The mission of PIMS is to broaden support for the mathematical sciences in Western Canada in basic research, industrial applications, education and public awareness. Its Education and Communication Group (ECG) endeavours to:

• encourage activities which will enhance public awareness and appreciation of mathematics and correct common misconceptions about its nature,
• foster communication and coordination between different groups and organisations concerned with various types of mathematical training,
• provide opportunities and resources for ongoing professional development for mathematics educators at all levels -- help teachers keep learning mathematics,
• encourage mathematical interest and scholarship among students and work toward easing transitions between the different levels of schooling.

In the fall of 1998, I chaired a task-force to draw up a constitution for this Group and subsequently took part in the organization of its annual spring conference "Changing the Culture". In my new role as its "BC Facilitator" I am trying various ways of breaking down walls between "us" and the public, especially the schools, e.g., by facilitating the first PIMS Annual Elementary Grades Math Contest, whose initiator and main organizer is Dr. Cary Chien of David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver. Why yet another contest? For my part, I am guessing that this kind of competitive engagement in mathematical quickies will attract a more typical crowd of students in Grades 5 to 7 than it does in higher grades. For the latter we shall have to find more panoramic vistas ...