by Milan Streit

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM PRINCIPAL TAYLOR

King George Secondary School principal Geoff Taylor has released another coronavirus update via email to parents. He says the school continues to reinforce and maintain all the prescribed health and safety protocols inside the school. “All Athletics (basketball and volleyball) and clubs are operating according to Provincial Health Officer and Vancouver School Board policy, with social distancing, masks and hand washing/sanitizing as ordered,” he writes.

Many students remain concerned about the lack of basic acknowledgement about an inconsistent mask policy along with lax protocols in gym classes. We’re also hearing through social media about afterschool gatherings and underground parties, which is very worrisome.

Principal Taylor says staff are also planning 2021-22 course selection processes over the next few weeks. More information is to come, including the switch to a one-week course rotation.

LOW COVID TRANSMISSION IN VSB SCHOOLS

Some good news from the Vancouver School Board during this pandemic. New data released suggests a low transmission of COVID-19 in our schools. Those aged 5 - 17 years of age accounted for six percent of Vancouver Coast Health (VCH) COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. That’s despite representing 10 percent of VCH’s population.

VCH Medical Health Officer Dr. Alex Choi says evidence shows children are less likely to get infected. “We want educators, other school staff, parents/caregivers and students to feel reassured that schools are a safe and low-risk environment for COVID-19 transmission.” He believes the safety plans currently in place are “robust and effective.”

Dr. Choi says the data supports efforts to keep schools open, and for students to attend in-person, “While we have seen a moderate increase in COVID-19 cases among young people since the end of October, this is reflective of the overall increase in COVID-19 cases in our communities.”

He adds that schools are “an essential determinant of physical, mental and emotional development.”

A rack of rusty barbells. (Hanif Karmali Photo)

AGING WEIGHT ROOM NEEDS MAKE-OVER

It’s no secret at our school that the popular weight room at King George is sadly well past its prime. Stainless steel is rusting, and dumbbells are in rough shape. In fact, school administrators fear the space attached to the gym may have to be closed due to its deteriorating condition.

Now, the school is hoping a potential $10,000 cash infusion from the Parent Advisory Committee and a direct fundraising appeal to parents will help bring in some modern and safe equipment for students.

If you want to donate to this healthy and worthy cause (and get a tax receipt), please click here to find the official King George “Families” website’s fundraising page, or just drop a cheque off in the office.

PAC FUNDING REQUESTS

Every year, the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) provides thousands of dollars to various school groups, teams and other initiatives at KG. Much of the funding comes from a grant to the PAC from the provincial gaming branch, so be assured those losing lottery tickets you’re buying are making a difference, somewhere.

Here are some of the many funding requests which are being fulfilled by the PAC:

$1,000 for “Here for Peers,” an external website linked to the King George web page which provides mental health supports for students.
$1,000 to the Drama Club for movie-making equipment. Because the annual play has been cancelled due to COVID, students will be making a film instead.
$200 for Anti-Racism committee events and supplies.
$300 for supplies to seed and distribute KG grown potted plants to engage students in the indigenous tradition of gifting something made and connected to the land.
$1,200 to the Jam Club for a drum kit and supplies.
$2,000 has been approved for this year’s graduation celebration.
$2,100 is going to the E-Sports Team for equipment including a projector.

The horror movie-ready stairs and halls of the old King George Secondary School on Burrard.

INTO THE ARCHIVES

This month's archives photo shows the halls of the old King George High on Nelson and Burrard. In the background, you can see some trophies on top of lockers from the many clubs and teams. In the distance, you get a glimpse of a water fountain along with the office entrance.

Now, I generally keep this news column opinion free, but wow, this looks straight out of a horror movie!

Thanks to all my loyal readers!

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Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher