North Vancouver School District #44

Notes from the desk of John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools

North Vancouver School District #44

Archives for Facilities Revitalization

Land, Learning and Livability Community Engagement Update – Plymouth School and site

Following the Community Meeting of December 4, 2012, the proponents for the redevelopment and/or re-use of the Plymouth School facility and site were evaluated.  The input received at the Community Meeting and submitted in writing was one of the important criteria considered in the evaluation process.

The Board of Education was pleased to receive four quality proponents for the future use of the Plymouth School facility and site.  Upon the application of the evaluation criteria and careful review and consideration, the North Vancouver Board of Education has determined that it will now proceed with discussions with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to achieve a final agreement.

The proposal for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Skills Centre provided the Board with a comprehensive overview of how Plymouth School can be repurposed, under a lease agreement, to support aboriginal and non-aboriginal education and skills development. By providing essential skills support and apprenticeship training programs, the Tsleil-Waututh proposal complements the School District’s commitment to improving learning outcomes for students of Aboriginal ancestry.  The opportunities for partnerships with Capilano University, Seaspan, Industry Training Authority, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are additional components of the TWN proposal that support the School District’s goal to strengthen and expand reciprocal community relations.

While the Plymouth building will retain its neighborhood school status, potential renovations, upgrades, and site improvements, at TWN expense, will serve to enhance the building and ensure its continued operation as a community asset, while still being retained for the future needs of the School District.

The Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation for the interest of Darwin Properties, Lions Gate Christian Academy, and Polygon Pacific Homes in the Plymouth School facility and site.  Each of these proponents provided interesting proposals for the potential redevelopment and re-use of the Plymouth School facility and site.

As the proposal of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation involves the re-use of the current facility, the Board will work in close cooperation with the proponents, the community, and the District of North Vancouver to keep residents and community members informed as we proceed with this exciting opportunity.

category: Communications, Facilities Revitalization

Land, Learning and Livability Community Engagement Update – Ridgeway Annex

Following the Community Meeting of November 20, the proponents for the redevelopment and/or re-use of the Ridgeway Annex and site were evaluated.  The input received at the Community Meeting and submitted in writing was one of the important criteria considered in the evaluation process.

The Board of Education was pleased to receive four quality proponents for the future use of the Ridgeway Annex and site.  Upon the application of the evaluation criteria and the consideration by the Board of Education, the Board determined that it will proceed with a final phase of the selection process with Anthem Properties and Darwin Properties.

The Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation for the interest of both the Atti Group of Companies and KidsLand Childcare Centre in the Ridgeway Annex site.  Both proponents provided interesting proposals for the potential redevelopment and re-use of Ridgeway Annex and site.

As the proposals of Anthem Properties and Darwin Properties both involve redevelopment options for the Ridgeway Annex site, the Board will continue to examine either long-term lease and/or sale with both proponents. There will be further community input and consultation through the Municipal process, once the final proponent is selected.

The outcome of the final phase of the selection process will be provided in our next update on the Ridgeway Annex site, prior to the spring break.

category: Facilities Revitalization

Plymouth RFP presentations

 

Our Land, Learning and Livability process continued with the Community Meeting at Plymouth on December 4 and the presentation of proposals for consideration by the Board and for input from the public.

Four proposals for the re-use, or redevelopment of Plymouth were presented at a Community Meeting held at the former Plymouth School on Tuesday, December 4.

More than 300 people attended and participated in this information session.

 

 

More detailed information regarding each of the proposals is available using the link below.

North Vancouver School District’s Home Page

http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/en/sitecore/content/Updates/PlymouthMeeting.aspx

category: Facilities Revitalization

Who was Carson Graham?

Howard Carson Graham, 1899 – 1959

October 19, 2012

When we rebuild a school, the project is designed with present and future generations in mind. At the same time, we also know that a school’s history, from its earliest beginnings to its most recent evolution, forms a central part of its culture and place in the community.

I had the privilege of reflecting on the origins and inspiration behind the naming of Carson Graham Secondary at the official opening ceremony of the new building on October 12, 2012.

Howard Carson Graham was born to a farming family in Kemptville, south of Ottawa, Ontario, in 1899. After graduating with a medical degree from McGill University, Dr. Graham moved to North Vancouver to practise medicine in 1924.

Carson Graham was elected to the North Vancouver Board of Education in 1944 and served continuously until 1958. Prior to 1945, there were two Boards of Education in North Vancouver–the City and the District School Boards. He was elected as the first chair of our current Board of Education.

Dr. Graham was a member of the North Vancouver Board of Trade and a director of the Seamen’s Institute. He was the ship’s doctor and medical officer to the police on the North Shore.

At the time of his death in 1959, Dr. Graham was the Chief of Medical Staff at North Vancouver General Hospital. He was actively involved in the building of our current Lions Gate Hospital.

Howard Carson Graham was a prominent and dedicated community worker. The name of this school is a lasting legacy to Dr. Graham’s immense contribution to the North Vancouver community.

Honoured guests at the official opening of the new Carson Graham Secondary: Miss Jean Graham, daughter of Dr. Carson Graham, and Dr. Graham’s granddaughter, Janine Duprey, a teacher in North Vancouver School District shown here with Naomi Yamamoto, MLA, North Vancouver–Lonsdale.

