Killarney Cougar News

June 1, 2023

June 01, 2023

Dear Killarney Families:

I hope you are well. The last month of the school year is upon us and it is natural to think about the upcoming Summer
break. However, June will definitely be a busy month with semester 2 courses finishing, athletics teams winding up the
Spring season, celebratory events like Grad, Prom, and the Athletics Awards banquet, year-end performances, and
ongoing planning for next year.

Looking forward to next year, there will be a change to the administrative team. I will be retiring at the end of this school
year after 34 years with the Vancouver School Board with the last four years here as Principal of Killarney. This is a
wonderful community of students, parents, and staff and it has been a pleasure to close out my career here.
Fortunately, Vice-Principals Mr. Soong, Ms. Underwood, and Mr. Despotakis will still be here to provide continuity and
support to the new Principal.

Regards,

Kal Gill

Principal 2022-2023
COUNSELLORS & ADMINISTRATORS

Principal: Mr. K. Gill

Vice Principal: Mr. N. Despotakis (gr. 8)
Vice Principal: Mr. B. Soong (gr. 9/11)
Vice Principal: Ms. S. Underwood (gr. 10/12)

Counsellors
Grade 8: Ms. T. Romano
Grade 9: Ms. S. Glynianyi
Grade 10: Mr. O. Goncalves
Grade 11: Mr. H. Clark
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Contents

New Principal .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Summer School Registration ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Final Report Cards ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2023/24 Calendar ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Grad 2023................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Valedictorian ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Prom 2023 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Numeracy and Literacy Assessments...................................................................................................................................... 3
Killarnival ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Last Week of School June 26-30 ............................................................................................................................................. 4
History of African Descent in BC 12 Course ............................................................................................................................ 4
Dragonboat Stars .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Canada Skills Competition....................................................................................................................................................... 4
LSP Field Trip to Grouse Mountain ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Entrepreneurship and Marketing 10 (The Ennovate Competition) ........................................................................................ 6
Marketing and Promotion 11: Killarney Marketing Group (KMG) Supports the School Community! ................................... 7
Killarney Athletics ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Bantam Boys Volleyball....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Juvenile Boys Volleyball ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Senior Girls Soccer .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Badminton........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Track and Field .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Golf ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Killarney PAC Staff Appreciation Lunch .................................................................................................................................. 9
Killarney Parents Advisory Council (KPAC).............................................................................................................................. 9
KPAC Meeting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Recycling Fundraiser ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Days with Changes to the Regular School Schedule ............................................................................................................... 9
Contact the School ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

New Principal
Please welcome Mr. Chris Parker to Killarney Secondary. He will be joining us in September as the new Principal. Mr.
Parker is an experienced Principal with the Vancouver School Board. He has ties to the Killarney community as he was a
Vice-Principal here from 2010 to 2013.

Summer School Registration

Summer school registration closed May 26th. Students who wish to withdraw from a course or who wish to register for
any course that still has space, must send an email message to the Summer School Office at summerlearning@vsb.bc.ca.

Final Report Cards

The final report card of the year will be published on the MyEducation family portal on June 29th at 3:00 pm. Please
contact the subject teacher or grade counsellor if you have any questions regarding your child’s achievement.

2023/24 Calendar
Please click here for the 2023/24 Calendar.

Grad 2023
Killarney’s School Leaving Ceremony for 2022 will be taking place on June 7th at 6:00 pm in the Orpheum Theatre. The
doors will open at 5:00 pm with seating available at 5:30. Students will receive 2 complimentary tickets for their parents
or guardians. Additional tickets can be purchased on School Cash Online for $10 each. Grad gown packages will be
distributed at the Grad Rehearsal on June 2nd. The package contains a grad gown, cap, tassel, green v-stole and a
compass card from Translink.

Valedictorian
Congratulations to Randy Zhu who has been elected Valedictorian and will speak at the graduation ceremony on behalf
of the Grad Class of 2023.

Prom 2023
Prom tickets are still available! Tickets need to be purchased online via SchoolCash. You must bring your receipt to A211
to reserve your seat (starting June 8th at lunch). Seating is reserved on a first come, first reserved basis so line up with
your friends if you want to make sure you select seats together! Prom will be held on June 20th at the Pan Pacific. See
you there!

Numeracy and Literacy Assessments

If any Grade 12's need to complete your Ministry Literacy 10/12 and/or Numeracy 10 Assessments, the final opportunity
for the year will be on June 19 and 20. Grade 12's will have the first opportunity for seats to do these assessments In
addition, some spots will be available for Grade 10 and 11 students missing the grade 10 assessments. More information
will be posted on the grades 10-12 Teams sites.

Killarnival
Student government is busily planning for the return of Killarnival on the afternoon of June 27th. This community-
building event will have carnival games, food, and entertainment. It is a great school-wide celebration to end the school
year.
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Last Week of School June 26-30

Last day of scheduled classes will be Tuesday, June 27th. On June 28th and 29th, those students just under a passing grade
and with incomplete work will be able to come in to finish off work as requested by teachers. June 30th is an
administration day and is closed for students.

History of African Descent in BC 12 Course

What do we talk about? Black Culture, African empires, West Indian dialects…Beyoncé, AfroFuturism, Rest, James
Brown, Maya Angelou, Art, Architecture, graphic novels, stomping the yard…the list goes on!  

Why do we talk about it? To center Black Joy, Resilience and Achievements 
What do we do? Field trips and guest speakers, project-based learning, online dialoguing and seminars.
When do we do it? Once a week in person after school and online through TEAMS 
What does it take?  A keen interest in history, a desire to connect with students across the district, commitment to
showing up to class.  

The Fine Print: 

• The course is linear (runs Sept- June) and you are required to attend an in person seminar once a week. This
portion is after school, at Van Tech. This means in your timetable, you could have a free block during the day,
because you have an off timetable course.  
• This course is counts as a social studies elective  
• It is open to all grade 11 and 12 students in the district, so if you have friends at other schools you can all take
the course together .

Questions?
• Come to our online info session on Mon June 5th, 2023 at 6:30pm. Register for the INFO EVENT HERE
• Want to hear from students? Click HERE  
• Sign up to Register for the course HERE (You will be contacted about details after June 12)

Dragonboat Stars
After tryouts in Montreal on the May long weekend, three of the Killarney Dragonboat Club paddlers have been named
to the Junior National Dragonboat Team and will be representing Canada in Thailand this August. Congratulations on this
tremendous accomplishment go out to:

• Andy Du – Grade 12
• Khayra Riaz Mohammed and Jessie jiang- Grade 11

Canada Skills Competition

Grade 12 student Estella Hurtado competed in the Skills Canada National
Competition last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Estella won the BRONZE medal
in Hairstyling, competing against high school students from every province and
territory in Canada. Congratulations, Estella!
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

LSP Field Trip to Grouse Mountain

On a rainy May Friday, Killarney’s LSP program headed up Grouse
Mountain for a day of exploration and learning. We met at 7:30,
piled onto a bright yellow bus, and made the journey to the peak
of Vancouver.

After a misty gondola ride, we made sure we were nicely bundled

up and went to visit the resident rescue grizzlies, Coola and
Grinder. They were a bit groggy as they came out of hibernation
just days before our visit! Both were orphaned at a young age and
would have had a zero-percent survival rate if they hadn’t been
rescued. On Grouse, they live in a five-acre enclosure that allows them
room to roam and gather safely. Their presence on the mountain has given
researchers the opportunity to better understand grizzlies and bear
hibernation.

Once we had some time to warm up in the chalet, we headed back into the
snow to the First Nations longhouse. On our way, we were lucky to meet
Cleo, a fourteen-year-old rescued barn owl. We learned that living in the
wildlife rescue has increased her lifespan more than two-fold!

Inside the cozy longhouse, we were lucky to meet and learn from Skwxwú7mesh Nation Elder
William Nahanee. He performed songs, taught us some traditional dance, and discussed the
importance of cedar within his culture, as well as the respect that his people have for the
environment. Before we began our craft, William gave students the opportunity to ask
questions and we certainly took advantage! It was wonderful to see such thoughtful
engagement with his teachings. William was extremely patient as we asked about everything
from drum materials to historical relationships between local First Nations groups.

We rounded out the day by painting First Nations animal symbols on cedar
blocks. Many beautiful masterpieces made the journey back down the
mountain with us. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, we had a
wonderful day at Grouse. When we came back together on Monday morning,
many students (and teachers!) reported getting a very good sleep Friday
night after our snowy adventure.

The LSP program would like to thank Mr. Gill for helping us
access this
amazing learning
opportunity, as
well as Ms. Jeeva
for her tireless
planning and
organization. It
was a day to
remember!
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Entrepreneurship and Marketing 10 (The Ennovate Competition)

The students of Entrepreneurship and Marketing 10
participated in the Ennovate Competition, a three
month long business competition on sustainable
entrepreneurship where students formed social
enterprises. Students participated in Semester 1 and
Semester 2 where students mass produced,
marketed and sold products all in the goal of
supporting charities. Some of these products
included: key chains, lip balm, scented sachets, hair
ties, soap, lotion bars, bracelets and storage cases.

