Public Input Opportunity

Student Learning Survey – Feedback deadline of May 3

The Student Learning Survey (SLS), which is administered annually by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, is open to students in Grades 4, 7, 10 and 12, their families, and staff and administrators in B.C. public schools. The survey covers a range of topics, providing a comprehensive picture of the educational experience in B.C. public schools and valuable insight for addressing current needs and trends.

Families are invited to participate in the survey, available in English, French and additional languages, until May 3. Information about the survey, including a survey link, is available on the Student Learning Survey web page.

NVSD Events

Prevailing Landscapes — Exhibition opening April 12

The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art presents a seminal exhibition that brings together works by eight contemporary Canadian artists of international acclaim. On display from April 12 until June 22, 2024, Prevailing Landscapes features artists Kim Dorland, Stan Douglas, Tim Gardner, Cameron Kerr, Krystle Silverfox, Ian Wallace, Jin-me Yoon, and Karen Zalamea. Spanning painting, drawing, photography, video, and sculpture, among other media, the collection of over 35 works presents a critical look at historically romanticized perspectives of the Great Canadian Wilderness.

The opening reception is on Friday, April 12, at 6 p.m. For information visit The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation website.

Public Board Meeting – April 16

A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. Visit our Public Meetings web page for information on how you can participate and to review the meeting agenda and board package, which are posted on the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting.

Cheakamus Centre Open House – May 5

The 55th annual Cheakamus Centre Open House takes place on Sunday, May 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join Cheakamus Centre staff for a fun, family day of nature exploration and discovery. Visit the Coast Salish longhouse, salmon hatchery, farm animals, and nature trails. More information is available on the Open House web page.

Standing Committee Meeting – May 7

A Board of Education Standing Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Visit our Public Meetings web page for information on how you can participate and to review the meeting agenda, which is posted on the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting.

Ready, Set, Learn – Events run until May 22

Ready, Set, Learn is an initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting children’s early language and literacy skills. Intended for families and their children (ages 3 to 5 years), Ready, Set, Learn is designed to foster positive connections among families, schools and early learning community partners and support children as they prepare for their transition to Kindergarten. Ready, Set, Learn events will be hosted at multiple locations throughout the school district from April 3 to May 22 and are free to attend. Event details are available on the Ready, Set, Learn web page.

NVSD Registrations

Summer Learning – Registration opens May 1

North Vancouver Summer Learning provides a platform for students to explore and extend learning opportunities while fulfilling their educational requirements through a variety of opportunities in the month of July.

The Summer Learning 2024 course offerings provide students opportunities to further their learning and/or earn credits toward graduation:

Full Credit Academic Grade 10-12 Courses (including options to meet the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement)
7/8 Transition into Secondary School
English Language Learning (ELL)
Eslha7an Secondary Review & Completion
Numeracy 8/9 Foundations
Literacy 8/9 Foundations

Registration is open to students within and beyond the NVSD. Registration opens on Wednesday, May 1 at 8 a.m. for NVSD students (and on Friday, May 10 for students outside the NVSD). Registration closes on Friday, June 21 at 12 noon.

Academies – Spaces remain for some programs

Our highly specialized academies are designed to enhance the overall student experience by providing learning environments that concentrate on a focal skill set. Students in Grades 8 to 12 work towards graduation while accelerating their knowledge and skill development in an area of interest that can form a foundation for successful post-graduation pursuits.

Although the initial application period closes on February 29, spaces remain for some academies, and interested students are encouraged to apply. Should any program reach capacity, applicants will be placed on a waitlist. Final academy offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. For more information about our Academies programs, please visit our Academies web page.

AFK Spring After School Art – Registration open

Taught by art specialist teachers and assisted by secondary art students, Artists for Kids’ After School Art classes provide students the opportunity to further their artistic ability and foster positive attitudes towards the visual arts. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.

AFK Summer Day Camps – Registration open

Artists for Kids is pleased to offer 3 weeks of Summer Day Camps! Taught by art specialist teachers, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and more. With indoor studio time and outdoor recreation time, campers will enjoy a fun-filled week of artmaking and creativity. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.

