The last three months of school before summer break are always a little daunting for teachers and often evoke the attitude that you have to “just make it through.” It’s a mad dash that demands an intimidating level of focus and never-ending hustle. You count down the days, you treat the weekends like refuge from the impending chaos and you hold on for dear life hoping and praying that you’ll avoid burn out before the bliss of July arrives. And so, you can imagine that amidst all of the madness it becomes rather difficult to be present, to be content with exactly where you are and to just experience what’s unfolding before you. 

I have thought about these last three months all year because finally my students are graduating and I am finding it to be far more bitter than sweet. I can hardly wait for them to enter into this exciting new chapter in their extraordinary lives, for some to be humbled by how little they know and others to finally find the confidence they always had within and flourish. But selfishly, I also want to hold them close to me, to protect them from the unknown and keep them young for as long as possible. I’ve sat with many of them over the last months while they’ve discussed their futures with delight and sometimes dread, with wonder and worry. Like so many of us did at that turning point, they feel that they have to have it all figured out as if their lives are a story that’s already been written. My advice is always to be kind to themselves and to others as they venture into this unknown place. To be mindful that the path is rarely effortless but will likely require a lot of work, the kind of work worth doing. That this life is not about what you do, how much you make or who you know, but rather a journey of discovering your true self and sharing that with all who are lucky enough to know you. 

At Homework Club, I will so miss the familiarity of faces, personalities and little quirks. The casual conversation about boys and books and everything in between. The endless hours of scholarship and application editing where I had the great privilege to dive into the depths of who these young people really are. I keep thinking that this might be the last time I get to have a moment of meaning with some of them before they get caught up in finals and graduating and ensuing celebrations. It’s hard to know when things are really ending and what the right words are to express someone’s meaning in your life. I suppose amidst the impending chaos that all I can do is be present and content with exactly where we are and to just experience those moments unfold before me. 
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~ Katie Simonson 
Homework Club Co-Facilitator

Scott Thomson, an avid Homework Club participant for many years, was voted Valedictorian by his peers for the Graduating Class of 2020!


Scott has shared some beautiful words about what the Homework Club has meant to him since he started in Grade 8. Thank you, Scott! We are so proud of you for this great achievement.


As the 2020 school year comes to a close, we want to congratulate ALL of our students – we are proud of each and every one of you, and look forward to hearing of the great things that lie ahead for you all.


Homework club has been a major part of my 5 year journey at Britannia Secondary School. I have attended the program weekly since my first week of high school in grade 8. I have been involved with the program every week since and am very grateful for it. Having somewhere to go after school multiple days a week to receive guidance and tutoring was very beneficial for my studies. It was a very welcoming environment for me and my friends to study while being nourished with snacks and hot meals that some of us did not have elsewhere. We also had access to computers and printers at the program which helped us to complete some projects that could not be done at home. 


For me, the guidance and tutoring was the most valuable part of the program. I always felt comfortable to talk with the staff who ran the program including Robyn, who was at the program for 4 of my 5 years at Britannia. My friends and I knew we could always approach Robyn about anything that was going on in our lives, especially including help with homework. The tutors that I worked with in the program were always friendly and very helpful. I enjoyed being able to work so closely with university students and be able to talk to them about what I should expect from high school and post-secondary. 


I am very fortunate to have had the ability to learn from people who had gone through the same experiences that I was going through. I do not believe that I would have been as comfortable or successful in high school if it were not for the Homework Club at Britannia.
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Sincerely,
Scott Thomson

