BCPVPA | BC Principals and Vice Principals

Brian Heads North: First to North Vancouver, then Farther North to the Cariboo!

As a building Principal, I used to remind my staff that the period between the winter holiday and spring break is like the meat in the sandwich – a peak learning time! The fall term centres on relationships, review, and routines, while the spring term is about the sprint to June and – like the weather – can be filled with all kinds of learning distractions. It is the winter term where teachers typically see the most growth and development in student learning. Even in semester schools, the transition from Semester One to Semester Two can be packed with optimum learning. It’s a great reminder that this is the time to help your teachers maintain focus and optimize this growth period.

Here in the BCPVPA office, the return from winter break was like a plane taxiing to the runway, with the engines firing on, that brief roll to start, and a very rapid gain in speed and momentum. We are now – literally! – airborne, and I am happily juggling meetings here in Vancouver with Chapter visits around the province.

Before I left for the Cariboo last week, I had a whirlwind tour of several SD 44 (North Vancouver) schools. Special thanks to Chapter President, Rick Chan, Principal-Westview Elementary, and Argyle Secondary Principal, Kim Jonat, as in just over 2 hours, we managed to visit four schools:

· Westview Elementary – Principal Rick Chan, VP Bruce Sled

· Mountainside Secondary – Principal Lucas King, VP Jennifer Tieche & District P of Inclusive Education Amelia Poitras

· Larson Elementary – Principal Dean Yeo, VP Cathy Jefferson

· Argyle Secondary – Principal Kim Jonat, VPs John Crowley & Laura Ames

· And, a touch-down at the Education Services Centre, where I met many of the District Principals and Vice-Principals who support schools, including:

o Greg Hockley – District Principal, Careers, Curriculum & Assessment - Secondary

o Sandra Singh – District Principal, Curriculum & Assessment - Elementary

o Allison Kerr – District Principal of Arts Education & Director, Artists for Kids

o Daylen Luchsinger – District Vice Principal, Arts Education

The tour ended in the Argyle Library with a well-attended Chapter meeting, where I co-presented with Magdalena Kassis, Director of Member Support Services, about how the BCPVPA supports members. The evening ended with a lovely dinner with the NOVA (North Vancouver Administrators) Executive in the Shipyards District at the Quay. While I didn’t snap any photos, I hope to return to capture a few ‘Selfies with NOVA’.

After our January 13 and 14 Board of Directors meetings, I began my winter tour of the Cariboo on January 16, touching down in Prince George and then heading off to Quesnel and Williams Lake. Thankfully, residents of the Interior are experiencing a mild January this year, and this certainly made my road travel quite easy.

Brian in Prince George

Brian with Chapter President Corry Climenhage

SD 28 (Quesnel) Chapter President, Corry Climenhage, organized the Highlights of Quesnel Schools Tour where I met this small and tight-knit group of dedicated and enthusiastic individuals. Thanks to Corry’s plan, I managed to visit five schools throughout the day. We wrapped with a Chapter meeting and meal, where I presented highlights of the provincial scene, answered questions, and generally shared how the BCPVPA, a member-driven organization, supports members’ needs.

Brian with Chapter Co-President – Jan Bauer

With VP-Shane Mummery

My road trip continued to SD 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin), based in Williams Lake where Chapter President, Yvonne Davis arranged a schedule of school visits. While I wasn’t able to visit an out-of-town school, I was still able to experience the flavour of the district, and it was wonderful to end with a lovely dinner with the Chapter Executive.

Brian with Chapter Pres. Yvonne Davis

SD 27 – Chapter Executive (From L to R):
Curt Levens, Ty Lytton, Holly Zurak, Yvonne Davis, Brian, Craig Munroe,
Hattie Darney, Crystal-Dawn Langton, Kelly Glen

Brian with President Kelly Glen

Brian with President Matt Cullum

Brian with VP-Tess Riley

Even with an overnight snowfall, I was able to return to Prince George, squeeze in a quick visit with Board Director Sid Jawanda at Duchess Park Secondary, and climb into the last seat on a planeload of fans flying to Vancouver for a Canucks double-header weekend.

Brian with Julie Pearce

Brian with John White

That short flight home gave me some time to reflect on my visits with our members, and on an unexpected moment from the trip. While geographically we are spread over vast distances, education in BC is really a small community. This was brought home to me when, over a meal in Williams Lake in the middle of January, I spotted at the next table my retired former Coquitlam (and Vancouver) Assistant Superintendent; Julie Pearce, retired Burnaby Director of Instruction John White (who also taught me at Langley Secondary School, a lifetime ago); and DeDe DeRose, BC’s first Superintendent of Aboriginal Achievement. They were enjoying a meal together with the other members of a visiting Ministry team. A small world, indeed!

