The creations of student artists are on display in three separate public exhibitions professionally installed at both the Burnaby Art Gallery and Vancouver’s Roundhouse.

Each were officially opened with receptions for the artists and their families, along with local dignitaries.

Scroll down to see more images and how to attend the three exhibitions.

Building a Better Tomorrow Through Art at the Roundhouse in Vancouver

The third annual exhibition, called Building a Better Tomorrow Through Art, features the creations of students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

The project was created by Access program educators at Burnaby North Secondary who wanted to build a platform that supports visibility and allows the public to appreciate the students’ talents. This year’s exhibition includes art from youth at Burnaby North, Alpha, Byrne Creek, Cariboo Hill and Moscrop, as well as schools in Vancouver and New Westminster. The creations reflect the students’ personal experiences and aspirations and include collages, paintings, sculptures and other mediums.

Building a Better Tomorrow Through Art��is on display from May 1-7 in the Exhibition Hall at the .

Paper Allegories at the Burnaby Art Gallery

For more than 15 years, the Artist Apprenticeship partnership with the Burnaby Art Gallery has provided a career exploration opportunity for senior secondary students who are interested in working in the fine arts. Through the program, students in Grades 11 and 12 were provided with mentorship and the tools they needed to develop and curate their own exhibition.

This year’s Paper Allegories saw students push their artistic practices beyond paper, creating innovative artworks inspired by the City of Burnaby’s collection of art.

Paper Allegories is on display in the Upper Gallery from May 3 to June 2 at the .

(re)FOLD/re(FIT) at the Burnaby Art Gallery

A more than 40-year partnership with the Burnaby Art Gallery has provided students with learning and an opportunity to exhibit their work through the annual Arts Alive project.

This year, student artists in Grades 8 through 12 used paper manipulation to create wearable art for the (re)FOLD/(re)FIT exhibition. Taking inspiration from sculptural paper artworks in the City of Burnaby’s Permanent Art Collection, the exhibition celebrates the achievements of students by showcasing their interpretations of the theme.

(re)FOLD/(re)FIT can be found in the Lower Gallery from May 3 to June 2 at the .

In total, 44 students participated in the Arts Alive and Artist Apprenticeship programs this year from five high schools and two Learning Pathways programs. Additional support for the resulting exhibitions is provided by the City of Burnaby and BC Arts Council.

Posted May 2024

The post Student Art Elevated and Displayed at Public Galleries appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

A record number of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from across the province came together for an event in Burnaby, where they shared their talents, competed, and connected with one another.

The two-day event, called DHHproud, included both a Showcase and Friendship Day for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. The Showcase drew children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 from 19 school districts who competed in a series of contests on the identity-celebrating theme: This is my Deaf/Hard of Hearing Superpower. Organized and led by the Provincial Outreach Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (POPDHH) – a Burnaby School District-administered program – the third annual Showcase grew from 80 participants last year to 125.

The Showcase featured DHH Art, ASL Poetry, and Spotlight Presentations. The following students from Burnaby Schools placed in the top three in their categories.

Category: ASL Poetry Grades K-3
Everly Hohnadel, Grade 2, BCSD, 1^st place
Rustem Drebotii, Grade 2, BCSD, 2^nd place
Zoe Kaleniuk, Grade 3, BCSD, 3^rd�����������

Category: ASL Poetry Grades 4-7
Kobane Koshman, Grade 6, BCSD, 2^nd place
Aurelia Braun, Grade 4, BCSD, 3^rd�����������

Category: ASL Poetry Grades 8-12
Teanna Kay, Grade 11, BCSD, 1^st place
Aqida Nazari, Grade 9, BCSD, 2^nd place
Balqis Mushfiq, Grade 10, BCSD, 3^rd�����������

Category: DHH Art Grades K-3
Rustem Drebotii, Grade 2, BCSD, 1^st place

Category: DHH Art Grades 4-7
Kayden Chen, Grade 6, Aubrey Elementary, 2^nd place
Sophia Shimek, Grade 6, Forest Grove Elementary, 3^rd�����������

Category: DHH Art Grades 8-12
Kenneth Kang, Grade 11, Burnaby South Secondary, 3^rd�����������

Kristin Schnider, Vice-Chair of the ����ֱ��, delivered opening remarks:

While the competitions are the reason bringing us all together, the coming together part – as a community from throughout the province – is perhaps equally important.”

