Imagine schools as safe caring centres of communities

Imagine schools as safe, caring centres of communities, not just during class hours, but in the evenings and on weekends too. This model of community schools is a reality in many neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver, ensuring kids have opportunities to grow up strong and healthy with access to a wider range of community services. United Way works with partners across the Lower Mainland and supports Community School initiatives in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, New Westminster, Surrey and Vancouver. One of these schools is Byrne Creek Community Secondary School in Burnaby.  At this week’s Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards, we celebrate the success of Community Schools and have invited Principal David Starr and student, Margaret Anteros to join us as guest speakers. David Starr has spent the last eight years leading community schools as a principal at Edmonds School and now Byrne Creek Secondary School in Burnaby.  Many of his students are from some of the most dangerous places on earth, like the Congo and Afghanistan, and have found a home and world of possibility at community schools.  David is also the author of “From Bombs to Books”, the story of some of his students’ journeys. Margaret Anteros is a grade 12 student at Byrne Creek Community Secondary School in Burnaby.   She arrived in Canada as a refugee, at the age of six. The sky is the limit for Margaret who generously pays it forward through her extensive volunteer efforts.  She believes that everyone is a hero and can save the world.  She works hard to give everyone the opportunities they need to become game changes and social innovators.  Margaret was recently featured in a Province news story where she speaks about her arrival in Canada, the struggles she faced and her efforts to give back to the community that has helped her thrive. The Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards celebrates the generosity and hard work of all those that support the work of United Way.  When caring people work together, transformation happens.