Our focus on creating a safe and caring environment for all learners has received attention from schools around the province. This culture forms the foundation for all we do, including:

• Our International Baccalaureate Programme• Interdisciplinary Arts Academy • Plumbing, Electrical and Carpentry Apprenticeship Program• Our many courses, clubs, teams, and activities• New campus with a 24 million dollar renovation and addition

• Our new professional fitness centre

• Full teaching kitchen

• Dance classes

• Our excellent Student Support Services program

Important Dates To RememberJanuary 29th

GSS Grade 7 Parent Night at 7 pm

May 28th Grade 7 Full Day visit to high schools

June 23rd Grade 7 Family Welcome BBQ

5:00 - 6:30 pm

For more information on registering, or to arrange a private tour of the school, please call Mr. Grant Frend, Principal, at 604-463-6287

IB Meeting - February 57:00 pm in the Library

Information for any students/parents interested in the IB program.

Interdisciplinary Arts Academy - May 57:00 pm in the Theatre

Info session for students who plan on auditioning for the Academy 2013/2014 season and their parents, as well as those interested in our Choir and Band programmes

Band-Choir Information Evening - May 8 7:00 pm in the Band Room

Info session for students interested in the beginning band program

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Welcome to Garibaldi Secondary School!

SportsVolleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Countr y, Rugby,

Track and Field, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Water Polo,

Fitness Centre, Organized Drop-In Sports

Clubs/LeadershipPhotography Club, Diversity Club, Student Government,

Creative Writing Club, Fly Fishing Club, Vancouver Sun Run Club,

Computer Club, Quest Club, Rebels For A Cause,

Ski/Snowboard Club, Fitness Club, Reach For the Top Club,

GSA Club, Ping Pong Club,

Key Club, Broadcasting Club,

3D Printing Club

For more information on registering, or to arrange a private tour of the school, please call Mr. Grant Frend, Principal, at 604-463-6287

Grade 8 Pods Students in grade 8 are podded together in groups of 25-30 for their four academic courses. While in the past students have had two teachers for their 4 academic courses, next year our pods will be more flexible as students may be moved into different groups during the year depending on the concepts being explored. Our grade 8 program will be inquiry-based and can adapt to individual student strengths and needs. Our program will be supported by a Bring Your Own Device model that encourages students to bring their own laptop or tablet to school. Our grade 8 focus is on learning, inquiry, and IB inspired skill development; it will be excellent preparation for ALL students as they move into grade 9.

Math 8/9 Accelerated Does your child already have the goal of attending college or university? Is your child looking to be challenged in Mathematics? Students interested in completing Math 8/9 in one year will have the opportunity to accelerate their studies. This is ideal for students hoping to enrol in the IB Programme in grade 11. These students would then be eligible for Math 10 Honours in grade 9, and could then take Chemistry 11 in grade 10.

French 8 Independent Studies Students who have a strong background in French will work with their French teacher to design a French course that meets the needs of the individual student. This self-paced independent studies French program meets the needs of students who have been in French Immersion and choose to come to GSS because of the Honours/IB Program. This is an alternative that personalizes instruction to students who can demonstrate mastery of French 8/9 concepts. Again, it is an excellent option for students who are already looking towards a post-secondary education.

Grade 8 Band Students in grade 8 are offered both Beginner and Advanced Band. Many studies have shown that participation in fine arts programs such as band has a positive impact on student achievement. As well, our band students have the opportunity participate in travel opportunities, such as this year’s band exchange trip to Ontario.

Interdisciplinary Arts Rotations Students are given the chance to experience a variety of different electives in our Interdisciplinary Arts Rotations. Students will experience: Drama, Guitar, Art, Digital Arts, Foods, Technology, Textiles, and Computers. Students interested in Band or Choir will opt out of one of the rotation blocks.

Student Support Services Our excellent Student Support Services Program works closely with Grade 8 teachers to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. Our Student Learning Centre provides homework assistance for all students and is well known around the district for its innovative teaching practices.

Grade 8 Activities Our Grade 8 students experience a variety of exciting activities throughout the year. In addition to club and team opportunities listed on the front of this brochure, students participate in: our annual grade 8 hike/bbq, Pod Championship League (basketball, volleyball, floor hockey), Grade 8’s Got Talent, and a number of field trips. Homework support is available for students through our Homework Club.

Bring Your Own DeviceAll of our incoming grade 8 students are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet with them to school next year. While they won’t be used every class, we know students will make use of technology regularly during their 5 years at GSS. Having access to your own device will ensure you can connect online whenever you need/want to. Students who are unable to provide their own device will be provided a device when required in class, but this device will not stay with the student. Again, it is recommended students bring their own device.

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Monday

A English 8 (Silva)

B Math 8 (Bahia)

C PE 8 (Murphy)

D Interdisciplinary Arts Rotation 1 (sewing, cooking, tech ed, business)

Tuesday

E French 8 (Harmon)

F Interdisciplinary Arts Rotation 2 (art, music, drama, media arts)

G Socials 8 (Silva)

H Science 8 (Bahia)

Wednesday

B Math 8 (Bahia)

A English 8 (Silva)

D Interdisciplinary Arts Rotation 1

C PE 8 (Murphy)

Thursday

F Interdisciplinary Arts Rotation 2

E French 8 (Harmon)

H Science 8 (Bahia)

G Socials 8 (Silva)

Friday

Block order variesFridays feature a rotating block order depending on the day, but the structure is the same as the other days on the calendar, with shortened blocks on late start days.

Grade 8 Timetable/Information

Tentative Timetable

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive academic university preparation program for Grades 11 and 12. IB is philosophically centered around a Learner Profile that takes into account all facets of the learner, from the common aspects of knowledge, thought and communication, to the more 21st Century aspects of inquiry, open-mindedness, personalized learning, and experiential learning through service.

