Westgate Collegiate Vocational Institute November 2014...
Transcript of Westgate Collegiate Vocational Institute November 2014...
Westgate Collegiate & Vocational Institute November 2014
TIGER NEWS
It has been a busy and exciting start to the 2014/2015 school year. Both within and beyond the confines of our classrooms, tiger students and staff have consistently personified Westgate’s motto of being “Always Only the Best.” September opened with grade assemblies for all students, as well as a welcome luncheon in our courtyard for new grade 9 tigers. As the month progressed, we witnessed staff participation in the ALS ice‐bucket challenge, student participation in both a Kingfisher Leadership Retreat and a national ‘We Day’ in Ottawa, and the long‐sought‐after attainment of a citywide championship in the sport of golf . In addition, staff and students in the disciplines of Family Studies and Tech banded together and embarked on an exciting project that will see the realization of a school garden and greenhouse. And, things did not slow down in October. We not only held our first School Council meeting and parent‐teacher interviews, but we partook in a charitable ‘wear‐your‐hat’ fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society, an entire week of pink ‘Tigers‐for‐a‐Cure’ activities for the Cancer Society, a music mentorship project with Kingsway School, a ‘Funny Money’ assembly for senior students, and a Halloween dance. We also hosted the city’s
Apprenticeship Focus Group, as well as an exciting basketball tournament that saw 18 junior and senior girls’ teams from across northern Ontario come together for 2 days of incredible play. With November now upon us, we are preparing for a very special and memorable Remembrance Day assembly, as well as an Achievement Night that will recognize the academic and co‐curricular accomplishments of Westgate students in the 2013/2014 school year. We are also looking forward to hosting student teacher candidates from Lakehead University as well as students from Confederation College’s DSW program. In the months ahead, we will prepare for more incredible adventures, including a spring band trip to Hollywood, California, and a future travel club excursion to England, Scotland and Ireland. Lastly, in what can only be described as a groundbreaking partnership, I am excited to reveal that Westgate has teamed with Churchill to form the ‘Southside Performing Arts Group.’ The combined talents of student performers in both schools will be showcased at Westgate this spring in the musical production of “Bring It On”.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the staff, students and parents of this amazing school for being so welcoming of their new principal. It has been an incredible start‐up, and I look forward to many great things ahead.
Mrs. Charlton
Principal’s M
essage
TIGER PROFILE Westgate students: 844* (56% male & 44%
female) *Plus, we happily host 55 KICKSTART students in the after‐school Tiger Music Program. Tigers have 59 teachers, 1 Tutor in a Cultural Environment, 17 Student Support Professionals, 1 Social Worker, 4 Secretaries, 1 Library Technician, 7 Custodians, 2 Cafeteria Staff, 1 Vice Principal and 1 Principal!
Community Bead In
It was great to welcome Aboriginal Resource Officer Darren Prince, and School Resource Officers Ben Grieve and Gary Cambly to Barb Boucher’s Art and Native Studies class at Westgate. They were part of the Cultural Awareness Event, Bead In in celebration of “Walking With Our Sisters” Here Leanna Sigsworth helps a student with beading and the officers learn to bead, thanks to Cole.
Notes from the Chief Custodian’s Desk
We are pleased to announce the refinishing and re‐opening of the big gym at Westgate! It looks great and we are so proud to show it off to our community. A big thank you goes out to Lawrence at Wright Hardwood Flooring for doing such an amazing job on our gym floor, making us even more proud to be Westgate Tigers and reflecting our Tiger Pride!
Westgate was awarded a healthy eating in
Secondary Schools grant for our local food
initiative aptly named Farm to Fork. With the
grant and the help of Roots to Harvest, Mr.
Charlton's Construction Technology classes
created the raised garden bed structures which
were then installed by Mrs. McKee's Foods
classes and Ms. Potvin's Exploring Family
Studies class last spring.
The seeds were then planted and the garden was
tended to by our very own Max Miller throughout
the summer. Max did a fantastic job of caring for the
garden as was evident when we all returned in
September to see the wealth of produce. This fall,
the Food and Culture class harvested and processed
this produce and Mr. Workman's class helped with
the care of the garden beds. Some of this food was
used in our Farm to Caf meals created by the foods
classes and sold in the cafeteria.
Presently, Mr. Charlton and his Construction
Technology class are moving onto the next
phase of this project with the construction
of the greenhouse which will allow us to get
a jump start on the growing season this year.