Making new friends is an integral part of the two-day event, with the Showcase preceding Friendship Day, which included a trip to Science World, games, and meals together. A record 261 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students – representing one-fifth of the provincial DHH student population – and 135 teachers and chaperones from 23 school districts participated in Friendship Day.

Students were also invited to tour Victory Hill Dorm in Burnaby, where children living away from home stay while attending the BC Provincial School for the Deaf. BCSD is also administered by the Burnaby School District.

Scroll down to see the full list of contest winners. To see entries from across BC, .

Posted May 2024

The post Deaf and Hard of Hearing Showcase Draws Record Numbers appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

Students at Westridge Elementary created artwork under the guidance of Austin Harry from the Squamish and Namgis Nations. The children learned about Coast Salish design elements while creating their own mini masterpieces.

At Maywood Community School, a Grade 6/7 class spent several weeks crafting meaningful personal land acknowledgements. As part of the process, they explored aspects such as their favourite place, their promise to the land, and their commitment to Reconciliation. The final step was a visual interpretation of their acknowledgement.

Indigenous Leadership students at Burnaby South Secondary worked with artist Trenton (Rain) Pierre of the Katzie First Nation to help create a new art installation for the school. The work blends graffiti techniques with traditional Coast Salish design.

Student voices were at the centre of a District-wide Secondary Indigenous Youth Gathering. It included guidance from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community building, gathering students’ feedback, as well as honouring identity through culture and local ways of being. Students shared their thoughts while being grounded in song, stories, weaving, pow wow dancing and smudging teachings.

A Grade 1/2 class at Buckingham Elementary did a floral art project inspired by Métis artist Christi Belcourt.

Posted April 2024

The post Building Community and Knowledge Through Indigenous Teachings appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

Over at Kitchener Elementary, a Grade 1 class learned about Ramadan through story and art. After asking their teacher, two Grade 6/7 students at Brentwood Park Elementary shared with their classmates about celebrations in their homes for Nowruz. As part of Celebrate Diversity Month at Brantford Elementary, families shared their traditions with the school. Students learned about the Persian new year tradition of having a Haft-Sin table. All of the items on it are selected for their symbolic meaning. To support the cultural sharing, parents collaborated with the school to create a video about Nowruz and Vaisakhi. You can watch it here:

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) hosted several gatherings this spring including a pre-Nowruz celebration at Twelfth Avenue Elementary, with traditional foods made by parents. A gathering for Eid al-Fitr at Edmonds Community School hosted 350 people at a feast to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. Sponsored by the United Way, the event featured entertainment, activities, and came to life with the help of many volunteers. Students and staff at Byrne Creek Community School were invited to join the SWIS-organized celebration of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz. Students from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and more countries came together to decorate the main atrium at school. The crowd enjoyed traditional foods and cultural dancing as part of the festivities.

Alpha Secondary had a visit from The Other People, a multi-faith and multi-cultural organization. They spoke with approximately 80 Grade 12 students about the importance of learning from people with different backgrounds. The youth participated as part of their Social Justice, Contemporary Indigenous Studies, or World History class. The students probed the panel of prominent leaders with questions about racism, bigotry, and implicit bias in Canada.

A special viewing of the documentary Ice Queens, which showcases Black women in hockey, was held at Byrne Creek Community School. With sponsorship from the Vancouver Canucks and in partnership with the Ninandotoo Society, the Toronto-based director of the film was flown in to do a question and answer session with the youth.

Leadership students at Burnaby Central Secondary organized a Cultural Appreciation Week, including a chance to try different cuisines, learn, and participate in a cultural fashion show.

