Podcast Summary: Unlearn16 – "Class is in Session"

Episode Title: The One Where We Find Out What Happens at Metro Next....That's Not What This Book Is About
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Host: Joanna
Guest: Principal Ryan Sealy
Description: Joanna, a teacher with a sarcastic wit and a passion for debate spanning political, social, and pop culture spectrums, teams up with Principal Ryan Sealy for a behind-the-scenes tour of Metro Prep. This episode aligns with the prologue of Joanna's upcoming book, delving into the school's past, present, and future endeavors.

Introduction: Welcome to Metro Prep

[00:03] Joanna:
Joanna kicks off the episode with her signature blend of humor and insight, setting the stage for a unique vlog-style podcast. She introduces the theme—exploring the evolution of Metro Prep in conjunction with her forthcoming book.

"Class is in session. Hey, everybody, and welcome to Unlearn 16. Class is in session." — Joanna [00:03]

Exploring Metro Prep: Mascots and Memorabilia

The tour begins with Joanna and Ryan showcasing Metro Prep's mascot, Lore, a symbol inspired by a concrete bag from Tanzania. This artifact embodies the school's ethos and history.

[00:20] Joanna:
Joanna highlights Metro Prep's dedication to maintaining meaningful symbols, explaining how Lore became central to the school's identity.

"This is Lore. It's Metro Prep's mascot. Ryan and I decided that would be our mascot when we started this school..." — Joanna [00: capitalized Text]

The Games Room: A Hub for Student Engagement

Moving into the games room, Joanna and Ryan reveal the variety of activities available to students, including ping pong, shuffleboard, chess, and video games. This space exemplifies Metro Prep's commitment to fostering a balanced and engaging student life.

[02:03] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan enthusiastically describes the upcoming enhancements to the school's biotech lab, emphasizing its state-of-the-art facilities designed in collaboration with UBC professors.

"It's the only genius genetics lab in a high school in Ontario." — Ryan Sealy [04:31]

Cherished Memories: Building a Legacy

Joanna and Ryan reminisce about memorable moments at Metro Prep, such as the mischievous act of spray painting the old Black Box studio and meeting actor James Gandolfini with students in New York. These anecdotes illustrate the vibrant and dynamic culture fostered at the school.

[02:52] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan shares a humorous memory that underscores the camaraderie and creativity among staff and students.

"Spray painting the roof of the old Black Box studio... and having to put on like those white hazmat painter suits." — Ryan Sealy [02:52]

Renovations and Future Developments

A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the extensive renovations underway at Metro Prep. The new genius biotech lab, designed to be a professional and state-of-the-art facility, is a highlight, promising enhanced educational opportunities for students.

[04:03] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan provides a detailed overview of the biotech lab's transformation, including architectural changes and the integration of new technologies.

"They're raising that, popping them all off... It's very high, actually." — Joanna [05:14]

[06:14] Joanna:
Joanna discusses her vision for an 80s-themed classroom, blending nostalgia with modern educational tools to create an engaging learning environment.

"I want it to be the 1980s in here." — Joanna [06:14]

Theatre at Metro Prep: A Creative Outlet

Ryan delves into Metro Prep's vibrant theatre program, detailing recent productions like "Almost Famous" and highlighting the innovative approaches to staging and live streaming performances. These efforts aim to provide immersive and interactive experiences for both participants and audiences.

[09:56] Joanna:
Joanna praises the technical ingenuity behind the live-streamed band performances, which enhanced audience engagement.

"Most people turned around to watch the band." — Ryan Sealy [10:03]

[10:22] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan reflects on the extensive preparation and rehearsal that went into the theatre productions, showcasing the dedication of the Metro Prep team.

"We worked on it almost all year in my head... it was really, really quite something." — Ryan Sealy [10:22]

Transforming Metro Prep: Auditorium and Gymnasium Upgrades

The conversation shifts to the ambitious plans for constructing a new auditorium and gymnasium. These facilities aim to support Metro Prep's strong sports programs and provide students with comprehensive resources for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

[13:48] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan outlines the scope of the auditorium renovation, emphasizing its capacity to host 400 seats and serve as a central hub for school events.

