Year-End Message from Jill Jensen, the Superintendent of Schools

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome I have received into the district. I deeply appreciate your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence in education. It has been a pleasure getting to know many of you, and I look forward to meeting more of you next year as we continue our learning journey together.

This year has been filled with many milestones and accomplishments that show our school district's strength and unity. Our students have excelled in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, highlighting their talents and hard work. They have embraced new challenges with courage and determination, and their achievements are a testament to the support and guidance they receive from their families, teachers, and the entire school community.

To our exceptional teachers and staff, thank you for your passion, creativity, and tireless efforts in nurturing our students' growth, development, and well-being. Your commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment has made a profound impact on our students' lives.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for being our partners in education. Your involvement and support are invaluable to your child’s success, and we deeply appreciate your trust and collaboration. e. e. cummings wrote, “it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are”. Together, we create spaces where children can be confident in their identity, in who they are, and what they bring to the world. Together, we can create spaces that empower our children to grow, thrive and flourish.

To our students, you are the heart of our school district. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and perseverance are the driving forces behind our learning community. Whether you are moving on to the next grade, graduating, or continuing your educational journey, remember that you have the power to make a difference. Believe in yourself, love yourself, others, and this place (our world), and stay curious.

As we look ahead to the future, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. We will begin the 2024/2025 school year with a new strategic direction and protocols centered on four themes:

• Truths, Reparation, and Restoration
• Integrity and Responsibility
• Relationships and Belonging
• An Ethic of Learning

Our administrators and I will work to operationalize these themes, inspiring and fostering an overarching system of well-being. We will continue to build on our strengths, embrace new opportunities, and navigate challenges in collaborative, caring, and compassionate ways. 

In closing, I wish each of you a restful and rejuvenating summer break. Take time to relax, spend time with loved ones, and recharge. I look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting school year filled with learning and growth.

Thank you for being an essential part of our vibrant school community.

Yours in learning and with gratitude,

Jill Jensen
Superintendent of Schools
School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands)