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March/April 2007

Vancouver School Board News

If you were on a desert island with limited materials, what would you make?

With an increasing gap between technology and understanding of how

things work, many of us would relish making anything that works.

The Junior Physics and Engineering Competition (JPEC) is a you-build-it competition designed for science students in grades 8 to 10 in the Lower Mainland. The aim is to build stuff, learn some physics, and have fun. Volunteers running the

competition include high school teachers, students, and UBC faculty. The event is becoming a highlight of the school year for junior science students. Last year’s winners at Prince of Wales and the previous year’s winners at David Thompson will vie for the JPEC trophy along with many other schools at the May 4 event at UBC.

UBC and the VSB support the competition and the importance of providing opportunities for

students out of the classroom that excite and motivate them and that encourage students to work in teams comprised of different ages.

There will be two pre-build events and an on-site mystery event, followed by a physics show run by the UBC Physics department. Lunch will be provided.

Pre-build rulesand instructionhave beenforwarded toeach of the high schools in Vancouver.If you areinterested in entering this year’s competition, please contact:

Mike Hengeveldmike_engeveld@hotmail.comFergus McCallion at fmccallion@vsb.bc.ca

From spaghe�i bridges to paper towers, a competition for invention

Inside

Educational Facilities Review 3

Kerrisdale Seismic Upgrade 4

Students combat racism 5

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At VSB

Here’s what’s coming up next to mark 100 years of adult and continuing education in Vancouver.

• Centennial Plaque: Killarney teacher Alex Baillie, creator of the other wall plaques in the VSB Education Centre, has designed a commemorative, piece. The ceremony and celebration tea are on April 16 at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the VSB Education Centre. • Street Banners: VSB Centennial banners are flapping on Broadway. In an arrangement with the South Granville Business Association, the banners will remain up all year.

• Centennial Vests: CIE has a limited number of fleece vests for sale at $27 taxes included. The vests are black with the colourful Centennial logo. Find out more by contacting Jennifer Gutierrez in CIE 604-713-4500.

• Centennial DVD: Randy Rotheisler, district audio/visual specialist, is pu�ing the the finishing touches on a commemorative DVD. It will feature old and new images showing night school throughout the years, plus interviews with adult learners and teachers. It will be shown at the night school sites and at the Education Centre.

• Then and Now: The Centennial Planning Commi�ee has compiled historical displays tracing the evolution of our programs. From pre-WW1

artefacts to contemporary learning resources, there’s a display up at Point Grey and there’ll be another at Kitsilano.

• Celebration of Learning: Please mark Saturday, June 16, on your calendars. Weather permi�ing, that’s the day of our big event, with student displays, an Instructor Appreciation Ceremony, great food and prizes, children’s activities and a talk on learning and the adult brain by Bob Aitken.

• Kudos: Many thanks to the Centennial Celebrations Planning Commi�ee here in CIE. These staff are doing an exemplary job: Lara Pelzer; Peter Andrade; Jennifer Gutierrez; Lona Semeniuk, Sandra Dixon, Pina Ventura, Andy Gauthier and Audrey Nawrocky. •

CIE centennial celebrations continue

Chinese vocalistChris Kelly of PenderSchool & Student Support,Nootka Elementaryoriginal folk rock

Nancy Hundal of West WyndsTeacher, McKechnie Elementary Canadian, Celtic, African, Cuban

Susan Vigneau of Uptown DeliveryOffice Admin. Assistant,Queen Alexandra Elmentary Bluegrass and Blues

Iona Whishaw of Grupa Dunbarov Principal, Tupper SecondaryRomany music from the Balkans

Don’t miss this entertaining evening on May 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Templeton Secondary. Express your

support for early literacy.

VSB Performers

Jim HoustonYouth & Family Worker,Hasting Elementaryoriginal folk/blues

Janet ChungSchool & Student Support,Tupper Secondary

Music for Literacy ConcertMaster of Ceremonies Tim ReadmanA well-known recording artist, song writer, music producer, and writer

Tickets are $10, festival seating. For details, call 604-713-6000 local 2468.

Order tickets• www.continuinged.ca, type in Code TP22222 • By phone 604-713-4550• Buy in person at CIE Registration office (Street Level), 1580 West Broadway, Vancouver

Proceeds go to Success by Six, a program supporting early literacy through the United Way. •

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The Board of Trustees approved the process for an Educational Facilities Review

(EFR) in January 2005 and has been reviewing information and reports since then. The purpose of the review is to develop a strategy for VSB’s future sustainability.

