Brendan Eshom named as BC Achievement Foundation Reconciliation Award winner

Brendan Eshom has been honoured by the
BC Achievement Foundation for his work
with the Sm'algyax language

A member of the Giga'at First Nation and Prince Rupert resident is one of six British Columbians or BC based groups to be recognized by the BC Achievement Foundation as part of the Reconciliation Award program for 2022.

Brendan Eshom has been noted for his work in advocacy of the Ts'msyen Nation and his dedication towards the language of the Nation and its people.

In their notes related to the award the BC Achievement Foundation notes of his work through SD52's language program and the creation of a website that is dedicated towards Sm'algyax

You can review the full biography of his work here.

The Charles Hays graduate and class valedictorian of 2020, is currently a student at the University of British Columbia, he is studying in the Faculty of Science at the Vancouver university. 

We've taken a look at some of Mr. Eshom's work over the last few years, both on his language project and through his time at Charles Hays Secondary School,  our notes on his achievement can be reviewed below:

July 2021 -- Sm'algyax Word gains Braille option as locally created language program expands

November 2020 -- 2021 edition of the Prince Rupert Chamber's Rising Starts program opens the application period

November 2020 -- Appy Birthday to the Sm'algyax word App, poular local initiative continues to grow and spread the words of the Ts'msyen

July 2020 -- MLA Rice shares some Sm'algyax salutations for the Legislature and word of Brendan Eshom's news language project

July 2020 -- Want to work on your Sm'algyax ... there's an app for that!

March 2020 -- Rainmaker's Repeat ... Rainmakers Repeat! Charles Hays claims second consecutive Provincials banner with 67-45 victory over King George 

July 2019 -- CHSS Student Debaters to make their voices herd in 25 hour fundraising speakathon

The Nomination process for the BC Achievement Foundation  Reconciliation Award opened on November 15th of last year, closed on January 15th, with the list of Awardees revealed today,

More on today's announcements and award winners can be explored here.

Further Community Notes for Prince Rupert and are can be reviewed here.

Sm'algyax Word gains Braille option as locally created language program expands

Prince Rupert's 
Brendan Eshom has
added a new element to
his Sm'algyax Word portal

The latest addition to the work of Brendan Eshom found of Sm’algya̱x Word will see the introduction of a braille alphabet for the traditional dialect of the Tsymsyen, the news shared today of the service that will bring the language to the vision impaired and blind.

Mr. Eshom, a Prince Rupert resident and Gitga'at Nation member has partnered with Harris Mowbray is an amateur linguist and programmer from the United States of America. 

The American partner is notable for creating several proposals to encode minority languages around the world in Braille

The joint effort began earlier this year when Mr. Mowbray contacted Mr. Eshom to share a Braille alphabet he had constructed for the Sm’algya̱x language. 

Following discussions via online conferencing and consultation with the Sm’algya̱x Language Authority, the newly-conceived alphabet was added to the smalgyaxword.ca website. 

The finished product is now available through the website, the Braille alphabet can be viewed by the public as a series of illustrations that correspond to characters conventionally used to write Sm’algya̱x.

Through their information release on the project today, Mr. Eshom noted of the nature of the collaboration on the project.

“The development of a Braille alphabet for Sm’algya̱ x increases the number of people who can experience the knowledge and heritage of BC’s North Coast — literally at first-hand. People with visual challenges who are fluent in Braille will be able to learn the language as readily as those who have access to printed reference materials. I applaud Harris for his expertise and initiative, which have enabled an exciting cross-cultural collaboration"

Harris Mowbray worked
with Mr. Eshom on the 
braille option

For Mr. Mowbray, the Sm'algyax Braille alphabet is the latest of reference works that he has created,  having worked on similar concepts for alphabets for the Chamorro and Carolinian languages of the Mariana Islands, the Kashubian and Silesian languages of Poland to name a few.

“Accessibility is vital for the preservation and spread of minority languages. As I devise and fit Braille alphabets to written vernacular, I’m amazed at the unique ways that communities preserve and transmit culture. Limits to sightedness should not be a barrier to anyone who wants to share that experience.”

The introduction of a braille option for his work, is part of the way that the Prince Rupert resident continues to enhance his Sm'algyax Word project as he continues to share the language to larger and larger audiences.

You can learn more about the Braille option here.

The Sm'algyax Word of the Day project now features over 600 words and is available online, as well as through a mobile app and SMS subscription, explore what Mr. Eshom has to share here.

More items of note on Community themes on the North Coast can be reviewed here.

2021 edition of the Prince Rupert Chamber's Rising Stars program opens the application period

The call for applicants has been issued as the Prince Rupert and District Chamber prepares for another year of mentoring under their highly successful Rising Stars program an initiative which has been in place for fifteen years, developing young adults into community leaders and entrepreneurs . 

The program matches students from Coast Mountain College and Charles Hays Secondary School with members of the Prince Rupert business community for a five-month long mentorship.

