September 2, 2025
Dear Families,
We hope that you enjoyed a safe, restful and joyful summer. Whether you are joining the North Vancouver School District this September as a new or returning member of our community, we enthusiastically welcome you as we begin the 2025-26 school year.
Teachers and staff have been preparing for this school year, and we appreciate their commitment to creating welcoming, safe and inclusive teaching and learning environments. We are also grateful to the many education and community partners with whom the school district will continue to collaborate throughout the year to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
NVSD is focused on providing a supportive and enriching environment for students to thrive. The data backs this; the provincial landscape shows NVSD as a leader, with six year graduation rates for 2024 being 98% for BC resident students, 95% for Indigenous students and 92% for students with disabilities or diverse abilities. These are results to be proud of!
Education at NVSD extends beyond academics. Through our comprehensive schooling model, we foster healthy, connected communities rooted in meaningful relationships. In Spring 2025, I (Dr. Ryan) had the opportunity to share a perspective on education in the BC School Superintendent's Magazine, InspirED. The article, titled “What kind of education for what kind of world: to what end?" speaks to how, increasingly, the strength of a community reflects the health of its schools and education system.
This year, we return to a guiding question: “What kind of education for what kind of world?" We are reminded that learning is rooted in relationships; with ourselves, with each other, with technology, and with the earth. These relationships will continue to ground learning and teaching in the NVSD as we nurture inclusive, innovative, and compassionate learning environments in every school community. Our shared goal is to enable all students to make a good living and live a good life.
We would like to share a few additional items and updates:
An invitation to get involved
We encourage families to get involved and support their school community. Information on school-based opportunities is typically shared through your child(ren)'s school or Parents' Advisory Council (PAC). Additionally, school district-wide opportunities are communicated at the school district level. Please watch for these communications.
Personal digital devices (PDD) for the 2025/2026 school year
Guidelines introduced in September 2024 regarding PDD use in classrooms remain in effect this year. For details, and to provide input or feedback, please refer to the letter shared August 28, 2025.
Safe and active travel
We encourage students and families to use safe and active travel methods to and from school. Resources, including route maps, are available on the NVSD's Safe and Active Travel web page.
School district permission forms
Each year, we ask parents/guardians to complete certain school district permission forms online using the SchoolCash Online system. Please complete these forms ideally by the end of the first week of school. Additional paper-based forms will be provided by your child's school.
Ongoing communication
The NVSD is committed to clear and consistent communication. In addition to updates from your child's school(s), you can expect regular district-wide communication through:
- Monthly News, Events & Registrations email to families
- A quarterly letter from the Superintendent
- Notices of Board of Education Standing Committee and Public Board Meetings, which you are warmly invited to attend
Building a new elementary school community
In June 2025, following public consultation, the catchment area for the new elementary school in the Cloverley neighbourhood was announced. Families residing in the new catchment will receive further updates this month. Under the leadership of Principal Tim MacLeod, the school will offer an exceptional learning environment, and we look forward to building a vibrant and healthy learning community together.
In conclusion, it is an honour to educate and support students, work and learn alongside dedicated staff, and share the many ways the NVSD fosters a community where everyone can learn, share, and grow.
Wishing you a fantastic start to the 2025-26 school year!
Respectfully,
Dr. Pius Ryan
Superintendent of Schools
