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October 23rd 2012

McCreary Centre Society Adolescent Health Survey V

• Established in 1992
• Survey for grades 7 through 12
• Administered every 5 years
• Used by support agencies for the VSB in relation to health of students, as well as to allocate funding
• Helps to plan counseling services for schools
• Question raised for active or passive notification
• Passive notification means that parents are informed that the child will participate in the survey, and parents can request for the student to not participate
• Active notification means that students must get parent consent to be able to participate in the survey
• From 1992 to 2008 passive notification was used
• In 2008 the survey was switched to active notification
• For that survey, enrollment dropped 20% from 60% to 40%
• To bring participation back up, committee III took a vote to decide if the notification system should be moved back to passive
• Motion passed – Committee III decided to change the notification process to passive

Summary: The McCreary Centre Society Adolescent Health Survey is administered every five years to students from grades 7-12. In 2008 the survey was administered using an active notification system, which brought down enrollment. To bring enrollment back up, Committee III voted to change the survey back to a passive notification system.

Continuing Education

• Continuing education refers to night school and adult education courses
• Approximately a third of classes that ran last year ran this year, however the ratio of number of classes planned to number of classes that actually ran rose
• There was an increase in registration due to an increase in marketing during the past year
• The program needs more revenue in order to make the project cost neutral, and so for that reason, they are not developing any new programs right now, rather they are focusing on updating the website, as well as continuing marketing

Summary: Even though only a third of classes that ran last year also ran this year, there was a higher ratio of planned classes that actually ran. In order to increase revenue, the program is focusing on their website and marketing, instead of developing new programs.

Summer School Update

• This is a summary of the annual summer school update that is presented to Committee III around this time annually
• To give a background on how the system works: from Nov. to Dec. principals and vice principals are appointed, from Jan. to June is the planning stage, and July and August is when Summer School is in session
• The program tries to establish schools in areas where there is a heavily trafficked route, which makes the school easier to get to
• As well, they are geographically distributed throughout the city
• The elementary schools that house summer schools are: Grandview (Inner City), Maple Grove, Mackenzie (Gifted), Nootka, Tennyson (French), Waverly and Tecumseh (August). For secondary schools: Churchill, Gladstone, John Oliver, Magee, Point Grey, Prince of Whales and David Thompson
• As well this year the summer school program is offering an exam-centre where students can come and take the provincial exams required for their graduation
• Because of complaints of traffic around summer schools last year, the summer school program is piloting a new schedule this year. It involves having two blocks a day instead of three, which enables the school to be in session for only 3 weeks instead of 4, which reduces the weeks of traffic for the neighborhood

Summary: The annual Summer School Report showed that the program is running well in many elementary and secondary schools around the city. The only complaint that has come forward is the amount of traffic around schools with summer schools, and so to address this program the summer schools are piloting a new schedule to reduce the amount of time summer school is in session.

Semi Finals, which is top 18 contestants, will be held on April 27th, 2012. Tickets will cost 7 dollars for this night.

Finals, which is top 8, will be held on May 4th, 2012. Tickets will cost 10 dollars for this night, and we have Kid Carson  from the Beat hosting the event that night!

We have a combo pack for both nights, which only costs 15 dollars.

There will also be a few special guest performances during the event.

More to come!

Here are our lovely contestants and their respective schools:

Jiro Dumrique, from Charles Tupper

Hs name is Jiro Jerome Dumrique, but he prefers to be called Jiro. He is in Grade 10,representing Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School. He is 15 years old. He started to show his interest in Music at the age of 3. Singers that inspire him are Brian McKnight, Arnel Pineda and Chris Brown. He loves to sing during his spare time.

Kate Kurdyak, from Lord Byng

For 16-year-old Kate Kurdyak, music has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Kate has been singing with choirs since the age of 7. She plays the violin and viola in the Strings Program at Lord Byng Secondary School and she is currently working on her RCM grade 9 piano. Kate loves writing and performing her own music and in 2012 she received the Cultch’s Ignite! Songwriting Mentorship and she is currently ranked in the top 3 in BC’s Best Teen Band Contest. Kate can be found playing in local coffeehouses in and around Vancouver or busking on sunny days at Granville Island.

Rachel Laride, from Point Grey

Rachele Laride is an artistic sixteen year-old girl currently attending Point Grey Secondary School. Being only in her third year of high school, she is greatly involved in the music program as well as the sports program at Point Grey. She is extremely easy-going, friendly and some may even call her bubbly. She takes pleasure jamming with her friends and posting covers on Youtube. She not only dedicates her time to music & sports but also to her family and friends.

