March 27, 2017

Dear Students, Staff and Parents/Guardians:

Subject: Welcome back from spring break

I hope the entire North Vancouver School District community enjoyed a relaxing spring break. Taking the time to unwind and to spend valuable moments with family and friends are both important aspects of personal growth and learning. Under BC’s New Curriculum, students are taught to self-reflect and incorporate all facets of wellbeing into their lives. Spring break is a great opportunity to enjoy much deserved ‘you time’. 

The 2016/17 school year has truly been an exceptional year thus far. Our school district has been doing phenomenal work towards achieving our six strategic goals: expand the availability of best instructional practices and enriched curriculum; encourage the growth of collaborative, adaptive and personalized learning environments; nurture an inspiring and healthy work environment; develop and promote innovative and sustainable programs; provide leadership in environmental education and sustainability practices; and strengthen and expand reciprocal community relations. I encourage everyone to peruse the North Vancouver School District 2017 Community Report for just a few examples of our efforts towards these goals. The 2017 Community Report is available on our website: www.sd44.ca/District/CommunityReport. 

With the recent announcement of the restored contract agreement between the BC Teachers’ Federation and the Provincial Government, our Executive team looks forward to working with our North Vancouver Teachers’ Association colleagues in the upcoming months to implement the restored contract for the 2017/18 school year.  We look forward to welcoming new staff into our schools to work with our students and to enhance the educational programming we currently provide. 

As we enter the final portion of this school year, I hope you all feel inspired and supported to succeed. Our school district is committed to providing working, teaching and learning environments that are welcoming and encouraging for all students, staff and parents. Without committed parents, students, Board of Education and all staff, this goal would not be achievable. It is together as a learning community that we learn, share, grow, and inspire all students to succeed.

Enjoy the rest of the 2016/2017 school year!

Sincerely,

Mark Pearmain

Superintendent

North Vancouver School District