Braille Trainer Workshop
Megan Stoke’s class at Departure Bay Elementary did a “Brailler Trainer Workshop” recently. Linda Murdoch, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, and Layna Mawson, our Braillist set up a series of nine stations for the kids to experience what it would be like to be in a classroom with low vision or blindness. They also practiced their names in braille and used a braille machine.
Outdoor Learning Space at Forest Park
In the last couple of years, Forest Park Elementary has created a beautiful outdoor learning space for students, thanks to grant money received from the Regional District of Nanaimo. Thanks to a grant received from the Regional District of Nanaimo. The gravel, fencing and water hook up was installed by the district, as part of a five-year plan. The garden is helping students connect and build a sense of community. Students are learning valuable, essential life skills with hands-on, immersive learning opportunities.
This outdoor learning provides students with an opportunity to engage deeply with subjects like planting, healthy eating, and environmental awareness. Students not only connect with the environment firsthand but also cultivate a range of skills and knowledge. They learn practical skills such as planting techniques, soil preparation, and the importance of watering and caring for plants. Beyond these skills, students gain a profound understanding of where food comes from and the significance of sustainable agriculture.
Regular Board Meeting
At the Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Board of Education appointed Secretary-Treasurer Mark Walsh as the Chief Electoral Office for the school trustee by-election. The Board adopted the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, setting aside any decision on changing the tagline. The Board also adopted the Chase River Sanitary Manhole Right-of-Way bylaw and the Georgia Avenue Waterworks Right-of-Ways and approved five BAA courses. In addition, the Board approved several motions:
- Draft Policy - Child Care Services and Early Years Programs with a notice of motion for a 30-day consultation
- The Five-Year Major Capital Plan for 2025-2026
- The Minor Capital Plan for 2025-2026
- The License of Use and Occupation for Region District of Nanaimo for the use of Extension School parcels
- The Amendment to Capital Bylaws reflecting the Ministry of Education and Child Care's amendment to the Annual Programs Funding Agreement
View the entire agenda here. Please note there are some sound issues from 4:30 - 9:50 minutes.
Transfer Beach on National Indigenous Peoples Day
On June 21, 2024 the Stz’uminus First Nation hosted a gathering at Transfer Beach to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day. Students and staff from École North Oyster Elementary, Ladysmith Intermediate School and Ladysmith Secondary School joined a crowd of 1,500 people to witness acknowlegements from Stz’uminus Chief and Council as well as performances of drumming and singing.
Principal Danielle Ashworth Clarke from École North Oyster Elementary, accompanied by teachers Cameron Park and Joanne Hobday, thanked Stz’uminus Chief and Council on behalf of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) with the gift of a drum. Decorated with two paddles, the design represents Stz’uminus and NLPS pulling together on the journey of reconciliation and education. We raise our hands to the Stz’uminus First Nation for a beautiful day together. Hay c:ep qa!
Image 1- Chief John Elliott (left) accepts the gift of a drum from ENO principal Danielle Ashworth Clarke (right) and hulq’umi’num language teacher Cameron Park (centre) at Transfer Beach on National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Image 2 - Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliott shows the drum gifted to Stz’uminus on behalf of NLPS.
Image 3 - Teacher Joanne Hobday gifts small paddles to members of Stz’uminus Chief and Council on behalf of NLPS during National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Image 4 - Principal Danielle Ashworth Clarke raises her hands as a gesture of thanks to the Stz’uminus First Nation for hosting local schools and community at Transfer Beach.
Image 5 - Children from NLPS join in dancing and singing while a drum group performs at the Ladysmith Amphitheatre at Transfer Beach.
Turn it Off Before you Take Off
District Administration Centre Closure
The District Administration Centre will be closed from July 15, 2024 until August 16, 2024, reopening on Monday, August 19, 2024. Should you require payroll assistance, please email payroll@sd68.bc.ca. The Facilities Department will remain open.
Happy Summer Break
On behalf of the Communications Department, we would like to wish you a wonderful, restful, well-deserved summer break. We would also like to take time to thank you for sharing your stories, images and inviting us into your schools and workplaces. We appreciate all you do! See you in August!