NLPS District News

Departure Bay Elementary students racked up the most points to win the Battle of the Books competition on May 20.

Battle cries, drum rolls, pizza, and plenty of page-turning excitement filled the gym as Grade 6 and 7 students from across Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools gathered for this year’s Battle of the Books competition.

Students from Brechin, Georgia Avenue, Uplands Park, Chase River, Cinnabar Valley, Hammond Bay, Departure Bay, and McGirr Elementary Schools faced off in a trivia-style reading competition at the Dufferin site after months of preparation.

Since January, students have been reading and studying six novels: Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, Mortified by Kristy Jackson, Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell, Like a Hurricane by Jonathan Bécotte, and It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime for young readers.

Students having a blast playing with parachutes during HealthAmongUs at Harewood Centennial Park on Thursday, May 14.

For two decades, thousands of elementary students from across Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools have gathered each spring to celebrate movement, play, and physical literacy at what has become one of Nanaimo’s biggest events for youth.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of HealthAmongUs, which continues to grow each year. Around 3,500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 took part last week in the fields behind John Barsby Secondary.

“It was really about giving kids a chance to come together, move, and be healthy,” said Jacquie Poulin, assistant superintendent of elementary programs, who helped launch the program in 2006.

High school students from across the district participated in the annual Indigenous Games last week, hosted by Wellington Secondary!

For Heather Gilmore, a grade 12 student at Wellington who emceed the event, the highlight was seeing everyone coming together and connecting for the day.

Students had a great time watching and participating in a variety of traditional Indigenous games, including: High Kick, Musk Ox, Leg Wrestling, Stick Pull, Lacrosse Shot, Bottom Scoot, Caribou Carry, and Lahal/Snow Snake.

On Wednesday, May 20, the Canadian Scottish Regiment, 5 Field Artillery, and 39 Signal Regiment hosted our students for a day of hands-on experiences to learn more about communications and operations roles with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The Combat Support station featured teambuilding relays for setting up and using field communications. A Fitness for Operational Requirements of Canadian Armed Forces Employment (FORCE) Evaluation station allowed students to conduct a mock test to understand the fitness levels required in the Canadian Armed Forces. The station offered a healthy taste of competition, allowing the fastest student in each of the four fitness competencies to win a prize.

During a pizza lunch provided by the district's Career Technical Centre department, Sgt Panganiban shared his experience in the Army Reserves with students and highlighted other CAF members highlighting various non-combat arms occupations and their civilian schooling, careers, and accomplishments.

Speaking with some students, one shared her interest in joining the RCMP as a career, viewing this as an eye-opening step into that field. Another student reflected that their dad was in the Army Reserves many years ago and is glad they could participate in the experience today.

Dover Bay, Wellington, NDSS and Uplands among schools showcasing art, theatre and more this spring. Read on for more details and show times.

Wellington students rehearse the opening number on May 20 as they prepare for 'Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition' to open Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Drama students at Wellington Secondary are bringing laughs, music, and a powerful message of acceptance to the stage with their upcoming production of Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition.

Set in the 1950s, the musical follows a teenage love story. An unexpected turn comes when a student returns to school after a nuclear accident. While the show leans heavily into comedy, catchy songs, and over-the-top characters, the cast and crew emphasise that it also explores themes that continue to resonate with modern audiences.

“It’s a love story,” said student actor Amelia Brown, who plays Candy. “But expect the unexpected. There are so many plot twists.” With that unpredictability in mind, the cast shares how deeper messages drive the show.

Jr. Performing Arts Academy students rehearse on May 21 for the uproarious staging of two 'Robin Hood universe' inspired shows. Opens May 27.

Stepping “into the Robinverse,” Dover Bay Secondary students present two fast-paced, family-friendly productions. Comedy, fairy-tale mashups, and audience participation abound.

The drama program presents The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood and Little Red Robin Hood, both of which reimagine Robin Hood in playful, unpredictable ways.

“The second one is kind of everything mixed up,” explained Grade 8 student Kalli Guild, who plays Little Red Robin Hood. “It mixes lots of different fairy tales together.”

The productions feature familiar characters in new situations. In Little Red Robin Hood, Little Red and Marion face an empress raising taxes, mischievous stepsisters, and a chaotic kingdom, culminating in a heartwarming ending.

More than 60 Nanaimo District Secondary student are displaying their work at Vancouver Island University's VIEW Art Gallery. Students were able to submit two pieces of art in any media, including photography, pottery, drawing, paintings, and digital art.

The show will run at VIU until May 28, with gallery hours Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Check out the varied and vast talents of NDS's young artists!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Batman? Or, maybe, sell comics as an octopus?

Uplands Elementary students had the unique opportunity to explore those hypotheticals during the school's second annual ComicCon day on May 8.

Students and staff dressed up as their favourite characters and gathered in the gymnasium to "sell" handmade, one-of-a-kind comics to visiting students and parents.

What a fun event!

École Quaterway Elementary students "checked out" various guest in April to different life experiences and perspectives.

Since January, École Quaterway Elementary students have participated in social justice learning sessions to better understand diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Over nine sessions, two Grade 7 classes, and one Grade 6/7 class explored topics such as diversity, equality, power, privilege, social movements, intersectionality, and resilience. Drawing on resources from the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the program encouraged students to consider how these ideas connect to society and their own school.

