By Shahrazad Amin

Have you ever heard of DSAC? The District Student Advisory Council, also known as DSAC, is essentially a student council at a district level. Each of the eight public high schools in Burnaby has approximately five members selected by their administration to represent their school and student body to the district. These schools include Alpha, Burnaby Central, Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby North, Burnaby South, Byrne Creek, Cariboo, and Moscrop. DSAC members meet monthly to discuss important issues pertaining to our district.

"DSAC is a committed group of individuals representing all of the schools [and students] in Burnaby," explains DSAC Vice President Saara Rajan. 

Through a number of different initiatives throughout the year, DSAC helps bring together and support members of the community. For instance, in previous years, DSAC helped organize and host Burnaby’s Got Talent to showcase local talent and help raise money for a good cause. Last year, the proceeds went to The Helping Families in Need Society and managed to raise over $3,000! 

This year, the main focus of DSAC is on mental health. DSAC is planning a huge, district-wide Mental Health Awareness Initiative. Through surveys, talking to the students, and working with teachers, DSAC is planning on collecting input and helping cater to the needs of Burnaby students. This means they will be attending to questions such as: What do students need? Are students using the resources available? What resources should the schools or district provide? What are some ways students can learn how to deal with stress or balance their lives? The goal of the Mental Health Awareness Initiative, in addition to addresses these issues, is to help drive change in the district and provide students with the help they need. 

The Alpha DSAC members, namely Shahrazad Amin, Sophia Clermont, Mina Garlick, Alicia Reil, and Catherine Wang, had the opportunity to attend the annual leadership retreat that takes place in Squamish, BC. This two-day event included attending workshops, communicating with other schools, establishing goals, and creating a plan for the upcoming year. It was also an opportunity to bond over a campfire, roast marshmallows, and get to know each other.

To find out more about DSAC, follow them on Instagram at @burnabydsac, or visit https://www.facebook.com/BurnabyDSAC/ to stay in the loop.​

By Sava Savkovic

2017 Year in Review

As we near the end of 2017, sports fans can be quite satisfied with how this year has turned out. We witnessed the greatest comeback of all time in the Superbowl accomplished by the New England Patriots, an intense NBA Finals once again between the Cavs and Warriors, and quite the intriguing CFL season this year, including a snow-covered finale in Ottawa. This year has brought us outstanding rookies in all sports, some incredible down-to-the-wire moments, and of course, the one and only Lavar Ball who was more of a hindrance and annoyance to the world of sports rather than a positive influence. The only negative aspect of this year of sports would be the preposterous amount of injuries, which have certainly tainted the season of many franchises, and deprived fans of having the greatest possible experience. Despite that, 2018 looks to be even better with all the young talent in the sports leagues today.  

By Hannah Sidhu

​Brrrrrrrrr…it sure is cold outside! Step into the Cariboo Hill Salvation Army Temple and warm up to the sound of music! On December 13th Alpha’s Music Program hosted the annual winter concert, this year with the theme “Deck the Halls”. There were fantastic performances from the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Concert Bands. Not to mention the Senior Jazz band and Concert and Chamber Choirs! All of whose performances were conducted by Alpha’s very own Mr. White and Mr. de Sousa. Many tickets were sold and the raffle baskets were a huge hit! Many family and friends of the music students had a wonderful evening and a few lucky ones won a basket, each one based off a unique theme.

“It was a wonderful evening that really put me in the holiday spirit,” said a parent of a Senior Band student. “I enjoy watching the students get better and better each year, all the way from the Junior to the Senior Band.”

A member of the Intermediate Band also had a great time. She thought the music was “great [and] the Senior Jazz Band at the beginning was nice” and that “she wouldn’t change anything.”

Overall the concert was a huge success! Thanks to all who came to support Alpha’s music program. As well as Mr. White and Mr. de Sousa’s efforts put into the show. And most of all, thanks to the lovely band and choir performances.

By Sara Wong

​You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you’re anything like me though, you prefer to sleep in past noon, especially on weekends. It’s a good thing brunch restaurants like Yolks exist. With two locations, one of which just opened at 1598 Hastings St. in East Van, this all-day breakfast place is definitely at the top of my list (featured in The Georgia Straight’s 22nd annual Best of Vancouver issue!). Customized eggs bennies, chicken and waffles, french toast...is anyone else’s mouth watering? If you plan on visiting, expect a wait – particularly at their newest location. 

We had to wait an hour before being seated, but luckily, there’s an Earnest Ice Cream a couple blocks up and around the corner! Earnest has quickly become a local favourite, and a staple in Vancouver’s ice cream scene. You may know about their unique flavours like london fog and whiskey hazelnut, but few people know that they serve homemade ice cream sandwiches! Exclusive to their Frances St. location, and only served on Saturdays, it’s definitely a sweet treat (they’re generous on the size of the sandwich too). While you’re there, you might want to sample a couple (or all) of the ice creams on their list, which are rotated daily. 

By Sara Wong

Get ready for the Offence’s 10th annual Star Search talent show! This show will mark the 10th year of Star Search;an astounding milestone for the club. They will be celebrating by bringing back past performers and other VIP guests! The show will be on February 21st in the small gym. The winner of Star Search moves on to perform at the district talent show, Burnaby’s Got Talent! Tickets are $8 or 4 for $6; they will cost you $10 if you buy at the door or online using the School Cash Online system. So what are you waiting for? Come support Alpha’s diverse range of talent by purchasing a ticket to this amazing show!