DPAC 25-01-2016 General Meeting Notes
D.P.A.C. MEETING NOTES
Burnaby Central Secondary School
6011 Deer Lake Parkway
Burnaby, B.C.
DATE: January 25, 2016
TIME: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Schools Attending:
Brentwood North: Alpha, Burnaby North, Aubrey, Capitol Hill, Montecito, Parkcrest, Sperling
Cariboo Lougheed: Burnaby Mountain, Cariboo Hill, Armstrong, Forest Grove, Lyndhurst, Seaforth, Stoney Creek, Twelfth Avenue, University Highlands
Central West: Burnaby Central, Moscrop, Buckingham, Gilpin, Inman, Marlborough
Kingsway South: Burnaby South, Byrne Creek, Glenwood, Maywood
District Staff:
Gina Niccoli-Moen – Superintendent; Wanda Mitchell – Assistant Superintendent; Heather Hart – Assistant Superintendent; Roberto Bombelli – Assistant Superintendent; Suzanne Vardy – Safe & Caring Schools
Board of Education Trustees and their zones:
Harman Pandher – Vice-Chair (Central West); Katrina Chen (Central West); Meiling Chia (Kingsway South); Baljinder Narang (Kingsway South); Gary Wong (Brentwood North)
Regrets: Ron Burton – Chair (Brentwood North); Larry Hayes (Cariboo Lougheed)
DPAC Executive:
Dave Dye, Member at Large (Cariboo Lougheed); Naz Jakir, Member at Large (Kingsway South); Herman Louie, Treasurer (Central West); Kristin Schnider, Secretary (Cariboo Lougheed); Jocelyn Schonekess, Vice Chair (Central West); Calvin Taplay, Member at Large (Brentwood North)
Regrets: Jen Mezei, Chair (Cariboo Lougheed); Shamsuddin Chowdhury, Member at Large (Kingsway South)
1. Welcome and Introductions
Before calling the meeting to order, three door prizes were drawn.
Dave Dye called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM and welcomed everyone. Dave then introduced the District Staff, Board of Education Trustees and DPAC Executive members in attendance.
2. Task Force on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth
Kristin introduced guest speaker Rebekah Mahaffey who works at the City of Burnaby and is a member of the Task Force on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth.
Rebekah explained that the Task Force is a joint venture between the Cities of Burnaby and New Westminster, established in 1998. The purpose of the Task Force is to address the sexual abuse of children and youth in the commercial sex trade and to promote support services for at-risk youth. She added that the Task Force includes representatives from the Burnaby and New Westminster School Districts, the Fraser Health Authority, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the City of New Westminster, the City of Burnaby, and non-profit organizations providing services to youth. Rebekah then went on to introduce the other Task Force members present and provided an overview of the presentation.
Suzanne Vardy, the School District’s Coordinator for Student Safety and Child Abuse Prevention and Task Force member, explained that sexual exploitation is the sexual abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for food, shelter, a ride, drugs/alcohol, or money. Suzanne went on to explain that the Task Force has been tracking statistics and trends for the past six years, and at last count there were 24 known cases of Burnaby/New Westminster youth being sexually exploited, 40 suspected cases of youth sexual exploitation and 64 known cases of youth deemed at-risk for sexual exploitation. She added that 21% of the confirmed cases involved children less than 15 years of age; 60% of the cases involved youth who lived with their families, and 75% of the cases involved youth who attended school at least on occasion. Suzanne then stressed that these statistics prove that sexually exploited youth and at-risk youth are in fact kids in some of our Burnaby schools.
Suzanne explained that one of the areas where youth get caught up the most is with self/peer exploitation, more commonly known as sexting. She elaborated that self/peer exploitation can be defined as youth creating, sending or sharing sexual images and/or videos with peers via the internet and/or other electronic devices. Youth are often surprised to find out that it is a criminal offense for anyone to send or receive nude photos or sexual images or video of individuals under the age of eighteen.