Students raised over $1500 with $1200 in direct

donations to charities! Killarney students then went to UBC to
compete against other lower mainland business classes to present
their social enterprise in front of professionals and judges at the
Sauder School of Business where Sustainable Soy placed Third in
competition!

Here are some highlights.

Sustainable Soy: (Above Left to right) Eidan Chan, Ava

Tuason-Froehlich, Nicole Demaisip and Terry Ho who
won 3rd place!
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Marketing and Promotion 11: Killarney Marketing Group (KMG) Supports the School Community!
This year, the students of Marketing and Promotion 11 founded the Killarney
Marketing Group (KMG) whose goal is to financially support the school
community. Students of class raised funds to support the Ant-bullying club,
purchase a green screen for the library, support the SPCA club and to support
Spanish in our Modern Languages
Department. Together, they donated over
$1700 to support their school community!

But that’s not all! Students planned and

executed elaborate fundraisers to not only
financially support their peers but to also
bring up school spirit, connection and fun all around their school! Fundraisers
included: Movie night, bake sales, an Escape Room, Buko Pandan Dessert Drinks, Hot
chocolate sales, Dodgeball, Volleyball and Basketball Tournaments and more!

Their successes can be found on our site:

https://killarneymarketing.square.site/

Want support for your school

class, club or organization?

Contact us for consideration the

2023-2024 school year through
our website.

$500 to the Library $400 to the SPCA Club

$750 to the AntiBullying Club

 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Killarney Athletics

Bantam Boys Volleyball

The Bantam Boys had a fantastic season of learning the sport of volleyball and bonding as a team. New skills were
developed and new friendships were formed. They had a successful 5-2 record in their Exhibition Games, and some very
close games in the playoffs. They ended the season with a 15-13 3rd set loss to Churchill to be placed 8th in the City! Keep
playing volleyball and they’ll come back stronger next season! Thanks to Katherine Itakura (Killarney Alumni) for
volunteering to coach the team.

Juvenile Boys Volleyball

The Juveniles Boys Volleyball team are having a successful season. The team placed 3rd in the VSSAA League and
advanced to the Zone Championships at Steveston London Secondary in Richmond. Good Luck to the boys!

Senior Girls Soccer

This was a multi grade team consisting of players in grade 9,10,11 and 12 that competed in the Senior League. The girls
finished with 1 win, 6 losses and 2 ties. The team would like to thank Ms. Shannon Dallaway Jones for coaching the team
for the second year. Future looks bright for this young and up and coming team. Congratulations on a successful season!

Badminton
The Senior Badminton team finished with a league record of 5 wins and 1 loss. In the VSSAA playoffs the team defeated
University Hill and Prince Of Wales to advance to the Sea to Sky Zone Championships. Special thanks to Ms. Ferraro and
Ms. Veness-Kehler for sponsoring the team and Rachel Tse for her outstanding work as team manager.

Track and Field

Killarney’s Track and Field team has been training and competing for 4 months now and is approaching the end of their
competitive season. Many outstanding performances have contributed to considerable success this year. The Senior
Boys and Girls won their respective Vancouver City Championship titles as well as the combined Sea to Sky Zone
Championship (for the second year in a row). The team continues to prepare for Provincial Championships in Langley
from June 8-10.
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Golf
Mr. Jones led the team to 0 win and 5 loss first season in the Competitive Division of the VSSAA Golf League. Despite the
losses the boys had a successful season playing at some of Vancouver’s most exclusive golf courses. Congratulations on a
great season! The Recreational Golf team has started preparing for their season. The team will have several practice
sessions at Fraserview Golf Course and will finish the season with a round of golf at Burnaby Central Pitch and Putt.

Killarney PAC Staff Appreciation Lunch

A big thank you to the Parent Advisory Council for organizing a staff appreciation lunch on Friday, June 2nd. The staff are
appreciative of this treat at the end of another busy year.

Killarney Parents Advisory Council (KPAC)

KPAC Meeting
The next KPAC meeting will be held September 27th at 7pm.

Recycling Fundraiser
KPAC has started a recycling program with “return it express”. parents can drop of Recyclables all year round and all you
have to do is give Killarney Secondary Schools telephone number (604-713-8950).

Days with Changes to the Regular School Schedule

• June 13 – Collab Day, late start for students
• June 28 & 29 – No classes, students with incomplete work will be able to come in to finish off work as requested
by teachers.
• June 30 – Administrative Day, no school for students
 Killarney Cougar News
June 1, 2023

Contact the School

Please contact the teacher, the counsellor, or the grade administrator if you have any questions or concerns about your
child’s progress with learning. This newsletter and my previous newsletters are posted under the Student Bulletin
section of the Killarney website.