February, 1968
Dear Parents:
RE:

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLEBISCITE

I would like to bring to your attention a matter that is of grave
concern to me and to many other educationists. I refer to the post-secondary
school opportunities for the graduates of this and other secondary schools on
the North Shore.
Institutions to which we would normally direct your children and
our students are already overcrowded. The universities have indicated that
they will probably have to restrict enrolment even further in 1968. We have
not been able to get North Shore students into regular programs at Vancouver
City College; we have experienced similar difficulties at the Vocational
Schools and the Technical Institute. As a result, many young men and women
are not able, as they should be, to continue with post-secondary school education. Many give up the struggle entirely. Others, who can afford to, travel
to American Colleges for a variety of programs ranging from university to
technical preparation.
The proposed North Shore Community College is designed to remedy
this situation. As a principal, I know the need for this College is real and
urgent. For the young people of the North Shore, the College will provide;
1. A variety of 2-year programs for the Grade XII graduates from B.C.'s
new Secondary School Specialties and Programs; such as arts, science,
technical, industrial, commercial, community services, and fine arts.
2. A program of upgrading to college level for those with less than Grade
XII standing.
3. Cultural courses which provide educational opportunities in the more
humane aspects of cultural life.
Although this entire program cannot be offered the first year, we
will make a start in September using existing facilities at West Vancouver
Senior Secondary School, providing the plebiscite for the College is successful.

On Thursday, !'-larch 7th, you will have the opportunity to exercise
your democratic right and vote upon the Community College plebiscite. This
is not a money by-law, but simply asks you to respond to the question: "Are
you in favour of establishing a Community College on the North Shore?" A 50%
"yes" vote will pass this plebiscite and will enable a college to open this
September.
The result of the ballot will determine whether the necessary postsecondary school facilities will be provided.for your children and our students.

D. C. Dempsey,
Principal.