Following the surprisingly large turnout by parents, students, educators, trustees and community members last November for a conversation on education, School District No. 46 (SD46) is now inviting the community to participate in the next step.
Based on the feedback and comments generated from the first meeting, SD46 is hosting several information sessions next week for the public on the district's plans for the future.
The sessions will take place at Pender Harbour Secondary School May 27 from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gibsons Elementary School May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. and at Sechelt Elementary School May 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. SD46 is hoping for a big turnout at all the meetings.
Participants were asked to share their thoughts in order of importance on two main questions during the session in November. The questions were: what matters most in connections between school and community, and what matters most in deciding what counts as success for our students, children and community.
For question one, 28 per cent (highest percentage of any area) said that connecting the school, students and community through mutual support and sharing of skills and resources was important to them. Fifteen per cent said that school/community communication/interaction was important to them and 13 per cent said building mutual respect, trust and support was important.
With question two, 22 per cent said curricular skills and knowledge, learning opportunities and learning strategies were important. Eighteen per cent said contributing and functioning in the community, being responsible citizens and/or finding meaningful employment were things that mattered to them and 16 per cent said a feeling of self-esteem, pride, self-confidence and empowerment was important.
SD46 superintendent Deborah Palmer said having the community come together to talk about education is very valuable.
"People are engaged in the process, and the prospect of change is exiting and hopeful," said Palmer. "There is big community buy-in to support and encourage a bright future for our students."
