Happy Holidays!!! School is back in session January 4, 2010

Stress Management and Resiliency

Below is a link to one of the videos we looked at in the Grade 9 Guidance presentations this week. It is an excellent illustration of the stress response in the body and how our bodies are biologically wired to respond to stressful situations.

http://cmhc.utexas.edu/stressrecess/Level_One/fof.html

(click on play 'Fight or Flight' movie and it will open in a pop up window)

We also looked at the warning signs of stress and you were given some resources and ideas to help manage stress. The links on the right hand side of this blog can be very useful resources in this regard.

Finally we talked about resiliency, or your ability to bounce back from life's ups and downs. We discussed some real-life examples of resilient people like Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey. We also discussed ways to increase your resiliency including: cultivating meaningful relationships with your family and friends, looking at other people's perspectives, reading, and discovering activities where you can express yourself and find meaning.

Remember, stress is temporary and help is available. Talk to a trusted adult, family member, counsellor, or teacher if you are feeling stressed--we are here to help!

Scholarship and Educational Opportunities

Grade 9's

The TREK Program at Prince of Wales is accepting applications for next year. This is an exciting opportunity open to all grade 9 students. Application information is posted outside my office door or visit http://pw.vsb.bc.ca for more information.

Grade 9's, 10's and everyone else

The Shad Valley Program is an exciting opportunity for students to experience life in residence at a top Canadian university. It broadens your perspective, introduces you to exciting new people, and gives you an edge on scholarships and bursaries. Visit http://www.shad.ca for more information, the deadline for applicants is coming soon. There is also info outside my door.

Grade 9's/ Grade 10's

The Kids Help Line is looking for students to become ambassadors for their program. Duties include: raising awareness, volunteering at fundraising events, and event planning. This is excellent leadership and public relations experience, come and see me for an application if you're interested.

'Twilight' may skew idea of relationships

'Twilight' may skew idea of relationships

Bella and Edward, is it a healthy relationship? ...or is he a stalker. This is an interesting article from the Vancouver Sun. Some experts find Edward's behaviour disturbing. What do you think?

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome back to school everyone. It's hard to believe that we are already at midterm! By now your schedule is set and you are halfway through term one.
I have been visiting classes this week to talk about attendance. Here is a reminder....

Unexcused absences may result in school failure, lost marks, and disciplinary action.

Examples of Excused Absences:

• I am sick. I have a note from my parents/guardians that explains why I was away.
• There is a personal family matter or other such emergency and I have a note from my parents/guardians.
• I was on a field trip that my parents have consented to and my teachers approved.

Examples of Unexcused Absences:

• I slept in.
• I missed the bus.
• I don't like my class
• I had to go to Metrotown
• I went home
• I wasn't feeling well, so I just left without signing out or notifying my parents, etc, etc...
  

This leads us to another subject, vacations during the school year.....


From time to time your parents may decide to excuse you from school for: vacation, out of town visits, and other such events. Here is Tupper's policy on these absences:

"The decision to take students out of school for vacations and/or family visits is a family decision-- not the school's. Parents occasionally request that the teaching staff prepare homework in advance or give extra tutorial time and testing after students return from these absences. Although, the teaching staff will assist students as time and circumstances permit, it is not reasonable to expect that the achievement level and progress of students will be unaffected. The consequences of missing an exam will be a "zero" mark which may jeopardize the student's final mark"

If you miss more than a month of school due to an extended vacation, you may lose your place at Tupper and have to re-register upon your return.

So, I have an excused absence from school, what do I do?

1. Bring a note from home on your first day back. The note must include your name, the dates you were away and your parent/guardian's signature.
2. When you get to school, pick up an absence slip from the office. Attach it to your note and get your teachers to sign it.
3. Once it's been signed, return it to the office. THIS IS THE CRITICAL STEP. IT MUST GO TO THE OFFICE TO GET EXCUSED.

So, I have no excuse for missing classes what do I do?

1. It can be overwhelming when you've missed class-- you realize you've missed too much work and it's much easier to live in denial and continue to skip out. But the problem just gets bigger the longer you ignore it. Take responsibility for yourself. It's never too late to make positive changes in your life. There are lots of people here who can support you in this.

2. Talk to your parents and your teachers---they care about you and want to support you making positive changes. Take ownership for your absences, don't blame other people.

3. If there's a problem talk to someone--talk to me, a teacher, coach or family member---we're here to help!

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