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Statement Watch

Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.

The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you

Statement Watch

Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.

The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you

Statement Watch

Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.

The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you

Statement Watch

Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.

The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you

Statement Watch

Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.

The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you

Statement Watch

Thank you, Chair. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, something that's really stood out to me is how student leadership across the district continues to grow both in size and purpose. Over the past month, I've had the chance to see students create spaces for connection creativity, advocacy, learning, fun, and care. One example of this was VDSC's district-wide 2016 Throwback Spirit Day. What started as a fun idea quickly became something bigger, with schools across the district participating, leaning into nostalgia, and also sharing at the same time. School student councils have also been leading initiatives that reflect issues students care about and create positive change. Schools have held mental health-focused art showcases, indoor track meets, Asian Heritage Month celebrations, and Red Dress Day commemorations honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. These projects happening across different schools show the importance of student leaders learning from one another and sharing ideas across the district. This month also included an opportunity that was personally meaningful to me. On May 7th, I attended the City of Vancouver's proclamation of Child and Youth Mental Health Day, alongside elected officials and representatives from organizations including Vancouver Coastal Health, Family Smart, the First Nations Health Authority, and Crisis Centre BC. Mental health continues to be a topic that students frequently raise through VDSC meetings, and it has shaped much of our work this year, including through the Mindfulness Minute toolkit shared with schools. Being part of the city's proclamation was a reminder that this work extends beyond schools and that student voice has an important role in conversations about youth well-being and support. Another highlight this month has been the launch of VDSC's annual arts gala. This year's theme, What Comfort Looks Like for Students, has already inspired submissions ranging from visual art and writing to music and performance pieces. What makes the gala special is that it gives students an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives in creative ways. Once submissions close, district-wide voting will open, and we're looking forward to seeing the different ways that students interpret this theme. Looking ahead, VDSD is also preparing for the Student Leadership Grad Showcase. Throughout the year, the fund has supported student-led projects across the district. and help turn ideas into initiatives within school communities. These grants make student-led initiatives more accessible across schools, and the showcase offers students an opportunity to present their learning through their project process, reflect on what they have learned, and share the impact their work has had on their communities. It's a celebration of student learning, and we are very grateful to the board for continuing to support these invaluable opportunities. This month also marked an important transition within VDSC as elections for next year's senior executive team were completed actually just yesterday. Over the upcoming weeks, we will work through the incoming team through transition planning to set them up for success in the next school year. Finally, from May 21st to 24th, I had the privilege of attending the Ontario Student Trustees Association Annual General Meeting. Throughout the conference, students from across the country discussed topics including policy, equity, student wellbeing, reconciliation, and advocacy. One theme that stood out to me was the importance of continuing to strengthen the incorporation of student voice and agency into decision-making processes. I appreciated the opportunity to bring many of these ideas back to our general meeting yesterday for further discussion. I am truly grateful for these opportunities for professional development and networking with other student trustees. As the school year wraps up, VDSC's focus continues to be on strengthening student voice and agency across the district by building leadership capacity, sharing ideas across schools, and ensuring student perspectives continue to inform decisions. I would like to thank the board for its continued support of student leadership in its many forms. The work shared in this report will not be possible without that support. Thank you.

Thank you, Freddie. This was a very thorough, long report this month. and it had lots of great information. Thank you to all the students that participated. Are there any questions or comments for Freddie? Trustee Fraser.

Yes, thank you, Freddie. I see that you had the privilege of attending an out-of-district conference recently. And I'm curious, it was the Ontario Students Trustees Association. I understand there are student trustees across Ontario, but I'm wondering if there were other student trustees from other provinces or were you the only one attending from outside Ontario?

Yeah, thanks for your question through the chair. I was really privileged to be the only student trustee attending from outside Ontario. And it also made me think about just how valuable the opportunity is for for student voice and leadership to be incorporated in our district and how unique these opportunities are.

Great. Thank you, Freddie. Seeing no other comments or questions, I would like to acknowledge the work that you do and also the future work you will be doing. If you would like to share the good news with everyone.

Yeah, I'm very pleased to share that I've been reelected for a second term in the next school year, and I'm really excited to be continuing this work, both as a part of VDSC and at this table.