How to Communicate with Us

This communication protocol provides a framework for finding solutions to differences that arise between students, staff, families, and caregivers throughout the school district. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process. If a student initiates the resolution process, an adult may be present at any stage of the process.

If you need assistance, please contact the Office of the Superintendent at 604-886-4489 or questions@sd46.bc.ca.

How to Communicate with Us – Guidelines for Resolving Problems or Concerns:

Step 1: Try to resolve the issue at the source.

• • Identify the specific problem (list specific examples that illustrate the problem).
  • Make an appointment to see the person with whom you have a concern, one-on-one.
  • Respectfully express your concern.
  • Ensure mutual understanding of the concern.
  • Together, explore solutions.
  • Together, set up an action plan with times, dates and follow-ups.
  • If a resolution cannot be reached, inform the other party and move to the next step.

Step 2: Principals

• • Make an appointment with your child’s Principal.
  • Identify the concern and establish what has been done to reach a solution.
  • The Principal will help explore further options to resolve the concern.
  • Together, set up an action plan with times, dates and follow-ups.
  • If a resolution cannot be reached, move to the next step.

Step 3: Directors of Instruction and Superintendent of Schools

• • Contact the Superintendent’s Office. Identify the concern and what you have done to resolve it. This should be done within 30 days after the decision from Step 2 was made.
  • A Director of Instruction will connect with you regarding your concern.
  • If you are not satisfied with the outcome, inform the Director of Instruction and contact the Superintendent of Schools.
  • If you are not satisfied with that outcome, inform the Superintendent, and move to the next step.

Step 4: The Board of Education

• • To connect with the Board of Education, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office to file your appeal within 15 school days.
  • Once a meeting date with the Board of Education has been set, you will be notified and invited to attend.  You will have an opportunity to explain your position.
  • You will be notified, in writing, within 45 days of the Board of Education’s decision.
  • Certain decisions of the Board of Education may be appealed under Section 11.1 of the School Act.

Step 5: Superintendent of Appeals Section 11.1 of the School Act.

• • The School Act states that either a student or a parent/ guardian of a student can appeal a decision of a Board of Education.
  • Not all decisions made by a Board of Education can be appealed to a Superintendent of Appeals, under Section 11.1 of the School Act. The decision must have been made by an employee of a Board of Education and significantly affect the education, health or safety of a student and fall within the allowable grounds.
  • Refer to the Ministry of Education’s Student Disputes & Appeals to check the allowable grounds and to obtain a provincial Notice of Appeal form.
  • Submit the Notice of Appeal form and a copy of the Board of Education decision, within 30 days after receiving the decision of the Board of Education, to the Office of the Registrar, Student Appeal Branch.

School Trustees are also available, as your elected representatives, to guide you in this process.

See Regulation 1162 –  How to Communicate With Us – Guidelines for Resolving Problems or Concerns for Students, Parents and Caregivers for complete details.