Sir Winston Churchill

Secondary School

Grade 8 Overview

Welcome!

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WELCOME TO SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SECONDARY

This stage of your education is an important one. We look forward to welcoming you to a school with proud traditions. In this booklet we have tried to provide you with an overview of our Grade 8 courses and programs so you can be more familiar with your ‘new’ school. We will try to make sure you have all the information you need to get your secondary school career off to a good start. In January, we have an evening for your parents to come and hear about the school and its programs. In May, we host a tour of the school to better acquaint you and your family with our school. In September your Agenda planner will inform you about the school, some of our basic rules, and how the timetable works. Some of our Grade 10 and 11 students, called Ambassadors, will help by providing tours and showing you to your lockers and classrooms. With 2100 students and 120 staff, there are times when things get very busy, but you will find the students and staff at Churchill to be friendly and helpful. Your five years in secondary school will provide you with many opportunities. These are important years, as you will have the chance to meet new people, make new friends, enjoy a wide variety of athletic and club activities, and provide volunteer service for your school and community. Of course, your primary responsibility is to be engaged in learning and to expand your horizons. We hope you will start your Grade 8 year with the intention of developing your skills in academics, athletics, fine arts and applied skills while maintaining a good balance between your academic, home, and extracurricular interests. Welcome to ‘your’ school!

Our Mission Statement

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School contributes to

the intellectual, physical, aesthetic, creative, moral, and

social development of its students by providing challenges

and opportunities to gain the necessary knowledge, skills,

and attitudes to enrich their lives and society

Churchill School Phone Number: 604-713-8189 Fax: 604-713-8188 Web Page: go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/churchill

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REGULAR GRADE EIGHT PROGRAM

REQUIRED COURSES:

APPLIED SKILLS 8 This survey course consists of three separate subject areas: Business Education, Home Economics, and Technical Studies. Each segment is twelve weeks, and you provide supplies needed for each segment.

1. Business Education Component This section provides an introduction to business communications; economics, finance, and marketing by having students establish an entrepreneurship venture. Learning activities include creating business documents using computer software and completion of a business simulation.

2. Home Economics Component This section will allow you to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge around food choices, clothing construction, and problem solving to meet the challenges of everyday life. You will provide clothing supplies needed for this portion of Applied Skills 8.

3. Technology Component This section introduces you to many design-related activities where you will learn how to design and build exciting, hands-on projects.

ENGLISH 8 In English 8 we focus on developing the fundamentals of oral and written composition, and we begin a formal study of literature. We read short stories, plays, poetry, and novels. We practice various informal and formal styles of writing, such as journals, paragraphs, and essays. Each student in English 8 will take part in an annual school-wide public speaking competition.

MATHEMATICS 8 The textbook used in most classes is an affordable student workbook, available for purchase and consumable use or for use and return provided that the student does not write in it. This course places emphasis on basic skills applied to the set of real numbers (positive and negative, fractions, decimals, percent and irrational numbers). Data analysis, equations, exponents, measurement, graphing and geometry are taught and worked with throughout the year. Word problems are used as much as possible, where appropriate, to add interest and emphasis to problem solving techniques. The major topics presented are:

1. Integers and Rational Numbers 7. Exponents and the Pythagorean Theorem 2. Decimals and Real Numbers 8. Geometry 3. Ratio and Rate 9. Equations 4. Percent 10.Statistics and Probability 5. Perimeter, Area and Volume 11. Patterns and Relations 6. Problem Solving

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 Physical Education is a required course for all Grade 8 students. The curriculum emphasis is on personal health goals, fitness concepts and skill acquisition through individual, dual, and team sports. Activities will include a selection of the following:

swimming badminton basketball gymnastics tennis dance skating wrestling volleyball lacrosse softball golf archery active health soccer/rugby touch football minor games field hockey team handball self defence weight training orienteering bowling billiards track and field fitness/conditioning cross country running

