VSB: After The Bell

Vancouver School Board

The Vancouver School District is among the most diverse school systems in Canada with an annual enrolment of over 50, 000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adult education students. This award winning podcast interviews guests who share an inside look at the Vancouver School District. You’ll hear from students, educators, decision makers and staff behind-the-scenes that keep VSB schools running.

  1. 2025-12-10

    Ep. 42 - After the Bell: Career Programs

    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, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College, or VCC for short. VCC is one of our wonderful partners who helps make these career-starting opportunities possible for students! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

    34 min

  2. 2025-11-20

    Ep. 41 - After the Bell LIVE! Learning Updates

    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 your child’s learning. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

    1 hr

  3. 2025-10-09

    Ep. 40 - After the Bell: Planning for post-secondary: SFU, Cap-U and Langara (part two)

    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, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Resources for students and their families: Simon Fraser University Instagram @sfuvanCapilano University Instagram @capilanouLangara College Instagram @langaracollege

    35 min

  4. 2025-10-07

    Ep. 39 - After the Bell: Planning for post-secondary: BCIT and UBC (part one)

    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, Richa Gautam from BCIT and Amandus Mashamba from UBC. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Resources for students and their families: University of British Columbia (UBC) AdmissionsProspective studentsFinancial planningInstagram @ubcadmissionsTours and events British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) AdmissionsFuture studentsFinancial planningInstagram @lifeatbcit"Big Info" (Oct. 8 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.)

    34 min

  5. 2025-09-24

    Ep. 38 - After the Bell: LIVE! Discussing the Foundation Skills Assessments (FSAs)

    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.   Hosted by Jiana Chow! Additional Resources: Sample FSA Question: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/assessment/foundation-skills-assessment/fsa-samples     About the FSAs: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/assessment/foundation-skills-assessment     Ministry of Education FSA Parent Brochure: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/assessment/fsa/en-foundation-skills-assessment-for-parents-and-caregivers.pdf

    1h 1m

  6. 2025-09-16

    Ep. 37 - After the Bell: Supporting Student Success at Home

    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: Sonia Blair, principal at Britannia Secondary, and Riley McMitchell, principal at the new elementary school coming in Coal Harbour.   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like. Helpful resources for families: VSB's Family and Community Information Webpage

    32 min

  7. 2025-06-20

    Ep. 36 - After the Bell: School Year Recap

    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 such a special place: the students and staff! Joining us from all across the District are students, teachers, school counsellors, supports workers, building engineers and administrators to share some of their best moments of the year. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and create more content you'll like.

    18 min

  8. 2025-06-04

    Ep. 35 - After the Bell: LIVE! Tips for Kindergarten

    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 Resources: B.C. Early Learning FrameworkResources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/Helping with separation anxiety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_5eiYIo1XMHelping cope with back to school anxiety https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/helping-your-child-cope-with-back-to-school-anxiety/Helping develop social emotional developmenthttps://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/1/atp-safelinks.html Helping build health screen habits https://keltymentalhealth.ca/healthy-screen-habits#:~:text=For%20children%20under%20the%20age,of%20school%20work)%20is%20recommended. On our way to Kindergarten https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5271/on-our-way-to-kindergarten https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/fgg/5/On20Our20Way20to20K20-20Welcome20to20School.pdf

    1h 1m
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About

The Vancouver School District is among the most diverse school systems in Canada with an annual enrolment of over 50, 000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adult education students. This award winning podcast interviews guests who share an inside look at the Vancouver School District. You’ll hear from students, educators, decision makers and staff behind-the-scenes that keep VSB schools running.

Information

  • Creator
    Vancouver School Board
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vancouver School Board
  • Show Website
    VSB: After The Bell

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