We would like to announce that Elizabeth Bell will retire from the BCPVPA on November 1, 2021 after five and a half years as a Director of Professional Learning and Development. Prior to BCPVPA, Elizabeth was a secondary educator and administrator in the North Vancouver School District for 25 years, where her passion for building a thriving learning community extended to her work with students, staff, parents and the community at large.   

This same passion continued for Elizabeth as she endeavoured to enrich school leadership through her work at the BCPVPA. Elizabeth always enjoyed sharing conversations about professional learning and educational leadership with her colleagues across the province and beyond. Through inspiring new ideas, creating professional learning networks and providing leadership opportunities, Elizabeth delighted in supporting school leadership development.

Through October, Liz will continue to support the transition at BCPVPA to new PLD Directors Andrea McComb and Peter Johnston as they assume the reigns of current and future PLD programs and activities.

We will miss Elizabeth greatly, and wish her all the best as she embarks on her next stage of learning and living including time with family, travel, and life in the great outdoors.

The BCPVPA is a member of the WorkSafeBC K-12 Advisory Committee, including it's sub-committee the Violence Prevention Working Group. The work of the committee has been shared by it's members and WorkSafeBC this past week. To see our Member Update from September 16, 2021, please click here.

Please take a moment to watch the video the committee produced regarding violence in the workplace.

Our annual Leading: Back to School digital magazine includes articles from your colleagues, BCPVPA staff, and other educators and experts. Read this week’s featured articles:

Orange Shirt Day
On September 30, we observe Orange Shirt Day. It’s a time for meaningful discussions about the inter-generational trauma caused by Residential ‘Schools’, and to have conversations about how we can decolonize and create pathways to reconciliation. Find out how your school can participate through activities and resources for educators. 

Supporting Mental Health During Back to School
On top of the typical back to school nerves, fall 2021 brings additional anxieties. Students are dealing with more mental strain, as COVID-19 amplifies social stressors and existing mental health conditions. The Foundry helps students and educators with resources, tools, guides, and counselling services for youth (12-24).

Making your Professional Health and Well-being a Priority
humanworks President & Founder Jack MacNeill reminds us that no-one is immune to struggles with mental health; it's precisely why BCPVPA & humanworks created the Early Intervention Program. The EIP can help members address wellness concerns & find a sustainable way to return to work.

Visit the BCPVPA Member Portal

To set up your password, follow the simple instructions sent in the August 31 Member Update, and log in anytime via the Sign In option on our website.

What will you find in the Member Portal? Check out the overview, and we’ll bring you highlights each week in eNews as we continue to add content to the site.

This week’s highlight: BCPVPA Documents under the Resources tile is your one-stop-shop for materials that include our Codes & Constitutions, Strategic Plan, Annual Reports and Leadership Guides, along with documents related to our negotiation representation initiative. 

Visit the Member Portal, and let us know what you think: sandra@bcpvpa.bc.ca

In episode 13, host Chris Horton shares his live conversation with BC Vice-Principals Katie Marren and Holly Zurak, recorded at BCPVPA’s 2021 Essentials for Aspiring School Leaders. As a Principal or Vice-Principal, how do you represent your core values in your school leadership?

Listen on  iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more! Link to your favourite platform here.

The Principl(ed) Podcast is a made-in-Canada monthly series that connects with BC school Principals and Vice-Principals who are working everywhere in the province, from the smallest rural schools to the bustling urban centres. 

Thank you again to the more than 1,000 BCPVPA members who completed the Thriving in Education Survey in May. Look for updates this fall, and an article by Rochelle Morandini, BCPVPA Director of Member Health and Well-Being, in the November issue of Principl(ed) magazine.

The BCPVPA requests expressions of interest from current BCPVPA members to plan Essentials for New School Leaders (Formerly called Short Course I)  

ENSL is a grounded experience with the BCPVPA Standards and Planning Guide to support newly appointed Principals and Vice-Principals in their new roles. The committee discusses and plans: the structure, delivery, theme, keynote speakers and breakout sessions for the program.  

The tentative meeting dates are: 

• October 27, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 
  
• January 26, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 
• April 20, 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Applications due October 8, 2021 

Apply

The BCPVPA Leadership Planning Guide is responsive to and reflective of current organizational practices. Much of the guide relates directly to responsibilities found in the School Act and Regulation, the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Fire Safety Act and other statutes, Ministerial orders, and policy documents.  

This review will include a focused look through the lens of equity. Each revision is undertaken by a committee of practicing Principals and Vice-Principals, and we invite you to apply to be part of the review team.  

The tentative meeting dates are: 

• November 3, 8:00 am - 10:00am 
  
• December 1, 8:00 am - 10:00am 
• January 12, 8:00 am - 10:00am 
• February 2, 8:00 am - 10:00am 

Applications due October 8, 2021 

Apply

The BCPVPA Leadership Standards were first established in 2007 and they have been continually reviewed and revised to stay current and relevant. This review will include a focused look through the lens of equity. Each revision is undertaken by a committee of practicing Principals and Vice-Principals, and we invite you to apply to be part of the review team. 

The tentative meeting dates are:

• November 4, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 
  
• December 2, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 
• January 13, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 
• February 3, 8:00 am - 10:00 am 

Applications due October 8, 2021

Apply

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