Published: May 3, 2023

Around the district is a monthly update that includes a collection of stories from Richmond schools. These stories highlight Richmond's vibrant learning community which fosters student engagement, creativity, and well-being in inclusive learning environments.

Celebrating Student Learning: McRoberts Capstone Showcase
McRoberts held its annual Capstone Showcase, and it was a heartwarming celebration of the learning journeys of Grade 12 students. Families and community members were invited to join in the festivities and support the students as they showcased their knowledge, competencies, and passions.

The Capstone project is a requirement for graduation, where students undertake an independent inquiry project that integrates personal interests, strengths, and new learning with preferred future possibilities. This provides students with a platform to demonstrate their unique talents and passions, and the importance of this project cannot be overstated.

The in-school showcase allowed all McRoberts students to participate in the celebration, followed by an evening event for the wider community. It was a treat to see families and community members come together to celebrate the achievements of our students.

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Cambie Student Awarded $100K Loran Scholarship
Cambie Secondary student, Gerardo Mejia, has been awarded a prestigious Loran Scholarship worth $100,000.00. This scholarship is one of the largest undergraduate merit awards in Canada, and it recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate character, commitment to service, and leadership.

Gerardo is a true leader who has co-chaired their graduation council, organized several fundraising activities, and captained Cambie's First Responder Team. In addition to his academic achievements, he volunteers for the Migrant Workers Ministry, supporting migrant workers during their stay in Canada.

Gerardo plans to pursue a degree in sciences and eventually apply to medical school. We are excited to see where their talents and passions take them, and we are confident that they will continue to make an impact in their future endeavours.

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Richmond Students Build Bright Futures with Youth Work in Trades
The Youth Work in Trades program provides Richmond students with much more than just valuable experience in their chosen skilled trades. Michael, a recently graduated Richmond student, received support from the Career Programs Office, registered his work hours with SkilledTradesBC, earned four senior secondary school courses (16 school credits), and even received a $1000 award for completing a few assignments while continuing to do the work he was already doing.

Imagine a world where you can get paid while gaining valuable experience in the skilled trade of your choice. Well, for Richmond students like Michael, that dream can become a reality thanks to the Youth Work in Trades program.

Michael had nothing but positive things to say about his experience with the program. "The online courses were incredibly helpful, and the Career Programs Office was always there to support me," he shared.

In addition to the Youth Work in Trades program, the Career Programs Office also offers Youth TRAIN in Trades programs, which provide tuition-free post-secondary technical training in a variety of skilled trades, including professional cook, plumbing, electrician, carpentry, auto service technician, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), and more, all while earning both high school and post-secondary credits. If you're a Richmond student interested in a skilled trade career, contact the Career Programs Office to learn more about these incredible opportunities.

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Palmer Secondary School Promotes Road Safety
Palmer Secondary School, in partnership with ICBC, Richmond Fire, and the Richmond RCMP, are organizing a fantastic road safety event that will feature a range of activities including a crashed car display, fatal vision goggles, and a police cruiser exhibit.

This event is part of the school's ongoing commitment to promote road safety and is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of safe driving and pedestrian behavior.

By participating in this event, students will gain valuable knowledge about safe driving and pedestrian behavior and will be encouraged to adopt safe practices when using the roads. We applaud Palmer Secondary School for its ongoing commitment to promoting road safety and look forward to seeing the positive impact this event will have on students.

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Blair Elementary Hosts Social and Emotional Family Event
Blair Elementary School hosted its annual Social and Emotional Family Event on April 12th, with over 100 families in attendance. The event was organized by the school's social and emotional learning committee and facilitated by several staff members, who aimed to deepen families' understanding of the social and emotional skills and strategies taught to students.

Various topics were presented during the evening, including mindfulness, gratitude circles, self-regulation strategies, outdoor learning, emotional check-ins, SEL using hands-on materials, and social and emotional learning through literacy.

Parents left the evening with a better understanding of the focus and curriculum that students have been learning. They were also encouraged to try some of the strategies shared, such as different breathing techniques to calm bodies and minds at home. The event aimed to strengthen the connection between home and school, enabling students to be more successful in both school and life.

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Unleashing Creativity: Fine Arts Night at Steveston-London Secondary
Steveston-London Secondary School welcomed the community to celebrate Fine Arts Night on April 12, 2023. The event showcased student talent across various art disciplines, including music, drama, visual art, and digital media.

The theatre was alive with performances by Grade 8, 9, and senior drama students who acted out fables, performed play-building, and presented the play "Raven and the First Men". The C-Lounge was transformed into a concert hall featuring performances by the junior band, senior band, and jazz band. The visual art and digital media display throughout the foyer and hallways captivated viewers, showcasing a wide variety of pottery, painting, graphic design, photography, and digital media.

Fine Arts Night truly provided students with a platform to showcase their talents and skills across various art disciplines. It highlighted the transformative power of art and how it can inform, educate, and move people. The event also strengthened the school's relationship with the community, who were able to enjoy and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the school's students.

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Celebrating Student Talent: Currie’s Got Talent Show Returns
The Currie’s Got Talent Show made a successful return this Spring. Students in Kindergarten – Grade 7 showcased their talents and passions in a wide range of disciplines, including music, drama, dance, and acrobatics. 
 
Their courage to share their gifts and interests brought joy to everyone. The core competencies were evident in every stage of the event, and students had the opportunity to grow their creative thinking, develop a growth mindset, and honour who they are as learners. Behind the scenes, many staff and students were a part of the production. It was truly a showcase of collaboration, creativity, and celebration. 

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