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

The BSS contributed to the Streetfront/Britannia trip over spring break to Patagonia (Southern Chile). The students completed the W-Circuit of the famous Torres del Paine hiking trek. This is the team’s official photo in front of the North, Central, and South towers … with the Bruins wearing their BSS sponsored team jackets. This was the second of the Street2Peak trips- you might remember the first, jackets also sponsored by your society, took our students to Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti in 2015. Photos of both trips can be found on the Street2Peak Facebook and web pages.

Note: All tickets purchased qualify for a charitable tax receipt of $150/ticket.

Menu

Executive Chef – Starri Chow

International Family Style Dinner May 26^th 2017 

Fresh Baked Pugliese Rolls with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

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Beet and Apple Salad

Roasted Baby Beets, Green Apples Compressed with White Wine Honey and Mint

Heirloom Tomatoes, Crumbled Goats Cheese, Candied Walnuts

Small Batch Raspberry Vinaigrette

Chilled Ocean wise Seafood from the Pacific North West

Poached Prawns, Steamed Salt Spring Island Mussel & Clams, Sicilian Style Calamari

Pacific Albacore Tuna Tataki, Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon with Classic Garnishes

Served with Wasabi Cocktail Sauce and Ponzu Dipping Sauce

Italy

Pan-Seared Chicken Cutlets Marsala

With

Gourmet Mushroom & Spring Vegetable Risotto

Chanterelles, Porcini, Morels and Brown Shimeji Mushrooms

Squash, Snap Peas and Baby Carrots, Warm Gem Tomato & Basil Vinaigrette

Black Pepper Grana Padano Cheese Crisp

China

Ginger and Scallion Steamed Black Cod with Ham and Tofu

Served with Baby Bok Choy and Julienne Vegetables

France

Petit Fillet Mignon

Grilled Triple “A” Beef Tenderloin Medallion

Served with Dauphinoise Potatoes & Bordelaise Sauce

India

Bengali Spiced Lamb and Tomato Curry

Served with Cumin and Saffron Scented Rice

Japan

Tempura Fried Vegetables

NOTE:  A Vegetarian option is available upon request

MITCHELL, Margaret Anne
July 17, 1925 – March 8, 2017
Margaret Mitchell, former Member of Parliament for Vancouver East and a champion of women’s rights and social justice throughout her life, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2017. It does not surprise any of us that Margret chose to leave us on this day where women around the world are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Claude Mitchell, her two brothers Bill and Ted Learoyd and sister, Betty Speers.
Margaret grew up in Cayuga, Ontario. She graduated with a BA from McMaster University and MSW from University of Toronto. Margaret served Canada overseas through the Canadian Red Cross in Korea, Japan, Australia and Austria. Her work with the Settlement House in Toronto and the Neighbourhood Association in Vancouver established her as a pioneer in community development, a social work practice which persists in putting power in the hands of communities to make decisions affecting their lives. Prior to entering politics, she served as a Manager with the Vancouver Resources Board which integrated social services and decentralized service delivery and decision making.
Margaret served in the House of Commons as an MP for Vancouver East from 1979 to 1993. She voted against a pay raise during this time and donated the additional pay to the Vancity Community Foundation which established the Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women.
Margaret was, at her core, an advocate for women. In 1982, she stood up in Parliament to demand government action to stop domestic violence. When male members of Parliament responded by laughing as she addressed the issue, she furiously replied: “This is no laughing matter, Madam Speaker.” Thousands of Canadians agreed, calling for immediate action to end violence against women and inspiring activism and services for women across the country. Many years later, she published an autobiography titled “No Laughing Matter.”
Margaret was the NDP critic in the House of Commons for Immigration, Housing, Status of Women, Health and Welfare, Multiculturalism and Citizenship. She was the first MP to have raised the issue of Chinese head tax in the House of Commons. Margaret pressed the government to decriminalize abortion, worked with First Nations Women for the reinstatement of status under the Indian Act and supported a national child care programme.
Margaret was the recipient of many honours and recognitions, including the Order of British Columbia and Freedom to the City, from the City of Vancouver.
Margaret leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their families, many close friends and colleagues.
With a wonderful depth of humour, integrity and passion, Margaret contributed profoundly to Canada and to the world by promoting equal rights, justice. This is her legacy, a legacy that will continue to empower and inspire all of us who admired, loved and respected her.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Special thanks to Care At Home Services for their professional care at home which made it possible for Margaret to stay at her own home right until the end.
For anyone wishing to donate, she would ask you to continue her work on behalf of low income and racialized women in East Vancouver by contributing to the Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women held at the Vancity Community Foundation. (vancitycommunityfoundation.ca) 815 West Hastings, Vancouver, BC V6C1B4. 604-877-6584

– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theprovince/obituary.aspx?n=margaret-anne-mitchell&pid=184467860#sthash.OQxAzsU1.dpuf

RIP Barbara Howard, Brit alumni, track & field star, teacher and inspiration.

http://vancouversun.com/…/obituary-vancouvers-fastest-woman…

Save the date!

The BSS 5th Annual Gala Dinner & Silent Auction is on Friday, May 26 this year at the Sheraton Wall Centre.

More details to come!