I am the Bowen parent of two children who have gone through BICS and West Vancouver Secondary. Ben is 20 and graduated from WVS almost three years ago. Louisa is 17 and graduates this June. I have had the pleasure of serving for the last eight years on the WVS Parent Advisory Council and about the past five years on the District Parent Advisory Council. Both experiences have afforded me the opportunity to meet several high school principals along the way, work with the School Planning Council, as well as hear monthly reports from the district superintendent and trustees. I have also attended many events and learned a great deal of valuable information, a lot of which I have managed to put into practise.
Being a Bowen parent on these committees has been very worthwhile. There have been many occasions where a voice from our community has been necessary to point out some of the unique challenges associated with island living and commuting to school. The principal of WVS, Steve Rauh, is aware of our needs and strives to support Bowen parents and students. He attends the PAC meetings and gives a monthly report so that we, as parents, are kept well informed. Rauh has an open-door policy and is very approachable no matter what the situation.
Involvement on the district level has been crucial. Attending the DPAC executive meetings, often with lively discussion, first as a director, and for the past two years as treasurer, has been interesting and rewarding. This is a venue where you hear things "hot off the press." To help support having a Bowen parent attend these meetings and sit on the executive, the DPAC authorized reimbursement of ferry travel costs.
Since our daughter will be graduating soon, I am hoping to pass the baton to another capable Bowen parent (or two) who will represent our vibrant community and keep the communication lines open. Think about getting involved and reap the rewards for yourself, your children, and other Bowen families.
Contact me at [email protected] or 604 947 2880 if you have questions.
Meanwhile, the West Van Secondary PAC is holding its May meeting on Bowen Island to allow more of the Bowen parents an opportunity to attend. Rauh, as well as the new district superintendent, Chris Kennedy, will be in attendance. It's Tuesday, May 3 at the BICS multi-purpose room at 7:15 p.m. The annual general meeting is June 7 at 7 p.m. at the WVS staff room. The elections for 2011-2012 take place that night.
ANGIE BOSWORTH, WVSS PAC
