Principal

School District 36: Surrey

Canada:  British Columbia | North America

My name is Jane Forbes, and I am a principal in the Surrey School District, the largest and fastest-growing district in British Columbia, serving over 83,000 students. Our schools are located on the unceded and traditional territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and other Coast Salish Peoples. I feel privileged to work alongside students, staff, and families in such a vibrant and diverse learning community.

For more than 23 years, I have been committed to public education, including the past 13 years in school leadership. My work is grounded in a deep commitment to fostering environments where students and staff feel connected, supported, and inspired. My leadership is guided by values of belonging, curiosity, and care.

I recently completed Level 2 Compassionate Systems Awareness, a practice that has deepened my somatic and relational awareness and strengthened my capacity to lead with presence, grounding, and compassion. This work centers on reconnecting with our truest nature as interconnected individuals. These teachings shape how I show up in my school, my district, and my community, through deep listening and intentional cultivation of relational awareness.

I grew up on the North Shore, on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and the səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. My connection to place has instilled in me a lifelong respect for the land and a recognition of our interdependence with the natural world.

Outside of work, I am a proud mother, dog lover, and nature enthusiast. I find renewal walking forest trails, exploring the coast, and spending time camping with my family. These experiences remind me of the importance of balance, compassion, and connection. These are some of the values that I carry into my role as a school leader.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, to learn alongside others, and to contribute to building caring, inclusive, and hope-filled school communities.