“After an exhaustive search, Mark Davidson stood out as a current superintendent with remarkable experience producing real change in school and system culture and improving student outcomes,” said Maya Russell, chair, New Westminster Board of Education. “He has navigated many of the issues important to 91ĚŇÉ«apps, including rapid enrollment growth, equitable access, a desire to continue improving learning outcomes and community engagement. We are excited about the opportunity with Mark’s leadership to build on our district’s strengths.”

Davidson has led Medicine Hat School Division since 2016 and has been in K-12 education since 2000 as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, and deputy superintendent in addition to superintendent/CEO. He also worked for Alberta Education as a senior education manager. The Medicine Hat School Division has 7,500 students, 800 staff, and a budget of $93 million.

“I am both humbled and excited that the Board has extended to me the opportunity to serve as superintendent of 91ĚŇÉ«app District. I am thrilled to join an organization with a culture built on commitments to equity, compassion, and research supported professional practice. I love the work we do in schools. I am so looking forward to building connections with students, families and the staff who serve them.”

Sylvia Russell (no relation to the board chair) continues as interim superintendent to provide consistent support to schools, staff, and students for the transition. The Board of Education wishes to thank district partner organizations for the time they devoted to assisting the board with the selection process, including the District Parent Advisory Council, the New Westminster Teachers’ Union, CUPE 409, the BC Principals and Vice Principals Association, and the district leadership team.

– 30 –

Contact

Mike Lee
Communications Manager

P: 778-789-7172
E: mvlee@sd40.bc.ca

The original guiding principles, approved by the Board of Education in June 2022, met the district’s needs for a short time. However, as capacity pressure continues to mount in 91ĚŇÉ«apps, the principles no longer meet the district’s needs. They require more clarity to ensure greater transparency in future decision-making.

Original guiding principles

• Guiding Principle #1 – Prioritize the utilization of space within our schools to support K-12 in-catchment regular enrolment, while also ensuring sufficient play and outdoor learning space; and
• Guiding Principle #2 – Programs of choice, community partnerships (including infant/toddler childcare), and non-instructional uses of space will be operated, and when necessary, relocated to school facilities where space permits.

Proposed revised guiding principles on space use for K-8

• Guiding Principle #1 – Prioritize the utilization of space within our schools to support K-8 students in the following priority sequence:
  • Students that reside in New Westminster are placed within our District’s schools;
  • Students are placed in their school catchment zone (Fraser River Community Zone, Glenbrook Community Zone and Queensborough Community Zone);
  • Students are placed in their neighbourhood in-catchment regular school; and
  • Where possible, provide the maximum space possible given the enrolment priority for play and outdoor learning space.
• Guiding Principle #2 – Programs of choice, community partnerships (including infant/toddler childcare), and non-instructional uses of space will be operated in school facilities, and when necessary, relocated where space permits.

Proposed revised guiding principles on space use for Grades 9-12

Since the district only has one secondary school (New Westminster Secondary) with its own capacity needs set in a single zone and catchment, the district aims to create guiding principles that are unique to this school:

1. Secondary students that reside in New Westminster are placed within New Westminster Secondary School or within our alternate programs.
2. Provide equitable access to educational opportunities by creating additional space for students in specialty instructional programs (home economics, physical education, arts, Applied Design, Skills and Technology (ADST) etc.).
3. Maintaining 21st century learning environment created within the school to maintain space for flexibility, collaborative learning which foster cross-disciplinary work, accessible and inviting hallway spaces and visible/open learning.

Short-term and long-term capacity challenges

The district is currently experiencing a “capacity crisis” brought on by a growing student population and a severe lack of indoor and outdoor space in existing schools. As New Westminster’s population continues to grow and more students enter the district system, it is increasingly necessary to deal with short-term space needs in schoolsĚý until planned new schools open. These short-term challenges and the bridging solutions needed to address them will also have an impact on the district’s budget.

The 2024-2025 school year will see the following strategies implemented:

• Additional on-site portables and/or receive interior renovations at some elementary and middle schools.
• Move to online course delivery of Career Life Education at New Westminster Secondary School.
• Slight reduction in international student enrollment at New Westminster Secondary School.

While short-term measures above will alleviate some of the pressures on a year-to-year basis, long-term solutions are necessary to prevent overcrowding.

• Learn how 91ĚŇÉ«apps is addressing the capacity crisis

This new newsletter highlights exciting developments and achievements taking place at our schools and within our district throughout the year. We know our staff and students work hard to leave a positive mark on our community and we are pleased – and more than a little excited – to share their success stories with you.

NWSS Hits High Notes in Dual Musical Productions

New Westminster Secondary School’s musical theatre department wowed local audiences yet again in dual productions of the popular Broadway classic, “Annie” and a one-act edition of Disney’s “High School Musical”.

