Commencement 2013

Another year has come and gone, and as I reflect upon all that has transpired this year, I am truly grateful that I have the opportunity to work with the talented and professional students and staff at J.N. Burnett Secondary school in Richmond, BC.  This is the end of my 21st year in education, the 8th at Burnett and the second in the role of Principal.

Last year, as I concluded my first as a Principal, I felt I had endured what would be my most challenging year.  A year filled with job-action, labour unrest, a feeling of uncertainty as I tried to learn on the job, and teachers being unable to help us with so many of the responsibilities that are required every year.  We made it through those circumstances, and I felt quite confident that since teachers would be back volunteering their time, and I felt like I knew what I was doing a little better, the job would become easier.  I was wrong.  It has not been an easier year.  But it has been a more enjoyable year, and I feel like I have grown as a professional, the staff and school has continued to improve how they go about their business, and while I am more exhausted than ever before, I feel very good about where we are and what we are doing.

Despite the busy-ness of our work, I was reminded of why the job of "educator" is the best in the world at our Graduation ceremony last week.  Seeing the pride in the faces of the Graduates and their families, as well as the satisfaction the staff feels for helping shape the class into the group of young adults they have become; Commencement is truly a remarkable evening.  I continue to be impressed by our students and staff and want to thank them for making our school such a great place to be.  What follows are the words I shared with our audience at the ceremony last Thursday.

Good evening distinguished members of the platform party, staff, family and friends. To J.N. Burnett Secondary’s graduating class of 2013, we say, “Congratulations.”  It is a privilege to be addressing such an outstanding group of young people.

As we reflect upon the past year, it often becomes difficult to ignore the tragic stories that plague our headlines. Distressing news of the Sandy Hook School shootings, the Boston Marathon bombings and teen suicides across our country draw our attention. But, we are not defined by these disturbing acts; what is sometimes overlooked in each of these troubling situations are the countless acts of bravery, selfless heroism, and compassionate care displayed by regular people drawn together to make the world a better place.

Now, as I glance around this auditorium and consider the narratives that have filled the hallways of Burnett, I am reminded of the valuable stories that we have chosen to define us. Despite our individual struggles, we have come together to raise awareness through our drama performances and clubs. We have served brunch and performed for the seniors in our community; we have raised funds for the unmarked graves of veterans; and, these are just a few examples. You, the graduating class, have been a large part of these acts and you have shown yourselves to be wondrously talented and courageously determined. 

It has been a privilege to work closely with so many of you over the past five years. We are extremely fortunate at Burnett to be part of such a caring staff and exceptional student body. I can honestly say that the staff and students of Burnett have worked together to face their many challenges with amazing consideration for each other and with the resolve to make a positive difference in this world.

Tonight, I would like to share the words of a man whose story also inspires. His name was Jim Valvano. He was the compelling, charismatic and championship coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack Men’s Basketball Team. Valvano was diagnosed with terminal cancer but just a month before he passed away, he gave a simple yet powerful speech. He said, “Do three things everyday: Laugh. Think. Have your emotions moved to the point of tears.”

To Laugh - Working with all of you for the past 5 years, I have been given so many reasons to laugh. I know you all guffawed when I sang Baby, It’s Cold Outside at Santa’s Breakfast. There’s lots of chuckling around the school when, for example, you prepare for in-class presentations and practice for PE Dances and for the Glee Club Performances on Valentine’s Day (thanks for the brownie points that got me!).

To Think - Educators and students around the world are challenged to think deeply everyday, and we at Burnett are no exception. We have exchanged intelligent questions to make each other reflect upon how we do our work and how we live our lives. To quote Adlai Stephenson, “As you prepare to leave this place, do not forget why you came.” You came to school to learn – continue to do so. I encourage you to practice curiosity; strive to know things and persist in asking questions.

To Cry – to have your emotions moved to the point of tears. This happens to me far more frequently than I would care to admit. As a want-to-be tough guy, I try to hide it, but on so many occasions, I swell with pride watching or listening as you give presentations, complete astounding achievements, and offer selfless assistance to each other and members of our community – a Remembrance Day Ceremony, and a Flash Mob performance in Chemistry class are just two examples of several that give rise to a few tears of deep appreciation and gratitude.

Grads of 2013, we know that you have been equipping yourselves to face the many challenges and the endless possibilities available to you.  And, you will face your critics. Contemplate and consider what others think of you, but do not be discouraged by what they think of you. Because, as Dr. Seuss writes: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”.   We want to wish you the very best. Thank you for your significant contributions to the school and the community and we congratulate you for reaching this important milestone in your lives.  Know that we are all extremely proud of you.

Now go out there and live with courage – do good in this world. And if you remember only one thing from tonight, remember the words of Coach Valvano:

“If you laugh, you think and you cry; that’s a full day.  That’s a heck of a day!  You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

Thank you and Congratulations!

To each of our Graduates, "Congratulations, thanks for all you have done and best wishes for your future".  And for those returning to Burnett again in the fall, enjoy a fun-filled and relaxing summer!!!

Recent Highlights

While the past month has been crazy-busy (I wrote some reflections about the work in an earlier post), I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge so many of the great things that I have been fortunate enough to witness and/or participate in during the months of April and May.

On April 17 and 18, the student-run Dance club (under the sponsorship of Mrs. Fuller) collaborated with Steveston-London and McMath Secondary schools to put on a fantastic showcase of incredible dance performances.

At the end of April, Mrs. Galan and Ms. Wu organized their annual ESL trip to Victoria.

Time for High Tea!

