NLPS District News

Students, teachers, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools facilitators gathered in Ladysmith Secondary Thursday evening, Feb. 26, in honour of the school's Land and Language Program and to accept an award from the Ladysmith Heritage Society.

On the evening of Thursday, February 26, Ladysmith Secondary's Land and Language program (tumuxul’ ‘i’ hul’qum’i’num ‘qun ta’ta tul-s ct) was recognized with an award at the 7th Annual Ladysmith Heritage Awards, held at Ladysmith Secondary School.

The program is centered around Indigenous ways of learning through an innovative, immersive curriculum for Grades 10 to 12 students and focuses on Coast Salish language and culture through land-based, experiential learning.

Stay tuned to our district website and social media next week for a full story of the award recognition and Ladysmith Heritage Awards.

Across Canada, events and celebrations are held this month that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.

In this issue of the NLPS District News, we profile Vancouver Island's first Black school teacher, Emma Start and we spoke to Ladysmith Intermediate principal, Dionte Jelks, about his journey in educational leadership, and the role mentorship has played. Thank you Dionte for sharing your story with us!

Ladysmith Intermediate School principal Dionte Jelks, left, enjoys cheering for his son Noe Jelks during one of his football games.

For the past seven years, the halls of Ladysmith Intermediate School have been influenced by a leader whose path into education has been guided by mentorship.

Dionte Jelks has worked in different countries, classrooms, counseling offices, and rural communities, and stands out as a leader among young people thanks to his strong belief that they can achieve anything. He is also a mentor with the BC Principals and Vice Principals Association, as well as the secretary for the British Columbia Black Educational Leaders Association.

Jelks began his career in Chicago as a physical education teacher in the early 2000s and later moved into school administration.

However, his interest in pursuing education began much earlier in life.

While still a student himself, young Jelks had a principal/coach who believed in him so deeply that he knew he wanted to leave the same impression as Mr. McGrath had for someone else someday.

By high school, Jelks was fully involved in band and sports, where he learned the value of teamwork and the importance of always “giving a hundred percent.”

In 2010, he and his wife moved for his wife's BC roots back to the province, first settling in the Williams Lake area. There, he spent two years as a drug and addiction counselor. That decision led to an experience that significantly shaped how he connects with students now.

Click on the button below to read the full story.

Emma Stark, Vancouver Island's first Black teacher. Photo courtesy of the BC Black History Awareness Society and Myrtle Holloman, Salt Spring Island, B.C. & Peggy Cartwight

In August 1874, Emma Stark was hired as the teacher for the New North Cedar school, making her the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island.

Emma was born in California, and her parents, Sylvia and Louis Stark moved to Salt Spring Island after BC Governor, James Douglas invited Black families who were facing discrimination in the state to move to British Columbia. Dozens of Black families settled on Salt Spring, becoming builders, farmers and educators and creating an enduring legacy on the island and BC’s history.

In the 1870s, the family moved to Chase River, and Emma attended high school in Nanaimo and then trained to be a teacher. The Stark family owned several properties in Chase River and what is widely thought to be the family’s barn built sometime in the 1880s is now a heritage site in Nanaimo and can still be seen from the school field of Chase River Elementary. There is a monument to the Stark family on the school’s property. Check it out the next time you are in the area!

Emma Stark taught in the one room Cedar schoolhouse, likely until 1878, when she married James Clark. There is a plaque at 331 Wesley Street, in the Old City Quarter where she lived after being married, that commemorates her contributions to BC’s history as the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island.

Information courtesy of the Nanaimo African Heritage Society, BC Black History Awareness Society and City of Nanaimo Archives.

Nanaimo District Secondary French Immersion students travelled to Quebec City earlier this month and were able to do some quick sightseeing, such as the Château Frontenac, while enjoying a busy itinerary.

Over three activity-filled days, Nanaimo District Secondary students left Vancouver Island’s mild winter to explore the snowy streets of Québec City

As she has for years, teacher and trip organizer Lisa Brockley coordinated the biannual trip for 27 French immersion students to experience francophone language and culture.

The group left in early February, and throughout the trip, students were expected to speak only French, even at the airport.

“Learning about a language and being in the language are two completely different experiences,” said Brockley. “You can be told about it; you can believe it. But until you’re there, it’s completely different.”

Guided by a French-speaking tour guide, students visited restaurants, shops, and historical sites using only French. One Grade 8 student made it her goal not to speak English at all and celebrated each successful interaction when locals didn’t switch to English.

Brockley noted the experience proved transformative for some students. One student, previously uncertain about staying in French Immersion, returned home more confident and committed to the program.

