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September 7, 2021

Dear North Vancouver School District Community,

Welcome back! On behalf of the North Vancouver School District and Board of Education, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the 2021/2022 school year.

We acknowledge we are starting the school year operating under updated COVID-19 guidelines for K-12 schools. However, with lessons learned from keeping schools open during the 2020/2021 year, by incorporating careful and measured approaches into routine school operations, and with our school communities’ collective efforts, we will continue to provide safe and healthy learning environments, where the focus is on excellence in teaching, learning, and community building.

We are filled with optimism for what lies ahead, and we look forward to sharing with you updates regarding a return to arts and music festivals, athletics, programming at Cheakamus Centre, capital project developments, and so much more.

We have a new 10-year strategic plan, and you will soon receive more information about how we operationalize this plan to ensure we meet our new goals:

• Student-Centred Education
• Innovative Instruction
• Welcoming and Inclusive Culture
• Mental Health and Well-Being
• Truth, Healing and Reconciliation
• Environmental Stewardship

We are excited to work alongside all of you to champion these goals and bring them to life so that collectively, we continue to educate and support students who have the knowledge, skills, and thoughtful and compassionate attitude needed to contribute to a healthy, inclusive society and prosperous and sustainable economy.

We strive for open, transparent and proactive communication with our school district community. You can therefore expect to continue to hear from us on a regular basis, beginning with biweekly Superintendent’s Reports (copies will be posted HERE) and through our monthly Board of Education Standing Committee and Public Board meetings (the schedule for these meetings can be found HERE). The first Standing Committee meeting takes place on Tuesday, September 14, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This meeting will focus on the work of our Facilities and Maintenance team, including COVID-19 safety measures implemented over the summer. Your participation in these meetings is always welcome and encouraged.

In closing, it is an honour and a privilege to work and learn alongside staff, educate and support students, and share with you the many ways in which the North Vancouver School District really is a place where we can all learn, share and grow.

Have a wonderful start to the 2021/2022 school year.

With appreciation,

Mark Pearmain
Superintendent of Schools

George Tsiakos
Chair, Board of Education

Superintendent and BOE Welcome Back Message_20210907