BCCPAC
604-474-0524 
Events Archive
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Title
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Leading Together: Building Stronger School Communities
Saturday, November 15, 2025
7:45 AM – 8:55 AM: Virtual PAC/DPAC Chat Rooms
9:00 AM – 4:45 PM: Virtual SummitWe’re excited to invite all parents, caregivers, and parent leaders from member PACs and DPACs across British Columbia to join us for the 2025 BCCPAC Virtual Membership Summit — a day of learning, collaboration, and shared purpose.
This year’s theme, “Leading Together: Building Stronger School Communities,” reflects our collective commitment to strengthening relationships, fostering collaboration, and supporting meaningful parent engagement in public education. Together, we will explore how shared leadership and connection can help us build stronger, more inclusive school communities.
Registration
Registration is required to attend this free event.
All attendees must register by November 7th to receive access to the virtual platform.
Confirm your PAC or DPAC membership status: Membership List
OR
Remind and encourage them to join: Membership RegistrationDeadline for event registration: November 7
(registrations received after the deadline will be added to the waitlist)
Workshops and Presentations
Join us for “Leading Together: Building Stronger School Communities,” where PAC and DPAC leaders come together to learn, connect, and inspire change. Explore fresh insights on funding, governance, and communication, sharpen your outreach skills, and hear powerful keynotes from Generation Squeeze and experts on safeguarding children against sexual exploitation.
Exhibitors
Engage with our virtual exhibitors throughout the day!
Visit each booth during breaks for your chance to win prizes while discovering valuable resources, tools, and ideas to support your PAC or DPAC.
Under construction - check back for the full list of exhibitors.
Digital Summit Guide
Share the Summit Guide with all parents in your district!
Under construction - check back for the full event guide.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of our partners and sponsors who make this event possible.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
BC Alliance for Healthy Living
GOLD SPONSOR
EducationPlanner BC
SILVER SPONSOR
Habitat Systems
BRONZE SPONSOR
FamilySmart
Prior Year Resources
Please share these resources from previous events:
2024 Membership Summit Guide & 2023 Membership Summit Resources
2023 DPAC Summit Guide & 2023 DPAC Summit Resources
2022 DPAC Summit Guide & 2022 DPAC Summit Resources
2021 DPAC Summit Resources
2020 DPAC Summit Resources
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025
7:45 am PAC/DPAC Chat Rooms & Exhibitor Booths
Visit the exhibitor breakout rooms to learn about the products and services they offer.9:00 am Land Acknowledgment and Welcome - President Kendra Mann 9:15 am Working Together in Support of Student Success
The Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Associate Deputy Minister and Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer McCrea will discuss initiatives that the ministry is working on with K-12 partners to best support B.C.’s public education system. This session will include an update on key mandate items, how the ministry and BCCPAC work together in support of student success, and an opportunity to hear directly from BCCPAC representatives on topics their parent communities want to raise or celebrate.
Jennifer McCrea - Associate Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education and Child Care
Jennifer McCrea lives, works, and plays on the unceded traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking people, the Songhees and Xwsepsum First Nations. She is Associate Deputy Minister within the Ministry of Education and Child Care. In her prior role as Assistant Deputy Minister, Jennifer’s team ensured safe, caring and inclusive school environments optimizing learning and wellness. Specific responsibilities included Early Learning, Indigenous Education, Student Safety and Wellness, Feeding Futures and Anti-Racism with a strong focus on Mental Health. Jennifer is passionate about creating collaborative relationships to support student outcomes.9:45 am BCCPAC Update from the Board 10:15 am Ending the Ageism No One Talks About: How Governments Betray Younger Canadians
Provincial and federal policies are profoundly ageist—and not in the way we usually talk about. Dr. Paul Kershaw reveals how structural ageism against younger Canadians is quietly embedded in our budgets, housing systems, and climate choices. Governments continue to increase spending for retirees faster than for younger residents, even as families face crushing housing costs and strained schools. Ending this imbalance is essential to renewing K-12 education, expanding $10-a-day child care, advancing affordable housing, and strengthening communities. The solution begins with love between generations—building a province and country where young and old can thrive together.
