june 2011 superintendent’s news - sd72.bc.ca superintendent's news...superintendent’s news...

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Superintendent’s News JUNE 2011 NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITHIN THE CAMPBELL RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT superintendent’s news june 2011 page 1 CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 28 Public Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Agenda online: www.sd72.bc.ca June 29 Last Day of School Before Summer June 30 Deadline to Register for Course Guide & Reading Groups August 30 & September 1 Pro-D Days: Schools Closed September 6 First Day of School September 13 Public Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Agenda online: www.sd72.bc.ca Looking Back on School Year 2010/11 His Honour, The Honorable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia addressing the 2011 Aboriginal graduates at the July 9 ceremony at the Maritime Heritage Centre. (see page 2) As another school year nears its end, once again I’d like to share with you a list of highlights that marked the year. Best wishes to students, parents and district staff for a safe and happy summer break! After five months of extensive public consultation, including an online forum and poll, the Board of Education voted to change the configuration of district schools in September 2012 to K-5 elementary, grades 6-8 middle schools, and grades 9-12 secondary schools. The district signed its third Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement, setting precedent as the first school district in the province to have a third agreement in place. This is a testament to the 30 year relationship between School District 72, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, Homalco and Klahoose First Nations, the Kwakiutl District Council, the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, North Island Métis Association, and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council. School District 72 hosted the first ever Campbell River Climate Action Workshop in partnership with the City of Campbell River. The workshop brought together City of Campbell River staff, SD72 managers, school principals, and students to build understanding, commitment and leadership towards an effective climate action strategy for our region. Timberline’s edible courtyard grows from the seed of an idea. Former student, Kira DeSorcy came up with the idea for an edible courtyard to promote sustainability and to educate students on healthy lifestyles and eating habits. The project is so exciting it has even sparked the interest of UK celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his television show Food Revolution. Oliver’s staff have asked for a feature article on the project which may be published on the Food Revolution website! Summer Closures: Board Office & Education Centre The school board office will be closed from July 18 to August 19 and the education centre will be closed from July 1 to August 29. During the week of August 29 the education centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last delivery date to schools is June 29 Please ensure that all materials that need to be returned to the education centre are in the delivery for that day. There will be one delivery on September 1 and then the regular delivery schedule will resume on September 7. For emergencies during the school board office closure, please call the maintenance & transportation department at (250) 287-8808. And be sure to check the local newspapers and school district website towards the end of August for school opening information. 2011/12 Calendar Available Want to get a jump start on your planning for next year? Download the 2011/2012 calendar from www.sd72.bc.ca ... continued on page 5

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Page 1: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

Superintendent’s NewsJUNE 2011

NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITHIN THE CAMPBELL RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 1

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 28Public Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Agenda online: www.sd72.bc.ca

June 29Last Day of School Before Summer

June 30Deadline to Register for Course Guide & Reading Groups

August 30 & September 1Pro-D Days: Schools Closed

September 6First Day of School

September 13Public Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Agenda online: www.sd72.bc.ca

Looking Back on School Year 2010/11

His Honour, The Honorable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia addressing the 2011 Aboriginal graduates at the July 9 ceremony at the Maritime Heritage Centre. (see page 2)

As another school year nears its end, once again I’d like to share with you a list of highlights that marked the year. Best wishes to students, parents and district staff for a safe and happy summer break!

After five months of extensive public consultation, including an • online forum and poll, the Board of Education voted to change the configuration of district schools in September 2012 to K-5 elementary, grades 6-8 middle schools, and grades 9-12 secondary schools.

The district signed its third Aboriginal Education Enhancement • Agreement, setting precedent as the first school district in the province to have a third agreement in place. This is a testament to the 30 year relationship between School District 72, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, Homalco and Klahoose First Nations, the Kwakiutl District Council, the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, North Island Métis Association, and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council.

School District 72 hosted the first ever Campbell River Climate • Action Workshop in partnership with the City of Campbell River. The workshop brought together City of Campbell River staff, SD72 managers, school principals, and students to build understanding, commitment and leadership towards an effective climate action strategy for our region.

