On May 20, 2026, students, families and VSB staff members gathered at the Italian Cultural Centre to commemorate an important milestone: the Grade 7 Moving Forward Ceremony. 

The event celebrates Indigenous students making the meaningful transition from elementary to secondary school. It honours not only what the students have achieved, but the bright futures and endless possibilities that await them.

 As each student crossed the stage, cheers and applause filled the room from proud family members, friends and educators who played a part in their education journey. 

Representatives from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) joined the celebration, recognizing the Grade 7 students for their achievement and the many people who helped them get there. 

VSB superintendent Helen McGregor delivered a few inspiring words for the soon-to-be secondary students. She noted that part of her role is to support staff so they can help students learn, grow and share their unique gifts with their school communities. She also shared that this is achieved by working together and learning from each other, including learning from students. 

Superintendent McGregor further acknowledged the significance of the day for all the families, friends, teachers and loved ones in the room. 

“Many of them have watched you grow in pursuit of this milestone, and I am certain they are very proud of you,” she said. 

VSB Board chair Victoria Jung also shared congratulatory words for the Grade 7s, reminding students to believe in themselves, stay curious and know they can do anything. 

“As you move on from elementary and move onto the wider halls of secondary school, I hope you will hold onto the friendship and memories you made on this journey, and open your hearts to the new ones still to come,” Jung said. 

One by one, students walked across the stage and received their certificates of achievement. While they entered the room as elementary students, the Grade 7 grads left as secondary students, ready for the next exciting chapter of their lives.