A Local Project and an International Perspective
October 6, 2023 Message to Members
Greetings colleagues,
Last April, I had the pleasure of visiting schools in SD48 (Sea-to-Sky). At St’a7mes School in Squamish, Principal Alysa Patching described how the mostly Indigenous students in her school were able to experience and participate 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. It was a proud moment for the children of the Squamish Nation, who celebrated with members of the community as the pole they helped to create was blessed and dedicated. On your next visit up the Sea-to-Sky highway, take a moment to stretch your legs and view this important cultural artifact that was created in the neighborhood school.
I am looking forward to continuing my Chapter visits with members this fall, and sharing the great initiatives that are taking place in your communities, so please contact sharon@bcpvpa.bc.ca if you would like to discuss a booking.
In an upcoming column, I will update you on my recent experience at the International Confederation of Principals conference which just took place in Rovaniemi, Finland (in Lapland on the Arctic Circle). It was enlightening to hear about the common challenges of school leadership from around the world, and to celebrate stories of inspiration about leaders helping to shape the experiences and perspectives of today’s youth. We also heard from students from Finland and, thanks to technology, the voices of students from different parts of the globe. There is much to process following a meeting with our international counterparts, and I am eager to share that learning with you soon
Brian
Bleonard@bcpvpa.bc.ca