to read about the good work happening throughout the school district.
As
we step into 2024, let's embrace a healthy New Year’s resolution that
benefits not only student physical health but also their mental
well-being, readiness to learn, and sense of independence and
confidence. This year, we encourage students and family members to set a
resolution to prioritize walking, rolling, or cycling to and from
school as much as possible!
Why is walking, rolling and cycling healthy?
- Physical and mental health:
Walking, rolling or cycling to and from school adds a significant
amount of physical activity to one’s day. The benefits of physical
activity on health are well documented, and we know that physical
activity is integral for mental well-being too. Active transportation
promotes daily exercise, elevating mood, reducing stress and enhancing
cognitive function. The fresh air and movement stimulate endorphin
release, fostering a positive mental state crucial for optimal learning.
- Self-regulation and readiness to learn:
Arriving at school after a brisk walk, scooter or bike ride primes the
brain for learning. Physical activity improves focus, attention span and
behaviour. Students who arrive to school after a walk, roll or bike
ride tend to exhibit better concentration and are more prepared to
absorb information and navigate challenges throughout the day, setting a
positive tone in the classroom environment.
- Independence and confidence:
Encouraging walking, rolling, or cycling fosters independence and
confidence in students as they learn how to think critically while
navigating their environment. It teaches valuable life skills like road
safety, decision making, and trusting themselves. This sense of autonomy
contributes to their overall development and self-assurance.
Setting a resolution and sticking to it
Setting
a healthy New Year’s resolution to walk, roll or cycle to and from
school may include setting a goal and making a plan for how to achieve
that goal. If you would like to encourage your child to walk to school
three times a week, pick those days ahead of time and work with friends
to make a plan together. This may involve route planning with your
school’s Safe Routes to School map, making sure your child has all the
right gear (e.g., rain jacket, umbrella, boots), and creating a routine
for packing a backpack the night before.
This message was
developed in partnership with the City and District of North Vancouver.
For more information and resources, please visit our Safe and Active Travel web page.
Competency Based IEPs with Dr. Shelley Moore – Recording now available
A recording of the online presentation from October 5 with Dr. Shelley Moore, Supporting Parents/Caregivers with the Transition to Competency Based Individual Education Plans (IEPs), is now available. The recording, along with other helpful resources, can be found on the Competency Based Individual Education Plans web page.
NVSD Events
New elementary school public information meeting – January 17
The
school district will host a public information meeting on Wednesday,
January 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of Ridgeway
Elementary School (420 8th Street East). This will be an opportunity for
community members to learn about the project, and for school district
staff and consultants engaged in the project to address questions,
including those related to site location, traffic, trees, and green
space. Project updates are available on the Capital Plan & Projects section of our website.
Secondary Enhanced Programs & Academies Night – January 18
Families
with students in Grades 7 to 11 are invited to learn about the various
enhanced programs and academies offered at secondary schools throughout
the school district. The event will take place on Thursday, January 18, 6
to 8 p.m., at Carson Graham Secondary (2145 Jones Avenue). While
optional, we would appreciate your RSVP using this link.
IB Diploma Programme – Key dates in January/February
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a challenging two-year university preparatory curriculum that leads to a qualification widely recognized by the world's leading universities. It is offered at Carson Graham Secondary.
Grade
10 students and their families are invited to learn more about the IB
Diploma Programme, through one or all of the following:
- Thursday, January 18, 6 to 8 p.m. DP coordinators Q&A at the Secondary Enhanced Programs & Academies Night at Carson Graham Secondary.
- Thursday, February 1, 6:30 p.m. IB Diploma Programme information session, Carson Graham library.
- Monday, February 5. Deadline for current Grade 10 students to RSVP by email to Cora Pross to attend DP for a Day, where students will experience the program firsthand.
The deadline to apply for the September 2024 intake is Friday, February 16. Visit the Carson Graham IB Diploma Programme web page for application and fee information, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Late French Immersion information session – January 23
Grade
5 students and families interested in learning more about the Late
French Immersion program (Grade 6 entry) are invited to attend our
upcoming information session on Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
at École Argyle Secondary School. While optional, you are encouraged to RSVP using this link.
