Summer is on its way, but Burnaby’s high school students are already thinking about the fall

Few students look forward to returning to school after summer break. Now that there is a new staggered schedule in place, it seems that that Burnaby students have new reason to dread the fall. 

In order to deal with increasing student populations and a lack of classroom space, the Burnaby School District announced that four of the high schools in the district would be moving to a 5-period-day schedule this fall. This will allow for staggered start times. According to the school district, new schedule is going to “create approximately 10% more capacity” in the schools, but will also add over an hour and a half to the total school day. 

For the students who spoke to 8forty, this change is problematic.  

Grade 8 to 10 students will have their day shifted later, starting at 9:25 and ending at 3:40. Meanwhile, grade 11 and 12 classes will begin at 8am and end at 3:40 pm. 

 The district points out that total instructional time in class remains the same for students. 

Rhylee Guindon, a 16-year-old student at Alpha Secondary, described her frustration, saying that her younger brother counts on her to get him to school. “How am I supposed to do that? Am I supposed to drop him off at school at 7:30 in the morning?” she asked. 

Parents will similarly be impacted by this. When the changes were first announced, DPAC Chair Harinder Parmar told CTV that, for parents, “It just adds more chaos and more stress.” 

The new start and end times aren’t just a familial inconvenience either, some students have told us. Those with athletic extracurriculars or commitments are struggling with what this means for their training schedules. 

One competitive swimmer and Grade 11 student at Alpha Secondary, who asked to remain anonymous for this article, told 8forty about the impacts this new system will have on her training sessions.  “Our club tends to book the 3:45 slot [at the gym], which means it’s already pretty hard to get there,” she said.  

“With athletics in general, […] they’re on a standard schedule which expects you to be done school at 3pm, […] so they’re not going to change the schedule just because a few kids’ school changes, they’re just going to expect you to make those changes to your schedule, that’s already how it works.”  

Overall, the student said the schedule is especially troublesome for athletes like her. “School days are longer which means we have less time outside of school to practice, which then means we have less downtime, which is already really sparse.” 

The message from the district has held steadfast. “Our District carefully considered this change, as we are mindful of the impact on students, families and staff. While not an easy decision, it is a necessary one,” stated Superintendent Karim Hachlaf.  

Burnaby’s population has been growing significantly, with a Burnaby Insights Report predicting the population to grow to 358 200 by 2050. For reference, the population of Burnaby in 2021 was 249 125. 

Meanwhile, the schools are getting ready for the challenges this new schedule may bring. Administration and school counsellors are setting up supports for the students this will affect the most.  

Jeremy Berkbigler, one of the school counsellors at Alpha Secondary told 8forty that there may be changes in how student support works, but the counsellors will work to make the new system work for students. “Connect [the student academic support space] will still exist,” he says. “I think as counsellors we will try our best to assume that most people will want to not have big breaks in their schedule and try where possible to schedule four classes in a row. […] In cases where there are exceptional circumstances, we’re working with those families to try to accommodate that and come up with a schedule that will work for them.” 

Some students have voiced concerns that, with only some of the schools in the Burnaby School District participating in this schedule change, it could impact inter-school competitions and events. 

On the other hand, the differing schedule between schools could have a benefit for some students. “I think that for some of our senior students who have jobs, getting off at 2:25 can be really helpful, right, they can get out, they can make their availability better,” Mr. Berkbigler said. “Maybe if you’re competing for a job with a student from North who gets out a little bit later, you might be in the driver’s seat.” 

While the approach of summer is lightening the moods of many Burnaby high school students, some students feel they have to start thinking about next year now. 

“It’s always hard to get back into the school routine after two months off. Now, having to get up even earlier is scary, so I’m making plans,” says Malena, 17.  

“I’m preparing myself now, so that when it hits, I’ll be ready.” 

Cover Image: Burnaby School District