Min Young Hwang, from Prince of Wales

Min Young would never have imagined that bursting into song at home and excessively listening to her favourite songs would get her anywhere, but it somehow did! She’s tried pretty much everything, from Vocal Jazz to Musical Theatre, but her favourite remains to be soul music – mmm. Don’t be too surprised when she talks, though; she gets the “wow you sing?” a bit too often. Her #1 role model is Beyonce (she’s a beast); Min Young is also dying to learn the guitar. She looks forward to serenading you – and only you, baby – at VanCity Idol.

Jeemin Roh, from University Hill

Jeemin is a singer-songwriter that writes about memories, hope, childhood sweethearts, loss, and etc. Three winters ago, Jeemin got a guitar for a Christmas present. That’s when she began to sing and write her own songs. When she received such positive feedback about her music, she was initially surprised and then was encouraged to write and share more songs. Her songs are simply melodic confessions of a girl, where she writes out her heart and mind, and she hopes that you like them. Check out her songs at www.Youtube.com/hiseeyoulater and get a sneak peak for her performance!

Jasmine Traviss, from Sir Winston Churchill

Originally from Winnipeg, Jasmine moved to Vancouver when she was only one. She is a Grade 11 student at Sir Winston Churchill, and she has always had a love for music.
At 8 years old, Jasmine started her musical journey taking private Violin lessons. A year later she joined the Corelli Strings Orchestra, with which she is still involved with today, perfoming concerts for the public.  Jasmine taught herself how to play the guitar. She wrote her first song a few years ago and recently perfomed that very song at the Biltmore for Talenttime TV. You may see Jasmine from time to time singing on youtube, or busking on Granville Island. Jasmine hopes to go to Concordia University to study Performing Arts.

Kaitlyn Boucher, from Kitsilano

Kaitlyn Hansen-Boucher goes to Kitsilano Secondary School. She loves performing. Whether she is dancing, singing, or acting she is always enjoying herself. Last year she played the role of ‘Babette’ in Beauty and The Beast, put on by Broadway Edge Musical theatre company. Kaitlyn is so grateful to be able to compete in this years VanCity Idol, she is thankful for the amazing oportunity.
Marylou Vilegas, from Kilarney

Marylou Villegas is a grade 8 student that goes to Killarney Secondary School. She loves to sing and started to sing practically since she was born. She enjoys sports like soccer and volleyball. Music is a big part in her life because it’s another way to express yourself in things other than just words. Marylou plays many instruments which include the piano, clarinet, and guitar. She has also participated in many singing contest, including ‘The Next Star’. Some of her inspirations would be Leona Lewis and Celine Dion. She believes that everyone has a dream, but to chase it is your own choice.

Jade Barcelon, from Gladstone

Timothy Ebio, from Vancouver Technical

This is Timothy! He is a very studious boy who takes school very seriously. His favourite class at school is choir and he enjoys singing to the greatest degree known to man. When he grows up he wants to be the first singing dermatologist on broadway. Out of all the singers in the world, his favourite is Danny Hathaway and his favourite song is “For All We Know” which he sang for his audition in VanCity Idol. His favourite colour is yellow because it stands out and he would really appreciate your vote. SO VOTE TIMOTHY EBIO!!!!!
Dj Tejada, from Windermere


Molly Boca, from King George

Kyla Domingo, from Eric Hamber

Kyla Domingo enjoys performing. She loves to do best in front of crowds that motivate her through her singing experience. Other than singing, she enjoys shooting baskets, spiking balls and giving it her all on the court as she does on stage. Her favourite genres to listen to and sing are soul and R&B. VanCity Idol will be a milestone in her life that will increase her singing experience. She is truly blessed to be a part of VanCity Idol . In another note, turquoise is her favourite colour and clowns scare her :)

Maya Ayque, from Britannia

Teresa Icasiano, from David Thompson

Teresa Icasiano started to sing as soon as she could talk, and began to write her own lyrics and songs when she was 8. She believes that music is her everything; her life, she is most inspired by her family and friends. Teresa’s love for music provided her with the courage to perform on stage and lead her to be a part of a music group called Virus Tower She was the lead singer and has performed at multiple events including the Vancouver Olympics. Teresa is currently active in her high school choir and juggles attending choir practice in the early mornings and keeping her good grades.

