Trustee Series: Meet Gretchen Conti, Vice-Chairperson
Get to know qathet School District’s Board Vice-Chairperson, Gretchen Conti!
Gretchen and her family moved to qathet in 2019 from the small community of Seton Portage, located in St'at'imc territory. After working as an Education Assistant for more than 10 years, she was elected to the School Board in April 2024 and now serves as Vice Chair. She also works at the Brain Injury Society as the Community Engagement Coordinator and is an instructor at VIU. Her husband, Fil, is the Grade 5 teacher at Edgehill, and their boys, Odin and Raven, attend Westview Elementary. Read more below!
Q: What do you believe is most important for students to learn in today's world?
A: “Learning to be independent, both in their thoughts and actions, will give students the ability to move through the world confidently and contribute meaningfully to their community.”
Q: What are our biggest opportunities as a district?
A: “Given the size and density of the region, there is significant opportunity to foster engaged, thoughtful, and active community members. Unlike big cities, where voices can be drowned out, or tiny towns that struggle to attract outside talent, our region hosts a variety of perspectives while still allowing meaningful connections to be made. I would like to see students more involved in the community and community members more present in the classroom. Through learning about differences and seizing opportunities to come together and share, students will feel connected to their community and be empowered to step up and tackle some of the challenges that we adults have struggled with.”
Q: What has this role taught you about leadership?
A: “Leadership means that sometimes you have to compromise an ideal in order to ensure that everyone is represented. Change doesn't come from being persuasive or rational, it comes when everyone feels invested in an idea and can see themselves in it.”
Q: If you looked ahead five years, what would you love to see our district known for?
A: “Outdoor education. Each of our schools has forest or ocean access within walking distance. We have educators with experience in place-based learning, a community passionate about the outdoors, and a district-wide commitment to reconciliation. We also know that being outside is beneficial to the social, emotional, and physical health of students and educators. By building on the resources, experience, and enthusiasm that already exist in our district, we can become a leader in outdoor education across the province.”
Q: Is there something about our district/an event that you look forward to every year?
A: “I always look forward to the district track and field day for elementary schools. I love the opportunity for kids to challenge themselves physically, the joy they get from competing with classmates and friends, and the embedded inclusion of encouraging all students to do their best.”