Welcome to the Community Resources page for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools!
We believe in the power of collaboration between our schools and the wider community to ensure the success and well-being of all our students.
Whether you are looking for support services, local organizations, or educational resources, this page offers a variety of helpful links and information to connect families, students, and educators to valuable community programs and services.
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools shares resources and events that meet the following criteria:
- Relevant to a K-12 audience.
- Non-profit, local organizations only. (Based in Nanaimo or the Mid-Island region).
- Low to no-cost to families and caregivers.
- Event/organization aligns with the district’s commitment to a safe, inclusive and equitable learning community for all.
- The district reserves the sole discretion to determine what information is shared on this page. Postings are dependent on department capacity.
- Information shared on this page does not equal endorsement and/or support from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. It is for information purposes only.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – City of Nanaimo
Join us on Wednesday, September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year’s theme is “Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation.”
FREE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Deverill Square Park: 9:30 am-2 pm
-Traditional Blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly and Artwork Unveiling for Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown’s latest creation: 9:30 am
10 am-2 pm events:
-Sport-themed inflatables
-Field sports & games (basketball, hockey, lacrosse)
-Kinder-friendly toys and activities
-Interactive community stations (VIU Hockey, Caged Athletics, Nanaimo Science)
-Food trucks
-T-shirt sales featuring artwork from Noel Brown ($14 while supplies last)
Beban Pool & Weight Room: 11 am-3 pm
Frank Crane Arena Everyone welcome skate: 11 am-3 pm
For more information, please see our website. https://ow.ly/BXCW50ZR8me
Executive Functioning and Regulation: Parent Education Session
- Held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Forest Park Elementary.
- An informative and educational presentation designed for parents who are seeking a deeper understanding of how to best support their children’s executive functioning and self-regulation. The presenter will explore the concept of sensory processing and dive into concrete strategies that parents can use to identify challenges and implement solutions to help kids thrive in school, at home and in the community.
High School and Anxiety
- Held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at 111 Dufferin Cres.
- A session for parents and high school students to explore anxiety, build understanding, and learn practical strategies for everyday life.
- This session is tailored for both parents and high school students, and aims to demystify anxiety by tracing its roots in the human body and discussing its role from an evolutionary prespective.
- Registration through QR code.
Anxiety and OCD in Children
- Held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, starting at 6:45 p.m., at McGirr Elementary.
- An informative and practical session for parents and caregivers to better understand and support children struggling with anxiety and OCD.
- Registration through QR code.
Holly Burn Family Services: Unlock Your Parenting Potential
- Free workshops for caregivers of teens aged 12-18
- Self-Compassion Workshop: develop an understanding of self and parenting style. Oct. 7, at 6 p.m.
- Boundaries and Communications Workshop: strengthen relationships and set boundaries. Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.
- Digital Wellness Workshop: mindful management of teen’s digital media use. Oct. 21, at 6 p.m.
- Self-care for Caregivers Workshop: prioritize well-being for your family. Oct. 28, at 6 p.m.
- To register, contact Mia Maarika at mmaarika@narsf.org or by phone at 250-754-2773 ext. 123
Kinder Prep “Petits Lapins”
- CIty of Nanaimo’s monthly play and learn program for children 4-5 years old.
- Beban Social Centre, Mondays-Wednesdays, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
- Designed for children entering Kindergarten in fall of 2027.
- Helps children become more independent and get introduced to academic basics in French.
- More info available at any City of Nanaimo Recreation Facilities, by calling 250-756-5200, or online at recreation.nanaimo.ca.
VIU Mariners Soccer Volleyball and Basketball schedules
Establishing Family Practices for Safeguarding Against Cyberbullying and Sextortion
This session covers the global issue of bullying, as well as cyberbullying within the Canadian context. The presentation highlights warning signs for if someone is experiencing cyberbullying behaviours, and the steps to take if you are a victim of cyberbullying behaviours.
The presentation also explores sextortion, explaining how it occurs, key apps you should be aware of, the role of artificial intelligence in this issue, as well as the necessary steps to take if you are a target of sextortion.
The course is intended for:
- Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up
Upcoming Remote Sessions:
Please click the specific date you would like to register for.
October 13, 2026
December 8, 2026
February 23, 2027
April 14, 2027
June 10, 2027
Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities
Free sessions for ages 10 and up
This session covers all things digital, from how to be a good digital citizen, the criminal consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report and receive support in cases of sexting/sextortion.
Some of the most prominent concerns currently surrounding use of social media platforms, smartphones, and artificial intelligence will be discussed.
The course is intended for:
- Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up
Upcoming Remote Sessions:
Please click the date you would like to register for.
September 15, 2026
November 25, 2026
January 14, 2027
March 10, 2027
May 11, 2027
Nanaimo Naturekids Nature Day October 25
This Way ONward!
This Way ONward is a job-readiness program that provides the next generation with the first jobs, mentoring, skills, and confidence they need to find their way in today’s job market.
Nanaimo Girl Guides needs volunteers!
There is currently a waitlist for girls wanting to be a Spark, Ember, Guide or Pathfinder with Girl Guides of Canada. In order to open up more units, they need volunteers!
Volunteers receive access to free trainings, mentorship and a digital program platform stocked with age-appropriate activities and meeting tools, as well as training on how to deliver activities in ways that will empower and encourage girls.
An average time commitment of 3 – 5 hours per week for unit meetings and planning is expected. Additional hours may be needed for special events or trips. Part-time roles are available if weekly attendance doesn’t suit your schedule. For any questions please contact Kate at membergrowth@girlguides.ca or apply here – www.girlguides.ca/volunteer
Affordable Dental Care for Families
The clinic offers high-quality dental hygiene services at a reduced cost, $35 for adults and $20 for children.
This could be a valuable resource for families in your school community; particularly those who do not have dental insurance and those who are covered by insurance programs, such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, that only partially cover their treatment costs.
Appointments are booked by calling our dental clinic at 250-740-6240 or by emailing dentalclinic@viu.ca
KidsSport Canada
KidsSport Nanaimo provides grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids under 18 years in Nanaimo can play a season of sport.
The Chapter accepts applications and administers grants of up to $400 per child, per year. Apply for a grant today.
City of Nanaimo & BC Gaming Grants
Have a look at the community and youth grants available:
- Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth innovation component
- Enviroment
- Public Safety
- Social Planning Grant
- Community Program Development Grant