Suzanne then introduced Kelly Anne Bring, another member of the Task Force, who works at the Burnaby RCMP main office, providing counselling to children and youth between the ages of 9 to 17. Kelly Anne then provided a brief overview of the Canadian Criminal Code regarding sexual exploitation and legal consent. With regard to the latter, Kelly Anne advised that legal consent in Canada is as follows:
- A child under twelve can NEVER consent to sexual activity.
- The age of consent for sexual activity is sixteen.
- There exist two close-in-age exemptions, depending on the age of the younger partner.
- A youth of twelve or thirteen can consent to sexual activity with an individual no more than two years older than them.
- A fourteen or fifteen-year-old can consent to sexual activity with a partner who is no more than five years older than them.
Kelly Anne further noted that the onus is always on the older person to know the age of their partner.
Jocelyn Schonekess asked if the age of consent had been changed. Kelly answered that the legal age of consent used to be fourteen. However, in 2008 it was changed to sixteen.
Dave Dye then asked how Kelly Anne and other staff in her department work through situations where a youth has been identified as sexually exploited. Kelly answered that she takes referrals from those identified as at-risk youth or those who have had an encounter with the RCMP. She added that before working with any youth, they require consent from that individual. Once the youth consents to working with her, they often discuss the legal consequences of future incidents and work to ensure supports are put in place for the youth. They also work to identify the underlying causes of sexual exploitation.
Another parent then asked how members of the Task Force find out about these situations with children and youth. Kelly added that they largely come through RCMP referrals. However, school counsellors also report situations of at-risk youth and or incidents of self/peer sexual exploitation.
The parent then commented that there is still a lot of potential for unknown cases given activity on social media. Suzanne Vardy answered that schools generally find out about situations of youth sexual exploitation ‘when it goes wrong.’ In some cases another student or parent comes forward to report the incident to school counselors. Suzanne then stressed that is why it’s important as parents to keep communication lines open with their children and have these conversations with them. In doing so, kids are more likely to come to parents for help if a situation arises with themselves or a peer.
A parent then expressed her surprise and concern with respect to the age of consent being just twelve in some cases. After further discussion, Suzanne Vardy quelled some parent concerns by stressing that just because it may be legal for some twelve year olds to engage in sexual activity does not mean that twelve year olds should be having sex. She added that the majority of twelve year olds, in fact, are not having sexual encounters.
Another parent asked for some advice on how to instill and enforce rules around cell phone usage, social media posting, and parent access to teen phones and account passwords, particularly when parents are paying the bills for the majority of teen cell phones. Kelly Anne suggested that the key for parents is open conversations with their kids. She reminded parents that they should set boundaries for their kids well in advance of them becoming teens so that this becomes common practice in their families. She further stressed that parents need to explain why these boundaries are in place, what the consequences are for breaking them, and what the related legal ramifications are. Further discussion then ensued.
Herman Louie then asked what the reporting procedure is for parents and/or students if they become aware of situation involving an at-risk youth or sexually exploited youth. Sgt. Landry, who is the Supervisor of the RCMP School Liaison Officer program, advised that it depends on the parent’s level of comfort. She then suggested that parents could speak with School Liaison Officers, Safe School Specialists, or school counsellors at their child’s school.
Suzanne then reviewed some of the variables that make youth vulnerable to sexual exploitation, including:
- Developmental age: youth are still developing socially and emotionally, and establishing their own identities. Moreover, youth don’t have a developed understanding of sexuality nor the skills to make informed decisions
- Low self esteem: youth often feel the need to belong to a particular group and make decisions (good or bad) based on that need
- History of abuse or trauma
- Drug and alcohol abuse at an early age, as well as exposure to parental drug and alcohol abuse, are important risk factors
- Family members in sex trade
- Desire for adventure, independence, easy money
- Influence of friends and peers
- Image of a prostitute as a glorified outlaw or glamorous figure.