Sarah Sum, from Magee

Sarah Sum is a tenth grade student and a soprano in the Magee Chamber Choir. She has performed in Germany, Austria, and Italy with the Choir. In her free time, Sarah enjoys listening to records, writing songs, and singing loudly while playing the piano when no one else is at home. She loves to sing everything, from theatre to choral and opera to jazz. She is a fan of British television and indie bands. Sarah has many dreams for the future, some of which include moving to England, writing a novel, and appearing in Doctor Who.

Mike Arcangel, from John Oliver

Representing John Oliver Secondary school, we have the very talented Michael Arcangel. Mike or Mikey, for short, has repeatedly flourished in the arts department, with the addition of being extremely talented in drawing, art, music and dance. In and out of school, he’s performed at many events and concerts. Whether it’d be singing or dancing, he’s never failed to impress the audience with his performances, but his charismatic personality and his bright smile never goes unforgotten. At school he’s gained much popularity over the years with his school band “In 3D”, where he takes the role as the lead singer.

Holly Day, from Templeton

Congratulations and best of luck to all of the contestants!

Jennifer Yoon
VDSC Vice President

Theme for VDSC 2011/2012: Working with the City to promote civic youth engagement.

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Agenda Items:

• VDSC Hoodies are in
• VDSC Citizen U participation
• Pink Shirt Day Press Conference Details
• Passport to Play
• VanCity Idol Voting and Tickets

___________________________________________________________________________

• King George
• Foyer area
• Everybody will wear pink
• Everybody at 8:30 AM
• (attach directions to meeting)
• During the press conference, the VDSC members will form human curtain behind speakers
• GB members will notify if there are speakers that may be able to speak for press conference.

Vancity Idol

• Remind respective student councils to send in contestants by end of week
• Talk to your Idols about March 6th Idol Photoshoot
• Prices; semi- $7 final-$10 both-$15
• Schools will buy tickets in advance and then would be sold in their own schools.
• Facebook page with reps on pages; (eg find leah bae at Lord Byng for tickets)
• Reps will talk to school sponsors and report back to VDSC
• Projectors; background could be determined by contestants if they wish and the resources are available.
• DJ not necessary

Voting

• semis: judges pick 4 audience picks 4
• finals: judges pick top five, audience picks winner and runners up
• judges will give feedback during finals, but not semi-finals

Other

• ask your pe departments about p2p; Can your school host it?
• citizen u sleepover at central library (more information to be given)
• be sure to bring a pink t-shirt to the press conference and to get your permission forms signed
• media consent forms may also have to be signed by your parents for the conference
• if you haven’t already given in your 5 dollars for a hoodie, you may still do so

The VDSC wanted to express to the provincial government that these are students speaking out for our peers who feel that it is absolutely mandatory that schools provide a safe space for every student. Because LGBTQ youth are so vulnerable to homophobic bullying, the VDSC devised and presented a 3-phase action plan that must be administered at the provincial level which promotes equality through equity from a young age, a survey to truly find out how B.C. is helping the students who are in a sexual minority, and requests a province-wide sexual orientation and gender identity policy.

The Speakers included…

Leah Bae, President of the Vancouver District Students’ Council

Spencer Chandra-Herbert, Vacouver – West End MLA

David Levitt, Student at A.R. MacNeil Secondary School

Jennifer Yoon, Vice President of the Vancouver District Students’ Council

Miranda Rutty, Student at David Thompson Secondary School

The speakers touched on various topics ranging from LGBTQ representation in media to personal experiences around bullying.

The Press Conference was an overall success. Thank you to all who participated and supported the event!

Jennifer Yoon
Vice President

January 09, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Committee Room # 120

I. Annual Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement Report

Steve Agabob

The AEEA I & M Committee acknowledges the positive work done by the Aboriginal Education Department in support of Vancouver’s AEEA through its second year of implementation. The committee looks forward to continued success as strength-based partners with the VSB.

Through this partnership, the district will pursue future development in an inclusive manner, allowing for participation of students, staff, community and various stakeholders.

While we can reflect on and appreciate individual and cohort specific Aboriginal student successes this past year we look to improved performance on behalf of all Aboriginal students in the coming year(s). This committee suggests we explore the following strategies and structures to secure a path to that end.

The proposals listed below align tightly with the overarching goals of our agreement and the core purpose of our district and will serve to create positive change, strengthen relationships and foster Aboriginal Education across all grades.

