At this, the Board’s first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year, Chair Jung shared the Board’s best wishes to all students, their families and staff for the new school year. She also shared details about the unveiling event at the new seismically safe Eric Hamber earlier this month and commented on the importance of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, noting trustees and senior staff dressed in orange as a symbol of VSB’s deep commitment to the school district’s reconciliation journey.  

New Student Trustee 

The Board then turned its priority to welcoming in new student trustee Athena Yu, who was sworn in by secretary-treasurer Coughlan.  

Superintendent’s Update 
Superintendent McGregor shares an update with the Board at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. This month, she presented the superintendent’s tributes to Patty Beatch, employee wellness manager for her many years of supporting staff throughout the District. McGregor also acknowledged Science World for their work supporting Grade 1 students in its after-school STEM learning program through its Super Science Club. This program has run in partnership with VSB for more than 20 years. McGregor’s update also included details about summer learning, that saw more than 13,000 students continue with their learning throughout the summer break. Other updates outlined the hard work of the facilities, grounds and maintenance teams who completed nearly 100 projects at schools throughout the District ahead of September’s back-to-school period. She also noted that students were thrilled to begin the new school in two new, seismically safe schools: Henry Hudson Elementary and Eric Hamber Secondary. McGregor also highlighted the unveiling ceremony at Eric Hamber which focused not only on the new school, but also the Indigenous traditions and teachings embedded throughout the it, including the a 16-foot welcome figure at its main entrance and weaving representation throughout the school, with thanks to Musqueam artists Brent Sparrow and Debra Sparrow.  

Board business 

As matters arising from the Education Plan Committee the Board approved the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) Annual Report and School Learning Plans. The Audited Financial Statements June 30, 2024, were approved as a matter arising of the Financial and Personnel Committee and 2025-2026 Minor Capital Plan as a matter arising from the Facilities Committee meeting. A bylaw reading regarding a portion of Fleming Elementary school  field will be completed on Wednesday, September 25. Additionally, staff provided an update to the Board about shop equipment to Eric Hamber Secondary. 

Keep up to date with the District’s committee and Board meetings; see the calendar for meeting dates, agendas and livestream links. All recordings of meetings are housed on the District’s YouTube channel. Minutes of committee and Board meetings are also posted online.