Retiring this summer after four years leading the school district, Revelstoke’s superintendent of schools is proudly reflecting on how educators have strengthened classroom practices and supports that benefit every learner.

Born in Cape Breton, N.S., Roberta Kubik was raised on a traditional education grounded in history, rather than outdoor adventure like what students experience today in School District 19 (SD19).

“Education has changed a great deal in the prescription of curriculum,” she reflected in an interview with Black Press Media, but a sense of belonging and sense of place “was there throughout my education in Cape Breton.”

From 2003 to 2016, she held several principal and assistant superintendent postings for the Sooke School District, after serving seven years as education director at Xet̓ólacw Community School from 1992 to 2000.

“That’s where I learned a great deal about wrapping around the child, and I learned a great deal about worldview perspectives,” she said.

Kubik first considered Revelstoke for her career path in 2012, hearing about a principalship at Revelstoke Secondary School. She eventually made the move almost a decade later, becoming SD19’s new superintendent in 2022.

READ: ‘Whole town helping’: Back to school with Revelstoke’s SD19 superintendent

Moving here, she recognized how SD19 punches above provincial averages for student performance and development. She offers kudos to the dedicated staff behind the district’s early learning community, who ensure no students get left behind.

“We celebrate our success and roll up our sleeves so that every child thrives to be on track and extending in their learning,” Kubik added by email.

A proponent for the Reggio Emilia Approach – an educational philosophy centred around the individual child, their knowledge and their interests – Kubik was delighted to see SD19 educators already using a learning model of “every door is the right door” for students and families, all the way from preschool to graduation.

“When I came, it already reflected that (philosophy),” she recalled. “The kids recognize that they’ve been well supported by the community since when they were young.”

Now departing from the superintendent seat, she’s proud of having supported staff development and also listened to students’ needs and ideas – “we tapped in a lot to the community, and a lot to student voice.”

Kubik noted SD19 has made significant progress creating learning environments where neurodiverse students can thrive.

“Our understanding of how children learn continues to grow,” she said by email. “Students bring a wide variety of strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning to our classrooms. The responsibility is not for children to fit a single model of education — it is for us, as educators, to continue learning, adapting, and creating environments where every student can experience success and a sense of belonging.”

Kubik also added that as educators continue to better understand how the brain works, they can better recognize and respond to the diverse ways students learn.

“That learning challenges us to continually improve our practice so that all children feel valued, supported, and able to reach their potential,” she wrote.

READ: Revelstoke schools open dialogue with parents about AI in the classroom

For students who are non-verbal or have complex communication needs, an interactive communication board was installed at the Columbia Park Elementary School playground with the leadership of learning support teacher Victoria Strange and speech-language pathologist Monica Penner. It provides another way for students to express themselves, connect with others and participate more fully in play and learning.

This project has since grown beyond Columbia Park. Today, every SD19 school has a communication board, with community parks adopting them as well to create more inclusive spaces for children and families throughout town. Kubik recognized Linda Chell and Tracy Spannier for their advocacy and commitment that championed the expansion of these boards across town.

Education institute SET-BC visited Revelstoke to produce a film highlighting this innovative use of communication boards, as well as augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) that’s become a model for inclusivity at B.C. schools. Kubik was especially proud to see students share their own experiences with the filmmakers and explain how the communication boards support connection, participation and belonging.

“There is optimism that this work will inspire other schools and communities to expand the use of communication boards and AAC supports, helping more children access meaningful opportunities to engage, express themselves, and thrive,” Kubik added. “I’m just really looking forward to how that will spread to other parts of the province.”

She additionally applauded the SD19 education committee’s work supporting a personal digital device policy for managing cellphone use in school. The committee worked with Breathe Light Media this June to record secondary students explaining the scope and value of this new policy to younger peers — an idea proposed by Revelstoke’s grads themselves.

“Our students wanted to impart their knowledge to the younger kids,” Kubik said, with the video to be screened after summer. “It’s like a legacy that they’re going to leave behind.”

Given SD19’s involvement with the Rocky Mountains International Student Program, Kubik also acknowledged school trustee Wendy Rota for being the “most amazing” home school coordinator for international students, taking them on field trips and ensuring they receive quality education here.

READ: Revelstoke school district picks new superintendent from Columbia Valley

Incoming superintendent Glenn Goslin, well-versed in educational leadership and early learning from School District 6 in Golden, Invermere and Kimberley, is visiting Revelstoke this month to learn the ropes and connect with SD19 staff and instructors before replacing Kubik come Aug. 1.

“I’m really excited about his early learning background, which is sacred to the (Revelstoke) community,” she said, adding that Goslin has a strong portfolio in inclusive education. “We know the district will be in good hands.”

He’s dreamed of living and skiing in Revelstoke since childhood, according to Kubik, and with his wife and children will soon become a vibrant part of the community.

As for Kubik stepping back, she reasoned that “I’ve been going to school all my life, and I just thought this was the time to spend more time with family in B.C. and back on the East Coast.”

In some prepared remarks, Kubik added that she’s grateful for the countless hours of support from SD19 staff, as well as the commitment from parents, community partners and neighbours.

Above all, “as I prepare to step into retirement, I reflect with deep appreciation on the voices of our students, who continually reminded us why this work matters,” she wrote, commending their insight, courage and hope.

“It has been a true privilege to serve alongside such a committed community.”

Kelowna Capital News

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