Timberline’s edible courtyard grows from the seed of an idea. Former • student, Kira DeSorcy came up with the idea for an edible courtyard to promote sustainability and to educate students on healthy lifestyles and eating habits. The project is so exciting it has even sparked the interest of UK celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his television show Food Revolution. Oliver’s staff have asked for a feature article on the project which may be published on the Food Revolution website!

Summer Closures: Board Office & Education Centre

The school board office will be closed from July 18 to August 19 and the education centre will be closed from July 1 to August 29. During the week of August 29 the education centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The last delivery date to schools is June 29 Please ensure that all materials that need to be returned to the education centre are in the delivery for that day. There will be one delivery on September 1 and then the regular delivery schedule will resume on September 7.

For emergencies during the school board office closure, please call the maintenance & transportation department at (250) 287-8808. And be sure to check the local newspapers and school district website towards the end of August for school opening information.

2011/12 Calendar AvailableWant to get a jump start on your planning for next year? Download the 2011/2012 calendar from www.sd72.bc.ca

... continued on page 5

Page 2: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Speaks at Aboriginal GraduationThe Aboriginal graduating class of 2011 received quite an honour on June 9 when His Honour, The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia spoke at the Aboriginal graduation festivities.

The evening recognized the approximately 60 graduates from Carihi Secondary, Timberline Secondary and Robron Centre.

The Lieutenant Governor is of Aboriginal descent and has served as an elected Chief of the Skowkale First Nation, tribal chair for the Stó:lo Nation Government, and is the Chief Commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission.

As part of His Honour’s address, he recognized the perseverance of the students and those involved in Aboriginal education and reflected on the fact that in 1969 he was the only Aboriginal student in his high school class to graduate.

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 2

Biography: The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBCXwĕ lī qwĕl tĕlLieutenant Governor of British Columbia

The Honourable Steven L. Point was sworn-in as British Columbia’s 28th Lieutenant Governor on October 1, 2007.

In 2005, he was appointed Chief Commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. His Honour served as an elected Chief of the Skowkale First Nation for 15 years. He also served as the tribal chair for the Stó:lo Nation Government, and he was honoured as Grand Chief by the Chiefs of the Stó:lo Tribal Council.

His Honour was appointed a provincial court judge in February 1999. He received an Honourary Doctorate of Law degree from the University College of the Fraser Valley in June 2000 and is a recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, also in 2000. He received a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1985 and was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1986.

Born in Chilliwack, the Lieutenant Governor and his wife, Her Honour, Mrs. Gwendolyn Point, have four children and 13 grandchildren.

Campbell River School District and the Aboriginal Education Advisory Council would like to congratulate the approximately 60 Aboriginal students who are graduating this year.

Carihi SecondaryAmanda Alexander, Robert Assu, Coltin Atkinson, William Boyes, Steven Brown, Dylan Carson, Brin Dinney, Monique Dragon-Gillette, Justin Eagle, Keilah Hanson-Ford, Emily Hare, Krystal Henkel, Mikayla Hildreth, Taylor Holloway, Dustyn Hudson, Shelby Huffman, Ryan Jackson, Kaylene Johnson, Jamie Karmazynski, Matthew Lafleur, Brandon Langille, Derek Lund, Amanda McGrath, April McGrath, Skye Moldowan, Joshua Nelson, Katrina Nelson, Jocelyn Ouellette, Brandon Pehrsson, Ernie Price, Godfrey Price, Tyrone Roberts, William Rufus, Levi Seffzig, Travis Seffzig, Nikki Stevens, Ariel Trego, Rebecca Williams, Taylor Williams

Timberline SecondarySavannah Anderson, Travis Barry, Marlene Blaney, Kayla Blomgren, Joelle Bujold, Brechan Campbell, Isabelle Castle, Sarah Chickite, Nathan Elford-Dumont, Cody Enevoldsen, Breanne Flohr, Dylan French, Myrina Gay-Carter, Seth Hanson, Kaleigh Hanuse, Darren Kelly, Jessica Korhonen, Mackenzie Maier, Jamie Myhre, Ashely Phillips, Keltie Pike, Cody Plows, Sara Rayfuse, Ashley Smith, Ryan Spencer, Nicol Zelmer

