Engagement Opportunities
Proposed 2023/2024 School Calendar
Throughout the month of February, you are invited to submit your comments and feedback on the Proposed 2023/2024 School Calendar through an online submission form. Information about the development process for annual school calendars and a copy of the proposed school calendar can be found on our website. The opportunity to provide feedback ends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 11:59 p.m.
2023/2024 Budget Priorities
Each year, the school district undertakes a public consultation process for input on budget priorities that fall under the Operating Budget and align with the school district’s strategic goals, vision and values.
Feedback can be provided through two Public Standing Committee meetings:
- Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Feedback can also be provided, from Tuesday, February 7, to Friday, March 10, 2023:
- Email: budgetcomments@sd44.ca
- Online survey (survey link available next week)
- Traditional mail: Secretary Treasurer, 2121 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 2K6
Visit the Budget Priorities: Public Input web page for more information.
Student Learning Survey
The Student Learning Survey (SLS), administered annually by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, is open to students in Grades 4, 7, 10 and 12, their parents/guardians, 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.
Parents/guardians are invited to participate in the survey, available in English, French and additional languages, until Saturday, April 29. Information about the survey, including a survey link is available on the Student Learning Survey web page.
Events
Standing Committee Meeting - February 7
A Board of Education Standing Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 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.
Anti-Bullying Presentation - February 8
Presented by NVPAC and the BCTF, this introductory session will include the definition, the bullying triad, the cycle of bullying, and signs to watch for if your child is being bullied. Register for this online session, taking place on Wednesday, February 8, 7 to 9 p.m. through Zoom.
Trades Programs Information Night – February 15
Secondary students and their parents/guardians are invited to learn about various opportunities available to students in Grades 10-12. Representatives from SkilledTradesBC (formerly Industry Training Authority), trades employers in North Vancouver, and school district career program educators will be in attendance. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Avenue). Sign up to attend here.
Diverse Abilities Hiring Fair – February 16
This hiring fair aims to connect inclusive employers with job seekers who are eager to contribute their skills to the workforce. The North Vancouver School District will be participating as an employer. Come say hello, and meet with other employers on Thursday, February 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at The Pipe Shop (Shipyards). Reserve a spot using Eventbrite.
Public Board Meeting – February 21
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 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 (the latter is posted on the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting).
RACE to be Human screening – February 22, 24, 25, 26 and 27
Presented by NVPAC, RACE to be Human is a documentary film addressing the impact of race and racism on mental health through the lens of students, experts and educators, as well as how we can move towards equality. For more information and to register for a screening session (7 to 8:30 p.m.), visit Eventbrite.
PATHS – Exhibition ends February 23
PATHS examines how paths connect us and the collective stories they hold. The exhibition brings together works from Artists for Kids’ permanent collection, including acquisitions from Charlene Vickers, Russna Kaur and Angela George. For information about this exhibition hosted at the Gordon Smith Gallery, visit the exhibition web page.
Registrations
IB Diploma Programme - Deadlines of February 3 and 17
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is an internationally recognized, rigorous university preparatory two-year program for students in Grades 11 and 12 that leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world's leading universities. It is offered at Carson Graham Secondary.
Key Dates:
- Friday, February 3: Deadline to sign up for “DP for a Day.” Prospective students will explore the program firsthand by meeting with IB coordinators, teachers and current DP students. Register via email to Cora Pross.
- Friday, February 17: Application deadline. Visit the Application Process for information.
Visit the Carson Graham IB Diploma Programme web page for more information about the program.
Academies – Apply by February 27
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.
The following academies will be offered* during the 2023/2024 school year:
AFK Studio Art | Basketball | Business of Gaming and Entrepreneurship | Dance | Digital Media | Digital Media Lite | Field Hockey | Hockey Skills | Robotics | Rowing | Soccer | Volleyball
The application period is open until Monday, February 27. For more information about our Academies program offerings, please visit our Academies web page.
*Final academy offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment.
Elementary Band and Strings - Register by February 28
Elementary Band and Strings is a unique instrumental music program that complements the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Arts Education curriculum and provides school-based instrumental instruction to students in Grades 5 – 7 for Band and Grades 4 – 7 for Strings. Registration for the 2023/2024 school year is open until Tuesday, February 28.
