This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) on the Sechelt Peninsula to meet with the incredible admin group there. Madeira Park Elementary, headed by Principal Nicole Zilkie and her tight-knit team, is a beautiful school tucked right in the heart of the community. The school is experiencing a surge in population: many families are moving here seeking a lifestyle balance, and discovering that the need for human connection can be fulfilled in smaller communities in beautiful rural parts of the province.
Twenty minutes down the road, Principal Olwen Cowan toured me around her bustling and ever-expanding Sechelt school, located on the unceded territory of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation. I could feel the vibrancy and effervescence in the air the moment I stepped through the doorway. The school has great indoor and outdoor spaces, and I was particularly thrilled to spend time outside at recess with the kiddies! A particular highlight of the visit was meeting the resident labrador, Marvel, who attends grade 4!
Roberts Creek is picturesque, and the community evokes your favourite Hallmark movie. Roberts Creek Elementary is a large and beautiful school set amidst stunning natural surroundings and led by Principal Duncan Knight. Students often enjoy outside learning, as they are within walking distance of the forest, creeks, and ocean.
When I met with the entire admin team, I was impressed by their connection with, and support for, one another. As I traveled to this striking part of our province, I was reminded of the diverse landscapes — not just physical, but educational — that make up our collective work as leaders. We discussed the unique opportunities and challenges they navigate, from supporting rural schools to fostering Indigenous partnerships, and the innovative strategies they are employing to ensure student success. I will be forever grateful to Kerry Mahlman, District Principal of Indigenous Education, as she shared some remarkable history of the area as well as relating the work that is happening to improve outcomes for Indigenous students. I was interested to hear that SD46 not only has on-par graduation rates for Indigenous students, but that they are fully grounded in ensuring that all students graduate with dignity, purpose, and options, and can see a clear pathway to trades, or colleges and universities.
While my life can feel like a whirlwind at times, what is clear is that these visits are a reminder of the powerful importance of connection. The SD46 team is connected and strong, dynamic and supportive of one another. As Principals and Vice-Principals, we often focus on the day-to-day demands of our roles, and sometimes need the nudge to step outside our usual contexts and share experiences with colleagues.
Another opportunity for connection is upon us, as we come together at Chapter Council on Friday and Saturday. This vital space for collaboration draws leaders from every corner of BC to share their voices and inform the work of our Association. It is a chance to reflect on the challenges we face collectively, and to celebrate the successes that unite us.
The conversations we will have this weekend demonstrate the strength that comes from shared leadership. Whether we are discussing professional development, advocacy, or the well-being of our members, our work is shaped by the perspectives and experiences that each of you brings. Your voices ensure that the BCPVPA continues to be a responsive and forward-thinking Association, and I am so grateful for your contributions.
As we approach the end of November, I encourage you to reflect on the connections that sustain you in your own leadership journey. Who are the colleagues who inspire and challenge you? What networks support your growth as a leader? These relationships are the foundation of our collective success, and nurturing them is critical as we navigate the complexities of educational leadership. I have a core group of friend-colleagues, and we call each other up, text, and connect both at work and outside of work. Human beings are wired for connection. We need it. We thrive upon it. If the pandemic taught us anything (and it taught us a lot), it’s that we weren’t meant to do this alone.
At its heart, our work is about people — our students, staff, and communities — and the connections we build with them. Of equal importance, it is about supporting each other as leaders. This week, I invite you to think about how we can continue to strengthen these connections, whether by reaching out to a colleague, sharing your experiences at Chapter Council, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the partnerships that make a difference in your schools and beyond. I would love to hear what you think: you can email me, or connect with me on Instagram at @bcpvpapresident.
I am grateful for the opportunity to peek into the work of SD46 on the Sunshine Coast, and to meet the people who stand as pillars in their communities, doing the hard work and having the hard conversations while keeping our students at the center. It is an absolute privilege to see this in action.
If I don’t see you at Chapter Council, I hope to see you in your district, serving on a committee, or even for coffee. I’d love to connect, so reach out anytime!
And onwards we grow,