THE DRAGON'S PEN
/By Milan Streit
The #23 from Yaletown to Denman.
TRANSIT TROUBLES (AGAIN)
About two years ago we reported on overcrowding and bad schedules on the #23 bus. Since then, much has improved with the introduction of low-floor rolling stock, a more frequent schedule, and the terminus being closer to the school. However, with more students commuting from Yaletown, it seems overcrowding has again become a major issue.
Traffic from the school tends to fill up two and a half buses, and that’s not factoring in other people from the community who want to use the service.
Being on a full bus is never comfortable and with the #23 using small shuttle buses, standees are banned.
So, what are the other options? Well, there's always the #5/6. The #5 Downtown route is a surprisingly quick option to Yaletown, accessing the Canada Line as well. But, you will have to pay a transfer fare and the SkyTrain can get nastily crowded during rush hour.
On the other hand, the #5 Robson/#6 Downtown is even worse in many cases compared to the #23. "The route has stops at almost every block and usually doesn’t skip any of them." Often it’s overcrowded and sees high wheelchair ramp use causing delays.
The Dragon’s Pen would like to see one “School Special” on the #23 every weekday before and after school, using a standard bus and a slightly different route so regular buses have no problems on the small streets. Many students feel it would also be preferable if the bus could continue along Denman Street, dropping students directly in front of the school then could continue as the normal #5 Downtown Bus.
By doing this, students will be ready to learn without being late, and having a good commute to school can also greatly increase mental health.
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SCHOOL CLUBS & THINGS TO DO
Drop-in Youth Space … Sometimes lunch can be a drag with very limited activities going on around the school, until now. The West End Community Centre has teamed up with King George to host an activity every day (except Thursday), in and around the school.
Everyone is welcome to attend these activities and no sign-up is necessary. You can also suggest activities to the community youth worker, Jessica McCallum.
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Anti-Racism Student Committee … Want to be a part of the efforts to stop racism in the school setting? The Anti-Racism Student Committee is a great way to educate yourself and make an impact in the school and the community. To join, head down to Room 130, also known as the Music Room.
Badminton Open Gym … Every Friday morning from 7:15 to 8:30am, team up with someone or go solo for some badminton matches. All skill levels welcome, equipment provided (or bring your own.)
GRAD REMINDER
Here’s a message to all KG grade 12s planning to graduate. We are now starting to organize the main ceremony being hosted at Pan Pacific or Hotel Georgia. Please remember to pay your grad fees, which can be paid on the same website your school fees were originally paid. A link can be found on the school website.
Please also remember to check your Career Life Education teams page once in a while, and complete any assignments. Despite being online, it's a provincial government-required course and without it, you cannot graduate.
SWIM TEAM SUCCESS
The new King George Swim Team won big at the provincial swim meet at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Students Aki Zvjerac, Sofia Uzelac, Anna-Marie Skinder, Noah Macdonald, and Abigail Skinder put an amazing effort into the competition.
King George won gold and bronze in the two events late last month. A trophy will soon be displayed at KG.
WINTER BREAK REMINDER
The holiday season is here! Winter Break officially starts Saturday, December 18, and ends Monday, January 3. On behalf of myself and The West End Journal, we would like to wish everyone happy holidays and we will see you in the New Year.