Dr. Paul Kershaw - Policy professor in the UBC School of Population Health, and Founder of Generation Squeeze
Dr. Paul Kershaw is a policy professor at UBC’s School of Population Health, founder of Generation Squeeze, and a regular Globe and Mail columnist. His award-winning work has shaped policies from $10-a-day child care to housing, taxation, and pollution pricing. Gen Squeeze advances generational fairness to protect what Canadians hold sacred—a healthy childhood, home, retirement, and planet – to promote wellbeing for young and old alike.11:15 am Morning Break & Exhibitor Booths (20 minutes)
Visit the exhibitor breakout rooms to learn about the products and services they offer.
11:35 amBREAKOUT SESSIONS #1 (60 minutes) Understanding PAC Grants: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know
Join us for an informative session led by Community Gaming Grants, designed to help parents and guardians navigate their annual Parent Advisory Council (PAC) grant. Learn how to determine eligible expenses, complete annual reporting requirements, and maintain proper records. We’ll also discuss best practices for planning transitions between PAC executives to ensure continuity and compliance. Whether you're new to PACs or looking to strengthen your grant management, this session offers practical guidance and key insights.
Amy Bond - Manager of Policy and Outreach, Community Gaming Grant
Amy Bond is the Manager of Policy and Community Outreach with the Community Gaming Grants Branch. She started working with non-profits on youth oriented and cultural projects in Port Alberni in the late 90's and has remained an active volunteer with non-profits since. Amy went on to study Business Administration at Vancouver Island University before settling in the Capital to begin her career with the BC Provincial Government. Living and working on lək̓ʷəŋən territory, Amy is keenly aware of her role as an uninvited guest and is committed to using her privilege to support reconciliation projects. Beyond her professional life, Amy is a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and widow. She stands as an ally to various communities, leveraging her experiences and compassion to foster understanding and support.PAC Playbook: Practical Governance & Conflict Management for PAC Leaders
Parent leadership sits at the heart of strong school communities. In this practical session, PAC and DPAC leaders will learn governance fundamentals, tools for effective decision-making, and strategies to manage conflict without losing sleep or friends. We will explore bylaws, roles and responsibilities, Roberts Rules of Order, communication approaches, and techniques to turn passionate conversations into productive outcomes. Participants will leave with clear frameworks, templates, and confidence to support their school community and collaborate effectively with district partners.
Megan Dykeman – Managing Director, Strategics Canada
Megan Dykeman helps boards transform good intentions into great governance. As Managing Director of Strategics Canada and a Harvard-trained negotiator, she brings rare depth to board dynamics—from her days as Langley East MLA to serving as Chair of both the Langley Board of Education and District Parent Advisory Council. A certified arbitrator, mediator, and past President of BC's Parliamentarians Association, Megan delivers sessions packed with practical tools and clear processes that actually get things done.12:35 pm
Lunch Break & Exhibitor Booths (45 minutes)
Visit the exhibitor breakout rooms to learn about the products and services they offer.
11:35 amBREAKOUT SESSIONS #2 (60 minutes) Content Planning Basics: Canva, Scheduling, and Your Social Media Calendar
If social media feels overwhelming, this session will help you get organized and confident. We will walk through the basics of creating simple, on-brand social content in Canva, then show you how to schedule your posts and build a content calendar using Later. You will learn practical, repeatable steps for planning content, designing graphics, and keeping a consistent posting rhythm that fits your time and goals. Perfect for new marketers, busy parents, and anyone managing school or PAC communications.
