I hope that 2009 has started well for all of you. We started with a bang with the brilliantly organized ICSEI conference in Vancouver, an event that reinforced the great work that we are doing in BC. The conference theme of “new departures” was evident in the links between the research and practice, particularly in relation to understanding student engagement, innovation, connecting with aboriginal learners and families, and leveraging web-based collaboration in support of teaching and learning. Thanks to all who were involved in the planning and hosting, and to Lisa for getting the presentations posted (http://www.icsei2009.org/program/presenters.html).

Of course you don’t need reminding of the current challenges we face regarding FSA. My email to BCSSA members on January 21 provided more detail, but suffice it to say that we continue to abide by the following:

1. FSA will be administered in February in whatever way works in each district.
2. The focus on learning will not be affected by the action of the BCTF.
3. We recognize the need for system-wide assessment and reporting but do not support the use of data for ranking and comparing schools.
4. We are committed to ongoing dialogue regarding the use of high quality, consistent, standards-based assessment to inform teaching and learning.

It is also clear that the current impasse with teachers needs to be managed in each district in the relationship between employer Boards and their teachers. As district leaders we will continue to work with BCPSEA and be in contact with colleagues to ensure common understandings and, where possible, common approaches. That said, some boards will choose to direct teachers while others won’t, some districts will have administrators able and willing to administer the FSA while some will need to make other arrangements, and some will express sympathy for the teachers’ position while others will be more strident. Our role continues to be one of making sure we manage the next month well given our local context, that we stay in touch with each other throughout, and that we make sure we come out of this with relationships intact.

On a final note, thanks go to our chapter directors for leading the conversations between now and May in regard to our leadership structure, and to Wendy for providing the Influence Profile Framework that will serve as the foundation for those discussions. As your still relatively new president I can tell you that the need for influence, profile and presence is considerable, and that regardless of the outcome of these deliberations that presence needs to be enhanced.

All the best,

ICSEI 2009 PHOTO GALLERY

Maureen Dockendorf leads the outstanding Hospitality Crew, or “Red Vests”

A few of the students from the keen and profound “Learner Voice” at ICSEI

Audrey Hobbs-Johnson and Lynn Tomlinson (front center) with group at Dinner/Dance

The innovative and powerful Kutapira band, one of the student performances at ICSEI

SD 37 (Delta) team enjoying the sights and sounds of ICSEI Vancouver

Linda Kaser addressing audience

Enjoying some snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain hiwus Feasthouse

Groups participate in Aboriginal dance at hiwus

Groups participate in Aboriginal dance at hiwus

Dancing the night away at ICSEI Dinner/Dance

Elder Larry Grant (right) and Judy Halbert

Bazura Bags a big hit at ICSEI 2009

Conference participants carrying a sampling of the colourful Bazura Bags.

The BCSSA Vancouver Sun Run Team

We are pleased to announce that the BCSSA Vancouver Sun Run Team has been registered and all BCSSA members, their families, colleagues, friends and hangers-on are all invited to join. The Sun Run will be held on Sunday, April 19 in Vancouver.

This year our Spring Forum will take place in Vancouver from April 17-18, so it’s a good chance for you to take part in this 25th anniversary Sun Run on the following day.

You can walk, walk/run, run or race the 10K route - the goal is to have everyone fit and participating. Go to http://www.sunrun.com for all information on route, training schedule, race times, etc.

To register as a corporate team member, go to the Sun Run website and click on Registration. You will have to create an account to add your name to the BC School Superintendents Association team.

The prices and deadlines are:
Early Bird (deadline February 6/08): $35
Regular (deadline March 6/08): $40

We will have your shirts and race packages ready for pick-up at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver during the 2009 Spring Forum.

Join the BCSSA and 50,000 of our closest friends on April 19th!