Describing this time in our lives has become such a difficult task. There are moments where I consider it nothing short of surreal; even months in I can’t quite wrap my head around it. There are other times I find it calming, the expectations softened, the world enjoying a slower pace of life. I struggle between feeling guilty about what I should and should not be doing with all of this free space and then again I remember to have grace for myself and others as we navigate the unknown; now is not a time to be shameful or judgmental. I can experience these things within the stretch of day and it can be overwhelming to recognize all of these little significant pieces of myself and know how to respond to them. I say this because any time I feel that the chaos is about to wash over me and I fear being pulled under I am always able to find my peace again, that safe place that is good and grounding. But then I am also reminded that I am an adult, and a counsellor who is somewhat adept at responding to these needs and I think about our students. I worry that they are also going through the tidal wave of emotions and not knowing how to cope, not being able to find their safe place. A student said to me not long ago in a phone conversation that Homework Club is where he goes and what he does. He never had to question that because it was just part of his routine and there was comfort in the consistency. I think all of us are feeling the loss of little moments that used to make up our days and weeks like this. Things that were steadfast, trustworthy and good. I like to imagine that most of us during this time have taken at least a second to consider being more present in the future and enjoying what is happening right in front of us. I had such an experience not long ago when I stopped in at Britannia and visited the Homework Club workspace. It was rather eerie to be in this silent and empty room that is usually filled with so much laughter and goodness. I could imagine where each little group sits, backpacks slung over the backs of chairs while their heads are huddled together collectively working on an assignment. Snacks being divvied up between friends and the eager anticipation of what will be served for dinner and which table will be chosen to eat first. There is always a new, shy student at the entrance being coaxed by a friend to join the festivities and a slew of tutors eager to invite them in. The space is never anything short of jubilant. I am so hopeful that we can go back to experiencing those times together, to share in that comfort, for our lives to find that familiar rhythm again, but I am also wanting to believe we will do it with a little more presence and gratitude to these little moments we hold so dear.
~ Kaitlee Simonson

This year was my first time hosting a holiday party for the Homework Club students as a new co-facilitator. I admit to being a little nervous about what the night would bring, but it was nothing short of absolutely wonderful. The kids were so excited to be there, to spend time with one another, to be celebrated. I think it was so important that their efforts and determination be acknowledged with praise, good company, great food and endless treats.
One moment throughout a night of many wondrous happenings was with the tutors. We wanted to be sure to thank them and their tireless efforts and in the midst of singing their praises the students responded with hooting, hollering and clapping that went on quite endlessly. I thought it was such a pure testament to the extraordinary impact these tutors have had on our kid’s lives. It made me momentarily reflect on how many times I had seen kids run to set up the chess board because they were determined to beat the pre-med tutor this week or share some inside joke with one of them, how many times our kids have smiled shyly when being greeted or praised or even just casually acknowledged as someone worth noticing. It spoke to the significance of what it means to these kids when a tutor will patiently sit for hours working on something little or remember to ask about a big test that another kid was feeling anxious about.
We see these moments as inconceivably small and unremarkable but to young minds who have perhaps never been seen as smart or worthy or capable it has an incredible effect. The endless clapping was not just a simple thank you, but a means of gratitude for letting them be seen, heard and understood.
~ Kaitlee Simonson

On Monday night, the Homework Club participants held their annual Winter Holiday party and it was a great success! Laughs and stories were shared over good food and gift exchanges.
Check out the big smiles in the photos below!
The Homework Club would like to thank all their participants, staff, volunteers and donors, and wish them all a very happy holiday season and a 2020 that brings joy and great learning to all.

When I took on Homework Club, the primary incentive was because our kids deserved a familiar and structured place to work, learn, play and eat; this program has become an essential part of their lives and I knew we needed to maintain it for their sake. But in the hustle and bustle of getting it up and running again, learning all of the ins and outs and just trying to keep our heads above water, I didn’t stop to consider the impact it would have on me, as an educator and a human being.
As a counsellor at Britannia, I have a specific caseload that I work on, about 150 students, who I try very hard to maintain connections with. Because of the social-emotional demands of this work, we are often not able to spend time with students beyond that purview. The highlights of a caseload mean that I know exactly who to support and how, but the downfalls are that I often don’t get to experience so many other fascinating personalities and passionate youth at our school – Homework Club has created that opportunity for me. It has been such a joy to be able to walk down the hallways and say hello to so many more students, to check-in on them about that test they were studying for, to have them wave at me when I come to visit their teacher.
I have loved getting to learn about them not just at students, but human beings themselves who love video games, can’t live without Siracha on everything, and are determined to beat our tutors in chess by the end of 2019. They are thoughtful young people who are curious about you and getting to know themselves better and commit to the value of connection every single time they walk through the door at Homework Club. It’s a true blessing to spend time with them and discover more of who they are and who they want to become. 
~ Kaitlee Simonson

