cougar newsletter - vancouver school board
TRANSCRIPT
Farewell and Best Wishes
to the following staff:
Retirements Constable Colin Gilmore
EOC/TOC – covering for…. Debbie Begin for Juliana Sam
Vladimir Koscal for Amy Wu
Holli Lang for Remedy
Leigh McDonald for SSA Vacancy
Les Nerling for Angela Toth
Thomas Onion for Kayla Sawka
Annie Shum for Peggy Chun
Taylor Tuson for Kristin Mattock
On leave in September Madeline Brewster
Trevor Kinsey
Kristin Mattock
Juliana Sam
Theresa Schiewe
Moving Forward Raymond Moy to David Thompson
Rupinder Sahdra to Lord Byng
Surplus Peter Fenlon
Etelbina LaRizza
Jay Rudolph
Jim Scoten
Juli Smith
Mel Voulgaris
As we come to the end of Term 3 in the 2019-20
we can all agree that it has been a term like no other in
recent memory. The Covid-19 pandemic forced schools to
re-imagine delivery of curriculum within restrictive public
health guidelines. As a result, in-school instruction was
suspended after March 13th and classes shifted to remote online
instruction. There was a big learning curve for staff and students but they have
handled it well considering the rapid change to the learning platform. Throughout
this term staff have reached out to connect with students. Finally, in June we
were able to re-instate voluntary partial return to face-to-face instruction.
We were also able to continue to support students on the lunch program with
either daily lunches or a weekly grocery bag.
After Spring break, we also quietly welcomed Weir elementary into our school
community. The transition to online learning allowed Weir staff to unpack and to
organize their new classes in Killarney. Five divisions of grade 6 and 7 students
began some face-to-face instruction on June 1st. Staff and students from Weir will
make Killarney home until January 2022 which is the expected completion date
for the seismic upgrading of their school.
The end of this school year also marks the end of my first year as Principal of
Killarney. It really was a tale of two very different parts of the year--pre and
post pandemic. During the first two terms of regular instruction I learned how
dynamic the Killarney learning community really is. We are fortunate to be able
to give our students learning opportunities in a wide variety of courses. Students
are doing outstanding work in the academics, fine arts, and applied skills.
Moreover, learning is extended through many extra-curricular offerings such as
a variety of clubs and school athletics. In addition, teachers supplement in-class
learning through any number of fieldtrips from skiing in P.E. classes to practicing
conversation in a second language at restaurants. The post-pandemic part of the
year forced staff and students to demonstrate their teaching and learning in more
creative ways. While a lot of good work has been done, the buzz of a school full
of students was definitely missing. Even so, we did our best to recognize the
considerable achievements of the Grad Class of 2020 with an in-school
ceremony spread over two days.
At this point it is hard to predict what next year will look like. It is likely a safe
bet that we will start the 2020-21 school year in a hybrid model of online learning
along with some face-to-face instruction. What will not change are the wonderful
students who make Killarney their home and the amazing staff who support
them. While we celebrate accomplishments at the close of this school year,
I look forward to the start of another year at Killarney as we welcome in a new
group of Grade 8’s. I know it will be packed with more of the same—students
engaged in every facet of the school! Have a safe and restful summer
and see you in September.
June 2020
Check out the colour version of this newsletter online at:
www.killarneysecondary.com
VALEDICTORIAN - MEGAN CHAN
To The Class of 2020
A famous philosopher once said “If you keep quoting someone else’s words, how will
you find your own path? Instead, just say what you want!” - Megan Chan, Valedictorian,
I took philosophy, so it counts. On a serious note, I would like to thank my peers for
giving me the honour of giving this farewell speech at our graduation. Of course, the
2020 graduation is not quite like the traditional ones we may have witnessed in the past. I could
spend this whole speech talking about how our lives were thrown upside down by something we could’ve nev-
er seen coming or that we deserve better or that life isn’t fair, but honestly, I don’t think this is what today
should be about. Today is about us and today is a celebration. It isn’t what we were expecting and probably
not how we imagined finishing senior year, but it is what it is. So, let us savour the 879 days of high school we
did get.
I want to give a Thank you to everyone who has made these 879 days possible. The people who have had an
impact on the last five years that has led us up to today, our graduation. So, to the teachers for not only
educating us but for dealing with us… For often doing more than just teaching, for giving life lessons blended
into stories, for listening, for caring, for guiding us through those years. Thank you. And to the cafeteria and
the wonderful staff who provided us with cookies, and often brought us a little extra joy during break and
lunch. Thank you. Thank you to the staff of Killarney, the office staff, the librarians, the student support
workers, our counsellors, the people who keep the school running and make Killarney the one of a kind place
it is. And of course, Thank you to our family, our parents who have supported us not just through high school
but through any and every struggle we have had. I know I could not have survived these 5 years without their
support. Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this journey and has made our graduation possible.
I have acknowledged a lot of people who have supported us. But now let us talk a bit about the graduating
class of 2020. We have been through so much. Grade eight, when we heard rumours about our teachers and
were scared to ask for help. Or grade 11 when we hyped up a student rapper so hard, he made an EP.
We have survived planning 10, grad trans, the numeracy assessment, even online school and every other
project or test thrown at us. And now we are finally here, maybe not in the way we expected, but we still
made it.
Killarney was a colourful experience filled with triumphant highs and maybe some less triumphant lows,
but I think every Killarney kid, or any student for that matter, has experienced something that can bring us
together as a class. Fire drills. A fire drill is something every kid here has been through but if you think about
it, it also mirrors what our high school journey was like. Grade eight is like when an alarm first hits. You knew
it was bound to happen, but it still shocks you, you awkwardly shuffle yourself out the classroom and suddenly
you are thrown into this descent from 3rd floor to the exit. Grade eight was a collage of chaos and confusion.
I remember being shocked by the bustling halls and a packed Caf. My head was spinning with questions like
“Who do I sit with at lunch?” or “What’s the entree?” or “How do I get to A233?”. But just like in a drill, you
follow the crowd. I remember ending up in B wing with the 60 other grade eights who were eating lunch
there. I remember getting kicked out of B wing with the 60 other grade eights who ate lunch there. We all
slowly found our people, we started to adjust to this new life. Like how eventually in a fire drill your ears will
start to adjust to that sound, and you realize the chaos maybe is not actually as
chaotic as you thought.
