15. Upcoming events
• September 17 – Truth and Reconciliation Canada Opening
• September 19 – Reconciliation Through Education
• September 22 – Walk for Truth and Reconciliation
• September 23 – Douglas Elementary School - Opening
• September 20 – Eric Hamber Gym Ceremony
• September 25 – JO Secondary “Wonder of Reading” Event
On a Friday July 12, I joined Trustee Ken Clement – President of the Lu’ma Native Housing Society to celebrate and join with society members in presenting scholarships to three deserving and outstanding young students (Alan, Ashley and Bret).
On August 15 and 16, I joined Lisa Pedrini, Manager of Social Responsibility & Diversity, and Directors of Instruction Denise Johnson, Rob Schindel and Mark Pearmain as they presented 4 sessions to a full house of eager learners – in the middle of summer at the provincial superintendent’s summer leadership academy.
As word continues to spread about the opportunities that come from an education with the Vancouver School Board, a growing number of students from all over the world are travelling to Vancouver to enroll in VSB schools. This year’s international student class includes students from over 28 countries. The VSB will host 1,300 international students who will be spread across the district’s elementary, secondary schools and adult education centres. This year’s International Education Student Orientation was the largest ever. Trustee Mike Lombardi and I attended the two welcoming events on August 26 and 27 at Killarney. I would like to congratulate Barb Onstad and her International Education team for their great work pulling together this amazing orientation.
On Monday, August 26, over 600 newcomers - immigrant parents and students - from many countries around the world attended school for a special short course about Canada’s education system. They connected with support services who help ease their transition into our Canadian schools. This year's Newcomer Orientation and Welcome to BC (NOW BC) 2013 event was the largest of its kind in the Province and lasted throughout the entire last week of August.
On August 29, I attended a workshop about the amazing 3-d printing technology – this should be on everyone’s wish list for schools.
On August 29, along with Kim Brand, Geoff Taylor, I accepted a very large cheque for a very large amount of money from representatives of the Stand Foundation to support students in our Alternate Programs
On a drizzly first day back to school (September 3rd), I joined Chairperson Pattie Bacchus, Minister of Education Peter Fassbender and Acting Chief of Police, Constable Doug LePard (along with Principal Hugh Blackman) at Renfrew Elementary to welcome students, parents and staff back to school, but to also emphasize the importance of safe passage to school on the sidewalks, cross walks and in cars.
On Wednesday, Sept 4 students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and the press came out to Simon Fraser Elementary School in anticipation of the opening of the new playground. The new accessible playground came about as a result of a massive fundraising drive by the school’s PAC which raised over $65,000.
While most students and staff were enjoying the final days of the wonderful summer vacation, a large group of young students attended the WEST 1 Community School’s Healthy Eater Camp held at Maple Grove Elementary.
Designed for Grade 1 to 7 students, (Healthy Eaters and Leaders) HEAL is much more than just a camp about cooking. Daily activities include outdoor and indoor games, garden tours, crafts and day trips. Throughout the summer students took part in adventure field trips across the lower mainland, with locations such as Maplewood Farm, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, Science World and Jericho Beach. All of the participants had a fun, informative and healthy time.
Along with other school district senior staff, last week, on September 10, I joined Consul Du and others in celebrating the 64th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China at a large gathering downtown.
This Sunday (yesterday) , Laurier Elementary held a community garden opening thanks to funds raised by Janet Fraser, one of the school’s PAC members, who successfully applied for a Vancouver City Neighbourhood Grant to host a garden opening celebration. Despite the rain, the event was a great success.
On a warm sunny August 4th, I joined Chairperson Patti Bacchus, and trustees, Mike Lombardi, Ken Clement, Allan Wong and Ken Denike, DPAC and other partner group representatives for the annual Pride Parade – thanks to the efforts of outgoing Anti-homophobia consultant, Maria Foster, this event was the best ever attended by VSB staff and students.