To kick off May, on Wednesday, May 1st, Mr. Todd Yamamoto organized his annual Science fieldtrip to Playland. A good time was had by all, and students got the chance to study what they have been learning in the world beyond the walls of our school.

A beautiful day (if you don't mind line-ups)

My favourite ride!

On May 2nd, the J.N. Burnett Fine Arts department members put on our annual Fine Arts Night.  Our Superintendent, Monica Pamer, highlighted our night (among others) in one of her recent blog posts, and as she indicated, the evening was an impressive display of passion and talent.

Sidewalk art

The Jazz Band at work

Anyone hungry?

Who is thirsty?

Cup-O-Noodles?

Good crowds!

On May 3rd, the student-run ARC (Animal Rescue Club), under the guidance of sponsor Ms. Galan, organized its own "Cage-a-thon" to raise money and awareness for the SPCA and what we can all do to help our furry friends.

Looks pretty comfortable!

On May 10th and 11th, Burnett students hosted our 6th Annual Cyclebetes fundraiser.  Another successful event that raised money and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes Research (a cause very important to me).

On May 15th, our school submitted its School Performance Plan.  If interested, feel free to read it here.

On May 16th, the Grads of 2013 had a fantastic evening to enjoy a 3 hour boat cruise around Vancouver Harbour.

Check out the boat!

Beautiful night!

On May 22nd, our Parent Advisory Council hosted its Legacy Scholarship Presentations.  These presentations are a highlight of the year. Students talk to parents about all they have done and learned during their time in high school, and what they are looking to do next. The very inspiring stories leave everyone impressed and the parents have a tough time deciding upon which of the 16 presenters will be awarded with a $400 scholarship.

Getting ready to tell their stories

Also on May 22nd, the Music Department had their annual Spring Concert.

On May 25th, our school hosted the First Annual Lorne Bodin Bike Ride which I have written about here.

On May 30th, our Athletic Director, Cat Bateman, hosted our annual Athletic Awards Banquet.  Unfortunately, I have no photos, but wanted to say congratulations and thank you to all of the athletes, coaches and our hard-working AD, who make such an important part of school experiences happen.

And best of all, throughout the month, I was invited into several classes and was blown away by the great things I saw (below are just a few of the photos from some of the classes I observed).

Displaying a mobile in Ms. Dunn's SS 9 class

Presentations from the Number Devil in Ms. Rodriguez' class

More Number Devil

A Mid-Summer Night's Dream in Ms. Lam's class

Dissecting rats in Ms. Farnden's Biology class

More mobiles in Ms. Dunn's class

Flying motor airplanes in Mr. Bevan's Tech class

Mr. Niessen's class trying to propel all kinds of items

ESL class pen pal letters

Hard at work in Art with Ms. Mrsic

And an appreciation video put together by students for their Chemistry teacher (Mr. Kailley)!

These are just a few of the great things happening all the time at Burnett.  I can't thank enough the fantastic staff and motivated, curious and fun-loving students who help make Burnett such a great place to work and learn.  We only have a couple of weeks left!  Study hard, have some fun and finish strong!

Lorne Bodin Bike Ride 2013

I have written before of my friend and mentor Lorne Bodin.  Lorne passed away after a fight with stomach cancer in January of 2011 (see photos of his Celebration of Life), but his legacy lives on in countless ways.  He is missed by so many people, but the way he treated others is something that all who knew him aspire to carry forward.

 

After two years of riding in the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer (which I have written about here and here), a large group of his friends decided to bring the ride closer to home and open it up to more participants.  On Saturday, May 25th, a 25 km ride starting at Burnett Secondary School (where Lorne began his teaching career in Richmond) went south to the dyke, then east to Number 5 road and back.  An after-party BBQ was hosted and everyone got a chance to visit and talk about how Lorne impacted their lives.  Over 120 people participated or organized the event, and with a registration fee of only $30 (for a t-shirt and lunch), almost $2000.00 was raised for the Lorne Bodin Scholarship fund.

Students helping hand out t-shirts

Bonnie Leslie and Glenn Kishi

Looking good, ladies...

The boys sharing a laugh and some coffee

 

Rob Laing helping get everyone "pumped up"

Bert Wiens getting ready

It was this kind of day...

 

Jason Leslie with some opening remarks

Jan Bodin saying "Welcome and thank you for coming"

 

The Laing family at the turn-around

Superintendent Monica Pamer refueling

 

Mike Whittingham and daughter Reese

Birgitte Biorn and others doing some real riding

Jim Allison cheering people home

Spencer Leslie helping out with the BBQ

 

Checking out some tribute photos

 

Rose Sebellin and Dora Ho

 

Enjoying a burger in a good-looking shirt

Dora Ho and Team Leslie-Lorne was all about friends and family

 

Rob and Deb are ready for next year's ride

Jan Bodin and Andrew Ferguson having a chat

Enjoying a BBQ in the sunshine

The ride, as you can tell by the photos, was a smashing success, as the weather held, people thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we all came together to remember and honour our friend, Lorne.  Thanks to everyone for their contributions and participation in a great day.  Special thanks to Deb Wheeler-Brown for the fantastic photos.

 

Some of the members of Team Bodin are still participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and in order to ride, each participant needs to fundraise at least $2500.00.  If you are so inclined, they would welcome any donations. Contributions can be made here.

 

The ride will become an annual event, as we look to grow the participation and keep Lorne's memory strong.  We welcome anyone to join us (and I know Lorne would love to have everyone there), so keep your eyes open for the Second Annual Lorne Bodin Bike Ride in May of 2014.

As Lorne would say, "You all look good, my friends"