NLPS District News

Kohl Corner, centre, at the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Dufferin Crescent Campus during a recent meeting of Student Voice. During the learning session, students contributed to discussions about leadership and engaged in an improv-inspired games.

Students in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are discovering new ways to share ideas, connect with one another, and make a real difference through the Student Voice Circle leadership initiative.

The initiative that started several years ago as a way for administrators to listen to student perspectives on important issues has grown into a place for leadership and taking action.

Since the fall, high school students from each NLPS secondary school have met at different schools and sites for tours, discussions, and hands-on sessions. These meetings give students a chance to learn from each other, see new places, and discuss what is working or could be improved at their schools.

For Kohl Corner, a recent Grade 12 graduate from Island ConnectEd, joining the initiative helped him see things in new ways.

“We share what works well in our schools, what we think should be different, and we learn from each other,” he said. “Every school brings a new factor, which is one of the best things that Student Voice can offer us … And just knowing that you’re not the only kid in the world trying to make a difference.”

Instead of formal presentations, the sessions are led by the students themselves. School district staff and administrators who help facilitate the program step back and let students guide the conversations.

This way of working helps students find and develop their own solutions and helps form ideas that shape school district decisions.

Schools across NLPS held marches and drumming circles to honour, remember and draw attention to Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S) on Red Dress Day, May 5.

Students wore red, and red dresses have been hung at many of our schools in solidarity with families whose loved ones were murdered or are missing and are seeking justice and healing.

At Fairview Elementary, students took part in a march through their neighbourhood and shared in an assembly.

If you would like to learn more or find support resources, please visit: https://ow.ly/b87p50YUNPO

About five years ago, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools teamed up with the Regional District of Nanaimo to launch the Zero Waste Education Pilot Project. The initiative was designed to bring climate change, sustainability, and environmental stewardship into classrooms through hands-on, creative learning.

At Ladysmith Primary, the program has taken root in a way that’s both meaningful and fun, woven through a series of themed learning weeks across the school year.

“Our theme was ‘trash to treasure,’” said librarian Ashley Roth. “It’s about taking the waste we produce at school and turning it into something valuable. And something we can collaborate on as a team.”

Forest Park Elementary students at a rope rescue station on Wednesday, May 6, at the Nanaimo Search and Rescue.

Forest Park Elementary students stepped into the world of real-life rescue work this week during a recent visit to Nanaimo Search and Rescue, where hands-on activities and expert guidance helped bring outdoor safety lessons to life.

Students arrived at the NSAR station, a refurbished firehall, where they were welcomed by volunteer hosts Cheryl-Ann, Arlen, Jerry and Dave. The visit began with an AdventureSmart presentation focused on planning ahead, what to do if you become lost, and how to respond when rescuers are nearby. Students learned key safety strategies such as staying in one place, calling out for help, and being prepared before heading outdoors.

The experience continued with interactive learning stations, where students rotated through three hands-on emergency response activities.

Learning Alternatives had a special guest on May the 4th this year to share a few tips on how to harness the Force and use your inner Jedi powers every day!

Dover Bay robotics charging up for Nationals- Nanaimo News Now

An emerging high school robotics club is taking its talents to Toronto after winning regional and provincial competitions.

Dover Bay Robotics is charging up for the Skills Canada National Competition at the end of May, featuring high school students from across the country competing in over 40 trade and technology disciplines.

Nanaimo’s Fairview Community School getting playground upgrades | Nanaimo News Bulletin

"In a press release, the B.C. government announced the Nanaimo-Ladysmith district school will receive $200,000 in provincial money to “replace aging equipment with a modern, inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities"

Presentations were given by:

• Sean Walsh, principal of Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School on the school’s Framework for Enhancing Student Learning.
• Ricki Bartlett, principal, Elena Kemp, vice principal, Aaron Halsall, vice principal on Nanaimo District Secondary’s Framework for Enhancing Student Learning
• Megan Simmer, Acting NDTA President presented on the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association presented on the 2026-2027 school district draft budget.
• Jeff Virtanen, president CUPE Local 606, presented on the 2026-2027 school district draft budget.

Business:

• The Board of Education passed the Trustee Election bylaw to establish procedures for the conduct of trustee elections. The next school trustee election will be October 17, 2026 in concert with local municipal elections.
• The Board of Education adopted the Capital Bylaw to access capital funds through capital funding programs from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, in the 2026/2027 School Year.
• Gillian Robinson, Executive Director of Communications provided information on the district’s communications plan for the expansion of Ladysmith Primary and new elementary school build in Ladysmith south.
• Mark Walsh, Secretary-Treasurer provided an update and discussion on the 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget.

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

tskwim - red 🔴

We are looking for families in Nanaimo and Ladysmith to host international high school students! Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is looking for individuals, couples, and families to welcome and host and international student for a semester (five months) or a full school year (September to June).

Interested families should have:

-An extra bedroom in their home.

-Speak English as the primary language at home.

-The desire to share their culture and traditions with a student from another country.

-Openness to connecting to the world and another culture.

• Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Dover Bay Secondary, 6185 McGirr Rd., gymnasium
• Free admission

An evening of dinner and cultural celebration.

From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., held May 13 at Rock City Elementary, May 20 at Chase River Elementary, and May 27 at Brechin Elementary.

• Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., online (via Zoom)
• Who should attend: parents and caregivers of children and teens.
• In this session you will learn: how autism and ADHD impact communications, regulation, and learning; simple, effective tools to reduce stress and support transitions; strategies to respond to challenging moments with confidence; and ways to collaborate with schools and advocate for your child.

• For junior and senior boy 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 announced the early opening

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

To register your child(ren), please use the following link: https:// activitymessenger.com/p/Ch3IkOe?lang=fr

A beautiful show for all ages. Based on the novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.

Village Theatre, Qualicum Beach
May 14-17
www.ticketowl.io/qbsd

• Multi-family garage sale dedicated to children’s toys, clothes, and more.
• If you want to join us at Quarterway School gym on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to sell your items, email info@blossomtreecounselling.com to secure your table.
• Entry to garage sale is free, asking $20 per table to participate.

• Held 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, kids’zone and family activities, and music from Africa
• More info at: https://www.afro-fusionsharqidance.ca/africaday.

Join Strong Start in the forest for the morning to play, explore and have a snack. Come dressed for the weather, bring water bottles, and a reusable cup for tea. Entrance to forest at 3455 Littleford Rd.

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.

Prom Closet Nanaimo 2026 is providing formal wear for graduating students from any high school.

Gowns and formal suits through appointments at the closet

starting February 24, 2026.

Appointments are required in advance and can be made by email to promcloset.nanaimo@gmail.com

Appointments are being scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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