February Update

Having started the second semester, I thought I would give parents a quick update on a few items.  As we get closer to spring break, students will be going through their course selections for the 2012-13 school year.  For students, this is a chance to select courses in grades 10-12 as part of their graduation program and determine specific schedules for grades 11 and 12.  For those students interested in pursuing apprenticeship opportunities, it means looking for potential placements and scheduling ahead of time to accommodate a work setting.  Once students have completed their selections, they are asked to take home their record of selections to get parent input.  We also have a few different information sessions planned for parents should they want more information about the graduation program and access to more specific programming such as Secondary School Apprenticeship and Work Experience options.  The first parent information session will take place for all parents on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm in room 101 and a second session for incoming grade 8 parents on April 2nd at 7pm in room 101.  Student course selections will take place the week of Feb 27th to March 1st.

Regarding reporting for the first semester, as many of you may be aware, teacher job action has prevented us from sending home report cards for students in grades 8-11.  Parents wishing to access the grades of students at these levels are requested to contact their teachers directly for feedback.  Students in grade 12 will receive a mailed home record of marks that includes final grades from semester 1 without any comments.  These grades have been entered by teachers to ensure students are not prevented from accessing post-secondary entrance and/or scholarships.

Parents are reminded to continually refer to the school website at www.sd51.bc.ca/gfss for ongoing updates, information, and important links.

Before signing off, I thought I would share a piece of student work I had submitted as part of my student's end of semester project for Phys Ed 8/9.  The project involved the students doing some brainstorming about the components of a healthy lifestyle.  As part of their project, they were asked to present their ideas using one of a few different formats.  This example is from one of my grade 9 students who organized his thoughts using an online format called Prezi...he gave me permission to show his work, I hope you enjoy it as I did.
Jonathan's project

Yours in education
Mr. S.