A → Z: Four Years of Accomplishments

A → Acknowledgement

“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. Reconciliation starts with acknowledgement 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, and the district has begun to expand hul'qumi'num language and culture learning in our district at every age level.

B → Budget

We passed four consecutive balanced budgets, and our new superintendent began restructuring several key areas of administration which the accounted for cost savings allowed us to reinvest those funds directly into classrooms and created additional supports for students and staff.

C → Child Care

We led the way in the province by creating over 480 new seemless childcare spaces; built state-of-the-art childcare facilities across the district; now a provincial model for every district in BC as a result; hundreds of more fully funded seemless daycare spaces are on the way; dedicated spaces have been made for health care workers in order to support the growing need in our community.

D → Data Driven Decisions

We use both contemporary and historical data robustly to support our decisions. Good decisions require good information, and we have continued to strengthen how we measure success, understand the challenges, and be responsive to what is happening across our schools.

E → Environmental Sustainability

Our schools, staff, and students are award-winning leaders in environmental sustainability; A robust Active Transportation plan; New bike racks to support a growing number of users; Eco Clubs thrive in every school; New outdoor education classes rely heavily on sustainability learning; An entire school dedicated and specializing in sustainability (Departure Bay Eco School) to model for the entire district; Replacing older equipment with modern and more effecient systems; 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. NDSS is at the very top of our facilities list, pending provincial funding.

“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; Belonging being the centrepiece of our new tagline "Belong, Grow, Thrive"; increased both the number of EA's and increased hours so that there are more contact hours with students; expanded the Alternative Learning Program with new vocational and learning opportunities and a stronger support system in place.

“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 and walking together as one.

K → Kindergarten

We have enhanced Kindergarten entry by implimenting more seemless childcare spaces for the youngest of learners so that pre-Kindergarten students are introduced to their future learning space and teachers earlier before they even begin their K-12 journey.

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 ourears! 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. Our award-winning music programs such as Wellington's Jazz Academy have gained international recognition in such events as the DownBeat Student Music Awards, not to mention many of our students across the district recieving the highest honours at the Lou Williamson Music Awards.

N → Numeracy & Literacy

Numeracy and literacy are critical aspects of our new strategic plan. We have begun hearing directly from every school about how each and every school is rolling out our rejuvenated focus in these areas and supporting students in their learning outcomes.

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.

P → Public Participation

Advocated for and supported our district to invite not only stakeholders but members of the general public to offer input towards the most impactful changes we have made; surveys to get a sense of how people feel about everything from policy development and beyond.

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 → Reporting

I published a bi-monthly report which is important because it provided the public with regular, timely, and transparent updates on key priorities, progress, challenges, and emerging issues. Consistent reporting helps trustees maintain effective oversight, make informed decisions, identify areas requiring attention, and ensure that actions remain aligned with the Board’s strategic goals. It also promotes accountability and keeps trustees and the broader school community informed about the work being undertaken on their behalf.

S → Student Voice

As the proponent of the new Student Voice initiative, 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. With the increase in young people using electric motorized vehicles, it is important that students learn the rules, hazards, laws, and responsibilities that go hand in hand, and this is now being rolled out district-wide.

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, tech learning, esthetician skills, and so many more opportunities are creating new openings for students to discover their skills and their futures.

"V" also starts off "visiting other schools" which I fullfilled my commitment to visiting each and every school in our district.

W → Wellness

Wellness is a major focus for our district. We introduced a well-rounded wellness program (Wellbeats) for staff first, and have continued expanding it to include our students and caregivers. 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. Our district has flourished more than ever before in terms of relationship building between staff and administration and the results are starting to show.

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 with robust food programing, clothing, school supplies and so much more. 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.