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Kendrick Lamar Highlights African American Culture At Super Bowl Halftime Performance
On Feb. 9, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL Super Bowl. This year, the halftime show featured American rapper and 22-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar. The performance drew 133 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history. Lamar took a symbolic approach to the halftime show. Actor Samuel Jackson appeared on stage dressed as Uncle Sam, a figure that represents the American government. Jackson began the show by saying, “This is the great American game,” which was the kickoff for the performance.
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.
Vancouver’s Upcoming Concerts In 2025
Last year, Vancouver saw visits from many popular artists, including Taylor Swift, Don Toliver, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. However, if you were disappointed that you couldn’t make it to any of them then, you’re in luck! This year, more big-name artists have already announced shows in Vancouver.
Canada's Federal GST Holiday Ends
On Nov. 21, 2024, the federal government declared a GST/HST break for certain items. The tax break went into effect on Dec. 14, 2024, and ended on Feb 15. The break applied to food, beverages, restaurant food, catering, children’s clothing, children’s footwear, diapers, car seats, children’s toys, jigsaw puzzles, video game consoles, video game controllers, physical video games, physical books, printed newspapers, and Christmas trees.
2025 Invictus Games Ceremonies Take Place In Downtown Vancouver
The 2025 Invictus Games kicked off on Feb. 8 in Vancouver, with a spectacular opening ceremony at BC Place Stadium, featuring performances by artists Katy Perry, Roxane Bruneau, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
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.
Jan. 6 US Capitol Rioter Arrested In Whistler
Anthony Vo was convicted and sentenced to nine months in jail for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US capitol. Instead of reporting to jail, he decided to leave the US and come to Canada to seek asylum. On Jan. 6, exactly four years after the US Capitol riot, he was arrested in Whistler. He was later pardoned by Trump and left Canada to go back home to the US.
Found Guilty On 34 Counts, President Trump Receives An Unconditional Discharge
US President Donald Trump received an “unconditional discharge” for his criminal trial on Jan. 10, making him the first convicted felon to serve as president. This sentence spares Trump of any legal retribution, aside from a mark on his criminal record. Trump’s sentence stems from a decision in May 2024 by a New York jury that found the president guilty of 34 felony counts of fabricating business records. During the 2016 election, these records were corrupted to conceal a hush-money payment to an adult film star, Stormy Daniels.
Trump Blames DEI Initiatives For DC Plane Crash
On Jan. 29, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial jet, killing all 64 passengers aboard the flight and the three US soldiers aboard the helicopter. American Airlines flight 5342 was travelling from Wichita, Kansas, and struck the helicopter on its final descent to Washington’s Reagan National Airport. The wreckage of both aircrafts was found in the Potomac River, where first responders rushed to the scene, but were unsuccessful in finding any survivors.
Trump Proposes 25 Per Cent Tariff On All Canadian Goods
US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose a 25 per cent tax — better known as a tariff — on all trades with Canada, sparking concern in Canada’s political sphere.
BC Teen Has Caught Canada’s First Case Of Bird Flu
On Nov. 9, BC’s first ever case of bird flu – also known as avian flu or avian influenza A(H5N1) – was recorded and confirmed. BC health officials have been conducting an ongoing investigation, but have not yet been able to determine how the teen contracted the virus.
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.
Vancouver May See White Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas may prove worthwhile this holiday season. BC residents can expect a La Niña weather pattern this winter, which will bring below-average temperatures, low-elevation snowfall, and higher precipitation levels.
Surrey Schools Face Capacity Crisis
Facing a rapidly growing population, Surrey schools are struggling. Students must contend with chronic overcrowding, learn in portables, attend class at irregular times, and make do with limited course-selection options. District officials have urged the province for billions in new funds, but funding commitments have yet to meet their demands.
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.”
Global CO2 Emissions Expected To Hit Record High In 2024
The world's largest climate summit, COP29, concluded in Azerbaijan on Nov. 24. Nearly 200 countries and 70 thousand participants gathered to discuss climate change policy, with a focus on finance. This conference called on all regions to work toward enabling a record total of $1.3 trillion in yearly financial aid for developing countries by 2035, which will be directed toward reducing carbon footprints and transitioning to low-carbon pathways.
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.
Record-Breaking Penguin Swims To Australia
An emperor penguin was found on a western beach in Denmark, Australia on Nov. 1. This location is much further north than the species is usually spotted, as penguins are typically only found in the Southern Hemisphere on Antarctica or sub-Antarctic islands. After being rehabilitated, the penguin was released by Australian Wildlife officials 20 days later.
Mailbox Malaise: Canada Post Strike Continues Into the Holiday Season
On Nov. 15, at 12:01 AM, the Canada Post strike officially began. According to CBC News, The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), announced that crown corporation Canada Post was refusing “to negotiate real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day."