Both shows debuted in January 2024 and showcased the exceptional talent that went into producing the hit musicals, on and off-stage.

Music Mayhem at NWSS Yields Awards

New Westminster Secondary School’s most talented student musicians banded together last November to sing and play their hearts out at “Music Mayhem”. The event raised money for groups to attend music festivals in Edmonton and Whistler and represented NWSS’s strong and rich musical education tradition. Members of the public were invited to watch and donate.

• The proceeds allowed the NWSS Jazz A ensemble to attend the Surrey Jazz Festival where they demonstrated their talents in an evening showcase of the festival’s best groups.
• The top senior jazz combo award was given to NWSS’s very own Luka MacInness-Cann, Ross McCrae, and Gabe Junio.
• Luka also received an award for outstanding saxophonist.

Connaught Heights Elementary Students Help Spread Holiday Joy in Community

It all began during the week of December 4-8, when classes braved the cold weather, fog, and rain to enthusiastically drop off flyers to houses in the neighbourhood. What did these flyers have on them? It informed household members that Connaught Heights students were collecting donations of food, toys, and clothes to build hampers for families in the community.

Winter Adventures at Queen Elizabeth Elementary

Kayla Yee, one of our Grade 1 teachers, is passionate about getting our students involved in outdoor experiences. She has organized both our ski club and snowshoeing activities for various grades and classes at QE. These activities have been amazing new experiences for many students in our community and they provide opportunities for families to take part in local winter activities in our mountains.

Lord Kelvin Leads in Promoting Media and Traditional Literacy

Traditional literacy and media literacy take centre stage at Lord Kelvin Elementary through two school programs that help students build reading and oral skills. The Literacy Leaders and a morning TV news show that broadcasts twice a week on school premises expose participants and viewers to practical communications skills that will help them throughout their future academic and working lives.

• Literacy Leaders – All Grade 5 students take on a leadership role by going to the kindergarten to Grade 2 classes to lead literacy games. The learning impact of these games is remarkable because the students who were below grade level often catch up. As well, “struggling” leaders are given an opportunity to develop their own literacy skills while they help younger students.
• Morning TV News Show – This program is led by three Grade 5 students who share info with the rest of the school. It helps with oral language development, reading fluency, public speaking skills, communication, teamwork and uses technology to increase student engagement school wide.

Toonies for Tummies Feeds Hungry Minds by Filling Empty Stomachs

Fraser River Middle School hosted “Toonies for Tummies”, where students received a healthy breakfast prepared by grocery retailers and individuals from the companies that support the campaign.

“Toonies for Tummies” is a campaign run by the Breakfast Club of Canada and The Grocery Foundation and supported by Global News aimed at alleviating childhood hunger to jumpstart learning. The initiative partners with grocery retailers and companies that manufacture food, beverage, and consumer goods in Canada, whose contributions contribute to the campaign’s success.

Board of Education Leading Search for New Superintendent

The New Westminster Board of Education is searching for a new superintendent to take over from Karim Hachlaf on a permanent basis after he departs for Burnaby on April 1. Retired superintendent of schools, Sylvia Russell (no relation to board chair Maya Russell) will join the 91ĚŇÉ«apps team as its interim leader in April.

“We’re pleased to have Sylvia anchor our district through this important time while we recruit a permanent superintendent,” said Maya Russell, chair for the board of education. “Her track record providing interim leadership and mentoring superintendents will give our staff the support and guidance they need while we take the time for a strong superintendent selection process.”

The goal is to identify which municipality, organization, and individuals across Metro Vancouver can accumulate the highest total minutes of walking. This effort allows them to win exciting prizes from local businesses. New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver Coastal Health are participating in WALK30 this year. Collaborators include Fraser Health, New Westminster, and Burnaby School Districts, with support from TransLink.

Join us in creating a healthier, more connected community!

For more information:

• Email us

We appreciate the passion shown by our community. We also wish to take this opportunity to dispel some of the misinformation and misconceptions surrounding these issues:

On the NWSS funds transfer

• Funds raised by schools for specific purposes will NOT be – and were never – used to cover school operational costs or other expenses unrelated to the purposes for which the monies were intended.
• The amounts were NOT transferred to the school’s general operating budget. This also applies to – and has always applied to – money raised by the New Westminster Secondary School’s musical theatre department.
• The district is currently working with NWSS school staff on a budget plan for the musical theatre department’s funds. Parents with students in the department will have opportunities to share their thoughts and provide input – as was always intended – once the initial plan is fully drafted.

