December 2021

View this email in your browser

December 2021 Message from the Chair Parents and Caregivers: Our hearts go out to all families impacted by the recent flooding in BC.   These floods are the most recent extreme weather event to impact our province.  Scientists have warned that increased incidence of extreme weather events are indicators of climate change. In recent years, we have hosted forums where VSB students have expressed their concerns about human-induced climate change.  They have stressed that climate change impacts all families but does not impact all families equally.  They have called not only for climate action but climate justice.  Ask your child about the world they want us to leave for them.  (Please see our Sustainability section below for an opportunity to provide feedback to the government and other information.) In addition to presentations on sustainability, we have also had presentations on topics such as vaccinations, inclusive education and anti-racism.  Our mission is to both educate parents and represent parents in the district.   Organizing presentations and participating in the work of the VSB requires many parent volunteers.  With a number of our executive stepping down from their roles at the end of this year, including myself (chair) and Alan Patola Moosman (treasurer), it is important for volunteers to come forward for our DPAC to fulfill their mission.  If you are interested in our work, please consider stepping forward.  If you have questions, please contact chair@vancouverdpac.org PACs: We have received a nomination for Michael Lang to our exec.  PACs should have received a ballot via email that includes some biographical information (bio link only).  Deadline for PACs to vote is Dec 9th.  We require 20% of PACs to vote on this nomination.  If your PAC has not received a ballot link, please contact chair@vancouverdpac.org.  Please ensure your PAC executive has discussed and voted. Thanks, Gord Lau, 2021/22 DPAC Chair DPAC is here for Parents & PACs throughout the School Year DPAC is continuing to share access to Zoom meetings with PACs. Please contact your schools DPAC liaison or DPAC secretary (secretary@vancouverDPAC.org) to book a meeting. Upcoming DPAC Events Please note, there is no DPAC general meeting in December. Thursday, December 9 , 7pm – December DPAC Executive Meeting Thursday, January 13, 7pm – January DPAC Executive Meeting Thursday, January 27, 7pm – January DPAC General Meeting Subscribe to our meeting calendar Student Engagement There is a call for students from grades 7 through 12 to participate, or to nominate a student to participate in the Youth Dialogue Series on Social Justice, an opportunity to meet to offer input and lived experiences to the Minister of Education, Jennifer Whiteside in a series of workshops, and to receive training from Equitas and partners. DPAC Committees and Working Groups Childcare Committee The committee is focused on encouraging increased access and wider options for school-age care.  Interested parents please contact committee lead Alan at alan.patola.moosmann@vancouverdpac.org Facilities Planning Committee The committee works on Long Range Facilities Planning, Seismic Planning and will be shadowing the VSB Facilities Planning Committee providing feedback to the DPAC Executive. The DPAC Facilities Committee will meet on Monday, November 15th at 7pm.  Contact DPAC vice chair at vik.khanna@vancouverdpac.org. Anti-Racism Collective and Working Group The Anti-Racism Collective is a group of parents, caregivers and community members seeking to ensure that VSB antiracism efforts are successful. From within, a smaller working group is engaged in formal advocacy work to advise VSB in matters concerning racism, hate and harassment. The Collective works in support of this group. Interested people please contact Karen at karen.tsang@vancouverdpac.org Important Dates 2015 - 2024 -- The Decade for People of African Descent In December 2014, the UN General Assembly, in its Resolution 68/237, proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024). Under the theme "Recognition, Justice and Development”, the Decade provides an operational framework to encourage States to eradicate social injustices inherited from history and to fight against racism, prejudice and racial discrimination to which people of African descent are still subjected. December is Universal Human Rights Month Wednesday, December 1 – World AIDS Day: End Inequalities. End AIDS. Wednesday, December 1, 5pm – VSB Policy and Governance Committee Thursday, December 2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Friday, December 3 –  International Day of Disabled Persons Sunday, December 5 – International Volunteer Day Monday, December 6 – Last Day of Hanukkah Monday, December 6, 5pm – VSB Special Board/Committee of the Whole Meeting Monday, December 6 – Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women Thursday, December 9, 7pm – DPAC Executive Meeting Thursday, December 9 – International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime Thursday, December 10 – Human Rights Day Monday, December 