A final message of gratitude and appreciation from Superintendent Jordan Tinney

I wanted to take this opportunity to write a message of thanks as we head into spring break. The weather has been better, we are hearing of further relaxation of restrictions and for the first time in a long time, it just might start to look a lot more like life prior to March 2020. That would be a fabulous and welcomed change. At the same time, this will be my last newsletter message as I head off to life beyond Surrey Schools. This message for me is one of gratitude and appreciation.

I have said it many times, but over the past two years, we have asked an extraordinary amount from all in the school system, including students and families. The combination of COVID restrictions, changing health and safety protocols and the apparently unending pandemic has taken an enormous toll on us all. There is not a person among us who has been left untouched, and many have suffered significantly. It appears that there is light on the horizon. We will stand by and remain cautiously optimistic.

In the coming months, it will be critical to consider how we rebuild, reconnect, and re-establish our social, professional and family interactions. We have missed the ability to gather and, in many cases, our connections have been fractured or broken. If we are able to return to larger gatherings and having the types of interactions we've missed, we still need to be extremely vigilant because not all people are ready to throw down the mask and run to hug their neighbour. There are many who will remain deeply concerned as we head toward summer.

My message is the same as it has been throughout the pandemic: Slowly and steadily we'll get there. We can't just flip the switch; we need to raise the light slowly and surely, so all are comfortable with the changes. When we do, we enter a new era together.

For Surrey Schools, that era begins under new leadership with the incoming Superintendent Mark Pearmain. I have known Mark for several years. He is a talented and caring leader who will build on Surrey's strong foundation alongside our senior leadership team. I am excited to see where the Surrey School District will go.

I want to close by expressing my sincere appreciation. I have been honoured and humbled to work in Surrey. When your children return to school after spring break and restrictions start to lift, we look toward a brighter future together.

Take care & stay well,

Jordan Tinney