DECEMBER 2015 - worsleycentralschool.ca · DECEMBER 2015 Superintendent’s Message Creating a...
Transcript of DECEMBER 2015 - worsleycentralschool.ca · DECEMBER 2015 Superintendent’s Message Creating a...
DECEMBER 2015
Superintendent’s Message
Creating a culture of innovation and big picture thinking in PRSD schools
What is innovation?
Innovation can be described as change, alteration, revolution, breakthrough, a new method, idea or product. These words
absolutely define how we must look at our classrooms in order to meet the needs of students in our changing world.
What are some examples of innovation in Peace River School Division? Students are given time through flexible learning time (High School Redesign) and project-based classes that allow them to work on projects that are of interest to them. Through these types of classes, some of our students led a project that saw a skate park be built in one of our communities, a community garden was created and the produce is being sold to help a school in Kenya. Our schools are connecting with other schools, authors, experts and various organizations through technology and student owned devices are encouraged for learning in our classrooms. Every PRSD school has been supplied with Tower Gardens so that students can learn how to grow vegetables.
Earlier this school year, PRSD held an Innovation Symposium that brought students, staff and community to the table to learn about and discuss how schools and classrooms can be more innovative. You can learn more about the innovation symposium by visiting the PRSD website.
Innovation is important to student learning and success and we are very proud of our staff for supporting and embracing innovation and for their passion in finding new ways to engage students.
Paul Bennett Superintendent of Schools
This Month:
- Innovation at WCS
- Christmas Banquet
- Dec/Jan calendar
- Spotlight on Safety
- Final exam schedule
- Exam prep
- GPRC visit
- Bullying
Christmas Greetings from WCS
The holiday season is quickly approaching and the staff and
students at WCS would like to wish everyone a well deserved
break. We hope the season brings joy and cheer to you and your
family and friends. We would like to extend our appreciation to
everyone who has helped to make the first part of the year a success. If you are
travelling to visit family or friends over the break please drive safely. We look forward to
coming back together on January 4th following the break.
Principal's Message: Innovation
The world continues to change at an unprecedented rated and as a result society
adapts to meet these changes. At the heart of our society’s adaptation is our education
system. Adaptation through innovation is at the center of the cultural shift taking place at
Worsley Central School. We continue to strive to prepare students for the 21st century’s
world of work and instill the goals of the Alberta Education’s Inspiring Education where
we focus on helping students to grow as engaged thinkers and ethical citizens who
possess an entrepreneurial spirit.
This year we began to shift our school’s culture to capitalize on the spirit of innovation.
Through High School Redesign and the creation of a flexible learning environment,
known as Success Block, our school has transformed the timetable to allow for a more
student centered approach to learning where students have a greater degree of
responsibility and choice in prioritizing what they learn
and how they learn. This student centered approach is
implemented with the guidance of teachers who help
students to develop responsibility for their learning and
help them to make informed decisions about their
education which will help them in their future outside of
school.
Another example of the shift taking place are the
students in Grade 4-6 who dove into Alberta Education’s
new Career and Technology Foundations program this
year. This program will allow students to develop their
entrepreneurial spirit as ethical citizens. Earlier in the year our students, along with their
teacher, identified a way they could make a difference while developing a skill. They
have decided to learn how to knit and are using this new skill to make scarves that they
will donate to a local charity. It will be exciting to see this project come to a rewarding
conclusion, allowing our students to see that they can make a difference in their
community. We are eagerly waiting to see the next fantastic idea this group will come
up with.
Providing students with new and practical learning opportunities is another way we
continue to adapt the learning environment to help prepare students for their futures.
We are offering a variety of new courses this year through Career and Technology
Studies, such as Audio-Video Production and Finance. In addition to these new courses
we are bringing back courses such as Foods, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Construction,
Mechanics, and First Responders. The learning opportunities these courses offer are
made possible through the generous financial contribution from the Clear Hill County
and local community members who provide instruction and share their knowledge, skill
and passion with the students of WCS.
It is great to see the positive changes that are taking place at WCS and we are always
looking for new and innovative ways to transform education at Worsley Central School.
If you have any ideas about how we can continue our shift in innovation, please stop by
the school; we would be happy to discuss your ideas.
Adrien Hooper WCS Principal WCS Mission: Working, Caring, Succeeding
Visit our yearbook over the holidays at
http://www.worsleyschoolyearbook.com/yearbook2015.html
for pictures of all our Christmas activities.
December January 2015-2016
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat
13 DECEMBER 14 no basketball practice
15 no basketball practice
16 no basketball practice
17 Christmas Concert @ 1pm no basketball practice
18 Christmas Banquet no basketball practice
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24
25
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28
29
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31
JANUARY 1
2
3
4 Classes resume
5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13 14
9-11:30 am: SS 30 Diploma Pt A (written)
15 Fairview Jr boys/girls basketball tournament Fri/Sat
16
17 18 19 20
9-11:30 am: SS 30 Diploma Pt B (mc)
21 22 23
24 25
9-11 am: English 10 exam English 20 exam 9-12 am: Math 30-1/2 Diploma
26
9-11 am: Physics 20 exam
27
9-11 am: Sci 10 exam
28
9-11 am: Bio 20 exam
29 Site based PD day Jr/Sr report cards sent home
30
Spotlight on Health and Safety
Kristy Shilka, PRSD Health & Safety Coordinator
Children and adults face challenging situations every day at home, at work, at school,
online and in their communities. Discussing and teaching personal safety skills with
children is important to their overall well-being and safety, and provides them with
important life skills.
