This week, as we welcome members from across the province to IDEAS and February Chapter Council, this anthem from Liverpool Football Club feels especially true. In moments of complexity, uncertainty, or pressure, our commitment is simple and unwavering: you are not alone. Despite the fact that many of us can feel isolated in our schools, your district leadership, staff, and colleagues stand with you, support you in your challenges, and celebrate your victories!
Advocacy in Action
For the BCPVPA, member advocacy is a core responsibility of the Board of Directors, and a key objective under the Respected Voice goal within our Strategic Plan, to:
- Engage with policymakers, government officials, other educational partners and the public to foster an understanding of the work of the BCPVPA and the importance of strong leadership in education.
And, to:
- Develop an advocacy strategy to effectively communicate the needs, concerns, and aspirations of Principals and Vice-Principals to key partners.
Over the past year, the Board has focused on this responsibility through a number of concrete initiatives:
- Direct engagement with the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC):
The Board regularly invites Ministry staff, including Minister Lisa Beare, to Board and Chapter Council meetings. These invitations create important opportunities to share issues directly and ensure Ministry decision-makers hear, firsthand, the lived experiences of Principals and Vice-Principals. Recent discussions have centered around Child Care in Schools, Violence in Schools, and other emerging system priorities. - Member focus groups with MECC staff:
Beginning in 2025, the Association organized focus groups on topics that included School Food Programs, Child Care in Schools, Anti-Racism Initiatives, and Counsellors in Schools. These sessions fostered meaningful, face-to-face dialogue between members and Ministry staff on issues that directly impact schools and educational leaders. Additional focus groups are planned in the year ahead. - Violence and Trauma in the Workplace – follow-up and action:
Following the 2024 survey, the Board shared results with senior Ministry staff and requested further dialogue. The Ministry committed to working alongside the Association to examine the issue more deeply and to provide resources and support. This week’s IDEAS sessions with Associate Deputy Minister Jennifer McCrea, and Executive Director Danielle Carter-Sullivan of Early Learning, Mental Health and Student Safety, are part of that ongoing commitment. - Exempt Compensation advocacy:
The Association now holds two seats on the BCPSEA Exempt Compensation Provincial Working Group, ensuring Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ voices are represented in discussions about compensation. In addition, we are represented on a subcommittee reviewing the PVP salary grid, exploring solutions to regional challenges, and advocating for fair and equitable structures. - Contract support:
Through our Member Support Services staff, the Association continues to work directly with contract teams across the province to support advocacy for fair and equitable terms and conditions of employment.
Labour Disruption: Staying Informed, Staying Connected
The Board understands that labour disruption, even as a possibility, can be stressful for school leaders. Staff are closely monitoring bargaining between BCPSEA and the BCTF to keep both the Board and members informed as new information becomes available.
Many of you will have received the Labour Disruption Guidelines and accompanying key messages shared in January; this Member Update can be found in the Member News tab in My BCPVPA. It is our understanding that bargaining remains active at this time, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. Should circumstances change, we will do everything possible to support you — through communications with your Chapter Presidents and direct communication with members.
Whether you will spend the day in your home community, or have traveled to join us in Vancouver for Chapter Council, may we hold onto that shared truth: You’ll never walk alone. We are here to listen, to identify problems you are experiencing, and to help create the best possible professional environment for you to do what matters most: support students and families in your school communities.
Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca