September 2022

This newsletter is published on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. View this email in your browser

September 2022 Message from the Chair Dear Parents, Caregivers and VSB families, Welcome to the new 2022/2023 school year! I am looking forward to representing all VSB parents, guardians and caregivers in the coming school year. Vancouver DPAC has 8 executives; consistent with last year.  Shout out to past Chairs that created committees (Childcare, Facilities) and working groups (Anti-Racism, Music) as this has enabled many parents to volunteer in their specific areas of interest at a lower-commitment level that is very meaningful. Vancouver DPAC recognizes that the threat of COVID19 is ongoing, and will continue to advocate for all students and staff to be in safe buildings, with layers of protection, based upon the science available to date, in place. We know that the more protective measures are put in place in schools, the higher the protection is for the community and inclusion is for all students. Inclusion allows students who are at risk or whose families are at risk to rejoin their classes and be part of their school community once again. Please read our Good Air Means Everything letter to the VSB for a deeper understanding of what is possible. Municipal elections are on coming October 15th, and DPAC is preparing questions to put before candidates running for trustee positions on the Board. We are planning an all candidate’s meeting in early October, please watch our socials for further details. Finally, September 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known in schools as “Orange Shirt Day”, in honour of those who were forced to attend Residential “Schools”, and their families as they work to undo intergenerational traumas caused by state violence. I, and all executives at DPAC, are looking to be relevant to families who carry the scars and continue to incur harm by the state, and we work to ensure that schools are not a site of further harm. Please note that DPAC has a dedicated seat for an Indigenous parent or guardian to take as an executive, and are enthusiastic to work with and support a person who decides to take on that role. We also have several seats open on our executive that are open to any parent or caregiver who wants to join us, and plenty of room in the many committees and working groups (see below) under the Vancouver DPAC umbrella. We look forward to working with and for PACs, parents and caregivers this year! All the best, Vik Khanna 2022/23 DPAC Chair Upcoming DPAC Events Thursday, September 9, 7pm — September Executive Meeting Thursday, September 22, 7pm — September General Meeting Thursday, Sept 29, 7pm — PAC 101   Subscribe to our meeting calendar DPAC Committees and Working Groups PACS - we encourage you to promote these committees and groups to your parents in your regular communications. Music Working Group This working group has been struck to focus on ensuring music is a part of every student's school experience. Interested parents please contact working group lead, Robert Ford  Childcare Committee The committee is focused on encouraging increased access and wider options for school-age care.  Interested parents please contact committee lead, Alan Patola Moosmann Facilities Planning Committee The committee works on Long Range Facilities Planning, Seismic Planning and shadows the VSB Facilities Planning Committee, providing feedback to the DPAC Executive. Read the year end report for facilities. For more information and to join, contact DPAC Chair Vik Khanna Anti-Racism Collective and Working Group Vancouver DPAC has created and is holding space for Black (of African Descent) and Indigenous Parents to gather and discuss issues pertinent to them that happen within the context of Vancouver Public Schools (VSB). Meetings are scheduled for every first Thursday of the month from 5:30 pm until 7 pm. Parents of Indigenous and African Descent can contact the Black and Indigenous Working Group to learn more.    DPAC hosts a Slack Group for all who are interested in furthering the work of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Please contact Karen Tsang for an invite to the group.  Food Framework Working Group Vancouver DPAC has a seat on the VSB Food Framework Ad-hoc Committee which will advise the VSB on developing a vision for topics including school food programs, food growing and food education. We are looking for parents interested in providing a broader perspective to inform our feedback to that committee. Contact our rep on the committee, Celena Benndorf. New Committees / Working Groups Vancouver DPAC is expanding the tent! If you are interested in specific work at DPAC, we want to hear from you! This year we are adding the following groups, which will be working groups until structure is in place and a committee is struck: Sustainability Working Group (Skye Richards) Active Transportation and Safe Routes Working Group (Michael Lang) Important Dates 2022 - 2032 — International Decade of Indigenous Languages In February 2022, proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, to draw global attention on the critical situation of many Indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization and promotion. 