Kaylesha Penner - Founder and CEO, Markayting Creative
Kaylesha Penner is the founder of Markayting Creative, a boutique marketing agency that helps businesses build real connection and momentum through clear storytelling, smart strategy, and simple content systems. With more than a decade of hands-on marketing experience, she teaches business owners and teams how to create effective content, show up with confidence online, and manage their marketing in a way that feels sustainable and successful.PAC Playbook: Practical Governance & Conflict Management for PAC Leaders
Parent leadership sits at the heart of strong school communities. In this practical session, PAC and DPAC leaders will learn governance fundamentals, tools for effective decision-making, and strategies to manage conflict without losing sleep or friends. We will explore bylaws, roles and responsibilities, Roberts Rules of Order, communication approaches, and techniques to turn passionate conversations into productive outcomes. Participants will leave with clear frameworks, templates, and confidence to support their school community and collaborate effectively with district partners.Megan Dykeman – Managing Director, Strategics Canada
Megan Dykeman helps boards transform good intentions into great governance. As Managing Director of Strategics Canada and a Harvard-trained negotiator, she brings rare depth to board dynamics—from her days as Langley East MLA to serving as Chair of both the Langley Board of Education and District Parent Advisory Council. A certified arbitrator, mediator, and past President of BC's Parliamentarians Association, Megan delivers sessions packed with practical tools and clear processes that actually get things done..
11:35 amBREAKOUT SESSIONS #3 (60 minutes) Mastering Visual Storytelling for Social Media
Strong visuals are one of the fastest ways to connect with your audience and share your message. In this session, you will learn how to create compelling content that tells a story, builds trust, and drives engagement. We will cover visual storytelling foundations, how to shoot and edit simple videos, and how to create Reels that feel natural and get real results. You will leave with practical tools, editing tips, and creative ideas to bring your school community to life online.Kaylesha Penner - Founder and CEO, Markayting Creative
Kaylesha Penner is the founder of Markayting Creative, a boutique marketing agency that helps businesses build real connection and momentum through clear storytelling, smart strategy, and simple content systems. With more than a decade of hands-on marketing experience, she teaches business owners and teams how to create effective content, show up with confidence online, and manage their marketing in a way that feels sustainable and successful.Managing Difficult Conversations
Parents are passionate about the well-being of their children, so much so that sometimes, we can find ourselves at odds when it comes time to make important decisions at the PAC and DPAC level. This session will provide you with conflict resolution tools and SOGI-specific information to help you quickly and calmly regain trust and order in your important meetings, and give you the resources you need to both prepare for and mitigate conflict.
Dutch DG - Regional Program Manager, SOGI 123, ARC Foundation
Dutch is a leader in the non-profit sector with a focus on supporting children and youth. As a Métis person, they are committed to decolonization, and ensuring hope, belonging, meaning and purpose is attained by all students in the K-12 system and beyond. They are passionate about using their workshop facilitation to create systems change.3:20 pm Break with Exhibitors & Sponsors (20 minutes)
Visit the exhibitor breakout rooms to learn about the products and services they offer.3:40 pm Raising Digitally Safe Kids: What Every Parent and Educator Needs to Know
Our kids are growing up in a digital world that changes faster than most adults can keep up with. In this closing keynote, Tiana Sharifi unpacks the online dynamics shaping youth today- from social media influence and popular platforms, to the subtle ways grooming begins. Drawing from real prevention work in schools across Canada, she shares proven strategies to keep youth safe online: how to spot red flags, start conversations that work, set healthy boundaries, and how to handle the most common parenting concerns today.
Tiana Sharifi - Founder & CEO, Center for Exploitation Education
Tiana Sharifi is an internationally recognized expert in preventing sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and online harm. As the Founder and CEO of Exploitation Education, she has educated millions of students, parents, and professionals across Canada and internationally. Through her innovative programs and national advocacy, Tiana empowers communities to understand the root causes of exploitation and build cultures of safety, respect, and digital awareness.4:40pm Closing Remarks -
We are excited to welcome parents and caregivers from across the province to the 2025 Spring Parent Leadership Conference on May 23, 2025, held alongside our Annual General Meeting on May 24 and 25.
This event brings together parent leaders to connect, learn, and advocate for the future of public education in BC. All parents are welcome to attend the Conference, and BCCPAC members are encouraged to participate in the AGM.
Conference Guide
Review the Conference Guide for greetings from our education partners and all the information you need whether you're joining online or in-person!Conference Schedule
The Conference Schedule is now finalized! There’s something for everyone—sessions on conflict resolution, governance, advocacy, accessibility, and anti-racism, plus space to connect and discuss resolutions. Take a look at what’s planned for this full day of learning and dialogue.Hybrid Format
Both the Conference and AGM are hybrid events this year, offering the flexibility to attend in-person at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, or online through two event platforms.Whova: Your Conference Hub
All attendees, both in-person and virtual, will have access to the virtual Conference platform soon after they register. Using Whova, attendees can:- Start networking prior to the event – connect with other attendees, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors
- Engage with exhibitors – visit virtual booths, chat with representatives, and access their resources
- Plan meetups and discussions – schedule and sign up for meetings, and participate in conversations in the app before, during and after the event
- Interact with live sessions – join Q&As, polls and interactive discussions
- Access session recordings – revisit key presentations for a limited time after the event
Whova ensures that both in-person and virtual attendees get the most out of the conference experience, whether they are onsite in Prince George or joining from home.
Lumi: Seamless AGM Participation
The AGM will be hosted on Lumi, a platform designed to ensure a smooth and secure voting process. Whether attending in-person or online, Lumi will provide:- Live access to AGM proceedings
- Real time virtual voting for both in-person and online attendees
- Secure proxy authentication
- Easy to use interface for motions, discussions and procedural management
Lumi ensures that every registered delegate can participate fully in the AGM, regardless of location or voting privileges. More details on how to access and use Lumi will be provided closer to the event.
Learn more about the AGM.
Submit your PAC or DPAC’s proxies for voting and/or speaking: 2025 AGM Proxy Forms
Conference Location
The decision to host this year’s event in Prince George reflects our commitment to equitable representation across the province. Members from northern and some rural areas have long raised concerns about feeling left out of opportunities due to their distance from the Lower Mainland. BCCPAC serves all districts and schools in BC, and rotating the location of major events ensures that all regions have the opportunity to participate in-person at some point. Offering the ability to attend virtually ensures that all members can participate in some way every year.Free Parent Power Social
Date/Time: Saturday, May 24, 7 -10pm
Hosted by: SD57 District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) and Lheidli T'enneh, in partnership with Tourism PGWe invite parents to enjoy some light refreshments and social time to unwind during a busy BCCPAC weekend. There will be greetings and announcements and some fun activities for everyone to enjoy. NOTE: Registration is required for the Parent Power Social (and is included in Conference or AGM registrations).
Registration
Registration is required for all attendees for all events.- Register Now - view ticket options and pricing
- Early-bird pricing has been extended to May 2!
- In-person Registrants receive both in-person and online event access
Remember to submit your PAC’s or DPAC’s proxies for the AGM: 2025 AGM Proxy Forms
Your PAC or DPAC can use some of its Gaming Grant, if you receive this funding, and may be eligible for a BCCPAC travel subsidy as well.
Gaming Grant – Eligible Expense
PACs and DPACs can use Gaming Grant funds (up to the prescribed limits) as noted in the Community Gaming Grants 2025 PAC & DPAC Program Guidelines (PACs: page 10, DPACs: page 12).Travel & Accommodation
Delegates are responsible for securing and paying for their own travel and accommodation.We have secured a discounted rate for UNBC’S pod-style accommodations. These pods include private, locking bedrooms with shared living space, kitchen and washroom facilities, providing an affordable and convenient option for groups. Accommodation is limited – book early!
Review the Travel & Accommodation page for more information relating to the discounted accommodation available at UNBC and travel subsidies available through BCCPAC.
