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With a growing curiosity about space, our young learners dove into an exciting project where they designed their very own rocket ships. The activity built on their fascination with the moon, stars and songs like “Zoom Zoom Zoom” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

The design process was filled with excitement as they explored Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, discovering how pressure could impact the height of their rockets. They also experimented with shapes like triangles, cylinders and cones, applying their learning in a hands-on way.

Through this adventure, the children developed valuable science and math skills while fueling their curiosity about the mysteries of space. The activity was also a fun and engaging way to support their foundational learning while sparking a sense of wonder and discovery.

Students, staff, and parents joyfully celebrated the official opening of a new playground. This exciting enhancement to their school community was made possible through fundraising efforts and a generous grant from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

The celebration highlighted remarkable community spirit, as devoted parents and school members came together to assemble the playground equipment over the weekend. Their commitment to improving their school environment was evident in their hard work, whereby creating a safe and inviting play area for all students to enjoy.


 

A plain wall at Tomsett Elementary has been transformed into a vibrant mural that reflects the shared values and voices of the entire school community. The project began with each class exploring a set of reflective questions, including what they want others to know about their school and what they see, hear and feel in their learning environment.

Artist Laura Kwok visited every classroom to gather ideas and student sketches, using these contributions to shape the mural’s final design. A mural committee made up of staff and educators also provided input, helping ensure the piece represented the school’s collective identity.

The mural highlights key values such as kindness, collaboration, learning and diversity. Every student participated in painting, while a group of older students known as the “Aspiring Artists” offered additional support and guidance throughout the process. Creativity became a shared experience, bringing together learners, staff and families in a meaningful way.

As the mural took shape, families visited to watch the progress, staff joined in, and students proudly pointed out their individual contributions. The completed piece now fills the space with colour, warmth and a strong sense of belonging, serving as a lasting reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and pride.

Ten students represented the �㽶ֱ�� School District at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF), one of the largest science competitions in the country. Hosted at UBC, the event featured nearly 300 participants and over 200 projects across a range of STEM fields.

Students were selected after completing a science fair project as part of a Grade 9 course and presenting at a school-wide event. With more interest than spots available, a committee chose the final group to attend. In the months leading up to the fair, participants refined their work for a broader audience.

Mentored by teacher sponsors, the young scientists demonstrated creativity, critical thinking and innovation. Several earned awards, including recognition in chemistry, engineering and mycology. All French-language submissions at GVRSF came from �㽶ֱ��.

Participation in a competition of this calibre celebrated student potential and raised the profile of our district programs.

A Reading Buddies initiative has helped young readers grow their skills and confidence through valuable peer connections. Over six weeks, Grade 2 students were paired with volunteer Grade 6 and 7 “Big Buddies” who acted as reading coaches, offering encouragement and support in a welcoming environment. Guided by strategies developed with the school’s resource teacher, older kids helped their younger peers build fluency, comprehension and a love of reading.

The program has shown positive results, with several participants making noticeable progress toward literacy proficiency. One student, for example, has grown more confident and now greets his buddies in the halls with a smile. In addition to enhancing literacy, the program encouraged leadership, connection and cross-grade relationships.

Inspired by the Haida story Taan’s Moon, a class explored the connections between art, social studies and science through a creative project. Using wool roving and needle-felting techniques, they crafted felt moons that reflected their learnings about the natural world and Indigenous teachings.

Taan’s Moon introduced the Haida moon cycle and the wonder of seasonal changes through the perspective of Taan, a bear. Building on this narrative, the students shared their understanding of the environment’s significance to Indigenous cultures through their artwork and artist statements.

One art piece, titled Fishing Moon, highlighted the importance of the Fraser River to Indigenous communities. It incorporated symbols, including a tree, to represent the value of nature. The creator of the piece reflected on the process, and shared how patience, calmness and attention to detail were key to bringing the artwork to life.

A group of students shared an unforgettable journey together at Camp Jubilee, where learning and adventure came together in the heart of nature. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, students immersed themselves in hands-on outdoor activities that sparked curiosity and inspired a deeper connection to the natural world.

The camp encouraged students to build resilience, collaborate, and broaden their perspectives. Each activity enriched their understanding of the environment and also strengthened friendships, creating lasting bonds that will continue to grow in the classroom.

This incredible experience nurtured a love for learning beyond school walls, making it a memorable and meaningful chapter in their educational journey.

A once grassy field has been reimagined as a thriving Miyawaki Pocket Forest — a small, dense and biodiverse urban forest made entirely of native species. With support from community partners and conservation groups, students from all grades came together to make it happen.

Leading up to the planting, themes of biodiversity, ecological relationships, and Indigenous plant knowledge were explored. They also engaged in surveys, fundraising and hands-on learning to help bring the project to life.

On planting day, 476 plants — including 105 trees — were carefully placed into the soil, with students joyfully naming and watering their contributions. Some even stayed beyond their scheduled time to help finish the work. The forest will continue to grow as a living classroom, supporting environmental stewardship, place-based learning and a lasting connection to the land.

On February 22, the McRoberts Jazz Band delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Surrey Jazz Festival, earning the festival’s “Outstanding Performance” award in the junior/senior band division. Their set featured “Scrapple from the Apple” by Charlie Parker, “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus, and “Mattitude”, a soulful Funk-Shuffle by Matt Harris. Competing against 24 bands from across Metro Vancouver, they impressed audiences and adjudicators with their musicianship and energy.

Adding to the school’s success, a Grade 12 trumpeter received the "Outstanding Senior Trumpet Player" award — an impressive honour, accompanied by a $1,000 scholarship. With many talented senior trumpeters at the festival, this recognition underscores the student’s dedication and growing reputation in the jazz community.

The success of the McRoberts Jazz Band is a testament to the hard work and passion of our young musicians who continue to make the district proud.