The 2021 program is being coordinated by Rising Stars alumnus, Aidan Murphy-Morven.

He previously participated as a student in the program that under the mentorship of Alexie Stephens of the North Coast Innovation Lab.

“I am excited to carry on the standard of leadership and innovation that were demonstrated by last year’s coordinator Scott Langille. We have already recruited outstanding mentors for this year, and I know that as they develop professional experience and skills they’ll come to appreciate the spirit of mutual support that characterizes Prince Rupert’s business community.” -- Aidan Murphy-Morven

Towards recruitment for the Class of 2021 which is now underway the process looks like this: Students will find application details online here.

Those with an interest in the program must have their submissions in by midnight on November 30. 

Candidates will be interviewed by Mr. Murphy-Morven and members of the program’s steering committee to select the six participants for this years intake.

As for the program, our times of COVID have required a bit of fine tuning from previous years, with a focus that will be primarily that of online collaboration. 

However, the 2021 program elements will also encompass public speaking training, development of post-secondary education strategies, guidance on professional business communication and branding, as well as the opportunity to collaborate on a major passion project. 

Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Bommars-MacNeil observed on the past success of the program and the opportunities it offers local youth in the community

“We are proud of Aidan and all of the Rising Stars graduates. The program he has designed this year in conjunction with our Chamber team will be both challenging and rewarding. There’s no better way for business-minded students in Northwest BC to gain real-world skills and insights.”

The Rising Stars of 2020 have made way for a new
group of participants in the Chambers popular youth program
(From 2020: Royce Sampson, Andy Chugh, Brendan Eshom,
Aidan-Murphy Morven and Carsen Vibert) 

The success of the Rising Stars project is through the partnerships that the Chamber has built in the community both with local educators and business leaders.

Something which they make note of early on in their information page that highlights the many elements of the successful program.

Rising Stars is a collaborative initiative from the ground up. The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce works closely with Coast Mountain College and Charles Hays Secondary School to administer the program. 

Meanwhile, dozens of businesses in Prince Rupert have invested time and capital in the participants' experience — both as mentors and sponsors. Rising Stars is widely-recognized in the community as an effective way for students to build their professional network.

You can learn more about the program and how you could become a sponsor or a mentor from the rising stars home page.

For more notes on the Northwest business scene see our archive page here.

Appy Birthday to the Sm'algyaxword App, popular local initiative continues to grow and spread the words of the Ts'msyen

Former CHSS student Brendan Eshom is expanding the range
of options to help spread the word of his love for Sm'algyax
(photo from Sm'algyax word instagram)

 

It's been one year since former Charles Hays Secondary Student Brendan Eshom launched a fascinating project for the Northwest, with the creation of the Word of the day website and a follow up initiative of a mobile app designed to expand the knowledge of the language of the Ts'msyen First Nation.

The app offers users the opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous langauge and to celebrate the one year anniversary, Mr. Eshom, now an undergrad student at UBC has added a user contribution aspect towards his work.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary on November 14th, the B.C. Indigenous language advocate has invited the public to suggest words that will be translated into Sm’algya̱x and featured on the web, in apps, and through related social media

"The discipline of choosing and translating one word a day has allowed me to communicate my passion for the language, and has deepened my understanding of my own culture/ I particularly enjoy choosing words that reflect seasonal or newsworthy events, showing how traditional knowledge from BC’s North Coast can illuminate contemporary affairs"-- North Coast Language researcher Brendan Eshom

You can submit your suggestion for Word of the Day here.

We outlined the passion that he has for the language and the gift of sharing it with the wider community in these notes from last year.

Word of his love of language was also hailed in the BC Legislature last year, when MLA Jennifer Rice shared the details of his extensive efforts with the members of the Chamber.

The App is available at
Apple and Google

The website that he designed has progressed through several upgrades and now allows visitors to explore words in a variety of theme categories. 

Mr. Eshom also records and uploads a YouTube video for every word, providing its pronunciation, as well as curating accompanying images and example sentences for context.

To complement the website, Eshom launched the accompanying mobile app and text message broadcast service in July 2020. 

Select Sm’algya̱x words from the collection are also published on Facebook once a week.In keeping with his commitment to regular upgrades.

Mr. Eshom explains the focus on seeking more input from the community as thus. 

"Part of my vision for this project has been to promote dialogue, both in and about the Sm’algya̱ x language. People have all kinds of reasons they want to learn a specific word, and this allows them to share their unique interest with the community of Sm’algya̱x learners and allies."

As a member of the Gitga’at (Hartley Bay) First Nation, Mr. Eshom had immersed himself in the language throughout his years of public education. 

To enhance his own knowledge and share his enthusiasm, Eshom obtained approval from the Ts’msyen Language Authority and financial support from Wa̱ p Sig̱atgyet (a department of School District 52) before publishing the inaugural Sm’algya̱ x word of the day: “Ba̱ ’wis” (monkey). 

Two words were later added and retroactively assigned to earlier dates: “G̱ ayak” (grey) and “Ha’lila̱ xsits’a̱ ’a̱ x” (November).