That was grade 9 and 10, the second floor. On the second floor, you are a bit more used to the ringing, and
the crowd, you shuffle your way through the hall to meet up with your friends. In those junior years you find
yourself. You find your sport or your club or elective or just the people that make you excited to go to school.
For some, that’s mainstage with their fantastic performances or maybe it is Key Club with their amazing
volunteering or maybe it is a sport like Basketball or Track with never ending practices. Or maybe, it is just
that group of people you eat lunch with. We glided through those years, not realizing that we were not
awkwardly following the crowd anymore, we were a part of it. And before you know it you are in Grade 11.
You are descending down the stairs about to reach the first floor, as the ring is a familiar hum in the back-
ground and you stroll with your friends, you’re excited to finally escape this invisible fire.
My senior years were filled with excitement and nervousness simultaneously, a feeling I am sure we are all
familiar with. My head was occupied with different questions than before like “What am I doing after high
school?” or “Which Uni should I apply to?” And before you can even finish those thoughts you’re on the final
stage almost out those doors, you don’t even notice the ringing anymore and you are at the front of the crowd
leading as people start to push a bit and speed up… then you are there, the first floor, Grade 12.
Grade 12 was a lot like grade 11, if you multiplied the intensity by 2 and then subtracted about a third.
I was overflowing with questions like “Am I going to get into that University?” or “What happens after high
school?” or “How are we about to graduate?!” But like life usually does, things fell into place. Looking back
I could cringe at how we used to celebrate 100 days of streaks on snapchat or how we dabbed in hallways
thinking we were so cool, but woven between these cringe worthy scenes are my best friends and my fondest
memories. So, there we were, on the first floor with this whole “fire thing” almost done, right at the exit,
looking outside, and it is raining of course. Some people are rushing out those doors ready to leave these halls,
ready to leave high school. Some are a little more apprehensive about braving the weather, not quite sure if
they want to leave the warmth of the inside. But regardless if you want to leave or not, you are reassured by
your friends at your side and your teachers guiding the way, the crowd pushes you forward. Here we are.
I wish I knew a good ending to this analogy, but I cannot tell the future. We are all about to take that first step
outside, into the unknown and what I do know is, the class of 2020 is powerful. We are often pegged as kids
who use their phones too much or do not know what the ‘real world’ is. But we used our phones to stay
connected, to spread and get information, to finish our senior year. And as for the real world, we skipped
school to march through the town protesting for climate change justice, we protest for the black lives matter
movement, we protest for change and equality and we aren’t just living in this ‘real world’ we are shaping it...
and maybe sometimes an accidental fire alarm gets pulled but what we are is a generation of kids that stand
up. And when we take that first step into the rain, into that ringing all over again, we are going to make a
difference and find ourselves exactly where we need to be. Because life is just a bunch of fire alarms and all
we need to realize is, the school is not actually on fire, some kid just had a calc test.
And as much as I have tried to break
down our high school experience
down to a metaphor, there is simply
nothing quite like it. There is nothing
like that first day in grade eight or
discovering your counsellor was in
Elf, or getting on the roof of your
school, or having milk & sugar for the
first time. There is nothing like the
friends and memories we have made
in the past 5 years. And maybe our
experience did get cut a bit short, but
the 879 days of high school we did get
was nothing short of amazing.
Now, the root of the word
Valedictorian is Latin for farewell,
so as much as I’d like to stay on the
first floor and hold on, it’s time for
me, and us all, to open the doors to
our future. I have never been more
grateful to Killarney Secondary, for
everything it has given me, my
education, my teachers, countless
memories, and my closest friends.
But now we embark on a new
journey. So thank you and goodbye
and I wish us all luck on our first step
into the rain. — Megan Chan
Awards & Scholarships These are just a highlight of the many awards and scholarship
given out on the evenings of June 18 & 19, 2020.
Thank You from the Grads 2020 to the generous donors, presenters, committees and staff who
helped to support our students.
Tricia Lee Recipient of:
District Scholarship—Theatre, Media, Acting and French
Grad Committee Scholarship
James Edmunds Memorial Scholarship Rotary Club of Vancouver-Arbutus
Scholarship Wesgroup Properties Scholarship
Jonathan Chan Recipient of:
Aric Hayes Memorial Scholarship District Scholarship—Media Design Killarney Sustainability Scholarship
Jasmeet Parmar Recipient of:
Aujla Alumni Scholarship
Douglas Lee Recipient of:
Captain James Cook Elementary School Scholarship
Prime Minister’s Science Award
Silver Scholarship Cup
Lauren Lee Recipient of:
Friedrichs Film & Photography Award
KAFT Theatre Production Award Vancouver South Federal Liberals Award
for Leadership
Nitish Thakur
Recipient of:
Cougar Mart General Scholarship District Scholarship—Theatre, Media,
Acting
Killarney Community Centre Leadership Scholarship—Silver
Emily Burrell Recipient of:
Aboriginal Achievement Scholarship Nak’azdli What’en Graduation Gift
KMA Outstanding Service in Band
Charlotte Quon Recipient of:
Killarney Outstanding Athlete Award (female)
Paul Landa-Ahn
Recipient of:
Janice Leung Memorial Award Killarney Outstanding Athlete Award (male)
Kevin Lem Recipient of:
District Scholarship—French & Strings Killarney Community Centre
Leadership Scholarship—Silver
Killarney Departmental Awards—Modern Languages & English