On the latter variable, a parent asked for advice for dealing with highly sexualized or inappropriate content in the media and in music that youth listen to. Kelly Anne suggested that again parents have open conversations with their kids about songs and/or ads and media content, and ask their kids what they think about the imagery and sexual content. She added that while parents cannot control the content that’s available in the media, they can ensure that children receive a balanced view on the materials by talking about it with them. Kelly Anne further explained that through these types of conversations, kids will also learn and understand their family’s values.
Suzanne then shared some age appropriate discussion methods for talking to kids about sexual health and sexuality:
Elementary Aged:
- Learn proper terms for body parts
- Discuss ‘body boundaries’
- Older grades: start discussing healthy relationship behaviors
- Start a conversation about how to use technology and what limits you expect
- No technology in the bedroom, including cell phones and tablets for both parents and children. Set the boundaries and expectations early regarding access to accounts and passwords
Secondary Aged:
- Continue talking about healthy relationships
- Discuss sexting and its implications
- Continue discussion about technology use, stay up-to-date on programs and apps
- No technology in the bedroom. Continue to enforce boundaries and expectation regarding access to accounts and passwords.
Suzanne then reminded parents of the number of online community resources available to them, such as the Task Force’s website at www.WTF411.ca, St. Leonard’s Society, Purpose Society and Children of the Street. Other online resources include:
- http://mediasmarts.ca for tips about talking to your kids about sexting and online safety
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection, available at www.protectchildren.ca; and
- Parent video resources, available at www.childrenofthestreet.com.
Before concluding the presentation, Herman Louie asked to what extent the School District’s Digital Literacy Program addresses this area of online safety. Assistant-Superintendent Roberto Bombelli answered that the Digital Literacy program briefly touches upon this subject area; however, it covers a number of other topics as well, such as copyright laws, online privacy, etc. Currently this online course is available for grade eight students.
Another parent then asked why the digital literacy program is targeted only to grade eight students. Assistant-Superintendent Bombelli answered that the online course has been targeted at grade eights for this first year of the program roll-out, explaining that there is an inherent shift in digital use and digital access when a student transitions from elementary to high school. He added that as the program is refined, the School District will look at expanding the program to grades six and seven. Assistant-Superintendent Bombelli went on to explain that as the program grows they’re hoping to provide online access to the course modules for parents as well. DTAC is currently looking that the logistics for this next phase and addressing the logistics of providing log-in credentials for parents.
Dave then thanked the Task Force for their presentation and advised that if PACs are interested in further information from the Task Force or having additional presentations from the Task Force, they have offered to provide zone-wide PAC presentations.
3. School Plan Visits
Assistant-Superintendent Heather Hart reminded DPAC reps of the upcoming School Plan visits and encouraged parents to sign up and attend. The visits are scheduled to begin March 4 and run through to the end of April. School visits typically involve parents, trustees and school administrators, and provide an opportunity for a school to showcase their hard work on their school plans. They also provide visiting parents with the opportunity to find out what’s going on at other schools and bring back new ideas to their own schools.
4. April DPAC General Meeting – Date Change
Dave advised that originally DPAC had arranged a Budget Consultation with the School District for Monday, April 11. However, due to the schedule for public meetings and spring break dates, that meeting needs to be rescheduled. Monday, April 4 had been suggested as an alternate date. However, this is the meeting date for the majority of Burnaby secondary school PACs. As such, the DPAC Executive will work with the School District to find an alternate date for the budget meeting and will communicate that to DPAC reps once finalized.
Dave then reminded parents that the February DPAC meeting date is Monday, February 29. Given the spring break schedule, there is no March DPAC meeting.