My first few weeks of Homework Club were such a whirlwind of trying to keep up, stay organized, find this folder, put that away and remember lots of little details that make this place run smoothly. In the last few sessions, I have been able to spend more time observing the students and in those little moments of watching them work, share a meal or complete an assignment I discovered what this space represents – for many of them it is the purest definition of home.
This program is a space where they are always welcome, where they are greeted with excitement or anticipation by tutors who want to hear all about their day. Homework Club is a place where they know where everything is, they have a favorite spot to sit, its comfortable and familiar and sometimes I swear I can see them heave a sigh of relief when they enter this space.
They are no longer anonymously wandering the halls or feeling ignored; in this program they are seen and heard and understood. And at the end of the day isn’t that what all of us are searching for? What a blessing that we can collaborate to create a space where this happens for young people.
~ Katie Simonson

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Last school year we had a new Grade 10 student come to Britannia. She was one of those students I sometimes refer to as a “full-time job” in that she required a lot of time and attention. Almost right off the bat she was being kicked out of classes or leaving, skipping and barely completing any work. I was practically at my wits end.
I kept referring her to Homework Club and even attempted to mandate her to attend, but she told me outright that she would never set foot in that program. I was not deterred. Upon returning this year, once Natalie and I took over directorship, I approached the topic again. It was an absolute no. Fortunately for me, we were spending a lot of time together as she was not jiving with her teachers so I had ample opportunity to casually mention “hey, did you know we do a hot dinner at Homework Club?” or “hey, why don’t you just come by for half an hour one day.” I never pushed but just always left the invitation on the table.
Finally, she came by one day and stayed a total of 30 seconds, waved a hello at me and left, but it felt like progress had been made. The second time she made herself a sandwich and asked about printing. This was good! The third time she stayed until the very end, working away, and I don’t think I have ever seen more of a look of accomplishment on a student’s face. She said to me, in awe of herself, “Ms. Simonson I am actually getting so much work done here.” It was so lovely to be witness to a student finding a space that allowed her to complete tasks, but more importantly one in which she felt comfortable and welcome.
~ Katie Simonson

With the generous support of our friends at Coast Capital Savings, we were able to take 13 youth to the beautiful Fraser Valley for our 4th annual YEP! Spring Break retreat.
The Youth Engagement Project – or YEP! to us – provides social/emotional, academic and financial support to seriously at-risk students in the inner-city.  Often these students have had precarious relationships with schools and schooling, having fallen through the many cracks in the current education system, and they have struggled to find a way back in.
What we offer is support in finding their way back in, and more importantly, in staying in.  We create strong, healthy relationships with the students and their families, and work to develop a culture of achievement in the face of obstacles. Students commit to attending all of their classes, as well as Homework Club in the afternoons, and we commit to support their success by providing tutors for their academic needs, youth workers who understand their problems, opportunities to mentor and be mentored, and of course, our annual YEP! camp during Spring Break.
This year, all but one were seasoned campers so the trip was a breeze! As soon as we arrived, they began moving furniture assigning beds, taking charge while we – the adults – sat back and wondered, “who are these kids”? We couldn’t help but think back to that first YEP! camp with 12 frightened city kids who had no idea what a fern was, let alone what to expect from their first camp experience. Those kids were frightened, confrontational, and stunned that we expected them to “go play outside”, but this bunch, the 2017 bunch, were taking charge because they couldn’t wait to get outside!
They willingly unplugged their phones, in favour of Capture the Flag (in the dark), a trip to Harrison Hot Springs and a visit to Chilliwack’s Pioneer Village. At Anita’s Organic Mill, they debated which flours would make the best dessert, and held a very civilized vote to determine whether crepes, crumbles or pies would be on the menu that night. Crepes and crumbles won, but only because we couldn’t find a pie plate.
For us the experience is moving every time, but this year was something special.  We were realizing a vision we had all those years ago, when we imagined that a few days in the country could make a difference to a group of young people who live precarious lives in Vancouver’s inner-city.  Over the years, we have heard that the promise of camp helps them to stay motivated and keep them focused, it also provides them a much needed break from family responsibilities and the stress of urban life – a retreat in every sense of the word.
We’re posting some pictures here – enjoy!

