Birkley Valks SD20 School Trustee

02/28/2026

I couldn’t be more impressed with all the young athletes, coaches and families here at the B.C. Games Badminton venue. The sportsmanship, kindness, and skill of these young people had been a pleasure to witness. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who make it all possible.
Good luck to all of the athletes participating!

02/28/2026

Mayors Colleen Jones, and Andy Morel along with SD 20 Chair Catherine Zaitsoff accepting recognition on behalf of City of Trail, City of Rossland and School District No. 20 - Kootenay-Columbia. Thank you all for your commitment in ensuring BC Winter Games is a success!!

02/28/2026

I've struggled for weeks about what to say regarding the horrific tragedy in Tumbler Ridge and, honestly, I'm not even sure that I have it figured out, even now.
My heart is broken as it hit very close to home for me. I can't imagine the pain that their community is trying to manage and the inexplicable loss that they've suffered.
To the family and friends of those who's time was cut short...you are not alone. I, personally, am here for anyone experiencing the trauma and,if you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to scream into. I'm here.
The educators, staff, administration, families, and community members throughout B.C. and the world are here for you.
And, to everyone in School District No. 20 - Kootenay-Columbia, I will always support you. If you need help during these difficult times, it's just one phone call/email/conversation away.
Be safe, be open, be kind.

12/17/2025

Due to widespread power outages, the following schools will be closed today, Wednesday, December 17th:
• Twin Rivers Elementary
• Castlegar Primary
• Stanley Humphries Secondary
• KCLC (Castlegar Campus)
• Fruitvale Elementary
• Rossland Summit School

12/12/2025

Join us for the Board of Education Regular Open (public) Meeting happening virtually on Monday, December 15, 2025.

The agenda will be available for viewing on Friday, December 12th here: https://www.sd20.bc.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1095508&type=d&pREC_ID=1370108

Please email [email protected] for the link to attend.

12/03/2025

💙 Today, on International Day for Persons with Disabilities, BCSTA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for inclusive education that ensures all students can thrive.

Every student deserves an education system that recognizes their potential, removes barriers, and creates opportunities for meaningful participation. This work requires ongoing commitment from trustees, educators, families and communities working together.

Earlier this year, we released “Improving Student Outcomes: For Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities,” a guide created by BCSTA’s Inclusion and Accessibility working group. This essential resource provides boards of education with critical insights and practical guidance to strengthen inclusive education across BC.

📖 The report addresses key areas, including:
• Understanding inclusive education and its impact on student success
• Recognizing and addressing ableism in educational settings
• Using evolving, respectful language that affirms dignity
• Learning from BC's history of inclusive education practices
• Meeting legal responsibilities to ensure equitable access to education

🔗 Access the full report here:https://bcsta.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-BCSTA-Inclusion-and-Accessibility-Report-06.02.25.pdf

11/22/2025

The next Board of Education Regular Open (public) Meeting will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the School Board Office (2001 Third Ave, Trail).

The agenda will be available here: https://www.sd20.bc.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1095508&type=d&pREC_ID=1370108

11/20/2025

I’m not great at posting on here but this is a day that’s very close to my heart.

We have many students in our district who identify as trans, two-spirit, or non-binary. You don’t have to agree with a person’s identity but I truly believe that we can all agree that the loss of any life, young or old, (and the majority in this instance are the youth) is never acceptable. People aren’t losing their life because they’re trans, they’re losing out on life because they feel, or they’ve been told, that they don’t exist or have a place in today’s society.

Today is Trans Day or Rememberance. My heart goes out to all my brothers, sisters, and their families and friends, who’ve lost their light in this world or have lost someone who shines brighter than the stars.

We all deserve love. We all deserve space. We all deserve an education free of judgement. And, above all, we are, and will always be, human. Being different can feel like a curse sometimes but, it’s not, it’s a gift.

To quote one of my favourite writers…”when you go out into the world, it’s best to hold hands and stick together.” -Robert Fulgham

I’ll hold your hand, you are not alone. 🩵🩷🩵🩷

The official lyric video of "This Is Me" by The Greatest Showman Cast from the 'The Greatest Showman Soundtrack'.'The Greatest Showman Soundtrack' available ...

11/14/2025

I’m volunteering for the badminton events…will you help show our province that Kootenay-Columbia school district is the best?!

Calling all volunteers! Join the excitement of the BC Winter Games and make a difference in your community! Volunteering is your chance to be part of an unforgettable experience, meet amazing people, and help create lasting memories for athletes and fans alike.

Interested in volunteering? Visit https://bcgames.net/trailross2026wn/DesktopDefault.aspx

10/08/2025

Please join us for this incredible celebration! This is a fantastic milestone for our district, our students, families, and staff! A beautiful place to learn, grow and thrive…let’s celebrate this accomplishment together!

We are thrilled to announce the official grand opening of Glenmerry Elementary School — a place where learning, growth and community come together! 🏫

Come celebrate with us! Tours, refreshments and lots of smiles await!

🔗 Please RSVP by October 21st, 2025: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=O0o8TcN-Z0KR1vAy7OOwgydDrmfZFCdOpAO579HAgG9UMElRM0lCUkZINzZLVDRVV1RDRkE5NDNZTy4u

10/01/2025

I just want to follow up on today. I’m so proud to live in a community that shows up like you all did today in Castlegar. COINS hosted a beautiful event with food, music, local artisans and a place to connect with the Creator. The love in the air, from the first step of the walk to the conversations and connections at COINS, was undeniable. Thank you to everyone who showed up. One day isn’t enough, let’s live our lives like this every day. 🧡