UNIVERSITY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL

Vancouver, British Columbia

GRADE NINE PROGRAM GUIDE

2016 - 2017

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UNIVERSITY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL 3228 Ross Drive, Vancouver, BC V6s 0C6

Telephone: (604) 713-8258 Fax: (604) 713-8257 http://uhs.vsb.bc.ca

The staff of University Hill (UHill) extend a warm welcome to you as you enter Grade 9! UHill Secondary is a school of approximately 700 students, Grades 9 through 12. UHill is a warm, friendly place for students, staff and guests. Students come from across the city and many parts of the world to attend our school. Students at UHill value citizenship, collaboration, leadership, school climate, and inclusion, along with connections to our local and global community. UHill officially opened in 1927 as a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school on the site where the new UHill Elementary School stands. In 2013, UHill Secondary moved into a new 21st Century designed building at the Ross Road Site. The school is nestled in a naturally beautiful setting of lush forest which provides a tranquil and inspirational learning environment on the UBC Endowment Lands. UHill offers a comprehensive academic program including an ELL program, a Transition Program for gifted students, and a Strategies & Resource Program that supports our students with learning disabilities. The school's colour is purple and our school teams are known as the Hawks. UHill is a multicultural school community committed to the pursuit of excellence through the provision of teaching and learning environments based on co-operation, well-roundedness and social responsibility. Our traditions and culture are characterized by a strong commitment to academics, active participation in fine and performing arts, a strong music program and plenty of free play sports and intramurals. We are a close school community, with parents, students, and staff working together to create and maintain a high quality educational experience in a safe and supportive learning environment. Building on our strong academic foundation, character development is reflected in our school goal to provide an environment that nurtures well-being, well-roundedness and a character of generosity, social responsibility and citizenship in our students. We hope that your four years at UHill will be enjoyable, and that you are successful in all of your academic and extracurricular pursuits!

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GRADE NINE READY REFERENCE Principal Mr. S. Cameron Vice Principal Ms J. Desai Administrative Ms. Gloria Lam Office Assistant Athletic Director Mr. J. Hodgson Teacher Librarian Ms. M. Ekdahl School Based Ms. D. Heine Resource Teacher Receptionist Ms. M. Grant

Accountant Ms. N. Spill

Administrative Ms. J. Lee Records Clerk School Nurse Ms. E. Ho First Aid Attendants Office Career Information Advisor Ms. H. Lee Counsellors 2016 -2017 Grade 9(A-G)…….....Ms. N. Paley Grade 9 (H-N) Mr. D. Chevreau Grade 9 (O-Z) Ms. T. Romano Grade 10 Ms. T. Romano Grade 11 Mr. D. Chevreau Grade 12 Ms. N. Paley

UHill ARTICULATION EVENTS for 2016/2017

January 26th, 2016 Grade 7/8 Parent & Student 6:00-7:00pm Multipurpose room Information Evening February 29, 2016 Grade 9 Applications Due UHill Office April 13, 2016 ELL Placement Testing 8:40-10:00am Upper Learning Commons April 13, 2016 Advanced Math Testing 10:30-11:30am Upper Learning Commons May 2016 (TBA) Grade 9s visit UHill 1:00-2:30pm Lower Learning Commons

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THE GRADE NINE PROGRAM AT UHILL SECONDARY GRADE NINE COURSES Each student takes 8 courses: English Physical Education Math French Science Applied Skills Social Studies Fine Arts

A typical timetable of a Grade 9 student: 1. English 9 2. Math 9 3. Science 9 4. Socials 9 5. PE 9 6. French 9 7. ELECTIVE 1 8. ELECTIVE 2

Students also take Health and Career Education 9. This course does not have set classes. This course is taught by counsellors and across the disciplines.

Some students will take English Language Learning courses, classes in our Resource Centre or in our Skills Development Centre, in place of one or more of the courses listed above.

Other options include a Strategies Program designed to support students’ learning and development. Admission into this program is determined by the Vancouver School Board.