While there is a Late Registration enrolment period (March 10 - September 29), 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 more information, including program fees.
Late French Immersion – Apply by March 3
Applications to the Late French Immersion program (Grade 6 entry) will be accepted through to Friday, March 3. For more information about the program, including how to apply, visit our Late French Immersion web page.
New registration and transfer requests - Deadline of March 3
Priority placement for new registrations and transfers for Grades 1-12 ends on Friday, March 3 at 4 p.m. Visit the 2023/2024 Registrations and Transfer Requests web page for detailed information.
AFK Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art - Registration open
Young artists ages 8-15 will explore their surroundings with artist Charlene Vickers in the beautiful setting of Paradise Valley. This overnight camp combines outdoor studio adventures, in-depth instruction in collage, drawing and painting, as well as daily recreational activities such as canoeing, hiking, archery and campfire singalongs. Students are taught by B.C. certified art specialist teachers and mentored by an acclaimed Canadian artist. Visit Artists for Kids for more information.
AFK Spring Break Camps – Registration open
Students will enjoy a week full of studio art activities including drawing, painting and printmaking taught by an art specialist teacher. Each week will be unique with expert art teachers guiding students to experiment with many art materials and techniques. All materials are provided. For more information and to register, visit the AFK Day Camps web page.
Kindergarten - Registration is ongoing
While registration for 2023/2024 Kindergarten (children born in 2018) priority placement has ended, registration for Kindergarten continues year-round. Registrations will be placed according to space and facilities availability and the date the registration was received.
Parents/legal guardians must book an appointment using our online booking system to register their child in person for Kindergarten. Detailed instructions on the registration process, including forms and documentation required, are available on the Kindergarten Registration web page.
North Vancouver Online Learning - Online registration open
NVOL provides engaging, accessible and interactive learning experiences for students. Students can enroll 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
Youth & Vaping - Information, Considerations & Impacts - February 9
Foundry North Shore – Vancouver Coastal Health, invites families* and their children to a community conversation on youth and vaping. This in-person event will take place on Thursday, February 9 (7 to 9 p.m.) at Handsworth Secondary (1033 Handsworth Road, North Vancouver).
The session will help you feel more empowered and informed when having conversations with your children. Topics will include youth vaping rates, products, industry influence, health impacts, legislation, and local supports for youth. RSVP using Eventbrite.
*This event is recommended for families of students in Grades 6 and up. It is targeted to parents/caregivers, but youth are welcome (please register them for the event too).
Real Talks - Series begins February 14
Real talks is an in-person, youth-led interactive workshop series for students in Grades 8 – 12 that encourages conversations about mental health and equips students with skills to support themselves and others. This series, which begins on Tuesday, February 14, is offered at the North Vancouver City Library in partnership with Crisis Centre of BC and North Shore Neighbourhood House. Visit the North Vancouver City Library website for more information and to register.
Parents as Educators and Career Coaches - February 16
EducationPlannerBC invites families to join an online workshop on Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to learn how to support your student in planning for their future. The presentation is especially helpful for those with students in Grades 10-12.
Topics include B.C.’s post-secondary education landscape; program, admission requirements and key dates; financial assistance options and scholarships; and navigating resources and the application process through the EducationPlannerBC website. The online session is hosted on MS Teams; registration is required.
CapU EA Certificate Program Information Session - March 27
Learn about CapU’s part-time 16-month Education Assistant Certificate program at an in-person information session, on Monday, March 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Information about the session and program, which begins in September, is available on the CapU website; RSVP for the session (required) to ea@capilanou.ca.
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 2023. 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.
Reminder: Supporting students and families in the community
Through the Student and Family Affordability Fund (SFAF), the school district is supporting students and their families who are feeling financially challenged due to the rising costs of living. To request financial support at any time throughout the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form(s) available on the Student and Family Affordability Fund web page and submit the form(s) in confidence to either your child’s teacher, principal, school counsellor or front office staff. A listing of eligible expenses, and answers to common questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program
The Canadian Ski Council, along with many Canadian ski resorts, are eager to welcome students enrolled in Grades 4 and 5 to the slopes for the 2022-2023 season. For $29.99 plus applicable taxes, students can ski or snowboard twice at participating ski areas. Applications will be accepted until the end of March 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the SnowPass website.