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SCIENCE 8 Science 8 is an inquiry based course using a hands-on learning approach. Emphasis is placed on the nature of science, placed-based knowledge (including aboriginal perspectives), conceptual and

procedural knowledge, habits of mind and scientific literacy. The program consists of core

competencies, curricular competencies, and big ideas. Big ideas are themes that encompass

more specific content and optional elaborations. Core competencies are: sets of intellectual, personal, and social and emotional proficiencies that all students need to develop in order to engage in deep learning and life-long learning. Curricular competencies are: questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data and information, evaluating, applying and innovating, communicating. Big ideas are:

1. Cells are the basic unit of life. 2. Energy can be transferred as both a particle and a wave. 3. The kinetic molecular theory and the theory of the atom explain the behaviour of matter. 4. The theory of plate tectonics is the unifying theory that explains Earth’s geological processes.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8 Although much of Social Studies 8 stresses history, geographic skills and current events are integrated throughout the curriculum. The areas of study include:

1. Basic World Geography: cartography, urbanization, environmental impact, 2. World History (7th – 1600 CE): trade of goods and ideas, gender relations, religion, literature,

disease and health, art and contact conflict a. Rise and Fall of Ancient Empires b. Feudal Societies and Crusades c. Renaissance and Enlightenment d. Reformation and Counter Reformation

3. Exploration: navigation and cartography 4. Current Events

FRENCH 8 Emphasis will be on listening, speaking and writing through the use of books, CDs, films and websites. You will be involved in several projects and oral presentations aimed at reinforcing and increasing vocabulary and sentence structure. This course provides the foundation for further study of the language, development of some oral skill, and an awareness of the culture and customs of French-speaking peoples in the world.

HEALTH AND CAREER EDUCATION In grades 8 and 9 Health and Career Education topics are covered in most of your ‘regular’ courses and they would include: healthy living, healthy relationships, safety and injury prevention, and substance misuse prevention.

ELECTIVE COURSES:

FINE ARTS 8 This survey course consists of three separate subject areas: Art, Drama, and Music.

1. Art Component This segment covers the elements of design, and explores the medium of drawing. This part of the course may touch upon print-making, sculpting, painting, and ceramics. You will also be introduced to the history of art and will examine your own work from a critical and historical perspective.

2. Drama Component In this section you will participate in group activities designed to develop and explore your senses and imagination. The focus is on story-telling mime, and teamwork. Courtesy, cooperation, concentration and control are the personal qualities you will develop while working on individual and group mimes and improvisation. Theatre games and exercises help to develop confidence for class presentations.

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3. Music Component

Students will learn basic guitar skills in chording, strumming, finger picking, and music reading. In this course students will explore folk, pop, rock, and blues styles, and will compose and perform their own music on the guitar as a final project.

- - - or - - -

CHORAL MUSIC 8 This elective choral course can be taken instead of Fine Arts 8. It emphasizes vocal development, choral techniques, and performance. There will be small ensemble and solo projects. You will be expected to learn and commit to memory the works prepared for concerts. Students may join the annual Music Department Tour.

- - - or - - -

BAND 8(BEGINNING) This elective course may be taken instead of Fine Arts 8, and is for beginners -- those students with one year or less experience with a band instrument. You do not need prior experience on a band instrument to participate in this course. By the end of the year a successful student should be able to play simple songs and know most major scales. You must be prepared to practice at least twenty minutes a day at home. This class will give at least two public performances during the school year. Information regarding instrument rental will be distributed in September. (You will have to provide your own instrument, either through rental or purchase.)

- - - or - - -

BAND (Junior)

Prerequisite: At least two years of Elementary Band experience. This is the second level of concert band in the school and may be taken instead of Fine Arts 8. The classes will focus on technique as well as more advanced concert band literature This class will have the opportunity to perform publicly several times during the school year. Students may join the annual Music Department Tour.