To bring these ideas to life, the school held a Human Library event in April. The Human Library idea started in Denmark and aims to challenge stereotypes and encourage open conversations and understanding among people with different life experiences.

Kindergarten and Grade one students at Rock City Elementary put critter and creature designs to paper and Grade 11 and 12 Wellington Secondary art students brought them to life in the kiln.

The ceramic sculptures, which best matched the youngsters creations as best they could, were recently unveiled at the secondary school.

Grade 1 École Quarterway students have been taking their learning outside to Colliery Dam Park for weekly Friday forest walks this year.

Using the Hug a Tree & Survive program, students explored age-appropriate wilderness safety, learned how to respectfully use plants and trees to build nature shelters, and brought their French vocabulary to life in a meaningful outdoor setting. Students also learned the importance of leaving "no trace" as well as how to care for the land where they play, live, and learn.

Here’s what you need to know.

Although overall enrolment is predicted to decline in next school year, NLPS is confident that the 2026-2027 district budget supports student success and will provide the necessary resources to support student success and student and employee wellness.

The district is in a good position to be able to absorb the financial impact of an enrolment decrease while maintaining our core services.

The budget includes a modest increase in education assistant hours compared to the previous year’s preliminary budget, a significant expansion of childcare supports, and the addition of an information technology position to support report card software. The district is able to maintain the substantial supports that were added in 2025–2026, including two full‑ time equivalent inclusion support teachers, nearly two full‑ time equivalent counselling positions, enhanced supervision, an additional child and youth and family support worker, and enhanced employee wellness initiatives.

The Board of Education will vote on approving the 2026-2027 Budget at their public meeting on May 27. Meeting details are below.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Board of Education approved a motion to put the following polices out for 30 days of consultation:

• Policy 218 Role of Chair and Vice Chair
• Policy 209 Board Meeting Procedures
• Policy 202 The Superintendent of Schools
• Policy 201 The Board of Education

If you have comments regarding these policies, please email: consultation@sd68.bc.ca

'E'ut shwi'wul'a'lus tthu sum'shathut - It's sunny🌞🌻

• Children must be at least 16 to ride an e-scooter. Scooters can only go a MAX of 25 km/hr.
• Children must be at least 14 to ride an e-bike. Bikes may only go a MAX of 25 km/hr.
• Mini-motorcycles and e-dirt bikes are not legal on roads, sidewalks or bike lanes.

Is your child turning 5 on or before December 31, 2026? If so, Kindergarten registration is open for September 2026. Don’t delay! Many schools are at or near capacity. Register your child for Kindergarten as soon as possible to ensure a spot in your catchment school.

To register visit: NLPS 2026-2027 Registration Portal

Dover Bay Secondary students are seeking donations for the Canadian Cancer Society, as part of schools Relay for Life event.

This year, Dover Bay students have set a fundraising goal of $60,000, and hope to beat the record last June, which totaled over $72,000!

We are looking for families specifically in the Cedar area to host international high school students! Singles, couples, and families are welcome to apply to host and international student for a semester (five months) or a full school year (September to June).

There is currently a waitlist for girls wanting to be a Spark, Ember, Guide or Pathfinder with Girl Guides of Canada. In order to open up more units, they need volunteers!

Volunteers receive access to free trainings, mentorship and a digital program platform stocked with age-appropriate activities and meeting tools, as well as training on how to deliver activities in ways that will empower and encourage girls.

An average time commitment of 3 - 5 hours per week for unit meetings and planning is expected. Additional hours may be needed for special events or trips. Part-time roles are available if weekly attendance doesn't suit your schedule. For any questions please contact Kate at membergrowth@girlguides.ca or apply here - www.girlguides.ca/volunteer

• An evening of dinner and cultural celebration.
• From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., held May 27 at Brechin Elementary.

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. There you will find a variety of locally-based events, camps, and resources.

• May 30 at the Beban Park Social Centre from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• A vibrant celebration of cultures, stories, and the beautiful community of Africans and people of African descent here in Nanaimo.
• Features African special cuisine, black businesses and vendors, culture and community, a kids’zone and family activities, and music from Africa
• More info at: https://www.afro-fusionsharqidance.ca/africaday.

• Takes place Friday, June 5, at VIU's Arbutus Room, 900 5th St., from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
• Intended for youths between 13 to 18 years old.
• Free entry to event.
• Music, dancing, food, costumes, prizes, and more!
• Presented by the Boys' and Girls' Club of Vancouver Island.

• Thursday, June 4, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., at Frank J. Ney School, 5301 Williamson Rd.
• Presented by Johann Robertson, Island Clinical Counselling
• In this session, you will learn: why technology can be especially compelling for ADHD and autistic nervous systems; how screen use interacts with attention, emotional regulation, and sleep; why transitions away from devices can trigger meltdowns; practical strategies parents can use to reduce conflict and support healthier technology habits at home; and ways technology can also be used constructively to support executive functioning and learning.

• Junior and senior boys' camp, high school skills academy, and end of the summer camp.
• Camps start July 6 and end Aug. 28.
• Located as Aspengrove School.
• Register at www.islandswish.com.

• Information on the bike camp can be found here.
• Information about the summer camp can be found here, and the summer camp schedule can be found here.

L’Association francophone de Nanaimo has eight weeks of fun camps starting June 29!

For full details regarding pricing, dates, hours of operation, and policies, visit: https:// francophonenanaimo.org/camp-dete/

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