VCPAC General Meetings

Victoria, B.C. — September 2, 2026 —  We recognize that many families may have questions about recent developments within the District. VCPAC will not speculate on personnel matters or concerns that remain under examination, and we respect the privacy, procedural fairness and due process considerations involved.

Our immediate priority is students and a stable, supported start to the school year. We appreciate the Board's assurance that schools are prepared to open as planned and that leadership and operational continuity measures are in place. We also recognize the efforts of principals, vice-principals, teachers, support staff and District staff working to welcome students back across SD61.

Families have a strong interest in both a stable start to the school year and confidence in the governance of our public school system. The matters identified in the Board's statement are understandably of interest to families, but they should not be treated as established findings while they remain under examination.

Families may hold differing perspectives on recent events. Regardless of those perspectives, students benefit when community discussions remain respectful, fact-based and focused on supporting learning, wellbeing and belonging in our schools.

The Board has said that the community deserves "complete transparency." VCPAC welcomes that commitment and believes families would benefit from understanding what it will mean in practice. We also encourage information to be communicated in clear, accessible and plain language so that all families, including those who may be unfamiliar with district governance processes or for whom English is an additional language, can meaningfully understand developments and remain engaged.

Accordingly, VCPAC is seeking further clarity regarding:

• the process the Board intends to follow in reviewing the matters identified in its statement and how confidence in that process will be supported;

• the scope of any review or examination that may occur;

• interim leadership, decision-making and oversight arrangements while senior leadership leaves remain in effect;

• how any material impacts on students, services, staffing or school operations would be communicated to families; and

• when families can expect future public updates and how the community will be kept informed.

VCPAC's role is not to investigate these matters or determine their outcome. Our role is to represent the interests and perspectives of families and seek clear information about matters that may affect students and school communities.

We believe that a successful start to the school year, public confidence and meaningful accountability can and should be supported together. VCPAC remains committed to keeping students at the center of our work, fostering respectful dialogue, and supporting constructive relationships across our school community as information becomes available.

Victoria, B.C. — May 27, 2026 —  VCPAC acknowledges the reinstatement of the School District 61 Board following the Province’s decision to quash the orders that removed the trustees. We also recognize the serious issues that led to the board’s removal and the subsequent reinstatement of the elected board, and the concerns raised by families, students, and the broader community throughout this process.

This has been a difficult and disruptive period for the school district. Parents and caregivers deserve clear, consistent leadership, and confidence that decisions are being made transparently and in the best interests of students at all levels of governance.

Recent developments have impacted trust and underscore the need for greater transparency in decision‑making processes. We call on both the reinstated Board and the Province to work together to rebuild that trust through accountability, openness, and meaningful engagement with parents and students.

At this time, the VCPAC Executive has not yet had the opportunity to consult broadly with our membership. This statement reflects an initial response, and not a finalized position informed by district‑wide parent engagement. VCPAC serves to amplify and advocate for the voices of parents and students across SD61. While we have a legislated mandate to advise the school district, the responsibility for fulsome consultation and representation rests with elected officials.

We remain committed to supporting respectful dialogue and to working alongside all partners to ensure decisions reflect the safety, well‑being, and success of every student.

Did you miss the latest townhall?  Check out this resource

AI and Technology in Education

Introduction
Through parent education opportunities, the School District and VCPAC affirm their shared commitment to fostering informed, connected, and engaged families. Together, these funds create the Parent Education Fund, which is dedicated to helping Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) host parent education events that build community, support learning, and enhance parent engagement.

Grants:
Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) within the Greater Victoria School District may apply to the VCPAC Parent Education Fund for financial support of parent education initiatives.
●   Each individual PAC may apply for up to $250 per year.
●   PACs may collaborate on joint events and combine their funding requests.
●   On a case-by-case basis, applications requesting more than $250 or PACs requesting more than $250 per year may be brought to a VCPAC general meeting for approval.

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:
●   Workshop facilitator fees or honorariums
●   Registration fees for parent education events
●   Resources or materials that support parent education

 
Applications are accepted throughout the school year on an ongoing basis. PACs are encouraged to apply in advance of planned events to ensure timely review and funding support. Contact info@vcpac.ca for the application form.

Mocha Shmigelsky, a former PAC Chair in the Vancouver School District, is offering a free online session for PAC executives on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:30 pm.  

The first 90 days in order, AGM mechanics, treasurer and gaming account setup, and role handovers that survive turnover. Live Q&A at the end.

It's free, and everyone who registers also gets a free AGM Kit (agenda and prep checklist, elections run sheet, bylaws review checklist) plus the replay if they can't make it live.

If you think your PACs would find it useful, I'd be grateful if you shared the link with them: mochashmigelsky.com/pac/webinar 

Happy to answer any questions, and if there's a topic your PACs keep asking about, tell me and I'll work it into the Q&A.

mocha.shmigelsky@gmail.com