2015 - 2024 -- International 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. September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Month: "Building Strengths and Abilities" Tuesday, Sept 6 — First Day of School Thursday, Sept 8 — International Literacy Day Friday, Sept 9 — FASD Awareness Day Saturday, Sept 10 — Suicide Prevention Day: "Creating Hope Through Action" Saturday, Sept 10 — Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival Thursday, Sept 8, 7pm — September DPAC Executive Meeting (Options: Masked in person and via Zoom) Monday, Sept 12, 5pm – VSB Finance Committee Wednesday, Sept 14, 6:30pm – VSB Student Learning and Wellbeing Committee  Sunday, Sept 18 — Terry Fox Run Monday, Sept 19, 6pm – VSB Public Delegation Board Meeting  Monday, Sept 21 – International Day Of Peace: "End Racism. Build Peace." Tuesday, Sept 22 – Autumnal Equinox Thursday, Sept 24, 7pm – September DPAC General Meeting Friday, Sept 23 – Pro-D Day (Flexible, check your school calendar) Sunday, Sept 25 to Tuesday, Sept 27 — Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) Monday, Sept 26, 7pm – VSB Board Meeting  Wednesday, Sept 28, 4:30pm – VSB Personnel Committee  Thursday, Sept 29, 7pm — PAC 101 Wednesday, Sept 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day (No school) News and Information Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks Expand your Indigenous Understanding At the end of the 2021/2022 school year, District Knowledge Keeper, Amanda White (Haida), retired after working 26 years at VSB. Amanda White survived residential schools, day schools, overt racism and adversity and channeled her energy toward students, both Indigenous and Canadian alike. Throughout her career at VSB she has not only created learning opportunities for all students to better relate to the communities on whose lands we live, but also built a solid framework from which Indigenous students themselves can thrive.   The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers workshops geared for students from K - 12. Every September, Canadians and Indigenous People mark the official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a solemn time to reflect upon our shared history and the harms caused to Indigenous Nations by colonization and Canadian imperialism. Teachers can register for programming.   Orange Shirt Day is September 30th, a day that marks remembrance of Indigenous Children having been forced to attend "schools" run by Christian / Catholic organizations, often hundreds of kilometres from their home communities. Children were harmed, tortured, and some died at or near these institutions, which were operated with the cooperation/oversight of the Canadian Government, and were one of many tools of assimilation that also served to remove/disenfranchise Indigenous Peoples from their lands. Survivors of the residential (and day) schools systems include multiple generations and whole communities and nations. Orange Shirt Day is one of many ways to participate in reconciliation and reformation of our societies to seek better cohesion and understanding between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. Schools will be closed on this day.   The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society offers Seven Free Ways to Make a Difference in the lives of Indigenous Children, Youth and their communities.  School Registration DPAC has heard and confirmed with several sources that there has been a sudden and unexpected bump in student registrations in VSB, as yet unplaced. Families are reporting that they've received letters from the district, asking them to complete a form to let the school know if their child will be absent from school at the beginning of the school year. Failing to report an expected absence this week could result the loss of your child's seat, which would then be offered to a waitlisted child.If you know of friends or family who are still away this week, let them know they need to contact their school to assure their child's place in their school. Anti-Oppression / Anti-Racism The VSB, together with Destine Lord, an anti-racism and inclusion consultant, and members of the school community produced an Equity Statement trustees approved last June at the final school board meeting of the year. The statement reads as follows:   The Vancouver School Board – a large, urban school district located on the unceded, traditional lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – respects and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.   The VSB will create an equitable learning environment where every child can experience a deep sense of belonging and is free to pursue pathways of learning in ways that are authentic to themselves. The VSB will achieve this by: having students see themselves and their communities in the curriculum and in the staff throughout the District; prioritizing student needs by making informed decisions and engaging in open communication with rightsholders and stakeholders; and actively fighting systems of oppression through relationship building, ongoing communication and transparency.   The VSB commitment to equity will be informed by humility and accountability.   Vancouver DPAC is looking forward to seeing this statement reflected in Board decisions, policies and actions going forward, to benefit students and staff alike. COVID Engineering Clean Air at Schools As kids and staff return to classrooms, more information is being provided to better understand the various parties who should be involved in creating safer indoor spaces to prevent the spread of diseases including COVID19 and influenza — primarily by ensuring the air is clean. This thread from Twitter lays out some important engineering information for parent advocates to follow.   Check out this 5 minute long,  comprehensive video by Scientific American, which highlights the importance of layered protections to ensure safe indoor air quality to decrease significantly the spread of SARS COVID2 as well as influenza and other diseases that are spread through our shared air.   'It's OK to get infected' comment from official not helpful in COVID fight, Winnipeg doctor says — CBC News   Back To School COVID19 Concerns — CTV News DPAC is concerned as well about the ongoing exclusion of students (and staff) who cannot attend in-person classes while so few COVID mitigation efforts are in place in classrooms and schools. Public schools are supposed to serve all students, but in the past two plus school years, some kids have received little to no instruction.   