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.
BCSTA 2020 Scholarships
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.
Our Sacred Children Mini-Documentary
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.
School Board Work is Not for the Faint of Heart
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.
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From Advocacy to Action
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.
IEC Presents Groundbreaking Haida Film at Academy
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 19th century and premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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SD44’s Drag Club Breaks Down Barriers
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.
Media Release: Trustees Celebrate New Regulations Targeting Teen Vaping
[Victoria, B.C. – November 14, 2019] New regulations and resources designed to take action against youth vaping are a positive step in the right direction say B.C.’s school trustees. “Vaping is a serious community health issue that has made its way into our schools. B.C.’s boards of education are pleased with this comprehensive plan from government to address the issue,” said Stephanie Higginson, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association (BCSTA).
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Advocacy: Vape Awareness and Vape Cessation Resources for Youth
[Sent November 7, 2019]
President Higginson to Federal Minister of Health Petitpas Taylor, BC Minister of Health Dix and BC Minister of Education Fleming:
“The motion was passed unanimously by BCSTA’s membership and serves to highlight the overwhelming concerns our members have regarding the prevalence of vaping in BC’s public schools. While the true extent of the harms of vaping is currently unknown, research continues to signal that serious issues can develop as a result of continued use.”
Advocacy: Funding for Menstrual Product Dispensers – Response
[Received Oct 28, 2019]
Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier James to President Higginson:
“As you may be aware, a ministerial order was issued in April 2019 by the Minister of Education that required public schools to provide free menstrual products for students in school washrooms by the end of 2019. At that time, $300,000 in provincial funding was provided to facilitate the implementation.”