Following our efforts to boost literacy across all grades, we’ve taken a closer look at where strong foundations begin—at Cambie Secondary, that’s with our Grade 8s. This year, as part of our school story, we’ve created a dedicated Grade 8 team, led by our Literacy and Numeracy teacher, Stephanie Paukov. This initiative grew out of monthly meetings with teachers who recognized that to truly support student development, we need to build from the ground up. By focusing on Grade 8, we’re setting students up for success as they progress toward high school challenges.

To pinpoint their needs, we surveyed Grade 8 students and discovered they struggle with executive functioning skills like time management and organization—essentials for academic growth. Stephanie and the Grade 8 team have been meeting monthly to address these gaps. One outcome? A Semester 2 handout sent home to Grade 8 parents, filled with practical strategies to help them support their child’s development. From binder check-ups planned for March to reinforcing habits that stick, we’re committed to starting early and building strong. This is just the beginning of our initiative, and we hope to track the Grade 8s over the next few years to see their growth.