This past week the Honourable George Abbott, B.C.’s Minister of Education, spent a day in our district. It was another great opportunity to share a slice of West Vancouver’s public education story, and while I do cover many of our schools’ initiatives and learning directions through my blog posts, this time, I would like to share it through photos of the day spent with the Minister connecting with students, teachers, administrators, parents and others in our schools. I would also like to share what Dean Shareski described as “narrative champions”, telling our exciting, ongoing and ever emerging story.
At Eagle Harbour Montessori School, although there was a room full of adult visitors, students remained focussed and intent on their work:
All groups working together at Caulfeild — administrators, teachers and parents discussed with the Minister the work the school has undertaken with its iDEC Program:
Also at Caulfeild, students demonstrated some of their work with self-regulation and how they are more easily able to answer the question, “how fast is their engine running — too slow, too fast, or just right”:
An opportunity for students to share how inquiry and digital technology are coming together using their student dashboards:
At West Bay, we heard firsthand from students about choice and ownership of their learning:
As part of the school’s work in inquiry, outstanding interaction and questions between teachers and students as part of this work:
At the Premier Sports Academies (with Rockridge and Sentinel students) we watched as students pursued their passions:
Albeit a small slice, it was a very representative slice of learning in West Vancouver. Different examples, often fulfilling the same narrative, could be found in all of the schools. The West Vancouver District has had a long tradition of choice — in programs, and in learning opportunities within the programs. What has become increasingly important are inquiry, digital technology and self-regulation, and elements of all three can be found in all schools.
We also know that a large part of our great story can be attributed to our outstanding teachers, supportive and engaged parents, and passionate students. But the most gratifying element of the visit was the outside voice reassuring us we are on the right track. Call it “21st century learning”, or “personalized learning” or “the West Van way” it can be seen in all of our schools.
cultureofyes.ca 
What is interesting about this to me is that when Ministers or external review teams visit school districts they are bombarded with everything that is good. yet, for the rest of the year those same folks are complaining about their lack of funds. Perhaps one school district will have the guts to show the minister what it is really like to have four designated children in a class of 32 etc etc.
John – there were actually a number of opportunities during the visit for teachers, parents and others to ask questions around funding and other related topics each school during the visit. There is no doubt these issues are top of mind for many right now.
That said, we do have a tremendously strong system in BC, and it is important that we continue to come back to this. My kids are getting a wonderful public school experience, and I speak to students and parents almost daily who are so pleased with the passion and expertise of their teachers and share wonderful stories about their schools.
Nicely reported. Nicely done. Builds confidence in an exceptional school system.
Thanks Ken, we have an excellent story to tell in our public education system, in West Vancouver and in B.C. It is important that this narrative becomes part of the public narrative on schools. I appreciate your ongoing support.
It’s so lovely to see nontraditional systems of education successfully implemented! Any new ideas currently in development?
I think the move to personalized learning, is making “non-traditional” quite mainstream. The three trends I listed: inquiry, digital literacy and self-regulation are definitely the three biggest trends I see now. I am also seeing a lot of interesting work around environmental education – we have a wonderful urban agriculture program at one of our high schools and one of our elementary schools is looking to take better advantage of an outdoor classroom that they have.
Chris, you continue to be one of the finest examples of a narrative champion I know. Helping tell the stories of others as a way to respect, honor and highlight their work. Few things do more to earn trust and respect among your colleagues.
Thanks Dean – I do see one of my key roles as telling the stories of what is happening – not what used to happen, or what we hope might happen, but the interesting, innovative and transformational work that is going on in our schools. We need to keep sharing the narrative. Great to have you in my network!
It Is really nice to see a Superintendent allowing himself to be visible and open to all comments and commentary, both yea and nay. You are helping to open up the discussion about education in BC among all interested parties – something that is sorely needed right now. Thank you!
As I was reading the overview of what is going on in West Van, I couldn’t help but wonder if the same programs and technology advancements that are in place in West Van are, or can be achieved, in less affluent regions of the province, and what role the community and parents of West Van have played, financial or otherwise, in the development of these programs, if any. Would you have been able to make these technology purchases without support from the community, PACs and parents?
Thanks Rhonda. I agree with you that the issue of equity is an important one with technology, we see it within our district, and it is an issue around the province. When I hear the connectivity challenges that still exist in some communities, I am reminded of the huge diversity we have. And yes, our parents have been very supportive of our work in technology. I also think, though, to explain the support of technology in our community completely through an economic view is in-complete.
We have been engaging with parents and all others about the value of technology to support good instruction and personalized learning – not to replace teaching but to support great teaching. These conversations have led to our Board to committing funds out of AFG (Annual Facilities Grant) to ensure all schools have wireless access, and the investment in a robust web environment, that allows for connection at school or home on any device. As we move to more students bringing their own devices, we are again looking at equity – how do we ensure all students have access. So, no doubt the financial support of our PACs has helped speed-up the change, but there are also some interesting and creative opportunities for all communities around access, but it does start with conversations about the value of technology, the goals and then people will search for a way.
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Nice to read about the excellent student learning progress that continues in West Vancouver. I am especially excited to read that inquiry and its tie to technology is becoming a key area for growth district-wide. The opportunity to share the great practices evident in District 45 to other educational leaders through a Superintendent’s blog is a great medium of communication.
Thanks Mary – and you deserve a lot of credit for your work getting the PYP IB going. West Bay has been so helpful for other schools looking to embrace inquiry and it is great to see West Bay continue to evolve and their growth in technology in the last year.
Thanks for reading and staying connected.
[…] have previously cited Dean Shareski (here) and what he describes as narrative champions. In finding ways to become a narrative […]