Events and News

The Streetfront Alternative Program is a world leader in producing high school marathon runners. As astounding as this is, it’s more impressive when you start to understand who these students are, the daily challenges these kids face and the stories behind what it takes to become a champion. Trevor Stokes speaks to how he motivates and inspires at-risk youth and what it takes to transform lives.

The 8th Annual Alumni Golf and Dinner was held on September 9, 2017.  Many endured a rainy day on the course, but everyone enjoyed the fantastic dinner and social afterwards.

Our Britannia Support Society 2017 AGM is on Tuesday, October 3 @ 7:00 am. Everybody welcome as we elect our Board of Directors and fill our Executive positions. We will meet at Britannia in Room 304.

After some discussion amongst the organizers, we have decided to proceed with this year’s annual get together.

It will be held on September 9 at the usual venue, Meadow Gardens Golf and Country Club in Pitt Meadows.

We have maintained the same cost for the last two years as we would like to emphasize the social aspect of this get together. We would like to acknowledge a very large donation made by Henry Jung at last year’s dinner dance. As a result of his generosity, 8 graduating students this year received bursaries donated in his name to assist in their future studies. Kudos to Henry and to all who made financial donations last year. (Apologies if I have omitted your name).

Following our tradition every year, we will be honoring another teacher who has made significant contributions to Britannia, not only during his teaching career but also following retirement.

This year’s honoree is Grant Hulme who retired after a long and distinguished teaching career. A donation was made to the Graduation Committee in Grant’s name that allowed the graduates to celebrate their graduation with their family after the ceremonies at the Italian Cultural Centre. This donation follows our tradition of honoring past teachers, Bill Vance, Rose Marie Vance, John Minichiello, Jack Schreiber, Mike Evans, George Rapanos, Bob Fitzpatrick and Adelle Case.

Join us once again for a fun evening of a fabulous meal and all night dancing, and most of all, a chance to reconnect with your fellow grads and spouses.

For all golfers, if you would like to play in a foursome playing a Scramble Format, please indicate so on the registration form and we will try to accommodate you. Despite whatever format you play, there will be no prizes awarded for best scores (side betting allowed).

Registration Form – Download 
2017 Reg and Payment Forms

A very successful evening at the 5th Annual Gala Dinner held at the Sheraton Wall Centre on May 26th.  A great event in support of Britannia Secondary.

 

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Time to hit the polls! Our 2017 Head of the Class season kicks off
It’s time to officially launch what we like to call Head of the Class season.

For the eighth-straight year, we are once again asking readers of The Province to take an active role in determining two very special parts of our 24-page special section which will be published June 19.
Britannia is in the running for the Spirit Award.  Cast your vote at theProvince.com/hoc

John Minichiello March 11, 1939 – May 4, 2017 With great sadness we announce the passing of our father, John Minichiello, born in Vancouver, BC. He is survived by his children, Paul (Vishva), Brian (Jessica), and Kathryn (Andy); grandchildren, Marcus, Karina and Emma; his brother, Michael; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter, and sisters-in-law, Josephine and Doreen.

John’s extraordinary life touched many others through his dedication to athletics, education, community involvement, and his large extended family. While a high school student, John developed a passion for coaching track and field. He formed the Optimist Striders, a one of Canada’s best track and field clubs at that time, represented Canada as a coach at two Pan American Games, an international European tour and the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Several of Canada’s top athletes, notably Harry Jerome, were among his Optimist Striders representing Canada in the 60’s and 70’s.

As an educator, John began and ended his 35 year career at Britannia Secondary School, as a teacher, Department Head, and ultimately, Principal. Though he taught at other Vancouver schools during his career, Britannia remained dear to his heart. John’s community advocacy took many forms: he led a group of concerned youth called ATTAC when the Georgia Viaduct east-west extension threatened to bifurcate the East End; he chaired the planning and design of the Britannia Community Services Centre complex, the first of its kind in North America; he chaired the Britannia Foundation; and he served on the Laurier Institute and the Vancouver City Planning Commission. 

Although these outside activities were important, John was never happier than when he was spending time with his family, his brothers and his close knit circle of friends. A born raconteur, John enjoyed entertaining his friends over a glass of wine or an Italian-style dinner; he also thrived when providing counsel to his children and their friends around that same table. Wine-making, playing with his grandchildren, travelling to Italy, Russia, India and other locales, and staying at his Green Lake Cabin made retirement rewarding and fulfilling. 

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 1:30 at The Hall (formerly Astorino’s), 1739 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice