News
Supporting students and families through local and global events
As shared in Dr. Pius Ryan's helping students cope with difficult news and world events support for students letters, North Vancouver is a global city with connections to many parts of the world. The tapestry of our community is both vibrant and closely knit, and moments of compassion, understanding, and care are visible every day at the local level. The start of 2026 has been one of immense hope as well as challenges as local and global events have impacted our community.
Below are helpful resources for your reference that offer guidance on supporting children, youth, and adults through difficult events:
Additionally, the Superintendent's letter shared with families on February 11, 2026, offers families strategies and resources to help guide conversations.
Van girls basketball team wins provincial championship
On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko caught up with Argyle Pipers' team captain Sadie Danks and head coach Anthony Beyrouti to celebrate their team's Quad A girls basketball provincial championship. Listen to the fu ll interview on demand on the CBC Listen website.
North Vancouver students sleep outside to raise nearly $10K for homeless youth
On February 12, more than two dozen Carson Graham Secondary students spent a night outside to raise funds for youth experiencing homelessness. Twenty‑five students and four adults slept outdoors at the school, collecting nearly $10,000 for Covenant House Vancouver. Read the full North Shore News article to learn more about their fundraising efforts.
Events
Careers in the Arts Fair – March 9
Students in Grades 9 to 12 and their families are invited to explore creative career pathways and connect with local arts organizations and postsecondary institutions at the Gordon Smith Gallery on March 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The gallery walkabout format offers opportunities to learn about programs in visual arts, music, design, architecture, animation, and more. While optional, attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
Ready Set Learn – Events run April 8 to May 19
Children ages 3 to 5 and their families are invited to attend one of the North Vancouver School District's Ready, Set, Learn events this spring! The theme for 2026 is Learn, Play, Explore. Events will involve a variety of stations focused on learning through literacy and play that align with the Ministry of Education and Child Care's BC Early Learning Framework.
Join us for the first event on April 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Ave). Visit the Ready, Set, Learn webpage for more information, including the full spring 2026 schedule.
Registrations
Artists for Kids Spring Break Camps – Registration for full-day camps re-opened
More spots are now available in full-day spring break camps for both the first and second weeks! 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.
Late French Immersion Program — Application period closes March 13
The Late French Immersion Program, offered at Boundary Elementary and Braemar Elementary, is a two-year intensive prog ram offered to all students who have successfully completed Grade 5. Applications for the 2026/27 school year are open until March 13. Visit the Late French Immersion webpage to learn more.
New registration and transfer requests — Application period closes March 13
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. Registrations and transfer requests received after March 13 will be placed in schools based on catchments where space is available. Visit the Student Registration webpage for detailed information.
Elementary Band and Strings — Late registration opens March 13
Elementary Band and Strings is open to students in Grades 5 to 7 for Band and Grades 4 to 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 2026/27 school year opens March 13. Visit the Elementary Band and Strings webpage for information, including program fees.
Academies — Applications open
NVSD 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 first-round application period closed on February 28. Applications received after March 1 may be placed on a waitlist. Final academy offerings are subject to sufficient enrolment. Visit the Academies webpage to learn more.
North Vancouver Online Learning – Online registration open
North Vancouver Online Learning (NVOL) provides engaging, accessible and interactive learning experiences for students in Grades 8 to 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 the NVOL Centre. Visit the NVOL website to learn more.
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 spring classes is now open. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
Artists for Kids Summer Day Camps – Registration open
Artists for Kids is pleased to offer a variety of Summer Day Camps. Campers will enjoy a week full of studio art activities including drawing, painting, printmaking and more! Camps are split into small cohorts with a BC certified art specialist teacher guiding the class. Visit the Artists for Kids website for more information and to register.
Additional Information and Opportunities
Preteen filmmaking camp – March 23-27
Calling all youth in Grades 7 to 12! Want to be a filmmaker? Interested in learning to use professional cameras and editing software? Make an original short film during spring break in this five day course. Experienced facilitators from The Cinematheque will guide you through the entire process, from scripting to shooting to post-production. Learn more and register on the North Vancouver City Library website.
Navigating Screen Battles with Conscious Parenting – April 9
In this practical and heart-centered workshop hosted by Foundry BC, parents and guardians will learn how to set clear, confident limits around screens and technology using Non-Violent Conscious Communication, inspired by Marshall Rosenberg, without power struggles, shame, or disconnection. Register in advance for the in-person workshop on April 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the NVSD Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Avenue), or the online presentation on April 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Artists for Kids 2026 Scholarships – Applications close April 10
Artists for Kids is pleased to offer three $1,000 scholarships for graduating students from the North Vancouver School District, who have completed or are enrolled in Grade 12 level Visual and Performing Arts Education courses. Visit the Artists for Kids website for application details.
Gordon Smith Gallery One Hundred Artists Deep opening reception – April 10
One Hundred Artists Deep opens at the Gordon Smith Gallery on April 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. For this exhibition, Curatorial Fellow Andrea Valentine-Lewis invited eight local artists to create new work in response to artworks from the Artists for Kids Permanent Collection by founders Bill Reid (1920–1998), Jack Shadbolt (1909–1998), and Gordon Smith (1919–2020). Visit the Smith Foundation website to learn more about the exhibition and upcoming public programs.
Coming up at the North Vancouver District Public Library
The North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) offers a variety of opportunities for children, youth and families, such as Parents' and Kids' Night Out, spring break activities, a call for submissions to the 2026 North Shore Teen Film Festival, and Climate Ready Homes: Staying Cool in the Summer (and Warm in the Winter). Browse upcoming events and opportunities on the NVDPL website.