Read about more opportunities to celebrate culture and diversity, as well as anti-racism work happening in Burnaby Schools:

Celebrating Black History Month and Beyond – February 2024
Celebrating Lunar New Year and Sharing Culture – February 2024
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture – Multiple Stories
Student Voice Elevated at District-led Black Excellence Day Event – January 2024
Celebrating the Strengths in our Differences and Working to Dismantle Racism – December 2023
Students’ Post-Secondary Horizons Ignited in Black Futures Program – May 2023
Cultural Traditions and Practices Honoured – May 2023
Sharing Culture and Celebrating Expressions of Who We Are – March 2023
Celebrating and Reflecting During Black History Month – February 2023
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture
Students Presenting at Black Excellence Day Event for Thousands – January 2023
Celebrating Black Excellence Beyond Black History Month – October 2022
Next Steps Coming: Action on Racism – September 2022
Anti-Racism Lead Nominated for Premier’s Award for Work in District – September 2022
Raising Diverse Student Voices and Opportunities – May 2022
Honouring Community Traditions and Practices – May 2022
Honouring and Learning About Black History – February 2022
District Hosting Black Excellence Day for Thousands – January 2022
Dismantling Racism: Invitation to Engagement Process – May 2021
Asian Heritage Month: Honouring, Celebrating and Taking Action – May 2021
Black History Month: Celebrating & Learning – February 2021
Supporting Black Shirt Day – January 2021
Continuing Our Journey: Supporting Anti-Racism – October 2020
Action on Racism: ����ֱ�� – June 2020
Celebrating Black History Month in Burnaby Schools – February 2019

Posted April 2024

The post Learning About Cultures and the Strength in Our Differences appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has announced its support for planning of a new Brentwood Town Centre-East elementary school, following a needs submission made by the Burnaby School District to the Provincial Government.

Once built, the new school will help take pressure off existing schools facing capacity challenges in the rapidly growing Brentwood area. It will provide��a much-needed location south of Lougheed Highway, so that students don’t have to cross a busy road to get to current schools.

����ֱ�� Chair Bill Brassington spoke about the importance of a new school to the community:

Our school district is facing rapid growth. This investment is a welcome and important next step toward adding a new school in the Brentwood area – one of the fastest growing communities in the province. A place to go to school is an integral part of any neighbourhood, and ensuring children have safe places to learn is a priority we share with the Ministry of Education and Child Care.”

The announcement on April 17 was made by the Minister of Education and Child Care at a special event held at Brentwood Park Elementary which, as announced last December, is also getting an expansion, along with nearby Kitchener Elementary.

Minister of Education and Child Care, Rachna Singh:

“As more people choose to call BC home, our government is continuing to build, expand and upgrade schools across the province. This project in Brentwood will provide more student space in Burnaby as part of our commitment to ensuring that students have access to safe, quality schools that are close to home.”

The District is proceeding with a business case and project definition report to detail the scope, schedule, and budget for the new school. Once complete, it will be brought forward to the Provincial Government for final funding approval. The project proceeds to design and construction, following funding approval.

The need for a new Brentwood Town Centre-East elementary school was set out in the District’s new Long-Range Facilities Plan. It lays out a roadmap of the Board’s plans for buildings, including strategies to address the pressure placed on school buildings by enrolment growth. It is the overarching plan from which the District determines capital funding requests to the Ministry.

Read the Burnaby School District’s Long-Range Facilities Plan��here.

The Ministry also detailed in its $1.9 million for minor capital projects at several Burnaby schools.

Scroll down to see more photos

Learn More About Capital Projects in the District

City News, April 17, 2024

Burnaby Now, April 17, 2024

Daily Hive, April 17, 2024

April 17, 2024
Goodbye and Hello Burnaby North Secondary
February 2024
Two Elementary School Expansions Coming to North Burnaby
December 2023
New District-Wide Plan for the Future of School Buildings
May 2023
City and School District Determine Site for New School in Brentwood Neighbourhood
February 2023
Seismic Improvements Providing Upgrades
September 2022
New School Announced for Elementary Students at Stride Avenue
April 2021
Seismic Upgrades Announced for Parkcrest and Seaforth
June 2019
A Brand New Burnaby North Secondary Announced
October 2018

Posted April 17, 2024

The post Another Step Forward Toward a New Elementary School appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

A student-led talent show returned to the stage for the first time since the pandemic began.

Burnaby’s Got Talent is a long-standing tradition in the District that is organized and led by youth who are part of the District Student Advisory Council (DSAC). This year’s event featured 14 top acts from all eight high schools.

Catherine (Yuhan) Luo is a DSAC representative from Burnaby Mountain Secondary and served as Chair of DSAC’s Burnaby’s Got Talent Committee. The Grade 11 student was pleased with how each performer had a chance to “radiate under the spotlight.”