13, 7pm – VSB Board Meeting Thursday, December 16, 3 pm — Deadline for most mini-school applications (high school) Saturday, December 18 – International Migrants Day Monday, December 20 – International Human Solidarity Day Monday, December 20 — Winter Break Tuesday, December 21 – Winter Solstice Saturday, December 25 – Christmas Day Sunday, December 26 to Saturday, January 1 — Kwanzaa — Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); Imani (Faith) Friday, December 31 – New Year's Eve Tuesday, January 4 — Return to School 2022 News and Information Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks Changes at VSB Congratulations to newly elected chair Dr. Janet Fraser, and vice-chair Estrellita Gonzalez, who were both elected by acclamation at the November Board Meeting. We at DPAC look forward to working with you in the coming year.   In the new year, VSB will welcome Helen McGregor as the new superintendent and "CEO" of the organization. Ms. McGregor has been a public educator for 28 years, including 11 years as a superintendent of education at the District School Board  of Niagara (DSBN). DPAC appreciates deeply the work that interim Superintendent Jan Unwin has put in during her short time at VSB to ensure continuity of leadership during this time.   wək_ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary The pilot project of renaming of a school has been completed: The new school that will open in the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood where Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary once stood will be called wək_ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm, a Musqueam name that means "the sun rising over the horizon". This name, which was gifted by Elder Larry Grant and his team to the school and community, is both a recognition of the longstanding Vancouver Sunrise neighbourhood and speaks to the new beginnings for this school community. Here is Elder Larry Grant teaching the correct pronunciation of wək_ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm. A naming ceremony will be held to open the school once the building phase is complete. Fundraising, Receipts and PACs A reminder to all PACs from VSB: When a donor wants a receipt or a PAC requires a receipt for a fundraising initiative, funds must be paid directly by the person to whom the receipt should be written, to the PAC's District-held account via the SchoolCashOnline donations page  only. PACs can no longer collect funds in a PAC-held bank account and forward them as one amount to the District with a list of donors and amounts, expecting receipts to be generated. PACs should work with their school admin to ensure they follow current procedures, and should advise administrators of any receipted funds being raised to support specific projects. COVID Update Now that it is universally agreed upon by public health, medical professionals and engineers who specialize in air quality that COVID is airborne, it is time for some discussions about the layers of protection to help families and staff avoid infections.   VSB website reporting on school specific work to ensure air quality.  (Vancouver DPAC advocated for school specific data at a provincial level.) Here's a new overview about masks from CBC (Vancouver DPAC advocated at the provincial and district level for the mask mandate to be extended K-3.) COVID in schools this past fall, by the numbers in one health authority that released numbers (Vancouver DPAC and others have called for health authorities across BC to release data to inform parent choices in a consistent manner.)  Here is a useful primer about Indoor Air Quality designed to better inform those of us who are not engineers about the science of clean air, and what the steps required to ensure workplace safety in schools for children and adults alike.   Should you plan to travel with your kids over Christmas, here's what you need to know about  COVID, vaccination requirements and quarantining upon return from the Government of Canada.  (Note that as of Nov 30th, rules have changed due to concerns about the latest variant of concern -- please review requirements prior to your departure.) Opportunities for Youth HUB Cycling is looking for youth aged 14 to 24 to join their new Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), a platform for youth to collaborate on initiatives to engage their communities and to encourage more people to cycle more often. The committee will meet once a month (virtually during the pandemic) to discuss issues related to cycling advocacy that are important to them. Between meetings, members will spend 1-5 hours a month working on cycling advocacy-related actions. The YAC will focus on activities that support HUB Cycling’s mission to get more people cycling more often. Applications close on December 31   The deadline for applications to mini schools (grade 8 +) is fast approaching — Thursday, December 16 at 3 pm. Each school has a different application process, and some require you pick up a package to complete. Find the schools listed and described, and the applications listed here. Students must turn in two applications: one to the VSB and the other to the specific school. Information nights have already happened, but are not necessary to attend before applying.   