NLPS District News

Grade 12 Learning Alternatives students Alexa Meekison, left, and Dannika Gilbert demonstrate how to administer Naloxone.

All secondary schools within Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools will soon be equipped with critical tools to help save lives.

This includes the installation of automated external defibrillators (AED) and naloxone kits in visible areas of the schools, along with staff training on how to use and inspect the equipment routinely.

Next September, the same lifesaving interventions will be added to middle and elementary schools.

The initiative follows a mandate by the Ministry of Education, which requires public schools to prepare for unexpected health emergencies, such as heart attacks or drug overdoses.

A recent training session equipped NLPS principals and teachers with hands-on experience in using AEDs and administering naloxone.

AEDs deliver controlled electric shocks only if the device detects an abnormal heart rhythm and also provide audible step-by-step instructions for use. Naloxone, which temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and only affects the body if opioids are present, comes with printed instructions.

While the government order specifies that the equipment be openly available during an emergency, students are not expected to administer first aid.

AED and CPR training was added to the Grade 10 curriculum this year, although naloxone training was not included. However, Griffin Russell, the school health promoter with Island Health, said NLPS Grade 12 students will receive Naloxone training in a classroom setting before the end of the year.

“I think everybody should know how to administer naloxone,” said Alexa Meekison, Grade 12 Learning Alternatives student. “They can come off as scary but knowing the good they do is important for kids.”

Meekison and classmate Dannika Gilbert were both recipients of Island Health’s 2024 Youth Harm Reduction Award for their efforts in promoting Naloxone awareness and training. The duo has presented to an array of audiences, including the public, district principals, and students.

“I’ve yet to come across someone overdosing, but I’m sure if I did, I would be a bit scared. But just knowing you can do it and help save somebody’s life … Most adults don’t really know how to administer naloxone,” Gilbert said.

During their presentations, Meekison and Gilbert noted that their classmates were engaged, respectful, genuinely interested, and often asked good follow-up questions. They emphasized to students that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers legal protection for those who experience or witness an overdose and call 911.

“Because the most important thing is the person in danger,” Meekison said.

The Nanaimo Lions Club presented a cheque at Wellington Secondary to the VIU Dental Hygiene program, which is supporting dental hygiene for students at Wellington who are newcomers to Canada.

Wellington Secondary School English Language Learner (ELL) students received free professional dental cleanings on October 24 through a community partnership with Vancouver Island University (VIU) Dental Hygiene Program

The initiative, launched by teacher Jocelyn McNeely, was made possible by a $700 donation from the Nanaimo Lions Club, which funded dental cleanings for 20 newcomer students. The VIU Dental Hygiene program played a key role in organizing the event—pairing students with hygienists who spoke their first language and ensuring translator support was available throughout the process.

Additional cultural and language support was provided by Moy Mahmoud and Ira Kharchenko from the district, helping students feel comfortable and confident during their appointments.

For many students, this was their first dental visit in Canada—and for some, their first dental visit ever. The experience provided vital education and access to dental care, empowering students to take charge of their oral health. Many students received dental x-rays, which can be shared with local dentists to help reduce future care costs.

The event not only addressed immediate dental needs but also helped break down barriers to healthcare access.

This collaboration stands as a powerful example of how community partnerships can support student health, inclusion, and well-being. By working together, Wellington Secondary, VIU, and the Nanaimo Lions Club created an experience that fostered both confidence and care—leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives.

Video credit: Rogers Sportsnet

Nanaimo's Matthew Wood scored his first NHL goal last night! Wood, who grew up here in Nanaimo and attended Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, played for the Victoria Grizzlies, represented Canada at the 2024 World Juniors, and was drafted to the Nashville Predators earlier this year. Go, Matthew!

Last week, students from Forest Park Elementary had the opportunity to learn about Diwali, the festival of lights and most important holiday of the year in India. Students were welcomed by the Gurdwara Sahib Miri Piri Darbar here in Nanaimo, where they learned firsthand about Diwali celebrations and Sikh culture.

Mrs. Jahelka’s Grade 6/7 class at Randerson Ridge was honoured to welcome Elder, author, and residential school survivor Raymond Tony Charlie to their school recently.

The Grade 6 and 7 students had been studying the Kuper Island Residential School and exploring the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation in today’s world. As part of their learning, the students celebrated Indigenous culture by creating meaningful red cedar canoes and powerful posters about the Kuper Island Residential School.

This connection was deepened by Raymond Charlie sharing his personal stories and wisdom with the class. NLPS is deeply grateful to Raymond Charlie for spending time with our students and helping them build a stronger understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.

Nanaimo Ladysmith school district may look at childcare even when school isn't in session- Nanaimo News Bulletin

qwlhey'shenum- put shoes on. 👟👞🥿

Professional Development Days (Pro-D), school breaks and statutory holidays can all be found on the 2025-2026 school calendar. School calendars are set three years in advance so you can view key dates all the way to the 2028-2029 school year here.

• Students from Cilaire Elementary gave a presentation on how the school took part in learning and activities to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Superintendent Robyn Gray presented the superintendent’s report.
• Secretary-Treasurer Mark Walsh provided an enrolment update for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Assistant Superintendent Jacquie Poulin and Secretary-Treasurer Mark Walsh provided an update on child care in the district, specifically how the provincial government’s recent proposed change to the School Act to provide districts more flexibility in providing child care will impact the district.

Are you looking for low to no cost events and activities in Nanaimo and Ladysmith? Head over to our Community Connections webpage by clicking the button below. Here you will find a variety of locally-based events, camps, and resources.

November 10, 2025 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Cost: $75

Babysitting is a job with significant responsibility, and the St. John Ambulance Babysitting Course can help prospective babysitters learn the skills they need.

This course is for youth aged 11 to 15 years old. It teaches a prospective babysitter the necessary skills to provide care to children in a variety of situations.

The course emphasizes safety rules, responding to emergencies, and developing leadership skills.

NLPS District News is produced by the NLPS communications team. We welcome your questions and feedback! You can reach us at communications@sd68.bc.ca