From those early beginnings, a most impressive language and cultural resource has continued to grow.

You can learn more about his work from the following resources

Sm'algyax Word of the Day website

Sm'algyax Word Facebook page

Sm'algyax Word Twitter feed

Sm'algyax Word Instagram

Sm'algyax Word YouTube page

The mobile app is available at both the Apple Store and Google Play store.

For more notes of interest from around the Northwest see our Community Notes page.

MLA's Week: July 20-24, 2020

The summer session for the BC Legislature continued on towards the end of July, with MLA's continuing to participate in a mix of in House and remote options.

The now five day work week continues to feature House activities Monday to Wednesday, with Committee work taking up the load on Thursday and Fridays.

This week found Skeena MLA Ellis Ross participating  through video link as part of the House functions, as well those of committee.

North Coast Jennifer Rice, continued her work from Prince Rupert, participating by remote video connection as well.

Outside of the Legislature work, the concerns over COVID reached a little closer to the Northwest this week, with a community outbreak noted by Northern Health for Haida Gwaii.

Community outbreak of 13 cases of COVID-19 recorded on Haida Gwaii

The Premier also raised a few eyes this week, with comments related to the timeline ahead for the next election in British Columbia.

Premier's comments put opposition parties on alert for any surprise election calls

As for more on the week or work from the House, the five days unfolded as follows:

************************************************************************

On the week, Ms Rice was listed once in the accounts of the sessions of the Legislature from July 20-24

In Statements as part of the Wednesday afternoon session, Ms. Rice provided the Legilsature with a look at the work of Brendan Eshom, the CHSS graduate who has created an app to help with the learning of the Sm'algyax language.

MLA Rice shares some Sm'algyax salutations for the Legislature and word of Brendan Eshom's newest language project

Through her Social Media stream this week, the North Coast MLA also made note of some funding for Ground Search and Rescue organizations across the province.

Provincial funding announced to support Ground Search and Rescue volunteers

Ms. Rice also used her Social media feed to celebrate her third year as Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency preparedness

MLA Rice marks third year of NDP government with update on recent work of the Legislature

The North Coast MLA is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, serving as the convener of that forum.

Transcripts of the work of the committee are available on the Legislature page for the Committee.

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs


**************************************************************************

For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross  was mentioned twice in the record for  Legislature from July 20-24

The first notes for Mr. Ross on the week were part of his work on Tuesday where he reviewed the importance of training opportunities for youth, First Nations members and all residents of the region.

Skeena MLA points to training as key element from resource development for Northern BC communities

The Skeena MLA also participated in a Committee session related to Health estimates on Friday, making a number of enquiries of Health Minister Adrian Dix on issues related to the suspension of overnight flights at Terrace airport, as well as to seek out a progress report on the work on the Mills Memorial hospital project.

Overnight closures at Terrace airport, progress for Mills Memorial Hospital among questions from Skeena MLA Ross at committee session

Also of note this week for the Skeena riding, was the official conclusion of work on the Highway 16 roundabout project in Terrace.

Federal, provincial and municipal governments celebrate completion of Terrace Roud-a-bout

Mr. Ross is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.

He has also been appointed to the Standing Committee on Children and Youth
and as noted above, he has been appointed to the newly created Committee to study the Police Act.

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Special Committee for Review of the Police complaint process, you can follow their work here.

There is more background on both the North Coast and Skeena MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below:

North Coast constituency

Skeena and Stikine constituency

The full schedule for the Legislature for 2020  can be viewed here.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our political portal D'Arcy McGee 

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

MLA Rice shares some Sm'algyax salutations for the Legislature and word of Brendan Eshom's newest language project

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice celebrated the language work of
Prince Rupert's Brendan Eshom this week

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice shared a little North Coast Łoomsk for the work of a recent Charles Hays Secondary graduate, sharing word of his love for words and the newest creation from Brendan Eshom, who has developed an App to help residents learn more about Sm'algyax.

Ms. Rice made use of her speaking time as part of the Wednesday session.

Participating by video link, she offered up some of her thoughts on the ongoing efforts to keep Indigenous languages alive for communities across the province.

As the members of this chamber know, B.C. is home to dozens of different Indigenous languages. But like much of the Indigenous culture across Canada, these languages have been victims of centuries of colonial efforts to eradicate them in favour of English language and culture. 

 First Nations communities, including those in my riding, are now fighting to keep their languages alive for future generations. 

Most are doing so through traditional education, their nation or through B.C.'s public school system, but some are using technology and other innovations to ensure the survival of their language.

As part of her presentation to the Legislature on Wednesday, Ms. Rice showcased some of her Sm'algyax and hailed the work of Mr. Eshom offering the Legilsature a look at how successful his work on language has been.

But simply building a website was not enough for him. He took his idea and extra step further, and with funding from the Gitga'at First Nation, he developed a mobile app called Sm'algyax Word, based on his already successful website. 