The district’s future depends on how we address challenges in four linked areas – education, budget, excess space and seismic mitigation.

“Optimum use of our space would no longer drain resources and could be a potential source of revenue for improving education programs and services,” says Les King, VSB’s Director of Facilities. “At the same time, we are cautious about closing and disposing of school sites due to land shortages in Vancouver. If we had to buy school sites later, it could be impossible.”

Factors for consideration during the Educational Facilities Review

• Educational quality -- whether a building contributes to high quality learning and how options open up opportunities for students• Continuing our commitment to the concept of neighbour- hood schools• Minimizing costs for operating our facilities, to maximize educational benefits • Providing satisfactory placement of district programs• Childcare or other non-school users in our school buildings• Heritage -- preservation of key structures in Vancouver• Facility audit -- current physical condition of facilities• Asset value of land and buildings • Surplus sites/buildings -- what could/should we do with these?

Educational Facilities Review seeks public input

• Seismic upgrading -- which schools have a high value, which have a low?

Trustees and district management have been working to find ways to address these factors. The process began with three initiatives, now either completed or in progress: reviewing French immersion expansion for September 2006 (completed); examining VSB’s capacity versus enrolment (excess space); and beginning the BC Seismic Mitigation Program.

Subsequent phases included a review of adult education, various program options, alternate programs and career program delivery. A plan for long-term French language training has been completed, and the other reviews are underway. All of these initiatives will provide the building blocks for a workable strategy.

It is now essential to engage school stakeholders and the public in the process. Step I, Stakeholder and Public Consultation on Purpose and Scope of the Educational Facilities Review, runs from April to June. Sessions will include meetings with stakeholders and administrative officers, school communities and Parent Advisory Councils, among others. There will be a survey to gather input and a report on that input in June.

In the fall, Step II will focus on Stakeholder and Public Input on Specific Recommendations, there will be another round of consultation. During Step III in December, final recommendations will go to the Board for decision.

In Step IV, the VSB will implement the Board’s decisions during 2008.Please check our website for updates at www.vsb.bc.ca . •

National Hockey League star Jonathon Cheechoo scored big with

Musqueam students of Point Grey Secondary School when he invited several of them to a�end a San Jose Sharks practice before they took to the ice against the Vancouver Canucks. Facilitated by Andy Wilson, vice principal of Point Grey, this event was highlighted by the presentation of a stick and a puck autographed by Cheechoo to Wilson and the students, prior to Cheechoo earning the Rocket Richard award for leading the NHL in goals for the 2005-2006 season. •

Cheechoo Scores With Musqueam Students

Faye Mitchell (right) Education Coordinator for the Musqueam Band, receives the stick, puck and a plaque commemorating the event from Gary Li�le, Associate Superintendent – South Area.

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About our Schools

University Hill Elementary hosted an informal citizenship ceremony on

February 23, 2007. Judge Sandra Wilking, Citizenship Judge, B.C. and Yukon, and citizenship officer assistants from Vancouver and O�awa presented the event.

The school’s 30-member choir led all the classes in singing O Canada in French and English. Judge Wilking then began an interactive question-and-answer presentation on the merits of becoming a Canadian citizen. It included historical highlights and

University Hill Elementary holds citizenship eventa review of the qualifications for citizenship. The judge concluded with a reaffirmation ceremony for 136 students and staff members. Participants stood before the judge with right hand raised and took the Oath of Citizenship. Judge Wilking then presented a certificate and congratulated each person with a handshake.

It was a memorable and rare opportunity to be able to experience first hand what it means to become a citizen in our wonderful country, Canada! •

The Honour Choir sang. Huge cartoon bu�erflies and leaves tickled the

bright library’s ceiling. Hardware sparkled from the new computer lab. Drinks and sweets adorned white table clothes. Who could tell that months ago there was rubble, dust, walls down, walls up, a skunk in the elevator sha�, crammed and uprooted classrooms and a cacophony of workers, as Kerrisdale underwent massive, messy seismic renovations.

The before-and-a�er photos and personal survival stories told all at the March 9 ceremony to mark the completion of the upgrade.

Rachel Harrison, a Grade 7 student, told the audience that when the work began she didn’t think that there was much to improve on. “But through the year, this school was remodelled right in front of my eyes into a safer, neater, and more modern school.”

