This newsletter is shared monthly and includes a variety of initiatives and opportunities open to families of the NVSD.
Happy New Year and Welcome Back
A warm welcome back to students, staff and families. We hope you had a wonderful Winter Break and are ready to engage in awesome teaching and learning experiences!
News
Secondary Photography Contest — Enter by January 12
NVSD students in Grades 8-12 are invited to submit up to 10 original photos for the chance to have their work featured in the 2026/27 School Year Calendar. There are $500 in prizes to be won, including gift cards to your favourite local spots! Photos must reflect the theme, 'What makes your school great?' The contest closes January 12 at 4 p.m.
Proposed 2026/27 School Calendar — Public input period opens January 13
The North Vancouver Board of Education invites your feedback on the Proposed 2026/27 School Calendar. Information about the development process for annual school calendars and a copy of the Proposed 2026/27 School Calendar can be found on the School Calendar section of the school district website. The opportunity to provide comments and feedback through an online submission form begins January 13 and ends February 11 at 11:59 p.m.
North Vancouver elementary class spreads holiday cheer with gifts to in-need youth
École Dorothy Lynas Elementary students donated more than $5,000 worth of goods to the North Shore Youth Safe House last month. Read the full North Shore News article to learn how their generosity is making an impact.
Events
Standing Committee Meeting: Generative AI, Personal Digital Devices and Critical Thinking – January 13
On January 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the North Vancouver School District (NVSD) will host a virtual Standing Committee Meeting focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Personal Digital Devices (PDDs), and Critical Thinking. This session will reflect on current practices, explore the evolving digital landscape in schools, and consider how we move from boundaries to understanding.
This meeting is designed to inform, prompt reflection, and build shared understanding as NVSD continues to navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape with care, clarity, and purpose.
The meeting will include a panel discussion sharing insights, lessons learned, and next steps related to AI, PDDs and learning in schools. Visit the Public Meetings webpage for information on how you can participate and to review the meeting agenda.
Secondary Enhanced Programs and Academies Open House – January 14
Families with students in Grades 7-11 are invited to learn about the various enhanced programs and academies offered at secondary schools throughout the school district. The open house will take place on January 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carson Graham Secondary. Attendance for the full duration is not required. While optional, you are encouraged to RSVP for this event.
Public Board Meeting – January 20
A Board of Education Public Board Meeting will take place on January 20 at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Public Meetings webpage for information on how you can participate and to review the meeting agenda and board package, which is posted the Thursday afternoon preceding the public meeting.
Digital Media Academy Information Night and Open House – January 21
The Digital Media Academy (DMA) will offer an information night on January 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Argyle Secondary. The event will begin with an information session and Q&A period in the Argyle library, followed by an opportunity to view student projects in game design, film, animation, VFX and more in the DMA classrooms (Rooms 134 & 135). Meet DMA & DMA Lite teachers, students, graduates and volunteer mentors.
Late French Immersion Session – January 28
An information session for Grade 5 students and their families interested in learning about the Late French Immersion (LFI) program (entry in Grade 6 in September 2026) will be held on January 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Mountainview Room (5th Floor) at the Education Services Centre. While optional, you are encouraged to RSVP for this event.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – Key Dates in January & February
Students Grades 8, 9 and 10 and their families from across the school district are invited to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme offered at Carson Graham in Grades 11-12 through any of the following events:
- January 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Diploma Programme coordinators Q&A at the Secondary Enhanced Programs & Academies Night at Carson Graham Secondary.
- January 29, 6:30 p.m. – IB Diploma Programme information session in the Carson Graham library.
- February 5 and February 6 – Current Grade 10 students can attend ‘DP for a Day’ at Carson Graham to experience the program firsthand. To register, please email Cora Pross.
Dual Credit and Career Programs Information Night – February 3
Students in Grades 9-11 and their families are invited to explore the various dual credit and career exploration opportunities available to students in Grades 10-12. Join us for an information night on February 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Carson Graham Secondary. Students with an interest in the skilled trades, culinary arts, health care and early childhood education are encouraged to attend. While optional, you are encouraged to RSVP for this event. Learn more about programs offered on the Career Pathways 44 website.