George M. Weir Elementary School Scholarship
John Jomari Francisco Recipient of:
David Oppenheimer PAC Alumni Scholarship
District Scholarship—French & Band
Victoria Uberall Scholarship
Jomari Panganiban Recipient of:
Tom Tagami Award
Jesse Taylor Recipient of:
Killarney Visionary Award
Bryana Mae Hamilton Recipient of:
Brighter Futures Education Fund Strings Culture Award
Ka Hei Shee Recipient of:
Killarney Staff Award KMA—Scholarship for Musical Excellence KMA—Outstanding Leadership in Band Gao Lin Tan
Recipient of:
Dr. Judy Zaichkowsky Alumni Scholarship
Aboriginal Achievement Award Emily Burrell
Ann-Aleese Hyslop
Aric Hayes Memorial Scholarship Jonathan Chan
Daisy & Arnold Webster Social Justice Award from the Vancouver Fraserview
NDP Constituency Association Lauren Tham
Adelaide Zhang
Artona Scholarships Carel Seannice Aguilar
Flora Ng Jessica Yee
Aujla Alumni Scholarship
Jasmeet Parmar
Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship Athena He
Brighter Futures Education Fund
Bryana Mae Hamilton
Captain James Cook Elementary Schxool Scholarship
Douglas Lee Tiana Tham
Carleton Elementary School
Scholarship Carel Seannice Agular
Champlain Heights
Elementary School Scholarship Tuan Hoang Qian Yun Ni
Champlain Heights
William Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Daniel Toth Keri Howard
Peter MacKenzie Memorial Award of
Excellence—Cinderella Project Scholarship
Tiana G.K. Eng Jodie Guevara-Rosales
Class of 2020 Valedictorian
Megan Chan
Cougar Mart General Scholarship Jasmeet Parmar
Jessica Lam Nitish Thakur
Eunice Tse
Co-op Housing Fund of BC Scholarship
Dario Calogero
Developmental Disabilities Association Scholarship
Daniel Toth
District Scholarships Angus Wong—Metal
Athena Lee—Japanese Laura Ngo—PE
Jose Aguilar—Home Ec. Abygael Lees– Home Ec. & Arts
Keri Howard—Business Tiffany Zhou—Business Qian Yun Ni—Business
Christina Cao—Business Jonathan Chan—Media Design Kevin Lem—French & Strings
Yi-An Studenov—French John J. Francisco—French & Band
Tricia Lee—Theatre & French Edward Mihai—Theatre
Nithish Thakur—Theatre Jaafar Al-Tameemi—Theatre
Yan Li—Theatre Tina Wang—Visual Art
Konoka Omori—Visual Art Greta Yu—Visual Art Tuan Hoang—Band
Hoang Khoi Le—Band Niel Nalicao—Choir Lyanne Chu—Choir Eddie Wu—Strings
Arthur Rantanen—Strings Jacky Tsoi—Computer & Japanese
Danh Vo—Computer & Band Calista Lai—Computer
Nickolas Tse—Auto Rocco Vu—Woodworking
Dr. Judy Zaichkowsky
Alumni Scholarship Gao Lin Tan
Elizabeth Abbotts Award
Kenny Xie Justin Law
Friedrichs Film & Photography Award
Lauren Lee
Forerunners—Janice Leung Memorial Scholarship
Evelyn Su Paul Landa-Ahn
George M. Weir Elementary
PAC Scholarship Kevin Lem
Tiffany Zhou
Grad Committee Scholarship Tricia Lee
Tiffany Yuen
Hindu Cultural Society Scholarship Charlaign Lam
James Edmunds Memorial Scholarship
Tricia Lee
Joanne Windsor Scholarship Jonas Sherlock Tiffany Yuen
KAFT—Killarney Association
for Film & Theatre Scholarships Lauren Lee—Theatre Production
Ellena Batiao—Theatre Production Carel Aguilar—Theatre Production Russell Kan—Theatre Production
Mazin Ahmed—Theatre Production Maya Castillo Blau—Acting
Megan Hale—Acting Kasia Kotowski-Smith—Acting
Howard Ly—Acting Hannah Ramos—Acting
Jessica Yee—Acting
Killarney Community Centre Leadership Scholarship Martyn Yee—Gold
Yongqi Gong—Silver Eunice Tse—Silver
Nitish Thakur—Silver Raychal Ng—Silver Kevin Lem—Silver
Amanda Jin—Bronze
Killarney Leadership 12 Scholarship Megan Chan
Killarney Student Government Scholarship
Wendy Zheng
Killarney Sustainability Scholarship Gao Lin Tan
Samantha Mung Antoine Huynh Jonathan Chan
KMA Awards for Band & Choir
Tanya Sioson—Choral Conducting Jose Aguilar—Community Building
Andrew Sheh—Band Leadership Ka Hei Shee—Musical Excellence
Hyun Seok Oh—Musicianship Jonathan Shen—Musicianship Emily Burrell—Band Service
KPAC Scholarships
Jessie Qian Brandon Woo Sonia Leung
Michelle Chan Jeffrey Wong Maria Tanaka Johann Reyes Thomas Lim Lyanne Chu
Pei Xuan Hsieh Cameron Kwan
Kevin Hau Christopher Wong
Caitlin Syho Dylan Feng
Charlaign Lam Samantha Mung
Raychal Ng
Killarney Staff Awards Hyun Seok Oh Ka Hei Shee
Hoang Thiet Bui Obid Timoor Shah Ahmad
Kenny Xie Hannah Ramos
Rossell Kan Lowell Cheung
Kingsford Smith Elementary Scholarships
Samantha Mung
Killarney Visionary Award Jesse Taylor
MacCorkindale Alumni (PAC) Award
Flora Ng
Matthew Kennedy Creative Writing Memorial Scholarship
Gloria Fung
Nak’azdli What’en Graduation Gift Emily Burrell
Oppenheimer Alumni PAC Scholarship
John Jomari Francisco
Peter Rohloff Memorial Award Eddie Wu
Prime Minister’s Science Award
Douglas Lee
Rotary Club Bursary (Arbutus) Hoang Khoi Le
Tricia Lee
Silver Scholarship Cup Douglas Lee
Strings Culture Award
Ronney Lok Tiana Eng
Gloria Fung Bryana Mae Hamilton
Terry Jensen Scholarship
Tiana Eng
Tom Tagami Award Jomari Panganiban
Universal Buddhist Temple Awards
Tiffany Yuen Megan Chan Misato Law
Vancouver Association of
Secondary School Administrators Obid Timoor Shah Ahmad
Vancouver Secondary Teacher's
Association Bursary Cassandra Buck
Vancouver South Federal Liberal
Award for Leadership Lisa Hy
Lauren Lee
Veazy Scholarship Nominee Award Fiona Wang
Victoria Uberall Music Award
John Jomari Francisco
Waverley Elementary School Scholarship Dylan Feng
Wesgroup Properties Scholarship
Tricia Lee
William Hurrell Scholarship Megan Hale
Killarney Departmental Awards
Cougar Mart Christina Cao
English
Kevin Lem
Leadership 12
Megan Chan
Mathematics
Danh Vo
Modern Languages
Kevin Lem
PE—Top Female Athlete
Charlotte Quon
PE—Top Male Athlete
Paul Landa-Ahn
Aboriginal Achievement Award This annual award is given to two grade 12 indigenous students at Killarney Secondary who intend to enroll in a post-secondary institution. The recipients
will have shown consistent academic achievement as well as persistence, resiliency and a responsible attitude over the school year. These students have also partici-pated and/or volunteered in school and community activities and appreciate the
importance of helping others. The award is offered by Killarney Secondary’s Social Studies/Social Justice teacher Janet Nicol at her retirement in 2017, and
will be given to graduating classes over the next five years (2017 to 2021).