Harrison went on to say that experiencing the upgrade was not easy. “There were drills, hammers, classrooms moved, elevators

Kerrisdale’s Seismic Ceremony

Kerrisdale student Rachel Harrisonshares the school’s experienceduring the seismic upgrade.

installed…I feel that I learned just as much, if not more, last year than in any other year...it taught us that we will not always be working in a quiet peaceful environment.”

Guests included Gary Li�le, Associate Superintendent, South Area, Colin Hansen, MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, and Trustees Shirley Wong, Allen Blakey and Don Lee. Marion Waterston, PAC Chair, and Helene

Lalonde, PAC, and Karl Heibler, a Grade 7 student, officially opened the new computer lab with a demonstration.

Gratitude and appreciation went all around for efforts, endurance and excellence in ge�ing the job done. “Ge�ing through this upgrade was a team effort,” said Carol Andison, the school’s principal. “But I was especially proud of our kids.” •

VSB Trustees Allen Blakey, Shirley Wong, and Don Lee, and MLA Colin Hansen (second from right) unveil a commemorative plaque.

Judge Sandra Wilking, Citizenship Judge, BC and Yukon

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Students combat racism through film

In 1966, March 21st was declared by the United Nations as The International Day for the

Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Since 1989, the Department of Canadian Heritage has organized an annual March 21st Campaign to bring awareness to the harmful effects of racism on a national scale and to demonstrate their commitment to fostering respect, equality and diversity.

The Racism. Stop It! Campaign is one of the major annual March 21st federal initiatives aimed at encouraging youth to take a stand against racism. This year, a total of 1595 students from across Canada submi�ed 319 videos. Eight senior Templeton Secondary School film students won two of the ten award-winning videos.

Templeton film teacher, Nick Akrap, worked collaboratively with Angela Brown, the district’s Anti-racism & Diversity Consultant, to develop his students’ awareness and understanding of the racial issues that impact their school, their lives and the wider community.

The powerful dialogue from the sessions inspired the students to create scenarios, write scripts, act, film and edit one-minute video clips that reflected their feelings, lived experiences and their desire to take action toward systemic change.

Students were awarded a four-day trip to O�awa and were recognized at a ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec on March 21st. Among the a�endees were the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), the Honourable Jason Kenney, Members of Parliament, event sponsors and students from local schools.

Angela Brown and Jake Rudko, a Templeton film student, were interviewed at CBC Radio-Canada

(From le� to right) Angela Brown, Tegan Stusiak, Levente Mihalik, Lisa Pham, Keaghen Roberts, Sophia Underhill, Maggie Chao, William Bowden, Jake Rudko, and Nick Akrap

regarding the inspiration behind the video clip, “That Joke”, which emphasized the hurtful and harmful nature of racial jokes. The interview was aired world-wide on the Newsworld National morning segment on March 21st. To view Templeton’s winning video clips titled, “It’s not the Colour” and “That Joke,” please visit:

h�p://www.pch.gc.ca/march-21-mars/index_e.cfm •

Kindness will rock at a morning and a�ernoon concert in the gym at

David Thompson on April 27, with the aim to support student learning and Social Responsibility Goals. Built on the premise that individuals can have a powerful influence on the lives of others by

At David Thompson, Kindness Rocksperforming kind acts, the show will feature a live band, the music of Abbacadabra, speaker Brock Tully, skits, and personal stories. This electric rock concert will even have a laser light show! Mike McEwan, vice principal at Tecumseh, Darlene Braeder

at David Thompson, and area Elementary Administrators are the organizers.

For more information, please contact Mike McEwan at(604) 713-5418 or by e-mail mmcewan@vsb.bc.ca •

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It was like a dear and old friend passed away at Lord Selkirk School on Tuesday, January 9

at 3:15 p.m. when our beautiful Coulter Pine tree cracked in half and fell over. I was in the basement with the out-of-school care kids. We thought that people had tripped down the stairs because we heard such a loud noise. But when we looked outside, we could see that most of the tree had cracked and fallen against the school. We could see some of the teachers going through the branches to make sure no one had been pinned by them. Thankfully no one was hurt.

