In memoriam: Dr. Jim London
 With sadness BCSTA has learned of the passing of one of our most accomplished trustees: Dr. Jim London, of the Sooke Board of Education, and the first mayor of Langford, died on January 13. As his obituary in the Times-Colonist noted, Jim led “an extraordinary and full life” – and a key element of that life was his passion for education.
 Jim’s wisdom and good humour will be greatly missed. An avid historian and sailor, he was a knowledgeable, actively involved trustee, serving as Provincial Councillor and member of the BCSTA Student Citizenship Award Committee, as just two examples. But Jim’s most stellar, long-lasting contribution may have been the seminal history of BCSTA he wrote in time for our centenary in 2005, Public Education, Public Pride.
Our sympathies go to Jim’s wife Doris and their family. A memorial service, followed by reception, will be held tomorrow Friday, January 18, 2008 at 2 pm at Gordon United Church, 935 Goldstream Avenue, Langford. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, friends consider making blood donations to the Canadian Blood Services, or to the Gordon United Church Memorial Fund.
The March edition of Education Leader will present a more comprehensive biography of this outstanding friend and colleague to BCSTA.
Back to top ^
New Deputy Minister of Education visits BCSTA
 The new BC Deputy Minister of Education, James Gorman, is in Vancouver this week to meet some of the key people he will be dealing with in his new portfolio. Mr. Gorman, who succeeded Dr. Emery Dosdall January 2, was formerly Deputy Minister of the BC Public Service Agency. Dr. Dosdall has taken on a new assignment as BC Trade Commissioner, Education and Skills Development.
Yesterday, BCSTA President Penny Tees greeted the new Deputy Minister at an Educational Advisory Council meeting. Later in the day, Penny and BCSTA Executive Director Stephen Hansen had a personal meeting with Education Minister Shirley Bond and the Deputy Minister to discuss emerging issues.
Today, Deputy Minister Gorman met again with Penny and Stephen, as well as Vice-President Connie Denesiuk, at the BCSTA offices in Vancouver, where BCSTA staff also had the opportunity to welcome him.
Back to top ^
SFU Faculty of Education launches new TV program, Your Education Matters
 The Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University will launch a new television program, Your Education Matters, on January 21, 2008, 6:30-7 pm on Shaw TV’s Channel 4.
Dr. Paul Shaker, Dean of Education at SFU, will host the new program. Says Dr.Shaker, “We have created this program to provide insights and opinions from practitioners and scholars on education issues that matter for parents, students, educators and policy makers alike. Our guests are people who know the key issues and who can help our viewers be prepared to actively participate in making the education experience a successful one for learners today and in the future.”
During his term as Dean of Education at SFU, Dr. Shaker has been prominently featured in the media and in public forums advocating for dialogue on education issues.
Your Education Matters will air a new episode with a new topic monthly and rebroadcasts three times a week:
- Mondays 6:30 pm-7 pm
- Sundays 9-9:30 am
- Sundays 7-7:30 pm
Initially Your Education Matters will be broadcast on Shaw TV Channel 4 in the Lower Mainland, as well it will be available for viewing on the website: www.youreducationmatters.ca.
Back to top ^
Is Inclusion for Every Student?
 Those in the Vancouver area during the first week of February may be interested in checking out the dinner program Is Inclusion for Every Student?, presented by the BC Chapter of the professional education association Phi Delta Kappa, Tuesday, February 5 at the Arbutus Club.
Kathy Champion, Director of Instruction, Richmond School District, will provide a brief overview of the BC policy on inclusion and address some of the factors that influence its effectiveness. Kathy will also discuss some promising new inclusive practices in school districts, along with the overall benefits and detriments of inclusive practices for all students.
Kathy has been a regular classroom teacher, a special class teacher, a learning assistance teacher, special education consultant, special education coordinator and district principal. She has offered workshops on inclusion, served on district and ministry special education committees, and chaired the provincial conference Making Connections, which focuses on creating school-wide systems for student success.
The Arbutus Club is at 2001 Nanton Ave., just south of 25th Avenue, opposite Safeway. Program starts 6-6:30 pm. Cost: $40 for nonmembers. Pay at the door. Contact dan.brown@ubc.ca by noon on Friday, February 1 for a reservation.
Back to top ^
|