Aric Hayes Memorial Scholarship Aric Hayes was a teacher, man of principle, cyclist, hiker, social activist and lover
of the outdoors. Since becoming a Vancouver Secondary teacher in 1995, Mr. Hayes passionately demonstrated his enthusiasm and commitment to his
students; most notably during his tenure at Lord Byng and Killarney Secondary Schools. The Aric Hayes Memorial Scholarship exemplifies what he stood for… ideas of social awareness, activism, social responsibility and humanitarianism.
A tree was planted on the south side of the school in his honour to commemorate his passing.
Arnold & Daisy Webster Social Justice Award Sponsored by the Vancouver Fraserview Provincial NDP Constituency
Association. Arnold Alexander Webster (1899 – 1979) served as a teacher and administrator during his 40 year career in education. He was the second principal of Killarney Secondary School. Arnold Webster also served his community and his
province. He was a Vancouver East MLA and the Leader of the Official Opposition as a CCF member (forerunner of the NDP) of the BC Legislature from
1953 to 1956, a Vancouver Kingsway NDP Member of Parliament in Ottawa from 1962 to 1965 and served as a Vancouver Park Board Commissioner from
1940 to 1962. In 1966, Arnold Webster was proclaimed the “Twelfth Freeman of the City of Vancouver.” In the presentation of the award it was said “There are hundreds of students who remember him as their guide when he was a school
principal. But he was even more closely associated with the great contributions he has made to the community life of Vancouver.” (Vancouver Sun)
Daisy Webster
Working as a teacher in British Columbia from the late 1930s through early 1950s, Daisy also spent two years in the Canadian Army during the Second
World War. She worked as a provincial inspector of home economics during the 1950s and in 1955 married Arnold Webster, a widower and then Leader of the Opposition in the B.C. Legislature. Daisy contributed thousands of hours as a volunteer for the Canadian Red Cross, Vancouver Council of Women, YWCA, Salvation Army and many other organizations. In 1972, she was elected to the
B.C. Legislature for Vancouver South, and served as NDP MLA for three years.
Artona Scholarships Artona Scholarships are awarded to students with good academic standing and
service hours, ambition, teamwork and dedication to completing professional level projects within the professional world.
Aujla Alumni Scholarship This scholarship recognizes a grade 12 student who demonstrates excellence in
academics and community involvement. This student has shown perseverance in achieving their academic goals, a dedication to solving issues within their community, and a determination to become a leader amongst their peers.
Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship Bob Brown was a teacher at Killarney for over thirty years. He was the Social Studies Department Head when he retired. Upon his retirement he served as a
city councilor for the City of Port Moody until his untimely death. This award is presented to the top student in the Social Studies program.
Bright Futures Education Fund The Bright Futures Education Fund provides post-secondary funding to girls
who have been mentored through the Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland program, and who demonstrate the resilience, tenacity, and focus to succeed in
accomplishing their post-secondary educational goal.
Champlain Heights - William Kennedy Memorial Award Mr. William Kennedy, who died suddenly in 1992, was an active volunteer in the
community and served the Champlain Heights Community Association as President and Treasurer during his term as Board Director. He also valued and supported young people on a lifelong basis through both his occupational and community work. This award is given to a student who has been involved in
activities as either a volunteer or leader at Champlain Heights Recreation Centre, or Community Centre, formerly a student at either Champlain Heights or Captain
Cook Elementary, lives in the Killarney area, and demonstrates leadership and exceptional citizenship in the community.
Cinderella Project Achievement Award (Peter Mackenzie Award of Excellence)
Students who receive this award are a confirmed participant in the Cinderella Project and have achieved graduation. The awards are to be used towards
tuition, textbooks or course materials, adaptive technology, trade equipment or other education expenses.
Co-op Housing Fund of BC Scholarship The purpose of the CHF BC Scholarship Fund is to support the educational goals
of co-op members, particularly of young co-op and community leaders. Scholarships are awarded to students graduating from high school and planning
to enroll in a college, university or apprenticeship program; students already enrolled in a college, university or apprenticeship program; and students returning
to school after a break in their education. Scholarship are for undergraduate studies only.
Elizabeth Abbotts Scholarship Elizabeth Abbotts was a teacher of Special Education at Killarney.
During her time at the school, she established the school store. This award is given to deserving students who have spent a great deal of time working in the
Cougar Mart.
Forerunners—Janice Leung Memorial Scholarship The vision of Olympians Peter Butler and Carey Nelson, owners of the Forerun-
ners stores, is to help build the running community, for fitness and wellness. They are committed to being a hub for the community, and to support local
charities. The Killarney Athletics Scholarship Fund, is one that they enthusiastically agreed to get involved with. Janice Leung competed on Killar-
ney’s Athletics teams for five years before graduating in 2011. Janice was a com-mitted athlete, a diligent student and a compassionate friend and teammate.
