Play money
The Vancouver School Board has informed Lord Roberts Annex that its wooden play structure at the northwest corner of its school grounds will be demolished this summer as the structure will no longer meet safety codes. Neither the VSB nor the provincial Ministry of Education will provide money to replace it, so the school aims to raise $35,000 by the end of this school year to replace and install new playground equipment and groundcover. A press release issue by Lord Roberts Annex’s parent advisory council notes the playground is well used by students and also serves the broader West End community. Danny Laufer, PAC playground committee member, is quoted as saying many families in the school community can’t afford to enrol their children in extracurricular activities, so they depend on the playground for physical development and social interaction. You can help by sharing your fundraising ideas or volunteer time and by donating. For more information and to donate, see gofundme.com/Annexplayground, or mail a cheque to Lord Roberts Annex school, 1150 Nelson St., V6E 1J2 and write “playground” in the memo. Tax receipts are to be issued for all donations more than $20.
Citywide DPAC
The Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council will host its citywide advocacy workshop Jan. 29. Adrienne Montani, provincial coordinator for First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, will be the keynote speaker. DPAC vice-chairs and Marlene Rodgers from the citizen’s group Protect Public Education Now will hold breakout sessions. The workshop starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Vancouver School Board building on West Broadway between Granville and Fir streets. Childcare, free underground parking and healthy snacks will be provided.
Science run
Registration is open for the 16th annual PMC Science Fair Fun Run, which will take place May 31 at the Athlete’s Village Plaza. The event is meant to attract participants from the technology community, industry, academia and kindergarten to Grade 12 students. All participants are eligible for prizes and will receive free admission to the TELUS World of Science on race day. Families can meet science fair participants, view science fair projects and enjoy sponsored activities as they await the results of the award ceremony. Adults 19 and older may register before the early bird deadline of April 30 for $35. Registration for participants aged 18 and younger is $20. Registrants can participate in the one-kilometre mini fun run for children with an accompanying adult, with an entry fee of $15 each. The day is organized by the Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia, a not-for-profit charitable society committed to the promotion and development of science fair programs in the province. All proceeds from the event go to the Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment to help promote and develop the science fair program throughout the province. For more information, see sciencefairs.ca/funrun.
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