Weaving Indigenous content into the everyday curriculum is important to all School District 47 educators, but many need support. The First People’s Curriculum is now mandatory everywhere in B.C., from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Continue Reading “Supporting Indigenous Learning in SD47”

A unique program at Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) encourages young women to consider a career path in the trades through hands-on learning. The Careers Technical Center (CTC) in School District 68 runs trades introduction programs starting with short programs in Grades 6 and 7 allowing students to build projects like planters or birdhouses.

Continue Reading “Pilot Girls in Trades Program a Success”

This year, BCSTA is offering up to three scholarships of $500 each to graduating public-school students who have shown exemplary citizenship in their school and community.

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Xe’ xe’ smun’eem: Our Sacred Children is a mini-documentary from the Cowichan Valley School District. A year in the making, the video focuses on the amazing work happening throughout the district to increase Indigenous ways of knowing for learners, staff, and the community.

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By Thomas J. Gentzel, Executive Director & CEO, National School Boards Association: 

If there is one thing to know as a school leader, it’s that there is more than one thing to know. Back in the 1800s, when public schools first were being formed in most places around the country, the local school board provided basic oversight of a fledgling operation. The work included building a school (often one room), and then making sure it was heated, books and other supplies were secured and, of course, teachers were hired. School board members typically also handled maintenance and other hands-on duties to keep the school running.

Continue Reading “School Board Work is Not for the Faint of Heart”

School trustees from all 60 boards of education in BC came together and made their concerns heard this past October at the BCSTA Provincial Council meeting in Vancouver. It was here that a motion regarding vaping cessation targeted at youth was discussed, and ultimately passed. The motion itself received strong support from attendees, highlighting the importance of the issue. Long considered a ‘healthier’ alternative to smoking, concerns around vaping have been on the rise as of late as more and more evidence comes forward regarding its negative impacts on health.

Continue Reading “From Advocacy to Action”

BCSTA’s Indigenous Education Committee will present Sgaawaay K’uuna (Edge of the Knife) at this year’s Trustee Academy.

Edge of the Knife is inspired by Gaagiixit, a traditional Haida legend, and is the first film ever made in the Haida language. The film, directed by Gwaai Edenshaw and Helen Haig-Brown, is set on Vancouver Island in the 19^th century and premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Continue Reading “IEC Presents Groundbreaking Haida Film at Academy”

A new generation of Greasers are getting an adrenaline rush at Windsor Secondary – while breaking stereotypes.  Student Kaitlyn Clark grips the steering wheel of the white 1980 Camaro Z28, one hand on the shifter, anxiously anticipating the green light. At the first flash of green, it’s pedal to the metal for Clark as she takes off down the quarter-mile dragstrip at Mission Raceway Park.

Continue Reading “SD44’s Drag Club Breaks Down Barriers”