Here is a website, Let's Talk Science, that offers hands-on learning to kids and their friends, in case you are having an at-home holiday season this year. Also featured is hands on activities, national STEM projects and information about STEM-related careers. Check it out! Increase your Indigenous Understanding Lee Maracle (Stó:lō) died on November 11, 2021. She is the granddaughter of Chief Dan George, and a writer who cleared the way for the Indigenous writers who you see on the shelves today. Listen to this Margaret Lawrence lecture she gave this past year, and a follow-up discussion with Anishinaabe writer Tanya Talaga.   The recent UBC Dean’s Distinguished Lecture: Reconciling History with Dr Cindy Blackstock (Gitksan) is available to view online. Watch the video and find resources mentioned by Dr. Blackstock during her lecture. Sustainability The Government of British Columbia is conducting a review of its oil and natural gas royalty framework, the first major review in almost 30 years. With the release of the Discussion Paper, the Province is seeking feedback on policy approaches to establish a new, modernized royalty framework that meets the needs of British Columbians. Participate in the process here.   Kids are learning about sustainability, climate change, Indigenous sovereign rights and other human rights movements in their classrooms. It is important that as parents and caregivers, we are aware of what our government is doing in our name.   The Federal Government’s environmental watchdog calls out governments, past and present, in their failures to successfully reduce emissions as promised. This effect of this kind of missed target is being felt at this moment on both coasts of this country, with deforestation, fires and floods leading to washed out roads and properties, and displacing people. The severity of the events are attributed to climate change.    Property, Home & Precarity: From Street Sweeps to Housing Justice is a public square event hosted by SFU and examining Vancouver's housing crisis. Drawing from sustained research, senior SFU students will engage in dialogue with Nick Blomley, critical property scholar at SFU; Meenakshi Mannoe, criminalization and policing campaigner at Pivot Legal Society; Delilah Gregg, a member of VANDU; and Magie Ramírez, assistant professor of geography at SFU, to explore questions such as: What does shelter vulnerability look like? How is it produced? What work do prevailing property systems do in producing vulnerability? How is it contested? On Anti-Racism The VSB has received and released their Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination Report from Urban Matters, a firm hired to survey students, community members and staff about their experiences with racism and discrimination. The survey, Stronger Together 2021: What We Have Learned (pages 6 - 353 of P&G agenda), was answered by about 3% of the student population, including but not limited to students who have disabilities, are neuro-diverse or gender diverse, as well as students who are considered racialized. Staff and families were also invited to participate.  Canley Cup: Making Holidays Bright The CANley Cup is a District-wide event designed by the Vancouver District Students’ Council (VDSC) to raise food and money for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The funds raised through the CANley Cup provide food access to families, seniors and new Canadians in Vancouver, the North Shore, Burnaby and New Westminster. Students participate in the annual event by holding friendly competitions with other neighbouring schools to promote donations. The school that collects the most cans win the CANley Cup trophy. Volunteer Call Out: Tutors One to One Literary Society is looking for volunteer tutors to assist students in an after-school program (3-6:30 pm) once a week for two to three hours from February to June, excluding school holidays. Students will work from their home with a parent or a caregiver nearby in case they ned technical support. Volunteers will read with a child in a virtual environment. Training starts in December 2021. Healthy Schools The Canadian Healthy Schools Alliance is a Canada-wide network of organizations promoting health and well-being in school communities, encouraging schools to set up everything from antiracism and reconciliation initiatives to fostering a more comprehensive approach to well-being of both individuals and communities. Inclusive Education Workshop on Psycho-Educational Assessments with Dr. John Lum, district psychologist, VSB hosted by Partners for Inclusive Education (PIE). Learn about the psychological testing educators depend on to analyze a child’s mental processes that underlie his or her educational performance. How do the partners involved in a kid’s education – the school, their guardians and their care providers – know when and how to deploy this tool? Thursday, December 2nd, 7 to 8 pm, register on Zoom, For more information, contact PIE co-chair, Kathryn Self Ransdell Student Wellness FamilySmart Presents:    In the Know Drop-In Group: Holidays Can Be Hard: "We get it, there can be a lot of expectations around the holidays when we have kids.  