As of last week, his app had gone viral on the Apple app store, becoming the 104th most popular app on the app store. 

 His app will help keep the Tsimshian culture alive. In his own words: "Illuminating Sm̓algya̱x means revealing a world view that is unique to Tsimshian culture."



We highlighted the work of the UBC bound graduate earlier this month, providing a bit of background on what is now his second impressive contribution to sharing his skills and creative projects with the public.

For more notes on the App see the Apple Store or Google Play store.

Further items of interest on the work of Ms. Rice and other Legislature themes see our archive page here.

Blog Watching: Week ending July 19, 2020

Our look at an easy to use and access app for phones and mobile devices that will help to learn the Sm'algyax made for our most read story of the week; with a large volume of readers looking to find out more about a project from recent CHSS grad Brendan Eshom.

Also generating a large volume of reads on the week was a look at a trip we made out to the east side of Prince Rupert, making the to investigate word of a partial apartment building collapse at a long closed building overlooking Seal Cove.

Municipal issues also found a large audience this week as we reviewed the latest request for bids from the City of Prince Rupert, this one related to their plans for an expansion of the landfill site.

Some movie fans in Prince Rupert and area will be making a trip to the Civic Centre parking lot in August, as CityWest and the City's Recreation department host a Drive In movie night.

As well, this week brought one more staffing change for School District 52, which has named a new Vice-Principal for École Roosevelt Park School.

However, when it came to the most read item of the last week, Brendan Eshom's helpful project to learn Sm'alagyax was by far the most popular story of the week.

Want to work on your Sm'algyax  ... there's an app for that -- An app created by a UBC bound graduate from Charles Hays Secondary School is helping residents of the North Coast learn Sm'algyax, showcasing the linguistic genius of Brendan Eshom who has been a strong advocate for the language, his newest learning tool comes along and builds on his work on a word of the day website.   (posted  July  13, 2020)

That article was followed by:

Seal Cove area apartment block crumbles upon itself -- A long closed apartment block on the city's far east side partially collapsed earlier this month, with work crews moving late in the week to remove the danger from the neighbourhood.  (posted July 13, 2020)

City of Prince Rupert moves forward on landfill expansion plans with Invitation for Tenders --  While the Alternative Approval Process that City council is conducting has still to reach it's completion date, the city has decided to get a head start on the procurement of bids for the work to expand on the Ridley Island landfill site  (posted July 14, 2020)

CityWest to take you back to the Days of the Drive In this August   -- The first Tuesday of August will be movie  night at the Jim, with CityWest and the City's Recreation Centre teaming up to provide for a Drive In theatre experience for fifty car loads of movie goers, with CityWest hosting the contest to provide for the limited COVID admission.   (posted July 14, 2020)

New Vice-Principal named for École Roosevelt School --  Interim SD52 Superintendent Sandra Jones had a least one more announcement to make before she returns to retired life on August 1st, with the School District announcing that Cindy Stevenson will be taking on the position of Vice Principal at École Roosevelt Park School in August.  (posted July 17, 2020 )

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace.

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page.

For those looking for updates to items as they are posted to the blog, don't forget about our email alert access.

A daily review of the latest items on the blog can be delivered to your email in box, simply by entering your email address into the information bar, items posted to the blog will be delivered to your e-mail account each day.

You can find the link to that feature on the upper, right hand side of the blog. It can be found underneath the Follow the North Coast Review by Email indicator.

As well, those who use Twitter can get updates as we post new items from our twitter feed

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching  can be found here.

To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Want to work on your Sm'algyax ... there's an app for that!

A new initiative from a recent graduate of Charles Hays Secondary School is now available to help those looking to learn, or expand their knowledge of Sm'algyax offering up an opportunity to practice, practice, practice.

The new app which features the North Coast Indigenous language common to Ts'msyen communities was launched over the weekend and has now been included in the Apple App Store charts for education software.

The genesis for the app, created by Brendan Eshom, who graduated from CHSS last month, came after his grade 12 timetable could not accommodate a Sm'algyax course. The instruction of the Indigenous language is part of the curriculum for students of School District 52.

Funding for the project came through a grant from the Git'gat First Nation and the app has been endorsed by the Sm'algyax Language Authority.

Mr. Eshom who is a member of the Gig'gat Nation is happy with the early response to the launch of the project and what it offers those who wish to learn.

"Growing up as part of the Gitga'at First Nation, I have immersed myself in study of Sm'algyax. I am excited to share my passion for the language with audiences both here at home and around the world. Tradition and history are embedded in language. 

Illuminating Sm'algyax means revealing a worldview that is unique to Ts'mysen culture. It's humbling to witness the ongoing revitalization of the language, thanks to its speakers, learners, and advocates."

The App project builds on the success of a website that debuted in late 2019, which offers a new word of the day and provides a wider overview of the Sm'algyax language.

His passion for the language will continue even as Mr. Eshom heads off for further studies at UBC in the fall, with the local linguist looking to build on his success in distributing and offer further resources.