5. DPAC Updates
a. DPAC Parent Information Evenings (PIEs)
Dave reminded DPAC reps of the 2015-2016 schedule for Burnaby DPAC PIEs:
- January 27, 2016 “Social Emotional Learning and School Connectedness,” presented by Bev Ogilvie
- February 24, 2016 “Taking Social Emotional Learning Home,” presented by Suzanne Vardy
- April 27, 2016 “Self Regulation in the Early Years: Home to School,” presented by Deb Simak and Elizabeth Gardner
- June 1, 2016 PAC Chair event
With regard to the next PIE on January 27, Dave advised that the session is the second in the social emotional series this year, focusing on school connectedness. Seats are still available for the PIE, and Dave encouraged parents to attend. He added that the previous PIE on social emotional learning had been well received and provided useful information for parents.
b. Committee Reports
Education – Herman Louie reported that he attended the Committee meeting on December 7. At that meeting, the Committee received a presentation on ReThink, a new program option for Burnaby North students beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Herman went on to explain that ReThink is a ‘school-within-a-school’ for students, families and educators who want a different school experience built around student interest and inquiry-based learning. The program is built on a foundation of community and collaboration, with a foundation established through discussion and partnership with the City of Burnaby, Simon Fraser University, BCIT and the Burnaby Board of Trade. The program will be open to students in grades nine through eleven, who will identify an area of exploration and pursue their learning through essential questions. Learning will be driven by student interest, facilitated by teachers and guided by proposals, projects and problems brought forward by partner groups. Working as individuals, cohorts and/or learning teams, students will engage with members of the community to address the learning opportunities presented to them. All areas of exploration within the ReThink program will allow students to earn course credits based on the demonstration of curricular competencies and completion of learning outcomes from existing courses, with continuous assessment for learning. Students in the program will continue to take traditional course offerings as required to round out their timetable. ReThink is inclusive of all students who are interested and will offer flexibility and fluidity in time, space, structure and location.
Herman went on to report that Committee also received an update on the Advanced Placement Capstone program. The program is currently in year two, and is being offered at Burnaby North and Burnaby South Secondary Schools. Upon completion of the Advanced Placement seminar class in grade 11, students in grade 12 begin the second course in the Capstone program called Advanced Placement Research. This course provides students the platform to refine skills of inquiry, research, collaboration and writing. This is further developed when students are required to choose an area of focus for their study to contribute new data to the field of research. The culminating activity in this project requires that students present a 20 minute defense in support of their findings. This will occur in the spring of 2016. Student data from the year one seminar course demonstrates that Burnaby AP Capstone students are achieving very strong results when compared to their peers globally.
A parent then asked what the registration was in the program. Herman answered that currently there are approximately 23 students enrolled at each of the two schools. He added that the students appear to be progressing well despite the intense program requirements.
Youth and Community Services – Kristin Schnider reported that she attended the committee meeting on January 5. At that meeting, the Committee received an update regarding changes to the School District’s Code of Conduct. Some new language is being inserted into the existing Code to reflect the new requirements of the Provincial Standards for the Codes of Conduct Ministerial Order. A number of small edits were also suggested by the Committee, and the document will be brought back for final review in February.
The Committee also received an update on the School Meals Program survey. She noted that while there were a small number of responses, the feedback suggested some areas of concern. In particular, parent respondents expressed the concern that the school field trip lunch provided through the program was not sufficient for students. Parents and students also commented that they felt the lunches did not always leave the students feeling full. Given the feedback, the Committee proposed that the field trip menu be adjusted and that the costs be reflected in the program budget. The Committee also suggested that the School Meal Program continue to work with suppliers to provide different menu options and address potential portion size concerns. A new communication plan will also be introduced to help explain the Health Eating Guidelines and their impact on menu choices.
c. BCCPAC
Jocelyn Schonekess advised that BCCPAC has introduced a new incentive for parents to attend the spring conference. She explained that if a parent has attended a BCCPAC conference in the past and they register as a returning parent and bring a first-time attendee with them, the new parent’s registration fee to the conference will be waived. This does not include any fees to the AGM.
