teachers across the district piloting new programs and approaches, learning together and sharing what works best for students.
Learning extends far beyond literacy and numeracy. Across our schools, students will continue to discover their interests and strengths through fine arts, athletics, Indigenous learning, trades and technology, outdoor and land-based learning, leadership and many other opportunities. We want every student to feel welcomed, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
Strong relationships are at the heart of successful schools, and I continue to be grateful for the care, creativity and commitment our staff bring to students each day. To our parents, caregivers and families, thank you for your partnership and for the trust you place in our schools. We know that students benefit when families and schools work together.
I would also like to recognize our maintenance, custodial and operations staff, who worked throughout the summer to prepare our schools and learning spaces for the return of students and staff. Thank you for everything you do, often behind the scenes, to ensure our schools are welcoming and ready for learning.
And to all of our staff, thank you. Every person and every role contributes to creating caring, inclusive and engaging schools where students can learn, grow and belong.
As we begin this new year together, I encourage each of us to approach it with optimism, curiosity and a willingness to learn from one another. Let’s continue to build upon what is working, explore new possibilities, celebrate our successes and support one another along the way.
I look forward to visiting our schools, connecting with students and staff, and seeing the many ways our learners will grow and succeed throughout the year ahead.
Welcome back! I wish all of our students, families and staff a positive, rewarding and successful 2026–2027 school year.
Tracey MacMillan
Superintendent of Schools / CEO
Coast Mountains School District
Superintendent of Schools / CEO
Coast Mountains School District