Rocky Sloan, a Grade 12 student at Dover Bay Secondary, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and volunteer experience by being selected as one of 36 Loran Scholars, a prestigious award that includes a four-year, comprehensive leadership-enrichment program, tuition waivers at one of 25 university partners, financial support, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors. The award is valued at over $100,000.

More than 6,000 students across Canada applied for the award.

Rocky started Dover Bay Secondary’s first French club to share his enthusiasm for the language. He is also student council president, working to increase student advocacy. In our community, Rocky founded a non-profit organization that engages local students to help seniors live independently, and a fundraiser supporting the British Columbia Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations to Rocky on this amazing accomplishment!

District secondary students had the opportunity to participate in a full day exploratory hands-on session about health sciences careers at Vancouver Island University. The day provided an opportunity for students to explore what it would be like to be a student in the Health Sciences Program and ask questions about career opportunities.

Students attended several sessions throughout the day and explored the following programs:

• Health Care Assistant (HCA)
• Practical Nursing (PN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Professional Development and Training Programs
• Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
• Nursing Unit Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• Animal Care Aid

Thank you VIU for providing this opportunity for our students.

Students at Mountain View Elementary are learning about zero waste initiatives by reducing, reusing and recycling. They were learning how to make bees wax wraps and t-shirt bags to transport their healthy snacks to school. Students were also learning how to make their own healthy snacks, soap, dish soap, a shampoo bar and lip balm.

The goal is to help students appreciate that even one person can have a big impact which also helps them see their role as environmental stewards of our world.

This is the last week to provide your feedback to the Board of Education on the following draft calendars and policies:

• 218 Role of Chair and Vice-Chair
• 505 – School Catchment and Student Enrolment
• 403 – Board Recognition
• 502 – Parent-Student Appeal By-law
• 2026 – 2027 School Calendar
• 2027 – 2028 School Calendar
• 2028 – 2029 School Calendar
• 3-Year Local School Calendar (2026 – 2029)

The draft policies and calendars are available here to view and provide feedback.

Staff presented the following reports:

• Priority Population Student Success/Graduation Rates
• School presentation by: Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh
• Administrative Procedure 223 - Learning Resources
• Updated Administrative Procedure 531 - Naming/Permanent Recognition
• Student and Family Affordability Fund Update
• Long Range Facilities Plan Update
• 2025-2026 Community Budget Feedback
• 2025-2026 Preliminary Annual Budget Overview

Additionally, the Strategic Planning Committee recommended the Board of Education give all three readings of the Capital Plan Bylaw in one meeting and adopt the Capital Plan Bylaw at the next Board of Education Meeting April 23, 2025.

You can view all of the reports here.

A recording of the meeting is available here.

The draft policies are available here to view and provide feedback.

The spring edition of the magazine for staff and families of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is here. In this addition, you will learn about:

• Gearbots
• BEAM Program
• Coast Salish Anthem
• Regional Skills Competition
• Comicon at Uplands Park
• and much more...

Click on the image to view the publication.

Members of NLPS' Department of Learning Services Team recently hosted an information night for parents of 2025-2026 Kindergarten students with diverse abilities and disabilities. Here's a recording of the event, in case you missed it. Families who wish to meet privately to discuss their child's specific needs can make an appointment by calling 250 741-5233.

Lunch on the go, the Coast Salish way.

se'wun - lunch (bagged)

If your child is entering Grade 6 in September 2026, they can enroll in the Late French Immersion program at École Quarterway Elementary. If you would like to find out more, École Quarterway Elementary is hosting an open house on Wednesday, May 21 from 3:30-4:30pm.

This is a great opportunity for you and your child to tour the school, meet some staff and students and learn more about the program. If your family is interested, please RSVP to info.QW@sd68.bc.ca by May 14, 2025.

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.

Get ready for an electrifying night of live music as John Barsby's School of Rock presents their five incredible bands. The bands will take the stage at The Port Theatre for an epic performance you won't want to miss! Each band brings their own unique vibe and sound to the mix.

Join us on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm!

Don't miss out. Get your tickets today! https://www.porttheatre.com/event/bar...

Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, starting next week (April 23). These nature-filled mornings are designed for children under five years old and their parents or caregivers. We’ll explore the wonders of the outdoors through play-based activities and nature walks that will spark curiosity and connection with the natural world.

Whether we’re searching for bugs, listening to birds, or splashing in puddles, this gentle introduction to outdoor exploration encourages play, discovery, and togetherness.

Come dressed for the weather and ready for adventure!

PacificSport Vancouver Island hosts a professional development day camp on Monday, May 5, 2025. The camp includes a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Click on the link here or QR code below to find out more about the day and to register your child.

Fairview is currently looking for participants for their Living Library which will take place on Friday, May 23. The theme of the Living Library is Passions & Adventures. We are looking for participants that would be interested in sharing about their career, hobbies, or adventures with a small group of students. If you know of someone who might be interested, please feel free to share this link: Fairview Living Library.

Coming soon! Nanaimo is getting a Foundry for youth. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for all young people ages 12-24. To support this work, the Snuneymuxw Foundry is inviting youth, families and caregivers, and people who work with youth in Nanaimo-Ladysmith to complete an online survey. Links to the surveys can be found at www.kwumut.org/foundry. Surveys close April 7th. Find out more about Foundry services here.

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