Applications to the program will be accepted between January 9 and March 8. For more information, visit the Late French Immersion web page.
Public Board Meeting – January 23
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, January 23, 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.
Standing Committee Meeting – February 6
A
Board of Education Standing Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday,
February 6, at 7 p.m. During the meeting, there will be a staff
presentation and discussion of issues and opportunities related to the
development of the 2024/25 Preliminary Budget. 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.
NVSD Chess Championship – February 16
The
NVSD Chess Championship returns on Friday, February 16, 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. at the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Avenue). Open to
NVSD students of all skill levels and experience in Grades K to 12, the
tournament will see students compete in one of three divisions (Primary,
Intermediate, Secondary*) for individual and school prizes. For more
information and to enter your child, please visit the event's Information and Registration web page.
*The Primary and Intermediate Divisions are now full; all additional entries will be placed on a waitlist.
The Art of Conversation – Exhibition open
The Gordon Smith Gallery and Artists for Kids invite you to experience The Art of Conversation. The exhibition features artwork by over 20 Canadian artists who explore the role of art as a platform for communication. The Art of Conversation
draws conventional threads between the works in the gallery and
highlights arts’ potential to facilitate and provoke dialogue. The
perspectives and artistic conversations of elementary and secondary
school students are featured through original writing and art. Visit Artists for Kids for more information.
Explore & Create at the Gordon Smith Gallery – Open
Families
with children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the Gordon Smith Gallery
for Explore & Create, a by-donation, drop-in art program inspired by
works in the current exhibition, The Art of Conversation. Explore & Create takes place on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. There will not be an Explore & Create activity on December 29.
NVSD Registrations
New registration and transfer requests begin January 9
Initial
registration for students new to the school district, and initial
transfer requests for existing NVSD students in Grades 1-12 begin on
Tuesday, January 9 and end on Friday, March 8. Registrations and
transfer requests received after March 8 will be placed in schools based
on catchments where space is available. Visit the Student Registration web page for detailed information.
Elementary Band and Strings – Registration opens January 15
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.
Registration for the 2024/25 school year begins on Monday, January 15
and continues until Thursday, February 29.
While there is a Late
Registration period, this is subject to program availability and class
size at your child’s school site and is dependent on sufficient
registrations received by February 29. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings web page for information, including program fees.
Academies – Application period opens January 19
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 2024/25 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 for academies begins on Friday, January 19, and the
initial placement offer deadline is Thursday, February 29. Applications
received after February 29 may be placed on a waitlist. Final academy
offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment.
For more information about our Academies programs, please visit our Academies
web page and plan on attending the Secondary Enhanced Programs &
Academies Night on Thursday, January 18, at Carson Graham Secondary (optional RSVP here).
2024/25 Kindergarten – Initial registration ends January 31
The
initial registration period for 2024/25 Kindergarten (children born in
2019) continues until Wednesday, January 31. Applications submitted
within this time frame are processed equally and placed according to
initial placement category groups. Information regarding the
registration process, including how to book an appointment to register
your child, is available on the Kindergarten Registration web page.
AFK Winter 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 Spring Break Day Camps – Registration open
Artists
for Kids is pleased to offer both full day and half day Spring Break
Day Camps. Taught by art specialist teachers, day campers will have the
opportunity to experiment with drawing, painting, collage, printmaking
and more. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
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.
Reminder: NVOL is a Provincial Online Learning School.
Community Initiatives
Winter Break at the City Library
If
you’re looking for some fun things to do with the kids over the Winter
Break, the North Vancouver City Library has lots of options, including:
- Board games and puzzles. Borrow one of 300 puzzles or 200+ board games from the Library’s growing collection.
- Teen book bundles. Speak with a librarian who will choose up to five books based on reading preferences.
- Teen open gaming. Teens are welcome to drop in to the second floor teen room to play Switch & PS4 games, Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
For more information on library resources, visit North Vancouver City Library. Note: holiday hours will be in effect.
Missed an issue?
Updates from the Superintendent, including the monthly 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.