It was the stage that shined light on the hidden gems that have always been waiting for an opportunity. Seeing the rewarding smiles on each of the performers’ faces and the audience watching, I believe DSAC’s tireless efforts have paid off because we, as the leaders of the district, have successfully united the students of Burnaby through a truly memorable event.”

In the lead-up, students competed at the school level first for one of the coveted spots on the big night. In addition to building school spirit, the initial local event was also an opportunity for the school community to come together. In some cases, also shared their skills.

The finalist student acts were chosen by their peers for the main event held at the Michael J Fox Theatre on April 8. Students and staff joined the public in the audience to cheer on their favourites. From acrobatics to a ukulele solo, the appreciative crowd was treated to a variety of talent. See the full programme here.

The judges’ choice award went to Alec Brent from Alpha Secondary, who played an original piano composition called “Rain over the Ocean.”

The audience’s choice award went to Pale Blue Dream, a rock band from Burnaby Mountain Secondary. Felix Roh, Geonhee Kim, Steve Lim, James Hur, and Ryan Kim performed a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.”

Scroll down for more photos.

Posted April 2024

The post Talented Students Spotlighted in Competition appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

Twenty-one elementary classrooms from across the Burnaby School District had the chance to participate in a unique project called Design an Ad.

In partnership with the Burnaby Now, the opportunity allows Grade 6 and 7 students to try their hand at marketing by designing an ad for a local business or organization. In addition to career exploration, it’s a chance to be published on .

The students’ ads are presented to participating businesses for their selection. The Burnaby Now’s move from print to digital has allowed advertisers to choose more than one winner if they wish.

Publisher Lara Graham:

The student-made ads are handcrafted and draw attention to the advertisers’ messages in a unique way. We’re proud to be able to offer this to local businesses and organizations and to provide a learning experience for participating students that enriches the community.”

One of the organizations that students design an ad for is the Burnaby School District. Students work toward a specific theme while creating their marketing piece, with this year’s being: “Where Learning is Your Superpower.”

����ֱ�� Chair Bill Brassington talks about its significance:

“We live in a society that’s filled with fast-paced change. Core skills, such as creative and critical thinking, are important for thriving – no matter what the future brings. In a sense, learning is a kind of superpower students can draw upon throughout their lives for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

Design an Ad is a longstanding partnership between the Burnaby Now and the District that began in 2003. Additional opportunities for career exploration are offered throughout Burnaby schools, such as through Programs of Choice, which are strengthened by partnerships with post-secondary institutions and industry. The options for high school students include everything from technology and trades to exploring health sciences or the world of engineering. Learn more.

The project is culminating with the chosen ads being published digitally by the Burnaby Now from the middle of April through early May. They are also showcased in a special Design an Ad feature, which can be seen .

Posted April 2024

The post Partnership with Burnaby Now Creates Opportunity for Students appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

Students at Montecito Elementary��got to dive into the “Bears’ Lair” thanks to a partnership with a parent at the school who is part of a television program of the same name.

Geena Jackson from the Shíshálh Nation��is a judge and creator of Bears’ Lair, a reality TV series about Indigenous entrepreneurs that airs on APTN. She leads a related youth camp that all Grade 6/7 students at Montecito Elementary got the chance to participate in.

The children at the school worked on developing a product, budget, marketing, and presenting their ideas.

Tanis Anderson is the Principal of Montecito Elementary:

Everything was professional and next level. We’re so thankful to Geena and the team for their partnership and expertise. The students’ creativity soared, and it was so much fun to watch them engage deeply and joyfully in this unique career exploration opportunity.”

Anderson noted that students covered many parts of the curriculum, including Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST), Math, Language Arts and all core competencies.

“They have learned about public speaking, hand shaking, eye contact, and so many more skills that they will use throughout their lives.”

Over several days, students learned the fundamentals as they created a business idea, developed a logo and more. They then worked on presenting their pitch – all with mentorship, coaching, and guidance from facilitators.

As they would have if they were adults on the Bears’ Lair show, the students were filmed as they pitched their business ideas. The project culminated in a celebration of learning at the school where the video presentations were shared.