Robron CentreCheyanne Hackett, Santana Puglas, Mandy Wilcox

The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Page 3: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

District Track & Field MeetÉcole Phoenix once again hosted the district track and field meet on May 31. Congratulations to all the students who participated and thank you to all the staff who volunteered – without you there would be no meet!Special thanks to Graeme Boyd for serving as meet announcer. Results were published in the local newspapers.

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 3

Photos submitted by Don Kretlow

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superintendent’s news june 2011 page 4

Southgate Teacher Wins Technology ‘Boost’ for ClassSouthgate teacher Robynne Fraser won $5,000 worth of technology equipment from CDW Canada as the winner of their Teaching with Technology Story and Sweepstakes contest.

A Skills for Life teacher at Southgate, Robynne submitted a story about how the use of technology in the classroom has had a dramatic impact on her students, including a teenage girl with select mutism who was able to speak for the first time; autistic students who learned how to make eye contact with the use of a digital camera; and children – not expected to be literate – who learned to read.Robynne’s winning entry is reprinted below.

The Miracle of Technology by Robynne Fraser

I used a typewriter in high school.

I reluctantly “learned” how to use an old Tandy in university and I cursed it often.

I did not use e-mail or the Internet until after completing my Masters.

Despite my history, I am the biggest supporterof technology in the classroom; especially special needs classrooms.

Why? I have seen and heard technology performing miracles every day.

I have heard a boy with Downs Syndrome, classified as selective mute, talk to me using a walkie-talkie.

I have taught students with autism to have a conversation with a peer using walkie-talkies; it allows students to work on conversation skills without concentrating on the mechanics of a conversation (eye contact and proximity) which challenge these students.

I have heard a teenage girl with select mutism talk for the first time in school using a borrowed Vantage Lite. I saw her smile as she was finally able to be heard by her peers. She quickly learned how to interface her Vantage Lite with the computer. She now uses an iPod Touch with an application to talk for her.

I have witnessed students whose parents were told their child would never be able to read, now reading using an interactive Internet reading program.

I have seen students who are not engaged in a lesson engage immediately when the Smart Board is turned on and they are in control of learning by manipulating objects on the screen.

I have witnessed fine motor skills improving as students use the Smart Board activities to help with printing letters and numbers, drawing lines for dot-to-dot exercises, and moving objects across the board.

I have watched with delight as students have used the Wii system to have much needed sensory body breaks and work on gross motor skill development.

I cried with joy when a 13-year-old autistic girl went from atypical solitary play to squealing in delight when she realized she had just finished playing, for the first time, with a peer. The next moment, she asked another peer to play showing him how to use the remote. In less than 20 minutes, she went from solitary atypical play to cooperative play.

I have been able to teach autistic students how to have eye contact through the use of a digital camera. Students who started taking pictures of feet are now taking pictures of faces and without the camera, are starting to make eye contact. We also put together, using a publishing program, a 92 paged yearbook filled with pictures.

Technology is the great equalizer and allows students to learn and be an active part of society and in some cases, gives them literally a voice. As a consequence, I am constantly fundraising for more technology in the classroom.

People who know me are surprised by my transformation; I am surprised by the transformation of my students because of technology.

I have become a believer in the miracle of technology.

Page 5: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5

Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part • of a 23-day tour of provincial school districts.

Southgate student Rhianna Martin wins third place • in the Junior Varsity category of the North American Braille Challenge.

Campbell River students had the opportunity to • learn about cutting-edge marine science when the Canadian Coast Guard vessel, Vector, stopped in town as part of the Salish Sea Expedition.

Through collaboration with members of the early • years learning community and kindergarten teachers, SD72 has created a “made in Campbell River” approach to full-day kindergarten. A great deal of work has gone, and continues to go into making this transition as smooth as possible for these young students and their families.

