by Milan Streit

BACK TO SCHOOL

After a long summer break, public school students in Vancouver will be returning to classrooms on September 7.

So far, there has been little info on how the Vancouver School Board and King George High School will be managing masks, distancing, and other pandemic precautions during this latest wave of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

In Surrey, some teachers are calling for mandatory masks, smaller classrooms, better ventilation, and more remote learning options.

Student Opinions: Going back to School: The Dragon’s Pen asked students from all over the Vancouver School District via Instagram and Facebook what they thought about returning to school with the looming pandemic.

Here’s what they had to say:

Geoffery Yuill was one of many to suggest: “A vaccine mandate for everyone who is eligible to get it” in schools.

Xavier Mundi said that he wasn’t worried since he’s vaccinated saying “96 percent of cases are from unvaccinated people - should be fine.”

Tristian Belsay and Liam Stweart also said something similar to Xavier’s response.

NEW PRINCIPAL

After the departure of King George Secondary School Principal Geoffrey Taylor, the Dragon’s Pen can now confirm Tyler Evans, a former vice-principal at South Burnaby High, Surrey and Duncan has taken the top job.

According to his LinkedIn, he has been in teaching and leadership roles spanning 21 years at eight different schools in five districts, including an international role in Chongqing, China.

In Duncan on Vancouver Island, he taught a wide range of courses including Japanese, Communications, Planning, Mathematics, Information Technology, Social Studies and First Nations Studies. He was also the football team teacher and sponsor, having raised over $35,000 for the program.

In Burnaby, Evans supported teachers and staff overseeing leadership portfolios such as Aboriginal education, field trips and international students.

According to his profile, Evans is “devoted to building strong relationships throughout the school community and has the knowledge and skills to succeed with a diverse ethnic and socio-economic population.” He adds his “consistent focus is always keeping students at the centre of all decisions.”

ORANGE SHIRT DAY

Orange Shirt Day, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, is now a federal statutory holiday. In BC, all students will have the day off. In the days before, students are being encouraged to show up to school in orange shirts where special reconciliation instruction will be taught. The date recognizes and commemorates the tragic history of Canada’s residential school system.

In previous elections King George has often served as a polling station. No word at press time as where voting will take place this year.

ELECTION NEWS

As I was writing this month's column, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a surprise election.

For the October issue, The Dragon’s Pen will report on the student vote results, some of the concerns King George students have had with the government in the past, and what they hope to see from the 44th Canadian Parliament.

TO MY LOYAL READERS

Last month, I took a month's break from writing the Dragon’s Pen, the first time in my three years of writing. I always like to thank you for your continued support. Yes, I see and appreciate all your comments!

As school returns, expect a new year and more hard-hitting stories, along with an updated approach to the KG Archives report.