Registrations
Late French Immersion Program – Application period open
The Late French Immersion Program, offered at Boundary Elementary and Braemar Elementary, is a two-year intensive program offered to all students who have successfully completed Grade 5. Applications for the 2026/27 school year are open from January 2 to March 13, 2026. For more information, visit the Late French Immersion web page.
Artists for Kids: Spring Break 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.
Artists for Kids: After School Art classes – 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. Registration for winter classes is now open. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
Elementary Band and Strings – Registration opens January 12
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 2026/27 school year begins on January 12 and continues until February 27, 2026. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings web page for information, including program fees.
Academies — Application period opens January 15
Our highly specialized academies are designed to enhance the overall student experience by providing learning environments that concentrate on a focal skill set. The following academies will be offered during the 2026/27 school year: Artists for Kids Studio Art, Basketball, Dance, Digital Media, Digital Media Lite, Field Hockey, Hockey Skills, Rowing, Soccer and Volleyball.
The application period for academies begins on January 15, and the initial placement offer deadline is February 28. Applications received after March 1 may be placed on a waitlist. Final academy offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment.
For more information, please visit the Academies web page and plan on attending the Secondary Enhanced Programs & Academies Night on January 14 at Carson Graham Secondary.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – Application period open
The deadline to apply for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme September 2026 intake is February 11. Visit the Carson Graham IB Diploma Programme web page for application and fee information, and answers to frequently asked questions.
New registration and transfer requests – Application period open
Initial registration for students new to the school district, and initial transfer requests for existing NVSD students in Grades 1-12 is open until March 13, 2026. Registrations and transfer requests received after March 13 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
North Vancouver Online Learning (NVOL) provides engaging, accessible and interactive learning experiences for students in Grades 8 through 12 in both English and French. Students can enrol any time during the school year and have one calendar year to complete their course. Students may 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 learn more.
Additional Information and Opportunities
NVRC Head Camp Leader — Apply by January 15
North Vancouver Recreation & Culture (NVRC) is hiring Spring Break Camp Leaders for various school aged camps between March 16-27, 2026. The hours of work will vary according to location placement and camp registration numbers. Students can learn more and apply online through the NVRC portal.
The Experience of Autism for Girls and Women — January 29
Autistic advocates Kenzie Curby and Izabelle Stevens will lead this online session exploring the experiences of Autism in girls and women on January 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Through their wealth of experience in schools and communities, participants will gain insight into demand-avoidant profiles, co-occurring mental health needs, and the diverse ways Autism can present across genders. Registration is required.
Gordon Smith Gallery: Explore and Create Saturdays
Families with children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the Gordon Smith Gallery on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for free, family-friendly drop-in art activities inspired by works in the Gordon Smith Gallery’s current exhibition, From The Ground. Visit the Smith Foundation website for more information.
Coming up at the North Vancouver District Public Library
The North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) offers a variety of learning opportunities for children and youth, such as Paws 4 Stories, English-French Book Buddies, and Author Afternoons. Browse upcoming events on the NVDPL website.
City of North Vancouver Living City Grant and Living City Awards — Apply by February 8
The City of North Vancouver (CNV) is now accepting applications and nominations for the 2026 Living City Grants and Living City Awards! Have a great idea that could contribute to sustainability in our City? Know an environmental champion in our community who deserves recognition? The deadline to submit applications or nominations is February 8 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the CNV website to learn more.
NSEM Emergency Preparedness, Insurance and Fire Safety — February 13
In collaboration with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the North Vancouver City Fire Department, North Shore Emergency Management (NSEM) is offering a public education session on Wednesday, February 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online via MS Teams. This presentation covers the role of insurance, core fire safety principles, and personal emergency preparedness. Register online or by emailing nsem@nsem.ca.
