With three students from Tupper Secondary in the audience for a class assignment, the Board held its regular public meeting on the evening of Monday, October 28, 2024. 

Watch the meeting’s recording. 

View the agenda.

Superintendent’s Update

At the outset of each update to the Board, superintendent McGregor takes time to honour those who contribute to a vibrant school system with the superintendent’s tribute. This month, Winne Monk, teacher at David Thompson Secondary and Katie Muzyka were honoured for their contributions to student learning, well-being and making school welcoming and engaging places to learn. McGregor’s update then proceeded to a recap of events throughout the District, including World Teachers’ Day, annually marked on October 5. She also acknowledged National Principals’ month in celebration of principals and vice-principals for their leadership with staff and students. She then shared information about several staff learning and professional development sessions, all of which deepen teaching and learnings skills to help students learn and grow. Other events across the District were highlighted including the District Cross-Country Meet at Trout Lake where more than 3,500 Grades 1- 7 students participated, and the newly formed Indigenous youth leaders day of learning at Musqueam. Superintendent McGregor also previewed this month’s podcast episode where District staff discuss AI and student learning. 

Student trustee report

Athena Yu provided her first presentation to the Board in her role as student trustee. She noted happenings at the Vancouver District School Council (VDSC) including its General Meeting on October 15, when student reps from every school and alternative schools in the District as well as the Indigenous representative and sustainability representative gathered to identify and prioritize student concerns. She also noted that VDSC determined members who will attend the Board’s standing committee meetings this school year, helping to bring student voice to these advisory bodies. She also outlined discussions by the VDSC’s facilities planning committee about how to advance their priorities for their schools through the Board’s facilities planning committee. 

Board business

Following May 15, 2024, meeting of the policy and governance committee meeting, it considered an update regarding Policy 10 – Policy Development that includes clarifications and definitions. The updated policy, based on input at the committee meeting, clarifies roles and definitions. The Board adopted the update to the policy. 

Part of the trustee role is to serve as liaison members to external committees. This month, trustee Mah presented a report about the City of Vancouver children, youth and family advisory committee meeting held on September 19. Trustee Fraser about the City of Vancouver children, youth and family advisory committee meeting held on September 19. 

The Board then considered and approved a notice of motion directing staff to investigate avenues to strengthen academic achievement and excellence at its secondary schools and report back to the Board with recommendations on how to move forward no later than June 2025. 

Question Period

At each regular public meeting, the Board provides an opportunity for members of the public to submit questions about Board governance matters and agenda items. The submission form is open from 12:00 p.m. the day of Board meeting and closes after the Board receives committee reports during its meeting. There were no questions submitted this month. 

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.