At the March 13 school board meeting, trustees voted unanimously to strike an ad-hoc committee to gather information and make plans to address lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in the school district. That committee will bring a report on its findings back to the board by the end of this school year.
"While School District No. 46 has regulations regarding harassment and staff and student safety, having a specific LGBT policy is critical to show leadership and care for the safety of all students and staff at schools and in the workplace," said notes from the education committee where the issue was discussed.
It was noted that LGBT students face specific struggles that need to be addressed outside the district's current bullying and harassment policies.
Enhancement agreement
Trustees voted to have the board chair, superintendent of schools and the district principal responsible for aboriginal education "directly engage the Chief and council of the Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) in discussions aimed at achieving a signed enhancement agreement between the parties."
Board chair Silas White said a recent meeting with the SIB was "highly positive," and the Band expressed interest in connecting more with the school district.
"Much interest was also taken in the possibility of further improving our relationship through a signed enhancement agreement, including opportunities for commitments therein regarding improved governance and financial accountability," wrote White in his report to the board.
Youth crime prevention
Youth crime prevention program co-ordinator, 17-year-old Charlene Smith, announced dates for the upcoming Odd Squad and Children of the Street Society presentations on the Coast.
A team of retired police officers make up the Odd Squad and they will deliver a presentation focused on specific drug and alcohol trends on the Coast. The officers will use still photos, videos and personal narratives to get their message across about drug prevention.
Odd Squad will visit Elphinstone Secondary School and the Sunshine Coast Alternative School on April 19, and on April 20 the group will visit Chatelech Secondary School and Pender Harbour Secondary School.
There will be two evening adult events presented by Odd Squad. The first will run on Wednesday, April 18, at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt starting at 7 p.m. and the second will be on April 19 at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Children of the Street society will deliver their message about on-line safety, healthy relationships and self-esteem to Grade 6 students on the Coast from May 22 to 24. On May 23 the society will host an adult presentation at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Smith hopes parents will come to the evening presentations and take advantage of the opportunity to learn about local issues affecting their children and how to help.
DPAC
Trustee Lori Pratt reported that the next meeting for the District Parents' Advisory Council (DPAC) is Tuesday, March 22, at Chatelech Secondary School in the library at 7 p.m. All parents are invited to attend.
