Latest Leader: how to stop cyber-bullying

He never intended for his video to be shared with schoolmates, let alone millions of YouTube viewers. But it was, and the results almost destroyed him. From this Quebec boy's story, our legal columnist, Terri Cohen, extracts vital lessons so that trustees and other educators can ensure BC students never endure a similar nightmare.

Also in this issue of Education Leader: our honour roll of donors who've contributed to BCSTA's Jean Ciriani Student Citizenship Award. And don't forget to alert your communities that the deadline for applications to the Student Citizenship Awards is Monday, February 8, 2010.

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Public education forum scheduled for BCSTA's AGM 2010 in Victoria

Public education is BC's future – let's build it now. Join in the public education forum at our 106th annual general meeting, April 22-25 in the Victoria Conference Centre. Targeting the future and sustainability of public education, this forum presents an exciting chance for you to help shape the direction of BC schools.

At the forum, arising from an October Provincial Council resolution, BCSTA will lead school trustees, business and political leaders, and education partner groups in identifying key initiatives for public education as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.

We are currently finalizing the details of this exciting event, and expect the forum to begin Thursday evening, April 22, with a keynote or expert-panel presentation. Then, on Friday, April 23, we will hold a facilitated plenary and smaller-group discussions. Watch for more information over the next few weeks. Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this important event – as well as BCSTA's AGM. (Conference Centre photo courtesy Tourism Victoria.)

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PC, AGM motions deadlines coming up

BCSTA's key governance events are just around the corner. Make sure you and your board, branch or committee are ready for the upcoming motions deadlines. For Provincial Council and AGM, here are the dates and resources you'll need:

1. Provincial Council, February 20, Victoria: deadline for BCSTA to receive PC motions is January 22  (Note: per new bylaw 7(m), all PC motions must now be of an "emergent" nature, i.e., cannot wait until the annual general meeting). Here's a motion template for PC.
2. Annual general meeting, April 22-25, Victoria: deadline for extraordinary motions (to change BCSTA bylaws) is February 11. Deadline for substantive motions is February 19. Here's a motion template for AGM extraordinary motions; and one for AGM substantive motions.
   

If you have any questions about the preparation or submission of motions for Provincial Council or AGM, please contact Executive Director Stephen Hansen.

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e-Learn: new schedule – and new feature: now you can join in by phone

Just posted! – BCSTA's e-Learn schedule right through to May, offering a variety of valuable professional development opportunities, from "Ethical Decision-Making" to "Rethinking the High School Experience for a New Generation," and many more. And more good news: now we have the capacity to include you in the program using a telephone connection for the audio portion. For those who do not have headsets and microphones for their computers, this option provides an attractive alternative. Find out more – it's all in the schedule package.

e-Learn, delivered via Elluminate software, enables you to enroll in sessions of particular interest to you. Many of the upcoming ones are based on the most popular sessions at our recent Ability Academy. If you were unable to attend in person, this is your chance to participate online!

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For the (photo) record: BCSTA, UBCM sign Protocol of Consultation and Cooperation

You're probably aware that, during the September 28-October 2, 2009 Union of BC Municipalities convention, BCSTA and UBCM renewed our two associations' Protocol on Consultation and Cooperation. Thanks to UBCM, we now have a photo record of the event: here are President Connie Denesiuk and then-UBCM President Robert Hobson signing the Protocol during the October 1 delegates’ lunch.

First signed in 2001, then renewed in 2003, 2006 and now 2009, the Protocol signals both associations' continued commitment to work together on achieving the province-wide benefits of collaboration on issues of mutual interest. Areas of collaboration include, but are not limited to: community planning, school sites, shared use facilities, libraries, safe and healthy environments, sports and recreation, etc.

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Newly revised, and more timely than ever: BCSTA's Key Work Resources manual

BCSTA's Key Work Resources manual, the online, at-your-fingertips guide to effective trusteeship, is now newly revised. Your Education Committee has worked intensively to update the manual with the latest, most timely information you need. Since 1998, Key Work Resources has been helping trustees navigate the vital and challenging work of improving student achievement through community engagement.

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