She continued to coach and support Killarney student athletes while at university. This scholarship is intended to award student athletes that embody
Janice’s love of sport and her generous spirit.
Thank you! to all our donors for their generosity and support of our Killarney graduates every year.
Hindu Cultural Society Scholarship This scholarship award was originally established in 1987 by the India Club which was restructured in 2016. The Hindu Cultural Society & Community
Centre of BC has generously offered to continue the support of this prize in honor of the India Club.
James Edmunds Memorial Scholarship This is the highest award given at Killarney Secondary and its recipient is consid-
ered the top all-around student in their graduating class. James Edmunds was the beloved Principal of Killarney from 1963 to 1969 when he passed away. Mr. Edmunds was proud of the school and the students for their academic
standings as well as their achievements—in school work, sports, and extra-curricular activities. He believed in the younger generation and often tried
to bring change within the community as well as the school for their benefit. This award is given to a student who is heavily involved in every aspect of the school and the community and still maintains an excellent scholastic standing.
Joanne Windsor Scholarship Joanne Windsor was a teacher at Killarney for many years and contributed her
time and efforts to the graduation ceremonies, career preparation and work experience. She spearheaded Killarney’s annual clothing drive to help the home-
less in the downtown core and established the Student Street Squad. This scholarship is awarded for academics, leadership and the ability to give back
to their school and community.
Dr. Judy Zaichkowsky Alumni Scholarship Dr. Judy Zaichowsky, a Killarney alumni and Vancouver School Board Trustee has generously donated to the Killarney Scholarship Fund this year to assist a needy, qualified student with their tuition if they are attending UBC or SFU.
Dr. Zaichowsky challenges all other Killarney alumni to donate money to support students on their journey to university.
Killarney Visionary Scholarship Through a generous donation, we are proud to offer this to the graduating
student who exemplifies artistic vision in either classic or contemporary art forms and is pursuing studies in visual or performing arts, vocational training or
technological training. This student has demonstrated commitment and/or a passion for their chosen area of study
Matthew Kennedy Creative Writing Award Matthew Kennedy, son of William Kennedy, who is also among our award
profiles. Matthew loved creative writing, particularly science fiction and this award is presented to the student who is considered the best writer of the
graduating class, as decided by the English Department. This is the 23rd anniversary of Ms. Kennedy’s contribution to the scholarship.
Rotary Club Bursary Rotary International is an organization that involves leaders in finding solutions
to community problems and global needs. Founded in 1905, the Rotary Club engages in fundraising and active community service. Funds raised have been
used to tackle worldwide issues such as the polio epidemic in Nigeria or farming efforts in Cameroon. The Rotary foundation funds scholarship for
undergraduate and graduate education. Local chapters administer district grants and the national organization provides global grant awards, packaged
scholarships and peace fellowships to provide access to post-secondary education.
Silver Scholastic Cup Awarded to the top academic scholar in the graduating class.
Terry Jensen Scholarship The Terry Jensen Scholarship honours a student who has been a positive peer role
model and has overcome adversity by volunteering and creating change within their community. They are not necessarily academically included and may not be
on honour roll but deserve recognition for their improvement.
Tom Tagami Achievement Award This award is given to a basketball player who has exhibited the ethics of service through participation in school sports; and who has shown growth during his/her
time playing for Killarney. Tom Tagami was a long-time basketball, rugby, and football coach. At this time of his retirement, his former players established
this award in his honour.
Vancouver South Federal Liberal Award for Leadership This award was generously donated by the office of the Vancouver South Federal
Liberal Association for a Grade 12 student moving on to post secondary education. The successful candidate is a student who has embraced and met
specific criteria. A high academic achiever, maintaining at least a “B” average who is a consistently participatory and caring citizen, demonstrates strong
leadership skills and the will and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Veazey Scholarship Nominee The Tom and Phyllis Veazey Scholarhip is a four-year scholarship to attend the University of BC. Tom and Phyllis Veazey were both career teachers in inner
city schools in Vancouver. Phyllis taught for many years at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School and Tom was the head of the Art Department at
John Oliver Secondary School for the last 24 years of his career. Grade 12’s from Vancouver Secondary Schools who have been admitted to UBC are eligible.
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has been nominated by their school; demonstrated outstanding academic achievement; been a leader in his or her
community activities; and demonstrated the promise of using their education to make a positive difference in the lives of others, as did Tom and Phyllis Veazey
in the lives of their students.
William Hurrell Scholarship The William Hurrell Scholarship is given to a student who is motivated to create
change and help their community. They are interested in writing, Science and Fine Arts.
Wesgroup Properties Scholarship (since 2015) Wesgroup has been building communities for many years. One of the key things we have learned is that schools bring a natural, authentic social network to a
community. Kids bring neighbours together. Parents and their kids form bonds with each other that can last a lifetime. Schools offer neighbourhoods a strong
social and emotional connection that brings people together to create a real, authentic community. Wesgroup’s vision for River District
is to create a vibrant, people-centered community that makes the well-being of residents its highest achievement and is proud to support and recognize a student
in the graduating class who has exemplified community service.
NOTE: We wish to thank all our donors, past and present for their contributions to our Killarney Scholarship Fund. Donor names may or may not be listed here based
on their participation for that specific year. Please check our website archives for a complete list of donors.
MR. G.’S GRAD SPEECH It is my honour to address the amazing Grads of 2020.
Sept. 2015- First day of high school...A group of tiny,
nervous, and excited grade 8's sat in our school auditori-
um anxiously waiting to start their high school experi-
ence. The Dab and Emojis were a thing and the Apple
watch was the latest Tech item everyone wanted.
I’m sure many of you remember that first day! And I’m
sure you remember your first guidance class in Grade
8...remember, “The Funnel” …it represented your high
school journey…the walls of the funnel representing the
secure walls of school, the structure, the guidance, the
security…and as you travelled down the funnel…it
represented your growth, the learning... the wide
opening at the top representing the many choices you
had in Grade 8. And as you moved into Grades 9, 10 and
11, you had to make more specific choices …and finally,
you reached the opening at the bottom of the funnel and you are about to leave high school and enter the “real” world.
