SUBMITTED BY SD64
The Ministry of Education and Child Care proclaimed Nov. 24 to 28 as Career Week in British Columbia, highlighting the importance of career education and diverse pathways for students. Schools across the province joined in, and Sthe Gulf Islands School District (SD64) was no exception, hosting a variety of engaging activities throughout the week.
Elementary classrooms participated in a province-wide virtual panel titled “A Day in My Job,” where professionals shared what their workdays look like, along with fun and surprising facts about their careers. Our district also took part in an Indigenous Learning Day at Camosun College, deepening our knowledge and understanding of the various program options beyond graduation.
A major highlight was Career Spotlight Day at Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS). This event brought together GISS teachers, the Career Education team and guest speakers to engage with senior students in specialized courses. Subjects included Engineering, Law, Woodwork, and Fitness and Conditioning, offering hands-on activities and an open Q&A with professionals in the field. Students gained valuable insight into career pathways that aligned with the courses they had chosen.
Over lunch, GISS hosted a lively Career Fair in the Multi-Purpose Room, open to all students. More than 20 guests shared their experiences and answered questions about careers ranging from the Canadian Armed Forces to archaeology and even volunteering with Special Olympics. The event sparked curiosity and inspired conversations about future opportunities.
The success of Career Week — and especially Career Spotlight Day — was made possible through the support of the GISS Parent Advisory Council (PAC), the Career Education Society of B.C. and the dedication of staff and students. These collaborative efforts created meaningful experiences that connected students with their community and showcased the value of career education.
In December, 40 GISS students will take part in TechWorks at Camosun College, exploring careers in technology and engineering through hands-on activities with Junior Achievement BC and industry mentors. With GISS PAC support, 30 art students, including the GISS Art Club, will participate in a workshop at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. In October, career programs focused on healthcare careers, sending two groups of GISS students to the Health Programs at Camosun and eight students to one-day workshops with BC Children’s Hospital.
As SD64 looks ahead, the district remains committed to building on this momentum, ensuring students continue to explore diverse career pathways and prepare for bright futures.