Examples of personal safety skills that are important for children to learn include: how
to be and act aware, calm and confident, how to be prepared for different situations and
activities, how to take charge, how to set boundaries, how to get help and how to
protect oneself. It is also very important that children know how to call 9-1-1, know their
address, phone number and their parents’ names.
As adults, being mindful and present in our daily activities will reflect onto our children,
at home, at school and in our communities. Whenever possible, use teachable
moments to reinforce personal safety practices and above all, ensure children know
how to get help if they need it.
When it comes to personal safety “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Final exam and Diploma Exam Preparation
Senior high students enrolled in grade 10/11 courses will be writing final exams in the
last week of January. These exams will test the students’ acquisition of knowledge and
skills in each academic subject. The weight, or percent of final grade, is determined by
each teacher, and will be a significant portion of the students’ overall final grades.
For students enrolled in grade 12 academic subjects, Diploma exams will be
completed by students enrolled in academic courses. These tests are worth 30% of a
student's final grade in English, Math, Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Science and French.
Final exams and diploma exams are extremely important tests and there are a
number of ways students can ensure they perform to their full potential. Daily
attendance in class is always important, but in the final weeks leading up to the end of
semester 1 it is very important to attend class to learn the remaining content and skills
and to be a part of in-class review. Completing assignments will ensure students have
the practice and exposure they need with the content covered in a timely manner and
will contribute greatly to their success.
We encourage each student to speak with their teacher about review sessions and
scheduling additional help during Success Block or after school. If your child is writing a
diploma exam and looking for some different ways to help prepare, here are some
options for you:
1. Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2: Students interested in after school review or essay writing sessions for the Social Studies Diploma can make arrangements with Mr. Hooper.
2. PRSD DIploma Prep Courses: Need a power study session before your diploma exam? PRSD is hosting preparation sessions for the Biology 30, English 30-1 and Math 30-1 diploma exams. The sessions are open to all students in the region. Review your exam writing strategy, work with sample questions and review (chapter by chapter) your course work. Registration information can be found at https://docushare.prsd.ab.ca/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-42687
MATH 30-1 Course dates: January 23 and 24, 2016 Course times: Saturday 9 am - 4.15 pm
Sunday 9 am - 4.15 pm Register by: January 18, 2016
Location: Grimshaw Jr/Sr High School Cost: $100.00
3. Rock the Diploma: Online Diploma Review by RDT Learning: RTD Diploma Prep Courses can help students by offering additional review as they prepare for their diploma exams. These courses are taught by experienced certified teachers. There is a cost to register and the courses are offered in the evenings. For more information go to http://www.rockthediploma.com/
4. Using Practice Tests - Exam Bank has online multiple choice tests for student practice
log on at http://www.exambank.com/ username: worsley pw: wcs - check out a copy of The Key study guide from the school library or purchase
your own copy from Castle Rock Research at http://castlerockresearch.com/all-books-alberta/
General Information:
Diploma Examination Guides Guides for students have been posted on Alberta Education's website as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document for parents. Visit the links below to view these documents: Guides for Students can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/students/exams/guides.aspx Diploma information for students can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/students/exams.aspx
Diploma information for parents can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources/exams/
Sem 1 2015-16 Final Exam Schedule and Diploma Exam Schedule
*Please note the date and time for YOUR exams
Final Exams: Grade 10 and 11 courses Location: Gymnasium
Mon Jan. 25
9:00 – 11:00 am
Tues Jan 26
9:00 – 11:00 am
Wed Jan 27
9:00 – 11:00 am
Thurs Jan 28
9:00 – 11:00 am
English 10
English 20
Physics 20 Science 10 Biology 20
Diploma exams: Grade 12 courses Location: Library
Thurs Jan 14
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Wed Jan 20
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Mon Jan 25
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Social Studies
Part A (written)
Social Studies
Part B (multiple choice)
Math 30-1
Math 30-2
Final Exam Important Notes:
● The last day of instructional classes for senior high students is Friday January 22nd.
Senior high students should be attending their regular classes for review with your
teacher until the day they write their final exams.
● Thursday January 28th from 1:00 – 3:00 will be an exam make-up day for all non-diploma
courses.
● Junior high students have regularly scheduled classes during the examination period.
● Diploma exams missed for any reason may receive a mark of zero.
● Diploma Exams: "Students who arrive more than one hour after a diploma examination
has started will not be allowed to write the examination. Students who arrive late but
within the first hour of administration may be allowed to write at the discretion of the
principal … corresponding to the amount by which the student was late." {Alberta
Education.}
Grande Prairie Regional College - Fairview presentation
On December 8 instructors and
administrative staff from Grande Prairie
Regional College in Fairview visited
student in grades 7-12. Students learned
about a variety of post secondary
opportunities available to them in Fairview.
Presentations were made about the
following programs: heavy duty technician,
automotive technician, animal health
technician, Harley Davidson motorcycle
technician, as well as trades programs in
plumbing and pipefitting, carpentry,
electrician and welding. Students were
also given information about the Skills Canada competition and the Trades Training
Camp and were encouraged to sign up for these events coming in the spring of 2016.