"The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance for the Vancouver School District," said Superintendent Steve Cardwell.

"We continue to build on the work that Don Avison provided in his report back in 2007 and appreciate the guidance that has enabled the Vancouver School District to lead the way with respect to ensuring policies, practices and protocols are in place to protect the safety and security of our students."

The Vancouver Board of Education retained Mr. Avison in 2007 to conduct an independent review of the Board's then policies and practices in relation to the safety and security of all students enrolled in the school district, and to make recommendations that could further the effectiveness of those policies and practices.

The VSB accepted all of Mr. Avison's recommendations and acted on every one, including:

• implementing a VSB-specific Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Students;
• updating the Field Studies Guidebook and guidelines for student supervision;
• enhancing policies and protocols, including policies and protocols for reporting child abuse;
• delivering in-service training for new employees and administrators;
• and updating record-keeping procedures.

The Board is releasing the report titled Quest Outdoor Program Review as ordered by the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Part of her order included that portions of the report must be withheld under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Read more about the Quest Outdoor Program Review