Looking for last year's information? The 2024 Conference Guide can be viewed online and parents/guardians can access the recordings and PPT presentations - 2024 Conference Presentations.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
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Ensuring Parent Voice is Recognized and Heard
Recognized by government and education partners, BCCPAC is the collective voice of parents/guardians of over 620,000 children on educational issues within the public system. We strive to foster a culture of acceptance, diversity and inclusion in our public schools and advocate both for systemic changes and individual parent advocacy.
We represent the parent voice on provincial committees dealing with a wide range of issues, including student assessment, Indigenous education, curriculum, and school safety. Governed by a volunteer board of nine directors elected annually by the membership which consists of District Parent Advisory Councils (DPAC), Parent Advisory Councils (PAC), and parent associate members representing diverse communities including rural, remote and urban schools. BCCPAC represents all parents in the public education system in BC.
Be part of the collective voice recognized by government and education stakeholders who involve BCCPAC as the provincial voice of parents.
10 Reasons to Become a Member
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Be a part of the collective voice; be heard.
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Network with other member PACs and DPACs to share information and successes via conference, website and forums.
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Keep advised of current educational issues by receiving regular email communications and social media.
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Discover opportunities to receive leadership education from skilled experts at our annual conferences.
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Be represented as we advocate for systemic changes to the education system, including funding.
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Create change in the education system by bringing resolutions to the Annual General Meeting, for discussion and support.
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Receive support from our office and board team regarding PAC or DPAC issues or individual parent advocacy.
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Participate in nomination and election of Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting.
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Take advantage of travel subsidies available for members to attend the AGM and conference.
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Get involved in committees, provide feedback through focus groups and surveys.
Become a Member Today
For both new membership and renewals, please complete the online Membership Application
Attention DPACS! If you are paying membership fees for your PACs, please review the instructions for the DPAC Membership Form.
The Membership year is from September 1 to August 31 and is renewed annually and payable at the beginning of the membership year to remain in "good standing" per our Bylaws.
Membership payments received by December 31 will ensure your PAC/DPAC has voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and that your membership is not terminated per our Bylaws.Registrations paid after December 31st will still be members but won't have voting rights at that years' AGM.Check to see if your PAC or DPAC is a member
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Platinum Sponsor
BC Alliance for Healthy Living
Active Play Club promotes outdoor, unstructured, and active play. Whether kids choose to swing on the monkey bars, kick around a soccer ball or play “Lava Monster”, they’ll have the space to be active in their own way. Each Club allows kids to move their bodies while fostering creativity, social connection, and mental well-being. With the support of the BC Alliance for Healthy Living, participating communities will co-develop and lead the program. Visit activeplayclub.com today!
Gold SponsorEducationPlannerBC
EducationPlannerBC connects people to post-secondary education and careers. Our website is home to the provincial post-secondary application service and valuable resources. Discover helpful information such as program and career planning, trades, admission requirements, and financial aid options. Explore Top Tips, FAQs and the Glossary. Search thousands of programs, save to My List, and easily apply to any of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions. Find Your Path at EducationPlannerBC. www.EducationPlannerBC.ca
Silver SponsorHabitat Systems
Habitat Systems is a proud Canadian company dedicated to building inclusive spaces by offering innovative, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced park, playground, and landscape solutions where children have the opportunity to play, learn and spend time together. We are the leading distributor of school playground equipment in BC having worked with hundreds of schools. We provide complimentary site assessments, custom designs, installations, post-project support, and more. Visit us at www.habitat-systems.com or call us toll free at 1 (866) 422-2828.
Bronze SponsorFamilySmart
When you're navigating your child’s mental health or substance use challenges, you shouldn’t have to do it alone. We’ve been there too. At FamilySmart, we’re here to listen and help you find the tools, resources, or services that may help your family, so that you feel supported, heard, and understood—because every family deserves that. familysmart.ca