• Work experience placement supports learning and development (NVSD blog post)
• ‘A huge honour’: B.C. high school teacher calling the shots at World Juniors (CTV Vancouver)
• North Vancouver downhill racer Cameron Alexander wins World Cup bronze (North Shore News)
• North Vancouver students spread holiday cheer to at-risk teens (CBC News)
• Unveiling the secrets: Exploring careers in forensic science (Career Pathways 44 blog post)
• Exploring future possibilities: Sutherland and Handsworth’s fall career fairs (Career Pathways 44 blog post)

Announcements

Engagement opportunities – Your voice matters

The community is invited to provide input and feedback in the areas highlighted below.

Student Learning Survey

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 for 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.

Proposed 2024/25 School Calendar

School district community members are invited to provide feedback on the proposed calendar for the 2024/25 school year. Feedback will be collected online until Tuesday, February 13, 11:59 p.m.

Budget Priorities 2024/25

Starting on Thursday, February 1, school district community members will be invited to provide input on budget priorities that fall under the Operating Budget and align with the school district’s strategic priorities. There are several ways to provide feedback, including through participation in Standing Committee Meetings, online survey, email and traditional mail. For more information about this upcoming engagement opportunity, visit the Budget Priorities: Public Input web page.

Information

North Vancouver School District Accessibility Plan

In June 2021, the Government of British Columbia introduced the Accessible British Columbia Act. The Act is a statutory framework for government to work in partnership with people with disabilities to identify, remove and prevent barriers to the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in their communities. The legislation requires public organizations such as school districts to establish an accessibility committee, an accessibility plan and a tool to receive feedback on accessibility.

The school district’s three-year Accessibility Plan will guide future work to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all in our community. The Accessibility Plan draws on direct feedback from school communities, the lived experiences of those within these communities, and the work of the NVSD Accessibility Advisory Committee. The school district’s Accessibility Plan and feedback tool is posted to the school district website.

As the North Vancouver community continues to grow and change, we will collectively strive to create accessible learning environments for all.

NVSD Events

Explore & Create Saturday Art Program – January 27

On Saturday, January 27, join exhibiting artist Parvin Peivandi who will lead a drop-in art-making session for families with children ages 5-12. Parvin will be at the Gallery to discuss her artwork in both English and Farsi until 3:30 p.m. Tea and treats will be served.

Explore & Create, a by-donation, drop-in art program inspired by the works of current exhibition, The Art of Conversation, takes place on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. (no session on February 10).

Rescheduled: New elementary school public information meeting – January 31

The school district will host a public information meeting on Wednesday, January 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Gordon Smith Gallery, located at the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Avenue). 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.

(The change in date/location from January 17 was due to a district-wide school closure due to winter weather conditions.)

Rescheduled: Secondary Enhanced Programs & Academies Night – January 31

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 Wednesday, January 31, 6 to 8 p.m., on the 5th floor of the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Avenue). While optional, we would appreciate your RSVP using this link.

(The change in date/location from January 18 was due to a district-wide school closure due to winter weather conditions.)

IB Diploma Programme – Key dates (February 1, 5 and 16)

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, 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 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.

Digital Media Academy Info Night – February 15

The Digital Media Academy and Digital Media Academy LITE will offer an information night on Thursday, February 15, at 7 p.m. in the Argyle Secondary School Library (1131 Frederick Road). Meet Murray Bulger and Chris Miller, DMA teachers, industry experts and students who will share details about the academies and highlight current projects. In addition, DMA classrooms and studio film flexspace will be open for viewing.

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.

Public Board Meeting – February 27

A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 27, 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.

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.

NVSD Registrations

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.

Academies – Application period open

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 is open, 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.

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.

Elementary Band and Strings – 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. Registration for the 2024/25 school year 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.

Late French Immersion – Application period open

Applications to the Late French Immersion program (Grade 6 entry) will be accepted until Friday, March 8. For more information, visit the Late French Immersion web page.

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.

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.