Updates from the Superintendent, including the monthly Superintendent’s Report, are available for review in the Superintendent’s Updates section of the website.
For the stories with images that are included below, please click on the caption for a link to the blog post or article.
Announcements
Earth Day Photography Draw – Submit by April 30
April 22, 2024, marked the 54th Earth Day celebration. Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship, encouraging us to come together and act for a healthier planet and brighter future. During this time, we invite the North Vancouver School District community to explore and celebrate the diverse local ecosystems that are essential components of our community's ecological health.
All NVSD students and staff are invited to enter an Earth Day Photography Draw to win one of ten $50 MEC gift cards to help you enjoy the great outdoors the way you choose. When capturing the photograph, consider a positive relationship to the Earth and highlight what this means to you.
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 into 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.
Information
Homestay families needed
Each year, the North Vancouver School District welcomes students from around the world to live and study in our vibrant community. We strive to place secondary school international students with families who live close to school to support each student's integration into the school and wider community.
There are secondary school international students in need of a homestay placement for the school term beginning September 2024. If you are interested in hosting an international student, please reach out to our International Education program office at international@sd44.ca. More information about the homestay program is available on the International Education section of the school district website.
NVSD Events
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. The topic of this meeting will be on artificial intelligence in education. 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.
Public Board Meeting – May 21
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 21, 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.
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. The events will be hosted at multiple locations throughout the school district from April 3 to May 22 and are free to attend. RSVP and event details are available on the Ready, Set, Learn web page.
Prevailing Landscapes — Exhibition open
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. For more information visit The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation website.
NVSD Registrations
Summer Learning — Registration open
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:
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
Spaces remain for some specialized academies and interested students entering Grade 8 -12 are encouraged to apply. Should any program reach capacity, applicants will be placed on a waitlist. For more information about the Academies program, please visit the 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 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. Students can engage in their NVOL courses entirely remotely online or in a blended model of online and in-person interactions at the NVOL Centre.
Course snapshot: Français langue seconde Immersion 12
Français langue seconde Immersion 12 allows students to earn the Grade 12 French credits required for the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique. This course is designed to be flexible, engaging, and tailored to students’ learning needs. Teacher Madame Adam supports learners strengthening language proficiency and deepening 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 the 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.
Community Initiatives
Tə swaw̓ləs wə t̕əməx̌t tə meqəns, The Boys Who Braid Their Hair — April 25 to May 19
Originally showcased at the Polygon Gallery on April 3 and 4, The Boys Who Braid Their Hair exhibition has been extended. Join the səlilwətaɬ Tsleil-Waututh Nation for an exhibition of cultural celebration, at The Nature House at Maplewood Flats. 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.
North Vancouver Recreation and Culture: Youth Week — May 1 to 7
Join North Vancouver Recreation and Culture (NVRC) for free and low-cost youth events and activities across NVRC facilities from May 1-7! Don’t miss the Star Wars marathon and themed youth swim, Swift dance party, Centennial Theatre jam session, free dodgeball and volleyball tournaments, and more! Visit the NVRC website to view the full calendar of events.
Missed an issue?
Updates from the Superintendent, including the monthly Superintendent’s Report, are available for review.
Archived issues of the Superintendent’s Report are available for review.
The North Vancouver School District is situated upon the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. We would like to thank the Coast Salish people and value the opportunity to learn, share and grow on this traditional territory.
