Summer is here

Dear Grade 9's and 10's

I was going through the marks today and must say that I am very proud of the 8's and 9's, you did outstanding this year, your hard work has really paid off!!!

I hope you have a wonderful summer vacation, you deserve it!

Just a couple reminders about course changes and summer school:

• For the small number of you who need remedial summer school you can register at http://www.continuinged.ca/, and remember that next year is a new beginning.


• Also, you must bring me your final summer school report card on the first day of classes. Likewise, if you are enrolling in an online course, please bring me a printout of your log-in page.


• I will be available by appointment only on September 1st and 2nd to address incorrect or incomplete timetables & to help those that completed summer school. Call (604) 713-8233 ext. 7604 to book an appt, there will also be a sign-up on my door.
  


• If you wish to change your timetable you must see me on your own time not class time (lunch, after school, morning) to discuss. Please note that I am very busy with the Grade 8 Orientation, and will not do any course changes on the first day of school.

Be safe, ROARSY, wear sunblock, and I'll see you in September :)

Ms. H

TEN TIPS FOR AVOIDING ONLINE DRAMA

Facebook and MSN are fun but, unfortunately, many people don't think really think about the consequences of their behaviour online. The internet is a public space. Some of the things that I am seeing posted online are not only unROARS but can have serious consequences for students later on in life. Please read these ten tips now, and make any changes so that you can safely enjoy the internet.

1. Google yourself. What comes up, can you see pictures or your full name? Remember any person with internet access can see this same information, including potential employers.

2. Immediately, change your profile's privacy settings. Change your search settings as well. You may want to consider making your photos and status reports available to only your closest friends.

3. Remove any Facebook friends that you don’t really know. If you have never met the person in real life, you should not have them as a friend!

4. Don’t participate in Facebook Applications like: bathroom wall, honesty box, or compare people, and remove them from your profile.

5. The internet is a public place.

6. Do not forward emails that were sent to you in confidence--it's two-faced.

7. Do not update your status, write notes, or send emails when you're feeling emotional, wait until you cool down---maybe a face to face conversation would be better?

8. If you are posting a picture, think about how you'll feel when someone sees the picture in 5 years. How would you feel if you classmates, boss, parents, or future employers saw it?

9. Look very carefully at what a Facebook group stands for before you agree to join it.

10. You do not have to tolerate online harassment, defamation, and bullying! Print it out and show a trusted adult. Help is available!

TTYL! Ms. H

SPRING IS HERE!

Well, Spring is here! By now, you have made your course selections. I am now requesting that any changes to your selections wait until the week after Spring Break.

The Term 2 report cards will go home with students tomorrow and I encourage parents/guardians to attend parent/teacher night on April 7th to discuss any concerns with teachers directly.

Have a great spring break!

Course Planning Information Night

The Counselling Department will be hosting a 'Course Planning Information Night' for parents on Wednesday, February 25th from 6-8pm. During my presentation for Grade 8 and 9 parents, I will review the 2004 Graduation program and how it relates to your child's course selections. I will also describe the available electives and pre-requisites. I look forward to seeing you there.

For Grade 9's going into Grade 10, more information about the Graduation requirements can be found at the BC Ministry of Education:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/grad2004.htm

Course Planning, a Message to Parents

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year. In the school year, January and February marks the beginning of planning for the upcoming year. During this time, I visit classes and discuss the course selection process with all grade 8 and 9 students.

Most of our elective course offerings are directly impacted by the student course selection process and this, in turn, can impact our staffing. Therefore, it is very important for students to make thoughtful and informed course selections. Our course planning guide is available online at http://tupper.vsb.bc.ca/, please review and discuss your child’s course selections with them.

Students who do not complete/ pass a required course will have to attend summer school remedial or repeat the course the following year. I strongly advise summer school when available. Registration and information regarding summer school will be available at the school after spring break.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding course selection or any other related matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can also be reached via email.

Honour Roll Assemblies Next Week

Honour Roll Assemblies will be held on Monday, January 12th at reading break (Grade 8) and Tuesday, January 13th (Grade 9). Congratulations to all who have made Principal's List and Honour Roll!

Attention Grade 9 Outdoorsy-types!

The Trek Program is a unique one year outdoor education experience open to all prospective grade 10 students across the district. If you are interested in this program, you should attend one of the info nights with your parents/guardians or come and discuss with me ASAP.

Trek Info Nights

• Tuesday January 13th at 7pm--at Prince of Wales
• Thursday, January 15th at &pm--Gladstone Secondary

The application deadline is February 20th

more info can be found at the http://www.vsb.bc.ca