
VSB: After The Bell
By Vancouver School Board
This award winning podcast interviews guests who share an inside look at the Vancouver School District. You’ll hear from students, educators, decision makers and staff behind-the-scenes that keep VSB schools running.


Ep. 36 - After the Bell: School Year Recap
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.

Ep. 35 - After the Bell: LIVE! Tips for Kindergarten
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 resources
- Helping with separation anxiety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_5eiYIo1XM
Helping cope with back to school anxiety https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/helping-your-child-cope-with-back-to-school-anxiety/
- Helping develop social emotional development
- https://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

Ep. 34 - After the Bell: Student Mental Health with Dr. Roberto Sassi

Ep. 33 - After the Bell: Sexual Education
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.

Ep. 32 - After the Bell: School Based Teams
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.

Ep. 31 - After the Bell: LIVE! Helping kids navigate digital literacy, online safety and AI
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 Page
https://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

Ep. 30 - After the Bell: Matter of the Month: Pink Shirt Day
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.

Ep. 29 - After the Bell: Universal Design for Learning Part Two
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.

Ep. 28 - After the Bell: Universal Design for Learning Part One
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.

Ep. 27 - After the Bell: Matter of the Month: Happy Holidays, VSB
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.

Ep. 26 - After the Bell: Reading and Literacy
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.

Ep. 25 - After the Bell: Matter of the Month: Inclement Weather
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!

Ep. 24 - After the Bell: Navigating Digital Literacy
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.

Ep. 23 - After the Bell: AI Learning
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.

Ep 22 - After the Bell: Matter of the Month: Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)
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. For this month, we’re discussing something that has sparked a lot of conversation: the Foundation Skills Assessment, or FSA.
To speak about this topic is Maureen McRae-Stanger, associate superintendent, and the lead in all matter relating to FSAs in the District.
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!

Ep. 21 - After the Bell: Parent/Guardian and Teacher Communication
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!

Ep 20 - After the Bell: The Intersectionality of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities
This is the last episode of the school year!
June is an exciting month for celebration and commemoration. It is National Indigenous History Month – a month dedicated to increasing our knowledge, awareness, appreciation of, and respect for Indigenous histories, traditions, cultures and contributions. It is also Pride Month – a time dedicated to celebrating and commemorating the history and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
In a nutshell, the word “intersectionality” describes the interconnectedness of someone’s social identities, such as their race, gender, sexuality, and class. When these identities overlap, that person can face multiple forms of discrimination at the same time.
Think of it like a puzzle. Each piece represents a different part of who you are. When the pieces overlap, they create a unique picture of our experiences and challenges. Having an awareness of intersectionality can help us create more equitable and just learning environments for everyone.
With Indigenous History Month and Pride Month top of mind, what are the unique experiences and challenges of those who overlap between Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities? To discuss this topic today is David Delorme, district principal for VSB’s Indigenous Education department.
For Matter of the Month, we are joined by VSB Board Chair, Victoria Jung who shares some of the things the Board did this school year.
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 will see you back in September for season three!

Ep 19 - After the Bell: Project-Based Learning and Public Use of VSB Fields
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.

Ep 18 - After the Bell: Sustainability in Schools
April is Earth Month throughout the District. From the student-led sustainability conference and the District-wide professional development session on April 22, to Earth Day celebrations, and the solar-eclipse on April 8, staff and students spent the month learning more about our planet and how to take meaningful steps to take care of it.
There’s a lot of information in the world when it comes to going green. How do you know which actions to take, and how are we teaching students about sustainability?
In this episode, we learn about how sustainability is integrated into VSB, at the District and school level.
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.

Ep 17 - After the Bell: Social Emotional Learning in Schools
Social emotional learning shapes that way students, and later adults, understand their emotions, navigate social situations, and use behaviour to express themselves. But what exactly is social emotional learning, and what does that look like in schools throughout VSB?
In this episode, district resource teacher, Deanna Barriera, and district case manager behaviour support, Sheryl Morris, discuss what social emotional learning means, how it relates to students, and the various programs and resources available for students in the District.
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.

Ep. 16 - After the Bell: Equity and Anti-racism and Cellphones in School
February presents an opportunity to honour many of the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the staff and students throughout the District. From Black History Month to World Hijab Day, Lunar New Year, the Women’s Memorial March and World Day of Social Justice, this month offers a chance for us to learn, recognize and uplift as we work to create safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive places for students and families.
Equity and inclusion are core pillars of VSB’s framework. In fact, our Education Plan specifically focuses on increasing equity by eliminating and racism in all its forms. In this episode, Hieu Pham-Fraser, District principle of Equity, Anti-racism, and Non-discrimination, shares how VSB is tangibly taking action on this subject.
For matter of the month, we spoke to Pete Nuji and Pedro da Silva, Associate Superintendents at the VSB to discuss restrictions on cellphones in schools, following an announcement from the government of B.C. last month.
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.

