DRK E-NEWS June 19, 2026

Principal's Message

As we share our final newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, families, and staff for making École Dr. Knox such a special place to learn and grow.

This year has been filled with challenges, opportunities, accomplishments, and countless moments of connection. Through it all, our students have demonstrated resilience, kindness, curiosity, and Falcon pride. Our staff have continued to go above and beyond in support of students, and our families have been valued partners every step of the way.

June is always a season of both celebration and transition. We will soon say farewell to many members of our Falcon family as our Grade 9 students move on to high school and some staff begin new adventures. At the same time, we look forward with excitement to welcoming new students, families, and staff into our growing school community this fall.

As we reflect on the year, there is much to celebrate and even more to be grateful for. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. Together, we have created a school where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to learn.

On behalf of the entire DRK staff, I wish you a wonderful summer filled with rest, adventure, and time with those who matter most. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and welcoming many new ones in September.

Falcon Pride,

Nina Ferguson
Principal

Farewell from Mr. Kevin Auclair - our outgoing Vice Principal

Dear Dr. Knox Middle School Community,

As I prepare to begin a new chapter, I find myself reflecting deeply on my time here and feeling immense gratitude for the past four years. It has truly been a privilege to be part of such a caring, dedicated, and inspiring community.

I am incredibly proud of our students and the growth I have witnessed during my time as vice-principal. Each day, I have been inspired by their resilience, curiosity, and commitment to becoming the best versions of themselves. Watching them learn, overcome challenges, and support one another has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

This transition is bittersweet. While I am excited about the opportunity ahead, it is not easy to leave behind the strong partnerships we have built together. The relationships with staff, students, and families are what make Dr. Knox such a special place, and I will carry those connections with me moving forward.

Dr. Knox will always hold a very special place in my heart. From my early years teaching at the “Old Knox” from 2001 to 2003, to being fortunate enough to return over the past four years as vice-principal, this school has been an important and meaningful part of my journey. I feel truly grateful for the experiences, the memories, and the people who have shaped my time here.

Thank you for welcoming me, supporting me, and allowing me to grow alongside you. It has been an honour to serve this incredible community.

With sincere appreciation, and always a Falcon,

Kevin Auclair

Introduction to our new Vice Principal - Elizabeth Isabelle

Bonjour Falcons!

I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the Dr. Knox community as your new Vice-Principal. From everything I have already learned, Dr. Knox is a vibrant and caring school community that values strong relationships, meaningful learning, and the importance of creating a space where every student feels welcomed, inspired, safe, supported, and has a strong sense of belonging. That commitment to care, connection, and a positive school culture is something I value deeply, and I am excited to bring my energy, experience, and heart to the Dr. Knox community. I am especially excited to become a Falcon during such an important time of growth, as the school prepares to open its new expansion and continues building opportunities for students and staff to thrive.

I am a proud francophone educator and have been teaching French Immersion for over a decade. Since moving to the Okanagan, I have spent the past five years teaching middle school students at GMS and KLO. Before that, I also had the privilege of directing a high school dance program in North Vancouver for 6 years, which allowed me to combine my love of teaching with my passion for the performing arts, creativity, collaboration, and student agency.

Middle school is truly where my heart is. I love the energy, humour, curiosity, and honesty that students bring each day, and I feel very fortunate to support them during such an important stage of learning and growing. Middle schoolers are discovering who they are, building confidence, trying new things, strengthening friendships, and learning how to contribute to their communities. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as they continue to grow with confidence, connection, and purpose.

I am looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families of Dr. Knox, and to contributing to a school community already known for its warmth, pride, and commitment to student success. I cannot wait to learn, lead, celebrate, and grow alongside all of you. I am so excited to become part of the Falcon family!

Elizabeth Isabelle

Next Week:

Monday/lundi, June 22:

Grade 8 POL Day - Only grade 8's attend

Tuesday/mardi, June 23:

Grade 9 POL Day - Only grade 9's attend
Grade 9 Farewell Celebration @ 1:30pm

Wednesday/mercredi, June 24:

Grade 7 POL Day - Only grade 7's attend

Thursday/jeudi, June 25:

Last Day of school
Early dismissal @ 9:45 am - Buses will be running

Friday/vendredi, June 26:

School's out for summer

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Highlights and Items to Note:

August 31 WEB Leader Training

September 1 WEB Leader Training

September 3 WEB Orientation for our new Grade 7 Falcons

The First Week Back:

Student Leadership & Events at DRK

Falcon Flocks Wrap-up

Congratulations to Yellow Flock for winning our first annual Falcon Flocks Cup!!

Thank you to all students and staff for joining in the Flocks fun this year!

We're already pumped for next year!!

August 31 - WEB Leader Training

Grade 9 WEB Leaders are training at Dr Knox from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

Bring your lunch! Snacks provided!

September 1 - WEB Leader Training

Grade 9 WEB Leaders are training at Dr Knox from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

Bring your lunch! Snacks provided!

September 3 - WEB Orientation

WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs! Our new Grade 7 students are welcome to join us as we get to know each other and the school a little better! See invitation below for more details!