Ěý

On Administrative Procedure 520

• We recognize fundraising is a big part of augmenting departmental programs but we must also make sure the procedures governing school fundraising and financial management are transparent.
• The Board supports and has directed staff to review Administrative Procedure 520 to provide greater clarity into the processes and to revise elements that hinder its effective and efficient application.
• The review for AP520 is still under consultation and the process is on-going.
• We understand the need for a higher carryover limit for some unique programs and will include this in the updated AP520.
• District staff are aware there’s a desire in the community for more consultation. To that end, staff are inviting PACs, DPAC, and parents involved in NWSS’s musical theatre department and other fundraising/supported programs or clubs to participate in the review.
• The Board looks forward to learning how community feedback will impact the revised administrative procedure.

“We’re pleased to have Sylvia anchor our district through this important time while we recruit a permanent superintendent,” said Maya Russell, chair for the board of education. “Her track record providing interim leadership and mentoring superintendents will give our staff the support and guidance they need while we take the time for a strong superintendent selection process.”

“I’m very happy for the opportunity to join 91ĚŇÉ«apps,” said Sylvia Russell. “I’m looking forward to working with the Board of Education and my new colleagues in School District 40 to meet the needs of students, parents, guardians and caregivers in the New Westminster community.”

“Sylvia is a great addition to our team,” said Karim Hachlaf, superintendent of schools in New Westminster. “Her credentials and passion in public education mean 91ĚŇÉ«apps is in good hands.”

Sylvia Russell is an experienced educator who served as Superintendent of Schools for School District No.42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) for six years before retiring in January 2021 after a 38-year career in the BC public education system. In her time as superintendent, she and her team successfully developed and implemented a strategic plan that covered the four educational pillars of social and emotional learning, learning and assessment, secondary school innovation, and literacy to meet the needs of all learners.Ěý In addition, under Russell’s leadership, School District 42 began piloting a Provincial program that created school-based integrated teams to support students and families in need of barrier-free mental health and substance use services.

Russell remains active in retirement. She continues to assist school district leaders as an educational consultant and belongs to a small team of retired educational leaders that provides mentorship support to newly appointed district leaders and superintendents on behalf of the British Columbia School Superintendents’ Association.

91ĚŇÉ«apps is thrilled to have Sylvia on board. Her wealth of experience and knowledge will be tremendous boons to the district. Please join us in welcoming her to the New Westminster educational community.

For more information:

• Visit our Snow events, winter procedures, and school closure page

For more information:

• Visit our Snow events, winter procedures, and school closure page

Your Board of Education wishes to congratulate Superintendent Karim Hachlaf on being selected to lead Burnaby Schools as their superintendent, beginning April 1st 2024.

Karim has provided exemplary leadership to our district since beginning as Superintendent in 2018. Whether it was his commitment to consultation, engagement and collaboration, his remarkable communication to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, or his leadership on anti-racism in schools, Karim has brought integrity, professionalism and courage to our work. 91ĚŇÉ«apps has changed for the better through his leadership, in profound ways.

We know that Karim is committed to supporting a smooth transition over the next several months as we begin the recruitment process for our next superintendent. We are also lucky to have Secretary-Treasurer Bettina Ketcham and Executive Director of Human Resources Robert Weston who will, as always, provide stability and sound leadership as we move through the spring and into school year 2024/25.

We have engaged a leading recruitment firm to begin a search, here in BC and outside the province. While we begin to recruit a replacement, we are delighted that retired assistant superintendent Julie Pearce will join us as Acting Associate Superintendent in January. As we move through the recruitment and selection process, further leadership support will be provided as required.

We are confident in the District leadership team, which has been bolstered with strong recent hires bringing fresh insights and energy. At this point, our top priorities as a board are to provide support for the vital work of teachers, staff and administration in schools every day, and to secure our future superintendent.

New West Schools is a place where people learn and grow — even superintendents.

We are grateful for Karim’s service here in New Westminster and we wish him the very best.

Yours truly,

Maya Russell
On behalf of your Board of Education

Message from the Superintendent to Staff

Dear staff,

As a follow-up to the Board of Education’s announcement and tremendous support over the years, I wanted to personally express my sincere gratitude to all of you.

I entered 91ĚŇÉ«apps almost seven years ago as the Associate Superintendent, and immediately, I felt genuine excitement and a connection to this community. When you know, you know. Eight months later, the Board of Education had confidence in my leadership abilities to lead the school district, and I proudly became your Superintendent. This is a very special district with great people doing great work. Together, we have truly created a better place for our students and one that will only continue to transform. The opportunity to serve students, staff and parents, and work together to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive, is what makes 91ĚŇÉ«apps a leader amongst school districts.

Then, the obvious question is, why leave? The opportunity to pursue the role of Superintendent for Burnaby Schools was unexpected and a difficult decision for me. Ultimately, the opportunity to have a positive impact in the community I reside in and a school district where my children attend is the reason for my departure. I also know that the next chapter for 91ĚŇÉ«apps is poised to be even more exciting (minus a global pandemic) and I will be observing and supporting on the sidelines.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in me; I am forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Karim