November 29, 2019 – We are conducting a comprehensive review of inclusive practices at New Westminster Schools and we want to hear from you!

We are asking our parents, students, staff and community: What are the most important things we can do at New Westminster Schools to meaningfully support inclusive practices for all our students.

There are multiple ways for you to provide us with your input, including upcoming Focus Groups facilitated by contracted professional consultants, and an interactive online forum called Thoughtexchange. In addition, you are also welcome to provide your individual feedback by e-mailing us here.

Coming Up: Parent Focus Groups: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Please RSVP here if you wish to attend any one of these focus groups. We ask that you indicate the session you wish to attend in your RSVP and if you require childminding.

Elementary School Parents: Dec. 3, 2019 - Lord Kelvin Elementary School Library

Middle School Parents: Dec. 10, 2019 - Ecole Glenbrook Middle School Library

RESCHEDULED! Secondary School Parents Parent Focus Group
is  Jan. 22, 2020 - New Westminster Secondary School Library

Thoughtexchange – Interactive Survey

Help chart our future on Inclusive Practices in New Westminster Schools. Join our online forum and voice your ideas, see the ideas of others and highlight what matters most to you.

By sharing your thoughts and ideas through Thoughtexchange, you will shape how we identify priorities in the coming years.  Together we can build a conversation about inclusive practices that support student learning during a time of transformation at New Westminster Schools.

OUR SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION…

Background to our review launch…..

The Board of Education voted to direct the Superintendent to begin a comprehensive review of Special Education services and programs at New Westminster Schools in January 2019, seeking to ensure that services are available to all children and that access is as seamless as possible.

In April, the Board approved a budget bylaw that included $50,000 to support the review process. An implementation plan was presented to the Board in May 2019 and the services of experienced long-time educators Susan Powell, Laurie Meston, and Kathy Guild have been contracted.

The review of inclusive practices is being conducted under the direction of the Special Education Advisory Group, co-chaired by Director of Instruction Bruce Cunnings and Trustee Maya Russell.

The Advisory Group is as follows:

• Board of Education: Maya Russell (Co-Chair), Dee Beattie
• New Westminster Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association: Pam Craven, Kathleen Chad
• CUPE: Karrie Andrews, David Bollen
• New Westminster Teachers Union: Neesha Blajberg, Christie Hayashi
• New Westminster District Parent Advisory Council: Alejandro Diaz, Deb Blount
• Settlement Workers In School Program:  Ghada Tallia
• Aboriginal Education: Bertha Lansdowne
• New Westminster School District:  Bruce Cunnings (Co-Chair), Maryam Naser

The comprehensive review is focused on improving practice, guided by research, informed by our stakeholder engagement and aligned with the district strategic plan.