Posted April 2024

The post Student Growth in the Bears’ Lair appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

While today’s students have grown up with technology, the knowledge and skills to navigate it safely and in a useful way don’t necessarily come naturally. A new awareness campaign, combined with learning skills in classrooms, is designed to support students to best use technology.

The focus is on familiarizing students with what’s called digital literacy and digital citizenship, as well as supporting a healthy digital life. Digital literacy describes the ability to use technology tools to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. Digital citizenship is the ability to navigate and engage in digital environments safely and responsibly.

Lucky Saini is the District Principal of Education Technology for the Burnaby School District:

Digital literacy and citizenship skills are the building blocks to make smart and safe use of technology in all aspects of life. Whether it’s about cell phone use, artificial intelligence, or safe and respectful use of social media, technology comes at children and youth quickly. Having a foundation in digital literacy and citizenship gives them the tools to both make technology work for them and make good decisions while they’re using it.”

Students as young as Kindergarten and through Grade 12 will learn through age-appropriate lessons and activities. The learning outcomes are wide-ranging, such as: demonstrating skills to create and share work digitally; finding and verifying information; staying safe online and being mindful of your digital footprint; being respectful to others in digital spaces; and healthy use of technology.

Burnaby Mountain Secondary student Lucas Fong is part of the District Student Advisory Council (DSAC). The Grade 12 thinks it’s important for this kind of learning in schools:

“Living in a society of technology that advances at unprecedented speeds, it is important that our youth learn how to navigate through social media platforms responsibly. Providing a space where students can learn about the effects of social media and how to moderate usage would be beneficial towards preventing cyberbullying cases and reduce the number of victims of social media traps.”

Fellow DSAC member Benny Woods is a Grade 12 student at École Cariboo Hill Secondary, and also sees a need for this campaign and classroom learning:

“I see a great need for digital skills within schools. It seems to me that every student now has social media accounts, even those in elementary school. Students are not well informed about the negative impact that may result from these types of accounts. Children do not know how to navigate online relationships or hold themselves responsible for what they say or do online.”

In the classroom, teachers are being supported with resources and lesson plans. Professional development is structured around four themes: digital identity and relationships; privacy and security; mental health and wellness; and media literacy.

The campaign includes a series of posters about digital wellness, literacy, and citizenship at schools, as well as regular content for parents. The information for families is posted on a new webpage and is designed to provide practical supports for those who are looking for them. It includes tools, such as how to make a media usage plan to balance screen time, and information that demystifies social media platforms used by youth.

The District is planning information evenings in the spring for parents and families who are looking for support, as they help their children navigate their digital lives outside of school. Details about when, where and how to register can be found .

Learn More

Printable Posters

Posted February and Updated March 14, 2024

The post Supporting Students with Skills for a Healthy Digital Life appeared first on Burnaby Schools.

As Karim Hachlaf officially began in the Burnaby School District as Superintendent, one of the first things he did was go to every workstation in the administration office and introduce himself to each staff member at their desk.

I’ve very much enjoyed the chance to connect with people, as I’ve begun my new role in Burnaby. It’s clear to me that people here are passionate about public education and creating a positive impact for all students.”

A father of three and long-time resident of Burnaby, Hachlaf is also a parent in the District. While he already has exposure to public education in Burnaby and experience leading neighbouring New Westminster School District as Superintendent, he’s keen to learn more about the context here.

One of Hachlaf’s priorities is to get to know the people and culture.

“Over the coming months, I’ll be visiting as many schools as I can before the end of the school year. I look forward to the opportunity to meet more staff, talk with students, parents, partners, and see more of what makes the Burnaby School District such an amazing place to work and learn.”

He’s hitting the ground running, as Hachlaf joins the District during budget preparation for the next school year, and as the ����ֱ�� works to create a new strategic plan that will guide the District’s work for the coming years.

Hachlaf had been Superintendent in New Westminster since 2018. He began his career as a teacher in the North Vancouver School District in 1999, quickly taking on various leadership positions. He holds a Master of Education, Administration and Leadership from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Bachelor of Education, Secondary and a Bachelor of Arts, Human Kinetics – both also from UBC.

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Posted April 2024

The post New Superintendent Welcomed appeared first on Burnaby Schools.