This newsletter is shared monthly and includes a variety of initiatives and opportunities open to families of the NVSD.
News
Stitching kindness: When student leadership becomes community impact
What started as a lunchtime quilting club at Montroyal Elementary became a powerful example of student leadership and compassion in action. Guided by curiosity and care, students transformed their learning into meaningful community impact by creating handmade pillowcases for children in hospitals, offering comfort, connection, and kindness through every stitch. Read the full story on the Learn, Share and Grow blog.
Celebrating student leadership during Autism Acceptance Month
Seycove Secondary student Alix is giving back to her former elementary school, Cove Cliff, by mentoring a Kindergarten class through drawing, storytelling, and thoughtful encouragement. Read more about how Alix exemplifies student leadership through creativity, generosity, and connection on the Learn, Share and Grow blog.
Cleveland Elementary comes together to celebrate Earth Day
On April 22, Cleveland Elementary hosted a joyful, car‑free Earth Day celebration, bringing families, students, and neighbours together through play, art, and active living. Read the full story on the Learn, Share and Grow blog.
North Vancouver high school students produce prequel to action film Armageddon
Nearly 100 Argyle Secondary students worked on Armageddon Again: The Prequel, premiering at the school's film festival May 5 to 7. Read the full North Shore News article to learn more.
Events
Ready, Set, Learn – Events continue until May 19
Ready, Set, Learn events foster positive connections among families, schools and early learning community partners and support children as they prepare for their transition to Kindergarten. Families with children ages 3–5 are invited to attend Ready, Set, Learn events at various NVSD schools until May 19. Visit the Ready, Set, Learn webpage for more information, including the full spring 2026 schedule.
Public Board Meeting – May 19
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting will take place on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Public Meetings section of the school district website for information on how to participate and to review the meeting agenda and board package, which is posted the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting.
Registrations
Summer Learning – Registration open
North Vancouver Summer Learning provides an opportunity for students to explore and extend their learning while fulfilling their educational requirements through a variety of programs in the month of July. The Summer Learning 2026 course offerings provide students opportunities to further their learning and/or earn credits toward graduation:
- 7/8 Transition (Designed for Grade 7 students who would like extra support to be ready for the transition into secondary school)
- Eslha7an (Secondary Review & Completion courses for Indigenous students in Grade 8-12)
Registration is open to students within and beyond the NVSD. Registration opened on May 1 for NVSD students, and will open on May 19 for non-NVSD students. Registration closes on June 22 at 12 p.m.
North Vancouver Online Learning – Registration open
North Vancouver Online Learning (NVOL) provides engaging, accessible and interactive learning experiences for students. Registration is open until Friday, June 5 at 3 p.m. Enrolled students should engage with their courses before summer break by completing the activation assignments before June 19. Students who are active in their course will have one calendar year to complete it. 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 full course offerings for Grades 8–12 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.
Academies — Late application period open
NVSD academies are designed to enhance the overall student experience by providing learning environments that concentrate on a focal skill set. The following academies will be offered during the 2026-27 school year: Artists for Kids Studio Art, Basketball, Dance, Digital Media, Digital Media Lite, Field Hockey, Hockey Skills, Rowing, Soccer and Volleyball.
The first-round application period closed on February 28. Applications received after March 1 may be placed on a waitlist. Final academy offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. Visit the Academies webpage to learn more.
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 for the 2026-27 school year is open until Tuesday, September 29. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings webpage for information, including program fees.
Artists for Kids summer day camps — Registration open
Artists for Kids is pleased to offer a variety of day camps this summer. Campers will enjoy a week full of studio art activities including drawing, painting, printmaking and more! Camps are split into small cohorts with a BC certified art specialist teacher guiding the class. Please visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
Additional information and opportunities
Dream It, Be It career support for girls – May 21
Dream It, Be It is a free, one‑day career exploration experience for Grade 8 and 9 girls to build confidence, explore interests, and imagine future career paths. The interactive event includes an inspirational speaker, hands‑on activities, lunch and snacks, swag bags, and peer connection. This event will take place on Thursday, May 21 from 8:45 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lynn Valley Community Room. Registration is required.
Connecting with Teens: A Conscious Parenting Approach – May 25, 31
Feeling disconnected from a teen (or pre‑teen)? Join this free parenting session to learn practical, conscious‑parenting strategies for responding to challenges, building trust, and strengthening connection. A webinar will take place on May 25 from 6:30–8 p.m. (registration is required), as well as an in‑person session on May 31 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Capilano Library.
Métis: Children of the Fur Trade event at the Museum of Surrey – May 30
Métis: Children of the Fur Trade is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Métis history, culture, and living traditions. Enjoy live music and dance, storytelling, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with Métis artists and community members in a welcoming space for all ages. The event takes place on May 30 from 12–4 p.m. at the Museum of Surrey.
Coming up at the Gordon Smith Gallery
This spring, the Gordon Smith Gallery presents One Hundred Artists Deep, alongside a vibrant lineup of public programs. Highlights include a special Explore + Create family friendly workshop with exhibiting artist Manuel Axel Strain on May 16; the next Art in Good Company workshop for seniors on May 21; a June 6 Speaker Series event with exhibiting artists Alex Gibson and Chantal Gibson moderated by curatorial fellow Andrea Valentine-Lewis; and a Music at the Smith concert featuring The Giving Shapes on June 13. Visit the Smith Foundation website for program details; registration is required for select events.
Coming up at the North Vancouver District Public Library
The North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) offers a variety of opportunities for children, youth and families, such as Paws 4 Stories with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Community Service from May 9-30 and a Creative Math Lab Series for teens on May 25, 27 and 29. Browse upcoming events and opportunities on the NVDPL website.
Ocean Ambassadors Canada: Leadership camp for young women
Ocean Ambassadors Canada is offering a 4‑day Leadership Camp for Young Women (ages 13–15) from June 29–July 2, 2026. This paddle‑and‑camp adventure in North Vancouver and Indian Arm combines ocean exploration, leadership development, and hands‑on conservation learning. Learn more and register on the Ocean Ambassadors Canada website.
Cinelab summer filmmaking program
Cinelab is a two-week-long summer filmmaking program for aspiring artists aged 14–19 presented by The Cinematheque in partnership with The Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia. Participants work in small crews to create original short films from start to finish, guided by industry professionals, with a red‑carpet premiere at The Cinematheque. Summer 2026 sessions run July 6–17 and July 20–31 at UBC. Registration is open, with bursaries available.
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society: Employment and life skills training program (ELST)
The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society offers a free Employment, Life Skills and Training program for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participants. The program provides flexible one‑on‑one or group sessions with certifications, job readiness supports, cultural programming, and a free computer upon completion. New participants are welcome year‑round. Learn more on the ELST section of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society website.
