Like many parents, a major concern of mine regarding a replacement school is the loss of JKC. I am wondering if anyone knows if the preschool (little yellow schoolhouse) is considered part of General Gordon's real estate? Although displacing other groups is also not a great option it seems that the space might be comparable to the existing lunch room.
There has been some interesting emails on the Gordon Seismic email distribution list. Could we have them posted on the website? especially for those that don't want to receive the emails, but would like to read up on it.
This has been a very busy fall and I have been unable to make the two meetings devoted to such an important topic. But I will offer my thoughts and hope that there is a still a way to hook what other Gordon parents are doing.
Two things don't make sense to me - the population of Kits is going to continue to grow (between the city's ecodensity initiative and the compact communities objective of Metro Vancouver's regional growth strategy.) While we all know it is not easy to buy a house in this neighbourhood, new population growth in and around Gordon means that there will be new families moving in, so why build a new school to meet for the current downturn in enrollment? Schools are essential social and cultural infrastructure that should be built for the long-term provision of high quality education and the facilitation of learning. And the building option presented by VSB is a substandard, unattractive school that won't provide even the
essentials to children and their parents like a good size library, a lunchroom in a city known for its long, wet winters and after school care facilities. This kind of short-sighted thinking will likely mean that Gordon will lose enrollment to
private schools. Nor will Gordon, due to lack of facilities, will not be a centre for building social cohesion and a sense of community.
But more importantly if we accepted the risk of an earthquake then we should be taking action now to protect our kids. The analysis from VSB is focused on costs savings not on the best path to protecting our kids. Why leave our
kids in the old building for two years while we build an esthetically substandard building which will not provide the range of academic and community services of the existing building. Priorities seem to be really screwed up from the VSB side.
Ann Rowan (mother of Calla Smith - Grade 2)
604-731-6168
At PAC the other night we heard from Dickens parents and a community representative what happened in trying to retain part of the building for alternate purposes. There is an interesting report on the VSB web site giving the school board version, which pretty much says the same things about Arts Umbrella etc. It's here.
Yes we are now only talking about a New Building on the existing school grounds. The process that has brought us to this 'place' is the standard facilites replacement procedures used by the VSB and meets with Provical policy for building upgrades and replacements. As such it is beyond our direct control, but the input of our needs is ours to contribute to now. At present the formal process is waiting for the money to be approved by the Provincal Government to replace the building with a new building. The process produced a well thought out set of choices. Most of the governments decisions will be based on the cost effeciencies. However, recent announcements about green building standards and worries of consruction cost escalations muddles the dollars on the table. I am looking forward to everyone coming the the PAC meeting and the Dec 1 Appreciative Inquiry.
Hello everyone. I am reading and hearing a lot of information about the seismic operation to happen at Gordon and do want to make some things clear as I am confused by some of the responses. It is my understanding that some parents still feel it is an option to have our school be upgraded. That is not an option right now as the process has already gone through. Whether this process was not to everyone's liking is another issue but the New Gordon is a reality. I really feel as a parent group you need to focus on what you want and need for a learning environment for your children in a new building. I am hoping that this upcoming PAC meeting will be focused on what is important for the students at Gordon, your children and the ones to follow in the New Gordon. I know that many people have been working hard and researching what works in new schools and I would like to thank them for all their efforts. See you on Wednesday night at PAC.
We have felt rushed into this seismic process partly because we did not jump on it from the beginning, and partly because the process is faulty.
The notices initially sent out did not reach everyone they should have. The comments solicited from the community were not numerous enough to give a real sense of how the community feels. It was even felt that the community had no influence on an outcome already decided.
I would like to join with interested parents, teachers and community members to bring this process into question.
Several people I've spoken with still strongly support a renovation (including me, but I'm willing to go with the group consensus). When they ask me what can they/we/anyone do towards that end, I'm at a loss.
At the meeting we all seemed to accept the view that a reno is basically off the table. But I read something in the Saturday Vancouver Sun that made me wonder if we could get it back on the table.
There was a brief blurb by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, citing a Canadian government heritage brief that says rehabilitating heritage buildings "conserves more energy than constructing a new building and reduces construction and demolition wastes" and "reminding" people that there are green reasons why buildings should be conserved.
I'm not sure where to go with this, but it seems relevant to our (and Gordon Campbell's) green goals.
I think you raise a good point and one that I hadn't heard yet, so it's great you bring it up.
My opinion? Currently I'm more on the "happy with new school if it's done right" school (no pun intended) though I have plenty of doubts about how that will work out. The hard thing in all this is there are so many unknowns - I think a lot of people are having trouble determining if a compromise is necessary, or what.
What did you all think of the last seismic meeting? I would appreciate feedback as I plan the next PAC meeting, which will include seismic reports/discussions. Thanks.
JKC Space
Like many parents, a major concern of mine regarding a replacement school is the loss of JKC. I am wondering if anyone knows if the preschool (little yellow schoolhouse) is considered part of General Gordon's real estate? Although displacing other groups is also not a great option it seems that the space might be comparable to the existing lunch room.
Just a thought...
Gordon Seismic Emailing List
There has been some interesting emails on the Gordon Seismic email distribution list. Could we have them posted on the website? especially for those that don't want to receive the emails, but would like to read up on it.