- - - or - - -

STRINGS 8 This introductory course may be taken instead of Fine Arts 8 and is designed to prepare you for participation in the Senior Strings courses. You must be able and willing to work at your own pace for long periods of time. Technical studies, for individuals or groups, are an important part of this course. You must be prepared to practice at least thirty minutes a day at home.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

CHURCHILL SYNERGY PROGRAM The Churchill Synergy Program provides an opportunity for academically able Grade 8 students to work together with others of similar ability to master a challenging curriculum. Students with broad interests and high ability can continue their studies in a fully integrated manner following a thematic approach to the subject content. The emphasis is on coherence and critical thought within a curriculum which focuses on breadth and a thematic approach to learning. Students will need to extend their studies beyond the classroom setting through field trips. Some community service and extracurricular activities are expected. At the end of Grade 8, students will have credit for the normal complement of Grade 8 courses. The two-year program will continue through Grade 9 and then students will move into regular Grade 10, or qualify for pre-Diploma programs in Grade 10. Students who are motivated, curious and thoughtful, who have wide interests, who take initiative and responsibility, who are willing to speak up and like to participate, and who are tolerant and able to work well with others will be interested in this program. The program is a natural progression for many of the enriched

programs currently offered in elementary school. Students selected for this program must complete

application forms, and acceptance is based on consultation with the Grade 7 teacher, academic

history and testing done in the late Fall of the Grade 7 year. A portfolio is also required.

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ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

1. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM Churchill's ELL Program consists of ELL classes in English, Social Studies, and Science. Math, P.E. and elective courses are taken in regular (non ELL) classes. Language courses such as French, Spanish, and Japanese, are usually delayed until you have left the ELL program. Classes of students are grouped according to age and language ability. To assist students in developing their language skills, ELL teachers use a variety of resources, written and communicative activities. Students will be integrated into regular Social Studies and English courses as soon they are deemed ready to handle the regular curriculum. Assessment is on-going and the timing of integration into Transitional and grade appropriate classes is decided on an individual basis.

2. TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM The Transitional program at Churchill is a bridge between the ELL program and the regular program. Intensive language and content instruction will prepare students as soon as possible for integration into Social Studies and English. The Transitional Junior program primarily focuses on English 8 and 9 curricula. Most students will remain in the Transitional program for one or two years. Movement to a regular English course is determined on an individual basis. If students need support and extra help while taking a regular English course, the ELC (English Language Centre) course will also be assigned.

FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM Churchill is one of the centres for Vancouver secondary students involved in French Immersion. Students accepted into a Secondary French Immersion Program should have previously completed a French Immersion program at the elementary level.

GRADE 8 FRENCH IMMERSION COURSES:

LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 8 This course is intended to develop your reading skills by using a textbook Litterature et Methode and supplementary texts from Quebec and other French Literature. In your first year of secondary school, you will focus on developing listening, speaking, and writing skills.

COMMUNICATION 8 The course is divided into two parts: Literature - literary works are read and analyzed (oral and written). Communication - oral expression activities develop all aspects of the spoken language (vocabulary, phonetics, intonation, and syntax).

SOCIAL STUDIES 8 Immersion Social Studies 8 follows the same curriculum as English Social Studies 8.

SCIENCE 8 Immersion Science 8 follows the same curriculum as English Science 8. PE/GUIDANCE 8, MATH 8, AND ENGLISH 8 will be taken with the students in the regular grade eight program. Please Note: French Immersion students only have room for one elective. Applied Skills 8, a required subject in the Regular grade eight course, is an elective choice for French Immersion students.

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STUDENT SERVICES

COUNSELLORS Churchill has six Counsellors: one for each grade plus an ELL/Ideal Mini School Counsellor. They are available to help and support you with many issues, and they offer confidential personal, family, social, academic, and career counselling. Counsellors work together with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Along with the Career Information Assistant, the Counsellors also provide you with information and support for your post-secondary educational and career goals. If your parents have concerns or questions about any aspect of your education, they should contact your Counsellor at: 604-713-8189.

LIBRARY

We are a dynamic library with over 40,000 print items in English and French! In order to take out materials, students require a go-card. Since go-cards do not arrive until typically the end of September,

we encourage new Grade 8 students to ask for and hang on to their library card from Grade 7 as it will work with our system until go-cards arrive. We also have e-books and subscription databases – be sure to pick up a brochure from the library in September!