Choose 2 electives from applied skills and/or fine arts

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ENGLISH ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 9 MEN- - 09 MEN- -09 English 9 continues to develop the language skills practiced in English 8. Various learning formats are used, including modified workshops, small groups, and whole class instruction. In particular, students learn and practice different phases of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, peer response, revising, editing and publishing. A variety of literature, teacher and student selected, is used to develop initial and critical responses helping students to relate reading to writing and to develop appropriate and characteristic styles. Opportunities are also provided throughout the year to learn and practice language use and critical thinking through speaking and listening.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 9 CREATIVE WRITING MEN- - 09ENR MEN- -09E Grade 9 students may earn English 9 credit through a creative writing course option. Here the emphasis is on writing in a variety of genres. Students wishing to enroll should be prepared to show 2 samples of their creative work, 1 piece of writing they have done responding to questions about literature, and a short statement telling why they desire to be in a writing program. Students are selected for admittance to the course based on these written submissions. Submissions should be handed in to present Grade 8 teachers by April 30th, 2016.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING (ELL) The ELL program is designed to promote the acquisition of the English language. Since each student acquires language at a different pace, some students will require less time in ELL while others will require more.

ELL students are placed in the appropriate level class based on reading and writing assessments. Students help one another and learn to participate in co-operative learning, thus ensuring their eventual success. The Ministry of Education requires anecdotal reporting for ELL courses.

ELL Level Courses Beginners or reception-level as well as intermediate to advanced students are required to take ELL English, Social Studies, and Science. They are integrated in Mathematics and electives. Typical elective courses for integration include: Information Technology, Art, Physical Education, Band, and Foods.

Transitional Level Courses These courses are for students who may still needing support in English to achieve academic success in regular English or Social Studies courses. In addition to Transitional English and Social Studies, students also take an English Language Centre support block.

English Learning Centre This course represents the last phase while students are integrating into regular classes. This course supports students reading and writing below grade level to succeed in an academic environment.

ELL COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL 1 XLDCE10CO1 ELL COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL 2 XLDCE10CO2 The aim of this course is to prepare students from integration into the mainstream academic program. It focuses on developing students’ speaking and listening comprehension in a variety of contexts. With an emphasis on oral fluency, students engage in activities such as role-play, oral presentations, interviews, and dramatic presentations in a cooperative and supportive setting. Students are also encouraged to practice pronunciation, stress and intonation to increase confidence and to promote functional competence in English for academic purposes.

In addition, students will incorporate digital tools and media (iPads, video, audio) to

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enhance their language skills. Through all forms of communication, they will increase their knowledge of global cultures and cross-cultural intelligence.

ELL ENGLISH LEVEL 1 XLDCE10EN1 ELL ENGLISH LEVEL 2 XLDCE10EN2 This course is designed to develop students' English proficiency in all areas of language focusing on grammar, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the appreciation of literature. There is also a major writing component to this class.

ENGLISH LEARNING CENTRE (ELC) XLDCE10ELC This is a skills development block. The aim of ELC is to assist students to improve and become more proficient in their use and understanding of the English language as they transition into English 9. Students will work on developing their skills, and expressing themselves, in a variety of situations and forms, particularly in speaking and writing. Students will be given the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth through speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. The goal of ELC is for students to reach a level of English language proficiency that will help them meet the expected learning outcomes of the Provincial Curriculum.

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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS 9 MMA- -09 This course centers on a more formal approach to beginning algebra, including simplification of expressions, study of exponents, factoring, solution of equations and inequalities and linear relations. Similarity, 2-D and 3-D applications, and circle geometry are included. Data analysis includes sampling procedures. A Scientific calculator is required. In April a group of 20 students will be recommended by their Grade 8 teachers to come to UHill to be assessed on their Math ability, from this testing a group of qualified students may be given the opportunity to excel to Math 10.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE 9 MSC- -09 The skills and processes of Science are developed through a variety of activities found in the following organizers:

Life Science; Reproduction Physical Science; Atoms, Elements and Compounds, Characteristics of Electricity Earth and Space Science; Space Exploration

In addition, emphasis is placed on laboratory skill development, critical thinking and data analysis.

