School District 72 Welcomes Vancouver Island Trustees for Conference

School District 72 (SD72) is set to host approximately 50 trustees from across Vancouver Island on October 3 and 4, 2023, at the Robron Centre in Campbell River. The gathering, organized by the Vancouver Island School Trustees’ Association (VISTA), aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among school boards facing similar challenges.

Craig Gillis, vice-chair of SD72, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “We meet twice a year in various locations and we are honoured, as Campbell River, to be hosting all of the trustees from Vancouver Island school districts.” The conference, themed “Journeys to Success,” will spotlight student achievement, Indigenous worldviews, and student-centered learning environments.

The agenda for the conference has been carefully crafted by Gillis, along with Trustee Gladish and Trustee McMann. “It’s wonderful to see our district emerging and taking some kind of leadership profile within our other bodies,” Gillis remarked, highlighting the opportunity for SD72 to showcase its initiatives. The event will feature examples of successful practices implemented within SD72, allowing local leaders, teachers, support staff, and Indigenous representatives to share their experiences.

Friday, October 3, is designated as a seminar-heavy day, with trustees expected to arrive by 13:00. Although Gillis has yet to disclose the names of all featured speakers, he noted that one will address neurodiversity, while another will discuss land-based learning. Following the seminars, attendees will gather for dinner, providing a chance for networking and exchanging ideas among trustees.

On Saturday, October 4, the focus will shift to branch topics. Gordon Li, a member of the BC School Trustees’ Association, will participate in discussions regarding board evaluations and the processes involved. This segment aims to equip trustees with insights and best practices that can enhance governance across school districts.

As SD72 prepares for this important gathering, the event highlights the commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among school boards on Vancouver Island. The exchange of ideas and experiences is expected to contribute positively to the educational landscape in the region, making it a pivotal moment for all participating trustees.