ARTICLES
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Curating Your Perfect Course Schedule
Every February, Hamber students begin choosing their courses for the next school year through MyEducation BC. Specialized options include fine arts electives, service classes, and an assortment of AP classes.
Midtown Showdown’s Biggest Year Yet
Hamber’s Midtown Showdown (MTSD) was first hosted in 2011. Now, Hamber’s new building has enabled 24 teams from across the Lower Mainland to compete from Jan. 23–25. The event became a showcase for other groups. Dancers performed during halftime, the school band played by the bleachers at breaks, scorekeepers worked diligently from the sidelines, and the cheerleading club displayed their routines for the crowd. Hand-painted posters were hung up around the gym for the participating teams and each Hamber player.
Hamber Students’ Go-To Home Remedies
For many, escaping a debilitating cold is impossible over the winter months; plenty of Hamber students have fallen ill over the flu season. However, they’ve also found ways to help mitigate their sickness and aim for a speedy recovery. Through social media, Natalie Palmer (10) discovered a gargling technique that involves salt and baking soda, which helps treat sore throats.
The Griff's Promising Return
New school, new store! After a four-year hiatus, Eric Hamber’s student store, the Griff, is open again, selling drinks and snacks. But is it here to stay? The Nest sat down with Griff president Renee Kwok (11) to get the behind-the-scenes on the reimagined student store.
Valentine’s Day? More Like Galentine’s Day!
With this year's Valentine's Day festivities coming to a close, Hamber students shared what they did to celebrate this joyous time of year. While for some, this might have meant going out with that special someone, having dinner with family, or relaxing by themselves, many students chose to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with their gal pals! But, what is Galentine's Day? What’s its significance? And how can you celebrate it?
The Next Four: The Class Of 2025's Decisions, Early On
Since the start of the school year, Hamber grads worked steadily on applications to their dream post-secondary programs. Accepted to their preferred institutions, some students have already committed to their plans to attend these schools.
Childcare Centre At Hamber Opens April 1
Hamber’s fourth floor will serve as a childcare centre for children aged 0 to 5, as part of a joint effort between the Vancouver School Board (VSB) and the City of Vancouver. While the VSB provides space and cleaning services, the city has funded the construction costs and planned the traffic flow in the parking lot. Set to officially open on April 1, the daycare will bring changes to traffic patterns, particularly near Hamber’s east entrance, which will become the designated pickup and drop-off area for the childcare centre.
VSB Trades Program Connects High School Students to Paid Apprenticeships
Centered around facilitating the transition from the classroom to working in industry trades, the Youth Work in Trades (WRK) Program is jointly supported by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care and SkilledTradesBC. This program is promoted by the Vancouver School Board (VSB), and connects high school students to paid apprenticeships that provide up to 16 high school credits — equivalent to four courses. Students who graduate from this program will accumulate up to 480 training hours. By finishing two types of industry training programs — the Red Seal and the BC Trades Program — SkilledTradesBC provides students with provincial-level trades credentials.
Grade 10 And 12 Provincial Assessments: The Whats And Whys
This January, the province’s Graduation Assessments were completed by Grade 10 and 12 Hamber students. Before the introduction of the first provincial assessment, implemented between 2018 and 2021, the Ministry of Education required students to complete five provincial exams as part of the BC Curriculum. Language Arts, Science, and Mathematics exams were mandated for students in Grade 10, Social Studies in Grade 11, and Language Arts again in Grade 12.
The Spirit of Giving: Inside Clubs' Fundraisers
As Hamber settles into the new building, various student-led fundraisers have begun popping up in the halls. From cupcakes for Family Smart to sushi for Covenant House, Hamberites have been able to purchase a variety of food for a good cause.
Inside Hamber’s LAC and LA/LS Classes
Hamber’s Learning Assistance Class (LAC) and Learning Assistance/Life Skills (LA/LS) program are a key part of the VSB’s learning support programs, offering modified education separate from mainstream classes. LAC runs at individual junior and senior levels, while LA/LS combines junior and senior students. Rather than Dogwood diplomas, LA/LS students are awarded Evergreen certificates, which are based on the completion of individual educational programs.
Folk Songs And Fairy Tales: Wind Ensemble’s First Concert In The New Auditorium
On Dec. 4, Hamber’s wind ensemble played its first official concert in the new auditorium, titled Folk Songs and Fairy Tales. “Fanciful, imaginative, and whimsical” is how Mr. N. Francis (Music) described the program. In his director’s note, he said, “Tonight, we explore the idea of storytelling [...] and the myriad [of] ways that it can be done with music.”
Hamber’s First Grad Cruise Sets Sail
Hamber’s first-ever grad cruise kicked off celebrations for the Class of 2025 on Nov. 21. The evening brought together 161 students — about half of grade 12s — for a night of dancing, food, and fun.
“Up to Par”: Hamber’s New Cafeteria
Following Hamber’s move to the new building, students were introduced to a new cafeteria experience. Located in the atrium, directly across from the main entrance, the new cafeteria has drawn a variety of reactions from Hamberites.
The Class of 2024: What Future Grads Should know
As the new year rolls around, leaving high school has become a primary focus for Grade 12 students. With intense course loads and university applications, it can be a struggle to find enjoyment in the last year of highschool. After navigating their own grad year, Hamber’s class of 2024 has guidance to offer and key moments to look back on — moments this year’s Grade 12s can now look forward to.
Skincare Recommendations– What is Good and Bad for Our Skin?
Skincare is more than a beauty routine; it's a vital part of health. Many teens struggle with managing acne, in addition to other skin health concerns. But luckily, a market has emerged to cater to their needs. With so many options to choose from, Hamberites shared their suggestions on which products work best — and which brands to avoid.
The New School’s First CANley Cup
The CANley Cup — a district-wide fundraiser for those with financial difficulties, hosted by the Vancouver District Student Council (VDSC) — has returned for its thirteenth year. According to VDSC’s website, “Schools are encouraged to hold friendly competitions” to win the CANley Cup trophy, which is awarded to the student body that raises the most money.
Hamber’s Hits: Students’ Favourite Songs of 2024
Everyone dreads waking up on early mornings. Every school day, an alarm clock disrupts a peaceful sleep, and forces students out of bed, feeling irritable and unenthusiastic. To aid in this daily struggle is an unassuming, but all-powerful tool commonly used to prepare for the day — your favourite song blasting at full volume.
Welcoming the Winter Sports Season
As the fall sports season came to a close, winter sports teams are warm and ready for the months ahead. Players, managers, and coaches are preparing for tournaments, league games, and city championships, and they are all excited to see what they can accomplish this season.
Hamberites’ Christmas Wishlists Unwrapped
From classroom decorations to annual festive events, there's no shortage of holiday cheer filling the air at Hamber. Exchanging gifts during the holiday offers a unique opportunity for friends to share their holiday wishes and celebrate the festive season together. Looking for gift ideas (for a friend, or maybe just to add to your wish list)? These Hamberites know exactly what they’re asking for this holiday season; take some inspiration!