Latest News & Information

Latest News & Information

Keep in touch with the latest news from the School District and Board of Education including reports from meetings about Board plans and decisions.

NLPS Board of Education elects new Board Chair

At the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School’s (NLPS) Board of Education Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024, school trustees voted for the following positions:

Board Chair- Naomi Bailey

Vice-Chair- Greg Keller

Education Committee Chair- Tom Rokeby

Education Committee Vice-Chair- Leana Pellegrin

Business Committee Chair- Mark Robinson

Business Committee Vice-Chair- Tim Harris

BCSTA Provincial Counsellor- Leana Pellegrin

BCSTA Provincial Counsellor (alternate)- Chantelle Morvay

A video recording of the AGM and all NLPS Board of Education meetings can be found on the NLPS YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_yhNVM2GuBg

September 2025 school catchment boundary changes

Rutherford Elementary in Nanaimo's north end will be reopening in September 2025. As a result, a new school catchment boundary for Rutherford has been added and school catchment boundaries for other north end elementary schools have been adjusted to allow for a new Rutherford Elementary catchment.

Find out more.

Pay transparency report

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is committed to fostering an environment of transparency and equity in all aspects of its operations. As part of our dedication to these principles, we are pleased to share our 2024 Pay Transparency report. View the report here.

CUPE 606 and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools reach agreement on EA hours

September 27, 2024

Nanaimo, BC- CUPE 606 and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) are pleased to update that an agreement has been reached on the additional out of classroom hour for education assistants (EAs) for the 2024-2025 school year.

The agreement will take effect October 1, 2024.

NLPS and CUPE have agreed to use the funding under Letter of Understanding (LOU) 18, to add one additional hour per week outside of the classroom for all continuing regular EAs who are currently receiving 25 hours or less per week for the school year, or until the fund is depleted. CUPE and district staff will continue to meet throughout the year and will meet prior to staffing day in June to determine how the fund will be used for the 2025-26 school year.

At this time, the district is also in the position to provide separate funding for temporary and replacement 25-hour EAs to also receive the additional hour each week outside of the classroom.

Additionally, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools has committed to $300,000 in additional funds to add more student support into classrooms throughout the district and funds to allow more collaboration time between teaching and support staff outside of classroom time.

“This is one of the biggest investments in EAs in our district in recent years,” said Jeff Virtanen, president of CUPE 606. “This proves that we can work together to demonstrate that we really value EAs in our schools, the incredibly hard work they do, and the critical role they have in supporting some of the most vulnerable students in our care.”

“I want to express my gratitude to CUPE 606 and district staff for working together to achieve the goal I know we all were working toward- acknowledging the contributions of EAs in our schools and investing in student and employee wellness, demonstrating that we are committed to the goals laid out in our Strategic Plan,” said Greg Keller, board chair for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools currently employs 380 Education Assistants in 36 schools across the district.

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For more information contact:

Jeff Virtanen

President

CUPE 606

Phone: (250)818-7269

Email: jvirtanen@sd68.bc.ca

Gillian Robinson

Executive Director, Communications, Privacy and Community Engagement

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Phone: (250) 754-5521

Email: gillian.robinson@sd68.bc.ca

Letter of support for LGBTQ2S+ students, staff and families

Together, Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association (NDTA), CUPE and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools express our wholehearted support for inclusivity, diversity and the education of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) rights.

We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable school district. We will always embrace diversity and uphold the principles of SOGI as a means to support the well-being and prosperity of our entire community.

Anti-LGBTQ2S+ campaigns harm our community. We have made substantial progress in establishing safe spaces in our schools and remain dedicated to ensuring that every student feels a deep sense of belonging. We will always stand against disinformation aimed at undoing our progress.

Quality education and a safe environment for all students, staff, and the community are our highest priorities. We are committed to creating a school environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is why we recognize the importance of respecting and celebrating the diverse identities and backgrounds of our students and employees.