Come by and see the Westgate garden
when you have a chance!
Mummy Wrap during Oktoberfest
Youth Entrepreneurship WorkshopHosted by Thunder Bay Ventures, students from around the city were rotated through a couple workshops giving them suggestions on how to get funding, programs available, and tips for getting their business ideas off the ground, as well as a workshop on financial planning.
Although early in the planning process, we are hoping to make an exciting experience available to Grade 10, 11 and 12 students enrolled in French. It is anticipated that students from Westgate will be participating in a 4‐day excursion to Québec City in the month of May along with students from Superior, Churchill, and Hammarskjold. Students will have the opportunity to experience French culture and language in an authentic setting as a way to develop their language skills.
Student Ambassador Program New this year! Student Ambassador Program
Pictured below are the members of the
inaugural group of Student Ambassadors
whose goal is to provide a smooth transition to
high school for grade 9 students. The
ambassadors attended an overnight retreat at
Kingfisher to plan activities which they did with
grade nine students every day for the second
week of school in September. Each ambassador
connected with a group of approximately five
students each day in their homeroom class.
Grade nine students reported feeling welcome
and comfortable at Westgate as a result of the
activities. Ambassadors enjoyed the program
so much they're asking to participate next year.
The success of the program was evident at the
grade 9 luncheon also attended by the Student
Ambassadors where the two groups mingled
seamlessly and a great time was had by all.
Westgate CVI 707 James Street, South Thunder Bay ON P7E 2A3 (807) 577‐4251
Students are invited to be
part of the Read‐a‐Book
monthly contest! To
participate, sign out a
book, return it and talk to
Ms. Holland about it and
receive a ballot. Draws
will be held on the last
day of every month
during the school year!
WESTGATE LIBRARY
Kingsway Park Public School students participated in a mentorship project with Westgate senior music students Friday, Oct. 17. The program started two years ago when music teacher Jen Godin visited Kingsway with the Concert Band. This year, Ms. Godin invited the music students from Kingsway to Westgate. This was a rewarding experience for the senior students who reflected on their own playing while introducing Kingsway students to music.
Westgate’s Concert Band will be travelling to from April 15th‐19th, 2015. Students will have the opportunity to not only tour a great, musical city but will also compete in a nationwide music festival put on by Worldstrides Heritage Performance Tours. Of course, fundraising will be required, and more information will follow. Please contact J. Godin at 577‐4251 ext 4524 if you have any questions.
Tiger Music!
STUDENT SUPPORT School Social Worker (Mrs. Laura Ward) is available Monday and Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Sullivans and Associates are available in the school on Tuesdays from 10 A.M. to noon for students holding status cards.
Children’s Centre Thunder Bay School Based Counselling Walk In Clinic is available every second Thursday from Noon to 4 P.M.
More information is available from Student Services regarding all of the above service offered for student support.
WESTGATESCHOOL COUNCIL
needs new parent members!
Next meeting is November 17th
7 p.m. in the Library
The council hopes to see you there!
HOMEWORK HELPFree│Online│Math Tutoring!
Grades 7‐10
Sun‐Thurs 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Ontario.ca/HomeworkHelp
TIGER MUSIC!
Tiger Art RecognizedThe artwork for four Westgate students is
featured in Lakehead University’s Faculty of
Education 2015 calendar. Congratulations to
Heather Davey, Heather Lex, Hailey
Shchepanik, and Briana Willie! These
calendars will be distributed to schools and
individuals across Ontario, so many will get to
enjoy and appreciate the students’ wonderful
work.
Mrs. Stevenson & Mrs. Boucher
Preparing for Post‐Secondary Education
The Ontario University Application deadline is . All students will Thursday, January 15, 2015receive an individual PIN to apply at www.ouca.on.ca The Ontario College application deadline is . Students may login at Sunday, February 1, 2015www.ocas.ca to begin the process of searching for college programs and program pre‐requisites at any time. Students interested in more information regarding the application process for either college or university are invited to speak with their guidance counselor in Student Services and to take advantage of all opportunities to explore potential university and college programs and pre‐requisites. Students are invited to explore the Westgate Website and Blog for current information regarding scholarships, bursaries and awards for graduating students. Information arrives on a weekly basis and the site is updated accordingly. Internal Westgate Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries will be available for viewing prior to Christmas with a deadline in mid‐February 2015. Students are advised to check back on a regular basis to stay informed.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
Potential graduates who
still need to complete
their Community Service
hours are invited to
speak with their
Guidance Counsellor
regarding opportunities
that exist. Students are
encouraged to look after
this important
component of
graduation readiness
in a timely manner.
