The Latin root of the word courage is “cor”, which means heart. To act with courage is to act from one’s values, and to step forward with intention, even when the path may be uncertain.

“Courageous” is a fitting descriptor for the outstanding candidates who have put their names forward to serve as Directors on the Board of the BCPVPA.

Before anything else, I will begin with gratitude. Thank you to:

Jackie Borosa, Vice-Principal - SD64 (Gulf Islands)
Liliane de Oliveira, Principal - SD41 (Burnaby)
Sarah Garr, Principal - SD61 (Greater Victoria)
Iram Khan, Principal - SD43 (Coquitlam)
Paul Marsden, Principal - SD36 (Surrey)
Riley McMitchell, Principal - SD39 (Vancouver)
Navshina Savory, District Principal - SD38 (Richmond)
Dennis Tjernagel, Principal - SD34 (Abbotsford)
Bryn Williams, Principal - SD43 (Coquitlam)

In a time when the work of school leadership feels increasingly complex, visible, and demanding, stepping forward to serve beyond your own school community is no small act. You are offering your time, energy, and care for something larger than yourself. Larger than your school. 

And for those of you reading this, perhaps in a quiet moment at the end of a long day or over the weekend, this is where our story continues.

The work of our Association does not begin with ballots or timelines. It begins with people, with the leaders we serve and support across this province. And at moments like this, it is shaped by colleagues who step forward, raise their hands and say, I want to help shape what comes next.

When we look at the history of our Association, it is clear that it has always been guided by vision and thoughtful leadership. Today, as an Association of more than 2,700 members, we are united by a shared understanding of the intensity and importance of our work, and by a collective commitment to what matters most: a respected voice in education, employment equity, meaningful supports for health and well-being, and a continued focus on leadership development. At the foundation is our commitment to equity, reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion. Ultimately, our work leads to improved outcomes for students in every corner of British Columbia.

And now, it is our turn to be part of that collective commitment.

It is time to read the candidates’ statements. To listen to their perspectives. To become informed. And to cast your vote.

Voting for Directors is one of the most important ways we, as members, shape the direction of our Association. Each vote contributes to the collective voice that will guide our advocacy, our professional learning, and our priorities in the years ahead.

Our Board of Directors carries significant responsibility. They hold the governance lens. They ask the hard questions. They ensure that our work remains aligned with our mission: to support effective leadership in education through representation, advocacy, and leadership development.

And, in harmony with that, they represent you: your context, your challenges, and your hopes for the future of school leadership in British Columbia, in Canada, and across the globe.

Your vote matters.

In a profession grounded in relationships and collective responsibility, participation is active, intentional, and essential.

When you take the time to consider the candidates and cast your vote, you are doing more than selecting individuals. You are helping to shape the conditions in which we all lead.

So, this week, I invite you to take that step.

Read. Reflect. Vote.

And once again, to Jackie, Liliane, Sarah, Iram, Paul, Riley, Navshina, Dennis, and Bryn, thank you. We value your leadership, your courage, and your willingness to serve.

Because in the end, our work is about more than any one of us. It is about the strength of the collective, and the future we are building together.

Onwards,
Shannon

Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca