Burnaby teachers and administrators came out in droves on a cold Friday morning to take part in a well-organized, bustling professional day. The main event has been held at Byrne Creek Secondary School in the southeast quadrant for several years now, with the addition of two massive screens and enhanced tech capacity of the relatively new school facility.

Every year the number of professional learning opportunities available grows on this district-wide day, and so in order to accommodate increased demand, Global Learning virtually connected the live keynote speaker at Byrne Creek to Taylor Park Elementary School, a five minute drive away. While over 700 staff congregated at BCSS, another almost 400 staff were able to connect with the morning speakers.

Superintendent Kevin Kaardal addressed the Burnaby District-wide Professional Day with kind words for teachers. “A teacher affects an eternity”, he said. “Look around and you will see heroes.” Trustee Baljinder Narang also participated in the morning, with appearances by BTA President James Sanyshyn and District Pro-D Committee member James Morton (as emcee).

Burnaby welcomed Carleen Thomas, elected councillor of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation of the traditional territory of the Burrard Inlet. Carleen provided us with needed insights and perspectives of young people.

The keynote speaker Dr. Kimberley Schonert-Reichl happens to live in Burnaby – a good reason to invite her (aside from her obvious intellect, and subtle humour): reduction in carbon emissions! She is an Applied Developmental Psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia. What was fascinating about her keynote address was the fact that she provided research around the notion of caring and compassion for kids. Who knew that the number one action by teachers to prove to students we care about them is… that we say hello to them in the hallways, using their name?

And did you remember all of these speakers were beamed over to Taylor Park? Yes, by the Global Learning program in Burnaby, using the latest in technology, as always.