Pascale Shaw - This is Me...
I am running for re-election as a school trustee for the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows School District in the upcoming Maple Ridge municipal election on October 17th, 2026.
I have lived in Maple Ridge most of my life, even attending Albion Elementary when there were only 99 students. I graduated from Garibaldi Secondary and met my future husband while there. Our children attended Blue Mountain, then Whonnock Elementary Schools, and both have now graduated from Garibaldi Secondary. You will not see photos of my family, what they are wearing, eating or doing; sorry…. we are not really a social media family…
I currently work as an education assistant in a neighbouring school district and work as an early childhood educator during winter, spring and summer school breaks. My head and heart are dedicated to the children, educators and all the many people who chose to work in our school system.
I find working in education to be extremely stressful at times. Seeing so many children go without the supports they need and staff passing their breaking point brings me home exhausted. I unwind on our farm in east Maple Ridge where I enjoy raising llamas, goats, chickens and growing cut flowers. I enjoy sharing my love of animals and agriculture with kids and have filmed a series of educational videos.
Lastly, I am a great believer in lifelong learning. I felt the need to brush up on history and learn true Canadian history in a few online learning opportunities through Thompson Rivers University.
I continue to learn and unlearn about Indigenous History in Canada. Our curriculum now includes Indigenous history that was hidden from us when we attended school. I feel the need to keep learning about the true history of Canada to better understand the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the changes to our curriculum.
Also, the amalgamation of the Ministry of Education and Child Care is having a significant impact on our work as trustees. I decided to go back to school to complete an early childhood education diploma through Ridge Meadows College, so I would have a better understanding of the state of child care and its place in the new combined ministries.
I would be honoured to be re-elected as a trustee to continue to bring my experience, willingness to advocate and enthusiasm for change to the board table.
Please re-elect me, Pascale Shaw, for school trustee.
