Mid-May News Bulletin
Hello VSB PACs, parents and caregivers,
As this school year nears its end, DPAC thought we'd send a bigger-than-usual missive to PACs, and include families and others who are on our newsletter distribution list, to let you know of our upcoming events and meetings, to tell you about things in which we're involved at the VSB that might interest you, and to provide you with a few other schools/PAC-related updates.
First, we have learned that Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman will be leaving VSB. We are still awaiting further information about the process the Trustees will undertake to hire a new Superintendent. Here at DPAC, vice-chair Amanda has been elected to BCCPAC. Amanda Hillis has been an incredibly valuable member of DPAC, especially in relation to policies, procedures and how to work within those structures when advocating for and with PACs, students and their families. We know she's going to bring all of her accumulated knowledge to advocating on families' and their students' behalf at the provincial level. Best wishes to both!
Participate at the District Level
Of course people leaving DPAC means we are always looking for parents and caregivers to join the team. There are many ways to be involved in DPAC, including:
- Elected executives (Elections for executives will be held at our June 24th AGM. See the section 'Updates for PACs' for more information on nominations.)
- DPAC Reps (Elected by your PAC)
- Representing DPAC at a VSB advisory committee or working group.
- Joining one of DPAC's internal committees such as Childcare or Facilities Planning
Upcoming DPAC Meetings & Events
PAC-Led Initiative
Finally, there is a PAC led initiative which is incubating around "No School Closures for 2 Years" in light of pending items such as the Vancouver Plan and the Trustee Vision which has a focus on Neighbourhood Schools & Equity. A link to the draft of this motion can be found here.
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BCCPAC -- Parent Advocacy: Understanding the Appeal Process
This Thursday, May 20, from 7pm - 8:30pm please join DPAC at a Special Presentation by BCCPAC: “Parent Advocacy: Understanding the Appeal Process" with President Andrea Sinclair and CEO John Gaiptman, to better understand how the School Act provides parents/guardians with the right to appeal any decision they feel significantly affects the education, health or safety of the student.
Parents and guardians are their child's natural advocate, making sure their child's rights, needs and opinions are respected. Advocacy is about working to achieve a successful solution for the benefit of the child.
This workshop will provide you with knowledge and tools to successfully handle situations that negatively impact your child's education and to navigate the school district Appeal Process (Section 11 of the School Act).
Register here. You will find the information also listed as a Facebook Event here, please share it with your networks. School and district staff are also welcome to attend.
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DPAC General: Challenging Racist BC -- 150 Years and Counting
At the May General on Thursday, May 27, 7pm - 9:30 pm, following a short formal meeting, DPAC will mark Asian Heritage Month by welcoming Elimin8Hate as they facilitate an exploration of Challenging Racist BC -- 150 Years and Counting, a project that seeks to explore our shared history and common future.
This session will provide an overview of the work many groups are doing to address anti-Asian, anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism. Several of the Challenging Racist BC authors will discuss and answer questions about their work, and a BCTF Anti-Oppression Educators Collective member will talk about how using enhanced digital edition of the book can be an effective teaching tool. Community advocates will be speaking against the rise of anti-Asian racism in Vancouver, Canada and globally. The concept of the model minority will be explored in the context of how leaning upon it harms students and there will be a discussion with a member of the BCTF’s Anti-Oppression Educators Collective about using the online resources in classrooms.
Speakers include proj1907, Carmel Tanaka (Cross Cultural Walking Tours and Elimin8Hate), Halimah Beaulieu (Elimin8Hate), Authors - Christine O'Bonsawin, Fran Morrison, Maryka Omatsu, John Price and Educators - Carmen Rodriguez and Karine Ng. Register here. You will find it listed as a Facebook Event here. Please share with your networks.
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VSB's May Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 25 at 7 pm. The agenda will be posted the previous week, and everyone can view the meeting via the VSB's Youtube channel. If you'd like to submit a question during the meeting, go to the calendar meeting link and a submission form should be available during the meeting.
Budget 2021-2022
- Background:
- Email budget2021-2022@vsb.bc.ca to submit written submissions regarding budget priorities for development of the 2021-2022 operating budget
- Some of the budget motions going to the board include: a Seamless Childcare pilot, an additional ELL district counselor, Indigenous Language program, and additional support for the Artist in Resident (AIRS) program.
Sir Sanford Fleming - Site Surplus vote
- Staff recommendation: That the Board of Education declare the Southern Portion of the Fleming school site surplus to the educational needs of the District and authorizes staff to proceed with the disposition process as per Board Policy 20.
- Delegations and staff report were at the May 5 Facilities Planning Committee: agenda including presentations, video
If you feel strongly on any motion going to the board, email your trustees.
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BCCPAC Parent Conference
Friday & Saturday, May 28-29. Registration deadline is May 21.
Speakers & Topics include:
- Opening Address from Minister of Education, Hon Jennifer Whiteside
- Mental Health in Schools with Jennifer McCrea, Assistant Deputy Minister, Learning Division, Ministry of Education and Patricia Kovacs, Executive Director, Equity, Wellness and Inclusion, Ministry of Education
- Framework for Enhancing Student Learning with Marnie Mayhew, Executive Director, Sector Policy and Performance, Ministry of Education
- Helping Children Flourish in Challenging Times with Dr Gordon Neufeld
- First Nations Education and Your Role with Tyrone McNeil - President, First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and vice-president of the Stó:lō Tribal Council
- Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying - Dr. Greg Gerber - Safer Schools Together
- What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work - Dr Ashley Miller
- Parent Engagement and Succession Planning - Andrea Sinclair - President, BCCPAC
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