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Book Your Chapter Visit!

Brian Leonard's travel schedule for the early spring is filling up quickly! Brian is eager to travel to as many Chapters as possible over the months ahead to June 2023, and can start booking as well for early fall 2023.

Brian is looking forward to connecting with your Chapter: to discuss a booking, please contact Sharon North.

New Address? New School? New Role?

Have you had a workplace change, or moved your home? Thank you for advising Membership Services if you have a new address, school or role!

Custom Learning

Did you know: The BCPVPA Professional Learning and Development department customizes their programs to meet your local Chapter needs. For many districts, we are delivering workshops in person, after school, over three to five sessions. You can pick the leadership topic!

To design your district’s customized professional learning, visit bcpvpa.org > My BCPVPA > PLD Tile and at the bottom of the page, select Submit a request.

ReFresh: Recess for Your Health

Read this week's ReFresh: Five Tips to Health

ReFresh is a BCPVPA health resource with simple exercises and information for our busy members and friends. ReFresh is written by Rochelle Morandini, Director of Member Health and Well-Being, and is available each week as an eNews column. Beginning February 1, ReFresh will also be delivered right to your mailbox every Wednesday.

Contact Rochelle directly to discuss any of the topics highlighted in ReFresh: rochelle@bcpvpa.bc.ca.

You can find all ReFresh posts, from October 2020 to the present, archived here.

BCPVPA Student Scholarships

Each year, the BCPVPA awards scholarships to up to 20 students who are graduating from the BC public school system and proceeding to post-secondary education. The successful applicants will be awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. This year, we are excited to offer this opportunity in the spring, to align with graduation and other scholarship application timelines.

All applicants will be judged on excellent achievement in courses taken and demonstrated leadership within the school and community.

• Up to 10 scholarships are reserved for the children of BCPVPA members.

• Up to 8 scholarships are awarded to other graduating students.

• Up to 2 scholarships will be awarded to Indigenous students.

Please encourage any potential applicants to apply by April 11th, 2023. Applicants will be notified in mid-May as to their application status.

Application Information

Application Form

Applicants who are pursuing education in trades, technical, and career fields, as well as those entering universities and colleges, are encouraged to apply

Register Now: 2023 BCPVPA IDEAS Forum

The BCPVPA is delighted to announce our annual celebration of learning, leadership and collaboration. The 2023 BCPVPA IDEAS Forum will be both a virtual and in-person event at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, and offers keynote speakers and storytellers.

February 10, 2023 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm

The BCPVPA invites your engagement and voice as we evolve our Leadership Standards through a Theory of Change. This event is free of charge, but registration is required and the in-person registration deadline is February 1.

Find out more

Register

BCPVPA New Member Orientation

Thursday February 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

If you are a newer BCPVPA member, and you were not able to attend our October 2022 orientation session, our team would love to meet you at our upcoming February session! Save the date: the registration link and more information will be available soon.

If you have any questions, please contact sandra@bcpvpa.bc.ca

2023 BCPVPA Partnership Awards: Nominations Open!

Community partners bring something special to a school. BCPVPA Chapters are invited to nominate individuals, organizations, and businesses who contribute their time, expertise, and passion to make a difference in the lives of BC students.

The 2023 BCPVPA Partnership Awards nominations are open until April 1, 2023.
Nomination Form

The BCPVPA Partnership Awards recognize and honour the valuable support provided to Principals, Vice-Principals, teachers and students by individuals and groups who have - over an extended period of time - shared their time, energy and expertise to support schools. The awards are an opportunity for BCPVPA Chapters to recognize and celebrate a group, organization, or individual who has had a positive impact on your local community and has offered ongoing, valuable support over the years.

Questions? Contact sandra@bcpvpa.bc.ca

Share Your Leader Life Story!

Are you a Principal or Vice-Principal who has a very young family?

In years past, school leaders often took on the role when their kids were older, but now many leaders have very young children. How do you create a sense of balance in your life between work and family?

We are looking for our members' perspective, and your own stories, for a future Principl(ed) magazine article. If you would like to be part of this collaborative article, please send an email to commsinfo@bcpvpa.bc.ca, and we will be in touch with you with more information.

Pension/Retirement Workshops

Virtual pension/retirement workshops are open for registration!

BCPVPA Retirement Seminars address questions around retirement-readiness, the specifics of the Teachers’ Pension Plan, and questions that you and your spouse or partner may have.

Upcoming dates are:

February 15
April 1
May 13

Registration and information.