ELL SCIENCE XLDCE10SC Students will study scientific concepts in topics including biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. The emphasis will be to learn the science laboratory skills and to develop English Language skills required for grade level Science courses.

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SOCIAL STUDIES

SOCIAL STUDIES 9 MSS- -09

The focus in the Social Studies 9 course is "The Growth of Nations". The following themes are studied:

x Geography: Knowledge and skills, locating information x North America: The geographic setting, Aboriginal history and culture, early

European settlement of North America, New France, and British North America to 1815

x Nation Building and Social Order: The development of democratic concepts, the growth of nationalism

x Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America, the social effects of the Industrial Revolution, industrialization and empire building, modern day industrialism

x Current Events and Field Studies related to the curriculum ELL SOCIAL STUDIES LEVEL 1 XLDCE10SS1 ELL SOCIAL STUDIES LEVEL 2 XLDCE10SS2 This course is designed to help students learn the content of Grade 9 Social Studies as well as the skills and vocabulary required for successful entry into grade level Social Studies courses. Topics include Canadian and European history, geography, and the cultural composition of Canadian society.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 MPE- -09 These programs will introduce and refine all basic movement skills. Students will be exposed to a broad and diversified program of physical activities with emphasis on learning basic skills, rules and strategies. Positive personal and social behaviour and interpersonal relationships are developed through active involvement in these physical activities. Compulsory Units: Active Health, Fitness Assessment, Dance

Students will be offered at least 6 of the following activities: orienteering, archery, resistance training, table tennis, badminton, ultimate, soccer, touch/flag football, minor games, and volleyball. All students are expected to wear a gym strip that includes shorts, t-shirt and non-marking soled running shoes.

ELL PHYSICAL EDUCATION MPE- -09ELL For the reception level ELL student. This course is designed to allow skills and health related components of PE to be practiced in a safe and encouraging way while allowing students to acquire the “language” of Physical Education.

FRENCH FRENCH 9 MFR- -09 French 9 is taught using a new approach to learning. This new method is called THE AIM METHOD (Accelerated Integrative Method). What is AIM? Accelerated Integrated Method? Many Vancouver Schools have adopted this method and it is also taught in the USA, Australia and is growing around the world helping to teach French, English, Spanish and Mandarin.

Aim is a sequential program designed to accelerate the acquisition of French as a second language for students with little or no fluency in the language.

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APPLIED SKILLS

The Applied Skills Department has four components: Business Education; Information Technology; Home Economics and Technical Studies.

BUSINESS EDUCATION 9 COMPUTERS MBE- - 09 This course is designed to introduce Grade 9 students to computers and word processing, spreadsheets, desk top publishing, presentations, data bases and web page creation. The overarching focus will be using technology to succeed in school and business.

HOME ECONOMICS 9 FOODS MHE- -09FD Students will learn to prepare a wide selection of foods to enable them to assemble quick and nutritious meals. Practical work will include: flour mixtures and baking, pasta, rice, protein foods, cheese and milk, eggs, fruits and vegetable. Students will prepare a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes.

TEXTILES 9 MTXT-09 Students will be able to plan and make a variety of textile items using commercial patterns. They will be able to demonstrate safe and appropriate use of tools and equipment to produce these items. A minimum of one project will be required, with an emphasis based on techniques (5 per project). Materials will be required. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 9 MTE- -09 Students will get hands on experience in designing and building projects. They will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials, tools and equipment. This course will also explore drafting, electronics and robotics. The skills developed will help students in their future studies, especially in areas such as drafting and design, and engineering. Projects may include designing and building a robot (VEX or Lego), a design project using a CADD program, egg car, metal picture frame, key fob, wooden whistle, electronic circuit, gumball machine, etc.