Wi-Fi was made available in all district buildings, • allowing schools to offer enhanced learning opportunities in a flexible environment.

School District 72 had the highest secondary school • completion rate for 2009/10 on Vancouver Island of 79.4 percent, compared to the provincial average of 79.7 percent. Our Aboriginal student completion rate was also above the provincial average at 56.2 percent, compared to 50.4.

The district’s servers were converted from the • Novell operating system to Microsoft Windows enabling the district to provide open wireless; run software over the Internet in school and at home; and the conversion of the email system from Novell Groupwise to Microsoft Outlook.

Composting is across the district and enhanced • recycling is available at all CR sites. By estimates, our waste has reduced in volume by 40 percent!

Carihi and Timberline’s musical theatres showcased • wonderful presentations of “Bugsy Malone” and “Footloose”.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre once again • showcased the talents of district students with their production of “Treasure Island”.

Six Campbell River schools submitted BC Green • Games entries and Ms. Adair’s grade 1/2 class at École Willow Point Elementary won $1,500 for their video highlighting the school’s environmental efforts, specifically the ‘Chicken Cycle’. The Chicken Cycle uses compost gathered from the school to feed the chickens and ducks on a hobby farm. Kudos to the other entrants: Phoenix, Penfield, EDM, and Carihi.

The Aboriginal student recognition dinner honoured • 45 students from kindergarten to grade 12 for their leadership and exceptional work in academics, social responsibility, athletics, and citizenship.

SD72 sponsored a Going for Green contest, which • asked students and community members to come up with ways to help the environment or to showcase their efforts to “go green”.

The district teacher-librarians held their eighth • annual Battle of the Books. This competition is a valued tradition that motivates students in grades 3 to 7 to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books.

Five grade 10 students from Carihi Secondary won • a $20,000 scholarship to the University of Ottawa for their French Immersion video clip. Congrats to Josie Rippingale, Sophia Trim, Dayna Amelia, Olivia Carter, and Maddy Nabbe.

Ground-breaking and construction began on the Ed • and May Mailman Life Skills House. The Mailman Family and Seymour Pacific Developments have generously donated the construction of a small scale house which will be used to provide life skills training to special needs students and young adults within the community. The house is expected to be complete in the fall.

Twenty-two students from the International Co-Op • program travelled to Nepal for spring break to work on an irrigation project in the village of Lahachowk.

Timberline hosted their first environmental • stewardship conference. Presenters from across the community co-presented with teachers on sustainability topics. Following the workshops, students participated in a beach clean-up or other environmental activities.

Site preparation, delivery and installation got • underway for the nine modular classrooms that SD72 will receive for the introduction of full-day kindergarten in September.

BCTF president Susan Lambert paid a visit to the • Campbell River District Teachers’ Association.

The Carihi improv team made it to the Canadian • Improv Games finals in Victoria for the first time.

Timberline boys curling team won the Island division • and qualified for the provincials for the fourth time in five years.

Jessie Young of Carihi got city approval for his • blueprints of a house addition design.

... continued on page 7

Page 6: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 6

Agents Become FAMiliar with SD72As part of the international program’s promotional plan, Jo-Anne Preston represented Campbell River at the ICEF International Agent Fair held May 26 to 28.

The fair, which was attended by more than 250 agents from all over the world, was an excellent opportunity to showcase our region and on May 24, seven agents came to Campbell River for a first hand look at what we can offer.

A FAM (short for familiarization) tour was organized by a marketing consortium involving SD72, SD71 and North Island College. A FAM tour provides districts a cost-effective way to have agents from abroad see what our schools and community have to offer.

The district’s portion of the costs for the FAM tour was approximately $3,500, a reasonable marketing expense given that a single international student pays $12,000 in tuition for a year of study. Our tour was also very much a whole community endeavor, with the support of the City of Campbell River

and a variety of other local businesses.

The agents who visited Campbell River from China, Brazil, India and Mauritius were very impressed with their experience.

