2008 Award Winners

Gail Edwards Memorial Award

Vicki White (Central)

With a passion for education and a desire to share her knowledge, Vicki White exemplifies parent leadership. A natural advocate, Vicki has a special gift for listening to others and making them feel that their voice is important. With empathy and compassion, she makes people feel comfortable allowing others to trust that she will speak on their behalf when they are unable to represent themselves.

Vicki has worked tirelessly to promote parent involvement. and ensure parents are well-informed and welcomed. She talks with parents, shares information and makes connections at all levels. Her commitment to parents as partners in education has seen cultural ties built between teachers, administration and the PAC at Central that will benefit students and parents for years to come.

Vicki continually seeks new opportunities to advance her own personal development by attending conferences and participating in district committees. With an unfailing positive outlook, Vicki encourages others to be the best that they can be. In the words of Central's Principal, “I believe that this passion to make a difference for the benefit of students is an inspiration to others, and motivates parents to become involved in the system.”

Arkell Award

John Smith

John Smith is this year's Arkell Award winner. John is a community member who volunteers tirelessly at Quadra Elementary School. Working along side school trustee Tom Ferris, John has been instrumental to the continuation of the breakfast program at Quadra by providing breakfast to the kids and gathering donations from the community to maintain the program.

Inspirational PAC Award

Monterey Middle School PAC

The Monterey Middle School PAC was awarded an Inspirational PAC award for exceptional parent leadership. The award was given in relation to the PAC's advocacy for guidelines to be established where construction will occur in schools occupied with children.

During the 2007 school year, Monterey underwent extensive renovations. Despite earlier assurances to parents that a joint parent and staff safety committee would be established, and that the learning environment would be protected during construction, there were many issues of concern, and no safety committee was ever established.

Recognizing that renovations and seismic upgrades are necessary and beneficial, Monterey parents Natascha and Stephen Perks initiated a proposal that guidelines be developed. To date, this proposal has been supported by the Monterey PAC, VCPAC and a resolution for advocacy to occur at the Provincial level was put forward and accepted by the membership of BCCPAC.

The Monterey PAC, under the leadership of its President Rhea Cavelti, responded courageously, effectively, and in a positive way, that has potential to benefit other schools, parents, and children throughout the Province.

Deep Cove Elementary PAC

Deep Cover Elementary School in North Saanich was our second recipient. For two years, they have given generously to two inner-city schools in our District. These funds have allowed students to participate in activities which otherwise would not have been possible.

School Partnership Award

Brent Kelly (Gordon Head)

Mr. Brent Kelly received the VCPAC School Partnership Award. The recipient of this award is acknowledged for their leadership in developing genuine school partnerships with the parents, students, community and staff. Principal Kelly has been epitomizing the criteria for this award his entire 37 year career. The Gordon Head community is truly grateful for his authentic passion and care for public education. It is evident that the academic, social and emotional needs of every student are important to him. He is innovative, welcoming, fair, trustworthy, compassionate and respected. His remarkable dedication to being present and encouraging at EVERY student event no matter where or when it is has not gone unnoticed and for so many it was deeply cherished. You have shown others how to teach, administer and parent students in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Thank you for sharing your heart with us for so many years Mr. Kelly. You have inspired all of us to continue your legacy of compassionate leadership. We wish you many wonderful adventures to come in your much deserved retirement.

John Young Advocacy Award

John Bird (Reynolds / VCPAC)

John, as a parent and a parent advocate for VCPAC, believes in supporting and advocating for our vulnerable students. As long as I have known him John has actively advocated for equity and access for all students. John always comes forward with solutions to break down barriers and inequities and is first in line promoting student rights. He too is passionate in his beliefs, principles ( that’s “ple” not “pal “as John Young would always say!) and his actions. John listens carefully to other positions and then, thoughtfully and firmly points the way to different ways of thinking of “problems” and creating the solutions that always has the students as first priority. At times this can be his voice standing up to other groups who may not see matters as John does, believing the system should accommodate the student not the other way around. 

John Bird is courageous. He has taken on many issues, including class composition that another person might be too timid to broach. Being courageous is different from being fearless. John never appreciated the intense push back he received from those who disagreed with him. It is never easy to sit at meetings and listen to personal attacks. He understands the importance of advocacy and therefore continues to advocate for all students regardless of the acrimony that might come his way. John recognizes that it is never about personal reward but rather it is about our children. John has fought and continues to fight for the rights of all students. He has influenced decision makers and has been successful in creating change. He has reminded and continues to remind us of our responsibility to ensure that all students are treated equitably. John Bird defines advocacy.