Introduction
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board is committed to providing the best educational programs and services to our children and community. We strive to build strong basic educational skills and augment these attributes by challenging the most sophisticated learner. Our Board is noted for its diversity in all programs. Additionally, the Board has developed state of the art technology laboratories with a district-wide computer network system.
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board was formed in 1996, because of the merger of the Cape Breton District School Board and the Northside-Victoria District School Board.
In 1996, the Board was comprised of twenty (20) Board members, and in October, 1997, that was reduced to eleven (11) elected, and one (1) appointed native representative. In October, 2000, the Board was increased to fourteen (14) members. Included in this number are ten (10) members representing the 21 Cape Breton Regional Municipality districts; two (2) members from Victoria County; one (1) elected African Nova Scotian representative; and one (1) appointed First Nations representative.
The Board covers a vast area, encompassing urban and rural settings in two municipalities - Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Victoria County. This area covers approximately 3,238 sq. km.
Our Board provides educational services to over 17,000 students in more than 52 schools, as well as 185 adult learners in four (4) Adult Education Centres. These educational services are provided using a significant commitment of resources. Our Board also has two Learning Centres.
In the fall of 2000, six (6) new elementary schools were opened. These included: Cape Smokey, North Highlands, Harbourside, Greenfield, Jubilee and Riverside. In addition, the newly renovated Boularderie Elementary School was ready for occupancy in September, and officially opened in December, 2000. In addition, Shipyard Elementary School was ready for occupancy in September, 2002, and Brookland Elementary opened in September, 2004. On October 2, 2007, Rankin School of the Narrows (Sgoil Mhic Fhraing a Chaolais), was officially opened.
The Board also provides continuing education programs and services for over four hundred (400) registrants each year.
Our Special Education program was founded on the philosophy that every student is entitled to an education in the most beneficial environment available. Programs range from those offered in special classes, to those that provide support for students in the regular classroom.
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board is one of the largest employers on Cape Breton Island, employing 1260 full time equivalent teachers and over 650 support staff.
We as a Board remain committed to working with our school communities, to ensure that all our children will receive a quality education.
Beliefs
- In life-long educational opportunities
- In providing educational opportunities which enable each student to reach his or her potential;
- In a caring, accepting, safe, and healthy school environment;
- In a school environment that promotes the self esteem of the individual;
- In an interactive partnership between and among the family, the community and the school;
- In a curriculum that addresses the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and ethical needs of students;
- In a learning environment to which expression of the individual’s option is encouraged;
- That respecting and acknowledging individual differences enhances personal growth;
- That diligence is essential in realizing an individual’s full potential;
- That self-discipline is the most effective method of shaping acceptable behavior.
Mission Statement
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board fosters a caring, dynamic, and creative environment that provides educational opportunities, promotes a love of learning, respect for others, and challenges all persons to develop their full potential to become confident, versatile, lifelong learners and thinkers.
Unique Features
- One of the highest teachers’ licenses ratio per total faculty in Canada;
- The first Home and School Association in Canada was formed in Baddeck;
- Memorial High, Sydney Mines, is the only composite (academic and vocational) High School in the Province of Nova Scotia;
- Holy Angels High School, Sydney, is the only all-girls public school in Atlantic Canada;
- Cabot High School, Neil’s Harbour, is the only 100% bused school in Nova Scotia.
