Longtime readers of the Burnaby NOW may remember the story we did back in 2011 on Elias Ishak, the Burnaby South student who was alleging his school censored an article he wrote on Middle East politics for the school paper. Elias has kept in touch over the years and writes the occasional letter to the our paper. He's now 21 and is studying at UBC with plans to go to law school, but we've also learned he's considering running as an independent candidate for school board.
"I would like, if nothing else, to use the position to encourage people to think for themselves," he said.
Elias has to have someone nominate him before he can officially throw his name in the ring, which he plans to do in August, closer to the next civic election.
Early childhood education
The school district is hosting a series of fun events to get children learning through playful activities.
The open-house events are a partnership with Fraser Health, Science World, the library and the city's parks and rec department. Parents can bring their children to partake in interactive displays and have the chance to meet early childhood education experts, while connecting with other families.
The next session is Thursday, April 17, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Cascade Heights Elementary (4343 Smith Ave.). There's another session on Tuesday, April 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Gilmore Community School, 50 S. Gilmore Ave. The last event is Thursday May 8, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Capitol Hill Elementary, 350 S. Holdom Ave.
All events are free. For more information on the district's early learning programs, go to www.burnabyschools.ca.
Gilpin plant sale
The parent advisory council at Gilpin Elementary is hosting a plant sale to raise money for the school. The sale is Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilpin, 5490 Eglinton St. They will be selling hanging baskets, which make a good gift for upcoming Mother's Day, and there will be bedding plants, tomatoes, herbs and plants for kids, too.
New chancellor
Here's a bit of news from on top of the hill: Simon Fraser University is appointing Anne Giardini as chancellor this June. Anne is a forestry executive and lawyer, and succeeds former B.C. finance minister Carole Taylor, who has served as chancellor since 2011.
Anne was Weyerhaeuser's chief lawyer before she became president of the company. She also chaired the Vancouver International Writers Festival.
Geography pros
Three Burnaby students have made the final cut for the Great Canadian Geography Challenge, set for April 17.
The students are Moscrop's Khalid Boudreau, Alpha's Kyle Peach, and Burnaby North's Adrian Yeung. (You may recognize Khalid's name, as he was mentioned in the NOW last November for making an important bird-watching discovery about the endangered American white pelican while on summer vacation.)
The geography contest takes place online, and the winners get scholarships and the chance to represent Canada in the National Geographic World Championship in 2015.
BTA on air
Burnaby teachers are taking their plight to the airwaves. The Burnaby Teachers' Association is ran an ad on CKNW Radio recently, expressing support for the B.C. Teachers' Federation and criticizing the Liberals for larger class sizes.
Housekeeping items
We have two new faces at the Burnaby NOW. Cornelia Naylor is taking over the education beat, which includes writing this column. Cornelia was a reporter at the now defunct Chilliwack Times. So send all your Class Act items and school-related news to [email protected]. She will also be covering the health and transit beats.
Jacob Zinn will also be joining us for a year, while our regular business reporter, Janaya Fuller-Evans, is on maternity leave. Jacob was working at our sister paper in Surrey, and he will be covering the city hall, crime and business beats. Follow him on Twitter @JacobZinn. Cornelia is at @CorNaylor.
