Judy Carlick-Pearson steps down from School District 52 Board

There will be a need for a by-election at the School District level in the New Year, as School District 52 relayed word of the resignation of Trustee Judy Carlick-Pearson, delivering that news at the November 10th School District meeting.

The announcement, part of a media release related to the November SD 52 meeting, cited personal reasons behind her departure and  comes but one week before the one year anniversary of the 2014 election of the current roster of School Board officials.

SD52 trustee
Judy Carlick-Pearson
has stepped down 

Ms. Carlick-Pearson previously served one term on Prince Rupert City Council, choosing to leave the municipal political scene one year ago, successfully earning a spot on the city's School Board.

No timeline was outlined by School District officials as to when that vote will be held.

There could be at least two, and maybe three Board Meetings held before that vote takes place.

According to the School District website, there are two Board meetings on the calendar for the remainder of 2015, including one that sets the timeline ahead for the Annual Budget consultation discussions.

Other notes from the most recent meeting included notice from the School District of the addition of two non-instructional days to the current school year, with Friday, January 15th and Wednesday, March 20th now added to the current listings.

The school calendars for 2016-17 and 2017-18 will also feature the two additional days of non instruction.

The School District also delivered the final enrolment number for the year, with 2,089 students attending the various schools of SD52 as well as the District's StrongStart program.

And the date has been set for the start of the Board of Education's Annual Budget Consultation, with the first of those community engagement sessions to take place in late January, the full list of dates will be announced at the December 8th Board of Education meeting.

You can review more of the items released to the public from the School District by way of their media release for November found here.

More background on School District items can be found on our archive page.

School District seeks Program assistants for after school Arts and Sports plans

Once school is back in session, School District 52 will be putting together an after school program to provide extra-curricular activities for middle and elementary school students.

As part of the run-up to launching that program, the School District this week put forward a help wanted advertisement, outlining the nature of the program and what the successful candidates for it will bring to the project.

Assistants will be responsible for planning, co-ordinating, implementing and evaluating the plan as it moves forward.

Positions are for work after the school day, with varying hours to a total of fifteen hours per week.

Some background on the requirements for the employment opportunities can be found below:

Applicants should have a Class Five driver's licence, with a Class Four licence preferred. 

As well applicants will require certification, or the willingness to obtain High Five Training and training in Run, Jump, Throw courses.

Successful applicants will be required to provide a Criminal Records Check.

The Salary for the positions is covered under the Collective Agreement between the School District and IUOE Local 882-B.

Resumes with employment references can be submitted to the School District office at 634 - 6th Avenue East, or by email at Applications@sd52.bc.ca

The deadline for applications is September 22nd.

For items on Education and School District 52 see our archive page here.

School District 52 approves funding for special needs transportation

School District 52 held its monthly Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 13th, a session which examined a number of items of note for the school system and provided some funding for a replacement vehicle for special needs students.

The replacement bus was made possible owing to the approval of a capital bylaw which will allow the School District to receive 70,639 dollars towards the coast of the replacement bus, it's arrival is anticipated for November.

Other discussion points from the Tuesday meeting included the approval of a scholarship committee for the district, included on the committee will be the principals of CHSS and Pacific Coast School as well as a trustee, together they will determine the winners of provincially funded scholarships for students in Fine Arts, Applies Skills, Physical Activity, Second Languages, Community Service and Technical and Trades Trading. As part of the selection criteria, input from classroom teachers will be an important factor in the process.

The Board of Education also has plans to consider changes to the times and places for Board meetings, as well as searching for other ways of reaching out to students and staff. The Board directed its staff to consult with a variety of stakeholder groups on the issue.

The Board also reminds residents and parents of the election of officers on December 4th, the next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for December 11th.

A review of the meeting can be found from a press release from the School District.

School District 52 seeks replacement for Prince Rupert Middle School

With the merger of Charles Hays Secondary and Prince Rupert Secondary schools well into its second year, the School District is turning it's attention towards securing a new building for the Prince Rupert Middle School.

The Middle School which was created when the two Secondary schools were combined last year, has been using the old PRSS building for the last year, making for some required "work arounds" for the many challenges that the building had provided for,  challenges that existed well before the  recent changes in focus to the Educational plan of the District.