Young and middle-aged people, barely sick with covid-19, are dying of strokes — Washington Post  COVID variations continue to spread as the Return to Normalcy campaign rises. However, doctors are sounding alarms about long COVID as well as increased numbers of younger people having serious strokes. Childcare The province is currently increasing funding to help offer more affordable child care spaces, building more facilities and creating programs to lower fees for families, as well as creating training opportunities to allow more people to become child care workers. More information can be found on the province's website.   Efforts have been made to create more Inclusive Child Care within the province for kids with special needs. This includes an Inclusive Child Care Toolkit for care providers to access in order to ensure all families can access childcare as needed. Trustee Elections Municipal elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 15th. Vancouver DPAC encourages all families to learn about the issues at school board and to vote for the candidates they think will best represent parents. The School Trustee Election Procedures in British Columbia guide is intended to highlight relevant features of the acts and regulations governing Board of Education elections, making them more accessible to the lay-person and Board of Education officials.   Read the BCSTA's guide for school trustee candidates.   Consider attending all candidates meetings when they occur. Stay tuned for an all candidates meeting hosted by Vancouver DPAC, as we are still firming up details. Mental Health Supports Foundry offers young people ages 12 to 24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centres in communities across BC. Find out more about Foundry. They also have an app that provides BC youth and caregivers access to free virtual counselling, peer support and groups.   Mental Health Literacy is a website produced out of Alberta (Treaty 7 lands) that provides definitions and information about various issues that affect mental health.   Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre offers a viewing workshop on several evenings  for the September In the Know seriies: Parenting When Anxiety Shows Up as Anger can be viewed on several evenings in September. Check the website for dates and times.   Love is Respect is a website designed to inform people about healthy and unhealthy relationships designed for youth navigating love. While it is US-based, much of the information provided is relevant regardless of borders. Music in Schools The DPAC Music Working Group is working with choral program director, Catherine Campolin, to set up the inaugural batch of participating schools for the DPAC-sponsored Extra Curricular Choral Program. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure kids in VSB schools have access to music education immediately, for as many students as possible regardless of ability to pay. The working group is currently arranging schedules for this first group of school, and will next sort out details with individual PACs and schools who applied to participate in the program in June of 2022. Students will register using an online registration system that is being fine tuned. The system will be multilingual and able to accept online payments. If you are new to hearing about this Choral Program, please review the proposal that was approved by the DPAC on May 26, 2022 and forward any queries to musicworkinggroup@vancouverdpac.ca.  Climate Justice The Sustainabiliteens are hosting a March for the Climate on Friday, Sept 23, meeting at 2pm at Coal Harbour Park and marching to the Vancouver Art Gallery, where where there will be a block party featuring music, food, local small businesses, and lot’s of change-making organizations.     If you are a parent or caregiver with a child 0-5 years old, you are invited to take part in the First Steps to a Healthy Climate program at West Side Family Place, in collaboration with Laurel Hart, a mother, researcher and educator. In this program  families can come together as community to empower and uplift parenting that keeps the health of children and Earth in mind. Program themes will be developed collectively in the first session and children will engage in hands-on activities, stories, and songs. This participatory program is part of Hart's research through SFU.   How do we become a sustainable society and leave marketplace economics concepts we have been taught in order to renew our relationships with the planet and other life forms, and forge a new way forward? To start addressing this question, we need to better understand the problems. The Story of Stuff is a good family-friendly video to seed a good discussion amongst our families, friends, and communities. Watch it with your kids, and have a discussion with them about the information presented. School Food Programs Last March, Jack Chen, a BC Coalition for Healthy School Food Research Intern, performed a survey of youth perspectives on school food programs in BC.    Meet Sue-Anne Banks, the Indigenous lead of the BC Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food: Building relationships in BC: An Indigenous approach to school food advocacy. Inclusive Education Punishment may keep a child with ADHD on task in the short term, but studies show that it may carry serious long-term consequences for children with weak emotional regulation skills. Positive reinforcement shows to inspire more consistent motivation and better learning outcomes for children with ADHD. Power of Positive Reinforcement: Why Rewards Trump Punishments for Students with ADHD, with Gail Tripp, Ph.D., offers parents, caregivers and educators strategies for using positive reinforcement at school and at home. This Thursday, Sept 8 at 1pm online. Registration allows you to attend and to access the webinar recording later. Higher Education For parents, caregivers and high school students who are considering further education, many universities and colleges hold open houses in the fall time so that kids as young