Universities consider the IB Diploma Programme to be the best possible preparation for study at the university level (the IB School at Garibaldi Secondary has a 100% university acceptance record for its students), as well as the most humane and caring educational programme for fostering international-mindedness in an increasingly globalized world. Consequently, IB graduates are sought by universities worldwide, due to the impressive level of intellectual and creative skills learned throughout all parts of the programme.

The IB Programme at Garibaldi Secondary School is open to students who accept this academic challenge. We recommend that students interested in IB register at Garibaldi Secondary for Grade 8, as this will give them access to our Honours/Pre-IB courses, but it is possible to enter in to the IB Programme in Grade 11.

For more information on registering for the IB programme, please call Mr. Steve Moore, IB Coordinator, at 604-463-6287

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Welcome to the IB School at Garibaldi Secondary!

UBC (24 credits available- full year minus one course): “The International Baccalaureate Organization and UBC share a common vision – that global perspectives are key to education. “

“At UBC, we are committed to helping IB students find the best way to qualify for admission, scholarships, and first year credit. “

“We understand the IB program and we value the experience you’ve had as an IB student.“

UVic (full first year credit available): “You’re smart, dedicated and tough. As an International Baccalaureate student, you’re on the road to personal and professional excellence and we want to support you, celebrate you and reward your achievements so far with some of the best recognition policies in the country.”

“An IB diploma satisfies UVic’s admission requirements, assuming that you have completed three Higher Level courses and three Standard Level courses.“

“ One of the advantages of being a step ahead in high school as an IB student is a competitive edge when it comes to early UVic admission offers. Early offers help put your mind at ease when it comes to planning your future so you can enjoy the last year of high school without worrying about your post-secondary options.“

“ UVic is pleased to recognize your academic successes with one of the most thorough IB transfer credit programs in Canada. Furthermore, you are eligible to receive up to one full year of transfer credit if you meet our admission requirements. Basically, your IB coursework puts you one step closer to your post-secondary goals before even arriving at UVic.”

SFU (full first year credit available): “IB Diploma holders with a total of 26 predicted IB points, including bonus points, will qualify for early conditional admission to most programs....

“ One full year of transfer credit (30 units) is granted for a completed IB Diploma. Transfer credit is awarded for all standard level and higher level subjects passed with a grade of 4 or higher.“

“Students in a partial IB program will be considered for admission on the basis of their secondary school results.”

UAlberta (full first year credit available): “At the University of Alberta we appreciate the commitment you have made to academics and to the rigors of the IB program. We want students like you on our campuses because we recognize your potential and we know that we can give you the resources and facilities necessary to excel.“

“ We are happy to reward you with the following benefits and services and encourage you to take full advantage of the recognition you deserve!...“

“IB students are eligible for multiple scholarships, including Academic Excellence and Leadership awards, as well as IB-specific awards.”

What universities are saying about IB applicants:

All studies of secondary school graduation programmes show that the IB diploma is by far the most respected qualification among university admissions officers.

- The Independent, UK

IB students can receive full first year credit, early admissions and priority registration, in addition to numerous scholarship opportunities worldwide.

In BC, many of the top flight private schools offer IB, including Meadowridge, Dwight International (NY), Glenlyon Norfolk, Lester B. Pearson College, Mulgrave, Pacific Academy, Stratford Hall and St. John’s School.

Families all over the world pay thousands for the programme; however, we offer the same program, but we only charge for the IB exam fees ($800 total).

Our leadership initiatives play an integral role in creating memories that last a lifetime. Examples of this include:

• Advisory Survivor Competitions

• Winterpalooza Fest

• Karaoke Nights

• Gym Riots

• Me to We

• Numerous Dress-Up Days

• School Dances

• Spirit Week

• 30 Hour Famine

• Many, many more

Breaking Down the Walls Breaking Down the Walls is a powerful, interactive program that creates a unique environment of self-reflection and community building. By working with a cross section of their peers, students learn that they are not isolated from each other but are rather part of a community that needs each other to be completely successful. Along the way, students discover the power of getting to know one another as well as the impact they have on those around them.

“I learned there are so many people who are in the same life situation I am, and it’s reassuring to know that we can all ‘make it’. “

“I cannot find the words to explain how this has changed our school“

Jam Sessions Monthly whole-school assemblies that revolve around a central topic or idea. These assemblies involve student and teacher participation and conclude with a whole school meal.

The Scarf At each monthly jam session, new students are presented with a school scarf to welcome them to our school community. All staff and students wear their scarves. The scarf is a symbol of our unity and our commitment to each other.

Rebels Forever After Breaking Down the Walls, our school community recognized that we needed to ensure all students’ basic needs are looked after. As such, we began an in-school food bank, as well as a reserve of funds to help students in need. This focus has struck a chord with the community, as evidenced by a $20,000 donation from T-Lane Transportation and Logistics.

At Garibaldi Secondary School, we invest time and money in creating a culture that is welcoming for everyone. Highlights include:

For more information on registering, or to arrange a private tour of the school, please call Mr. Grant Frend, Principal, at 604-463-6287

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Community, Culture and Activities

Interdisciplinary Arts Academy Students in the arts academy produce a full-scale musical in the only full, working professional theatre in our district. Students in the academy receive both acting and vocal coaching. The academy also welcomes students into behind the scenes roles such as lighting, sound, and stagecraft. Each production is also supported by a live student band. Recent productions include Legally Blonde, Hairspray, RENT, and Chicago. For more information, please contact Mrs. Lacroix at 604-463-6287.