Click below to read the full story.

Students from Dover Bay, Wellington, and Nanaimo District secondaries were in full competition swing on Thursday, Feb. 26, as they took on the Central Vancouver Island Regional Skills Canada BC competition in fashion technology, held at Dover Bay Secondary. Each student was tasked with sewing a vest and pair of pants for evaluation.

Dover Bay students Taylor Marcan, Emily Sinclair and Phoenix Li, were awarded with gold, silver and bronze, respectively. Great work!

Students and staff at Gabriola Elementary, along with the help of People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Society, worked together last week to create 700-800 dumplings in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Students in Ms. Schram's Grade 6-7 class at Forest Park Elementary have been learning about Outdoor Education this year, and had the perfect opportunity to check out what some of the key gear needed to head outdoors in all weather and for a variety of activities at the recently opened Mountain Equipment Coop store which is a short walk from the school.

The class has been learning about dressing in different layers when heading outdoors and how hydrophobic materials can keep you comfortable and less susceptible to the elements in our temperate rainforest climate here on Vancouver Island. They are also learning about outdoor safety and will soon have the opportunity to connect with local Search and Rescue to find out more about outdoor safety and giving back to the community through community volunteering.

Thank you Mountain Equipment Coop for hosting Forest Park students!

Presentations were given by:

• Ecole Quarterway and Wellington Secondary staff presented on their schools' Frameworks for Enhancing Student Learning. (FESL)

• The Board of Education adopted the Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for fiscal year 2025/2026 showing the estimated revenue and expense for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and the total budget bylaw amount of $239,109,300 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
• The Board of Education adopted the Revised Policy 701 - Child Care Services and Early Years Program.
• The Board of Education read the amended draft Trustee Elections Bylaw for the first time the second time and received the draft Policy – Trustee Orientation and Criminal Record Check and have circulated both for 30 days for consultation. Click here to read the draft policy and bylaw and submit your feedback.

The Board of Education is looking for feedback on the draft Trustee Elections Bylaw and the draft Policy – Trustee Orientation and Criminal Record Check and have circulated both for 30 days for consultation. Click here to read the draft policy and bylaw and submit your feedback.

Feedback can be sent to consultation@sd68.bc.ca

yukw'akw'usthut - Spring 🌷🐝🌱

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.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation was selected again as one of the charities of choice for the annual Dirt Cup hockey game. When you grab your tickets, you're not just in for a great night of hockey - you're also helping support local students and families through the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundations (NLSF).

• Held at Frank Crane Arena, on Saturday, March 28,
• Doors open at 6 p.m. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
• Tickets are now on sale for $15 each, including game and food and beverage ticket.
• Shoot to Win
• Raffles and 50/50
• Kids Zone
• Ticket info at www.dirtcup.ca

Cedar Secondary's monthly PAC fundraiser Bingo Night will be held on Monday, March 8, from 6-8 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. All ages are welcome. Bingo cards are $2 each.

Join us as we raise money for Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, supporting hunger relief efforts throughout Nanaimo.

Takes place March 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Nanaimo District Secondary School’s large cafeteria.

Tickets $20 per person, available at NDSS front office, cash only.

Includes:

• handcrafted ceramic bowl for you to take home
• homemade soup
• entry to our silent auction (please bring cash)

Contact: cwiggers@learn68.ca for more info.

Email nanaimo_skating_club@yahoo.com

• Spring break camps for participants between 3-12 years old.
• Multi-sport, arts and crafts, park play and more!
• Costs $175 per week.
• Week One runs from Monday, March 16, until Friday, March 20.
• Week Two runs from Monday, March 23, until Friday, March 27.
• Drop off at 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., pick up from 3-3:30 p.m., at Fairview Elementary school, 205 Howard Ave.
• Registration through QR code, or through this link.

• Spring Break Youth Volleyball Camps by Mariners Volleyball Club, designed specifically for boys and girls in Grades 3-7.
• Spring break camps promote physical fitness, social connection, skill development, mental wellness, and inclusivity.
• Two separate weeks of camp programs available from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 27.
• Each camp program costs $150 + GST + SportLoMo fee.
• All camps located at McGirr Elementary School, 6199 McGirr Rd.
• More information and online registration available through this link.

• A free springtime activity held from Tuesday, Feb. 17, until Friday, March 27.
• Unplug and play with your family!

• Bring your child to Volunteer Nanaimo (3148 Barons Rd.), open Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Pick up a Bingo card (or download it from our website (www.volunteernanaimo.ca).
• Complete two lines for a Bingo.
• Enter into a draw for a chance to win a prize.

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