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT DEPARTMENT Our department involves one Resource Teacher and several Student Support Workers. At the high school level, resource support involves recognizing, advocating for, and working with students who currently identify as having learning challenges and who might benefit from certain accommodations or supports such as a separate setting for tests/quizzes, extra time, a reader, assistive technology etc. Furthermore, we offer a Learning Strategies block (3 credits) to students requiring additional support in learning essential executive functioning tools required for graduation. In addition to receiving help with their homework, topics such as organization, SMART goal setting, and problem solving strategies will be covered. Classroom teachers from various academic disciplines teach these courses and are paired with skilled peer tutors to meet our students’ various academic/homework needs. Acceptance into a Learning Strategies course is made by recommendations from a student’s Grade 7 or 8 teacher in conjunction with parent approval. This course typically replaces French 8 (for English students) or Arts Dramatique 8 (for French Immersion students). While a second language is not required for high school graduation, students may wish to take a second language in another year, Lastly, we offer a Free Peer Tutoring service to students every Monday and Wednesday at lunch in RM 101. Remember to bring your lunch.

HAND TIMETABLED COURSES (Grade 8 and 9 only) Hand Timetabled (HT) courses are regular credit courses and are offered in these subject areas: Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. Availability depends on the number of students that have been recommended by their former teacher for each given course. While the content of the course aligns with the BC curriculum, these courses are adapted; concepts are taught more carefully and systemically, class sizes are smaller, and additional staff are available to assist. The focus is for students to develop foundational skills necessary to move them successfully into the next grade whether it be in HT or in regular. Recommendations by teachers are made based on a student’s overall grade and work habit.

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

ATHLETICS Churchill has an extensive inter-school athletics program and you are encouraged to try out for teams. Take a look at the banners in our gym to see the success our teams have had. These are the teams we usually offer our students over the course of the school year:

FALL SPORTS Sr. Boys Volleyball Field Hockey Boys Soccer Girls Volleyball Cross Country Boys Rugby

WINTER SPORTS Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Table Tennis Girls Hockey

SPRING SPORTS Golf Track & Field Boys Volleyball Girls Soccer Girls Softball Tennis Girls Rugby Badminton

INTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAM Throughout the year there is a variety of sports activities in the gyms at Noon - Floor Hockey, Spring Hoops Basketball, Team Volleyball, Soccer, Badminton and Table Tennis. Listen to the announcements, check the bulletin, get a few friends together and sign up for some fun.

CLUBS AND SERVICE GROUPS Churchill has an amazing number of clubs supporting many interests. Only some of the clubs that are available in the school are listed below. These may change from year to year. If you don't see one you like, and you know some people with similar interests, ask your Counsellor about starting your own club. Check our website for an updated list of all the possibilities! Aerospace Club Amateur Radio Club Ambassadors Amnesty Int. Club Anime Culture Club ArtMag! Club Astronomy Club Baseball Club Bulldog Fans Club Business Club Chess and Go Club Computer Science Club Debate Club Dissection Club

Dragonboating Club Environment Club Fandom Headquarters Fight Against Poverty Food for Thought Club Grad Council Heart 2 Heart iBike Cycle Tune Indian Umbrella Club Key Club Kitchen on a Mission Leo Club Library Monitors Club Math Club

Me to We Mental Health Club Model United Nations Modern Music Club New Home Club Numismatists Club One by One Art Club Outdoors Club Peer Tutoring Club Photography Club Project Tomorrow Quidditch Club Rainbow Alliance Club Raise Your Voice Club

Reach for the Top Recycling Club Service Club Spirit Committee Step Up Fitness Tennis Club SWC Times Newspaper UNICEF Club Variety Club Writer’s Circle Club Yoga for Teens

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COMMUNICATION

Students - There are many activities at Churchill, so students need to be informed. Every morning

before recess, the Student Council does a Morning Announcements show. Our Daily Bulletin is read by teachers, posted in all classrooms and available on the Churchill web page. Please make good

use of your Agenda given to you in your home room in September. It will help you organize all your activities and academic work.