This Coulter Pine was transported as a seedling about 50 years ago from California and was planted at Selkirk School. It was the largest pine tree in the city. There are probably fewer than half a dozen trees le� in Vancouver,

Loss of an old friend

mostly at UBC. The coulter pine produces the largest cones of any pine tree. Cones can be anywhere from eight to twelve inches long and can weigh from two to five pounds. The pine cones didn’t fall very o�en but because they weighed so much, the gardeners would come and cut them down. I was lucky enough to get one of these pine cones about threeyears ago.

When some former students heard that the tree had fallen, they came back and were really quite upset. Simon Zhou, who is in his first year at UBC, was at Selkirk from kindergarten to Grade 7. He came by and said, “This tree has been here as long as I was here and we played under the branches.

Though many of my soccer balls ended up in the tree and even maybe my shoe, I will remember it and cherish the memories of my Elementary’s dear tree”.

Cecilian Lee from Grade 12 came by. This is what she said: “It is so sad to see the tree gone. It was there when my brother went to Selkirk and it was there when I graduated from Selkirk in Grade 7. It has been one very important part of my life. I miss you, tree!”

Emily Wong, Grade 1, said, “I miss that old tree”. At recess and lunch the kids would gather the needles which were between eight and twelve inches long and make bird nests out of them and sit inside them.

The students and staff at Selkirk, and I am sure, all the neighbours around the area were really upset about our special tree. I am told that we are going to make something out of the remains of the tree. – Kathy Clausen, Supervision Aide, Lord Selkirk School •

of leadership, character, concern for community welfare, interest in world affairs and general fitness. Applicants are required to write essays and may be required to also participate in a speech contest. For young adults interested in world affairs, international relations, economics and/or political sciences this is an opportunity of a lifetime to observe

Four Vancouver Technical students from the debate club participated in the

Annual UN Pilgrimage for Youth competition on March 8. Congratulations to Sara Vitet, one of two winners of the competition who will go to New York this summer. Tiffany Yang, Charles Go and Joanna Ortese are to be congratulated on a fantastic job. Each year, the UN Pilgrimage for Youth brings together high school students from around the world to study and learn about the United Nations. A competition is held and is open to all high school students 16 or 17 years of age with a minimum of one year of high school remaining. Applications are reviewed by the selection commi�ee for evidence

Van Tech delegate to go to United Nations eventthe United Nations in person while exchanging views on education, politics and religion. Students tour the United Nations building and listen to behind-the-scenes briefings conducted by specialized United Nations agencies and departments including Ambassadors, Minister Counselors and Country Representatives. Each student (delegate) will participate in in-depth discussions with other young people from around the world as well as make new and lifelong friends. In addition, students experience one of the greatest cities in the world, New York, a�end a Broadway play, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and much more. – Andrea Alkalay, Community Schools Team Teacher, Vancouver Technical Family of Schools •

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Summer course registrations are now underway. By promoting summer school

programs, we aim to ensure all Vancouver teachers, parents and students have accurate and timely information. We also want to encourage Vancouver students to pursue courses through the district and provide information to students who may need bursaries or who may need to a�end an Inner City Program.

Brochures are available on the following:

• Remedial program for Elementary and Secondary students• ESL for Elementary and Secondary students• Secondary Completion • Secondary Preview• Secondary and Elementary Enrichment• Summer Centre of the Arts

Bursary allotments and bursary “cheque” books were sent to schools earlier this month, so that parents who wish to register without delay and who need to apply for a bursary could do so at this time.

If you have any questions regarding summer programs and brochures, please contact Peter Andrade at pandrade@vsb.bc.ca or at 604-713-4519.

Summer School Update

Please see appointment list below.

ELEMENTARY PROGRAMPrincipalsBrian EeJason EngSharon HalesLinda de JardinSylvain LarochelleKimberly Ma�ersonJeff Shoub

Gi�ed LearnersLaurie Cassie

SECONDARY PROGRAMPrincipalsAlan AndrewsMichael La�imer

2007 Summer School Administrators

The Vancouver Elementary Physical Activity Association (VEPAA) held its annual

Coaches’ Recognition at Van Dusen Gardens on January 26.

President Jesse Brown presented whistles to more than 60 new coaches. Seven individuals received the coveted blue VSB sweater for reaching the 20-year milestone in coaching: Kelly Ann Bishop, Sharon Bushell, Ross Cassie, Steve Cook, Theresa Gillespie, Jim Ion and Lucy Ma�u.

