For the stories with images that are included below, please click on the caption for a link to the blog post or article.
Announcements
2024 Community Report
We are pleased to share with you the
North Vancouver School District Community Report!
The Community Report is published each spring. It is one way in which we share and celebrate with our community the progress the North Vancouver School District is making in pursuit of our vision to provide world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student and bring communities together to learn, share and grow.
The stories you'll read show how we are bringing to life our
strategic plan. Bold and aspirational, the strategic plan is a blueprint that frames where we would like to go and how we plan to get there.
While reviewing the report's content, we hope you recognize how much the North Vancouver School District community has achieved together to provide for students and staff teaching and learning environments where we can all learn, share, grow and thrive.
Clean Energy Award
The school district was recently recognized by BC Hydro for being a Clean Energy Champion! Clean Energy Champions are businesses, homes, and institutions that have taken steps to lower their carbon footprint and adopt new clean energy technologies.
The award acknowledges the NVSD’s clean energy journey and progressive approach to designing new schools.
As part of the recognition, BC Hydro ambassadors Dave and Jaclyn toured some NVSD facilities and were impressed with our amazing buildings and the warm welcome they received from staff and students.
The NVSD first incorporated a hybrid heating system, with heat pumps and natural gas boilers, in the design of Sutherland Secondary in 2007. Argyle and Handsworth are recent examples of the hybrid approach and the new Cloverley Elementary goes a step further by being all-electric, with greenhouse gas emissions targeted to be 85% below that of a typical school.
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.
Spring Break Travel Reminder
With measles outbreaks being reported internationally and Spring Break on the horizon, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and public health officials are reminding people in British Columbia to
check their vaccination records before travelling to ensure they are protected.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne virus. There is a high risk of measles cases being brought back to B.C. due to ongoing measles outbreaks globally and decreased vaccination coverage rates in Canada.
Families can
check their child’s immunization records in the Provincial Immunization Registry and
submit any missing immunization records.
Vaccine appointments can be booked through local public health units, community health centres or nursing stations.
Find a centre near you.
NVSD Events
Ready, Set, Learn – April 3 to May 22
Ready, Set, Learn is an initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting children’s early language and literacy skills. Intended for families and their children (ages 3 to 5 years), Ready, Set, Learn is designed to foster positive connections among families, schools and early learning community partners and support children as they prepare for their transition to Kindergarten. The events will be hosted at multiple locations throughout the school district from April 3 to May 22 and are free to attend. RSVP and event details are available on the
Ready, Set, Learn web page.
Public Board Meeting – April 16
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 16, 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.
NVSD Registrations
Academies – Spaces remain for some programs
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
Although the initial application period closes on February 29, spaces remain for some academies, and interested students are encouraged to apply. Should any program reach capacity, applicants will 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 Spring 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.
Elementary Band and Strings – Late 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. Late Registration for the 2024/25 school year is open and closes September 27, 2024.
The Late Registration period is subject to program availability and class size at your child’s school site and is dependent on registrations received by February 29. Visit the
Elementary Band and Strings web page for information, including program fees.
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. Students can engage in their NVOL courses entirely remotely online or in a blended model of online and in-person interactions at the NVOL Centre.
Course snapshot: Français langue seconde Immersion 12
Français langue seconde Immersion 12 allows students to earn the Grade 12 French credits required for the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique. This course is designed to be flexible, engaging, and tailored to students’ learning needs. Teacher Madame Adam supports learners to strengthen language proficiency and deepen cultural understanding through online or in-person meetings.
Français langue seconde Immersion 12 at NVOL is more than language acquisition; it’s an exploration of identity, critical thinking, and effective communication in a global context. Through engaging lessons, diverse texts, and multiple interactive experiences, students explore the richness of the Francophone world and Indigenous perspectives. Foster plurilingual excellence and prepare for a future enriched by linguistic and cultural diversity. Elevate your Grade 12 year with the art of language at North Vancouver Online Learning! View the course description on the NVOL website.
Visit the
NVOL website to see the full suite of courses from Grades 8 through 12 in both English and French.
Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art – Registration open
Young artists ages 8 - 15 will explore their surroundings with artist Samuel Roy-Bois in the beautiful setting of Paradise Valley. From July 8 to 12 (5 days and 4 nights), campers will receive in-depth instruction in collage, drawing, painting and printmaking, and explore concepts of form and colour. Working in small studio groups, teachers emphasize individual skill development and artistic style. This week-long studio program is well balanced with outdoor recreation and studio time. Visit the
Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
Information
Approved 2024/2025 School Calendar
The Board of Education approved the 2024/2025 School Calendar at the Public Board Meeting held on Tuesday, February 27. The approved School Calendar confirms dates including the first and last day of school for students, Winter and Spring Breaks, Curriculum Implementation Day and Staff Collaboration days for the next school year. These dates remain as indicated in the Proposed School Calendar that was made available for public comment in January and February.
Professional development (pro-d) dates have
not been confirmed; dates on the current calendar documents are placeholder (i.e., example) dates at this time.
- Three (3) district-wide pro-d dates are selected by the North Vancouver Teachers’ Association (NVTA). These dates will be confirmed in May, with a final school district-wide calendar published at that time.
- Two (2) school-based dates are selected by school staff committees at each school. These dates will be shared by schools with their local school communities before the end of May.
For more information, please visit the
District Calendar web page.
Secondary school schedule update
In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the school district continues to build an education system that is committed to offering opportunities for all learners to experience growth and success.
After two-months of consultation with educators, who have extensive experience with learners of all ages and abilities, it was determined that the linear system will provide the most cohesive and coherent learning experience for all students, and specifically, provide the most support for the students who need the most support. As a school district, we are excited to re-introduce a system that benefits all learners and allows them to thrive.
The NVSD will adopt the following secondary school timetable for the 2024/2025 school year:
- Semester: Sutherland
- Linear: Argyle, Carson Graham, Handsworth, Seycove, Windsor
- No change: Mountainside
For more information, please review the
Secondary School Schedule Update – FAQ on our News & Announcements.
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.
