VSB grants Garibaldi annex temporary stay of execution
Vancouver Courier
Naoibh O'Connor
May 07, 2008

Garibaldi annex was granted until September 2010 by the Vancouver School Board to attract at least 36 more students to save it from closure.

… Supporters proposed the school operate a distributed learning program--a hybrid of conventional schooling and home schooling--in parallel with its regular program to bolster student numbers. They also suggested expanding support programs for families with pre-school aged children and adding a daycare for children aged three to five. Both would be operated by Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House and all of the programs would emphasize arts, culture and sustainability.

Trustees unanimously approved a modified version of the proposal …and the establishment of a before and after school program at the annex, likely operated by a non-profit organization, instead of a full-day daycare. The move will attract kindergarten to Grade 4 students without requiring one of the seven classrooms and avoids incurring capital costs needed for a daycare. A full-time daycare will still be considered in the future….

Gary Dobbin, executive director of Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, which helped with the proposal, called the attempt to save the school a "Herculean effort."….

Dobbin…, but was disappointed early learning programs were taken out of the proposal.