THE DRAGON'S PEN

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by Milan Streit 

INCREASED IN-PERSON LEARNING

Since September, many of my fellow students have expressed concern with the amount of in-person learning in Vancouver schools during the pandemic. We were only getting 8.75 hours a week at King George.  

Recently, Grade 8 students began receiving more in-class time, with flex-time turned into class time with actual teachers.

Unfortunately, Grades 9-12 were left in the dust until a major announcement just before Spring Break. In an email to parents, Rob Schindel, VSB Associate Superintendent said: “The District has reviewed and analyzed feedback from staff, parents, and students, as well as attendance and achievement data in Q1, Q2 and Q3 to guide decision-making.” The email went on to say: 

“Here are the changes, effective April 26, 2021: 

  • Maximize the amount of in-person learning time to two hours and 45 minutes every day for all Grade 8 and 9 courses.  

  • Increase in-person learning time for students in Grades 10 through 12 to two hours and 45 minutes two days per week, and one hour and 45 minutes, three days per week.  

  • Allow any student wanting to attend school all day, to do so.  

  • Continue to work collaboratively with families to support those students struggling with their overall mental well-being.”

According to Schindel, the District “has focused on the mental health and well-being of students when making these adjustments and remains committed to student choice and educational access for marginalized and vulnerable students by supporting both remote and in-person learning.” 

Comparing hours to other school districts is still quite disappointing, with the VSB having some of the lowest in-person learning levels in the province. Surrey, West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Burnaby Grade 8 and 9 students are back full-time, while Grades 10-12 are in the 15-22 hours a week range. 

MORE CORONA VIRUS NEWS

Before Spring Break, another student at King George tested positive for Covid-19. In a letter to parents we were informed of other potential exposures happening on March 2, 3 and 5th.  

Friendly reminder — if you don’t feel well, don’t go to school.  

LRP participants on a “mini outdoor walk”. (click on any photo in The West End Journal to enlarge)

LEADERSHIP RESILIENCY PROGRAM SAVED

In the last edition of “The Dragon’s Pen” we told you about the potential loss of a popular student volunteer program in Vancouver. The Leadership Resiliency Program, of which I am a member, had been scrambling to secure more funding after the end of federal government support.  

We mentioned in February's edition that LRP secured funding for at least one more year. 

We are now happy to report that the provincial government, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, is providing long-term funding. It’s amazing that this program can continue operating. 

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to save LRP!

Kaz Nickel and King George Dragons teammates.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE

With the easing of some restrictions from the provincial government, some high school sports are now returning to KG. Our school is running ten sports until the end of the school year, with full COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Here’s a full list: 

  • Juvenile Boys Volleyball 

  • Bantam Boys Volleyball 

  • Senior/Junior/Juvenile/Bantam Boys Soccer 

  • Senior/Junior/Juvenile/Bantam Girls Soccer 

  • Mountain Biking 

  • Track and Field 

  • Co-Ed Tennis 

  • Co-Ed Golf 

  • Co-Ed Ultimate 

  • Co-Ed Badminton 

Be sure to check out the sign-up sheets located in room 306.  

A sneak peek into the King George Archives, a treasury of the school’s history.

INTO THE ARCHIVES

This month’s “Into The Archives” photo comes from the archives room itself. This photo was taken inside King George High just before last year's March lockdown when our club was still meeting. As you can see, it’s packed with rare KG collectibles and historic items. Yes, that’s a working vintage typewriter in the bottom right-hand corner. No, I did not use it to write this article.

Unfortunately, there are no plans to open the archives to the public this school year since the general public isn't supposed to visit schools during the pandemic. Of course, if any opportunities do come up, The West End Journal will keep you posted.

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Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher