Cowichan Valley School Board Trustee · School District 79
A parent and a citizen who felt it was time to step up, running to put children at the centre of board decisions.
Q'shintul (Walking together) Mill Bay Nature School is where my son found his voice.
Modelled to resemble an Indigenous village, with a Matriarch/Head Learner (aka Principal) and knowledge holders (teachers, elders, families). Learners organized in clans, based upon talents and needs, not age. Learners given some choice as to what they wanted to learn, and a democratic venue to air grievances and co-create solutions (Q'Shintul Lelum "Walking together house"). It became a destination school for some kids that didn't quite fit in anywhere else. It worked so well that researchers came to study it as a model of what education could be, an example of reconciliation in action. Or so it seemed.
In spring 2024, the school district's trustees announced its closure without consulting families, teachers, EAs, knowledge holders, and gave us 2 weeks to choose alternate schooling within the District. I stood with other parents and pushed back, each in our own ways.
We glimpsed a different way to do education, as well as the difference it made for entire learning communities. I'm running so that every learner in the Cowichan Valley has the opportunity to benefit from what we learned. It's true that it takes a village!
Child-centred education is possible. It's an approach our district can carry forward to support every child's learning and sense of belonging.
I'm not a politician. I'm a parent whose family has benefitted greatly from the care we all received in public school, and in surprising ways. I'm also a citizen who felt that this was the time to say something myself, when the Board stopped thinking families had something to offer when it came to the welfare of their children.
As a parent that was also involved with PAC/Eagle Clan throughout the journey, I have noticed not only some of the challenges faced by schools, but also what potential there is beyond what is already happening. As a trustee I'll bring that perspective to the board table and make sure decisions are made with the people they affect considered.
Every decision from the board and the district should start from what a child needs, not what is convenient.
Bring the circular economy into our schools, with students involved in the process.
Students, staff, parents, grandparents and caregivers all deserve to feel safe and cared for.
School trustees are elected on the same ballot as your local council or electoral area director. Voting places and hours are set by your local government, so check with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, North Cowichan, the City of Duncan, Lake Cowichan or Ladysmith. Bring two pieces of ID; you can register at the voting place.
I'd like to hear from you.