You can download the program from both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

More on education in the Northwest can be found from our archive page here.

Rainmaker's Repeat ... Rainmaker's Repeat! Charles Hays claims second consecutive Provincials banner with 67-45 victory over King George

Make it Two Banners in a Row for the Rainmakers
(photo from TFSE streamcast)

The Charles Hays Secondary Senior Boys will be bringing home their second consecutive banner for the Prince Rupert Boulevard school's Gymnasium, claiming four consecutive wins at the British Columbia AA Provincial Basketball Tournament at Langley.

The much anticipated final brought the two favourites of the bracket together, with the Rainmakers tipping off against the King Georg Dragons at 4 PM on Saturday afternoon.

The opening of the Championship game coming complete with video profiles, flashing lights and a rendition of O Canada to signify that it was indeed Showtime in Langley.

The Makers' came out ready to play, keeping their opposition off their game and out of any kind of rhythm, swapping out strong defensive play, stellar board work and high energy offfense to build a strong lead of 21-12 once the first ten minutes were complete.

The Second quarter made for the best quarter of basketball for the Dragons who put up a strong challenge to the Prince Rupert Seniors, their push on offence, combined with some cold shooting for the Rainmakers brought the two teams to a 25-25 tie midway through the frame.

The surge by King George serving to refocus the Makers towards getting back in gear, with the Makers' grabbing the lead back late int the quarter taking a 29-25 lead into the half time break.

Returning from the short rest, the Rainmakers returned to their combination of strong ball control, wise clock management and a return to shooting form that saw success for their key quartet of Caden Pagens, Tyler Jones, Rylan Adams and Kai Leighton who all would find the range once again.

The distance on the scoreboard began to climb with the Makers holding a thirteen point advantage at midpoint of the third, the frustrations for the Dragons showing both on the court and on the sidelines as their expressive coach Darko Kulic drew a Technical at one point, sending the Rainmakers to the charity stripe to add to their lead.

Coaches Mel and Ryan Bishop had to give Kai Leighton a break in the latter stages of the quarter , as his game long battles with the Dragons Nikola Guzina found both players in foul trouble late in the third frame.

The subbing in didn't interrupt the Rainmaker flow on the floor though with Brendan Eshom stepping in to shut down the Dragons Big man, while Charles Hays pushed their lead to 47-39 by three quarter time.

The fourth quarter was all Rainmakers with Tyler Jones and Rylan Adams alternating with key baskets to build on the lead, each successive basket taking a bit more out of the Dragons.

To close the game out, the Makers showcased some strong clock management, their defensive play leaving the King George squad with nothing but perimeter shots, the misses gobbled up by the back court to ensure that there was no danger of any kind of comeback.

The punctuation on the night coming with a late game Leighton three to make for the final marker of the game that made the Championship final score Charles Hays 67 - King George 45.

The Boxscore from Saturday's Championship win can be explored here.

With handshakes and fist bumps complete, the awards were handed out, the first going to Caden Pagens as the Player of the Game for the Tournament Finale.

Other awards were handed out to Mel Bishop for his stewardship of the tournament champions.

Tyler Jones was named to the Tournament's First All Star Team, with Kai Leighton named as the Tournament's Most Valuable Player.

All that remained for the night were the Tournament Photos of the Champions and then the celebratory cutting of the twine, with Rainmaker Coach Mel Bishop making the final cuts to bring another basket back to Prince Rupert.

(All Photos from TFSE Streamcast of Saturday's finale)

Those who purchased the TFSE Streaming package can review the game from the archives page, which will make the Championship run available for viewing through their On Demand Archive.

Fans of the Rainmakers will want to follow along at Howard Tsumura's Varsity Letters blog, which will be featuring not only recaps of all four Tournament finales, but some features of another remarkable week of High School Basketball in BC.

You can review the full week of the Rainmakers in Langley from our Archive page here.

More notes on the CHSS Rainmakers Athletic programs can be explored from our Rainmaker Archive.

Education 2020 -- School District 52 / Annunciation School / Lax Kw'alaams Archives

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

School District 52 website

School District 52 Meetings Agenda page

School District 52 Meetings Minutes page

Annunciation School website

PRDTU Website

News Items of Note

(Charles Hays Athletics items can be found here)

Contract Negotiation Updates can be viewed here.


