I am going to start this spin by sharing my reluctance to write it, but there is something deep that is pushing me to do so. Over the past two days, I have composed this spin several times in my mind, failing, however, to put pen to paper. I could blame it on being super busy on the home front, but if I am totally honest, there was something else holding me back. That all changed in the early hours of today when my family was bumped from our 8:00 a.m. flight. Not exactly how we anticipated this travel day would unfold, but with the gift of unexpected hours ahead of us, it is finally time to put into words what this year's Vancouver Pride Parade meant to me.

As a participant, and as an Assistant Superintendent, I found myself moving through this year's experience with both a personal and professional hat on. I've participated in the Pride Parade several times before, but this year felt different. Personally, I experienced the same feelings I have in the past: happiness, joy, and the celebratory vibe that surrounds the event. I was grateful to be in town this year and able to participate.

There were so many joyful and moving moments throughout the parade. The huge crowds, the music, the laughter, the smiles, and the words of gratitude shouted as we made our way through Vancouver's downtown core. For several blocks, I carried a massive lump in my throat and was grateful for my sunglasses as I held onto the words of several individuals who said, "Thank you, West Vancouver Schools, for being here and doing this."

It seems like such a simple statement, but the authenticity in those words, paired with beautiful smiles, touched my heart deeply.

Those words stayed with me, not just during the parade, but now in this present moment as I am left holding the why.

Community presence in public education matters.

Prior to the parade, I admittedly felt some reluctance. With other public events having been disrupted by protests and touched by tragedy, I hoped that all would go well for everyone involved. I also felt a little intimidated knowing there can be a very public lens on events connected to inclusion, equity, diversity, and belonging. I want to be respectful of all perspectives, while also being clear about why being there mattered.

At its core, public education is about people, relationships, and creating a sense of belonging. Sometimes the most important thing we can do as leaders is show up, lend a hand where we can, and spend real in-person time in the communities we serve. Our participation in the Pride Parade reflected our commitment to ensuring that every student and staff member feels valued, seen, and welcomed in our schools. We have an unequivocal responsibility to create the conditions where every learner can thrive. Participating in community events that celebrate belonging and respect is one way we put those values into action and demonstrate our commitment to supporting every learner.

Belonging and student well-being matter.

Learning doesn't stick if students are feeling unsafe, unseen, unheard, or unvalued. At the core of meaningful and impactful learning are human emotions and connections. When I think about the hours of heart work invested by staff to create our float and participate in the parade, I am reminded that we have the right people in the right places doing the important work of ensuring communities of belonging are nurtured and protected within our schools.

Public education serves a wonderfully diverse community, and protecting student well-being is central to the work that we do. When students feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are, they are better positioned to learn, grow, and thrive. Belonging is not an extra or a nice-to-have. It is foundational to student success and it requires intentional work by the adults in our schools to ensure all students know there is a place for them in our schools.

Being there matters.

Looking back, I admit that I felt frustrated and somewhat disappointed in myself for my initial reluctance to write this spin. What I have realized, however, is that my hesitation was not grounded in fear or intimidation. It was that I didn't simply want to write about the parade or the feelings it left me with. I wanted to understand why the experience stayed with me long after it ended. The weight of wanting to get it right felt heavy.

I wanted to be respectful and thoughtful in how I used my voice. I wanted to emphasize the importance of presence, not just in words, but in action. Upon deeper reflection following this year's Pride Parade, I have come to appreciate that some experiences deserve more than a quick reaction. Taking a few days to sit with my thoughts and let the feelings settle was okay.

The world around us can be a lot, and criticism is often abundant. Yet retreating into silence, or choosing to watch from afar is not a helpful leadership practice when we know our children and youth need more from us. They need us to be present. They need us to show up.

This spin has only touched the surface of the many considerations connected to the beautiful landscape of human variation, belonging, and inclusivity. My hope is that it encourages you to think a little more about the importance of being there, really there, whenever you can and to the best of your ability. I can promise you that it is worth it.

Now more than ever, our students, our staff, and our schools need that from us.

Author's Note: This spin is dedicated to the many people whose time, energy, creativity, and care made this year's Vancouver Pride Parade possible. From the volunteers and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to the members of our West Vancouver Schools community who helped bring our participation to life, thank you. You created the invitation and the opportunity for many of us to be there. I am grateful to have been part of it.

Also, in the spirit of author integrity and transparency, my AI thought partner assisted with slight edits to refine language and clarity for publication. The ideas, reflections, and personal experiences shared in this piece are my own.