February 2026 Newsletter
DPAC report
There is a status update regarding the leadership of the DPAC. Melanie Cheng has stepped away from her role as chair as she runs for trustee this fall. Angela Waterlow has stepped into the position on an interim basis. The secretary position is also about to be vacant. The DPAC is still looking for volunteers for the pedestrian and traffic group. Meantime, the revamped website is up and running at vancouverdpac.org. The AGM happens in June.
Treasurer’s report
The PAC continues to spend about $300 on monthly expenses. Many extracurricular clubs, such as Athletics, which were to receive money from the first disbursement, have yet to submit receipts. Therefore not all the funds have been spent. Last year, many expenses were submitted only at the end of the year.
We had $8,400 to allocate for round 2 of club disbursements. We’ve allocated $6,000 to go to the following: Skills Canada Competition, Dance Club, Mandarin 12, Grad Committee, Poetry in Voice Contest, Hamber Theatre Spring Production, Athletics and the school library. Since there is money left over, we can either offer a third round of disbursements, or carry over to next year.
Principal’s report
Today was pink shirt day and there was good participation. Mr. Lauzon thanked the PAC for taking the time for its due diligence in disbursing the gaming funds. The Tumbler Ridge tragedy brought out a compassionate response from members of the school body.
Counsellors are now busy preparing for the next school year and the incoming class of Gr 8 students. New projected enrollment will see the school accommodate 1,800 students - 100 students overcapacity. That means in the future, the school won’t take cross-boundary students. For now there won’t be a lottery system for Grade 8 intake - just a lot of creative timetabling.
The school district is now well aware of the traffic problems at the school. It turns out, the school parking lot has become very desirable for people who work at and visit the nearby hospital. To that end, the Vancouver School Board is implementing paid parking, to be in effect likely after spring break. Impark will be the company overseeing the new parking policy. This will affect people who park there after school, as well. The school won’t see any revenues, as they will go to the district. Impark will also be responsible for enforcing the rules governing who gets to park there. Priority will go to staff and visitors to the school. Authorized parkers and guests will get an access code. Impark will be informed that it shouldn’t enforce the above rules during parent/teacher nights.
Mr. Lauzon was asked about the school’s debt situation. He says on Sundays, the Village Church has rented various spaces in the school. One quarter of those fees will go to the school and applied to the debt. It will take six or seven years for the debt to be paid off.
Other business
Carrie Kung has come forward to be the PAC secretary.
Octavio West, who chaired tonight’s meeting, says he met with the vice principal to discuss ongoing concerns with the school’s traffic situation. He says we need a team of parents to continue to press for improvements, or kids will continue to be at risk. A WhatsApp group has been formed.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 22.