The popularity of Summer Session in Burnaby Schools continues.
Interest in afternoon programs has gone up at the elementary level, with four new afternoon sites and 300 more courses added this year.
Cesare Martino is the District Principal who leads Summer Session.
More and more families are appreciating full-day opportunities for their children. Students get the chance to, for example, explore Minecraft or strengthen their volleyball skills. Whether or not they’re choosing full days, I think parents really appreciate the chance for their children to take deeper dives into things that they didn’t necessarily have time for during the school year.”
With a focus on fun and learning, there’s something for everyone in Summer Session, which strengthens demand. For example, on the first day of elementary registration in April, classes were over 90% full in just one hour.
Children and youth have enjoyed everything from art and playing music in Rock Band to exploring nature and learning hands-on new skills, including technology-focused courses such as Robotics.
At the high school level, many youth take advance classes to get ahead or experience an elective for which they wouldn’t otherwise have space in their schedules. Secondary grew by about 100 students this year.
This is the first summer since construction completed that the new Burnaby North Secondary building has been available – creating opportunities for students, even at the elementary level. Music Production for Grades 6 to 8 was held at Burnaby North this year, allowing children to take advantage of the equipment available at high school. The beginner-friendly course introduced students to the fundamentals of digital music creation.
Mikaela Tan, who plays the piano, was excited about taking the class.
“I didn’t expect to learn so much in just two and a half weeks. We make music using chords and beats. It’s interesting learning how what you do on the computer can make your tune or song change depending on what you add or take away, I think it’s super fun.”
For Mikaela, who will be starting Grade 8 in September at Burnaby North, it was also a chance to get familiar with her new school.
“It’s a lot bigger than what I’m used to. It’s nice to know where everything is.”
Fellow Music Production student Aaliyah Wan is going into Grade 7 and taking French Immersion at Westridge Elementary. To keep up her language skills, she took French Brain Gymnastics in the morning at Aubrey Elementary and then went to nearby Burnaby North for her afternoon class.
“There’s a teacher that comes down and walks me here. I like getting to use the technology at high school. It’s a different experience.”
Martino says that opportunity for elementary students to take classes in a high school was so popular, staff are considering ways to expand it next year.
Additionally, he notes that the experience of Summer Session is often equally rewarding for staff.
“Our team does a really great job creating opportunities for all learners. The teachers are really passionate about the material. It’s often a chance for them to spend time on something that they don’t have capacity to do during the year. Staff can share their interests in a more concentrated way, and I think students really appreciate and respond to that.”
Partnerships also helped boost the fun. For example, at Sperling Elementary the Burnaby Fire Department provided a joyous way to cool down one afternoon in the sun and gain knowledge about fire trucks, hoses, and hydrants.
Learn about the summer courses on offer in Burnaby Schools here, where you will also find information next spring about registration for Summer Session 2026.
Posted July 2025