Parents - An energetic and enthusiastic Parent Advisory Council (PAC) works hard to provide useful and informative meetings for parents. They meet once a month in the evening at the school and need

your participation. The school also produces an online Newsletter (usually published late-August /December/March/June and posted on our web page) containing information about school opening procedures, PAC and school events. A Vice Principal or the Principal can also answer questions

about school events or policies. Churchill PAC usually meets the last Tuesday of each month. All parents and guardians of students attending Churchill are automatically members of the Parent Advisory Council. Come and get involved!

We also use Synrevoice, an automatic telephone and email messaging system, to communicate to parents about important activities.

School Phone Number: 604-713-8189 Fax: 604-713-8188 Web Page: go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/churchill

CHURCHILL'S STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Students are expected to be active, involved members of the School Community:

To behave in ways which support the School Mission Statement; knowing and following the rules and policies of the School and the Vancouver School Board.

To support democratic process through student elections.

To participate in the periodic review and revision of the code of conduct, and to support the implementation of the code of conduct.

To gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to become a responsible and successful citizen.

2. Students are entitled to respect and dignity at school, and, in turn, are expected to treat

their school community - people and property - with respect and dignity:

To show respect for themselves, students, all staff members, and other invited guests in the school.

To respect differences in people, their ideas, and opinions.

To treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, colour, or disability.

To demonstrate honesty and integrity.

To resolve conflict and differences with respect and civility, in a non-violent way, using a mediator if necessary.

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3. Students are entitled to and are expected to contribute to a safe and secure school

environment in the following ways:

To understand that any form of harassment is unacceptable (for example, physical, emotional, verbal, sexual).

To behave in ways that do not put people or property at risk.

To promptly report any situation or behaviour that could put people or property at risk.

To be aware of procedures to be followed during fire or earthquake evacuations, and to be familiar with the location of safety equipment.

4. Students contribute to a positive learning environment in the following ways:

To support the learning environment by coming to class on time, prepared to learn.

To maintain a positive attitude towards learning and personal growth.

To include all class members by communicating only in the language of instruction.

To develop effective communication skills.

To dress in such a way as not to distract, disturb, or offend others.

To only use personal entertainment or communication technologies outside of class time, or when allowed by the teacher.

To follow computer and online resources policies.

To keep the school environment free of litter and unwanted or intrusive noise.

Breaches of the school code of conduct and other associated school policies may result in

a disciplinary record, detention, suspension, transfer, or a combination of these

consequences.

If students have been affected by harassment, bullying, or violence, they should talk to a

counsellor, teacher, administrator, or a person of trust in the school, so that others can help

solve the problem.

CHEATING POLICY AND CONSEQUENCES

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School wants to develop honest, ethical and accomplished students capable of being responsible citizens in Canadian society. Educational achievement reflects an individual student's subject area performance and honestly acquired skill, knowledge and ability. Students who cheat are serving neither their own nor society's best interests. Some examples of cheating include:

Plagiarizing/copying material from any source (e.g., students, the Internet, a tutor) without appropriate acknowledgement. This includes essays, assignments, homework submitted for marks, lab reports, computer programs, drawings, sketches, designs and video or audio tapes and all other assigned work.

Supplying information or work of any kind to another student with the knowledge that it may be copied or used for marks.

Copying from another person's test paper, or knowingly allowing another student to copy from your test paper.

Bringing or using unauthorized notes or equipment (including electronic translators, programmable calculators, computers, etc.) for a test.

N.B. Being absent without an acceptable reason from a test or class assignment will result in the student receiving "0" and may result in further consequences.

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SCHOOL RULES

Rules of conduct at Churchill are simple - respect for others is the main criterion. There is no

smoking on the school grounds. Fighting and stealing are considered to be very serious offences. Students are reminded that they are representatives of Churchill School at all extra-curricular activities and events. Parents are reminded of the Vancouver School Board and Churchill policy regarding

student use of alcohol and/or narcotics, the possession or use of which is prohibited by law . The policy states that: When a principal concludes that a student has: a) consumed liquor or taken drugs or narcotics and is found in or upon any school premises or at

any school function under the influence of liquor or drugs or narcotics; or b) brought liquor or drugs or narcotics in or upon school premises or to any school function; or c) consumed liquor or taken drugs or narcotics while in or upon any school premises; the principal

shall carry out the following procedure: forthwith, inform the parents or guardian of the student in person or by telephone where possible and otherwise in writing, of the student's behaviour.