Come join us and let's talk about how we can get through the hard spots, celebrate the small things and find a bit of space to breathe when we need it." Thursday, December 9, 6 to 7 pm:   Help for the Hard Times Workshop: For Vancouver, Richmond and North Shore families with an in-patient experience at BC Children's Hospital including P1, P2, CAPE and Provincial Eating Disorders or Repeated ER Visits. December 13, 15, 20, 22 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm January 17, 19, 24, 26 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm   Session 1 & 2: How to support a safety plan at home Session 3: How to take care of yourself and family after a crisis Session 4: How to find the resources you need BCCPAC Updates Fuel and Travel Restrictions – Impact to K-12 Education Premier's Awards for Excellence 2022 Budget Consultation Report BC Child Poverty Report Card 2021 Recorded Meeting - PHO, MoE, DPACs Important Dates & Deadlines Now - Dec 31 – Membership fees due in order to be a voting member. New for this year, PACs can use their Gaming funds to pay for their membership. Renew. VSB  News The miracle of Chanukkah: learning the story behind lighting candles TRASHformation challenge open to Vancouver students Students at Southlands a share poem about bravery to honour Indigenous Veterans Poppies and feathers of Remembrance at City Hall​ Making amends through restorative justice ​Vancouver students receive scholarships for their commitment to kindness Celebrating support staff throughout the District New Indigenous artwork revealed on Lord Byng’s gym floor Students’ hopes and dreams help shape Education Plan 2026 Updates from November Committee & Board Meetings Highlights: Facilities and Planning Committee of November 17, 2021 Highlights: Finance Committee of November 17, 2021 Student Learning and Well-Being Committee meeting highlights – November 3, 2021 Upcoming Committee Meetings (see all) Ministry of Education News Legislative changes to support First Nations jurisdiction over education Students teaming up with BC Lions to end racism in schools Seamless Day Kindergarten pilot program expands Vision for Student Success News from other Ministries First Nations learners gain more post-secondary supports Apprentices bring value from classroom to job site New fast-track seats for respiratory therapists to help British Columbians Province extends support for projects tackling racism, discrimination Safe, effective COVID-19 pediatric vaccine available for children aged 5-11 Ministers’ statement on royal assent of bills upholding Indigenous rights Resources Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks COVID-19 & Crowdsourced Information   Parents, caregivers and communities have been sending notifications into BC School COVID Tracker to collectively share information about school exposures. School exposure reports can be submitted by ccing or bccing bcschoolcovid@protonmail.com when notifying your child's school by email after receiving a positive test result. Vancouver DPAC and other groups call on the government to mandate health authorities provide consistent, detailed information that parents can use to make informed decisions for their families.   A grassroots group of physicians, nurses, health scientists, health policy specialists and community advocates have formed Protect Our Province (PoP), and are working to help people in BC stay safe by sharing accurate information about the COVID-19 pandemic in the province,, and advocating for evidence-based policies, with a stated goal to end this pandemic. They are holding weekly press conferences every Wednesday afternoon.   An app has been launched for families to easily know what schools in BC have experienced an exposure to COVID. Exposure Watch allows you to sign up for notifications according to the schools you select. Currently it appears Coastal Health is not accurately reporting exposures in our schools, so this app may not reflect accurately exposures in Vancouver schools. & Tests Based on Science: What is the best type of COVID-19 test to get? -- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine & Immunizations As of October 30, 2021, 3,940,563 people from British Columbia are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, having received both required doses. Read more. According to the Government of BC's website, the population of BC as of April of 2021 is 5,185,990 people. & Mental Health Kelty Mental Health together with FamilySmart parent peer support workers have created a new digital tool, Ask Kelty Mental Health, which offers answers to common questions families have about accessing mental health supports and services.  & Masks Kids and masks list by accredited academics Canadian manufacturers have created re-usable N-95 quality respirator masks with non-disposable filters. Here is one example available on order N95 masks are also being made in Canada by companies such as Vitacore, and offer a variety of styles and sizes including some for children For your reference, Children and Masks by the World Health Organization (WHO) & Culturally Specific Resouces First Nations Health Authority's Mental Health and Cultural Supports during COVID19 COVID19 resources for individuals and families, to aid in creating opportunities for constructive interactions with children during COVID19 times from the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Resources for supporting  & Further Resources BCCPAC's COVID Resource page Provincial COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings Information for School Districts & Independent Schools (last updated October 1, 2021) Truth and Reconciliation Resources For those who have been affected by the residential school systems and other acts of genocide, we have compiled the following resources: Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society, locally you can call 1-604-985-4464 or Toll Free, 1-800-721-0066   Lu'ma Medical Centre, run by Lu'ma Native Housing Society provides comprehensive physical and mental health care to Indigenous People in Vancouver   The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides First Nations and Indigenous-specific support and can be reached toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-588-8717   The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, 1-866-925-4419, is available to support former residential school children and their family members   Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society substance abuse and treatment centre's toll free number is 1-888-403-3123   Indigenous Peoples face unique forms of discrimination and are under-represented in human rights complaints. This 3-part series of videos by BC Human Rights Clinic explains the BC Human Rights Code with regards to employment, tenancy (housing) and access to services, explores examples of discrimination and offers information about what you can do if you or someone you care about experiences discrimination. First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) has suggested the following actions for PACs looking to be more inclusive and welcoming for Indigenous Families: Listen and learn   Join or form an anti-Racism committee at your school's PAC. Here is the Hastings Elementary anti-racism group   Seek to create space in your school community for a First Nations Parents Club   Invite parents and caregivers of Indigenous ancestry into your PAC, and be curious about the possibility that adjusting meeting practices in consultation with the FN Parents Club or Indigenous members of your PAC   Share authentic Indigenous Peoples' resources   Raise awareness about teaching materials created by Indigenous educators. These can be added to schools and school libraries, and read them for personal learning   Advocate, at the provincial level, for the adoption of a mandatory Indigenous Peoples history course or bundled curriculum for high school students from grades 10 to 12, as a requirement for graduation   Support the use of First People's content across the K-12 curriculum. Examples of PACs doing this include their funding speakers, workshops and performances to come into schools, by supporting field trips, and by supporting the cultivating of Indigenous medicine plant gardens guided by local knowledge keepers.   VSB has commenced its Indigenous Education Council (IEC). The first meeting was held in September. Our representative at these meetings is Leona Brown.   Continue to educate yourself and your children about Indigenous Peoples' histories and cultures, as well as the history of colonial interference   Read the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples   Read the many reports written over the years, now held by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Calls to action from the TRC: Numbers 5 through 12 are specific to education   Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Further Education Transcripts The Student Transcripts Service lets people view, order, and send transcripts and or graduation certificates online Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards Vancouver School Board's list of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to VSB students The Ultimate List of Scholarships for Women and Girls includes information about scholarships and other financial awards available to Canadian women and girls, and for Canadian universities BC provincial government information about training grants, scholarships and bursaries Higher Education If your teen is interested in pursuing a college or university education, now is the time to register to attend open houses and info sessions taking place online and at campuses. Here are some local options:   The University of British Columbia offers several ways for teens and their families to familiarize themselves with programs and the campus, including tours, both virtual and in person, fairs, information sessions, student experience events and school visits. Individual departments also offer specific open house opportunities. UBC Engineering, for example, is holding an online open house on November 6, and an on-campus event on November 20th.    