The BCCPAC spring one-day conference is taking place this April in conjunction with the BCCPAC AGM in Kelowna. Travel fees will not be covered.
6. Show & Tell
Alpha Secondary – Parent Education session on i-Technologies
Alpha is presenting Dr. Mari Swingle on Tuesday, February 9 at 7PM in the school library. Dr. Swingle will discuss the effects of i-Technologies on children’s social, emotional and cognitive development and generalized mental and physical health.
Maywood Flea Market
On Saturday, April 23 from 10 AM to 2 PM, Maywood is hosting their annual flea market. Admission is $0.50 and tables may be rented for $10 each.
Burnaby Mountain – “Making Sense of Anxiety”
On February 11, Burnaby Mountain is hosting a parent information session on anxiety and teenagers in the school gym. The presentation is being delivered by Dr. Colleen Drobot from the Neufeld Institute. Pre-registration is required and is available at http://www.moutainpac.ca/event/making-sense-of-anxiety/
Confederation Park – Party at the Park
On February 18, Confederation Park is hosting an adult-only event with dancing, food and fun. The event, “Party at the Park,” is a celebration of the school’s 10 years as an ‘Education Through the Arts’ School as well as the school’s 50th anniversary.
Armstrong Carnival
Planning is underway at Armstrong for their spring carnival. Further details will be provided at a future DPAC meeting.
Edmonds Community School– Refuge Care Packages
In preparation for the 2,700 Syrian refugees and other refugees expected to land in B.C. over the next few months – and the 500-600 in Burnaby – Edmonds Community School has committed to preparing care packages for at least 25 families whose children will attend schools in the Burnaby School District.
If other school or PACs are interested in doing a similar fundraiser of collection of goods, they are encouraged to coordinate with Edmonds. For further information on the project, please contact the school’s Community Coordinator Mischa Greenwood (mischa.greenwood@sd41.bc.ca) or Principal Sean Gaster (sean.gaster@sd41.bc.ca).
Montecito – “Teaching Children Problem Solving and Social Skills
On February 4 at 7 PM, Montecito is hosting a parent information evening with presenters Suzanne Vardy, the School District’s Coordinator for Student Safety and Child Abuse Prevention, and Montecito School Counsellor Catherine Pitman. The presentation will address what social emotional learning is all about, how to help your child(ren) with problems involving peers, how the School District addresses peer conflict, mean behaviour and bullying, current research and way to access further information on these topics. Please RSVP to Montecito at 604-664-8766.
Jocelyn Schonekess reminded DPAC reps to forward their flyers and event information to the DPAC executive (info@burnabydpac.com) so the information can be posted on the Burnaby DPAC Facebook page and shared with others in the School District.
7. Meeting Adjournment
Before adjourning the meeting, Dave reminded DPAC reps that the next DPAC General meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7 PM at Burnaby Central. Dave then adjourned the meeting at 8:51 PM.
Counsellor Catherine Pitman. The presentation will address what social emotional learning is all about, how to help your child(ren) with problems involving peers, how the School District addresses peer conflict, mean behaviour and bullying, current research and way to access further information on these topics. Please RSVP to Montecito at 604-664-8766.
Jocelyn Schonekess reminded DPAC reps to forward their flyers and event information to the DPAC executive (info@burnabydpac.com) so the information can be posted on the Burnaby DPAC Facebook page and shared with others in the School District.
7. Meeting Adjournment
Before adjourning the meeting, Dave reminded DPAC reps that the next DPAC General meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7 PM at Burnaby Central. Dave then adjourned the meeting at 8:51 PM.
NOTES FROM THE CHAIR:
- WEBSITE – dpac.burnabyschools.ca – email your events to be published.
- Communication – Email info@burnabydpac.com or chair@burnabydpac.com
- Follow us on: Facebook (Burnaby District Parent Advisory Council) and Twitter (Burnaby DPAC)
- Please bring your coffee mug or water cup
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