Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
We are all stakeholders here on the Sunshine Coast, and regardless of our differences and demographics, the outcomes of our youth affect everyone. Mutual respect is a must.
Point in fact, on the 7th of March we sponsored and participated in the Partners in Learning presentation held at Chatelech Senior Secondary. This was a collaboration between our partners within the community, working together towards student success. In addition to interactive display booths, there were also presentations made by four diverse groups, the CYMH Action Team, Gibsons Paddle Club, Train-in-Trades with Sunshine GM and Project Impact, Community Schools & United Way. These presentations were generally made up of a member of the organization, a district staff member and a student who has experienced or been a participant of said project. This event turned out to be a wonderful success.
Last month, I also went to the Gibsons Public Market for an announcement made by Bill Beamish and BC Housing, regarding the Housing project application on School Rd. I was able to sit with one of their consultants and ask questions that I knew many of our parents and community members would want answers to. Approaching issues and concerns with the respect they deserve makes for a much deeper conversation. Fast forward to last week (April3rd & 4th) when the Secretary-Treasurer and I attended separate public consultations set at the Legion. Through discussion, it has been made clear that the Town of Gibsons, BC Housing and RainCity are very willing to keep the School Board and its stakeholders ÔÇÿin the know’. They have already made a presentation to the GES PAC and further meetings are in the works with the board. You can also go to LetsTalkHousingBC.ca/Gibsons for more information
Vice-Chair Leech, District Principal Deasey, Superintendent Bocking and myself visited with MLA Simons to discuss our communities need for more daycares, and funding required to make that happen, including the new $10-a-day program.
At the end of last month, Trustees Amaral, Hampvent and I attended the Centre for Civic Governance, High Ground Conference. This is an annual conference open to all municipally elected officials, including trustees, which deals with nurturing leadership for inclusive and sustainable communities. Some conversations and presentations will be carried back to the board table, including the above housing issues, pads in schools, the taxation changes to stipends and how to support those on our team/board/council/staff. The Sunshine Coast had the largest representation. It was an amazing opportunity to network with our local municipal governments regarding both local and global issues.
Lastly, we held our Service Recognition Award Ceremony on Monday, April 1st. Together, the recipients, who were honoured for each 5-year milestone in our district, equaled 1065 years of knowledge, experience and of course, well-earned respect.