Elementary Band and Strings – Late registration period open

Elementary Band and Strings is open to students in Grades 5 – 7 for Band and Grades 4 – 7 for Strings. Our unique instrumental music program complements the Arts Education curriculum and provides school-based instrumental instruction in a supportive and fun learning environment. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings web page for information, including program fees.

North Vancouver Online Learning – Online registration open

NVOL, a Provincial Online Learning School, provides engaging, accessible and interactive learning experiences for students. Students can enrol any time during the school year and have one calendar year to complete their course. Students can also choose to engage in their NVOL courses entirely remotely online or in a blended model of online and in-person interactions at our NVOL Centre.

Course snapshot: Français langue seconde Immersion 12
Français langue seconde Immersion 12 allows students to earn the Grade 12 French credits required to earn the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique. This course is designed to be flexible, engaging, and tailored to students’ learning style. Teacher Madame Adam, supports learners to strengthen language proficiency and deepen cultural understanding through online or in-person meetings.

Français langue seconde Immersion 12 at NVOL is more than language acquisition; it’s an exploration of identity, critical thinking, and effective communication in a global context. Through engaging lessons, diverse texts, and multiple interactive experiences, students explore the richness of the Francophone world and Indigenous perspectives. Foster plurilingual excellence and prepare for a future enriched by linguistic and cultural diversity. Elevate your Grade 12 year with the art of language at North Vancouver Online Learning! View the course description on the NVOL website.

Visit the NVOL website to see our full suite of courses from Grades 8 through 12 in both English and French.

Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art – Registration open

Young artists ages 8 - 15 will explore their surroundings with artist Samuel Roy-Bois in the beautiful setting of Paradise Valley. From July 8 to 12 (5 days and 4 nights), campers will receive in-depth instruction in collage, drawing, painting and printmaking, and explore concepts of form and colour. Working in small studio groups, teachers emphasize individual skill development and artistic style. This week-long studio program is well balanced with outdoor recreation and studio time. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.

Additional Information and Opportunities

Tə swaw̓ləs wə t̕əməx̌t tə meqəns, The Boys Who Braid Their Hair — April 3-4

Join the səlilwətaɬ Tsleil-Waututh Nation for an exhibition of cultural celebration, at the Polygon Gallery. The exhibition sheds light on the sacredness of long hair, its profound teachings, and will delve into the meaning behind the braid to showcase the powerful narrative of boys and men who embrace their spiritual connection through the beauty of hair. This project holds immense importance as it serves as a bridge between the səlilwətaɬ community and the broader public, fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for Indigenous culture. Visit the Tsleil-Waututh Nation website for more information.

US University Fair — April 24

Students interested in learning more about attending university in the US are invited to attend the in-person US University Fair on April 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Carson Graham Secondary. The fair is also available to attend online. Learn about undergraduate programs, scholarships and financial aid, admissions requirements, NCAA sports recruiting and eligibility, and more! View the event poster for more information and to register for either the in-person or online event.

North Vancouver City Library – Upcoming student opportunities

Study Stars
Youth in Grades 4 to 7 can join a weekly study group, Study Stars, on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to get support from teen tutors! This will be a fun program with lots of encouragement and a supportive atmosphere. Learn more and register online.

Intro to Python with Koala Koders
Youth in Grades 6 and 7 can join Intro to Python with Koala Koders to explore the exciting world of Minecraft in this 4-week introductory series. This program will take place on Thursdays from April 7 to 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. Learn more and register online.

Teen Zine: Centennial Edition — Submissions open
The Teen Advisory Council at the North Vancouver City Library is now accepting submissions for the 2024 issue of the Teen Zine: Centennial Edition. The Teen Zine is a literary and art magazine for and by teens in Grades 7 to 12. Please submit your art and writing on the theme ‘What Matters to You’ by May 5 for inclusion in this year’s publication. Learn more online.