Having put their ducks in a row so to speak, by creating the merged Secondary schools at the newer CHSS building, School District 52 is now approaching the Ministry of Education to replace the aging structure that the Middle School now calls home.

As part of the review of the October 9th Board Meeting, Board Chair Tina Last outlined the School District's only request in the  current Capital Budget, that  of the need for a replacement building for Prince Rupert Middle School.

Her comments, as relayed in the School District's Media Release puts the current status of the Middle School into perspective and should help further the goal of a new building.

"PRMS is an aging building with most systems nearing the end of their useful life".. "We will continue to ask the Ministry to consider this project a priority, so that the expensive repair of these systems can be avoided and our students can learn in a new, environmentally friendly and purpose-designed building."

The anticipated cost of a new Middle School is projected to be around $22,000.000. Word on its fate most likely won't be received until 2013.

Another note of interest from the October 9th meeting was the release of enrolment numbers for School District 52, which show a continual decline in the numbers of students that are enrolled at the elementary and secondary level in the city.

As of September 30th, there were 2,161 students enrolled in the School District 52 region, a decline of 69 students from last years enrolment report. That total enrolment includes 145 students that are enrolled at the kindergarten level.  According to the School District, the decrease in students however has not resulted in any changes to staffing levels, where levels have been maintained with respect to the District's regular budget .

Use of the District's Learning Improvement Fund actually provided funding for the hiring of an additional 6 full time equivalent teaching positions to support student learning. This is the first year of operation for the Learning improvement fund.

The Tuesday meeting of the School District also provided word that the Board of Education will travel to Port Edward on Tuesday, October 23rd, where a formal signing of the Agreement to Lease a new school space in that community will take place.

That signing brings to an end 2 years of co-operation between the School District and the District of Port Edward, designed to ensure that Port Edward residents continue to have access to education and a community school within the District.

The Northern View-- School District 52 asks to replace Prince Rupert Middle School in capital budget

School District holds community forum on Graduation requirements

September 25th found School District 52 Administrators updating parents and concerned citizens about the status of current graduation requirements in place in British Columbia and what the future may hold in a bid to make those requirements more flexible.

The public consultation attracted 30 people to the Charles Hays Secondary School Multi purpose room, where they learned more about and provided their own input into the District's education plan. A proposal that holds five key elements to learning including; personalized learning for every student, quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, high standards and a learning process that is empowered by technology.

Highlights of that consultation were provided on the School District 52 website, offering up a list of questions on the topic of the day.

Among those questions:

What does "personalization of learning" mean to you?
What are some ideas you have for how we can provide personalized experiences for students?

What does "Quality Teaching and Learning" mean to you and how can we support that?

What does "flexibility and choice" mean to you and how might we support that?

What does "high standards" mean to you and how might we support that?

What should be the role of technology in education?


 Answers to the questions above and further guidance from the public was outlined on the SD 52 website.

The Ministry of Education hopes to use these consultations from across the province to provide for new graduation requirements by the Spring of 2013.

Towards that goal, each School District has been asked to provide for a presentation on the topic, with the Prince Rupert School District pencilling in Thursday October 4th as the day for the local presentation, which will take place at Charles Hays in the multi purpose room of the high school.


The Northern View-- School District 52 in Prince Rupert holds community forums to gather input

Update: October 4, 2012

The Northern View-- School District 52 holds forum to gather input on graduation requirements

Education -- School District 52

Our quick reference and archive of items pertaining to Education on the North Coast.