After due consideration, the principal may suspend the student for a period of time, may require that the student transfer to another Vancouver school for one school year, or both.

ANTI-HARASSMENT Students, staff and parents support Churchill as an anti-bullying school. Therefore, if you have any concerns about being threatened, bullied or intimidated, please contact your Counselor or grade Vice-Principal at once. This includes on-line behavior involving our school community. The sooner we receive this type of information, the sooner we will be able to rectify the situation. We want to ensure that you come to our school comfortable in the knowledge that you will be able to learn in a harassment-free environment. We will do everything as a staff to ensure this "ideal" is realized as part of our day-to-day practice.

ABSENTEEISM POLICY

Attendance is recorded and reported for each class. Repeated absences may make promotion impossible. When returning to school after an absence you are expected to bring a note from

your parent or guardian. It must be shown to all subject teachers whose classes were

missed. The note should then be brought to the main office reception.

If an early dismissal from school is required, you must bring a note signed by your parent/guardian, then show the subject teacher the note and report to the office to sign out.

If you plan to take extended vacations you do so without the endorsement of the school. Teachers are not obligated to provide homework during these absences. Exams or assignments missed may count as a zero.

Students going on field trips must have signed permission from their parent/guardian. Teachers whose classes are being missed should sign the form also. The teacher sponsoring the trip should provide a field trip form; the signed form must be returned to the sponsoring teacher a week before the field trip.

AUTOMATED PHONE CALLS FOR ABSENCES

Our automated phone system (SynreVoice) calls those households whose son/daughter has missed one or more periods of school the previous day. This is to inform parents only. If the absence is legitimate, then you should bring a note as outlined above. If the absence is a mistake or because of a field trip, then you should talk to the teacher involved and get it changed.

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FEES The Vancouver School Board policy is that no student should be denied access to programs or field trips for financial reasons. If you or your parents find it extremely difficult to meet the financial costs of either fees or field trip costs then bring a letter to your Vice Principal explaining the situation.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Scholarship Scholarship awards are based on the Grade Point Average (GPA) A ‘ 4.0 B ‘ 3.0 C+ ‘ 2.5 C ‘ 2.0 C- ‘ 1.0

Principal's List: Students with a GPA of 4.0 based on all of their subjects. Honour Roll: Students with a GPA of between 3.5 and 4.0 Honourable Mention: Students with a GPA of between 3.0 and 3.49 Grade 8 awards will be based on your best 8 courses. Students with a failing grade or an ‘N’ work habit will be omitted from any scholarship awards for that particular term.

Service Awards For each hour of service, students receive one point. Points are accumulated from year to year. Certificates will be awarded as follows: Level 1 Certificate - 50 points Level 2 Certificate - 100 points Level 3 Certificate - 150 points Level 4 Certificate - 200 points Level 5 Certificate - 250 points Students will only receive points if the activity is not a requirement for a course (including CAPP 12) and the hours are not used to satisfy C.A.S. requirements.

Performing Arts Awards For each hour of an activity, students receive one point. Points are cumulative from year to year.

Music certificates will be awarded as follows: Level 1 Certificate - 50 points Level 2 Certificate - 80 points Level 3 Certificate - 110 points Level 4 Certificate - 140 points Level 5 Certificate - 170 points

Drama certificates will be awarded as follows: Level 1 Certificate - 150 points Level 2 Certificate - 300 points Level 3 Certificate - 450 points Level 4 Certificate - 600 points Level 5 Certificate - 750 points Students will only receive points if the activity is not a requirement for a course and the hours are not used to satisfy C.A.S. requirements.