December

December 25 -- Conrad Elementary students design and build newest city neighbourhood

December 23 -- Prince Rupert's newest neighbourhood is Gingerbread Village

December 18 -- Prince Firefighters send some Christmas Cheer (and some cash) to local organizations  NCR

December 15 -- Teachers mental health in SD52 is a concern to PRDTU

December 15 -- PRDTU to share awareness for Teachers' Mental Health in January  NCR

December 15 -- COVID related themes discussed as part of December SD52 Board meeting  NCR

December 14 -- SD52 had a 'robust debate' about Christmas break during the pandemic

December 14 -- SD52 response to teachers' demand of mandatory masks (video)

December 11 -- SD52 is failing the safety of teachers and students - Prince Rupert District Teachers Union

December 11 -- Prince Rupert Teacher Road Rally (video)

December 11 -- Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union hold road rally to promote safer schools mask mandate

December 11 -- While appreciative of PRDTU concerns on COVID safety; SD52 to continue to seek advice of Ministry Education and Provincial Health officials  NCR

December 10 -- Prince Rupert teachers express disappointment with SD52's response to concerns  NCR

December 10 -- Prince Rupert teachers rally for more protection in school (audio)

December 6 -- Road Rally for Safe Schools

December 2 -- Annunciation continues to se the pace in Prince Rupert with the latest Elementary Schools report from Fraser Institute  NCR

December 1 -- Prince Rupert educators and authors navigate pandemic with children's book 'The Lemon Tart'  NCR

December 1 -- Prince Rupert teachers continue to press for increased COVID safety in schools; announce plans for public rally December 10  NCR

November

November 30 -- School District 52 Highlights - October 29 meeting

November 30 -- School District staffers gain valuable insights from Friday's info sessions NCR

November 20 -- PRDTU calls for 'local leadership' from School District on COVID-19 response  NCR

November 18 -- COVID exposure and appointments for positions make for SD52 notes from November meeting  NCR

November 18 -- Teachers' concerns over COVID-19 safety (audio)

November 17 -- PRDTU offers up a range of questions for Thursday's Virtual COVID Town Hall with SD52/Northern Health  NCR

November 17 -- Dr. Bonnie Henry on keeping schools open during BC's second wave of COVID-19 (audio)

November 13 -- Prince Rupert public is invited to support Sm'algyax promotion platform

November 13 -- Appy Birthday to the Sm'algyaxword App. popular local initiative continues to grow and spread the words of the Ts'msyen  NCR

November 10 -- School District 52 and Northern Health set a date for Virtual Town Hall on COVID -19  NCR

November 6 -- SD52 Board appointments announced

November 6 -- SD52 announces duties for Officers of Board of Education  NCR

November 2 -- Funding available for Active School Travel projects across British Columbia  NCR


October 

October 30 -- Confirmed COVID-19 case at Ecole Roosevelt Park Elementary

October 30 -- COVID-19 infects Prince Rupert school district individual

October 30 -- With COVID making its entry into Prince Rupert Schools, a timely moment for a School Board meeting arrives  NCR

October 29 -- SD52 advises of confirmed case of COVID-19 at Prince Rupert elementary school  NCR

October 22 -- Conrad Elementary students learn of 'reconiliACTION' during Secret Path Week 

October 20 -- SD52 outlines system in place for CHSS Cohort process in times of COVID NCR

October 14 -- Concerns over medical marijuana grow ops in Prince Rupert grow (audio)

October 13 -- SD52 Board Meeting for October set for this evening; parents/guardians encouraged to ZOOM into evening session  NCR

October 9 -- Special School Deliveries planned in wake of cancellation of Halloweenfest for 2020 NCR

October 7 -- No Tricks, just treats please - Halloween Fest to deliver candy bags

October 1 -- BCTF take COVID in the school concerns to Dr. Bonnie Henry  NCR

September

September 30 -- Pineridge Students learn about OrangeShirt Day

September 30 -- Orange Shirt Fay 2020 builds on reconciliation across British Columbia and in Prince Rupert  NCR

September 28 -- Easy access for all is required to SD52 meetings

September 24 -- Prince Rupert reachers support Labour Relations Board action

September 24 -- Special online session for SD52 tonight providing for a review of plans for spending of Federal restart funding NCR

September 23 -- SD52 Board Meeting recap (video)

September 23 -- Many, many concerns School District 52 Teachers still with teaching during a Pandemic

September 23 -- New wellness checklist for attending school in place from Northern Health NCR

September 22 -- Restart stats and additional funding among themes for First School District meeting for 2020-21 school year  NCR

September 18 -- Kids with disabilities left out of the COVID-19 classroom (audio)

September 18 -- Back to class teachers concerns are high, Prince Rupert District Teachers Union said

September 18 -- BCTF takes COVID related safety issues to the Labour Relations Board  NCR

September 17 -- Parents will soon be able to access a COVID check up on their local school  NCR

September 15 -- SD52 hosts first Board meeting of new school year, with public access available by Zoom NCR

September 9 -- Back to School means additional focus for School Zone traffic enforcement  NCR

September 8 -- Dr. Bonnie Henry: the science behind back-to-school (audio)

September 8 -- SD52 outlines further Return to School information and Options  NCR

September 4 -- With more federal funding heading to the schools, BCTF will be holding local School Districts accountable on safety  NCR

September 3 -- As students prepare to return to school next week, the Fraser Institute provides its annual reviews of the province's secondary schools. With Prince Rupert's CHSS topping the NW findings  NCR

August

August 31 -- Annunciation plans moving forward as return to school nears  NCR

August 27 -- SD52 releases individual school Restart plans  NCR

August 25 -- Coast Tsimshian Academy and Lax Kw'alaams community mourn passing of Pat Dudoward NCR