Join us for Coffee Connections

Join BCPVPA President Brian Leonard, Board Directors, Executive Director, and BCPVPA senior staff to start your day with coffee and rich conversation.

Register in advance for WINTER 2023.

Feb 1, 2023 | How do you ensure Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing are integrated into curriculum and instruction?
Feb 15, 2023 | How do you set up collaborative teams, structures, and processes that support student learning?
Mar 1, 2023 | What are behaviors or habits you practice regularly to manage competing demands of your role with your well-being?

We hope that you can join us!

The Principl(ed) Podcast

Episode 21 features Principal Larry Ryan, who tells us about his journey from the start of his career working in youth support all the way to his current role as a high school principal in Coquitlam (SD43). In this conversation, our Host Chris Horton talks to Larry about his beliefs in community, persistence, and the value of being invitational.

The Principl(ed) Podcast with host Chris Horton 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.

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

Feature Articles

Read this week’s featured article from the November 2022 issue of Principl(ed) magazine:

Violence in the Workplace | Read the article

Do you know what to do when there is an event of violence in your school? This article illuminates what you need to know about your risk and responsibility in the role of Principal or Vice-Principal. We review how to prevent incidents and identify resources and policies that guide leaders as to what actions to take when instances of violence in the workplace occur.

BCPVPA Connects

Join BCPVPA Connects: powered by BetterEducate.

BCPVPA members can visit bcpvpaconnects.com and sign up for your free membership with the promo code BCPVPA123.

Click here for instructions on how to register.

My BCPVPA

My BCPVPA is our one-stop member portal where you will find news, archived member messages, contacts, resources, and so much more!

My BCPVPA is growing every day! If you can't find what you need, get in touch with us. Members who are part of the Board of Directors, Chapter Council, or a Standing Committee can access agendas and meeting information through their own group tiles.

Is there something you would like to see added to My BCPVPA? Contact commsinfo@bcpvpa.bc.ca.

Are you a first time user?

Click 'My BCPVPA' on bcpvpa.org and then select: 'Reset My Password'

humanworks Early Intervention Program

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a province wide professional support service provided by the BCPVPA at no cost to you and is completely voluntary and confidential.

The program supports BCPVPA Benefits Plan members experiencing health-related personal and/or professional challenges.

Find out more

Multipliers®: How the Best Leaders Ignite Everyone’s Intelligence

There’s far more intelligence and energy inside organizations than we realize. Leaders are key to unlocking these capabilities. FranklinCovey Education has partnered with Liz Wiseman to develop a new solution that enables school leaders to become Multipliers® who:

• Access and use the untapped capabilities on their school staffs.

• Rekindle energy and enthusiasm as school staffs achieve a greater impact.

• Innovate by encouraging new and bold thinking.

• Break through to new levels of engagement by amplifying people’s intelligence.

Multipliers® is brought you by Surrey Schools, BCPVPA, and the SPVPA.

Facilitated by Peter Johnston, Director of Professional Learning & Development, BCPVPA

We are inviting school leaders to join us at Surrey’s Resource and Education Center for two sessions on Wednesday March 29th, 2023 from 3:30pm to 6:00pm and Tuesday April 4, 2023 from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

Program Information

Surrey Principal and Vice Principal Association Members

Register here

All other BCPVPA Members

Register Here

Leading a Culture of Learning

Leading a Culture of Learning is a five-session program supporting leaders in building collaborative cultures that focus on learning.

In the first session, participants define themselves as leaders, grounding their vision in firmly held values and beliefs.
In the second session, participants explore theories of change, and develop their ability to craft questions for inquiry.
In the third session, participants understand the power of the story as they begin to define the learning journey for their school.
In the fourth session, participants are introduced to structures to support job-embedded learning.
In the fifth session, participants will explore ways of amplifying the capabilities of the people they lead.

Participants are supported as they learn how to have coaching conversations to plan, to reflect, and to problem solve.

Program Flyer
Register

Education OpEd

In this week’s blog, Charles Ungerleider addresses the block placed by New York City school officials on access to ChatGPT. Read his blog here:

Read the blogpost

Charles Ungerleider is a Professor Emeritus of Education at The University of British Columbia and Managing Partner at Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in the OpED articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of the BCPVPA

BCRPVPA Student Scholarships – Applications are Open

The B.C. Retired Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association have a scholarship opportunity for students with an approaching deadline of March 31st.

At the moment their website is being updated, and students will be able to apply online once this revised website is operational - commencing this February.

You are encouraged to check back in February for this updated website at bcrpvpa.ca

We look forward to reviewing this year’s applications.

