John Oliver Secondary School
Encyclopedia
John Oliver Secondary School is a school located in Vancouver
, British Columbia, Canada
, at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street (between the Vancouver neighborhoods of Kensington-Cedar Cottage
, Riley Park-Little Mountain
and Sunset
). It is named for John Oliver
, the Premier of British Columbia
from 1918-1927. Composed of a central building where most students will attend their studies, there is also a second building nicknamed "the barn" across a grass field where mini school sessions occur.
John Oliver Secondary school has a multicultural student population, with a large number of bilingual students. Although the predominant population is reflective of the Indo-Canadian neighborhood it resides in, many other ethnic backgrounds are represented in the school's population.
, then Premier of BC
. By 1926, the enrollment of the school was over 900, and a second building with an additional 8 rooms was built to the west of the main building, on 43rd Ave. This new building, now called "The Barn", is still in existence today. The main part of the current school building was erected in 1950 on 41st Avenue, with the subsequent addition and expansion of technical studies shops, cafeteria and music wing during the following years. The original building burnt down on December 9, 1959.
, Josh Peck
and Steve Coogan
was filmed in John Oliver.
Blogs that teachers can collaborate and post assignments for students and parents to access. Starting in 2010, the Open-source digital learning environment Moodle
and an in-school email system utilizing Google Apps were also implemented. Mr. Zhi Su, a teacher and the technology department head, has led the implementation and training process.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street (between the Vancouver neighborhoods of Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Kensington-Cedar Cottage is one of the most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in east Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The neighbourhood, which is 7.23 square kilometres in area, is bordered by Fraser St. on the west, Nanaimo St. on the east, 41st Avenue on the south and 16th Avenue and...
, Riley Park-Little Mountain
Riley Park-Little Mountain
Riley Park–Little Mountain is a neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia. Its boundaries are 41st Avenue in the south, 16th Avenue in the north, Cambie Street in the west and Fraser Street in the east. The main commercial thoroughfare of the neighbourhood is Main Street.-Parks:Little Mountain...
and Sunset
Sunset (Vancouver)
Sunset is one of the most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in south-east Vancouver, British Columbia.-Geography:Sunset lies between E 41st Avenue, Ontario St, Knight St and the Fraser River.Rich in ethnic diversity, it is home to the Punjabi Market....
). It is named for John Oliver
John Oliver (politician)
John Oliver was a politician and farmer in British Columbia, Canada.Oliver was involved in local politics when he won a seat in the provincial legislature in the 1900 election, and became leader of the opposition. He lost his seat in the 1909 election...
, the Premier of British Columbia
Premier of British Columbia
The Premier of British Columbia is the first minister, head of government, and de facto chief executive for the Canadian province of British Columbia. Until the early 1970s the title Prime Minister of British Columbia was often used...
from 1918-1927. Composed of a central building where most students will attend their studies, there is also a second building nicknamed "the barn" across a grass field where mini school sessions occur.
Current
John Oliver is a school of approximately 1114 students attending grades eight to 12 with nearly 70 teachers. The students participate in many extracurricular activities including sports and clubs.John Oliver Secondary school has a multicultural student population, with a large number of bilingual students. Although the predominant population is reflective of the Indo-Canadian neighborhood it resides in, many other ethnic backgrounds are represented in the school's population.
History
The original school building was built in 1920, and opened on January 21, 1921 by the Honourable John OliverJohn Oliver (politician)
John Oliver was a politician and farmer in British Columbia, Canada.Oliver was involved in local politics when he won a seat in the provincial legislature in the 1900 election, and became leader of the opposition. He lost his seat in the 1909 election...
, then Premier of BC
Premier of British Columbia
The Premier of British Columbia is the first minister, head of government, and de facto chief executive for the Canadian province of British Columbia. Until the early 1970s the title Prime Minister of British Columbia was often used...
. By 1926, the enrollment of the school was over 900, and a second building with an additional 8 rooms was built to the west of the main building, on 43rd Ave. This new building, now called "The Barn", is still in existence today. The main part of the current school building was erected in 1950 on 41st Avenue, with the subsequent addition and expansion of technical studies shops, cafeteria and music wing during the following years. The original building burnt down on December 9, 1959.
Course Offerings
- John Oliver is home to a Mini-School for gifted children from grades 8-12. The goal of the Mini program is to enrich students in academics (through acceleration), as well as to take education outside the classroom on three trips per year.
- In addition to regular academic courses, John Oliver offers courses in Home EconomicsHome EconomicsHome economics is the profession and field of study that deals with the economics and management of the home and community...
, Textiles, TypingTypingTyping is the process of inputting text into a device, such as a typewriter, cell phone, computer, or a calculator, by pressing keys on a keyboard. It can be distinguished from other means of input, such as the use of pointing devices like the computer mouse, and text input via speech...
, Auto Mechanics, ElectronicsElectronicsElectronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
, WoodworkingWoodworkingWoodworking is the process of building, making or carving something using wood.-History:Along with stone, mud, and animal parts, wood was one of the first materials worked by early humans. Microwear analysis of the Mousterian stone tools used by the Neanderthals show that many were used to work wood...
, MetalworkingMetalworkingMetalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engine parts and delicate jewelry. It therefore includes a correspondingly wide range of skills,...
, ArtsARtsaRts, which stands for analog Real time synthesizer, is an audio framework that is no longer under development. It is best known for previously being used in KDE to simulate an analog synthesizer....
, DramaDramaDrama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
, ChoirChoirA choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, Web-Design, Digital Imagery and Photography, Digital Media Literacy, FitnessPhysical fitnessPhysical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
, Weight TrainingWeight trainingWeight training is a common type of strength training for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. It uses the weight force of gravity to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentric contraction...
, and Media Arts. This list is not exclusive. - It is also one of few schools in Vancouver that offer Automotive technology courses, having full and well equipped shops as a part of its learning facility.
Events and Performances
- John Oliver has many events hosted yearly. On May 27, 2009 John Oliver was chosen to host the 2009 Passport to Play as well the 2010 Passport to Play, a one day event that offers students with disabilities the opportunity to learn about organizations which provide them with sports and recreational activities and at the same time engage them in a fun and exciting action-packed day. A yearly theatre production also takes place, sponsored by the Fine Arts/Drama department. Through these productions, students (voluntarily) get the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, and if desired gain experience in stagecraft, lighting, and other technical work.
Clubs
John Oliver has a very strong student community. Part of this student community are the extra-curricular clubs and their teacher sponsors.- Students' Council - The head club of the school, which organizes many school events.
- Bhangra Club - The Bhangra Club practices year-round and performs at school events.
- Dance Squad - The Dance Squad practices year-round and performs at school events.
- Destination ImagiNation - Destination ImagiNation is an educational program hosted by Destination ImaginNation Inc. in which student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments.
- Rainbow Diversity Club - The JO-Rainbows strive to create a school environment free of homophobia. Every year the they hold a "Day of SilenceDay of SilenceThe Day of Silence is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's annual day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and their supporters...
" event, in which participating students remain verbally silent throughout the entire school day and participate in the nation wide Anti-Bullying Day, also known as Pink Day.
- Grad Committee - The Graduation Committee is in-charge of arranging all grad related activities including the prom, Dry Grad, and the School Leaving Ceremony.
- Lighting and Sound Crew (Tech Crew) - The John Oliver Lighting and Sound Crew facilitates all audio/visual activities at events including assemblies, theater productions, and the Multicultural Show.
- Multicultural Club - The Multicultural Club encourages multiculturalism by hosting year-round multicultural events including the John Oliver Annual Multicultural Show.
- Eyes of Hope - A club that focuses on spreading awareness about the world's critical issues and crises. In addition, they also conduct many fundraising campaigns throughout the course of the year.
- JO Ambassador's - Being a community service club, JO Ambassadors plays an important role in the major events that take place in the school. Most members volunteer to help out in many public events.