School District 52 Agenda and Minutes page

News Items of note

(Charles Hays Athletics items can be found here)

2013

December 20-- Charles Hays PAC at risk of folding removing $15,000 in student support from the school
December 18-- School District sets time line for 2013 budget process
December 13-- Prince Rupert Aboriginal Students School Completion Rates Creep Closer to Provincial Graduation Rates 
December 13-- PR Aboriginal Grads (video)
December 4-- Pipeline Skills Training (video)
December 2-- Increased BC Hydro costs to pose challenges for strapped School Districts  NCR

November 28-- One week until curtain call for Beauty and the Beast   NCR
November 26-- Northwest Community College hosts High School students today  NCR
November 25-- Prince Rupert Charles Hays students "Stand Up" Against Bullying
November 25-- Stand Up Prince Rupert (video)
November 21-- Prince Rupert School District completion rate hits five year high
November 20-- School District 52 announces changes in Principal for two elementary schools   NCR
November 20-- School District 52 Announces changes in Principal for two elementary schools  NCR
November 20-- Annunciation's act of kindness 
November 20-- A celebration of Children and Early Childhood Education in Prince Rupert
November 19-- Terrace SD 54 to Host Trades Forums for High School Students
November 15-- Construction delays put two School District projects at Charles Hays Secondary behind schedule  NCR
November 15-- Construction delays likely to affect Prince Rupert students this winter
November 15-- Declining enrolment trend continues for School District 52 NCR
October 16-- Prince Rupert Middle School teachers pay for student fundraising success
October 16-- Prince Rupert School District in need of $1.4 million to balance the books
October 15-- BC Education website helps parents learn more about local schools  NCR
October 12-- It's quite alright, they have the right! No need to fight... Now, does this mean that the issue goes out of sight?  NCR
October 12-- Dr. Seuss book ban lifted after freedom of expression case ends
October 11-- Yertle Union (video)
October 11-- Yertle the Turtle allowed back in Prince Rupert Classrooms
October 11-- Fassbender defends decision not to pay for wage increases (audio)
October 11-- SD52 points to labour settlement, reduction in funding protection for Budget woes  NCR
October 11-- Yertle the Turtle allowed back in Prince Rupert classrooms
October 10-- District 52 Budget (video)
October 1-- Education  Minister: School boards know of CUPE costs

September 27-- Middle School Replacement Program Top Capital Budget priority for School District in 2013-14  NCR
September 27-- School District to seek guidance from Minister of Education on wage increase funding NCR
September 25-- Prince Rupert students help restore North Pacific Cannery
September 24-- The Aqua Van Brings the Sea to Prince Rupert Elementary Schools
September 24-- Aqua Van in Rupert (video)
September 24-- Aqua Van stops in Prince Rupert schools
September 20-- Kitimat father concerned over lowered school supervision for autistic son
September 19-- Tentative deal reached in school support staff dispute NCR
September 18-- Walking to build strength
September 18-- Prince Rupert enrolment down slightly from last September

August 20-- School District 52 prepares for a new school year  NCR
August 13-- Potential Labour trouble as BC Schools prepare for September  NCR

July 17-- Trades training ramps up in Terrace
July 16-- School District names Ken Minette Director of Instruction NCR
July 14-- Less layoffs than last year in Coast Mountain School District
July 12-- Northwestern BC School District aims to close trades gap
July 11-- Terrace School District names Carol Leclerc Trades Career Coordinator (video)
July 10-- Going green with horticulture at Charles Hays (N View e edition pg A11)
July 9- Terrace Grad rates lower than rest of province
July 8-- School District stays in house for Superintendent's position NCR

June 27-- New vice-principal appointed to Charles Hays Secondary in Prince Rupert
June 27-- Senior school staffer leaves Terrace
June 26-- Prince Rupert Port Authority supports trades training
June 24-- School District winds down deliberations for school year NCR
June 21-- Coast Mountain School District workers stage information picket
June 20-- North Coast Trades Training gets another boost NCR
June 19-- Charles Hays Secondary honours Prince Rupert's top students
June 19-- Prince Rupert Graduation rate below B. C. average
June 17-- Fraser Institute's Secondary School rankings released, Charles Hays listed at 258th NCR
June 14-- Education observer departs her post NCR
June 12-- Last District 52 meeting for Superintendent Hauptmant (video)
June 12-- Sandy Jones named acting superintendent as Hauptman attends last school board meeting
June 5-- Prince Rupert School District shuffling principals 

