THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - Brian Leonard


Happy Holidays

December 16, 2022 Message to Members

Greetings colleagues,

I hope you are reading this with your beverage of choice in hand, and your feet up!

You made it to the finish line after a very challenging fall season.

I was honoured last week to attend the 26th Annual FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) Education Conference. The event was an incredible gathering of education and community leaders with over 800 attendees. The goal of the conference is to “bring together educators, administrators and partners to learn, share, and be inspired, with a focus on advancing quality education for First Nations learners in BC.” The conference organizers did an exceptional job, and their goal was certainly met!

  

In addition to being highly informative, the conference was an opportunity to experience and enjoy the rich tapestry of Indigenous arts and culture, including performances by the Sts’ailes Saskquatch Dancers from Agassiz.

I was finally able to get my hands on a copy of Wahi Way! Indigenous Pedagogies by Jo Chrona and even had the opportunity to have Jo autograph my copy of her celebrated book. Wahi Way! has become required holiday reading. According to Judy Halbert “Wayi Wah! Is designed to help non-Indigenous educators know better and do better [and]… helps us all take action on racism and dig into acts of reconciliation. What could be more important?” Thank you, Jo.

  

We have a new Minister of Education and Child Care, Rachna Singh. I met Minister Singh at the FNESC conference last Saturday and had a follow-up (virtual) meeting with her on Monday. She wanted me to tell you, thank you, for all of the work you do.  

She also wishes everyone a restful holiday. I’m taking that as a direction from our new Minister. It was a good first meeting, and I hope the first of many. Thank you, Minister Singh!

On behalf of everyone here at the BCPVPA offices, we wish you all a well-deserved, restful, and happy holiday season.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Best Wishes for 2023!

Brian
bleonard@bcpvpa.bc.ca

Logo

The BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association is a voluntary professional association representing school leaders employed as Principals and Vice-Principals in BC's public education system. We provide our members with the professional services and supports they need to provide exemplary leadership in public education.

Search our web site:


Top