Powell River Board of Education chairperson re-elected

Powell River Board of Education trustee Dale Lawson has been re-elected as chairperson of the School District 47 board.

In her opening address at the November 16 school board meeting, Lawson said she wanted to begin with an expression of gratitude to all who put their names forward for City of Powell River council and mayor, qathet Regional District director, school trustee positions.

“It can take courage to put your name forward and step outside of your comfort zone,” said Lawson. “Thanks to each of you for offering your time in this meaningful way. Congratulations to all who have won seats and now have the privilege of serving our community in the respective work that we do.

“Your commitment is significant. Thank you for putting your time and energy into these jobs as you work toward goals much bigger than our own interests. It is truly appreciated.”

Lawson said that this November, trustees are having the first regular meeting together as the new board of education.

“It was lovely to spend some time getting to know each other during orientation last week; in that process a few things stood out to me,” added Lawson. “We’re all here because we believe our collective purpose is to make a difference for students and families in our district, we believe that collaboration, communication and cohesion will form a solid foundation of how best to move forward together.”

Lawson said change is always exciting, and of course there’s always a lot of learning and growing along the way.

“I’m confident that each of us will bring our best selves to this table every time we gather and that we will represent our community well and be proud of the work we do as we help to shape the next four years,” she added. “I am excited for each of us to have this time together, to be part of a team firmly committed to our purpose, and for all that is possible as we move forward through the 2022 to 2026 term together.”

Lawson said November is always a time to remember, to be thoughtful and reflect on how to honour the people who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.

“It was my absolute pleasure to receive an invitation to represent our board at the Remembrance Day assembly at Westview Elementary School, and I know other trustees enjoyed similar experiences at other schools,” said Lawson. “Students and staff throughout our district put together moving, thoughtful and beautiful assemblies to honour those who gave themselves to our country for all of us. Thank you to all who planned, participated, and attended Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout our district.”

Lawson prompted people to visit the school district’s website at sd47.bc.ca to learn more about the board of education, its strategic plan and the programs and services the school district offers.

She said that on the school district’s website, readers will also find a recently uploaded short video at youtube.com/watch?v=4oEY_ITTAvo, highlighting priorities from the 2021 to 2022 school year. There is also an overview of new staff positions implemented this school year to create greater student and educator success in our district. 

“In addition, our website includes some highlights from the 26th annual cross-culture day,” said Lawson. “This event, organized and hosted by the School District 47 Indigenous education team, the Tla’amin Nation education team, elders, hatchery staff and many other members of the community, all working together to provide 520 students in grades three to five an immersive experience to learn about the Tla’amin history, culture and traditions.”

The cross-culture day student experience can be viewed through the school district’s Instagram page at schooldistrict47.