Recommendations for Year Three:

- Support the implementation an Aboriginal focus school,
- re-tool the consent-for-service processes
- Increase the designated space within schools for Aboriginal initiatives, parents, meetings
- mandate Connection Tool data be collected by grade across the district
- ensure schools include Aboriginal enhancement within their ProD/Non Instructional planning,
- provide Aboriginal staff development,
- restructure Aboriginal Enhancement service delivery model

II. Aboriginal Focused School Update

Lulla Johns / Valerie Overgaard

Background

The idea of an Aboriginal focused school has been in discussion between the Vancouver School Board and the Aboriginal community in Vancouver since 1996. For a variety of reasons, the community at that point was not prepared to go ahead with a school. The issue was recently re-visited and from January to May of 2011 the VSB hosted a number of Community Forums on the east side of Vancouver to hear community views on starting up such a school. The forums were chaired by Jo-ann Archibald, Professor at UBC. The result of the forums was clear community interest in developing an Aboriginal focused school and the community wanted to develop it quickly.

In July, Lulla Sierra Johns was hired as the Aboriginal Community Liaison for the VSB. She was instructed to put together a representative group of Aboriginal organizations who could become members of a Steering Committee which would be responsible for moving the project forward.

Membership includes:

Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (VAFCS)
Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS)
Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
Native Education College
Healing Our Spirit Society
ACCESS
Metis Nation BC
Musqueam Nation
Vancouver Elementary Principals and Vice-Principals
Vancouver Secondary Principals and Vice-Principals
Vancouver Elementary Teachers
Vancouver Secondary Teachers
CUPE
District Parents

Current Status

The Aboriginal Caucus is taking a lead role in making decisions about developing the Aboriginal focused school while the VSB stakeholders are assisting by providing advice; accessing research and data on school locations, numbers of Aboriginal students in what schools, where Aboriginal people live, trends in housing; as well as compiling Aboriginal-themed curricula.

To date, a Work Plan has been developed by the Steering Committee with tentative dates to meet the goals. A copy is attached. The Work Plan includes choosing a location and developing governance structures, staff recruitment, and student recruitment. The Caucus and Steering Committee are meeting every two weeks and are optimistic about the progress being made.

Next Meeting: February 15, 2012 at 5:30 pm in Room 120

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Samantha Truong
Committee III Rep.

1. Fresh Roots Urban Farms

• Local food farming company which works with schools to meet the BC Core Curriculum
• The organization has worked directly with 113 students and has the potential to engage 400 students this year
• 2011 Fresh roots harvested 3000 pounds of food, mostly from Queen Alex Elementary School
• Request Grant from the Vancouver School Board
• Asking for a percent of land to expand their gardens

2. Proposed New Garden Policy Regulation

• Discussed the Policy and Regulations regarding the (VSB GARDEN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT-to be sogined by school Principal/Garden partner/ Board Representative)
• A revised version was proposed, but their were many questions to be asked about the length and information included
• Areas greater than 2o square meters may require approval by the Manager of Maintenance and Construction
• Only permitted insecticides and pesticides are to be used in accordance with Board Policy and City By-Law requirements

3. Design Guidelines for School-Age Care

• Joint Childcare on Childcare (JCC)  goal of achieving 5% increase in childcare spaces
• The goal was exceeded by the end of the term
• Vancouver Board of Education’s capital program has potential to be quite extensive due to Provincial Seismic Upgrade Program
• Additional improvements/ finishes/ facilities funded by sources such as City of Vancouver, Childcare provider
• Introduced a guideline for shared space

4. May 30, 2011 Emergency Management Update for Trustees (Draft)

• June 7th, 2011 “Emergency Management Update for Trustees” report was presented
• it was the summary of the elements that are currently maintained as well as program elements initiated since reassignment of portfolio from Planning & Facilites to Health, Safety & Employee Support

5. Education Centre Parkade Report

• Increase the price of parking monthly and daily rates to increase revenue per year
• MONTHLY RATES                                            FROM-TO
  External parker                                                $75.00 $85.00
  Internal parker (Staff)                                       43.86 53.86
  DAILY HOURLY RATES                                  FROM TO
  ½ hour                                                                  $1.50 $2.00
  Daily                                                                       10.00 11.00
  Evening / Weekend                                             3.00 5.00
• Raises annually $30,000
• Increase in parking results in $10,000 gain
• REVENUE
  COLLECTED
  SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER      3 MONTH TOTAL
  2010 $11,076     $11,701      $11,690               $36,477
  2011 $15,094     $14,188      $15,202               $46,495
• reduction in free parking coupons

Aaron Wong

Committee II Representative

Vancouver Model United Nations 2012 will be a conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel during the weekend of January 20th to 22nd. Around 800 delegates will be attending.

For more information, please visit http://vmun.com/

Jennifer Yoon
VDSC Vice President