<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter has given us some unique conditions to work with this year. As always, staff and students are finding fun and creative ways to explore the land and learn resilience even with this mild weather. Typically, we only see "Lake South Canoe" appear in the spring, but this year the frozen ground with warm melting layers on top have allowed our impromptu puddle to appear twice. Not all students gravitate toward the water, but those who do are making memories and interacting with nature in unforgettable ways!</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/48ae8081-b48a-4d0d-87f4-979a62dee083" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-7" width="191" height="254" style="width:191px;height:254px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Thursday, January 22, 2026, families and community partners gathered at South Canoe Outdoor School for a lively and welcoming Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) session focused on play, exploration, and early learning connections.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The event brought together young children and their parents/caregivers alongside supportive community partners, including a</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Public Health Nurse and representatives from Child Care Resource &amp; Referral and Shuswap Children's Association. The school gym was transformed into an inviting early learning space filled with activity stations that encouraged movement, creativity, curiosity, and social interaction. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1cc709d8-ad1c-4c52-91c7-46f1baee9987" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d2184cb7-d406-4425-82d9-f5f2c81bd562" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Children participated in a variety of hands-on learning experiences throughout the 1-hour session. Tables offered open-ended materials such as wooden black, natural items, and pretend food, encouraging problem-solving, fine motor development and imaginative play. Sensory and nature-based stations invited children to explore textures and shapes, while pretend play areas supported language development and cooperative play. Creative activities allowed children to decorate and craft alongside their families, building hand skills and self-expression. Active large-group play was woven throughout the session, with children navigating balance paths, engaging with colourful movement equipment, and enjoying a shared parachute activity that brought children and adults together through movement, laugher, and connection.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2d99cb76-32dc-42fc-bc53-d310b008b3c9" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-9" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/64ec58ad-0554-4f5d-8ea2-7a27bb14508a" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-6" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4ee7931f-3724-4315-97b6-2fe4ed03c25b" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-5" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/51974e29-ba5a-4771-9310-937a8fab6d67" alt="Ready Set Learn SCA 2026-3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The photos from the event capture the heart of Ready, Set, Learn, showcasing moments of focused exploration at activity tables, creative expression, and energetic group play. Together, these shared experiences help build a strong foundation for a confident and positive start to school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn is a free, province-wide initiative offered by our District to support families of children ages three to five. The program is designed to offer fun and playful learning experiences, help children become familiar with school environments while also connecting families with local resources and early learning supports.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Community partnerships are a cornerstone of the program. Having health and childcare professionals involved allows families to ask questions, build relationships, and access support in a relaxed and welcoming setting.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families interested in learning more about Ready, Set, Learn or finding upcoming sessions can visit:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn Program Information:</strong></b><br><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/ready-set-learn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.sd83.bc.ca/ready-set-learn</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recent District News on Ready, Set, Learn:</strong></b><br><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/news/Ready-Set-Learn-2026" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.sd83.bc.ca/news/Ready-Set-Learn-2026</span></a></li></ul>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you a parent or caregiver of a child aged three to five years old? Please join us at your neighbourhood school for a free early learning event!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the next several months, </span><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/ready-set-learn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> events will be taking place. Ready, Set, Learn is a fun, play-based event with activities, snacks, and a story. Every child will receive free books and a bag of resources to support their early learning experiences. This event offers families and caregivers an opportunity to connect with their local school, educators, and community resources.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You are invited to locate the school closest to you and register for their Ready, Set, Learn event (dates can be found at the bottom of this page). Families and caregivers are encouraged to</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> pre-register</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> with the school to ensure there are enough books and resources for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not sure which school is your catchment area school?&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mybaragar.com/index.cfm?event=page.SchoolLocatorPublic&amp;DistrictCode=BC83" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ready, Set, Learn events are places of connection where</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">children, families, community support providers, and schools come together to engage in playful early learning experiences. These events connect to goals in SD83’s Strategic Plan by providing children with opportunities to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills (Intellectual Development), welcoming and connecting children to peers and supportive adults in both community and school (Human and Social Development) and strengthening school and community partnerships (Community Partnership Development). They also exemplify our key value of Belonging. In K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw, we all belong and we are all connected.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/963af2d0-fa20-4293-8adc-057436de8791" alt="Ready Set Learn 2026 Pg 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/31821f1f-1f87-4d02-9fed-efc34ff78e7c" alt="Ready Set Learn 2026 Pg 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/2a3e190f-d2ad-5e11-b458-f7053a8bf623" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block;float:left"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/c48feb11-959d-5d68-9d20-fc7e2ae0034e" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/8e8d90af-735d-5915-a6a8-861d3f036043" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/c3cd71b1-9662-5234-8e6a-a0c7e1f79ea2" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>