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FINE ARTS 9

Students will choose from the following options for Fine Arts:

* Music 9: Jazz Band * Drama 9 * Music 9: Int. Wind Orchestra * Visual Art 9 * Music 9: Concert Choir * Visual Art 9: Ceramics * Music 9: Chamber Choir

MUSIC 9 JAZZ BAND MMU- -09JB Develop your jazz skills, learn a musical jazz vocabulary and how to improvise! Improvisation is a skill based in expression through articulation and phrasing, and interpretation of rhythmic and chordal patterns. Students are required to concurrently enroll in Wind Orchestra but may play a different instrument from that played in Wind Orchestra. This band will perform at local concerts, district events and festivals.

MUSIC 9 INTERMEDIATE WIND ORCHESTRA MMU- -09OR3 Recommended: previous experience reading music notation and on instrument Please Note: This is an early morning 7:30am class. Students will learn the fundamentals of playing a band instrument from one of the following categories - brass, woodwind, percussion or bass. Orchestral string players are also welcome but are recommended to take lessons. People with previous experience on guitar or piano may choose from several instruments. Students will continue their development of musicianship and ear training through a variety of band repertoire. This course is open to beginners as well as advanced players. Beginning band students will receive the additional training needed to integrate them with the advanced players. Leadership opportunities exist for advanced players. Students are expected to wear uniforms for performance and attend a yearly retreat. Students receive band credit according to their grade.

MUSIC 9 SENIOR WIND ORCHESTRA 9 MMU- -09OR4 *Strongly recommended: Intermediate level Band or Orchestra Musicianship skills.

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The Senior Wind Ensemble is designed for serious music students who will be challenged by advanced musical repertoire. Students will continue their development of musicianship and ear training through a variety of repertoire. Students are expected to wear a uniform for performance and attend an annual performance tour. The tour will include performances, adjudications and workshops at universities or festivals, and will rotate semi-local to international locations from year to year. Please be prepared to make a time commitment to attend performance tours if you choose to take this class.

MUSIC 9 CONCERT CHOIR MMU- -09CC *Pre-requisite: motivation and interest in singing. Students choosing to sing in Concert Choir learn musicianship, effective vocal production, ear training, and sight reading. The class surveys and studies all aspects of serious choral literature in all styles. Concert and sectional attendance are part of the course. This experience is open to any student who wishes to work in a singing ensemble at the school. Leadership opportunities exist for advanced singers. Students are expected to wear uniforms for performance and attend a yearly retreat. Students receive choir credit according to their grade. MUSIC 9 CHAMBER CHOIR MMU- -09CH *Recommended: previous choral singing experience strongly recommended *Pre-Requisite: Audition required or permission of teacher

Please Note: This is an early morning 7:30 am class. In this ensemble, students engage in a serious study of acappella literature from a variety of periods and styles. Students are expected to learn Musicianship, ear training, correct vocal production, and style. Students are also required to concurrently enroll in Concert Choir. Students will wear a uniform for performance and attend an annual performance tour. The tour will include workshops, adjudications and performances at universities or festivals, and will rotate from local to international. Please be prepared to make a time commitment if you choose to take this class. Students receive choir credit according to their grade.

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DRAMA 9 Drama 9 focuses on creative drama elements intended to build trust, self-confidence, imagination, expressive powers, and concentration. From there it moves into basic skill building in ensemble work, performance (e.g. vocal work, character building, improvisation, acting, play building, and script analysis) and production, including introducing students to the work of non-acting ensemble members. The course aims also to encourage students in their exploration, understanding, and appreciation of theatre and film. ELL students welcome.

DRAMA 9-THEATRE COMPANY MDR- -09THC Junior Theatre Company is a course for committed students only who wish to work as an ensemble theatre company and develop their creative, performance, and production abilities through the rehearsal, performance, writing and directing processes. The course involves public performances in touring and main stage settings, requiring some rehearsal and preparation outside class hours. After school rehearsal is absolutely required. DRAMA 9 - THEATRE PRODUCTION MDR- -09TPR Theatre Production students work as crew and are an integral part of the Theatre on the Hill ensemble. They must be self-starters and committed team players. Some after school work is required to co-ordinate technical elements of productions (lighting, sound, and costumes), manage shows, and design and construct sets and props.

