Chapter Discussions Regarding Our Strong Future

You will all have the chance in the coming weeks to be involved in chapter discussions about the positive outlook that we have for our association. As you know, on the heels of our AGM discussions about significant financial challenges brought about by loss of revenue from grants, interest and project management fees, we had to regretably curtail some services and go into a planning mode. We are pleased to say that we should be able to move into 2010/11 with a balanced ledger and with strong member services and professional development programs. As you will hear from chapter directors, the proposal for member services will include cost-sharing between the BCSSA and members. Also, our professional development programs have been reduced from three to two events, but overall we believe we have proposed a model that retains and enhances our professional learning programs, even in leaner times.

A big part of the chapter discussions will be developing clarity around the plan for enhanced influence and profile which brings with it a province-wide vote on a paid presidency. Chapter directors have all of the information, and they will be bringing the flavour of regional discussions back to the full executive in late March before an April vote on the paid presidency. With reduced revenues we will also be voting on a fee increase, but the new proposal is for a smaller increase than was suggested at the AGM. Of course as we talk about the future of our association we do so with great appreciation to Wendy and our best wishes as she moves toward retirement in June. Given that timing we also have the real benefit of having Wendy's wisdom brought to the deliberations about future programs, services and structures.

Keven Elder
President, BCSSA

Retirement and Awards Dinner - August 19, 2010

Save the date! This year the BCSSA Retirement and Awards dinner will be held in conjunction with the 2010 Summer Leadership Academy due to the cancellation of the Spring Forum. The dinner will take place in Kelowna on Thursday, August 19. Below are the confirmed retirees for the 2009/2010 school year. Please let us know if anyone in your district has been omitted from this list. Registration information and award nomination procedures will be available soon.

The BCSSA office is located at:

Suite 208
1118 Homer St.
Vancouver, BC
V6B 6L5

tel: 604.687.0590
fax: 604.687.8118

BCSSA Staff

Wendy Lee
wlee@bcssa.org
Executive Director

Doreen Schieweck
dschieweck@bcssa.org
Executive Assistant

Lisa Aspinall
laspinall@bcssa.org
Communications Manager

Visit our website:
www.bcssa.org

The Grade 12 Essay Scholarship provides financial assistance to students planning to pursue a teaching career. In addition to submitting an essay, applicants must provide a transcript of grades and two letters of reference attesting to school/community leadership. One scholarship winner will be chosen among finalists from each of the BCSSA's six regional chapters by a committee of educators.

2010 Winter Games

Wendy Lee, Executive Director, will be using her vacation time to volunteer for the Olympics from February 12 - 28, and for the Paralympics from March 12 - 21. Wendy will be based at the Olympic Family Hotel (Westin Bayshore) where she will work as a driver for dignitaries.

The BCSSA office, which is located in Yaletown, will remain open during this time where Doreen Schieweck and Lisa Aspinall can be contacted. Both Doreen and Lisa take public transit to the office, so there may be an adjustment to the regular office hours during the games.