Think back to a favourite outfit you had as a child. Maybe it was a cozy sweatshirt, a pair of runners … or even a pleather jacket with a hoodie covered in fake and oh-so-plush zebra fur! I’m sure all of us can recall an item that brought us a sense of joy, and made us stand taller and walk with extra confidence.
I remember the day one of my primary students came barrelling into my office to show off his newly acquired runners, backpack, and green ‘Hulkamania’ sweatsuit. He arrived at lightning speed, screeching to a halt and illuminating his light-up sneakers. Two fist pumps in the air reinforced the great strength he had recently acquired by way of his new outfit and backpack. He had a huge smile, and lit up the office with his joy!
What he wasn’t aware of was the source of his new outfit and backpack. In my home community, we are fortunate to have a local organization that provides what students need to make going to school a bit more manageable. Providing food cards, clothes, and entry fees to after-school programs is always done with absolute discretion, and very few people know the origin of the funds. But what we did see was the result of that support: a huge smile, an extra ‘pep in the step’ of a child, and new confidence and pride in the work of the day. We could tell that the weight of the world had been shifted, even for a short while.
We know that kids and families need support, and schools can be the central landing place for families. We also know how many people are coming into our schools to provide that support. From extra helpers in our breakfast program and field trip volunteers, to the folks who come in to help in the library, the list goes on and on.
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. We hope you will consider nominating a community partner for a 2024 BCPVPA Partnership Award.
Your Chapter can nominate an organization, business, or individual to celebrate their contribution to the success of your school and district. Recipients will be honoured at the 2024 Partnership Awards ceremony, which will be held the evening of Friday November 22 as part of our November Chapter Council meeting.
Nominations are open until Wednesday October 9, 2024. You can find the nomination form here, and you can meet past recipients of the awards here. If you have any questions, please contact sandra@bcpvpa.bc.ca.
Submitting a nomination may seem like ‘one more thing’, but the pleasure of acknowledging a community partner is truly priceless. Having heard from many of you throughout the province, I know September has been busy and frenetic, and that you are working endlessly to make it all look seamless. It’s tough work, and it is so appreciated!
Enjoy the weekend and stay in touch. Take good care of yourselves and one another.