August 24 -- SD52 anticipates approval of School Restart plan by Wednesday NCR

August 21 -- SD52 start for school set for September 10th NCR

August 21 -- Apologies and compensation anticipated following Ombudsperson's report on2019 Provincial School Exams issues  NCR

August 19 -- BCTF calls for additional safety measures, more remote learning options as school year looms on horizon  NCR

August 13 -- Students to get two extra days of summer vacation, as Province revises back to school plans  NCR

August 12 -- Teachers first, students later: British Columbia Government looking at staggered start to 2020 school year  NCR

August 11 -- BC School restart delayed

August 10 -- SD52 explores local back to school planning as part of provincial restart plans for September  NCR

August 4 -- Prince Rupert's School Teachers union has concerns about September school openings (video)

August 4 -- Teachers union in Prince Rupert are concerned with back to school in classes this fall

August 4 -- SD52 website hosts archive for provincial updates on Back to School 2020  NCR


July 

July 31 -- Government's Return to School plan gains a few caution flags from BCTF membership  NCR

July 30 -- BC unveils its back to school plan

July 30 -- Teachers, parents react to BC's back to school plan (audio)

July 24 -- MLA Rice shares some Sm'algyax salutations for the Legislature and word of Brendan Eshom's newest language project  NCR
July 17 -- New Vice Principal named for École Roosevelt School  NCR
July 14 -- Indigenous language app developed in Prince Rupert (audio)
July 14 -- High school graduate creates Sm'algyax word of the day app (audio)

July 14 -- A young Prince Rupert man tries to save the Sm'algyax language
July 13 -- Launch of indigenous language app sees large success
July 13 -- Want to work on your Sm'algyax ... there's an app for that  NCR


June

June 26 -- Andrew Samoil appointed new Prince Rupert School Superintendent
June 25 -- School District 52 announces new leader
June 25 -- School District selects Andrew Samoil as Superintendent  NCR
June 23 -- Charles Hays Vice Principal (video)
June 22 -- More personnel shuffling for SD52  NCR
June 20 -- An Online Celebration in 2020 for national Indigenous People's Day on Sunday  NCR
June 19 -- Charles Hays Secondary School Awards 2020
June 17 -- SD52 School Bus Sell Off  NCR
June 17 -- SD52 Superintendent's Message hails achievement in challenging times  NCR
June 12 -- The Charles Hays Secondary Class of 2020 is ... Virtually there!  NCR
June 12 -- Grad Parades in Prince Rupert (video)
June 11 -- In final session for 2019-20 school year SD52 approves Budget Bylaw, Capital plans  NCR
June 11 -- Senior Staffing shuffle in motion at School District 52  NCR
June 10 -- Calling Carla Rourke to the principal's office, please
June 9 -- Sandra Jones returns to lead Prince Rupert School District (video)
June 9 -- SD52 turns to a familiar face as Acting Superintendent  NCR
June 9 -- Teacher's PPE in Prince Rupert (video)
June 8 -- Commencement begins for class of 2020
June 5 -- North Coast teacher advocates for Keep BC Students Safe petition NCR
June 4 -- LaPierre update (video)
June 4 -- School District 52 chooses to go in a different direction with Superintendent role
June 2 -- Prince Rupert Superintendent Departs  (video)
June 2 -- Prince Rupert School District fires superintendent
June 2 -- Prince Rupert School Superintendent Irene LaPierre leaves job abruptly
June 2 -- School District 52 and School Superintendent Dr. Irene LaPierre to part ways  NCR
June 2 -- Prince Rupert Schools to gain lighting upgrades as SD52 bid deadline approaches  NCR
June 1 -- Back to School time for Prince Rupert students means renewed Speed and Safety enforcement in school zones NCR

May

May 28 -- SD52 and Charles Hays Secondary outline Grad Commencement plans for June  NCR
May 26 -- School District 52 restart plan (video)
May 26 -- School District 52 is ready for the return of students on June 1st
May 26 -- Charles Hays Secondary makes ready for Return to School  NCR
May 25 -- SD52 releases School Restart Plan along with results of survey which indicate near 50/50 split for parents on plans to return students to schools  NCR
May 21 -- Friday Deadline looms for BC K-12 Parent Survey, while online petition calls for schools to remain closed until September  NCR
May 20 -- SD52 prepares for Stage 3 of classroom return set for June 1st  NCR
May 19 -- Ministry of Education to host Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday night  NCR
May 20 -- Nisga'a Students to receive electronic tablets as part of COVID-19 response  NCR
May 20 -- SD52 prepares for Stage 3 of classroom return set for June 1st  NCR
May 19 -- Ministry of Education to host Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday night  NCR
May 16 -- Pineridge parade
May 15 -- Ministry of Education outlines steps ahead towards in-class instruction for British Columbia students  NCR
May 15 -- SD52 makes close to $478,000 in spending reductions to reach balanced budget  NCR
May 13 -- SD52 on continuation of Education (video)
May 13 -- School District 52 addresses the idea of online learning and next steps for students
May 6 -- PRMS Replacement plans set for some advancement this Spring  NCR
May 5 -- BC Teachers ratify contract deal reached last week  NCR
May 4 -- Bags of Goodness prepared by SD52 to fill a void and a tummy
May 4 -- Learning at all times of the day during COVID-19
May 1 -- SD52 sets May 12 as date for 2020 Budget Approval NCR


