I have been visiting members in their Chapters over the past few weeks: stay tuned for upcoming reports! Today, I am pleased to share a snapshot of my time with members in School District No. 68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith).

Located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As, and Stz’uminus First Nations, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) serves the central coastal region of Vancouver Island. NLPS is a large district, serving more than 15,000 students across 28 elementary schools and six secondary schools. During my time there, I was struck by three key themes: innovative learning approaches, community and Indigenous partnerships, and thoughtful system-wide preparation for future challenges.

Quam Quwum Stuwixwulh School – often referred to as Quam Quam Elementary – is an innovative Indigenous language immersion school that opened in 2019 as a federally and provincially funded place of learning, aimed at integrating Indigenous cultural values and language into the education system. The building is beautiful and bright, warm and welcoming, unique and inviting. Principal Shawn Walsh shared the school’s history, including the collaboration involved in developing a shared decision-making process, integrating curriculum and teacher training, balancing educational standards with cultural authenticity, and overcoming various administrative and logistical hurdles. With a keen eye on the school’s purpose and values, and with deep care, compassion, and community knowledge, Shawn is leading the school with humility and confidence. I am excited to watch this school continue to grow and thrive!

I traveled with Lisa Frey, Principal of Cilaire Elementary, and President of the Nanaimo School Administrators’ Association, to our second stop: Forest Park Elementary, led by Principal David Cooper and Vice-Principal Ashley Clackson. This community‐oriented elementary school is dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. With strong connections to the local community, an innovative learning environment, and curriculum that weaves in cultural and environmental studies, Forest Park Elementary fosters an atmosphere in which every child is encouraged to reach their full potential.

The final stop on the tour was Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS), one of Nanaimo’s  public high schools serving Grade 8 – 12 students. NDSS is known for its broad range of academic and extracurricular programs, including four sports academies, career and technical education, and numerous opportunities for student leadership and engagement. As a senior school in the district, NDSS plays an important role in the local community by engaging with parents, local organizations, and alumni to create a supportive network for student success. I met Principal Ricki Bartlett – along with Vice-Principals Stacy Aitken and Elena Kemp – at the end of their day, following their time-tabling training session. Vice-Principal Jeff Hasenauer also joined us to share the history of the school, which proudly stands just as it did in 1952. It was humbling to reflect upon the many students who had walked the halls over those 73 years!

Throughout my visit, I was impressed by the strategic vision demonstrated by the district’s leadership, with a dedication to balancing heritage, innovation, and sustainability, while focusing on academic excellence, inclusivity, and continuous growth. Under the guidance of Superintendent Robyn Gray, NLPS is proactively addressing current challenges and preparing for future needs. Robyn’s leadership ensures that the district not only prioritizes innovative learning and strong community partnerships, but also remains deeply committed to honouring Indigenous cultures and meeting the diverse needs of its students.

Reflecting on my time in the district, I remain inspired by the collaborative efforts of these passionate educators and school leaders, and their supportive and collaborative community partners, who are paving the way for a brighter future for every student in NLPS.