Live It Earth

In partnership with Live It Earth, a Canadian hybrid-learning library, the BCSPCA is proud to present DOGS!

Teachers and their students can learn how dogs communicate and view the world around them, what the BC SPCA does to help animals, and how we can build happy relationships with the dogs in our lives.

This program contains reading, creative and STEM challenges, an independent study guide, feature videos with behind-the-scenes footage of the BCSPCA, and live expert Q&A. All materials will include links to to BC Ministry of Education and Child Care core and curricular competencies.

Learn more and sign up here!

BC Ministry of Education and Child Care News

This Week's Highlight:

erase Student and Family Online Sessions: Establishing Respectful Relationships and Consent in our Communities

erase is offering online interactive sessions focused on exploring consent and gender-based violence, with school-day sessions for students in Grades 8-12, and evening sessions suited for students in Grade 8 and above and their families. Led by expert trainers from Safer Schools Together, students and families will learn tips and tools to support discussions and to support positive connections. Schools and families can register online. Contact erase@gov.bc.ca with any questions or for more information.

Read the Deputy Minister's Bulletins

Every Child Matters - 4 Seasons of Reconciliation

The Every Child Matters - 4 Seasons of Reconciliation learning initiative seeks to better acknowledge that Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives are foundational to outdoor learning, and that non-Indigenous educators need to undertake further steps towards Truth and Reconciliation in order to engage appropriately and authentically and build respectful and reciprocal relationships. It also acknowledges that a key step non-Indigenous educators can take in engaging with Indigenous learning is by taking learning outside, and connecting learning to the local land. This learning opportunity takes place between February 15 and June 15.

Find out more

This initiative is offered through a partnership between the First Nations University of Canada, Reconciliation Education, the Orange Shirt Society, the Moose Hide Campaign and many of our Outdoor Learning Partner Organizations including Rocky Mountain School District No. 6.

Copyright and Education

Educators may be interested in listening to the Canadian Teachers' Federation interview with Professor Michael Geist on the topic of copyright and education, particularly in how it pertains to issues around fair dealing and what is at stake for education in Canada.

Listen to the podcast (25 minutes)

Learning with Syeyutsus: Speaker Series

Learning With Syeyutsus is an Indigenous learning series featuring Canadian authors and thought leaders.

In response to Canada’s TRC Call to Action #57, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and UBC Press have curated a speaker series covering a range of topics including true histories, pedagogies, self-determination, land resurgence, and stories to spark ideas for further exploration and deeper learning on your own, with your family and/or your work colleagues.

This is a FREE learning series, and will be recorded and available for ongoing educational purposes and deeper learning.

Learn more

Pediatric Respiratory Illness

BC emergency departments are experiencing high volumes, and many emergency departments across the province are seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. These viruses were not circulating as much last year as people were staying home more. Children, therefore, have had limited exposure to the respiratory viruses that circulated before the pandemic and as a result there are more children than usual who are susceptible to these illnesses.

The Provincial Health Services Authority and BC Children's Hospital have put together valuable information about respiratory illness season that will help our members both at home and at work.

Find out more

BC Retired Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association (BCRPVPA)

Are you or a colleague thinking of retirement soon?

Check in with the BC Retired Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association for benefits offered to retired members, such as affinity, health & travel insurance, prestige coverage, pensions & other topics of interest. A mail-in application form is available on the site.

If retirement is in your near future, the BCRPVPA looks forward to hearing from you! Contact the BCRPVPA

Career Postings

Visit Make a Future for an up-to-date job board with all of the latest opportunities in BC's education sector. Career opportunities are also available in the Member Portal.

NEW
District Eligible Administrator Pool - Vice-Principals
School District #61 (Victoria)
Find out more
Closing date: January 31, 2023, 4:00pm

NEW
Vice-Principal
School District #64 (Gulf Islands)
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Principal and Vice-Principal - Applicant Pool
School District #8 (Kootenay Lake)
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Principal
School District #91 (Takla Landing)
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Senior Staff Leadership Opportunity - Indigenous Education
School District #69 (Qualicum)
Find out more
Closing date: February 3, 2023, 12 noon

Principal of Accredited Independent K-7 School
Lower Nicola Band School (Merritt)
Secpwepemc/St’atl’imc/Nlaka’pamux
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Teaching Vice-Principal and Teacher
School District #87 (Stikine)
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Principal and Vice-Principal Pool
School District #22 (Vernon)
Find out more
Closing date: Ongoing

Elementary Vice-Principals
School District #39 (Vancouver)
Find out more
Closing date: February 2, 2023, 8:00 am

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BCPVPA eNews | January 27, 2023