Athletic Awards

Special Awards:

Outstanding Player - At the end of each season coaches will choose a Most Valuable Player in each sport.

Athlete of the Year - At the end of the year, one boy and one girl are selected for each grade level. A student must participate in three sports in a year and provide service to the athletic program to be eligible.

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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

PARENTS: HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR CHILD IN SECONDARY SCHOOL?

A. Adjusting to Secondary School Secondary schools operate differently from elementary schools. If you wish to talk to or meet with a teacher, phone the school and leave a message for the teacher to call you back. If you have general concerns, contact your child’s Counsellor. If you have concerns about a teacher’s practice, contact the grade Administrator. Report cards are given out in December, March, and on the last day of school. They are handed out to your child in homeroom and it is their responsibility to take them home. If you do not receive a report card at these times, phone the Counsellor. You should try to attend all opportunities to meet the teachers. Parent Teacher Conferences will be posted on the website: there are two formal meetings. Have your questions or concerns prepared in advance so you can use your time well.

B. Advocate Life-long Learning

Make it clear that you take the school experience seriously.

Show, by example, that you are a life-long learner - read, discuss, take courses; learn how to use technology.

Ask about your child's goals, what he/she wants to do after graduation.

Show that education does not end with the school day. It is ongoing. Supplement what happens in school. Engage your children in discussion and dialogue. Read to them; read with them. Take them places. Play games with them. Spend time with them.

C. Actively Monitor Your Child's Progress

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences, Course Information Night, student functions.

Read the introduction of your child's agenda - it has a lot of information about the school, including school rules. Make sure your child has read it, also.

Make copies of your child's timetable in September and post it at home.

Ask to see your child's agenda to monitor homework.

Ask to see notebooks, assignments, and tests.

Phone the teachers if you are worried about your child's progress.

Phone or write a note to teachers to thank them for their work or their special concern regarding your child.

Respond to teacher's calls or notes regarding your child.

Phone the Counsellor in the following cases: - If you notice that your child never has homework.

- If you suspect he/she is skipping classes. - If your child receives two or more negative interims (mid-term reports). - If your child needs a peer tutor for a subject. - If you are worried about your child's emotional state of mind.

Phone the appropriate Vice Principal in the following cases: - If you think your child is not succeeding at school and want some advice.

- If you have concerns about a teacher and you have already talked to him/her.

Help your child strive for continuous improvement.

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Encourage participation in extra-curricular activities and volunteering. The more connected he/she is to the school and to the community, the greater the success.

Make sure the school knows if you change your address/phone number. Send proof of change, such as a bill, with your child and tell him/her to report to the office.

Become “system friendly”. Learn how the secondary school system works, what your role is, and where to get help or information.

Read the newsletters, keep the school calendar in a visible place. Visit the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) website. Read their publications. Attend PAC meetings if possible. Check the PAC bulletin board for new information.

If there is financial need, please contact the administrator.

D. Help Your Child To Succeed

Promote a nightly study habit. - If possible, studying and homework should be done in a quiet place (no TV or music on). Actively monitor what your child is doing (make sure s/he is not just playing games or chatting on the Internet).

- Set aside time, if possible, to help your child with his/her homework. - If no homework has been assigned, suggest a review of notes or a preview of reading. - Discuss study skills and time management.

Promote using the agenda; look at it, make sure your child is handing in homework on time. Write down when assignments are due on a calendar.

Make sure homework is put in your child's knapsack the night before school.

Encourage reading at home.

Encourage your child to seek extra help if needed. The Day 1, Day 2 system allows a child to get help from a teacher if s/he is unable to understand homework assignments.

Make sure your child has breakfast in the morning and a lunch.

Monitor what time your child goes to sleep. Make sure s/he is not using the computer late at night.

Try to arrange access to a computer and the Internet.

E. Be Your Child's Cheerleader

Celebrate success.

Discourage early surrender.

Encourage the development and pursuit of greater goals.

Know when to push your child and when to acknowledge that s/he is doing the best s/he can.

F. Be Aware Of How To Parent An Adolescent Some tips:

Be aware that the transition between elementary and high school is not easy.