Ep. 15 - After the Bell: Black Excellence Day Recap and Inclement Weather
Black Excellence Day was Jan. 13 this month, which is a day chosen to honour civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The VSB participated in the day through a Black Excellence live stream hosted by Ninandotoo Society and the Burnaby School District. Nola Charles and Ruth Mvukiyehe were among a few VSB students who were able to attend the event in person. Both students joined us to talk about their experience.
For matter of the month, we spoke to superintendent Helen McGregor about school closures during severe weather such as snow. Helen speaks about the process and factors taken into consideration before a snow day is called.
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.

Ep. 13 - After the Bell: Breaking down district elementary choice programs and kindergarten registration
With priority kindergarten registration beginning in November, this month’s episode of VSB: After the Bell focused on everything related to kindergarten. We covered a variety of topics from registration to program options families can enroll in. We spoke to District choice program teachers Eva Lin (Montessori), Melissa Peng (Mandarin Bilingual), Alexis Lefebvre (Late French Immersion) and Mary Leman Viggers (Indigenous Focus) about how they teach their programs and how it differs from the mainstream program.
For matter of the month, we spoke to Doug Roch, District Principal about the registration process, why some schools are full and tips on getting your children prepared for kindergarten.
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. Subscribe to VSB: After the Bell on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss out!

Ep. 12 - After the Bell : Learning about VSB community partners and the Foundation Skills Assessment
With thanksgiving being in October, the season of gratitude is upon us. VSB acknowledges and shares appreciation for the dedication of more than 50 community partners who work to make schools more welcoming, inclusive, safe and vibrant learning environments. Support ranges from providing essential services such as food programs to arts and extracurricular activities, as well as donations to families in need. Join us as we speak to representatives from two esteemed organizations, Gillian Shaw, Board of directors from Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund Society, Adopt-a-School program and Selma Ismail, youth settlement councillor from the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, to discuss their invaluable roles in empowering our students and enhancing their educational experiences.
For matter of the month, we delve into an important and sometimes controversial subject: BC's Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA). We speak with Helen McGregor, VSB Superintendent to demystify the FSA and shed light on its significance for students, parents, and educators.

Ep.11 - Season Premiere: Discussing VSB’s Literacy Framework and SOGI in schools
Kicking off season two of VSB: After the Bell, we take a deep dive into VSB’s first Literacy Framework. What is literacy, what does the framework do, what does it actually means for students and their families? We speak with three VSB educators behind the Framework: Suzie Polzin, Krista Ediger and Shannon Burton.
For Matter of the Month, we turn our attention to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in the wake of recent anti-SOGI protests. We sat down with Glen Hansman, an elementary school resource teacher who helped develop VSB’s first board adopted SOGIpolicy, 20 years ago back in 2004. We clarify what SOGI is, what role itplays in the classroom, and why it is important to talk about it.

Ep. 10 - Celebrations
It’s the end of the school year and that calls for celebrations after months of hard work and learning. From the excitement of summer vacation to the nostalgia of saying goodbye to familiar faces, this time of year is a significant milestone in the lives of students, educators and families alike. In this episode, we travel across the Vancouver School District to speak to students and educators about their memories, reflections, and celebrations that encapsulate the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
For Matter of the Month, we look at how parents can continue to help their children to keep learning even through the summer break. Even outside of school, there are lots of opportunities for children to practice their numeracy, language arts, research or critical thinking skills. We invited Gordon Elementary teacher Jamie Sinclair to join us. Together, we’ll be talking about what families can do during the summer months.

Ep. 9 - Indigenous Matters: Advancing truth and reconciliation, and temperature in schools
As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, this month on the podcast we talk about Indigenous matters. One of the three goals of the Vancouver School District’s Education Plan outlines an effort to continue our reconciliation journey with First Nations, Metis and Inuit by increasing knowledge, awareness, appreciation of, and respect for Indigenous histories, traditions cultures and contributions. Achieving this goal, however, does not rest solely with the District’s Indigenous education department. For Matter of the Month, we're diving into a pressing issue that's been making headlines in our community: the lack of air conditioning in schools. With unexpected extreme hot weather hitting our region, families are expressing concerns about their children's comfort and well-being. Let's explore the situation in the Vancouver school District and discuss what we are doing. Joining us today is Hans Loeffelholz Director of enterprise risk and safety management compliance

Ep. 8 - District programs
This month on the podcast, we’re talking about District programs and the many ways a diverse student population is supported in a large public education system. With nearly 50,000 students, it takes a team of dedicated educators and support staff to cater to the diverse learning needs of students. In this episode, Directors of Instruction Aaron Davis, Janis Myers and Rosie Poetschke join us to explain District programs, the types of programs offered within the VSB and how they each benefit different students.

Ep 7 - Managing the District’s budget and celebrating International Women’s Day
School boards across North America are responsible for making critical financial decisions that impact the quality of education our children receive, from hiring teachers and staff to investing in technology and resources. Join us as we speak with David Green, VSB’s Secretary Treasurer to learn more about the intricacies of school board finances.
For “matter of the month”, we talk about International Women's Day; a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s celebrated on March 8th every year and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges that women face in achieving gender equality. In celebration of the day, we speak to Vice-Chair Preeti Faridkot, the first female and Sikh trustee elected to the Vancouver School Board.