May 31-- Pineridge Students Take Home First Place for Northwest Bridge Building Contest
May 31-- Charles Hays Graduation Day 2013 NCR
May 29-- Prince Rupert's Benefit of the Bands
May 29-- Better teaching in less time in Prince Rupert
May 22-- Second time's the charm for school budget (N View e edition pg 8)
May 22-- Millwright training program coming to Prince Rupert
May 22-- School District 54 (Bulkley Valley) Unveils 2014 Draft Budget
May 22-- SB 2014 Draft Budget (video)
May 21-- The search is on at School District 52 NCR
May 17-- Pineridge Elementary School Raises $800 Towards Acropolis Manor Dental Chair
May 8-- Board confident in staff despite budget (Nor View e edition pg 3)
May 4-- NWCC Trades Caravan to come to Prince Rupert May 7th NCR

April 25-- Now the School District really does need a succession plan! NCR
April 24-- Superintendent of Prince Rupert's school district announces plans to move
April 22-- No success for School District's "succession plan" NCR
April 20-- Tales from the Port Ed School bookshelf NCR
April 11-- Prince Rupert students launching public debate sessions
April 10-- Prince Rupert Grads taking to the ice for hockey fundraiser
April 10-- Prince Rupert students complete work on healing and reconcilliation gift to government
April 8-- Kistumkalum Students Revitalize Language
April 8-- Kitsumkalum Language (video)
April 1-- Haida Gwaii school board supports day care plan

Mark 27-- Haida Gwaii work to be finished finally
March 23-- Prince Rupert classes have less students than B. C. average
March 20-- Rupert class sizes small (N View e edition pg 4)
March 19-- Topley Teacher to Head up BCTF
March 18-- B. C. Teachers, trustees begin contract talks
March 15-- Prince Rupert Music Society Raises Money for New Music Studio
March 15-- Terrace School District looking to sell or lease vacant buildings
March 14-- Northwest B. C. schools (Coast Mountain) to continue two-week break
March 14-- Ministry ranks PRMS replacement as high priority
March 13-- The rankings are the rankings (N View e edition page 6)
March 13-- Class and construction don't mix (N View e edition page 8)
March 13-- CHSS Dessert Theatre (N View e edition page 21)
March 13-- BC Lions spread a positive message (N View e edition pg 14)
March 13-- BC Teachers' Federation roll out advertising campaign for BC election campaign NCR
March 12-- Contract awarded for construction of a music studio at Prince Rupert high school
March 8-- Terrace School rankings don't show the whole picture
March 7-- Charles Hays Secondary drama department putting on annual Dessert Theatre
March 6-- Prince Rupert High School Principal says bullying still prevalent
March 4-- Fraser Institute elementary school marks are in  NCR

February 27-- Northwest Anti Bullying in Prince Rupert (video)
February 27-- An Australian Teacher in Prince Rupert
February 27-- Prince Rupert Middle School holds anti-bullying flash mob
February 27-- Prince Rupert students show their science skills
February 21-- CMSD (Terrace) BC Budget (video)
February 21-- Characters take over REM Lee stage
February 20-- Preparing for Zones (Nor View e edition pg 18)
February 20-- Tackling bullying in schools (Nor View e edition pg 30)
February 20-- Prince Rupert school board defends "sexually suggestive" high school play (Nor View-e edition pages 1 and 2)
February 20-- Teacher T-shirt ban a bad comedy skit: Lyster (Nor View e edition page 3)
February 20-- Bulkley Valley School District enrolment (video)
February 20-- Bulkley Valley School District faces a Decline in Student Enrolment
February 20-- Connections made between the HG Museum and SD 50 on Haida Gwaii
February 13-- BC Civil Liberties Association to keep an eye on SD 52 T shirt controversy NCR
February 4-- School District T shirt controversy catches the eye of the BC Civil Liberties Association NCR
February 2-- Two-week spring break opinions wanted in Terrace

