Letter from Mr. Ghaug, Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you of an important change to our school’s Personal Learning Time (PLT) schedule, which will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year. This change is part of a district-wide adjustment designed to ensure equitable access to PLT for all secondary students and to support improved use of instructional time.

PLT empowers students to take greater ownership of their learning by allowing them to focus on their specific needs —whether that is receiving extra support from teachers or education assistants, engaging in quiet study, or completing collaborative project work. Schools across the district remain committed to ensuring all students have this valuable time as part of their regular school day.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all secondary schools in the Richmond School District will move PLT to the second period of the day. This adjustment will better support students in accessing the learning opportunities available during PLT. In addition, the amount of time allocated to PLT will be standardized across all secondary schools. These changes will promote greater consistency, equity, and alignment with expectations for instructional time under the BC School Act.

Our staff is actively preparing for this change and will share more details with students and families before the end of the school year. During the 2025–2026 school year, schools will also engage students, staff, and families to gather feedback on the impact of PLT and how it is supporting student learning.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Sincerely,

Mr. Herj Ghaug
Principal RC Palmer Secondary