NLPS News Thursday, September 19, 2024

NLPS Board of Education Announces New Superintendent

The Nanaimo Ladysmith Board of Education is pleased to announce that Robyn Gray has been selected to fill the position of superintendent effective November 18, 2024.

Robyn is currently the superintendent of schools for Cowichan Valley School District (CVSD), a role she has held since 2019. Prior to CVSD, Robyn was with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools for 25 years. She holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Victoria, a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Indigenous and Inclusive Education from Nipissing University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Laurentian University.

“We are excited to welcome Robyn back to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools,” said Greg Keller, Board Chair, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS). “Robyn’s knowledge of our community and experience in our schools combined with half a decade of exceptional leadership in a superintendent role will directly benefit our staff and learners. We look forward to Robyn’s leadership in creating an inclusive and equitable learning community at NLPS where every individual thrives. Together we will work towards increasing the number of students who feel welcome, safe and have a sense of belonging in their school and the number of staff who feel valued and engaged in the district.”

Robyn has previously held the roles of vice-principal, principal, district principal- Aboriginal Education, director of instruction and assistant superintendent with NLPS. She is known for her passion for creating structures to assist vulnerable learners, including initiatives that directly supported childcare, literacy and numeracy. Throughout her career, including Cowichan, Robyn has been a strong voice for reconciliation action, both through lived experience and through building strong relationships with local Indigenous communities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools,” said Robyn. “The district is home to exceptional staff and learners, and I am passionate about creating a learning and working environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to develop their unique gifts and abilities. I believe my previous experience in the district allows me to support the great work and initiatives already underway, while my experience as superintendent in Cowichan allows me to embrace fresh perspectives and ways of knowing that will support the district’s goals. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve NLPS learners, caregivers and staff in this role.”

The Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Board of Education expresses gratitude to NLPS staff for their hard work and dedication to supporting the work of the district during the search and recruitment of a new superintendent.

GoByBike Classroom Competition

Hub City Cycles, a non-profit community cooperative, is hosting a GoByBike Classroom Competition for GoByBike Weeks. The goal is to promote healthy habits, environmental awareness and community spirit. Each classroom would be competing to see who can log the most bike rides to and from school. The classroom with the most bike rides logged will win a prize package.

• Join the Classroom GoByBike Competition
• GoByBike Classroom Competition Registration Form

GoByBike Weeks

GoByBikeBC Weeks are from September 23 to October 6, 2024. Nanaimo's kick off event will take place on Sunday, September 22 from 3 – 5pm at Maffeo-Sutton Park. Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools will be co-hosting a Celebration Station on Wednesday, September 25 from 3-5pm at Fourth Street and Wakesiah Avenue. Drop by on your way home.

Energy Cup Challenge

Schools can participate in the 10th Annual Energy Cup and 4th Annual Energy Cup MINI from November 1, 2024 until February 28, 2025. Participating schools will gain access to:

• Sustainability education resources
• Teacher support
• Easy activities
• Wrap-up banquet
• Award money for green initiatives

More details will be coming out in October.