Be the village

The importance of teamwork throughout the school year was a loud and clear mantra mentioned Aug. 14, when Summerland Public School students returned for the oening day of the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Molly Aschoff told the K-12 assembly she was happy to see "their smiling faces."

"It's what I've been waiting for, to see you at school," she said.

Aschoff introduced her theme for the upcoming school year: Be the village, it's the Bobcat way," a twist on the African proverb.

"It's all of us. All of your teachers, your friends, your family, community members. All of us together help each other out," she said.

Showing respect, being responsible and being kind are linked to the theme.

"Those words are important and fit into the theme we're going to talk about this year."

She asked students what is one thing they are excited about for the school year.

Student responses ranged from graduation to studying, PE classes to lunch.

Junior-senior high school principal, Jacob Birch, told students they will focus on "The Bobcat Way" during the school year.

"The Bobcat Way is to be responsible, be respectful, work hard and take care of this great facility," he said. "The Summerland community, as a whole, has invested a lot into this place. Let's keep it nice, really beautiful."

He urged students to take an active role in keeping the building in top shape.

Elementary principal Cathy Cooper told elementary students they will focus on interacting positivly and being respectful, positive and kind, which is part of the elementary's Bobcat pledge.

"This year's theme is, "In this school, we're like pieces of a puzzle," Cooper said.

Puzzle pieces decorate the hallways and bulletin boards in the elementary wing.