Joint-Use Agreement
Questions around scheduling have cropped up following the signing of a joint-use agreement between the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and School District No. 46 (SD46), which was announced in March.
At the April 11 school board meeting, Trustee Betty Baxter noted that for two Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings in a row in Roberts Creek concerns have been raised about how much advance notice parents will have to give when booking venues. “Because the Regional District puts out its programming many months in advance, the availability of our schools might be minimized for PAC,” Baxter said.
Secretary-treasurer Nicholas Weswick responded that there was staff-level conversation around it, adding that “one of the goals for the SCRD in getting into this agreement was to avoid being bumped once those [recreation] guides have gone out.” He said PACs will have the opportunity to book facilities for school events prior to the recreation guide being published.
“Provided that we have enough advanced notice, priority would certainly go to school events, including PACs,” Weswick said.
Leadership announcements
SD46 has announced new appointments for principals for next school year, effective August.
The changes come following this year’s retirement of Mark Heidebrecht, principal at Chatelech Secondary. “We thank Mr. Heidebrecht for his leadership at Chatelech Secondary School and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” said superintendent Patrick Bocking.
Kate Kerr will be moving from her position as principal at West Sechelt Elementary to principal at Chatelech Secondary School. Jeff Marshall will move from Kinnikinnick Elementary School to principal at West Sechelt Elementary. Bernadette Marie will replace Jeff Marshall as principal at Kinnikinnick Elementary School. Marie is coming to the Coast from Haida Gwaii, where she worked as an elementary and high school principal.
Vaping
Trustees acknowledged vaping has become a problem at SD46 schools. To respond, Vancouver Coastal Health is giving the district resources on how to reduce the use of tobacco and vaping products at schools.
Trustee Christine Young--husband acknowledged the problem. “It’s coming to be an acceptable cultural behaviour, and it’s something we need to be informed about, as parents, staff and students.”
Younghusband running for BCSTA President
Younghusband will be running for president of BCSTA Board of Directors. Voting will occur at the AGM, which runs from April 26 to 29.
