Happy Holidays!
As we approach winter break, let's take a moment to relax, recharge, and return in the new year ready to continue our shared journey of learning and growth. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you show in supporting students and families across our communities!
shkw’am’kw’um’s tu syeyutsus - Our Ways of Being Together
During the Curriculum Implementation Day on Friday, December 6, 2024, staff were introduced to a set of Coast Salish principles or ‘ways of being together’. Local Knowledge Keepers talked about the principles with a key message being that they are deeply connected to the land, language and cultures of the Coast Salish Peoples. These five principles provide a starting point for learning from another worldview or through a different lens.
Stay tuned in the New Year for detailed information and the pronunciation of the five principles. Click on the button below to view the video from Knowledge Keepers.
Freedom of the Town
Former Mayor of Ladysmith and current International Student Education District Principal Rob Hutchins recently received the inaugural Freedom of the Town honour. The Freedom of the Town honour recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community and have played a significant role in shaping Ladysmith.
Rob served as mayor of Ladysmith for 21 years, the longest tenure in the town's history. Rob led numerous beautification projects, infrastructure projects, built partnerships and played key roles in developing new community trails. He also contributed to many community initiatives and was a teacher and counsellor in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools for 33 years.
Regular Board Meeting
At the Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Board received the superintendent's report and trustee committee reports. The Board of Education approved a motion to promote registration for Late French Immersion (Grade 6, 7) for the 2025-26 school year. Registration opens on January 8 at this link.
The Board of Education also approved the following recommendations:
- The SOFI report for the year ending June 30, 2024;
- The temporary suspension of the Business and Education committees to be replaced with a single once a month public Committee of the Whole entitled " Strategic Directions Committee" and a monthly Board working session entitled "Professional Learning Working Group" effective January 2025 to be reviewed in May 2025;
- The joint agreement with the City of Nanaimo to use the multi-purpose space and washrooms at École Hammond Bay Elementary on a non-exclusive basis for community purposes;
Find the entire agenda here.
.
Turn It Off Before You Take Off
The NDSS Performing Arts Team presents Into the Woods at the Port Theatre Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, 2025. Get your tickets today.
TRC57 Speaker Series
The schedule for Season 5 is here. Mark your calendars for the thought-provoking virtual speaker series beginning January 23, 2025. This free learning series is in collaboration with UBC Press to help promote a deeper conversation and rebuilding our relationships with Indigenous peoples and the land.
Employee Wellness Hub
Happy Holidays! The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, though it sometimes leaves us feeling overwhelmed. If things get too busy, we sometimes lose track of our overall health and wellness.
Here’s a holiday season wellness kit for you - containing articles to help you stay healthy during the holiday and winter season. There are also some fun word games for you to try!
You can access the NLPS health and wellness Homewood platform anytime for a wealth of expert tools and resources, including e-learning courses and a library of health and wellness support services. There is also information to keep you informed about where you are in your journey and what’s available to enhance your experience and outcomes. Take a quick look here.
How to register
- Visit www.homeweb.ca and click ‘Sign Up’.
- Type your company name and click ‘Find it!’ Select the correct company from the list provided. Enter information into the required fields (SIGN IN CODE SDN309), choose an email and password, and click ‘Next Step’ to sign up.
DAC & FAC Closures During Winter Break
The District Administration Centre (DAC) and Facilities Department (FAC) will be closed during winter break. Details for each are listed below:
- DAC closure from Monday, December 23, 2024 until Friday, January 3, 2025; reopening on Monday, January 6, 2025
- FAC closure from Monday, December 23, 2024 until Friday, December 27, 2024; FAC will by open Monday, December 30, 31, January 2 & 3 by appointment only
Navigating ADHD
Parents, caregivers and child and youth-serving professionals are invited to attend a FREE insightful and informative webinar led by Dr. Nicolas F. Narvaez Linares, C. Psych, on ADHD and its relationship to neurodiversity!
- What ADHD is and how it presents in children and youth
- Debunking common myths about ADHD
- Recognizing ADHD's strengths
- The long-term impact of ADHD on development and well-being
- Practical strategies for supporting positive communication, growth and resilience in child and youth with ADHD
Credits:
Created with images by Brent Hofacker - "Gourmet Hot Chocolate Milk" • Li Ding - "Spa still life" • MarekPhotoDesign.com - "share your story word abstract in letterpress wood type with an antique journal, business, education, communication concept"