Brian Leonard

April 26, 2024 Message to Members

I have been reflecting on some of the exceptional opportunities that the BCPVPA has to collaborate with colleagues in our sector, both at home and at a distance. That has been exemplified through two recent connection opportunities with groups and individuals who care deeply about supporting our students in their success. Read more.

Brian Leonard

April 19, 2024 Message to Members

Last week, the BCPVPA Board of Directors passed a very special motion, which, while not unprecedented, did depart from our typical practice. SOGI language, as articulated in BC Human Rights Act legislation, was incorporated into BC school Codes of Conduct almost a decade ago without controversy, and required public schools to be inclusive and non-discriminatory in their policies and practices. Read more.

Brian Leonard

April 12, 2024 Message to Members

Today our Board is gathering for the first of two days of meetings here in Vancouver. I am always grateful for the commitment of our Directors to strike a balance as they focus both on the daily needs of their schools and districts, and on the work of the Board. Read more.

Brian Leonard

April 5, 2024 Message to Members

The BCPVPA exists to support members in their work, and even though school leadership can be deep and challenging, it is heartening that so many members are eager to give back in support of their colleagues. Your participation makes our Association stronger and better. Read more.

Brian Leonard

March 15, 2024 Message to Members

In 2010, Legislation was enacted that scrapped the Standard Calendar, and instead empowered boards of education to establish their own locally-driven calendars. Which brings us to today’s multi-channel, multimedia experience, when few common experiences exist, and that includes spring break in BC’s schools. Read more.

Brian Leonard

March 8, 2024 Message to Members

As we grapple with acute teacher workforce issues across the BC education system, the BCTC is responsible for establishing the standards and pathways for certification, the requirements that must be met before a person can be certified as a teacher in BC. Read more.

Brian Leonard

March 1, 2024 Message to Members

Visiting schools is the most satisfying part of the role of BCPVPA President. Last week I was most fortunate to spend a Spring-like busy week on Vancouver Island visiting various schools and Chapters, and participating in the annual “budget lock-up” on Budget Day last Thursday. Read more.

Brian Leonard

February 23, 2024 Message to Members

This past week has been full of visits and events! Last week  were grateful to welcome BCPVPA members Beth Applewhite (SD41) and Kenneth Headley (SD40) to introduce their organization, the BC Black Educational Leaders Association (BCBELA), with a mission to empower and inspire educators who self-identify as Black, or of Black African descent. Read more.

Brian Leonard

February 16, 2024 Message to Members

IDEAS has traditionally been a space where our members and special guests could have meaningful dialogue about the topics that are most on their minds, both related to education and in a wider social sense. This year, during Black History Month, our focus was on examining the ways that we can break down barriers, stereotypes, and bias.  Read more.

Brian Leonard

February 9, 2024

Brian Leonard

BC's education system is often recognized and praised not just beyond the province, but beyond the country. We recently attended an event co-hosted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care, where aspects of our education system were highlighted. Read more.

Brian Leonard

Last weekend the BCPVPA Board of Directors met. During those meetings, we heard from two organizations in Canada that acknowledged the important work of BC Principals and Vice-Principals in fostering, shaping, and leading such a high performing educational system. Read more.

Brian Leonard

Brian Leonard

January 12, 2024 Message to Members

January can be a busy time as students, staff, and families return to the routines of school, but all of your fall planning should smoothen that transition as you begin to look at the many milestones ahead for your school community. Read more.

Brian Leonard

December 15, 2023 Message to Members

Brian Leonard

December 8, 2023 Message to Members

Our month of sector partner gatherings culminated last week with the 27th Annual FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) Education Conference.This year’s conference theme was ‘Transforming Education Through the DRIPA Action Plan’. Read more.

Brian Leonard

December 1, 2023 Message to Members

BCPVPA and our sector partners all host and attend gatherings ahead of the December rush in schools and the winter break. Last week, the BCPVPA hosted four meetings – kudos to the BCPVPA Board, senior staff, and Sharon North, who prepared for and attended them all! Read more.

Brian Leonard

November 17, 2023 Message to Members

November is the month where all of the BC education sector partners host a conference, significant committee meeting, symposium, Board meeting, or other gathering. In addition to being excellent learning experiences, they are also important opportunities to network with policymakers, government officials, and our educational partners to build the personal relationships that matter so much in education. Read more.

Brian Leonard, November 17, 2023

November 17, 2023 Message to Members

The grand opening of a new school is always a time of great excitement, both within a school district and in a community. Earlier this week, I had a sneak peek at the beautiful brand-new Coast Salish Elementary School in SD 43 (Coquitlam). Read more.

Brian Leonard

November 10, 2023 Message to Members

Remembrance Day, November 11, is a recognition of all the brave Canadians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – who served and continue to serve our country in war, conflict, and peace. The assemblies and ceremonies that mark this day are also about remembering those who returned home forever changed by the trauma of violent conflict, and we acknowledge the sacrifice of their service. Read more.

Brian Leonard

November 3, 2023 Message to Members

Brian Leonard

October 27, 2023  Message to Members

I was able to engage in learning of a different kind recently when, as a guest of the Ministry of Education and Child Care, I attended an Early Learning & Child Care Summit. The summit’s theme was Supporting a Child Care Ecosystem, and included sector leaders from multiple disciplines and environments. Read more.

Brian Leonard

October 20, 2023  Message to Members

While summer is no longer in the rearview mirror, and remains a warm and hazy memory, October has roared in like a lion! At the office, we try to leave our members to their work during the busy start-up period. Read more.

Brian Leonard

Trauma-informed leadership practices are critical. In BC, we are fortunate that the Ministry of Education and Child Care, working with Kevin Cameron, has provided references and resources to support this work, with more trauma resources coming soon, and all school districts have a Safe Schools Coordinator. Read more.

Brian Leonard

October 6, 2023  Message to Members

Last April, I had the pleasure of visiting St’a7mes School in Squamish. The mostly Indigenous students in this school participated in carving a totem pole as part of a community project. Several weeks ago, I felt fortunate to see the completed pole installed and displayed at the Provincial Park and campsite at Porteau Cove. I will soon also share an update on my recent experience at the International Confederation of Principals conference. It was enlightening to hear about the common challenges of school leadership from around the world. Read more. 

Brian Leonard

September 29, 2023  Message to Members

In BC and throughout Canada, September 30 is a significant day to honour the resilience, strength, and healing journeys of residential school survivors and their families. It is also a day to remember the children who never came home. The continued discoveries at former Indian Residential Schools have sparked outrage, sadness, and somber reflection upon the generations of children who were forcibly taken from their families. Read more. 

Brian Leonard

September 22, 2023  Message to Members

Many of you are now in the rhythm of your year, and beginning to look up from some of the deep absorbing tasks that are crucial to your start-up. In our August 2023 Leading: Back to School publication, we provided our annual primer on the many regulations, standards, and policies that guide and direct your practice. This is a great time of year to review and save this document for future reference. Read more. 

Brian Leonard

Brian Leonard

School is Underway

Brian Leonard

New Challenges

As we all know, school start-up does not just happen magically. A smooth and successful start-up is the result of months of planning, attention to detail, and careful design. Read more.

Brian Leonard

August 25, 2023 Message to Members