Many stories, many reasons
we believe in public education

In this summer issue of Education Leader, we look back at some highlights of BCSTA's online newsletter over the past months. We found different story topics – but always the same theme: a compelling reason to believe, as Rick Hansen (above, lighting the Olympic Torch) does, in the importance of British Columbia's public education.

Rick Hansen believes in public education: The renowned Paralympian shares the very personal story of how public school, especially a dynamic coach, boosted his belief in himself: "After my injury, while I was adjusting to the new reality of living life with a spinal cord injury, Bob challenged me, 'You’re a born athlete – the definition of an athlete is not whether or not you use your legs.' He inspired me to pursue athletics, and also to coach."

Nurturing from the roots: keys to successful learning strategies: More and more, education research is showing that early learning improves prospects for all students, both during their school years and beyond, in adult life and work. Education Committee Chair Linda McPhail and early learning expert Dr. Janet Mort share their insights.

Public education proved a seminal part of Global TV anchor's Trail to success: Trail native Deborra Hope didn't have everything handed to her – but then she didn't need to. She had public education in her corner! "I feel very lucky and proud that our system allows all kinds of people from all kinds of different backgrounds to get a 'rich' education."

Cyber-bullying: the 21st-century danger that stalks our teens: Legal columnist Terri Cohen examines the case of a boy caught in a mocking video – that then went viral, with devastating results. How can boards of education protect against cyber-bullying?

He got the royal treatment long before he became BC's Lieutenant Governor: Steven Point was one of the first Aboriginal British Columbians to make the transition to public education. Our Lieutenant Governor recalls the challenges he faced as a student, and how, at school, he found the track to success.

Avoid a financial body blow: Despite what you may think, parent-signed waivers may not protect your district should students suffer injury during activities. Legal columnist Terri Cohen describes the case of a karate school that got a rude kick of awareness when the courts ruled that an injured child could sue.

The winners of BCSTA's 2010 Student Citizenship Award

The Award Committee – Trustees Quinn De Courcy, Lisa Graham and Bobbi Johnson – pored carefully over this year's applicants, who numbered almost 200. Out of the many deserving candidates, this intrepid Committee finally selected the following, whom we are pleased to announce:

• Sally Chang, Centennial Secondary, Coquitlam
• Teala Beischer, Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary, Central Okanagan
• Dharra Budicha, R.A. McMath Secondary, Richmond (Jean Ciriani Student Citizenship Award)
• Douglas Alan Dillon Kennedy, Gold River Secondary, Vancouver Island West
• Josephine Schrott, Kelowna Secondary School, Central Okanagan