Check out
www.volunteer
thunderbay.com
24/7 Student Absence Reporting
1 844 288 7624 Toll Free!
http://w
estgatecvi.lakehead
schools.ca/
Riley Edwardson received an early offer of admission and an entrance scholarship from Confederation
College based on her marks in Grade 11. She will study Dental Assisting and then move on to Dental Hygiene.
Riley hopes to work in an orthodontic practice after graduating. “This really showed me that my marks
mattered all throughout high school and that everyone should stay on track and be motivated to do their
school work.” Riley’s grades continue to matter especially now that she has a solid plan in place.
Greg Iwanonkiw will apply to the 4 year Nursing Program at Lakehead University following which he will
apply into Medical School. He solidified his future plans after talking with his parents, his Guidance Counsellor
and attending sessions offered by LU. “My challenges include keeping my grades as solid as possible as I am
aiming for the entrance scholarships at LU. I feel like nursing will be a good base for medical school. I want to
be a Pediatrics surgeon.” Greg appreciates the strong science program at Westgate CVI.
Jordan McDonald will finish his Specialist High Skills Major in Transportation Services in June 2015. He
recommends the program for people looking for hands‐on and real‐life experiences. “My first time in the shop
at Westgate gave me the idea that a career in automotive was for me – then my co‐op placement really made
it clear.” Jordan’s current challenge is to be accepted for an apprenticeship but he is looking forward to
earning an income while he learns his trade. “The specialist program readied me for my next steps.”
Leo Saarinen received an early offer of admission and an entrance scholarship to the welding program at
Confederation College. “I knew I would work in the trades – my parents helped me figure out where my
strengths and my opportunities would be.” Leo is currently upgrading his math to be fully prepared to start
his career. He thanks his Guidance Counsellor for providing important direction, too.
TIGER NEWS
Always Only The Best
Quinn Monteith will study welding at Confederation College next year after having taken welding at school
since Gr. 9. “I liked welding and I am good at it,” he explained. He is finishing his Specialist High Skills Major in
Manufacturing at Superior CVI, while still remaining a Westgate student. “It is tricky getting there – it involves
being driven to my Grandparent’s home and then taking a city bus, but it is worth it.” The SHSM solidified his
plans and the program is relevant to his future and offered such enriched programming to him.
Darian Cwiklik‐Britton will graduate in June 2015 and head directly into the World of Work. His employability
skills were developed through his placement in the Westgate CVI Cafeteria and at the DaVinci Banquet Hall.
“I really like working in a big kitchen. It is always busy with lots to do so I am never bored. I like working with
people and who doesn’t love food?” Darien has been offered a job at the DaVinci Banquet Hall and will be
earning his first paycheque! “Which is totally awesome, isn’t it?” Good luck, Darian!
Tristyn Veltri will start at Confederation College in September in the Social Service Worker or Child and Youth
Worker program and then proceed to Lakehead University for her Social Work Degree. “My long term goal
will be to achieve my Masters in Social Work,” she explained. My cousin and my mom both helped me make
this decision. “My co‐op placement in an elementary school also helped clarify my decision for me.” Right now
Tristyn’s priority rests with her grades: “It’s all about my marks this year for sure.”
Areyoureadytograduate?
@ I will finish all of my 30 credits and my 40 community service hours by June 2015.
@ I have a plan in place for next year. Or I will see my Counsellor for a conversation about my future. I know
about application deadlines for Colleges and Universities
@ I have paid my Grad Fees for Convocation, taking place on June 8, 2015.
Always Only The Best
Tiger Cross Country Running Team
This fall has been a successful one for your Tiger athletic program. Your Tiger
Golf Team captured a SSSAA title and went on to place 4th at the NWOSSAA
championship. A number of your cross country runners placed in the top 10 at
the SSSAA finals. Junior and Varsity football, boys volleyball and girls basketball
have all finished their regular season and are preparing for upcoming play‐offs.
Well done Tigers, we look forward to watching you compete! Always, only the
best! Tiger Athletics
Tiger Golf Team
Think Pink! Student‐athletes and
coaches were sporting
pink for one whole
week and raising funds
for the Northern
Cancer Research Fund.
Westgate CVI 707 James Street, South Thunder Bay ON P7E 2A3 (807) 577‐4251