John Napier Burnett:  was born in Scotland (1899) and arrived in Vancouver with his family in 1911. He served in World War I with the Royal Flying Corps and became a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) during World War II. At the end of the War, in 1945, he became an Inspector of Schools and in 1949 was hired by the Richmond School District as an administrator, serving as District Superintendent of Schools for Richmond from 1955 to 1964 - a period of unprecedented population growth and expansion.

J.N. Burnett Junior Secondary School (1968-1995): opened in stages starting in 1968 to serve the expanding population of northwest Richmond. The baby boomers were having their children during the 1960s and 1970s and schools such as Burnett were built to accommodate them. In 1996, Burnett became a full secondary school for Grades 8 to 12.  The Breakers: The school colours, royal blue and crimson red, were chosen by the student council during the early years and the school nickname, 'The Breakers', is a reference to the ever breaking waves along the banks of the Fraser River and coastal waters. The school has a long standing relationship with several sister schools in Japan and a long history of student exchanges. The influence can be seen in the use of Hokusai's "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa" as the inspiration for our school logo. Hokusai's wave is a representation of what our Breakers are; unified in purpose, forceful in direction, moving at the leading edge, and inspiring with our depth of conviction. The Burnett Breakers have established a rich history and developed a legacy of excellence - in the classroom, on the playing fields, and in fine and performing arts.  Breakers lead with purpose!

JN Burnett (ca. 1968)

JN Burnett (ca. 2010)