SPEAC - Sooke Parents' Education Advisory Council

Flourish! and the Food Share Network continue to offer Family Markets at our schools throughout the summer. 🌞

Be sure to bring a bag or box to carry your food items home!

If you are considering running for school trustee, please join us on Thursday evening for an important information session at the Board Office.

If you are unable to attend on Thursday, there is an identical session on August 31.

In collaboration with SPEAC, the SD 62 Parent Handbook is now available to help families navigate the K-12 school system.

To download the handbook, please visit:

https://www.sd62.bc.ca/sites/default/files/school-plans/Parent%20Handbook%20V1..pdf

A message from the Westshore RCMP

West Shore RCMP is currently investigating three reports involving a violent online group targeting and exploiting children and youth in the West Shore area.

The group, known as "764," is linked to a larger online network, known as “The COM”, that preys on vulnerable youth and encourages harmful and violent behaviour.

If you believe a child is being targeted or exploited online, report it to your local police.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4xjGfY9

Child care in BC has come a long way, but we want to know: how could it work better?

Are you a family with young children, an early childhood educator or child care operator? We want to hear from you. Your input will help shape how we strengthen and expand the system - so it works better for everyone.

Take the survey at gov.bc.ca/ChildCareSurvey

Another successful SPEAC Summit is in the books!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the incredible volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this event such a success. Your dedication truly makes a difference.

A big thank you as well to our district partners for your kind words and ongoing support — it means so much to our team and our work.

We’re also grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #91) for providing a fantastic meal, and to our Music Bingo DJ, Kelsi, for keeping the energy high and closing out the evening with fun and great entertainment.

We couldn’t have done it without all of you — thank you for being part of such a wonderful event!

Today we want to recognize and thank our incredible school bus drivers. Every day, in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions, they safely transport our students to and from school with care, patience, and professionalism.

We also know this is not an easy position to fill. Across many communities, there continues to be a shortage of qualified drivers willing to take on the unique schedule of school bus driving. It takes dedication, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to students.

To every school bus driver who chooses to do this important work: thank you. Your reliability and care make a difference in our communities, and we are grateful for all that you do.

The Sooke Parents' Education Advisory Council completed another successful AGM this week (May 20th). Thank you to those partner groups and SPEAC members who attended. We elected our new 2026/27 Executive:

President: Tom Davis,
VP: Melissa Da Silva,
VP Communications: Ash Senini,
Secretary: Amber Bourbonnais,
Treasurer: Nargis Kiewiet,
Directors at Large: April Lagadyn, Angela Hoskins, Meghan Rownd and Caitlin Fletcher.

We also said goodbye to many terrific SPEAC executive members this year:

April Flannagan,
Pam Miller,
Sandra Arnold and
Leanne Renfrew.

We extend with sincere gratitude and thanks to those who are stepping down from their SPEAC roles. Your time, care, and commitment have made a lasting impact.