Help her/him get organized; look at how s/he organizes her/his binders; make sure s/he has pencils, pens and loose-leaf paper.

Be patient.

Be prepared to accept the changes s/he is going through, including becoming more peer-focussed.

Accept that s/he will want to become more independent.

Be willing to trust your children - let go a bit.

Be proactive - set guidelines before things happen, but make them reasonable.

Interact with your child - ask open-ended questions.

Set aside some family time each week for dinners, discussion.

Know who your child's friends are; talk to their parents. Know their addresses and phone numbers.

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Network with other parents who have adolescents.

Make sure home-school communication is happening regularly.

Remember you are the parent. Your child wants more independence but also wants you to set limits and wants guidance from you.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Try to keep the big issues, the big objectives in mind. Worry more about what your child is doing, than what s/he looks like.

Have high expectations for your child, but remember that adolescents have to have balance and fun in their lives, just as you do.

Give your child responsibility at home; this helps him assume responsibility at school.

Don't compare your children. Look at each child as an individual with different strengths, different challenges.

Remember that university is not the only option for post secondary studies. Colleges and apprenticeship programs may be a better option for your child.

G. Be aware of the following warning signs that indicate your child has problems

and seek help from the counsellor.

Evidence that your child is skipping classes.

Student repeatedly says s/he hates school - is reluctant to attend.

Lack of motivation to study or do well

Any change in habits, friends, behaviour, what your child is discussing with friends - change of dress, eating habits, sleep habits, sickness, laziness, body language.

Withdrawal, introversion, depression.

Anger or aggressive behaviour.

Problems with teachers.

Worries about harassment or intimidation.

Undue anxiety or stress. The following observations and changes may indicate drug abuse

- Change in behaviour. - Change in personal hygiene - Physical changes - Changes in friends/associates.

THE SCHOOL AND THE HOME MUST WORK AS A PARTNERSHIP.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR

CHILD A RICH AND FULFILLING ONE.

16

SOME TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IRP: The curriculum for most core subjects and required courses is outlined in the Integrated Resource Packages. They contain suggestions about ways to teach, how to assist students, which resources could be used, and learning outcomes describing what students are expected to achieve by the end of the year.

IEP: An Individual Education Plan is developed for students who need significant extra resources and help in a particular area.

DRT: District Resource Teacher: This teacher works with and writes IEP's for students who have learning difficulties.

Modified Course: A Modified Course is a course whose curriculum has been changed. It is for students who have difficulty meeting the requirements of the outlined curriculum in a particular course.

Adapted Course: A course that makes adaptations for students who need extra time or a particular type of instruction to meet their learning needs. Students still get credit for the regular course.

Skills Development Centre: This centre is located near the library. Students take a Skills Development Block to help them with organization, with the development of study skills, or with individualized instruction in a particular area. Teacher/parent recommended.

Career Prep: Career Prep courses are currently offered in a variety of subject areas at the grade 11 and grade 12 levels. Work experience is a component of these courses.

T.O.C.: Teacher on call or substitute teacher.

Interim Report: A mid term report sent home. Often an interim report is sent to students who are not meeting expectations.

I: A symbol on a report card meaning In Progress/Incomplete. The teacher should outline a plan for improvement. An “I” usually means that the student is achieving less than 50%.

SBT: A School Based Team meets to discuss the progress of a particular student. All teachers, the grade counsellor, the grade administrator, and often the parents are invited to this meeting to discuss strategies for increasing the success of a student.

Passport to Education: This Ministry Program recognizes student achievement at the grade 10, 11, and 12 levels. The top thirty percent of each grade receives a “stamp” which may be redeemed when the student attends a post-secondary institution. Over a three year period, a student may accumulate up to $750 in stamps.

PAC: A Parent Advisory Council is the parent voice at your school. The BC School Act gives all parents in the school the right to belong to their PAC, as well as the right, through the PAC executive, to give advice about school issues to the staff, school, and school board.

DPAC: A District Parent Advisory Council is the group that represents the school PACs in the district.