January 31-- 5th Annual Science Fair set for late February NCR
January 31-- Partnership aims to provide workforce training (page 4)
January 30-- Normal school calendar next year for Haida Gwaii
January 28-- More discord between Union and School Board? NCR
January 25-- Conrad Elementary Students Collect Pennies for "Free the Children"
January 25-- Penny Blitz (video)
January 25-- School enrollment decline continues on Haida Gwaii
January 16-- Metlakatla Development Corp. tears down King Edward (page 4)
January 15-- Rotting Old School finally comes down (audio)
January 15-- Charles Hays Secondary Moves Closer to Building New Music Room
January 14-- SD52, NWCC and Ridley partner up for trades training program in 2013-14 school year NCR
January 11-- Credit Union donates $15,000 for music room at Charles Hays
January 10-- Northern BC school boards push back at Provincial Government NCR
January 10-- King Edward School being torn down
January 10-- Port Edward School saved by the bell
January 8-- B. C.'s Education Minister Tours Northwest
January 8-- NDP Promises to Revamp Skills Assessment Tests if Elected
January 7-- Port Edward officially opens new community school

2012


December 27-- Coast Mountain School Board Opposes Education Minister's Budget Request
December 27-- CMSD Pay Hike Resist (video)
December 21-- Terrace School Board pushes back against province
December 18-- Glad tidings to you wherever you are (except perhaps the SD52 office) NCR
December 18-- Parent files complaint with province over Terrace teacher
December 17-- Prince Rupert School District sees graduation rate improving
December 11-- Labour disputes in Prince Rupert school district feed lawyers, consultants
December 11-- Prince Rupert Teachers union votes non-confidence in board of education
December 6-- At SD52 when it comes to consultants, everything old is new again NCR
December 6-- Consultant for Prince Rupert School District paid $800 per day plus expenses for services
November 23-- Terrace School to get more storage space 
November 21-- Smithers Teacher Award (video)
November 21-- Coast Mountain School District (Terrace-Kitimat) 5 year plan (video)
November 16-- School District 52 approves funding for special needs transportation
November 15-- Terrace schools report slight decline in students

October 24-- Prince Rupert Middle School students send a message to drivers
October 23-- Prince Rupert School District signs lease agreement with Port Edward council
October 18-- President of Prince Rupert and District Teachers Union is one of many to share input with government on 2013 budget
October 16-- Cops check speed in school zones
October 13-- Teachers and support staff decide how to use Learning Improvement Funding
October 12-- School District 52 seeks replacement for Prince Rupert Middle School
October 11-- School District 52 asks to replace Prince Rupert Middle School in capital budget
October 5-- School District holds community forum to gather information on Graduation requirements
October 2-- School District holds community forum on Graduation requirements

September 28-- School District 52 in Prince Rupert holds community forums to gather input
September 21-- School District and City request funding from School Community Connections...

August 31-- Back to School with Bill 22 in effect
August 24-- Students heading back to school September 4 at various times, still time to register
August 22-- Backpack distribution starts tomorrow in Prince Rupert
August 20-- School District 52 working on many summer capital projects this summer
August 16-- Prince Rupert School District and Port Edward enter into new lease agreements for school
August 16 -- Port Edward school plans for 2012-13 announced

July 17-- FSA results show Prince Rupert students performing below provincial counterparts

June 22-- Prince Rupert teachers rally against ongoing labour dispute
June 21-- Prince Rupert school district announces administration changes for the coming year
June 16-- Prince Rupert Middle School is given a medium-risk seismic rating
June 15-- CHSS Will Be Getting A New Field
June 14-- Completion date for building envelope project at Charles Hays Secondary School gets pushed back
June 14-- Prince Rupert Port Authority donates $100,000 for field replacement

May 20-- Prince Rupert School Board passes one recommendation for 2012/2013 budget, rejects second
May 16-- BV Extended Spring Break is a Go for 2013
May 10-- Prince Rupert School Board to hold third open meeting regarding 2012/2013 budget
May 8-- Students will soon be shooting for Credit in Prince Rupert
May 3-- School District 52 board of education passes most of 2012/13 budget
May 2-- Playing telephone with Yertle the Turtle in Prince Rupert