"This whole entire space... it's about a 400 seat theater, auditorium, theater, stage." — Joanna [14:20]

[16:07] Joanna:
Joanna shares her excitement about the new gymnasium, envisioning a full-size facility with glass walls to enhance the athletic experience.

"I'm envisioning some glass, like a lot of glass walls rather than enclosed walls." — Joanna [16:07]

Embracing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

A pivotal topic is Metro Prep's transition to an IB candidate school. Joanna and Ryan discuss the rigorous process of IB accreditation, highlighting its focus on holistic and diverse education that encourages students to explore various disciplines beyond their immediate interests.

[17:14] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan expresses confidence in the school's suitability for the IB program, acknowledging the challenges but recognizing the alignment with Metro Prep's educational philosophy.

"It is very challenging. And the students that are going to enroll in the IB, they're going to have a lot of work to do." — Ryan Sealy [19:09]

[19:25] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan elaborates on the intensive nature of the IB curriculum, underscoring the commitment required from both teachers and students.

"It's a little more involved than that. But we're well suited to it." — Ryan Sealy [19:25]

Integrating Creativity into Education

Joanna highlights her approach to teaching, which involves incorporating artistic projects into her curriculum to enhance creativity and practical skills among students. Examples include recreating movie posters and designing digital formats, demonstrating how academic content can be made engaging and relevant.

[19:39] Joanna:
Joanna describes her methods for making classes more interactive and creative, fostering a stimulating learning environment.

"I like to tie things into my class. That makes them, you know, experience new things and makes them a little bit more creative." — Joanna [19:39]

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As the episode concludes, Joanna and Ryan reflect on their first year running Metro Prep, acknowledging the challenges and celebrating the successes. They express optimism for the future, anticipating the continued growth and development of the school through upcoming projects and the implementation of the IB program.

[17:43] Ryan Sealy:
Ryan shares his gratitude for the team’s support and his excitement about taking Metro Prep to the next level.

"I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level because that's what we've always dreamt of doing." — Ryan Sealy [17:43]

[19:58] Joanna:
Joanna wraps up the episode with a lighthearted note, teasing upcoming merchandise and hinting at future developments at Metro Prep.

"Thank you guys all for hanging out, for seeing what Metro's doing, seeing all the good things that we're going to be doing in the new near future." — Joanna [19:58]

Notable Quotes:

• "Class is in session. Hey, everybody, and welcome to Unlearn 16. Class is in session." — Joanna [00:03]

• "It's the only genius genetics lab in a high school in Ontario." — Ryan Sealy [04:31]

• "I want it to be the 1980s in here." — Joanna [06:14]

• "We worked on it almost all year in my head... it was really, really quite something." — Ryan Sealy [10:22]

• "It is very challenging. And the students that are going to enroll in the IB, they're going to have a lot of work to do." — Ryan Sealy [19:09]

• "I like to tie things into my class. That makes them, you know, experience new things and makes them a little bit more creative." — Joanna [19:39]

• "I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level because that's what we've always dreamt of doing." — Ryan Sealy [17:43]

Insights and Conclusions:

• Commitment to Excellence: Metro Prep is undergoing significant renovations to enhance its facilities, reflecting a strong commitment to providing top-tier educational resources.

• Holistic Education: The adoption of the IB program underscores Metro Prep's dedication to a comprehensive and diversified educational approach, preparing students for varied challenges.

• Creative and Engaging Learning Environments: Joanna's incorporation of creative projects and themed classrooms highlights the importance of making education engaging and relevant to students' interests.

• Strong Community and Legacy: The shared memories and experiences between Joanna and Ryan illustrate a deep-rooted sense of community and tradition at Metro Prep, fostering a nurturing environment for both staff and students.

• Future-Oriented Vision: With plans for a new auditorium, gymnasium, and state-of-the-art labs, Metro Prep is poised for growth, aiming to elevate its educational offerings and maintain its status as a leading institution.

This episode of Unlearn16 provides listeners with an intimate look into the inner workings and future plans of Metro Prep, showcasing the dedication of its educators and the vibrant community they cultivate. Whether you're a current student, prospective parent, or simply interested in innovative educational environments, this episode offers valuable insights into the transformative journey of Metro Prep.