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VISUAL ARTS 9 MVA- - 09 This 2D Art course introduce students to a variety of drawing and painting techniques, materials, and elements and principles of design. They will become acquainted with the historical and contemporary developments in the art world as well as what careers are available in the arts. Depending on availability, an art gallery tour will be provided. Success in the course requires students to be well organized, self-disciplined, motivated, and creative.

VISUAL ARTS 9: Ceramics MVA- - 09CER This course focuses primarily on hand-building pottery techniques. They will become familiar with the historical and contemporary developments in ceramics and sculpture, while fostering their own unique style and interests. A growing awareness of the elements and principles of design will influence their creative process. Depending on availability, an art gallery tour will be provided during the course. Students are encouraged to produce expressive and well-crafted pieces.

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HEALTH AND CAREER 9 The aim of Health and Career Education 9 is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will assist them in making informed decisions related to their health, their education, and their future careers. This course is completed through pull out sessions held by the Grade 9 counsellors. A mark for this will appear on your report card at the end of the year as Requirement Met.

DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 9 It is a Ministry requirement that all students in all grades participate in daily physical activity (DPA). Students in Grade 9 must complete 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. A mark for this will appear on your report card at the end of the year as Requirement Met.

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STUDENT SERVICES Counselling The Counselling program at UHill operates on the premise that the school must play a role in facilitating the personal and social growth of the students as well as providing for their academic training and acquisition of knowledge and skills. In addition to teaching the Health and Career Education curriculum, the counsellor provides personal counselling for students. Students may confer with counsellors any time they need assistance. Counsellors are available to help students before school, during lunch hour, and after school. Parents or guardians who have any concerns are also encouraged to contact the grade counsellor via email and or calling the school at 604-713 8258.

Skill Development Centre Skills Development is a school-based service designed for students having significant difficulty in organizing, processing, or retaining information. Students may be referred to the Skills Development Centre by elementary LAC, subject teacher, administration, counsellors or school based team.

Resource Centre UHill has a team of staff that work with students who require academic support. Support is provided through scheduled blocks or during regular class time. Referrals for service are made by subject teachers, counsellors, administrators, or parents. Progress is monitored and recorded.

Multi-cultural Liaison Workers The Multi-cultural Liaison Workers are a resource for students, parents and staff. They are fluent in English and at least one other language. They are available to assist with communication needs, cross-cultural and adjustment issues, and school concerns. To contact a multicultural worker see please http://www.vsb.bc.ca/mclw-contacts

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) The SWIS Program provides professional settlement services to immigrants, refugees, other eligible students and families. SWIS does not only connect families to schools,

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communities and other government service providers. Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) offer a number of workshops during the school year as well as on-going assistance to families in many areas. Contact information can be found at

http://www.vsb.bc.ca/swis-contacts

STUDENTS’ COUNCIL Students’ Council is a group of students who are committed to serving and organizing a number of activities. This student body represents school spirit. The Students’ Council is made up of an executive and grade representatives. Grade 9 representatives will be elected or selected at the beginning of the school year.

UPPER LEARNING COMMONS

The Upper Learning Common (ULC) is open Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. It is open during lunch periods as well. To extend the resource-based learning component of their courses, teachers may book their classes into the ULC. Students are encouraged, on their own time or with their teacher’s permissions, to use the facilities in the ULC to work quietly on assignments or research activities.

PARENT AND STUDENT INFORMATION Absences and Lates It is important to attend all classes and be on time. If you are absent please bring a note from your parent(s) explaining your absence to show your teachers and then hand in to the office. If you are late, report directly to your teacher and explain why you are late.