The University of Victoria offers several dates in November and January to prospective students to "Discover UVIC". They also offer parent nights, faculty open houses, faculty events, education fairs, and Registration 101 for interested students.   Up the hill (and downtown Vancouver and Surrey), Simon Fraser University is offering several webinars for those considering attending Simon Fraser University. A student experience page offers an overview of student life at SFU's three campuses. They also offer webinars including virtual campus tours, information about living in residence, assistance in better understanding fees, scholarships, and financial aid.   Some young students benefit from smaller campuses or are looking to learn a trade. Here are some more higher education opportunities to consider: Langara's admissions page offers comprehensive guidance. Their art department features an online introduction on November 2. Capilano College's Information Open House (November 20) Douglas College's online and in-person info sessions (multiple dates) Vancouver Community College's online information sessions (including trades) (starting in November) register for Kwantlen (KPU) Virtual Tours learn. about the programs at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)   We spoke with an higher education student advisor (not affiliated with above schools) and learned this: students as young as grade nine can benefit from attending if they, themselves, express interest in attending colleges and universities have the duty to accommodate students with disabilities.  This UBC document explains academic accommodation. The advisor strongly suggested a student requiring accommodation inform student services of their situation and needs as early as possible, and gave three months in advance as best practice.   Students and parents can find a comprehensive overview of post-secondary education options in BC (programs, admission requirements, registration processes and dates, fees, financial assistance) at https://www.educationplannerbc.ca.   SOGI Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. In recognition of this, DPAC has compiled this list of information and resources. Everyone is equally deserving of human rights Woke Read Alouds: It Feels Good to Be Yourself is a video made for kids and their parents and families by Woke Kindergarten. The video discusses at a level for young children the topic of gender identity and acceptance. Trans Care BC is an education team developing resources with community members, care teams, as well as health and human services to increase health literacy for clients and knowledge, competency, and cultural safety for care teams, to ensure gender-affirming care is practiced across British Columbia Support information for gender creative children and trans youth, and their parents and caregivers Learn More about Trans and Non-Binary Identities & Holistic Trans Body Poster Trans Rights are Human Rights -- BC Human Rights Commission Why Accepting your LGBTQ2s+ Child Matters, and How To Start -- Option B Org SOGI 123 in BC Education -- On sexual orientation and gender identity Youth Mental Health Experiencing racism, both systemic and random, is harmful to a person's health and wellness. An organization in the States has created a website containing resources specifically tailored to People of African Ancestry that has relevance to Canadians as well.   Jack.org offers mental health presentations for students in grades 9 to 12. The talks are delivered by trained and certified young people with lived experience and an understanding of the practice of maintaining mental wellness to their peers. Their Virtual Jack Talk is available online   Check out resources that focus on youth at TeenMentalHealth.org   Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support for young people in English and French   Here to Help is an online guide to navigating mental health struggles and crises, as well as substance use information   Help for the Hard Times offers online workshops for families of kids and teens who have been a patient in a psychiatric unit   Free mental health program for teens - YMCA   Self-care workshops for youth are being offered online via the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC and can be booked through their website. They are fully booked for October and are taking bookings for November and December. Tutoring Edu Beyond offers free tutoring for K-12 students whose families don't have the resources, using student volunteers for subjects including science, social studies, English and French, and math. See above section for more information about EDU Beyond, and sign up here   Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland have a free Study Buddy weekly mentoring program for female identifying youth ages 7-17. Big Brothers of Vancouver also offer similar free-of-charge mentoring programs for male-identifying youth

Copyright © 2021 Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list