 

 

category: Community Connections, Facilities Revitalization

City and School District receive Climate and Energy Action Award

 

L>R: City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto, Board of Education Chair Franci Stratton and Minister of Environment Terry Lake

 

As an update to my posting of September 17, 2012, the City of North Vancouver and the North Vancouver School District have been recognized for leadership in addressing climate change. At the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria at the end of September, the Honourable Terry Lake, Minister of Environment, presented the City and School District with an award honouring a joint initiative with the Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC).

The City and School District won the Public Sector Collaboration category for its innovative LEC and NVSD partnership project which allowed for the construction of an LEC plant at our new Education Services Centre/Artists for Kids building at 2121 Lonsdale Avenue. This is the first building to which LEC provides cooling in addition to heating and the LEC is able to recover surplus heat and recycle it in neighbouring buildings connected to the LEC system. The reduction in energy and greenhouse gases benefits the entire community by contributing to the City’s carbon emission targets.

“The City’s district energy vision is one of flexibility and responsiveness, using the most appropriate energy source at all times,” says City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto. “This project serves as a model of collaboration and renewable energy to other school districts and communities throughout B.C.”

 

category: Community Connections, Facilities Revitalization
tags: 

“Revitalization and Renewal”: special NVSD publication available now

September 21, 2012

As a school district, we have a great appreciation for the importance of optimal learning environments. We’ve made tremendous progress over the past seven years in delivering upon our commitment to provide facilities that enhance the learning and teaching environment.

In today’s North Shore News, you’ll find a special publication celebrating twelve major capital projects that represent the dramatic revitalization happening in the North Vancouver School District. I hope you’ll pick up a copy today.

category: Facilities Revitalization

Climate and Energy Action Award Nomination

The Community Energy Association, Union of BC Municipalities, BC Hydro, FortisBC, B.C. Ministry of Environment – Climate Action Secretariat and Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development nominated 17 outstanding applicants for the 2012 Climate & Energy Action Awards.

The City of North Vancouver & the School District were nominated in the category of Public Service Organization & Local Government Collaboration for the Lonsdale Energy Corporation Plant, Heat Recovery and Geo-exchange system at the Education Services Centre and Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art at 2121 Lonsdale.

Each of these communities has shown strong leadership in energy planning, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. This year’s applicants have made a significant difference with limited resources, inspired community members to take action, made innovative use of traditional planning tools, worked collaboratively with Provincial public sector organizations and substantially transformed their communities.

 

Winners in each category will be announced at the 2012 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Victoria, immediately after the Cabinet Panel sessions on Wednesday, September 26, at 4:15 PM.

category: Facilities Revitalization, Sharing & Celebrating Success

North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre – official opening

We were pleased to welcome our partners with the North Shore Credit Union, the Squamish Nation, staff, friends and supporters of the Outdoor School to the official opening of the Environmental Learning Centre in Paradise Valley on June 20. 

Building exterior adjacent to the canoe pond

This remarkable structure reflects the environmental principles it will convey through the educational programs and events that will be held in this fabulous building.  The facility, set in a magnificent forest with a tree-house aesthetic, includes a welcoming space, featuring a nature gallery, exhibition space; assembly/dining hall, and classroom/learning spaces.  The building is both energy and water efficient fitting into the area’s ecosystem, and befitting of the centre’s purpose for environmental leadership and learning. 

Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell providing a blessing

The opening of the North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre complete Phase 1 of a multi-phase revitalization process of the North Vancouver Outdoor School.  Subsequent phases include the replacement of the accommodations for adults and students, as well as the establishment of additional instructional spaces suited for on-site environmental research. 

Inside the assembly / dining area of the 'treehouse'

The Outdoor School has provided exceptional instructional programs for 43 consecutive years.  The new North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre will help ensure continued operation of this educational centre for future generations!

To get a view of the new building, both inside and out, use the YouTube link below. In cooperation with the Province of BC, the Canadian Wood Council / Wood WORKS! BC program provided the filming.

The sun shined on our very special event!

NSCU Environmental Learning Centre Opening

category: Facilities Revitalization, Instructional Practice

Ridgeway celebrates 100 years young!

 

The newly restored Ridgeway Elementary School
Hundreds of community members, former students, staff and family members joined together with current students, families, staff and friends to celebrate Ridgeway’s 100th Anniversary.  The school has been the heart of the community for the past 100 years and is now set to enter it’s second century in grand style.  Thanks to everyone involved in making this a memorable event!

 

 

 

 

 

category: Community Connections, Facilities Revitalization, Sharing & Celebrating Success

At the Ministry of Education Announcement of funding for the seismic upgrade of Argyle Secondary

With North Vancouver Board of Education Chair Franci Stratton and North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite at the May 11th announcement

May 15, 2012

I was pleased to attend Friday’s announcement of funding for the seismic upgrade of Argyle Secondary. Minister of Education George Abbott delivered the news at the University of British Columbia that 14 more schools, including Argyle, will receive funding through the School Seismic Mitigation Program.

This is welcome news and I congratulate our staff team who worked so diligently to bring Argyle to the attention of the Ministry. We are now in  a position to move forward towards a formal project agreement, and address this high-priority building for the benefit of the Argyle Secondary Family of Schools and the greater North Vancouver community.

Find the full story here.

category: Facilities Revitalization, Sharing & Celebrating Success
Page 1 of 3:1 2 3 »