Ep. 6 - Pink Shirt Day and ChatGPT
We all know bullying can affect friendships and learning, but, most importantly, it can impact a student’s physical and emotional health. Pink Shirt Day is an important day for school communities to lift each other up and stand against all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
On this month’s podcast, we visit General Gordon Elementary to hear firsthand how students and teachers participate in Pink Shirt Day to address the serious issue of bullying. The SOGI club at Gordon Elementary – which stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity club, hosted a Pink Shirt Day assembly to talk about the history of Pink Shirt Day, what it means to be kind to others and the importance of gender identity and expression. We caught up with four SOGI club members and the club lead teacher, Kyle Nylund, and asked them why Pink Shirt Day is important to them.
For Matter of the Month, we dive into ChatGPT and how millions have signed up to use the artificial intelligence (AI) language processor in a mere matter of weeks since launching in December 2022. We hear from Jeff Spence, District Principal of Information Technology and Erin Tarbuck, an English and Career Life Connections teacher at David Thompson Secondary about how the AI tool would impact students and teachers.

Ep. 5 - Not-so-new redesigned BC curriculum
The BC Curriculum was redesigned in 2016 to respond to the technology-rich world we live in today, where communication is instant, and information is immediately accessible. The way we interact with each other personally, socially, and at work has changed and the redesigned curriculum teaches children to respond to this new demanding world.
The way kids learn today is very different than the way their parents learned when they were in school. No longer do we need to memorize the timetable or remember an encyclopedia of facts. There’s a calculator and Google for that. 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.
This month on the podcast, we speak to Annie Kwong and Nancy Fulton, two secondary teachers, as well as Sandra Fox and Fransoise Renne, two elementary teachers. They walk us though the redesigned curriculum and how students are learning in classrooms.
For Matter of the Month, we look into the District’s decision to continue the semester model with an increase in Flexible Instructional Time (FIT) for all secondary students. We hear from educators Alison Ogden and Rick Lopez, who are Directors of Instruction, as well as senior secondary students Susan Kiconco and Edison Hui.

Ep. 4 - Winter festivities
It’s time to get festive! This is our first-ever holiday episode of VSB After The Bell – and just in time for the winter break. In this episode, we go live on location at Hastings, Thunderbird, Nightingale and Hudson Elementary schools to speak with students and teachers on how they celebrate winter celebrations at school. We also get some one-one-one time with a few high school students and ask them for their perspectives. For the “Matter of the Month,” we speak with Board chair Victoria Jung to talk about the Board’s decision to reinstate School Liaison Officer program.
Timestamps:
- (00:37) Performance by Grade 1 French Immersion students at Tennyson Elementary
- (01:32) Hastings Elementary
- (11:24) Thunderbird Elementary
- (20:46) Nightingale Elementary
- (28:18) Hudson Elementary
- (32:31) VDSC secondary students
- (37:14) ‘Matter of the Month’ with Victoria Jung, VSB Chair

Ep. 3 - All things kindergarten registration
Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone, for both families and their children. We know kindergarten enrolment is a hot topic in Vancouver, so we are doing a deep dive into kindergarten registration and enrolment.
David Nelson, Deputy Superintendent and Michael Rossi, Acting Director of Instruction join us on the podcast to talk about all things kindergarten. In our latest episode, we answer questions about the registration process, talk about the different programs available, provide tips on preparing for kindergarten and answer questions submitted via our social media channels.
Check out these timestamps for key topics:
- (2:10) Priority registration process
- (5:40) Choice programs
- (7:20) Cross-boundary applications
- (9:10) Waitlists and sibling priority
- (11:30) Learners with special needs
- (13:00) Tips for kindergarten preparation
- (16:22) Kindergarten enrolment capacities
- (19:15) Areas of high density
- (20:15) Construction of new schools
- (24:40) Questions from followers on social
For more information on kindergarten registration, visit our website at: govsb.ca/kindergarten

Ep. 2 - Mental health in students
In recognition of World Mental Health Day this month, our latest podcast episode explores what mental health looks like for students. Claire Pijanowski, counsellor at Kerrisdale and Queen Mary Elementary schools and Joe Ritchie counsellor at Templeton Secondary join us to talk about why it’s important to pay close attention to a student’s mental health. Both counsellors share what types of supports are available at school and provide some mental health tips for caregivers.
Matter of the month: The municipal election, when school trustees are elected. Carolyn Broady, president of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) and vice-president of the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) chat about how elections impact schools and students.

Ep. 1 - Helen McGregor, VSB Superintendent
In our first episode of VSB: After The Bell, we speak with Helen McGregor, VSB’s Superintendent. We talk about:
· Her role as superintendent,
· The the Education Plan, which guides the District’s work throughout the next five years, and
· Address the matter of the month: back to school enrolment delays.

Introducing VSB: After The Bell
An introduction to VSB: After The Bell and why we created this podcast.