April

April 28 -- Education Minister not ready to reopen BC Schools yet
April 28 -- SD52 delivers 'Bags of Goodness' as part of local food initiative  NCR
April 22 -- School report cards will be issued, despite COVID-19
April 21--  Reading for Rupert (audio)
April 21 -- SD52 updates parents/students on Continuity of Learning in Prince Rupert NCR
April 17 -- New initiatives seeks to connect North Coast residents with reading during the times of COVID  NCR
April 16 -- SD52 set to move forward with virtual budget consultation for end of April  NCR
April 7 -- SD52 updates parents, guardians and students on elementary school continuity of education plans  NCR
April 2 -- Charles Hays Secondary provides update for Students on continuity of Education plan  NCR


March

March 30 -- How School Districts are figuring out what comes next for students (audio)
March 30 -- Province of British Columbia working with School Districts, Independent Schools and First Nations Schools towards continuity of Education Plan  NCR
March 27 -- SD52 continues momentum towards continuity of Education Planning NCR
March 25 -- SD52 seeks feedback from parents/guardians towards education plans moving forward  NCR
March 24 -- School May Be OUT; But Rainmakers Now is ON ...  NCR
March 24 -- SD52 Cancels Budget consultations until further notice NCR
March 22 -- City of Prince Rupert closes playgrounds, Parks and SD52 play areas  NCR
March 17 -- BC elementary and secondary schools suspended indefinitely
March 17 -- Province of BC declares suspension of in class K-12 instruction, Premier Horgan updates province on other COVID-19 measures  NCR
March 10 -- Funding announced for North Coast Schools
March 9 -- Rainmakers win provincial basketball championship
March 3 -- SD52 calls for public feedback on calendar planning for next three years  NCR


February

February 28 -- SD52 launches survey seeking feedback on best site option for PRMS replacement project  NCR
February 28 -- MLA Rice is ready for a ribbon cutting  NCR
February 27 -- SD52 recruitment video highlights the Prince Rupert experience for prospective teachers  NCR
February 26 -- Rupert residents show anti-bullying support
February 26 -- School District showcases potential sties for new middle school NCR
February 26 -- Pink Shirt Day across the city, province seeks to put an end to bullying  NCR
February 25 -- Breakfast Club of Canada launches the day right
February 24 -- School District to share plans for Prince Rupert Middle School replacement with City Council tonight  NCR
February 18 -- SD52 hosts Second Budget consultation session tonight at Booth Building NCR
February 18 -- Kanata School reduced to rubble as demolition process underway  NCR
February 14 -- SD52 sets February 27th meeting and Open House for new Middle School plans NCR
February 14 -- Board to meet with French Immersion supporters later this month  NCR
February 14 -- French immersion issues, plans for a New Middle School and Budget Planning among themes for SD52's February Board Meeting  NCR
February 6 -- Frozen fingers to warm and wiggly digits
February 6 -- First of series of SD52 Budget consultations set for tonight  NCR
February 6 -- French teacher shortage concerns parents who want to provide opportunities for children in BC  (audio)
February 4 -- BCTF launches twitter info stream on themes of labour dispute  NCR


January

January 24 -- The first step towards the CHSS Class of 2033 starts with a Kindergarten registration  NCR
January 24 -- With little movement in teacher's talks, BCTF membership reportedly reviewing next steps   NCR
January 22 -- Five schools in Prince Rupert on a Do Not Consume Warning due to High Copper levels (video)
January 22 -- Mayor Lee Brain's notes put some distance between City of Prince Rupert and SD52's latest water woes  NCR
January 22 -- 'Potential short and long-term health impacts' from drinking water in Prince Rupert schools: Northern Health (audio)
January 22 -- SD52 schools using bottled water, waiting on results from copper levels in drinking water
January 22 -- SD52 students to use bottled water while Board of Education considers solutions to water issues  NCR
January 21 -- Prince Rupert schools using bottled water until copper levels confirmed to meet standards
January 21 -- School District 52 asking students to use filtered water after new water tests
January 21 -- Northern Health orders all schools in Prince Rupert to switch to bottled water (audio)
January 21 -- Lead concerns at SD52 schools rekindles attention to ongoing issue: A look back at some of the focus of the past  NCR
January 17 -- Lead in Water concerns, plans for a seismic upgrade and School Calendar options among SD52 Board Notes for January  NCR
January 16 -- SD52 sets timeline for preliminary budget consultations for 2020  NCR

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