THE DRAGON'S PEN
/by Milan Streit
A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR TEACHERS
Last month marked a major milestone in B.C.’s fight against COVID-19. On December 15, a health care worker received the first dose of the new Pfizer vaccine.
While the province’s initial roll-out plan includes seniors, first responders, and essential workers such as grocery employees, teachers also need to be quickly vaccinated. A vaccination plan for teachers would be a huge step forward for schools to get back to normal, as many restrictive COVID-19 guidelines remain in place including at-home schooling.
There have been dozens of exposures in B.C. schools, and teachers have made many complaints to the provincial government and B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Although we’ve been told the risk of transmission is low, schools have had an inconsistent mask policy, plus cohorts have been mixing. Also, the physical nature of electives such as gym and sports programs continues the risk of catching the virus.
LRP progam students creating First Nations Dreamcatchers.
(click any image in TWEJ to enlarge)
LPR PROGRAM FUNDING RUNNING DRY
Sadly, after six years, the popular Leadership Resiliency Program (LLP) may be cancelled after federal funding was halted. KG’s LRP Coordinator Ivy Vuu-Léger says the Vancouver Coastal Health led program may only be sustainable until March.
The LRP program is not exclusive to King George but is at almost all major high schools in Vancouver, along with some elementary schools, so it comes as a major blow to many members, including myself.
LRP engages young people in weekly resiliency groups, monthly adventures, along with community volunteer experiences. It’s also part of the City of Vancouver's anti-drug strategy. On its website, VCH says “youth are stronger, healthier and better able to live up to their full potential.”
Some members were only part of the program for two weeks before hearing of the cancellation.
LRP is free for all different family incomes.
A portion of the funding comes from the provincial government. In February’s edition of TWEJ, we’ll be asking local MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert about possible plans for the province to help cover the needed funding in some way or another.
Check in with school secretary Elisa Grosso for information on E-Sports clubs and other activities.
NEW YEAR, NEW SPORTS AND CLUBS!
2021 is here and some new high school sports and clubs are starting up. That’s good news because as you know, there have been few extra-curricular opportunities because of COVID-19.
Badminton is beginning this month (no date has been given yet). This season, there will be more practicing and any competing will be against your teammates. For more information, talk to Mr. Yee.
Basketball continues with practices only. It's still lots of fun after school and takes place in the mornings as well. For more information, talk to Darko.
The Student Council is making many decisions to better your experience at King George and they always welcome new people. Meetings in Mr. DeBlasio's room are on selected dates. For more information, check @KG_StudentCouncil on Instagram.
E-Sports Club is on select dates in the Foods Room. You can play multiple games including Overwatch and popular fighting games such as Smash Bros. For more information inquire at the school office.
The Rotary International Interact Club meets every Thursday at noon in the school library. The Interact Club is planning many fundraisers to help better the community. New members are always welcome.
Finally a shameless promotion from yours truly. I am starting a Smash Bros club, with two games, Melee and Ultimate. Bring your own Gamecube or Switch controller - or use a provided third party one. More announcements coming soon.
THE END OF THE JUICE BOX ERA
For many years now, the KG Skills Department and Resource Centre have given out free juice boxes. The SunRype juices are famous for boosting students’ moods and making us sharper for essays and tests. However, this month, they will be reserved for only some students.
Who knows, it may be a secret plot by the school administration to boost vending machine sales!
No cozy armchair this year — but a fireplace creates the holiday season mood.
CHRISTMAS FIREPLACE REIGNITED
In last month’s Dragon’s Pen, I lamented the possible absence of the traditional Christmas fireplace in our school foyer. With school archivist (and fireplace organizer) Jess Coombs recently retired, it was in jeopardy. But with the help of Leadership Class a “Christmas miracle” happened. Students again helped set-up the fireplace, minus the comfy recliner due to COVID-19 concerns. Jess returned to KG for a visit in December and was impressed.
A 1971 photo of the woodwork room.
INTO THE ARCHIVES
This 1971 photo was taken in the woodwork room at King George. It shows someone using the special wood lathe which is more high tech than the standard one. This lathe is often used for drilling even holes into a piece upwards - kind of like a backwards drill.
Ironically, this person is using a face shield for extra protection against sawdust and potential projectiles. Today, many of us use similar shields to protect against the coronavirus.
