Superintendent’s Update

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Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,

As new Superintendent/CEO Mike St. John commences his duties in our school district, I want to share my thanks to the Board of Education for their confidence and support during my tenure in the Kamloops-Thompson School District. Over the past seven months, I have appreciated trustees’ efforts on behalf of Kamloops-Thompson communities and their commitment to our Strategic Plan that serves as our system’s road map to support learners.

I also wish to honour staff for their contributions to the kind of future we want for our children. In partnership with families, our schools create environments that build compassion, resilience, skills, curiosity, and adaptability. Across our district, we see countless examples of positive and engaging teaching and learning dynamics. Beyond the classroom, our students continue to learn through extra-curricular activities, supported by staff and community volunteers. When we align our efforts—from the Board table to schools to home—there is no doubt that we are better together.

Thank you for what you do to contribute to a school system that works to support every child, every chance, every day. It has been my honour to join you on that journey.

Over to Superintendent Mike St. John to introduce himself.

Sincerely,

Mike McKay
Superintendent

A message from incoming Superintendent Mike St. John

I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of the Kamloops-Thompson School District and am truly humbled by the trust the Board of Education has in me to serve this great system. It is a privilege to join a community with such a strong commitment to student learning, well-being, and public education. I look forward to getting to know our schools, staff, students, families, and educational partners. I will listen carefully and learn continually as we walk together toward knowing each learner and preparing all students for the future.

Building connections and fostering authentic relationships are foundational to developing a shared purpose. With a commitment to continuous improvement, together we will build on the significant strengths of our district while remaining focused on the Board’s Strategic Priorities and always keeping students at the heart of our work. I am excited about what we can accomplish collectively. We are committed to creating the most richly imagined, best possible learning environments so that our children run to school and walk home.

Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months ahead and to working in partnership as we shape the future of learning in our district.

Finally, as I begin this role, on behalf of SD73, I offer heartfelt thanks to Superintendent Mike McKay. His leadership, wisdom, and authentic and unwavering care for students has laid the foundation for continued success for our students and schools.

Warm regards,

Mike St. John
Superintendent

DISTRICT NEWS

Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education Announces New Secretary-Treasurer Kim Morris

On Monday, December 8, the Board of Education announced the appointment of Kim Morris as the District’s new Secretary-Treasurer, starting March 2, 2026. Kim is an accomplished leader in BC school districts, with over 15 years of experience as a Secretary-Treasurer in both urban and rural school districts.

Read more

HIGHLIGHTS FROM DECEMBER & JANUARY

Starfish Backpacks Deliver Nourishment and Equity to SD73 Families

Through the Starfish Backpacks program, the Kamloops Food Bank provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to school aged children every Friday to help address food insecurity over the weekend. A total of 275 Starfish Backpacks are distributed every week—resulting in approximately 4,400 packs being delivered so far since September.

Read more here.

Indigenous Education Workers Strengthen Practice Through New Learning Series

Since September, 22 Indigenous Education Workers have been participating in the District’s very first Foundations of Indigenous Education Workers Learning Series to deepen their understanding of Indigenous education, cultural safety, and their responsibilities within school systems and Indigenous communities.

Read more here.

UPCOMING EVENT

Kindergarten Catchment Schools Registration Week: February 2–6, 2026

Children who turn 5 by December 31, 2026, are eligible to begin school in September 2026. To learn more about registering your child for kindergarten, please join us at the following parent information sessions.

Learn more about kindergarten registration, Schools of Choice, and how to register your child for school in SD73 here.

UPDATES FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

To learn more about the December and January Board Meetings, read the latest Board Notes here.

The next Regular Public Board meeting will be Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the School Board Office.