Synrevoice and School Website Synervoice is a computerized phone system that is primarily used to advise parents of students’ attendance. It will also be used on occasion to inform parents of upcoming school events. We also have a daily Bulletin and an updated school calendar that can be found on the school website. http://go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/uhill/Pages/default.aspx

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Illness and Accidents There is always a First Aid Attendant on duty. Please report to the main office if ill or injured. Do not go home without telling someone in the medical centre or in the main office.

Parent Advisory Council (PAC) This advisory group comprised parents/guardians, administrators and staff meets in the evening once per month during the school year to discuss various topics related to school programs, activities and policies. The meetings are for all parents and guardians of UHill students. Your attendance is encouraged. UHill PAC regularly organizes information workshops throughout the year. Information can be found on the PAC blog. http://uhillpac.blogspot.ca/

LOCKERS Each student is assigned a locker during the grade 9 orientation day in September. All students require two locks; one for the hall locker and one for a locker to be used during P.E. class. Locks may be purchased online or at the school.

SCHOOL FEES School fees are paid online at UHill through School Day. A school fee is charged which includes a school agenda book and student identification card. The school fee also assists the Students’ Council in supporting school clubs and student activities. For an additional fee students can purchase the school Yearbook which has all the students' photographs in it, as well as photos of teams, clubs and activities throughout the year.

Financial Hardship Policy

The Board of Education Trustees is committed to ensuring that no school-age student will be denied an opportunity to participate in a course, class or program because of an inability to pay fees. Parents and guardians unable to pay some or all of school a fee or deposit are invited to speak to their child's teacher, grade counsellor, and/or an administrator.

MARKS Students receive a letter grade for each subject on each of the three report cards, and a final letter grade on their June report card. Students who meet certain academic standing achieve recognition at the end of each term.

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PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE This conference is scheduled for an evening after the first report card. The dates for the issuance of report cards and for parent-teacher conferences are published in our school calendar. Important dates are all listed on our UHill student agenda book and our school website.

CLUBS AND SERVICE ACTIVITIES We encourage all grade 9 students to get involved in extra-curricular activities. It's a great way to make new friends and have fun. Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities at UHill: On ‘Clubs Day’, usually held in early October, students can sign up for clubs. All students are encouraged to participate in at least one of the groups during the year.

LUNCH AND SNACKS UHill has an excellent Cafeteria which provides good food at reasonable prices. Students may eat in the cafeteria, halls or leave the campus at lunch. Food is also available before school and at the break.

ATHLETICS

The Athletics Program at UHill is designed to give students an opportunity to participate in sports and compete with students on an inter-school basis. Cooperation, teamwork, skills, commitment and sportsmanship are stressed.

Inter-school teams compete with schools in the Vancouver league and can proceed to playoffs involving other district schools and other provincial representatives. Inter-school sports are organized into three seasons of play - Fall (Sep-Nov), Winter (Dec-Mar), and Spring (Mar-Jun). Divisions in inter-high athletics are determined by age.

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TIMETABLE AND BELL SCHEDULE The timetable is an alternating DAY 1/DAY 2 schedule. There are 4 periods in a day (excluding classes that meet before or after school). The periods are each approximately 80 minutes long. Each class is identified by the day and period when it is held. UHill does not have bells: we hope to teach our students to self manage their schedule.

Time Day 1 Day 2

8:40 – 10:00 Period 1 Period 1

10:05 – 11:25 Period 2 Period 2

11:25 – 12:20 Lunch

12:20 – 1:40 Period 3 Period 3

1:45 – 3:03 Period 4 Period 4

COLLABORATIVE PLANNING DAYS (CPT DAYS) 10 days (usually 1 per month) in the school year are set aside for collaborative planning. Counsellors may use these times to meet with whole grades. On these CPT days the schedule is modified so that classes either start at 10am or end by 1:45pm. CPT days are listed on the school calendar.

