District Parent Advisory Council – 2011.10.03
Superintendent’s Speaking Notes
World Teachers’ Day
– Since 1994 World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5th. It is an opportunity for UNESCO and Education International to celebrate the profession and to promote international standards for the teaching profession. The theme for this year is: Teachers for gender equality.

– “Our greatest contribution is to be sure there is a teacher in every classroom who cares that every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being.”

Class Size Report
– School Act section 76.1 and 175 and Class Size Regulation
– To the Board of Education October 11, 2011 (October 15th)
– Requirement to inform DPAC and Trustees
Grades Max. Exceed Max? 11/12 Avg SD57
K 22 No 19.0 18.81
1-3 24 No 21.0 20.78
4-7 30 Teacher Consent 28.0 26.12
8-12 30 Teacher Consultation 30.0 24.67

– Superintendent must review class organization and determine classes are in compliance with the School Act and are appropriate for student learning.
– Thank you to School Administration and teaching staff
Strike or Job Action
– Phase 1 Strike Action continues
– Significant challenges for exempt staff (principals, vice principals, technical support staff, business managers, senior admin. and administrative staff) to complete regular/assigned work which means there is an impact (direct and indirect) on students.
– Information is available on the British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association website: http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca There are two locations of interest: “What’s New” (globe and arrow logo) and “Bargaining” (loud hailer logo)
New Principal and Vice Principal
– Nukko Lake principal – Tracy Baldridge
– Ron Brent vice-principal – Tanya Goodwin
– Thank you to retiring Nukko Lake principal – Bill MacIver
Learning
– Learning Team Grants allow our education staff to complete action research or inquiry on topics of learning significance for our students. The grants are supported by curriculum and instruction, technology, special education and aboriginal funds. Details of the grants, including research question or focus will be available on the district website later this week: www.sd57.bc.ca
– Engaging Learners (Superintendent’s blog) will feature a new edition this week entitled: What is 21st Century Learning? How can my voice be heard?

Question from DPAC meeting: What was the process used to distribute furniture and supplies in closed schools?

Answer: Process followed – in order
1. furniture and supplies moved on an as needed basis to the receiving school (school where students of the closed school will next attend)
2. purchasing staff conducted an inventory of remaining items
3. schools were invited to request needed items
4. remaining items became district surplus supply
5. district surplus supply utilized, when appropriate, instead of new purchase