April 30- Fraser Institute releases B. C. and Yukon secondary school ratings, Prince Rupert ranks low
April 26-- Dr. Seuss classic Yertle the Turtle -- Too Political?
April 26-- Prince Rupert School District Vetoes Yertle the Turtle
April 25-- Dr. Seuss quote too political, Prince Rupert teachers told
April 20-- Most of Prince Rupert's Principal's Association to retire within the decade, mentorship is important
April 20-- Prince Rupert School District passes budget for 2011/2012
April 20-- Teachers Rally on Highway 16 in Smithers
April 20-- Prince Rupert Superintendent comments on teachers withdrawing volunteer services
April 14-- Ready, Set, Learn events set to take place in Prince Rupert
April 13-- Aboriginal Education Council's annual report shows improvements in Prince Rupert's Aboriginal learners
April 11-- Addressing teacher conditions
April 4-- Two Week Spring Break May Be on the Horizon for Students

March 27-- Coast Mountains School District Considers Two-Week Spring Break
March 21-- Prince Rupert teachers look ahead to upcoming action plan
March 14-- To the teachers: What part of no don't you understand?
March 14-- Modern Education Course Connects Rupert Students With Local Community
March 10-- Celebrating literacy 2012
March 9-- Prince Rupert teachers want unpaid wages used to reduce wait times for psycho-educational testing
March 9-- Prince Rupert teacher discusses legislation and job action
March 7-- Teachers Strike Enters Day Three-- More Demonstrations Planned
March 6-- Prince Rupert teachers take to the streets as strike enters second day
March 6-- Northwest Teachers To Hold Demonstrations Today
March 5-- Prince Rupert teachers taking job action to City Hall tomorrow, invite public to join them
March 2-- Second Advisory Budget Consultation meeting held
March 1-- Prince Rupert students told to stay home for BC teacher strike
March 1-- Teachers to go on strike for three days starting Monday
March 1-- BC Teachers to Strike Next Week

February 28-- BC Teachers May Strike
February 23-- BC Government Prepares to Legislated End to Teachers Strike
February 19-- Early learning centres have been successful in school district
February 17-- School Board decides how to spend surplus funds from 2011-12
February 14-- School Board Passes Motion to Increase Funding for Charles Hays Band Room
February 7-- Fraser Institute Rankings place most Prince Rupert schools towards the bottom
February 3-- Teachers wear black to mark anniversary
February 3-- Board of Education Held First 2012 Budget Consultation Meeting in Prince Rupert

January 28-- High School reports soon to be released
January 18-- Prince Rupert School District releases dates for budget consultations
January 16-- Port Edward moves forward in bid to keep community school open
January 14-- School District starting annual budget consultation process
January 13-- School District #52 has $600,000 surplus to spend
January 7-- School Superintendent reflects on year of change for Prince Rupert schools

Port Edward school plans for 2012-13 announced

School District 52 is closing the Port Edward School on August 31st and then, school will reopen in the same location in September, under a lease back provision with the District of Port Edward.

The paperwork and agreement from it will provide for a community school in Port Ed for the 2012-13 school year, leading up to the completion of a new school building in that community, which would seemingly provide for a guarantee of education there until at least August of 2032.

Port Edward has been looking for creative ways to ensure that there was a form of local education in the community at the elementary level, a key aspect of growth for the community and a plan that would not require students to be transported to Prince Rupert schools for the elementary years.

In order for Port Edward to have a school in place for this September, the School District will be using the existing building on the sub lease provision, with Port Edward responsible for any major maintenance requirements that may arise in the interim period.

The plan to close the school and the terms of the sub lease were up for discussion at a School District meeting held on Thursday.

The Northern View provides some background on the recent developments here, a review of the construction project can be found here.

Port Edward moves forward in bid to keep community school open

Port Edward has shown School District 52 that it intends to explore all options in a bid to keep a school open in the community, revealing its plan for a new school for the District.

At the January council meeting for the District the first steps were taken towards building a school attached to the community hall in the District, a move that local residents hope will ensure that education options will be offered in their community rather than have their school aged children sent to Prince Rupert.

The Northern View offers up the background on their plans

A year of change for School District 52

A reorganization of the entire district is how Superintendent Lynn Hauptman describes the year to come for School District 52, she outlines her thoughts on what's ahead in this article in the Northern View.

Prince Rupert Digest: School District 52

Our archive items about developments at School District 52.