VSB: After The Bell

It's the last month of the school year! Leading up to the summer break, we're sharing practical habits with technology that can support student well-being through the summer and beyond. With technology being so much a part of daily life, it can be easy for screen time to creep up, especially when there is more downtime. That is why, for our final episode of season 4 of After the Bell, we a...

Part of our role at VSB is to help prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life, including how people learn, work and access information.  As AI continues to evolve, it is important that students learn how to use these tools safely, responsibly and critically. This school year, VSB is introducing Microsoft Copilot 13+ i...

April is Earth Month! Across VSB, students and staff help contribute to a more sustainable district every day! In honour of these efforts, we’re sharing stories of how of our VSB community has been doing exactly that, and how all our actions, both big and small, actively work toward our updated Environmental Sustainability Plan .   Today, we’re hearing from teachers across the district who are pas...

Summer is right around the corner! If you’re thinking about Summer Learning, now is the time to start planning. On this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Fullerton, District Principal for the Vancouver Learning Network. Ryan shares everything you need to know about Summer Learning, including when to register, what you'll need to access the registration site, course selection and more. If you enjoyed t...

Today, we’re talking about financial literacy for students. In this epsiode, we're joined by Wendi Campbell, the CEO of Junior Achievement British Columbia, or JABC for short. Wendi breaks down the basics of financial literacy for students of all ages, including what families can do at home to help prepare students for their financial futures. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leav...

A friendly, practical conversation for families preparing for the leap from Grade 7 to Grade 8.  In this episode, we are joined by Alison Ogden, VSB's Associate Superintendent, Secondary. Alison breaks down what to expect in secondary school, how routines and responsibilities shift and the small steps families can take now to help students feel confident and ready for the year ahead.   We also hea...

We know there are many pathways to graduation and finding success after Grade 12. On this episode of After the Bell, we’re talking about getting a head start on your career while still in secondary school. How is that possible? Through VSB’s Career Programs!  Joining the conversation is Mark Reid, a District resource teacher through the Career Programs, and Lucy Griffith, Dean, School of Trades, T...

Welcome to After the Bell LIVE! In this episode, we are joined by Ranjit Bains, Director of Instruction, Secondary, Shannon Burton, Director of Instruction, Elementary and Suzie Polzin, District Principal of Learning Instruction. This discussion covers what learning updates communicate, why the name changed from report cards, how the B.C. proficiency scale is used for assessment and how to support...

In part two of our post-secondary conversation, we spoke with three representatives from the admissions offices at Simon Fraser University, Capilano University and Langara College. Our three amazing guests, Mike Peragine from SFU, Rafaela Almeida Borges from Cap-U and Jennifer Paige from Langara continue helping families navigate the world of post-secondary admissions. If you enjoyed this episode,...

This episode is part one of two in our conversation about helping families prepare for that big leap after graduation—post-secondary! While it might seem early, the process for applying happens sooner than you may think. Who better to speak about post-secondary admissions than folks who work in the admissions offices? Joining the discussion today are two amazing guests from the admissions world, R...

Welcome to After the Bell: LIVE! In this episode, we are joined by Jackie Cummings, vice-principal at Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary, and Joe Maher, principal at Queen Alexandra Elementary. This discussion covers the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), with clear information about the FSAs, common misconceptions, how it works, and what you can do to help your child understand the assessment.  ...

Welcome back to school, VSB! We’re so excited to start the 2025/26 school year and the fourth season of the After the Bell Podcast.   To start the school year off, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to home, literally! We’re talking about how families can support their child’s learning journey at home and how we can work together to help students thrive.  Joining us are two wonderful guests: S...

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already at the end of the school year! This year was filled with many proud moments. From students winning national competitions and improving in their most challenging subjects, to educators supporting student growth and creating more inclusive school communities. On the season finale of After the Bell, we’re turning the microphone over to the people who make VSB s...

Welcome to VSB After the Bell: Live! In this live podcast episode, we are joined by Adrienne Stewardson, District Principal of Early Learning and Child Care. This conversation discusses what you and your child can expect for kindergarten, ways to support their transition, navigating common concerns, developing independence skills and community support. Hosted by Jiana Chow! Additional resources Re...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  Mental health is an important, and often difficult, subject to talk about. It’s crucial we have open and honest conversations to end the stigma and create safe, healthy and welcoming environments for everyone.   Here to talk about mental health in students is child and adolescent physiatrist Dr. Roberto Sassi. Dr. Sassi is Psychiatrist in Chief at B.C Childre...

Today, we're talking about an important and sometimes controversial topic: sexual education. Joining us is sexual health expert, author and educator, Saleema Noon! Saleema has been a special guest speaker at PAC organized sessions throughout Vancouver as well as across B.C.  If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create...

Have you heard of the term school based teams? One listener did, and asked us to cover this topic on After the Bell. It’s a great question, because as a parent/guardian you may know what it is, but then again, not really? Today, we invited Maiky Ma and Sheryl Morris, both District Case Managers who work with school based teams. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a...

Welcome to VSB After the Bell: Live! In this live podcast episode, we are joined by Jeff Spence, District Principal for Learning and Information Technology, and Christina Walker, Digital Literacy Mentor. This conversation helps families navigate the digital world with their children, and welcomed audience members to submit questions during the broadcast. Hosted by Jiana Chow!  Check out links to t...

For this Matter of the Month, we're discussing Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness against bullying and fostering kindness.   Back in 2007, two high school students in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, saw a younger student being bullied with homophobic slurs and threats. These two students responded by giving out 50 pink shirts to classmates, sparking a global mov...

Last month, we discussed a modern approach to learning. Specifically, Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. This month, we are continuing our conversation with David Nicks, district principal of inclusion for secondary schools at VSB and Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author and former assistant superintendent of schools in Massachusetts. If you enjoy this episode,...

Welcome to our first episode of 2025! Today, we are taking a look at a modern approach to learning. Specifically, Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. On the show to discuss all things UDL is David Nicks, district principal of inclusion for secondary schools at VSB and Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author and former assistant superintendent of schools in Massachu...

It’s been a wonderful year spent with you, After the Bell listeners! Before we head into the winter break, we’re reflecting on a few highlights we’ve shared so far this school year, and what we can look forward to in 2025. To share these warm winter wishes, we are joined by VSB Superintendent, Helen McGregor! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review.    Your fe...

Do you remember learning how to read when you were in school? Was picking up a book one of your favourite parts of the day, or did you feel a twist of anxiety in your stomach every time you had to read aloud in class? For some, reading and literacy were enjoyable learning experiences. For many, though, the unfortunate reality is learning to read and write were major challenges that were often stre...

We have a reoccurring segment on the show called “Matter of the month,” where we address the most talked about topics. This can be anything from a success story to a controversial issue.  As Jon Snow would say, " winter is coming!” This month, we’re helping families prepare by sharing what you need to know, and how to find it, during inclement weather.   Joining me today to discuss this topic is V...

If there’s one topic that’s always ringing in the minds of students, families, and teachers, it’s digital devices in education. In early 2024, the provincial government mandated all schools to have restrictions on cell phones across the province, and in September of this year, VSB implemented its District-wide policy on digital devices.   As of this past September, personal digital services must b...