Across the District, engagement with partners strengthens the experience for students, enhances learning opportunities, and supports community connection. Some recent examples follow.
After-school programs at Edmonds Community School gave children a chance to try baking and cartooning. Over a two-week period, children at Brentwood Park Elementary learned hip hop and presented a routine, with staff having just as much fun as the students. Earlier, with support from the Parent Advisory Committee, children at Confederation Park Elementary took fencing lessons. The school also had a visit from BC Hydro, where presenters shared with students how water becomes electricity.
Children on the Food Bank Team at Taylor Park Elementary delivered items to the Food Hub at Burnaby Neighbourhood House, after meeting their ambitious goal of one item collected for every student at the school. Leadership students from Burnaby North Secondary volunteered their time on a weekend to help organize formal wear for the Cinderella Project. The event, held at a downtown hotel, aims to ensure everyone has a chance to have special attire for their high school graduation.
As part of being accepted as a Jays Care Affiliate School, Kitchener Elementary is providing two programs for students who are new to baseball or may face other barriers to sport. Children at Kitchener also had an opportunity to connect with the crew who have been working on the school’s addition. They got the chance to learn about career options in construction.
Staff in the District’s Settlement Workers in Schools program have been supporting refugees and newcomers who live at YWCA Cindy Beedie Place, which is in a newly opened residence for single mothers who have experienced intimate partner violence. SWIS workers provided an orientation at the residence for moms with students in our schools, helped some of the single mothers register their children for school, and connected the women with community supports.
Twelve high school students from Byrne Creek Community School and Cariboo Hill Secondary were treated to a unique experience courtesy of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In recognition of positive work in the community, the Whitecaps invited the District to bring people to attend the football club’s Black History Month game. After receiving complimentary tickets to watch the game, the youth were invited onto the field to meet some of the players.
Posted March, 2026