As I flew into Prince George in the dark of night, I looked out the window of our small Dash 8 and, deep in the depths of the boreal forest, I spotted a light. Here, a person has found their solitude: their ‘cabin in the woods’. What I came to learn on my journey was that more than a few people have sought out and found their own peace and serenity in the outlying areas of this education-focused community that works hard to ensure a sense of belonging for students and families.
Prince George is a city of contrasts, a place both urban and rural with a diverse population rooted in a traditional resource-based economy, and now raising the interest of international investors in the clean energy sector. In its northern central position in the province, Prince George is also the hub for the transportation of manufactured items from the Asia Pacific to regions in BC and beyond. The Indigenous population makes up about 15% of the community, and there is a strong and growing representation of people with South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern and other cultural roots contributing to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Above the downtown, on brow of the hill, stands the dual track school École College Heights Elementary. Principal Kelly Johansen greeted me with a warm smile, and talked to me about the school’s mission and deep belief that high expectations and caring compassion help to create citizens in a community. We had a quick tour that was halted for a ‘code red’ – a bloody nose that required Kelly’s care.
My next stop was D.P. Todd Secondary, a school with architecture that reflects the original 1970s build date. It is a great school community that is thoughtful about serving the needs of the students and staff in a forward thinking and inclusive manner. The school continues to ask the important questions, “Who are we?” and, “Whom do we serve?” in responding to these questions, they define the policies and practices that reflect their diverse community.
I traveled next to Harwin Elementary, a school of approximately 300 students in grades K-7. L’Donna Lynds has recently stepped in as Principal, and is leading the school with care, understanding, and great experience drawn from her years of working in alternate education and remote communities.
A highlight of my visit was the welcome to the combined admin meeting. The district, led by Superintendent Jameel Aziz (a former BCPVPA President), co-plans joint leadership meetings with the Prince George administrators. That day’s agenda featured the opportunity to explore the BCPVPA leadership competency, Growing the Capacity of Self and Others. Three Principals highlighted initiatives at their schools that are reflective of their work in this competency. From Peden Hill Elementary, Harmen Kailay highlighted their work in numeracy following completion of the context review, “who are we”. Tracy Baldridge of Springwood Elementary shared the work they are doing using DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) data to inform practice. Randy Halpape of Prince George Secondary presented on instructional strategies and school initiatives that allowed the school to improve graduation rates and outcomes for students.
Prince George’s leadership team is thoughtfully defining policies and practices as they continue to both characterize who they are and represent their diverse community. They recognize that a strong education system coupled with a sense of belonging are key drivers in shaping the future for all learners in the region.
It was a privilege to have this experience in Prince George, and that ‘cabin in the woods’ will call to me for a long time.
And onwards we grow.