Notable Grads
- Eileen Elizabeth Dailly, former BC MLA and Minister of Education, notable for abolishing corporal punishment in BC schools.
- Herb DhaliwalHerb DhaliwalHarbance Singh Dhaliwal, PC is a Canadian politician.Born to a Sikh family in Punjab, India, Dhaliwal's family immigrated to Vancouver when he was six. He attended John Oliver Secondary School, graduating in 1972...
, First Indo-Canadian person to become a member of federal cabinet. - Walter GageWalter GageWalter Henry Gage, was a Canadian professor and academic administrator.-Biography:He was with the University of British Columbia for fifty years. He graduated with a B.A...
, University of British Columbia professor and administrator. Order of Canada recipient (1971). - John Pankratz, former British Columbia Lions football player
- Jim PattisonJim PattisonJames Allen "Jim" Pattison, OC, OBC is a Vancouver-based Canadian entrepreneur who is the president, managing director, chief executive officer, chairman and sole owner of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada...
, billionaire businessman and Order of Canada recipient. - Ray PerraultRay PerraultRaymond Joseph Perrault, PC was a Canadian politician. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and of the Canadian Senate....
, former Liberal Party of Canada Member of Parliament and Senator. - Gordon 'Gogie' StewartGogie StewartGordon "Gogie" Stewart was a star Canadian soccer player of the 1950s.Beginning his senior soccer career with North Shore United while still in high school, Stewart played the 1953 season for the famous English club Everton's second team...
, member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. - William "Willie" LoftusWilliam Loftus (Canadian football)William Loftus is a retired Canadian Football League Safety who played 10 seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal Alouettes. He was a two-time Grey Cup champion, having won in 2002 with the Alouettes and in 2005 with the Eskimos.-External links:*...
, former Canadian Football League player - Evander KaneEvander KaneEvander Kane is a Canadian professional ice hockey left wing with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League . Selected fourth overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Thrashers, he was drafted from the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League .During his major junior career, he won...
, NHL hockey player currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets. (2011) - Mozhdah Jamalzadah, Afghan singer, model and TV show host. (2000)
- Keith Christie, Canada's Ambassador to Cuba 1997-2000, Canada's Ambassador to Mexico 2000-2003
Media
American comedy-drama film, What Goes Up starring Hilary DuffHilary Duff
Hilary Erhard Duff is an American actress, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and author. After working in local theater plays and television commercials in her childhood, she achieved fame playing the title role in the Disney Channel television series Lizzie McGuire. She also reprised her role in...
, Josh Peck
Josh Peck
Joshua Michael "Josh" Peck is an American actor, comedian, director, and voice actor best known for playing Josh Nichols in the Nickelodeon live-action sitcom Drake & Josh. He began his career as a child actor in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and became known to young audiences after his role on...
and Steve Coogan
Steve Coogan
Stephen John "Steve" Coogan is a British comedian, actor, writer and producer. Born in Manchester, he began his career as a standup comedian and impressionist, working as a voice artist throughout the 1980s on satirical puppet show Spitting Image. In the early nineties, Coogan began creating...
was filmed in John Oliver.
2009 website implementation
In the Fall of 2009, the school's main website was re-designed using the Open-source Content Management System, Joomla. The new website includes an often updated Photojournalistic photo gallery which displays photos of current and past events. The new website also contains "Teacher Blogs", Individual WordPressWordPress
WordPress is a free and open source blogging tool and publishing platform powered by PHP and MySQL. It is often customized into a content management system . It has many features including a plug-in architecture and a template system. WordPress is used by over 14.7% of Alexa Internet's "top 1...
Blogs that teachers can collaborate and post assignments for students and parents to access. Starting in 2010, the Open-source digital learning environment Moodle
Moodle
Moodle is a free source e-learning software platform, also known as a Course Management System, Learning Management System, or Virtual Learning Environment...
and an in-school email system utilizing Google Apps were also implemented. Mr. Zhi Su, a teacher and the technology department head, has led the implementation and training process.