Here we are...five years later...June of 2020 ...where shopping online, working from home, maintaining 6 ft apart and World Health
concerns are things we are thinking about. Much has changed in 5 years...many of us are completing schooling from home,
practicing social distancing, washing our hands constantly, and wearing masks to go outside...wondering when the world will get
back to the way it was...It WILL! You just have to trust that it will. Humans have always overcome adversity and come out of
these events stronger and more resilient! And as the Grads of 2020…guess what…you are ready to take on this challenge!
You are...you are ready! You will draw strength from the people that have made you strong and you will draw knowledge from
life’s lessons along the way and from everything you have learned in the last five years. You are about to go into the vastness we
call… LIFE.. Some of you are probably a bit afraid, uncertain, anxious...”oh my gosh, I’m going to be an adult now!”...It is totally
normal to feel this way...We all felt like that. But just as you figured things out in grade 8, grade 9, grade 10 and 11...you are going
to figure things out in life!
Reading the list of ALL the awards given out and reflecting on all your accomplishments, we are all very proud of you.
Many of you have achieved personal goals, grown in ways that even you thought were impossible and, collectively, you have left
your mark on Killarney. I am so proud of you...you are some of the nicest, most caring, loving and giving people I have met.
From your fundraising efforts, to your volunteering and your selflessness, we thank you for all that you have given back to each
other, to the staff and to the school.
So, as you embark on this new phase of your life, some last words of wisdom from Mr. G. Remember that as humans, we are
born to be resilient. We have the ability to bounce back and to get through tough times.
form positive relationships…surround yourself with good people
distance yourself from unhealthy people and situations
be optimistic
keep learning…you can never know too much
be creative…think outside the box
be flexible
know what you are good at...all of you are good at many things.
have self-worth
persevere…never give up!
and in the words of Dr. Henry...Be Kind...Stay Calm...Stay Safe!
Don’t be afraid… …you are ready and able to face this current challenge and any challenges that will come your way... and they
will…you are prepared, you have the skills, believe in yourselves... embrace the world...dream big…dream reaaaally big …
and follow your hearts and follow your dreams.
Killarney will miss you…I will miss you... Be Brave...Be Strong...and Good Luck! Thank You.
- Mr. Oscar Goncalves
GRAD WALK OF HONOUR 2020
June 18 & 19
I wanted to express my great appreciation
to all of the staff who helped make our
Grad Walk of Honour a huge success.
From the custodians and district staff for
their help with the physical staging
requirements, to the rest of the admin
team and our fearless office staff for all of
their behind-the-scenes hours of work
organizing and setting up the decorations, scholarships and awards,
grad gowns and flowers, to all the teachers on the scholarship
committee and to the staff who volunteered at the event itself as
marshals, grad gown collectors and videographers, I could not have
done it without you. Thank you.
- Ms. K. Thomson—VP—Grade 12
Lights along the aisle toward stage
Top of the auditorium north stairway
Stairway leading to auditorium facing west
Killarney Grad entrance at top of stairs
Coordination, Logistics—K. Thomson Decorations—P. Wong Flowers—M. Rocchetta Grad Folders, Packages & Mailout—T. Matsalla Photographers—Artona, E. LaRizza, T. Tuson Stage—K. Thomson, T. Matsalla, P. Gill Trophies, Gowns—T. Matsalla Tech—K. Thomson, T. Myring Videography—T. Myring
Banner by Ms. P. Wong—quotes and statements as submitted by teachers
KILLARNEY FILM & THEATRE COMPANY
SPRING FEVER 2020 Congratulations to the cast and crew for all of their
creative writing and work on the Spring One Act Festival! Unfortunately, the
festival had to be cancelled. Even though Spring Fever looked different this
year, the achievement was still there. Students put in the same hard work.
They learned and grew so much. All of us teachers couldn’t be more proud of
all the students involved. It is always inspiring to watch work that was created
and directed by the students themselves. You all worked hard during the
rehearsal process and may you hold on to those memories and grow as a
creative person. Thank you to the amazing directors for taking on this leader-
ship role and we hope you will re-vamp and re-create your work next year.
KAFT A huge thank you to the parents in our parent association! Thanks for
all your work and helping us go big! We are so grateful to have parents that support the program; we could not do it without you.
Thanks once again for being part of the Killarney Family.
KAFT AGM- October 2020 in C105 will take place in the fall, keep your eyes on the school calendar. All parents who have stu-
dents enrolled in our program are welcomed.
STUDENT TEACHER A big thank you to our Student Teacher Zachery Wolfman for his amazing work with our classes and
with Spring Fever. Congratulations on a successful completion of your practicum!
GRADS OF 2020 Congratulations to all the Killarney Film and Theatre Grads! Thank you for the memorable characters, the
amazing set pieces, beautiful costumes, awe-inspiring lighting design, great tech, impeccable make-up , props, catering, media poster/
tickets/programs/photos and much more. You have ALL made your mark on Theatre Killarney and will be missed. Thank you for
mentoring the younger students and always giving 100% to
our program. Best wishes for your future outside of Killarney
and remember to visit! Congrats to all of YOU!
MS. LaRIZZA, MR. ONION and MS. TUSON:
A BIG THANK YOU to the fabulous three teachers who will
be leaving our department this year. Due to surplus and tem-
porary contracts you will be leaving us at Killarney and your
presence will be missed. Thanks for all your dedication and
work in making a difference in the lives of the students we
teach and the arts. Please come back and visit as you will al-
ways be part of the Killarney family. Best wishes-you will all
be missed. Enjoy your summer break. Ms. E. LaRizza Mr. T. Onion Ms. T. Tuson
CONGRATULATIONS to RACHEL TAN!
Winner of the Grant Burnyeat Annual Writing Competition
Congratulations to Rachel Tan, for her $750.00 essay award. Rachel is a student enrolled in Media
Arts 11/Theatre Criticism, as a final assignment during remote learning she took advantage of the
opportunity her teachers and Arts Club Theatre provided. Rachel wrote an essay on how theatre
affects youth. What can they learn by attending theatre? What impacts theatre have on young
audiences? Out of all the BC high school entries Rachel came in FIRST PLACE!
The award is generously donated by Grant Burnyeat, a
long-time theatre supporter, former Arts Club board
member, and Supreme Court Justice. Every year students
who attend Arts Club productions through this program are
invited to participate in the Grant Burnyeat Annual Writing
Competition. We are very proud of the Killarney Media/
Theatre Criticism students who participated.
Way to go. A big Congrats to Rachel,
Mr Rocchetta, and Ms. Tuson are very proud of you.
TWO GREAT TEACHERS
Thank you to Mr. Kugi for providing the
obituary clippings. There are still a handful of
existing staff members who may remember
Mr. Fukui and Mr. Ratzlaff when they commenced
their fresh new careers at Killarney. These two
teachers were respected by students and staff alike
and part of a legacy of long-term Killarney teachers
over the course of four decades. Our deepest
condolences to both their families.
KILLARNEY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS TEAM
The Killarney Community Schools Team sends a BIG thank you to all volunteers and staff for amazing fall and winter terms! We
were disappointed to have to cancel spring programs, but are so grateful and proud of what we offered our community during the
2019-2020 school year.
By the Numbers:
• 2000+ hours volunteered by 68 Killarney students in our programs this year!
• 415 students participated in our programs this year (from Champlain Annex, Champlain, Cook, MacCorkdinale, Killarney,
Waverley and Weir schools)
• 46 programs offered at 7 schools this year (from Cooking to Lego to Dance – all kinds of programs!)
8 community organizations partnered with us this year: Big Brothers, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, Ballet BC,
Arts Umbrella, Yoga Buggy, Graines de Chefs, Champlain Heights Community Centre, and Killarney Community Centre.
Volunteer Update
This year’s volunteers were incredible! Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your kindness to younger students in our
community. We’re sorry we can’t throw you an end-of-year party this year! Keep an eye out for your volunteer certificate to be
mailed to your home address. If you have any questions about your certificate, your hours, or anything else relating to volunteering,
please visit room A212 or call our office at 604-713-5887 in September.
Team Update
The Killarney Community School Team will be welcoming a new Coordinator next year! Theresa Schiewe, current Coordinator,
will be leaving the team this summer as she is going back to school to become a teacher. When school opens in the fall, please
drop by room A212 to say hello to the new Coordinator and hear updates about the plans for the new school year!
LEADERSHIP 12
Leadership 12 picked Canuck Place Children’s Hospice as their charity this
year. We were able to raise $1000 through various fundraising efforts.
Excellent job, Grade 12s! Families and friends, please consider donating to
this wonderful organization that helps sick children and their families.
If you would like more information on this charity, please visit
https://www.canuckplace.org/
During this unprecedented pandemic time, we have changed our schooling
model from in-person to online. It is a very different learning platform and
many students had difficulties adapting to this new change especially those
of elementary school age. To help the young children better prepared for
the online world, our Leadership students made a few videos on Internet
Safety. We hope that they will help elementary school students to be safe
in the online environment. These videos will be shared with our Family of
Schools in September. Thank you, Leadership 12, for being such an
amazing class! (T. Dou)
Killarney Students I wanted to let everyone know that I am retiring as of May 28th.
I had hoped to be able to see you all and let you all know in person, but due to the
current restrictions I have to do it through this format.
For the past 5 years, I have had the honour of working in your school. It has been
an amazing experience to say the least.
Getting to know you all has created so many memories that I will cherish forever.
Killarney will always be my school.
Now, in my 28th year of policing, I have made the decision to retire and move on to
work in the End Gang Life Program out in Surrey. I will miss you all and will come
back to say a proper good bye at the T and in C Wing in September.
Please continue to be the best school in the way you treat each other but more
importantly how you treat yourselves. Nothing is so big that it can’t be over-
come. Lean on the amazing supports we have at the school. Take care.
Constable Gilmore (Gilly).
FAREWELL, CONSTABLE GILMORE1 We are very sad to say goodbye to our School Liaison Officer, Constable Colin Gilmore, who has
worked with us at Killarney for the past 5 years. A veteran police officer, Colin retired from the
VPD in May. He chose a slightly early retirement in order to take up a position with the
End Gang Life Program, which is a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC to help
youth exit gangs. Colin described this new challenge as his dream job, which will allow him to
continue to work with youth in a positive way. Colin was an integral part of our school
community and was much loved by our students. Known as “Gilly” to the students, he helped
many of them over the years to make good choices and resolve problems without violence, as
well as learn about the law. His door was always open and his ability to connect with
adolescents is his superpower. He also worked with very closely with the counseling and
admin, as well as many staff members directly to support the curriculum, and he was a friendly
face in the hallways and on our campus. He will be greatly missed for his baking skills –
his Nanaimo bars and Lemon Chiffon pie were legendary. Colin was fueled mostly with
Werthers candies and Rock Star Energy drinks, which might explain his unfailing energy and
upbeat attitude, even in the most difficult of situations. We will miss Colin very much, but we
wish him well on his next adventure and we expect to see him back at Killarney as part of his
youth outreach role sometime in the future. - K. Thomson, VP
REDUCE * REUSE * RECYLE * DONATE Gather up all those clothes and shoes you no longer wear, as well as any small appliances and electronics that haven’t
worked for months, and bring them to one of our upcoming Zero Waste Reuse and Recycling Drop-off events.
https://www.tourismvancouver.com/members/articles/post/keep-vancouver-spectacular/
Check out Zero Waste Reuse and Recycling for proper CoVID procedures for this year:
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/zero-waste-centre.aspx
For more information about how to get involved in making Vancouver a Zero Waste city, please visit
https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/zero-waste-drop-off-events.aspx?utm_campaign=drop-
off&utm_medium=Vanity&utm_source=drop-off_Vanity#redirect
Please note that following items are NOT accepted at our Zero Waste events:
Items you can bring and donate for reuse Items you can recycle:
• Hazardous waste
• Furniture and large/bulky items
• Soft plastics
• Styrofoam
• Paper/magazines
• Toys
• Pharmaceutical products
• Construction materials (i.e. drywall, wood, etc.)
• Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, etc.
• Mattresses
• Suitcases
• Propane tanks
• Used oil, paint
• Tires
• Lawnmowers
• Pillows, cushions, and duvets
• Computers and monitors (collected by Free Geek to re-purpose for those in need)
• Clothing - women, men, children
• Accessories - scarves, hats, gloves
• Shoes
• Bags and purses
• Bedding - sheets, pillow cases, blankets
• Curtains
• Bath towels
• Fabric shower curtains
• Cloth tablecloths and napkins
• Kitchen tea towels
THINK BEFORE YOU BUY!
• Electronics
• Video game systems
• Small household appliances
• Power tools
• Home theatre components
• Portable audio and video equipment
• Phones
• Household batteries
• Light bulbs
• Light fixtures
• Car seats
Login in ID = STUDENT NUMBER
Password = (obtain from student) If the password is attempted too many times, the student or parent will be locked out.
A reset is necessary to re-access.
REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Go to our website at: http://killarneysecondary.com
DEAR PARENTS:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Did you know that report cards are now available online?
The Vancouver Board of Education has rolled out the online MyEd reporting
system as of September 2017. You can view your child’s report card on MyEd.
To access, you must have your child’s student number and their password.
If they need a password reset due to being locked out or forgotten go to:
studentpass.vsb.bc.ca You must have the following:
PEN# and Date of Birth
COUNSELLOR AVAILABILITY AFTER SUMMER SCHOOL
Changes will be made for the following reasons only:
1. If you are missing a course.
2. If one of the courses that appears on your timetable was not of your choosing.
3. If you failed the prerequisite course and you are not repeating / taking it in summer school.
4. If one or more of your courses need to be changed because of your taking summer school.
5. Repeating a course with a teacher with whom you failed in the previous year.
Counsellors will be working the week of August 31st to September 4th.
COMMUNICATION VIA EMAIL PLEASE
regarding course changes/requests or booking appointments, Starting on Wednesday, August 26.
Responses in order of receipt.
EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Mr. O. Goncalves [email protected] Grade 8, ELL, Int’l
Ms. J. Sharples [email protected] Grade 9, LALS, ELL, Int’l
Ms. A. Sum [email protected] Grade 10, LAC, ELL, Int’l
Mr. R. Ferguson [email protected] Grade 10, LAC, ELL, Int’l
Ms. T. Romano [email protected] Grade 11, ELL, Int’l
Ms. S. Glynianyi [email protected] Grade 12, ELL, Int’l
2020-2021 COUNSELLORS &
ADMINISTRATORS
Principal: Mr. K. Gill
VP: Ms. D. Hughes
VP: Mr. T. Myring
VP: Ms. K. Thomson
Grade 8 & ELL & Int’l
Mr. O. Goncalves
Grade 9, LALS & ELL & Int’l
Ms. J. Sharples
Grade 10, LAC & ELL & Int’l
Ms A. Sum
Mr. R. Ferguson
Grade 11 & ELL & Int’l
Ms. T. Romano
Grade 12 & ELL & Int’l
Ms. S. Glynianyi
Tofino, BC
Summer’s Splendor by the Sea By Patricia L. Cisco
Summer's splendor by the sea,
a gentle, blue serenity.
Caressing rays of golden sun,
blushing, bronzing all who come.
Enticed by its romantic lure,
lovers stroll the sandy shore.
Hushing rhythm of the waves
and salty, misty ocean sprays.
Sea birds echo call of cries,
pierce the deep blue azure skies.
Dolphins dancing on their way
across the sea out to the bay.
A glistening, shiny, sun-soaked day.
All young and old alike at play,
building castles by the sea,
jumping waves and spirits free.
No place on earth as perfect to be
as summer's splendor by the sea!
CALENDAR 2020-2021
KILLARNEY SECONDARY SCHOOL
School Operation Overview
Number of Days in Session 188
Number of Days of Instruction 181
Number of Days of Non- Instruction 6 Non Instructional Days
1 Administrative Day (June 30)
Important Dates
School Opening Day Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 12, 2020
Remembrance Day Holiday Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Last Day of Instruction before Winter Vacation Friday, December 18, 2020
Winter Vacation Period Monday, December 21, 2020 - Friday, January 1, 2021
School Re-opens after Winter Vacation Monday, January 4, 2021
Family Day Monday, February 15, 2021
Last Day of Instruction before Spring Vacation Friday, March 12, 2021
Spring Vacation Period Monday, March 15 - Friday, March 26, 2021
School Re-opens after Spring Vacation Monday, March 29, 2021
Good Friday Friday, April 2, 2021
Easter Monday Monday, April 5, 2021
Victoria Day Monday, May 24, 2021
Last Full Day of Attendance Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Administrative School Closing Day Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Professional Development and Curriculum Implementation Days
(school not in session; all disrict and province wide dates are Day 0)
Friday, September 25, 2020 Professional Development Day (Date set by school)
Friday, October 23, 2020 Professional Development Day (Province Wide)
Friday, November 27, 2020 Indigenous Focus Professional Day (District Wide)
Monday, January 18, 2021 Professional Development Day (Date set by school)
Friday, February 12, 2021 Curriculum Implementation Day (District Wide)
Monday, April 25, 2021 Profesional Development Day (District Wide)
Collaborative Dates Collaborative Times
Thursday, September 17, 2020 - Day 1 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, October 15, 2020 - Day 2 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Friday, November 20, 2020 - Day 2 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, December 10, 2020 - Day 1 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, January 14, 2021 - Day 2 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - Day 1 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, March 11, 2021 - Day 2 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, April 15, 2021 - Day 1 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, May 13, 2021 - Day 2 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Day 1 8:40 am to 9:55 am - 1st class begins at 10:00 am
Parent Conference Dates
Thursday, November 19, 2020 - Day 1 (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm)