VSB: After The Bell

In part two of our post-secondary conversation, we spoke with three representatives from the admissions offices at Simon Fraser University, Capilano University and Langara College. Our three amazing guests, Mike Peragine from SFU, Rafaela Almeida Borges from Cap-U and Jennifer Paige from Langara continue helping families navigate the world of post-secondary admissions. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Resources for students and their families:Simon Fraser University Instagram @sfuvanCapilano University Instagram @capilanouLangara CollegeInstagram @langaracollege

This episode is part one of two in our conversation about helping families prepare for that big leap after graduation—post-secondary! While it might seem early, the process for applying happens sooner than you may think.Who better to speak about post-secondary admissions than folks who work in the admissions offices? Joining the discussion today are two amazing guests from the admissions world, Richa Gautam from BCIT and Amandus Mashamba from UBC.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Resources for students and their families:University of British Columbia (UBC)AdmissionsProspective studentsFinancial planningInstagram @ubcadmissionsTours and eventsBritish Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)AdmissionsFuture studentsFinancial planningInstagram @lifeatbcit"Big Info" (Oct. 8 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.)

Welcome to After the Bell: LIVE! In this episode, we are joined by Jackie Cummings, vice-principal at Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary, and Joe Maher, principal at Queen Alexandra Elementary.This discussion covers the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), with clear information about the FSAs, common misconceptions, how it works, and what you can do to help your child understand the assessment.  Hosted by Jiana Chow!Additional Resources: Sample FSA Question: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/assessment/foundation-skills-assessment/fsa-samples   About the FSAs: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/assessment/foundation-skills-assessment   Ministry of Education FSA Parent Brochure: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/assessment/fsa/en-foundation-skills-assessment-for-parents-and-caregivers.pdf  

Welcome back to school, VSB! We’re so excited to start the 2025/26 school year and the fourth season of the After the Bell Podcast.  To start the school year off, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to home, literally! We’re talking about how families can support their child’s learning journey at home and how we can work together to help students thrive. Joining us are two wonderful guests: Sonia Blair, principal at Britannia Secondary, and Riley McMitchell, principal at the new elementary school coming in Coal Harbour.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Helpful resources for families: VSB's Family and Community Information Webpage

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already at the end of the school year! This year was filled with many proud moments. From students winning national competitions and improving in their most challenging subjects, to educators supporting student growth and creating more inclusive school communities. On the season finale of After the Bell, we’re turning the microphone over to the people who make VSB such a special place: the students and staff! Joining us from all across the District are students, teachers, school counsellors, supports workers, building engineers and administrators to share some of their best moments of the year.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

Welcome to VSB After the Bell: Live! In this live podcast episode, we are joined by Adrienne Stewardson, District Principal of Early Learning and Child Care.This conversation discusses what you and your child can expect for kindergarten, ways to support their transition, navigating common concerns, developing independence skills and community support.Hosted by Jiana Chow!Additional resourcesResources: B.C. Early Learning FrameworkResources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/Helping with separation anxiety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_5eiYIo1XMHelping cope with back to school anxiety https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/helping-your-child-cope-with-back-to-school-anxiety/Helping develop social emotional developmenthttps://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/1/atp-safelinks.html Helping build health screen habits https://keltymentalhealth.ca/healthy-screen-habits#:~:text=For%20children%20under%20the%20age,of%20school%20work)%20is%20recommended. On our way to Kindergarten https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5271/on-our-way-to-kindergarten https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/fgg/5/On20Our20Way20to20K20-20Welcome20to20School.pdf 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is an important, and often difficult, subject to talk about. It’s crucial we have open and honest conversations to end the stigma and create safe, healthy and welcoming environments for everyone.  Here to talk about mental health in students is child and adolescent physiatrist Dr. Roberto Sassi. Dr. Sassi is Psychiatrist in Chief at B.C Children’s Hospital and B.C. Women’s Hospital, and is Head of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia.  He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UBC and is the inaugural chair holder of the Pediatric Mental Health Endowed Chair at B.C. Children’s Hospital. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Mental health resources: Kelty Mental Health Resource CentreFamily SmartFoundryThe Ministry of Children and Family Development's Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Services

Today, we're talking about an important and sometimes controversial topic: sexual education. Joining us is sexual health expert, author and educator, Saleema Noon! Saleema has been a special guest speaker at PAC organized sessions throughout Vancouver as well as across B.C. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

Have you heard of the term school based teams? One listener did, and asked us to cover this topic on After the Bell. It’s a great question, because as a parent/guardian you may know what it is, but then again, not really?Today, we invited Maiky Ma and Sheryl Morris, both District Case Managers who work with school based teams. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

Welcome to VSB After the Bell: Live! In this live podcast episode, we are joined by Jeff Spence, District Principal for Learning and Information Technology, and Christina Walker, Digital Literacy Mentor.This conversation helps families navigate the digital world with their children, and welcomed audience members to submit questions during the broadcast. Hosted by Jiana Chow! Check out links to the resources mentioned during today's conversation: VSB Digital Literacy and Safety Resource Pagehttps://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/79376/digital-literacy-and-safety  BC Digital Literacy Framework https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/resources-for-teachers/digital-literacy Digital Landscape Research -https://mediasmarts.ca/research-reports -https://mediasmarts.ca/teacher-resources/helping-kids-get-healthy-start-phones Generative AI Engagement Strategies-https://www.cnet.com/pictures/ai-or-not-ai-can-you-spot-the-real-photos/-https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/fake-ai-generated-images-on-the-rise-heres-how-kids-can-spot-them-https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-real-or-ai/Slide 34 Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Protect Kids Onlinehttps://protectkidsonline.ca Phishing game - https://www.phishmeifyoucan.com/ VSB Cell phone Restrictions https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cellphone-restriction-vsb-1.7236944 VSB Acceptable Use Policy https://Aup.vsb.bc.ca

For this Matter of the Month, we're discussing Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness against bullying and fostering kindness.  Back in 2007, two high school students in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, saw a younger student being bullied with homophobic slurs and threats. These two students responded by giving out 50 pink shirts to classmates, sparking a global movement against bullying. One that VSB sees come alive every year.  Joining us today is Joel Fleming, a teacher at False Creek Elementary.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

Last month, we discussed a modern approach to learning. Specifically, Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. This month, we are continuing our conversation with David Nicks, district principal of inclusion for secondary schools at VSB and Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author and former assistant superintendent of schools in Massachusetts. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

Welcome to our first episode of 2025! Today, we are taking a look at a modern approach to learning. Specifically, Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. On the show to discuss all things UDL is David Nicks, district principal of inclusion for secondary schools at VSB and Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author and former assistant superintendent of schools in Massachusetts.   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like. 

It’s been a wonderful year spent with you, After the Bell listeners! Before we head into the winter break, we’re reflecting on a few highlights we’ve shared so far this school year, and what we can look forward to in 2025. To share these warm winter wishes, we are joined by VSB Superintendent, Helen McGregor! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review.    Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like.

Do you remember learning how to read when you were in school? Was picking up a book one of your favourite parts of the day, or did you feel a twist of anxiety in your stomach every time you had to read aloud in class? For some, reading and literacy were enjoyable learning experiences. For many, though, the unfortunate reality is learning to read and write were major challenges that were often stressful.   In today’s approach to learning, we are addressing the challenges of reading and literacy in a more inclusive, flexible approach. Guided by our Responsive Literacy Framework, VSB’s approach to literacy is holistic, interconnected and considers how to de-colonize the literacy practice. It is also strength-based, to foster a growth mindset reflective of our current curriculum.  To discuss all things reading and literacy in the District, we are joined by Ria Dolder, Learning and Instruction Literacy Lead and Leslie Hunt, teacher librarian mentor K-12. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review.    Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like.

We have a reoccurring segment on the show called “Matter of the month,” where we address the most talked about topics. This can be anything from a success story to a controversial issue.  As Jon Snow would say, " winter is coming!” This month, we’re helping families prepare by sharing what you need to know, and how to find it, during inclement weather.   Joining me today to discuss this topic is VSB superintendent, Helen McGregor!

If there’s one topic that’s always ringing in the minds of students, families, and teachers, it’s digital devices in education. In early 2024, the provincial government mandated all schools to have restrictions on cell phones across the province, and in September of this year, VSB implemented its District-wide policy on digital devices.   As of this past September, personal digital services must be turned off or placed on silent during instructional time for secondary students, unless an educator has given permission. At the elementary level, personal digital devices are restricted during the instructional day. You can read the full policy in Administrative Procedure 350.  While these restrictions are placed to safeguard students, we live in a digital age where digital literacy is not only necessary for student success but can also enhance education in the classroom when used appropriately. Ultimately, it can help prepare students for the future.   To discuss what responsible digital learning looks like, we brought in an expert in the field. Jesse Miller, Founder of Mediated Reality, has been providing social media education in schools across the country for fifteen years.   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review.    Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like.

  There’s no doubt about it, the future is now! For some, advancements in technology can be filled with fear of the unknown. For others, the rise of technology, such as artificial intelligence or AI, is an exciting opportunity to enhance student learning and provide solutions to pre-existing barriers.   However you may feel about AI learning, the reality is that it’s here, and it’s something we must all learn to adapt to in order to stay up to date with technology.   Jeff Spence, District Principal, Learning and Information Technology and Zhi Su, District Principal for Vancouver Learning Network and Summer Learning join us on this episode to discuss all things AI. 

Welcome to the 2024/25 school year! We are excited to welcome staff and students back into classes, and to our third season of VSB: After the Bell. To start off this season, we’re talking about talking. No, seriously! More specifically, we’re diving into best practices for effective communication between parents and guardians with their child’s teachers and school staff.   Parents and guardians may feel reluctant to approach their child’s teacher or admin team because they don’t want to bother them, leaving many feeling unsure about how and when to communicate with the school. But here’s the thing—good communication doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it certainly doesn’t have to happen only during difficult situations.  Effective communication is key to creating a positive and productive school environment for students. When schools and families work together with open lines of communication, students benefit tremendously. So, what does effective communication look like? How can we foster it?  Helping us share some insight is Tamara VanWyck, principal at A R Lord Elementary, and Gurpaul Sohal, principal at Gladstone Secondary.   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like.    We now release two episodes every month! 

The B.C. curriculum outlines three Core Competencies students need to be deep, lifelong learners. These are communication, thinking, as well as personal and social. To a degree, these are rather abstract terms. Unlike math, science, English and social studies, subjects we are used to hearing about when referring to learning in schools, the shift in today’s education focuses on concepts instead of content, on how to learn rather than what is learned, and on developing critical thinking skills in place of memorization. Really, it’s about hands on, experiential learning.  The core competencies of communication, thinking, as well as personal and social serve as the building blocks for a lifetime learner. So, how do we integrate these core competencies with the traditional subjects?  In this episode, Templeton Secondary teacher Mike Hengeveld explains project-based learning, STEAM/STEM and ADST. We also have a special on-location interview with one of Mike’s Grade 12 students, Stephen, who shares what it’s like being a student in the STEM program at Templeton.  For Matter of the Month, we discuss the use of school fields and the decision to close some of them to public access.  If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content that you'll like. We release episodes at the end of every month.