We have some important updates as we approach the end of the school year.
New Executive
Chair – Laura Weller
Vice-Chair – Christa Porter
Treasurer – Rickie Mitchell
Secretary – Tara Gauthier
Director – Bonnie White
Director – Cherrisse Reink
Director – Kim Pryschlak
Director – Jamie Giede
We look forward to supporting you in the 2024-25 school year.
June Meeting Minutes
We had a great discussion on Inclusion with parents and district representatives including Andrew Bond, Director of Curriculum & Innovation, Beth Chng, District Resource Teacher and SOGI Lead, and 3 students from DSAC (District Student Advisory Council). As parents we have to do our part to speak about inclusion and diversity in a positive way with our children. This includes Indigenous Reconciliation, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and SOGI resources for families. We also want positive messaging around restricted use of personal digital devices (cell phones) during instructional time starting in September.
We’re Hiring!
Our membership approved the Job Description and Budget for hiring a Digital Communication Assistant. We are looking for someone to work 10 hour per month with the DPAC Executive supporting website updates, email communications and contact lists, social media campaigns, and Eventbrite registrations. They must be an independent contractor that submits monthly invoices for payment and agree to the confidentiality terms. This is a great way to get involved with DPAC and support our important work.
Food Programs Committee
Our Food Programs Committee tried to find a meeting time in June but it is a busy time for all. Monica Berra, District Principal Curriculum & Innovation (Feeding Futures) will present at our September 9 meeting and the first introductory committee meeting will be held later in September. Let us know if you can send a rep from your PAC for input on equitable breakfast/lunch programs in all our schools.
Fruit & Veggie Program
Many schools have benefited from the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Program. The BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation was funded by the government to provide deliveries weekly or every second week. They deliver BC grown fruit, vegetables, dairy, and other nutritious products. The FUNDING for the program is changing for the 2024/25 school year.
As you know Feeding Futures is for food programs supporting the most vulnerable students in our province. That is an average of 20% of our school populations with some schools/areas requiring more support. Monica Berra, Principal of Curriculum Innovation – Feeding Futures, presented at our April meeting. There is work in our schools that is directly benefiting students who need food every day. She is collaborating with other northern districts and advocating directly with the provincial government on implementing and continuing this funding.
The NEW cost for the Fruit & Veggie program is $0.85/serving x number of students x frequency for the year as a one time payment. The calendar attached shows the delivery schedule. 12 weeks is every other week and 24 weeks is every week of the school year.
Cost calculation: number of students x 12 (or 24) weeks x $.85 per serving = cost
School District No. 57 will not be supporting a district contract with Feeding Futures funds to pay for this program for all of our schools. The cost is up to $150,000 which provides fruit and vegetables to 75 – 100% of our students only 12 or 24 times in a year.
Each school Principal must determine NOW if they will participate in the program. They will need to secure an alternate funding source. PACs may be asked to support the Fruit & Veggie program next year with funding and volunteers. If you are interested, talk to your Principal.
Contact Us
For more information on these topics or other concerns, contact us at info@sd57dpac.ca. If you’d like to get a hold of the whole Executive email exec@sd57dpac.ca. Confidential information for Laura only can be emailed to chair@sd57dpac.ca. The alternate email primarily used for District communications is DPAC@sd57.bc.ca. We are here for you!
Encouraging positive relationships and promoting parent engagement to support student success.
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