Students across our district were filled with excitement as they engaged in a variety of Halloween activities. From vibrant costume parades to pumpkin patch outings and creative classroom projects, the festivities brought joy and united students.

In the spirit of giving, some of our leadership students teamed up with The Good Shepherd Ministry to support individuals living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. After Halloween, students collected extra pre-packaged candy, which they carefully sorted, packaged and distributed to those in need. This initiative allows the warmth of the Halloween season to extend beyond the school walls, creating a meaningful opportunity to give back to the broader community.

Schools across BC took part in Student Vote, an initiative aimed at providing students with firsthand experience of the electoral process. This program encourages learners to explore democracy, government, and elections while casting their own ballots in a mock election.

This engaging program allowed them to research candidates, discuss key issues, and make informed decisions — mirroring the experience of real voters during an election. They enhanced their understanding of civic participation and the role they will play as future voters, instilling a sense of responsibility and engagement in the democratic process.

A group of students shared an unforgettable journey together at Camp Jubilee, where learning and adventure came together in the heart of nature. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, students immersed themselves in hands-on outdoor activities that sparked curiosity and inspired a deeper connection to the natural world.

The camp encouraged students to build resilience, collaborate, and broaden their perspectives. Each activity enriched their understanding of the environment and also strengthened friendships, creating lasting bonds that will continue to grow in the classroom.

This incredible experience nurtured a love for learning beyond school walls, making it a memorable and meaningful chapter in their educational journey.

Students showcased their creativity at the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex for Roots Unearthed, an inspiring feature of the 2024 Culture Days. This unique event, in collaboration with the Richmond Arts Coalition and the district, brought students together with local artists Bea Martin and Johnny MacRae to create powerful artwork and spoken word pieces exploring identity and personal heritage.

Through a blend of visual and performance art, students shared stories inspired by meaningful objects linked to their lives or family histories. The project encouraged them to celebrate their roots and discover new ways to express themselves.
Roots Unearthed was more than an exhibition — it was a testament to the impact of arts education in empowering young voices and supporting a deeper appreciation for cultural identity and self-expression.

Students discovered Indigenous art and engaged with a Salish Weave kit in a hands-on, station-based classroom activity. Working in small groups, they analyzed traditional Coast Salish shapes — circles, ovals and crescents — found in Indigenous artwork. They then applied these shapes to craft their own animal designs, pressing them into styrofoam sheets to experiment with printmaking.

With thoughtful colour selections, they inked and printed their designs, creating unique pieces that honoured Coast Salish traditions while showcasing their individual creativity. This immersive activity  developed their artistic skills and also brought about a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture, encouraging them to interpret these traditions through their own use of colour, pattern and form.

A heartwarming community-building project beautifully combined visual arts and literacy to celebrate connection and belonging. Inspired by The Big Book of Belonging by Yuval Zommer, the project’s centerpiece is a vibrant, nature-themed mural that captures the deep bond between humans and the natural world, echoing the author’s message: “we all belong to nature, and nature belongs to us all.”

As part of this collaborative effort, students, staff and parents contributed I Am From poems, reflecting on their unique identities. The mural itself features symbolic elements: hand shapes for students, heart shapes for staff, and stars for parents, representing the diverse voices and shared sense of community. Displayed prominently throughout the year, this artwork stands as a celebration of unity, creativity, and the strength of the school community.

In an exciting math workshop, students engaged in a variety of interactive games designed to enhance their mathematical skills. The session began with a guided number talk, allowing them to share their thoughts and strategies while encouraging a collaborative learning atmosphere.

Following this interactive introduction, they had the chance to choose from several table tasks tailored to essential math concepts. They were encouraged to select a math problem and solve it in at least two different ways, promoting critical thinking. In pairs, they counted collections using various strategies, further exploring different counting methods. The excitement continued as students rolled dice and added up shakers, focusing on addition and subtraction in a fun and playful manner.

This hands-on approach made math enjoyable and empowered our young learners to build confidence in their problem-solving abilities. Overall, the workshop was a tremendous success, underscoring the importance of interactive learning in our classrooms.

Students, staff, and parents joyfully celebrated the official opening of a new playground. This exciting enhancement to their school community was made possible through fundraising efforts and a generous grant from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

The celebration highlighted remarkable community spirit, as devoted parents and school members came together to assemble the playground equipment over the weekend. Their commitment to improving their school environment was evident in their hard work, whereby creating a safe and inviting play area for all students to enjoy.