as grade 10 can start imagining a future place to study. Keep an eye on these institutions for open house announcements. UBC: Admissions information and Dates and Deadlines October 13 — 15, 2022 — UBC Engineering Open House (Online) SFU: Admissions information Book an in-person campus tours Visit SFU virtually Emily Carr University of Art + Design Langara Capilano University Kwantlen University Douglas College BCIT Students and parents can find a comprehensive overview of post-secondary education options in BC on MyEducationPlanner, including programs, admission requirements, registration processes and dates, fees, financial assistance. BCCPAC Events BCCPAC CEO, John Gaiptman, will be presenting at the BCEd Access Convention 2022 in October. VSB  News Principals and Vice Principals ready for a new school year Back to school: Tips and resources for the year ahead Equity statement receives unanimous support from the Board Prince of Wales student places first in a Canada wide French public speaking competition For the love of literacy: program for first graders aims to foster an appreciation for reading Former Van Tech Top Athlete Samantha Smith wins District coaching award Congratulations to this year’s VSB Support Workers Recognition Scholarship recipients Congratulations to this year’s VSB Teacher Recognition Scholarship recipients Congratulations to this year’s VSB Administrator Recognition Scholarship recipients PRIDE season celebrations across the District Celebrating our people and their accomplishments: Vancouver students receive prestigious scholarships VSB and VCC partnership garners Employer Award Updates from June Committee & Board Meetings Highlights: Board meeting of June 27, 2022 Highlights: Public Board delegation meeting – June 20, 2022 Highlights: Facilities Planning Committee Meeting - June 15, 2022 Highlights: Student Learning & Well Being Committee Meeting - June 15, 2022 Highlights: Personnel Committee Meeting - June 13, 2022 Highlights: Special Board meeting of June 06, 2022 Highlights: Special Board meeting: Delegations June 2, 2022 Upcoming Committee Meetings (see all) Ministry of Education News Four BC First Nations conclude self-government agreements regarding education Cultural learning can give students grad credit To better introduce the new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement this short video showcases BC students’ perspectives on the importance of this next step toward reconciliation, available on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. An updated question and answers document regarding the new Student and Family Affordability Fund is now available. Funding Eligibility of Undocumented Students: With the potential for an increased number of undocumented or refugee school age students arriving in BC's schools ahead of the September 1701 count, school district staff are reminded in this information document of the Operating Grant Eligibility directives and the K–12-Funding Refugee Policy. Directives to verify BC residency are not intended to exclude displaced students and their families who are BC residents and may have unresolved federal immigration status. B.C. expands early childhood education dual-credit programs for high school students Education by the numbers Health, safety remain focus as students head back to school, child care Finalists named for 2022 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education Early childhood educator bursaries support career growth for key professionals Educational exchange between B.C., Mexico students expanded Anti-racism roundtable amplifies voices for action plan News from other Ministries Bursary improves access to practical nursing program for health-care assistants Anchors aweigh for new mobile marine classroom in Prince Rupert Turning the page on adult literacy with increased funding Minister’s statement on Hastings Street encampment Supporting sexual-assault survivors informs work on gender-based violence Select Standing Committee on Finance & Government Services "Report on the Budget 2023 Consultation" — pp. 77 - 84 for Education-specific information Minister’s, provincial health officer’s statement on approval of bivalent vaccines Public invited to learn more about proposed treaty with K’ómoks First Nation Stz’uminus First Nation, B.C. sign reconciliation agreement Funding supports six francophone initiatives in B.C. Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages Mental-health supports extended for women affected by trauma, violence New culturally informed mental-wellness supports will help Indigenous families Province recruiting for committees to improve accessibility Resources Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks COVID-19 & What Experts are Saying A grassroots group of physicians, nurses, health scientists, health policy specialists, engineers 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 scientifically-sound, evidence-based policies.  & Masks 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 now being made in Canada. Find PPE makers through The Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM). & Culturally Specific Resources 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). & Further Resources Information for School Districts & Independent Schools (August 25, 2022) 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 6 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 awardsavailable 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   BC Scholarships and Education Planner BC also have listings including BC Excellence Scholarships Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarships Beedie Luminaries Scholarships BC School Trustees Association Scholarships   Students and their families can also find scholarship and bursary information through counsellors at their school. 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.   Photo credit: Karen Tsang

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