Upcoming NVSD Public Input Opportunities

The school district invites members of the community to share feedback regarding:

• The Proposed 2024/25 School Calendar. Comments will be accepted between January 16 and February 13, 2024.

• Budget Priorities for 2024/25. Comments will be accepted between February 1 and 29, 2024.

More information about these opportunities, including ways to participate, will be shared through upcoming school district communications. Please check your email.

NVSD Events

New elementary school public information meeting – January 17

The school district will host a public information meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 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.

The Good of Social Media, Technology & Teens – January 22

North Vancouver PAC invites families to an online presentation delivered by The White Hatter on Monday, January 22, 7 to 8:15 p.m. You will learn how youth are using social media and online technology to do positive things, including finding jobs and awards, and facilitating world change. Register for this online session by January 20.

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.

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.

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.

Trades Programs information night – February 1

Students and their families are invited to explore various trades opportunities available to students in Grades 10 to 12 that can get them started on a career pathway into the trades. On Thursday, February 1, 6 to 8 p.m., at Handsworth Secondary (1033 Handsworth Road), come learn from local businesses, SkilledTrades BC (formerly the ITA), post-secondary representatives and NVSD career program educators. RSVP (optional) before January 30.

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.

Careers in the Arts – February 7

Students and their families are invited to meet with local arts-based businesses, organizations and post-secondary institutions and explore diverse visual, music, dance and theatre career opportunities. The career fair takes place on Wednesday, February 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Gordon Smith Gallery (2121 Lonsdale Avenue). RSVP (optional) using this link.

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 level 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.

Monitoring, Filtering & Tools for Parents/Caregivers – February 22

North Vancouver PAC invites families to an online presentation delivered by The White Hatter on Thursday, February 22, 7 to 8:15 p.m. The White Hatter will share information and recommendations on monitoring and filtering resources, apps, private family conversations, due diligence and more. Register for this online session by February 20.

The Art of Conversation – Exhibition ends February 29

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. 

NVSD Registrations

New registration and transfer requests 

Initial registration for students new to the school district, and initial transfer requests for existing NVSD students in Grades 1-12 have begun and will continue until 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 – Limited spaces remaining

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, 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 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

Establishing Safe, Caring & Respectful Digital Communities – Sessions start January 17

Recommended for families and youth aged 10 and up as a way to facilitate the conversation of safe and caring use of technology at home and in the community, this 60-minute session covers all things digital, from how to be a good digital citizen, the criminal consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report and receive support in cases of sexting/sextortion. Reserve your spot for one of the session dates (January 17 and 23, and February 7 and 28).

Cybersafe from Exploitation – January 23

Foundry North Shore (Vancouver Coastal Health) hosts Tiana Sharifi, an expert in the field of anti-human trafficking and sexual exploitation on Tuesday, January 23, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kay Meek Arts Centre (West Vancouver). Families will gain insights into current trends of child and youth sexual exploitation, learn to recognize potential victims of sexual exploitation, understand what makes youth vulnerable or at risk, learn strategies to build trust and open communication, and more. Visit Eventbrite for additional information and to reserve your spot.

Aspiring Musicians Performance Series – The next performance is February 6

North Vancouver Recreation & Culture (NVRC) is hosting AMPS Tuesdays at Centennial Theatre. Spanning multiple music genres, the series is designed to build a sense of community among North Vancouver musicians by providing a stage for local talent to perform. One of the target audiences for this series is secondary students, primarily those interested in pursuing music. For information, including schedule and ticket purchase, visit North Vancouver Recreation & Culture.

Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program – Application period open

The Canadian Ski Council, along with many ski resorts across Canada, are eager to welcome students in Grades 4 and 5 to the slopes for the 2023/24 season. For $29.99, Grade 4 and 5 students can ski or snowboard twice at participating ski areas. Applications will be accepted until the end of March 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the SnowPass website.