COMMUNICATION All communication is through the daily bulletin, school website or via email. Parents and students are encouraged to check the school website daily for the bulletin, school calendar and other notices.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THESE SITUATIONS

FEELING SHY? Everyone else is too. Talk to someone.... LATE? Don’t be. But be prepared to explain - a note is best. SOMETHING GONE MISSING? Report to main office. Lost and Found is located in the LLC, but valuables go to the office. LOCKER PROBLEMS? Did you make sure your lock is really locked? Does your locker close properly? Do not tell others your combinations! See the office if you have any problems. FORGOT YOUR LOCKER KEY? The office can always open your locker for you if you purchased your lock from the school. VALUABLES?/THEFT? YOU SHOULD NOT bring valuables to school. (ie. Mobile phone, skateboard, etc...). Report all theft to the office. STUDENT BULLETIN? Student announcements are posted on the school website and on a board outside the main office. Students are responsible for reading the bulletin every day.

WASHROOMS? Washrooms are located on each floor. TIMETABLE PROBLEM? See your counsellor. NEED A TELEPHONE? Come to the office, we can help! LOST? Ask the nearest staff member and/or student. LOST TIMETABLE? Your counsellor has a copy. The main office has a copy. You should make extras. Post one in your locker. ABSENT YESTERDAY? Bring a dated, signed parent note with your name and student number explaining your absence. Show all teachers, have them sign it and then submit it to the office. FRUSTRATED/UPSET? Drop by the counselling area. NOT FEELING WELL? Tell your classroom teacher; report to the receptionist in the office

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TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS 1. SET GOALS

Set academic goals for yourself and plan how you are going to reach them. Talk with your family, teachers, or counsellor about what to do with your future. WHY? Goals give you something to work for and they help you know what you have achieved. Writing down your goals is a good idea.

2. ESTABLISH A QUIET STUDY PLACE & STUDY TIME Establish a quiet place to study where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure the light is good. Then set aside a special time to do your homework. Let your family and friends know when you are not to be bothered. Keep up with your assignments. WHY? A regular time and place for studying helps you concentrate and develop good study habits, which are necessary for success at school.

3. FOLLOW A STUDY PLAN Develop a study plan, such as: preview your lesson, set purposes for reading, talk to yourself about what you read, take notes to help you remember, and review by looking back over the assignment. WHY? You will learn more in a shorter time when you follow a study plan which helps you to understand the material. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment when you have completed the entire study plan.

4. SAY ALOUD WHAT YOU WANT TO REMEMBER Review aloud what you have learned. WHY? Saying aloud what you want to remember helps imprint it on your memory.

5. ASK QUESTIONS Ask questions and seek help when you need it.

6. PRACTICE READING AND WRITING Improve your reading and writing skills by practicing often. Read library books,

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newspapers and magazines. Talk about what you read. Write every day. Keep a journal or diary. Take notes in class. WHY? Reading and writing skills improve when they are practiced often. Reading and writing are two skills which can improve your grades in all subjects.

7. USE THE DICTIONARY TO LOOK UP NEW WORDS Look up words you don’t know. Use these words in your speaking and writing. Try to learn five new words a week. WHY? As your vocabulary grows, you will become a better speaker and writer.

8. THINK ALOUD WHEN SOLVING PROBLEMS Good thinkers often think aloud. WHY? Talking aloud about a problem helps you to see how it can be solved in different ways.

9. BREAK PROBLEMS INTO SMALL STEPS Problems need to be solved one step at a time. WHY? Problems are easier to solve when they are broken into parts. You focus on each part of the problem and avoid jumping to conclusions.

10. DON’T GIVE UP Thinkers keep trying to solve problems until they get them right. WHY? The longer you attempt to solve a problem, the more likely you are to come up with the correct solution.

11. BE CONCERNED WITH ACCURACY Good thinkers always check over their work to make sure it is right. WHY? You can catch mistakes if you go over the problem to check your answers.

12. MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER GOOD STUDENTS If you spend time with good students, you are more likely to develop good learning skills and habits. WHY? Working with others who have similar goals makes achieving your goals easier. You can help your friends learn, and they can teach you. Learning is a two-way street!