Just a suggestion.
Linda
seismic list
I wasn't aware of an email list for this subject, how can one sign up for it?
Cheers
Enrique
How to sign up for the seismic mailing list
Click on the seismic link on the left side of the home page.
Click on the mailing list link.
Follow instructions for signing up.
The list was originally assembled from names that attended any of the seismic meetings, but it is open to anyone associated with Gordon School.
the process is moving very fast especially for a shaky analysis
This has been a very busy fall and I have been unable to make the two meetings devoted to such an important topic. But I will offer my thoughts and hope that there is a still a way to hook what other Gordon parents are doing.
Two things don't make sense to me - the population of Kits is going to continue to grow (between the city's ecodensity initiative and the compact communities objective of Metro Vancouver's regional growth strategy.) While we all know it is not easy to buy a house in this neighbourhood, new population growth in and around Gordon means that there will be new families moving in, so why build a new school to meet for the current downturn in enrollment? Schools are essential social and cultural infrastructure that should be built for the long-term provision of high quality education and the facilitation of learning. And the building option presented by VSB is a substandard, unattractive school that won't provide even the
essentials to children and their parents like a good size library, a lunchroom in a city known for its long, wet winters and after school care facilities. This kind of short-sighted thinking will likely mean that Gordon will lose enrollment to
private schools. Nor will Gordon, due to lack of facilities, will not be a centre for building social cohesion and a sense of community.
But more importantly if we accepted the risk of an earthquake then we should be taking action now to protect our kids. The analysis from VSB is focused on costs savings not on the best path to protecting our kids. Why leave our
kids in the old building for two years while we build an esthetically substandard building which will not provide the range of academic and community services of the existing building. Priorities seem to be really screwed up from the VSB side.
Ann Rowan (mother of Calla Smith - Grade 2)
604-731-6168
The Dickens repurposing story
At PAC the other night we heard from Dickens parents and a community representative what happened in trying to retain part of the building for alternate purposes. There is an interesting report on the VSB web site giving the school board version, which pretty much says the same things about Arts Umbrella etc. It's here.
The Dickens web site has more information too.
Letter from VSB to parents of Gordon
Response from the VSB to the concerns they hear from our PAC here.
A New Place to Learn
Yes we are now only talking about a New Building on the existing school grounds. The process that has brought us to this 'place' is the standard facilites replacement procedures used by the VSB and meets with Provical policy for building upgrades and replacements. As such it is beyond our direct control, but the input of our needs is ours to contribute to now. At present the formal process is waiting for the money to be approved by the Provincal Government to replace the building with a new building. The process produced a well thought out set of choices. Most of the governments decisions will be based on the cost effeciencies. However, recent announcements about green building standards and worries of consruction cost escalations muddles the dollars on the table. I am looking forward to everyone coming the the PAC meeting and the Dec 1 Appreciative Inquiry.
focus at PAC meeting
Hello everyone. I am reading and hearing a lot of information about the seismic operation to happen at Gordon and do want to make some things clear as I am confused by some of the responses. It is my understanding that some parents still feel it is an option to have our school be upgraded. That is not an option right now as the process has already gone through. Whether this process was not to everyone's liking is another issue but the New Gordon is a reality. I really feel as a parent group you need to focus on what you want and need for a learning environment for your children in a new building. I am hoping that this upcoming PAC meeting will be focused on what is important for the students at Gordon, your children and the ones to follow in the New Gordon. I know that many people have been working hard and researching what works in new schools and I would like to thank them for all their efforts. See you on Wednesday night at PAC.
Seismic process needs fixing
We have felt rushed into this seismic process partly because we did not jump on it from the beginning, and partly because the process is faulty.
The notices initially sent out did not reach everyone they should have. The comments solicited from the community were not numerous enough to give a real sense of how the community feels. It was even felt that the community had no influence on an outcome already decided.
I would like to join with interested parents, teachers and community members to bring this process into question.
Reno?
Several people I've spoken with still strongly support a renovation (including me, but I'm willing to go with the group consensus). When they ask me what can they/we/anyone do towards that end, I'm at a loss.
At the meeting we all seemed to accept the view that a reno is basically off the table. But I read something in the Saturday Vancouver Sun that made me wonder if we could get it back on the table.
There was a brief blurb by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, citing a Canadian government heritage brief that says rehabilitating heritage buildings "conserves more energy than constructing a new building and reduces construction and demolition wastes" and "reminding" people that there are green reasons why buildings should be conserved.
I'm not sure where to go with this, but it seems relevant to our (and Gordon Campbell's) green goals.
Any thoughts?
Sun article
Emily - Congratulations, you're the first forum commenter! Keep it coming.
I looked up the article you mention: "Home thoughts"
I think you raise a good point and one that I hadn't heard yet, so it's great you bring it up.
My opinion? Currently I'm more on the "happy with new school if it's done right" school (no pun intended) though I have plenty of doubts about how that will work out. The hard thing in all this is there are so many unknowns - I think a lot of people are having trouble determining if a compromise is necessary, or what.
Feedback on The New Gordon meeting
What did you all think of the last seismic meeting? I would appreciate feedback as I plan the next PAC meeting, which will include seismic reports/discussions. Thanks.