Public Input Opportunity
Catchment Review: Planning for a new elementary school opening September 2026 — Provide feedback by April 23
We are excited to announce the opening of a new elementary school in the Cloverley neighbourhood, scheduled for September 2026. In the spirit of building healthy and vibrant school communities, we invite you to participate in an important community consultation process.
As part of the preparation of the new school opening, the NVSD is required under the School Act to establish a catchment area for the new school. A catchment area defines the geographic boundaries surrounding a school and gives students living within that area priority for enrolment. Catchment areas also form the basis of NVSD Policy 605: Admission of Students to School, which guides student placement and facilitates parental choice in enrolment decisions.
Given that the creation of this new catchment area will potentially impact the existing catchment areas for Ridgeway, Brooksbank, Queensbury, and Queen Mary elementary schools, we would like to invite you to provide your input. Please visit the Catchment Review: Planning for a new elementary school September 2026 web page to learn more and to access the Catchment Review survey.
If you have any questions or accessibility requirements to participate in this public consultation, please email engagement@sd44.ca or call 604-903-1254.
Announcements
Artists for Kids 2025 Spring Portfolio
The Spring Portfolio features limited edition prints by renowned Canadian artists, including Ian Wallace, Karin Bubaš, Wayne Eastcott, Gordon Smith, and Michael Snow - artists who have significantly contributed to our society through their pivotal work and advocacy of the arts.
Acquiring a print from this portfolio funds educational programs, artist residencies, art camps, scholarships, bursaries, and future acquisitions for Artists for Kids and the Gordon Smith Gallery Permanent Collection.
Founded in 1989 by educators and B.C. artists, Artists for Kids is supported by the North Vancouver School District. Its mission is to support children, their art education, and their future through enriching art experiences and professional development for educators. In 1990, the program launched its first limited edition print, Xhuwaji / Haida Grizzly by Bill Reid, beginning a partnership with over 100 Canadian artists to create one of Canada’s most significant limited edition collections.
Purchase a limited edition print and bring Canadian art to your collection and support the future of children and youth. Learn more.
NVSD Events
Ready, Set, Learn – April 9 to May 15
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 9 to May 15 and are free to attend. RSVP and event details are available on the Ready, Set, Learn web page.
Public Board Meeting – April 15
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 15 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 is posted on the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting.
Understanding the Early Years in BC: Transition to Kindergarten — April 23
Newcomer parents/guardians are invited to a parent night to learn about the BC School System and how to support your child’s transition to Kindergarten in Canada. This event takes place on April 23, 2025, from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at Carson Graham Secondary. The event is for families who have recently moved to Canada with children up to 5 years of age. Child minding is available for 4-5 year old children (space is limited). Please register online by April 16, 2025.
Standing Committee Meeting – May 6
A Board of Education Standing Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. The focus of the meeting will be budget development. Visit the 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.
Stitched: Merging Photography and Textile Practices
Please join the Gordon Smith Gallery for the Spring Exhibition, Stitched: Merging Photography and Textile Practices. Stitched explores the intrinsic relationship between textiles and photographer. Photography, with its many uses for personal snapshots, evidence, surveillance, advertising, storytelling, and art, is a relatively new medium. Textiles have traditionally been dismissed as craft in part because of the gendered norms embedded within these historically domestic practices, which include sewing, beading, embroidery, knitting, lacemaking, weaving, and dyeing. For more information on programming and this exhibit, visit Artists for Kids and the and the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation.
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 2025 course offerings provide students opportunities to further their learning and/or earn credits toward graduation:
Registration is open to students within and beyond the NVSD. Registration opens on Wednesday, May 1 at 9 a.m. for NVSD students.
Elementary Band and Strings — Late Registration 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.
Late registration opened Friday, March 14 and will close September 29, 2025. This is subject to program availability and class size at your child’s school site and is dependent on sufficient registrations received by February 28. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings web page for information, including program fees.
North Vancouver Online Learning – Online registration open
NVOL 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.
Visit the NVOL website to see our full suite of courses from Grades 8 through 12 in both English and French. The French Immersion online course offerings allow students the opportunity to meet the requirements of their Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique online through L' École Virtuelle de Vancouver nord.
Additional Information and Opportunities
So Social Vancouver: Caregiver Support Group — April 1 to May 6
Join the in-person support group for caregivers of neurodivergent children and youth in North Vancouver. The 6-week plan begins with a guided discussion to identify what makes life meaningful to your family and provides a stable ground from which to set goals and evaluate strategies. The focus will expand to support caregivers in navigating home, school, local communities, and beyond. Learn more about the support group and how to sign up here.
Coming up at the North Vancouver District Public Library
Ballet Storytime with Tutu School at Capilano Library — April 13
Join the NVDPL for a special ballet storytime with the Tutu School! Join the Librarian for songs and stories certain to get you dancing. Then, be dazzled by ballerinas from the Tutu School! All ages are welcome (fancy dress optional but appreciated). Storytime will be targeted for ages 2-5. Learn more.
Science Display with Cleveland School at Capilano Library — Sunday, April 27
Come explore the wonders of science through this very special showcase. Students from Cleveland Elementary School will share their innovative science projects with the library for one day only. Don't miss out on the fun and learning! Learn more.
Star Wars Week: Scavenger Hunt at Main NVDPL Locations — April 28 to May 4
Join the Resistance! Stop by all NVDPL branches during the week of April 28-May 4 to enjoy a self-guided Star Wars scavenger hunt. Wear a Star Wars shirt and celebrate May The Fourth. Learn more.
