recent news

New Sports Clinic Added as Programs of Choice Earn Recognition

As the District adds more student choice to offerings in and out of the classroom, existing programs are in the spotlight for their high quality. Burnaby Schools has dozens of Programs of Choice that provide children and youth an opportunity to explore their interests and support their strengths.

Building on our existing partnership with Simon Fraser University, basketball was recently added to the sports academies on offer for the 2023-24 school year. Many of our Programs of Choice are put on in partnership with higher education institutions or industry, with options ranging from jump-starting a potential career in technology or trades to academic enrichment such as French Immersion and AP Courses.

New SFU Basketball Clinic

This new sports clinic is open to students in Grades 8-12 and provides high-performance basketball training in the university environment. It includes not just on-court technical development, but a focus on the complete student-athlete with speed, strength and power training sessions, along with use of the university’s fields, track, gymnasiums, swimming pool, and climbing wall. It also includes a classroom component where students will explore game analysis, nutrition, sport psychology and other areas related to the science of sport and basketball training. Learn more about the Basketball Clinic here.

High Program Quality Recognized

The high quality of our Programs of Choice have received recent attention. Students enrolled in the Microsoft Office Specialist program earn globally recognized certification. The teacher of the District-wide program held at Cariboo Hill Secondary was named Educator of the Year. The honour was awarded to Jerry Chen by CCI Learning, an education technology company. Learn more about the Microsoft Office Specialist program here.

And in a recent news story, a musician and former Burnaby North Secondary student talked about the pending release of her album. April Liang credited taking the Music Production & Technology program in Grade 11 with igniting her ability to produce music. Read the story in the Burnaby Now: Emerging Burnaby musician puts her life into song. Learn about the Music Production & Technology program here.

Learn about all Programs of Choice offered for elementary and secondary students here. For most, applications begin in February for consideration for priority placement in the next school year.

Read about planning for the 2023-24 school year here.

Posted February 2023