Staff Underground Spirit Week
Last week was anything but ordinary for the staff at Departure Bay Elementary—though the students had no idea! Each day featured secret challenges and fun dress-up themes. On Monday, everyone wore black for a ninja game, competing for the trophy awarded to the sneakiest participant. Tuesday brought a clash of mismatched patterns, with a surprise treat popping up in the staff room around lunchtime. Wednesday had everyone proudly showing off socks with sandals while embarking on a treasure hunt starting above the mailboxes. Thursday kept things interesting as staff drank from anything but a cup, all while acting completely normal in front of the students. Finally, Friday wrapped up with festive Christmas attire and a jingle bell Rock Paper Scissors challenge, closing the week on a fun and festive note!
Regular Board Meeting
At the Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the Board adopted the Covenant Bylaw 2024/25-1 on the district's lands at 505 Howard Avenue, Nanaimo, to the benefit of the City of Nanaimo to support the redevelopment of the Te'Tuxwtun project. The Board also approved a number of recommendations and plans including:
- Approving the minor catchment boundary changes referenced in the Action Sheet from the Business Committee meeting November 13, 2024
- Amending the policy committee work plan to include the review and update of Policy 2.1, Role of the Board
- Approving the Safe Schools Committee Work Plan for 2024-2025
- Approving the proposed reallocation of the September 2024 surplus allocation
Superintendent/CEO Robyn Gray presented an update and the Zonta Club of Nanaimo shared information about the Human Trafficking Awareness Day coming up February 20, 2025.
Find the entire agenda here.
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Movember and Men’s Mental Health Awareness
Movember 2024 is nearing its end. Movember is a global campaign where people grow mustaches to support men’s health. This movement raises awareness about critical issues like mental health, encouraging men to open up, seek help, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Click here to read an article highlighting the importance of men’s mental health and how to seek support.
Also, stay tuned for information about the Family Wellness Hub which will be launched soon. The hub will be an online platform offering mental health resources and a variety of tools to support employees.
Giving Tuesday 2024
Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024. Let’s come together to make a difference this holiday season. Whether it’s donating to a cause close to your heart, volunteering your time, or simply spreading kindness, every act of generosity counts. Maybe you will consider donating to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation and help make a difference in a child’s life.
Join the global movement and help create positive change. How will you give back?
Family Survey Contest Winners
This fall, we asked families their preferred choices about receiving communications from the school district. We asked if they like to receive information from the district often, once a week, only when information is needed, etc. We also asked what social platform is most used for their communication styles. To thank families, we offered a small contest and we're happy to announce the winners today.
The two winners of the $50 gift card have been contacted. Thank you to all who entered!
Unplug & Play
Credits:
Created with images by Jo Panuwat D - "Blue coffee cup with Black mustache on wood table background in the morning. Father, International men day, Prostate Cancer Awareness and World cancer day concept" • Monkey Business - "Group Of Children Looking Down Into Camera" • wayhome.studio - "Successful dark skinned female student happy to get scholarship, clenches fists, accomplishes goal, exclaims finally victory, stands amused over blue background. Success, cheer and achievement concept" • RealPeopleStudio - "A close-up of students playing board games in a common area, laughing and enjoying each other's company" • opolja - "Portrait of happy Santa Claus holding Christmas letter " • MarekPhotoDesign.com - "share your story word abstract in letterpress wood type with an antique journal, business, education, communication concept"