A → Z: Four Years of Accomplishments
A → Acknowledgement, Accountability, Accomplishment, Achievement, Athletics, Academics & Accessibility
“A” begins with acknowledgement: that we work, live and play on the traditional Coast Salish lands of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz’uminus peoples. It also stands for accountability, accomplishment, achievement, athletics, academics and accessibility—all important parts of the work we have done together over the past four years.
B → Budget
We passed four consecutive surplus budgets, allowing us to reinvest those funds directly into classrooms and additional supports for students and staff.
C → Commitment
Commitment to students, staff, families and our communities has been at the heart of the work. Good governance means showing up, listening, asking questions and staying focused on what is best for students.
D → Data
We use data robustly to support our decisions. Good decisions require good information, and we have continued to strengthen how we measure, understand and respond to what is happening across our schools.
E → Environmental Sustainability
Our schools are award-winning leaders in environmental sustainability. We have invested millions of dollars in electrifying our buses and vehicles—19 in total—which has reduced our greenhouse-gas emissions by 39% while also saving significant operating costs on fuel.
F → Facilities & French Immersion
Brand-new schools are coming to Ladysmith, along with numerous upgrades and expansions at Wellington, Cilaire and Chase River. We have added accessible washrooms in several schools, secure bike racks, new signage and painting, and so much more.
“F” also stands for French Immersion, which is seeing new life as the district promotes late-entry opportunities.
G → Graduation
“G” stands for graduation celebrations. Parents now have an easier time promoting and organizing Prom and Dry Grad opportunities through our schools. Every graduation celebration and ceremony I attended was an honour to be part of—and a wonderful reminder of what all this work is ultimately about: our students.
H → Healthy Schools
We have a more robust food program than ever before, more school gardens than ever before, and more healthy options for students than ever before. Healthy schools support healthy students, and that matters.
I → Inclusion & Innovation
“Inclusion” means that no matter your family circumstances or personal identity, everyone is welcome and every student deserves to feel that they belong.
“Innovation” matters because times change, and our schools must adapt with them. We need to be willing to try new approaches, learn from what works and continue moving forward.
J → Journey
The past four years have been a journey—one of learning, listening, questioning, adapting and, most importantly, continuing to move forward together.
K → K–12 Supports
We have enhanced K–12 supports and made them a priority, including directing additional dollars from our budget surpluses toward students and staff who need them most.
L → Learning Options
Online learning, learning alternatives, outdoor learning, classroom learning, trades programs, athletic academies and artistic academies—there are so many options for students to find the pathway that works best for them.
M → Music
Music is music to my ears! Both elementary and secondary students benefit from learning an instrument, and these programs add an element to learning that captures the imagination and engages so many of our students.
N → Numeracy & Literacy
Numeracy and literacy are critical aspects of our strategic plan. We have begun hearing directly from every school about how each is rolling out our rejuvenated focus in these areas and supporting students in their learning.
O → Outreach
Outreach means embracing students who are facing challenges—from loss, grief and tragedy to complex family circumstances and social dynamics. It means ensuring that students have someone in their corner when they need support most.
Outdoor education also starts with "O", which we expanded through our term.
P → Partnerships
Partnerships are essential to the success of our schools. Whether with families, community organizations, staff, students or other agencies, strong partnerships allow us to do more together than we ever could alone.
Q → Questioning
Questioning is an important part of good governance. We need to question the past, recognize what has worked well, and build on it. We also need to question the new, ask the right questions and make sure staff have the training and support they need for what is coming next.
R → Reconciliation
Reconciliation starts with recognition and continues through listening, partnership and walking together. Learning the cultures and languages of the Nations whose traditional lands we share is an important next step.
S → Student Voice
Enabling student voice has resulted in so many new and fantastic opportunities for students to grow and shine. Every committee now has student representation. By amplifying student voices, we have seen facilities add additional inclusive washrooms, provide free public transit for all students, foster new learning opportunities in governance and leadership, and create a genuine seat at the table where students can be heard and gain valuable agency.
T → Traffic Safety & Transportation
Traffic safety and transportation are essential to ensuring that students can get to and from school safely and that our schools work for the communities they serve.
U → Understanding
Understanding means listening before acting, learning from our students and staff, and recognizing that every school and every community has different needs. Good governance begins with a willingness to understand.
V → Vocational Training & Trades
The district no longer simply buys portables—our students build them. Through learning studios, students can earn credits and certifications while gaining real-world experience in trades.
And it goes beyond construction: fabric work and fashion design, esthetician learning, and so much more are creating new opportunities for students to discover their skills and their futures.
W → Wellness
Wellness is a major focus for our district. We introduced a well-rounded wellness program for staff first, and have continued expanding it to include our students. These additional supports go above and beyond what many other districts offer.
X → Xenial Governance
“Xenial” means welcoming and hospitable—and that spirit has helped lead us toward a more productive board, results-driven work and a more harmonious workplace.
Y → Yearly Measurements
Yearly measurements and public reporting give our community a clearer picture of how we are doing. Metrics on learning, staff satisfaction, budgeting, facilities and so much more are available to the public through the district’s website—making transparency easier than ever before.
Z → Zonta, NALT, VIHA, Lions & Community Partnerships
From Zonta and NALT to VIHA, the Lions, Stock the Lockers and the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, our district has partnered with countless volunteer and charitable organizations that contribute directly to the lives of our students.
These community partners bring educational programs into our schools, including human trafficking awareness, hearing and vision screening, and other important supports. They also help provide students who are most at risk or in need with food, clothing, school supplies and so much more.
