THE DRAGON'S PEN
/CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
A Cozy Fire In The Foyer
Every year, King George Secondary prepares for the holidays.
From decorations in classrooms to festive lockers, many students start feeling the spirit of Christmas. Long time youth and family worker/archives curator Jess Coomes sets up a fireplace in the foyer complete with miniature winter houses and a Christmas tree. Jess also transforms into the famous man in red on the last day of school before winter break.
I briefly spoke with him about this years’ display details.
“What I want to do is make kids that go to this school who walk in to feel like that the school cares about the holidays. It's also a change from the regular lobby, which is quite boring. But most importantly, it makes students feel guilt when they leave for winter break,” he says with a smile on his face.
SKATING IN GYM CLASS
Helmets Now Mandatory
December brings all gym classes at KG to the West End Arena ice.
It's a great time for students to work on an old or new skill. But keep in mind, there is a new rule this year. Helmets are now mandatory for all skaters. While safety is key, this has created a problem. The West End Community Centre has a limited number of helmets and given the fact most students are going to use medium or large, that's only around 20 helmets.
So, students are asked to bring their own helmets. It also stops the spread of head lice.
Though underfunded and short on supplies, Devon and other woodworking students are learning the craft.
WOODWORKING THIS MONTH
Tables & Chairs
This month, The Technology Education class is building end tables. Each student’s design is different while still following instructions. However, some students are going above and beyond and are designing their own table from scratch.
Most tables are mini, being around 18” inches (45.5cm) high. But those are the parameters of this superb course.
It brings up a point of underfunding of the woodworking program. The provincial government gives the program $10 per year for each student in the elective, except Grade 8s. Woodworking teacher, J. Au reports that he sometimes goes to construction sites to get wood for free.
CANLEY CUP 2019
Cans For The Food Bank
The long running Canley Cup returns this December, presented by the Student Council.
This is a competition to see which class can collect the most food cans for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The winning classroom will receive a pizza lunch.
The competition ends December 18. Students can donate by dropping off cans at your Period 1, Day 1 teacher.
King George Dragons team member Alejandro evades Spartan players at a match at Windermere Secondary.
KING GEORGE SPORTS
Basket, Volley, & Dodge Balls Rule
Basketball season is underway for the King George Dragons senior boys. The team's social media has recently been hyping up the school, and head coach, Darko Kulic, stated that he is confident with his team.
Good luck boys!
Volleyball is done for the season. Big congratulations to everyone who participated on the multiple school volleyball teams this year.
The King George Dodgeball team (sponsored by the West End Community Center) recently went from last to second place and beat all community centers except for Hillcrest at a tournament. Some highlights included an amazing catch by Nicolas, and some super-fast throws by Tyell.
Two visions, the old and the new, of King George School.
INTO THE ARCHIVES
This month’s edition of Into the Archives showcases a painting of the two versions of King George Secondary.
It was created by a student in the 2000s by an artist whose name is lost to us, and is now located in the office hallway, right next to Jess Coomes’ office.
WINTER BREAK REMINDERS
Winter Break starts on December 21 and ends on January 6. Report cards will be coming out on December 6. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