In addition to socializing with many past and present coaches, the highlight of the a�ernoon was the presentation of the Career Achievement Award to three outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their students, schools and communities: Tom McFarlane, Ectore Rossi and Penny Tonge.

From the le�: Ectore Rossi, Penny Tonge and Tom McFarlane

These award winners join previous recipients of the VEPAA Career Achievement Award: in 2001, Bob Baldwin; in 2003, Richard Evans; in 2004, Marilyn Harris, Bev O’Connor and Lorne Lindsay; and in 2006, Val Day, Pat Ewart and Lenore Jackson. •

VEPAA Achievement Award

Kate McMeiken Ron NelsonVickey SahotaPaul Skarsgard

Vice-PrincipalsRozanne BeanMarc CarmichaelHanif KarmaliDouglas MatearBrigi�e PatenaudeDarryl Wong

SUMMER CENTRE OF THE ARTSPrincipalJohn Procyk

Vice-PrincipalJulie Weatherall

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VSB News is published from September to June. Please submit articles by e-mail to vsbnews@vsb.bc.ca or by fax to 604-713-5412. Please include your full name, place of employment and telephone number. We may edit material to meet space requirements. The opinion and content expressed on web sites cited in articles do not necessarily reflect those of the Vancouver School Board. Produced by the Office of the Superintendent and VSB Printing Services.

Trustee Reports

Vice Chairperson Carol GibsonDistrict Parents Liaison Eleanor Gregory Employment Equity Advisory Carol Gibson First Nations Education Advisory Carol Gibson Race Relations Advisory Ken DenikeSpecial Education Advisory Allen Blakey ESL Advisory Commi�ee Don Lee (alt. Allan Wong)Inner City Advisory Commi�ee Clarence Hansen Vancouver District Student Council Eleanor GregoryModern Languages Ken DenikeVSB Advocacy Commi�ee Ken Denike, (alt. Allen Blakey) Pride Commi�ee Eleanor Gregory, (alt. Allan Wong)Gi�ed Education Advisory Commi�ee Carol Gibson, (alt. Clarence Hansen)

Trustee representatives to other organizations BCPSEA Carol GibsonBCSTA Provincial Council Carol Gibson BCSTA Metro Branch Education Comt. Sharon GregsonBritannia Community Services Board Shirley M. Wong City Council and Related Commi�ees

Advisory Commi�ee OnDiversity Issues Sharon Gregson Peace & Justice Commi�ee Clarence HansenFood Policy Council Shirley M. WongJoint Council on Childcare Sharon GregsonBicycle Advisory Commi�ee Allan Wong Planning Commissions Don Lee

Special Advisory Commi�ee onStrategic Cities Commission Ken Denike Vancouver Heritage Commission Shirley WongUNICEF Clarence HansenVancouver Public Library Clarence HansenLower Mainland Consortium (ESL) Carol Gibson, (alt. Allan Wong) Vancouver Museum Education Eleanor GregorySpecial Education Consortium Eleanor GregoryVancouver Public Schools Foundation Ken Denike, Carol Gibson, Clarence Hansen Food Council Policy Task Force Shirley M WongAdvisory Council - Child & Youth Sharon Gregson (alt. Ken Denike)

Trustee representation on VSB and other committees

Coming EventsKindness Rocks, April 27, 2007David Thompson SecondaryContact: Mike McEwan604-713-5418 or mmcewan@vsb.bc.ca

VSB Music for Literacy ConcertMay 3, 2007Templeton SecondaryContact: 604-713-6000 ext. 2468 or www.continuinged.ca

Brock’s 100th Reunion May 12, 2007, 1 to 7 p.m.Brock ElementaryContact: 604-713-6000 ext. 2401 or www.redrobinson.com

Churchill’s 50th CelebrationMay 25, 2007Churchill SecondaryContact: 604-713-8189

Churchill turns 50

Staff, community, parents and students have established a tradition of purpose and

commitment at Sir Winston Churchill, and it’s a real legacy and a credit to those who first conceived building a school in the bushes east of Marpole 50 years ago. Today, the school has the largest population in the district.

On May 25, the Churchill community will celebrate 50 years since the school opened its doors. Find out more about events and festivities by linking to Churchill’s 50 Year Celebration on the school’s website at h�p://churchill.vsb.bc.ca. Besides hosting a terrific party, the goal is to establish a School Bursary Fund. Spread the word to alumni and friends. •