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Dear Parents and Guardians:

Subject: Welcome to the 2016/17 school year – a message from the Chair and the Superintendent

We are very excited to welcome you and your children to the 2016/17 school year!  September is a busy month as families settle into life after the summer break and adapt to a new school year routine. For students, there may be new friends, a new teacher or change of school.  For parents, perhaps you are forming new relationships with teachers or considering a different drop-off and pick-up routine.  For educators, September is also a month filled with change – new students, perhaps new teaching colleagues and, this year, a new curriculum.  

The 2016/17 school year marks the second of a three-year process of transitioning to BC's new curriculum.  The new curriculum was designed over many years with teachers, and it aligns with best practice and 21st century learning principles. We are excited about this transformational journey. This year, the new K-9 curriculum will be fully implemented while the new curriculum for grades 10-12 students will be explored. We continue to work with the North Vancouver Teachers' Association and CUPE Local 389 in the successful delivery of the curriculum in a diverse learning environment.

Here are some highlights of curriculum-related initiatives taking place in the North Vancouver School District during the 2016/17 school year:

Innovative Teaching

• New reporting structures will be planned and adopted, including two novel elementary reporting pilot projects.
• The Outdoor Environmental Learning district cohort will provide leadership to support connecting the curriculum to nature.
• The Outdoor Education Academy will select its first grade 10 cohort for the 2017/18 school year.
• Technology mentors will be working throughout the school district to support our staff in utilizing technology to enhance student learning.

Aboriginal Learning

• First Peoples Principles of Learning will continue to be embedded within the curricular framework for all students.
• Our commitment to upholding the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report will continue through work under the leadership of our Aboriginal Education Team.
• Partnerships with Skwxwú7mesh Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Métis Nation of British Columbia will remain strong and continue to be enhanced.

Students thrive when their parents/guardians are engaged with their education. We look forward to partnering with you to support the tremendous teaching and learning that takes place in our schools.  If you have questions about the new curriculum or are looking for strategies to support your child in school, we encourage you to connect with your child's teacher(s).

We are confident that the 2016/17 school year will be a success and look forward to sharing stories of student and staff accomplishments over the course of the year.

Sincerely,

Christie Sacré

Chair, North Vancouver Board of Education

Mark Pearmain

Superintendent, North Vancouver School District

Video message from Superintendent Mark Pearmain