420 is a day off from school for some Metro Vancouver students this year
Kids being out of school during Professional Development (Pro-D) days isn’t anything new, but the date of an upcoming Pro-D day in the North Vancouver School District (NVSD) this month is raising a few eyebrows.
The next Pro-D takes place on Friday, April 20, or – as it’s more commonly known – 420.
The NVSD insists the timing of the Pro-D is entirely coincidental and unintended, but even still, has sent a letter out to parents, written by Brad Baker, the district principal.
“As you are aware, your child’s school has a scheduled professional day on Friday, April 20th,” Baker writes. “Unfortunately, this coincides with “420” observances where cannabis use and culture is celebrated at events across the Lower Mainland.”
This coincidence, he stresses, “was not intended to promote student attendance at these events.”
Baker also notes that the North Vancouver School District “does not condone or support the use of cannabis.”
Baker adds that “as part of the ongoing education of substance use,” the district encourages conversations to occur at home regarding the use of cannabis and other substances.
A series of links regarding facts around cannabis are then provided.
Baker does give students in the district a vote of confidence, though.
“The NVSD is fortunate to have exceptional students who are excellent role models for their school communities.”
Not all schools have the day off, however. According to the district, class will still be in session for Mountainside Secondary, Seycove Secondary, and Carson Graham Secondary.
And while Baker concedes that “attendance at community events is a personal and/or family decision,” he said the point of the letter is to make people “aware of the possibility.”
On Friday, April 20, people will once again gather at Sunset Beach to celebrate their love for cannabis at the annual 420 Vancouver celebration.
The event, which isn’t permitted or sanctioned by the City of Vancouver, usually attracts around 25,000 people each year.
The gathering used to be held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, but due to its sheer growth in size and scope, the decision was made to move the party to its new base at Sunset Beach.
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