November 2014 News and Events
Christian Schools Canada Conference
Two hundred delegates, including ninety-one from SCSBC schools, converged at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria for the biennial Christian Schools Canada conference that took place from September 18 to 20, 2014. Inspired learning during the plenary and workshop sessions, and invaluable networking during the breaks and free time contributed to an outstanding experience. Many ancillary meetings were also accomplished as participants arrived from across Canada, the United States and as far away as Australia, Korea and South Africa. Audio recordings of James A. K. Smith’s four presentations are online at christianschoolscanada.com/resources-2014.
Behaviour Intervention Training
On July 2 to 4, 2014, special education coordinators came to Trinity Western University for the three-day intensive Survivor themed course, Supporting the Inclusion of Students with Challenging Behaviour. Presenters Jenny Williams and Laurie Smith provided training in implementing the resources in the Guidelines for the Progressive Intervention of Behaviour manual and included practise in conducting some of the following: Risk Assessment and Safety Plan; Functional Behaviour Assessment; Positive Behaviour Support Plan; Supervision/Incident Plan; Threat Assessment and Fair Notice; TIER 1- 3 Behaviour Intervention; and School-wide Behaviour Intervention. Participants had a lot of serious fun in the process!
SCSBC Northern Schools Tour
Incoming Executive Director, Ed Noot and new Directors of Learning, Darren Spyksma and Greg Gerber, started the school year off with a whirlwind visit led by outgoing Executive Director, Henry Contant of the northern SCSBC schools. They toured campuses, presented workshops and met with staff and boards at Cedars Christian in Prince George, Bulkley Valley Christian in Smithers, Northside Christian in Vanderhoof, Centennial Christian in Terrace, and Houston Christian in Houston.
Regional Meeting – Virtually
The tight schedule for the SCSBC northern road trip did not include time for a Regional Principals Meeting. In an effort to keep schools informed and engaged within travel restrictions, this meeting was offered via the web. SCSBC staff did a test drive of new equipment on site at Trinity Western University with a view to creating more web-based opportunities for schools to connect.
Nanaimo Christian School Assessment Innovations
Based on a common desire to improve student learning, Nanaimo Christian School’s elementary and middle school divisions have removed letter grades from all reporting periods except for the final report card. The school has chosen instead to move to an outcomes based reporting system, more regular face to face reporting to parents, and use of an assessment continuum to better explain learning and development to parents and stakeholders. High school has also moved forward in more accurate assessment practices by focusing more fully on giving feedback based on outcomes specific to the unit outcomes. High school reports will also be more inclusive at providing feedback on student learning in terms of the learning outcomes. These exciting initiatives are based on research and planning and are intended to streamline well with the new BC Ed Plan.