THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - Brian Leonard
February 9, 2024


Networking, Collaborating, and Lots of Learning


Greetings Colleagues,

In last week’s column, I noted how our collective calendars are brimming with meetings this time of year, as government, the Ministry, district offices, and schools endeavour to maximize progress on their goals and objectives during peak learning time, and prior to the March break.

This is also the peak time for our Association’s Advisory Committee meetings, where members from across the province join with representatives from our senior staff and Board to provide their important perspective from the field, and their supportive and collaborative advice to the Board. 

Just three weekends ago – January 19 and 20 – the members who sit on our Board of Directors met to discuss progress under the objectives of our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, reviewed the timeline for the balance of the year, and established the preliminary calendar for the year ahead.

On January 26 and 27 the members who sit on the Contract Advisory Committee (CAC) and Contract Chairs gathered for meetings in Vancouver.


CAC and Contract Chairs met in Vancouver

Most recently, the members who are part of our Professional Learning and Development Advisory Committee (PLD) met the morning of February 4, followed by a PLD representatives meeting Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. At the advisory meeting, under the careful guidance of our PLD Directors, Andrea McComb and Peter Johnston, and ably supported by PLD Coordinator, Nick Faulkner, participants provided advice to the Board and feedback to the PLD team on current programming and future planning. The discussions in the representatives’ meeting were deep and engaging, and invited input on the forthcoming Leadership Competencies. We once again welcomed Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Dr. David Burns to lead the workshop and to challenge the thinking of participants in a humorous and thoughtful way. 

The forthcoming Competencies will support our Association and our members in achieving our newest Strategic Plan goal, REDI CHAMPION, which states: BCPVPA leads and champions Truth and Reconciliation, diversity, cultural competency, and equitable opportunities to ensure a safe and inclusive educational community. It is an exciting time to be in education with much promise for the weeks, months, and years ahead.


Members engaging in discussion
at the February PLD Meeting




Dr. David Burns presenting at the
February PLD Meeting

During this time period, the members who are part of the Indigenous Leadership Advisory Committee (ILAC) met for a rich and full day of connection on January 22, and the members of our Ad Hoc Anti-Racism Committee will gather for a meeting in Vancouver on February 12.

Our week ends with our Thursday Board of Directors meeting, and this afternoon’s IDEAS Forum, followed by our Chapter Council meeting with Chapter Presidents and representatives tonight and Saturday. We look forward to presentations from two of our partner organizations, updates from our senior staff, and an in-depth presentation from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

All this connection, and we are not yet halfway through February! 

At all of our member gatherings, the level of engagement is amazing. Our visiting guests and session facilitators often comment that Principals and Vice-Principals are true professionals with 110% engagement, timely and relevant advice, and remarkable feedback and focus, considering their busy lives and significant workloads. From the executive level at the Ministry of Education and Child Care, to the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, people are impressed by our members’ commitment.

A benefit of membership in the Association is the many opportunities available – large and small, both in-person and virtually – for networking and collaborating. Our members’ thirst for learning and connection continually inspires us! Great work folks, and thank you for your leadership.

Have a great weekend,

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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.

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