To our LGBTQ2S+ students, district staff, and families - we want to affirm our recognition of your presence, and we emphasize our unwavering support for you. You are welcomed and valued members of our community, and we are firmly committed to nurturing an environment in which you can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Your rights and dignity will always be upheld, and our commitment to constructing inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity will never waver.

Sincerely,

Piet Langstraat                                  Jo Cornthwaite                                 Jeff Virtanen

Interim Superintendent                President, NDTA                               President, CUPE

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Board of Education announces new superintendent

NANAIMO, BC – The Nanaimo Ladysmith Board of Education is pleased to announce that Robyn Gray has been selected to fill the position of superintendent effective November 18, 2024.

Robyn is currently the superintendent of schools for Cowichan Valley School District (CVSD), a role she has held since 2019. Prior to CVSD, Robyn was with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools for 25 years. She holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Victoria, a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Indigenous and Inclusive Education from Nipissing University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Laurentian University.

“We are excited to welcome Robyn back to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools,” said Greg Keller, Board Chair, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS). “Robyn’s knowledge of our community and experience in our schools combined with half a decade of exceptional leadership in a superintendent role will directly benefit our staff and learners. We look forward to Robyn’s leadership in creating an inclusive and equitable learning community at Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools where every individual thrives. Together we will work towards increasing the number of students who feel welcome, safe and have a sense of belonging in their school and the number of staff who feel valued and engaged in the district.”

Robyn has previously held the roles of vice-principal, principal, district principal- Aboriginal Education, director of instruction and assistant superintendent with NLPS. She is known for her passion for creating structures to assist vulnerable learners, including initiatives that directly supported childcare, literacy and numeracy. Throughout her career, including Cowichan, Robyn has been a strong voice for reconciliation action, both through lived experience and through building strong relationships with local Indigenous communities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools,” said Robyn. “The district is home to exceptional staff and learners, and I am passionate about creating a learning and working environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to develop their unique gifts and abilities. I believe my previous experience in the district allows me to support the great work and initiatives already underway, while my experience as superintendent in Cowichan allows me to embrace fresh perspectives and ways of knowing that will support the district’s goals. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve NLPS learners, caregivers and staff in this role.”

The Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Board of Education expresses gratitude to NLPS staff for their hard work and dedication to supporting the work of the district during the search and recruitment of a new superintendent.

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For more information, contact:

Gillian Robinson

Executive Director Communications, Privacy and Community Engagement

gillian.robinson@sd68.bc.ca

(250) 741-5273

Byelection results for SD68 school trustee

September 14, 2024 9:30 pm

Byelection results for SD68 school trustee

NANAIMO, BC – Tim Harris has been elected as a school trustee for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) Board of Education following a byelection held September 14, 2024.

818 valid votes were cast during the voting period from September 4 to 14, 2024.

Preliminary results are:

TIM HARRIS – 594 votes

JOAN BROWN- 224 votes

www.sd68.bc.ca 

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For more information, contact:

Gillian Robinson

Executive Director, Communications, Privacy and Community Engagement

gillian.robinson@sd68.bc.ca

(250) 741-5273

Official election results

Declaration of Official Election ResultsDownload

Declaration of results

Results by polling station

Preliminary Election Results Form No 6-1 SD68Download
Declaration of Preliminary Official Election ResultsDownload
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Latest News & Information

Keep in touch with the latest news from the School District and Board of Education including reports from meetings about Board plans and decisions.

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Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68)

NLPS resides within the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz’uminus First Nations. In addition, the district is a proud community partner with the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre and the Mid Island Métis Nation.

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Expect Respect & a Safe Education

Erase (Expect Respect & a Safe Education) is all about building safe and caring school communities.

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Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68)

NLPS resides within the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz’uminus First Nations. In addition, the district is a proud community partner with the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre and the Mid Island Métis Nation.

Expect Respect & a Safe Education

Erase (Expect Respect & a Safe Education) is all about building safe and caring school communities.

ConnectED

A Magazine for the families of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Latest Edition
Browse Past Editions
Staff
Families
Programs

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