Homework Club is hiring a Youth Engagement Worker!
(Closing Date August 24, 2015)
Program Overview
The primary goal of Homework Club is to enhance the educational success of youth living in the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and Grandview-Woodlands communities. It seeks to address barriers to success in high school by providing youth with social, academic, financial and advocacy supports. Homework Club is one element of the community-driven Our Place Graduation Strategy, a place-based approach to improving the educational success of children and youth living in the inner-city. The Strategy has brought together partners from the health, education, and social services sector, working collaboratively “to provide the necessary supports and services to children and families in order to ensure that the child will graduate from high school”. The Youth Engagement Project (YEP!) is entering its fourth year of advocacy and academic support of seriously at-risk students.
 Position Summary
The Youth Engagement Worker is responsible for providing 1-to-1 case management support to help youth succeed both academically and socially. This position involves outreach in homes, schools, and communities, as well as liaising with family members and school and community staff to support the educational needs of youth. In addition, youth engagement workers will facilitate after-school tutoring programming at Britannia Secondary and program monthly mentoring activities. The successful candidate will be dynamic, skilled and experienced connecting with diverse communities, including Aboriginal, newcomer and LGBTQ youth to ensure they feel safe, supported and connected. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Vancouver Homework Club Society.
 Responsibilities
1. Develop supportive and engaging relationships with youth

• Work with youth to identify goals, strengths, issues and students concerns, while supporting their participation in tutoring, mentoring, school and community activities

2. Monitor youth progress and participation

• Provide case-management support to youth participating in Youth Engagement Project (YEP!)
• Develop a plan in collaboration with student and appropriate adults (i.e. Parents, teachers & other school staff, community partners) to address needs/goals of individual youth
• Collect and monitor youth attendance in school as well as tutoring and mentoring with the goal of informing support strategies for youth

3. Maintain regular contact with families

• Facilitate and support parental involvement in the educational goals and plans for their child

4. Developing & maintaining tutoring programming

• Organize scheduling, space, routines, materials and data collection at tutoring site
• Maintain and develop relationships with community centre staff and other partners
• Develop diverse resources that address specific learning styles and needs

5. Support to volunteer tutors

• Facilitate volunteer training and ongoing supports such as communication and resources
• Develop, model and monitor the volunteer tutor’s role and tutoring techniques

 Required Qualifications

• A relevant post-secondary degree, or Child & Youth Care Diploma, plus 2 years of experience working with at-risk youth populations, or a combination of related education and work experience with youth

 Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with youth and families in the DTES, Strathcona & Grandview-Woodlands communities
• Experience providing case management support
• Knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting educational success for youth in this community
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with the public school system (grade 7 -12)
• Specific training and/or experience with youth with special needs or new language learners
• Experience working with volunteers, including training and developing resources
• Able to work collegially with other Youth Engagement Workers and program staff
• Knowledge of community and social service resources
• Additional languages an asset (Cantonese, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Arabic)

 Dimensions of Work

• Primary interface is with youth and volunteers in the YEP!
• Direct reporting relationship to Executive Director
• Coordination and sharing information with relevant program, school, and community staff

 Work Conditions

• Hours are based on a flexible schedule. Workers should be available to work evenings and potentially weekends, as there may be a need for earlier or later hours depending upon circumstances to offer support to youth at key times.  However, core hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday between 3pm – 7pm.
• Travel between multiple sites in the community

 Basic Requirements:

• Criminal Record Check including the vulnerable sector.
• Valid level 1 First Aid Certificate will be an asset.

Salary Range: $1,500 per month (approximately 15-20 hours per week)
Send Resume and Cover Letter to: Kim Leary, Vancouver Homework Club, [email protected]
Please reference “Homework Club – Youth Engagement Worker” in all correspondence.


We thank you for your interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.