School Year 2024-2025
Dr. Shannon Behan shares perspectives on education and leadership in these messages to BCPVPA members.
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August 23, 2024
A heartfelt welcome back to each and every one of you, our educational leaders in every corner of the province! Your dedication and passion for education makes a profound difference in the lives of our students, families, and communities.
August 30, 2024
To those of you who are new, what you may be dealing with most is that you don’t know what you don’t know. Perhaps you find yourself with more questions than answers. If there are contentious issues between staff, how will you problem solve?
September 6, 2024
Entry to kindergarten has changed since the times of my child, and the gradual entry process – although tough on care-givers – offers children and families a gentler transition into school.
September 13, 2024
British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia are the only Canadian jurisdictions where school leaders are not members of the provincial teachers’ unions. I think you will agree, by the merit of your own experiences and opportunities, that our work in BC can include layers of complexity that might be very different than the same work and role complexity in other provinces .
September 20, 2024
The BCPVPA recognizes that it takes entire communities to raise our children and support our families. We also know how many organizations, businesses, and individuals do so much without seeking recognition. We encourage you to think about the community partners who have made contributions over an extended period of time, and the impact they have on the lives of your students and their families
September 27, 2024
As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair said, “Education has gotten us into this mess, and education will get us out.” Schools have a vital role in raising awareness and understanding among students, staff, and our communities about the history and impact of residential schools. Principals and Vice-Principals have the opportunity to guide this work and forever impact the lives of students.
October 4, 2024
In 2020, the BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association began the process of revising our foundational documents through the lens of equity. Following a deep and dynamic process, we embraced our Equity Theory of Change which outlines the core values that form the foundation of our work.
October 11, 2024
In this week's column, Shannon focuses on the Chilliwack School District’s commitment to building a learning community that embraces diversity and fosters systemic change.
October 18, 2024
One experience I related in the most recent Principl(ed) Podcast was the day when three SWAT teams landed on our school field, all within a one-hour period.
November 15, 2024
Our President was in Ottawa this week, meeting with school leaders from across the country. Read her reflections about Remembrance Day in the capital, and how we are all connected.
November 22, 2024
Our President recently visited School District 46 (Sunshine Coast), and writes about the importance of connection and strength of shared leadership.
November 29, 2024
Partnerships are one of the keys for success in the field of education. The BCPVPA always looks to build connections and is looking forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry after Lisa Beare's appointment.
December 6, 2024
Our President writes about her visit to schools in SD73 Kamloops, and their forward-thinking approach to cultivating leadership in that community.
December 13, 2024
In her last column of 2024, our President the different " eras " in the work of school leaders, and the importance of taking care of yourself and collecting with your colleagues and loved ones.
January 10, 2025
As the year begins, our President welcomes you with a message about looking at the year ahead and remembering to take care of our mental health .
January 17, 2025
Our President recently visited the New Westminster School District. In her President's Message, she writes about the district's journey of managing growth and its motivated staff and leaders.
January 24, 2025
Our President reflects on the importance of a Principal to listen to their staff and community and looks at ways of creating space for collaborative input in your team.
January 31, 2025
In this week's column, Dr. Shannon Behan writes about navigating change – both personally and professionally – when there are shifts in senior leadership.
February 7, 2025
School District 72 (Campbell River) is situated on a vast and stunning landscape on Vancouver Island, and serves approximately 6,000 students with 700 staff. Campbell River and Quadra Island schools. R esilience, dedication, and a sense of community permeates every school.
February 14, 2025
BCPVPA President Dr. Shannon Behan writes about the importance of building a resilient team, especially when navigating difficult moments.
February 21, 2025
Dr. Shannon Behan recently visited the Surrey School District, and writes about the deep commitment to students and the strong sense of community she found there.
February 28, 2025
President Dr. Shannon Behan shares a snapshot of her recent visit to School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith), and their deep commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures and meeting the diverse needs of students.
March 7, 2025
BCPVPA President Dr. Shannon Behan visited with members from the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) and shares her reflections on the importance of building culture as the core of our work.
March 14, 2025
Our President Dr. Shannon Behan writes about the opportunity for members to step forward as a Board candidate and make a difference for our Association.
April 4, 2025
President Dr. Shannon Behan recently visited Prince George. A school district with a lea dership team that thoughtfully defines policies and practices that characterize and represent their diverse community .
April 11, 2025
President Dr. Shannon Behan recently visited various schools in the Vernon School District George, SD 22. She reflects on how this school district has put in place systems that both support the development of administrators, and empower them to lead with confidence and vision.
April 17, 2025
The BCPVPA Board of Directors recently had a busy but extremely productive visit to BC’s beautiful capital, and left feeling energized and excited about the work ahead of us.
April 25, 2025
The BC Ministry of Education and Child Care’s recently released Racism Response Guidelines are a critical step forward in supporting schools in responding to issues of racial harm, and the BCPVCPA and our members are very grateful to the Ministry and all of those who contributed to this guide.
May 2, 2025
BCPVPA President Shannon Behan took the ferry and visited three school districts recently. From a district with a four-day workweek, to a District Principal who travels between schools in a boat and more, learn about her recent travels here .
May 9, 2025
After attending the Ministry of Education and Child Care's Mental Health in Schools Conference recently, Dr. Shannon Behan shares an important message about mental health for administrators and everyone at schools as we race towards the end of the school year. Read the article here .
May 16, 2025
This week's President's Message explores what it means to finish off the year well, both for school leaders and for the people in their schools.
May 23, 2025
Our President recently participated in annual Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) Conference in Winnipeg. She connected with and learned from school leaders from across Canada, being surprised by the similarities of their work despite the different contexts. Read the article here .
May 30, 2025
Dr. Shannon Behan reflects on her visit to Nisga'a and how school leaders respond to challenges in remote school communities. Read the article here .
June 6, 2025
Dr. Shannon Behan compares the end of the school year with a challenging multi-day hike across a trail. Her message is that June is the time to pace yourself, to reflect, and to acknowledge how far you have come. Read the article here .
June 13, 2025
Dr. Shannon Behan recently attended ULEAD, meeting with school leaders from across the world. They reflected on the idea that leaders also need leaders, and what they need in those leaders.
June 20, 2025
In the last President's Perspective of the school year, Dr. Shannon Behan sends a reminder that summer is your time for well-earned rest!