Powell River Board of Education chairperson outlines approach to pandemic, reflects on past year

School District 47 (SD47) has been working to adapt to various conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Powell River Board of Education meeting on December 15, chairperson Dale Lawson, who was re-elected to the position at the meeting, provided remarks to the assembly.

“This December, we welcome the holiday season with fewer restrictions than we had in place at this time last year,” said Lawson. “Our district took a cautious and measured approach in the return to school this fall, with the safety and well-being of students and staff at the core of every decision. We are keenly aware that there is a spectrum of readiness to welcome back some of the activities and connections to the school community that many of us have been missing since the onset of the global pandemic. 

“As we begin to relax some of the guidelines we’ve had in place, we recognize that the appetite to return to some of the gatherings, celebrations and opportunities for parental involvement could be different between each school, classroom, program or individual. This is an important time to continue to demonstrate patience, understanding and respect for the decisions each of us make as we move forward toward our new normal.”

Lawson said the school district recognizes the differences between public health office guidelines for community events and those of the kindergarten to grade 12 sector have caused confusion for some.

“We’ve recruited the assistance of our district parent advisory committee to help share the information and clarify those differences through their membership,” said Lawson.

She said all schools have been busy putting together their respective annual winter performances. There will be a variety of offerings throughout the district this year, whether in person, indoors or out, or virtual, according to Lawson. Those interested in learning more can visit the school district’s website at sd47.bc.ca for highlights and links to school pages for more information. 

Lawson said last month, the school district introduced the development of its mental health and wellness hub, where students, staff and community members can access links to information, workshops, webinars, activities and tools for addressing mental health, wellness and resiliency.

“One of the links in the hub details action for happiness, offering 10 research-based keys to happier living and actions to help you get there,” said Lawson. “One of the keys is giving, which is something I believe we are all hardwired to do. This time of the year, and perhaps more this year than any other, this key is an important reminder that giving to others contributes greatly to our own fulfillment and happiness.”

Everyone Deserves a Smile

Lawson said that recently, she attended Henderson Elementary School while a class of students was busy filling some of the 300 bags for the Everyone Deserves a Smile (EDAS) project.

“EDAS, originally intended to provide items of warmth like socks and mittens for the homeless, has expanded locally to gift those just in need of a smile through numerous community agencies,” said Lawson. “This is a challenge the students and staff at Henderson and their many project supporters are happy to accept. 

“Observing this group of elementary students give the gift of their time for the benefit of another person they do not know was an inspiration. The way they engaged with each other and thoughtfully selected items for the stranger who would receive their bag was a perfect reminder that the ripple effect from this collective act of kindness reaches far beyond the recipient of the gift itself.”

Lawson said as 2021 is wrapping up, she’d like to thank everyone for their patience and kindness for themselves and toward others. She encouraged people to visit the mental health resources hub on the school district website and take the action for happiness pledge, a “fantastic way to welcome 2022 together.”