Arriving by float plane, they breakfasted at the board office, where they heard a presentation about our

district. After touring Elk Falls Park, they were welcomed to Carihi, Timberline, and lunched at North Island College. Later in the day, they were treated to a wildlife

watching adventure and a formal dinner generously sponsored by the city of Campbell River.

Surrounded by host parents, students, staff, and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Rivercorp, the agents were welcomed by Mayor Cornfield, and Board chair Helen Moats. The Campbell River Band honoured them with a song performed by Curtis Wilson, and a print by Jason Price.

Highlights of the evening were moving speeches given by two of our current international students, Frank Hung, and Niklas Premke, and performances by Francesca Belcourt, Matthew Barclay and The String Bean Ensemble.

At the start of the day, it was clear that some agents had never considered sending students to a small community like Campbell River, since families, especially in Asia, prefer their children to go to urban centres. However, as the day progressed, these agents learned that the quality of our academic programs is just as strong as those in the city; that their students will have a true English immersion experience; that our staff and families provide personal attention; and that our community is safe and welcoming.

All of these agents have traveled the world extensively and left speaking very highly of our area. There is no doubt that most of them will promote us as an excellent education destination.

Article and photos submitted by Jo-Anne Preston

A group shot of the seven agents that participated in the FAM tour with Jo-Anne Preston, international program coordinator, and Sean Toal, principal of Robron Centre at Elk Falls.

Board chair Helen Moats speaks with one of the educational agents following the presentation on School District 72.

Page 7: JUNE 2011 Superintendent’s News - sd72.bc.ca Superintendent's News...superintendent’s news june 2011 page 5 • Then NDP leader Carole James visited SD72 as part of a 23-day tour

Campbell River School DistrictLearning to Be Our Best

Superintendent’s News is published regularly for employees of the Campbell River School District.

Feedback and article ideas are always welcomed.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer PatrickT (250) 830.2333E [email protected]

www.sd72.bc.ca

For all the latest news in the Campbell River School District:

superintendent’s news june 2011 page 7

Tips for Maintaining Physical Activity

Here are a few tips that will be motivating and can help you become more active.

Schedule and track your daily activity on your calendar. Find ways to fit activity • into your day.Make a list of activities that you already enjoy doing or would like to try. Aim for • variety in your activities.Set realistic goals and commit to sticking with them.• Listen to music.• Take a friend or find a workout partner.• Start slowly, stretch and don’t over do it.• Track your progress, measure your success and celebrate your achievements!•

Honouring Retiring District Staff

As another school year comes to a close, we celebrate the year’s triumphs, the nearing of a well deserved summer break, and mourn the change of relationships as students and colleagues move onto other grades, schools or roles.

To all those district staff retiring this year, on behalf of the senior management team and the Board of Education, thank you. Thank you for all that you have given of yourselves for our students, their parents, and your colleagues.

Best wishes to this year’s retirees:

James Almond• Lesley Bird• John Ferguson• Kathy Fitzsimmons• Donna Hart• Edwina Henderson• Mary Kiddle• Bev Lee• Suzanne Lee• Diana McKerracher• Gregg Mitchell• Jeannie Miller• Lore Netter• Derek O’Brien• Deborah Rizun• Sharon Sanford• Vince Sequeria• Kevin Stirling• Colleen Wizbicki• Gregg Wizbicki• Darlene Zamluk•

Happy Summer Holidays!

Employees of SD72’s maintenance yard donated $926 to Cameryn’s • Cause for Kids Society.

Thirteen of 15 Campbell River wrestlers earned berths in the • provincial championships. Eight out of 13 finished in the top six!

Five local schools underwent lighting retrofits to make them more • energy efficient. The projects were paid for with grants through BC Hydro Power Smart and Natural Resources Canada.

Timberline’s senior girls volleyball team won the silver medal at the • B.C. AAA senior girls volleyball championship held in Prince George.

Carihi’s cast of “The War on Tatem” one-act play placed second at the • regional drama festival in Nanaimo.

Timberline’s senior boys soccer team won the North Island title and • finished fourth in this year’s provincial AA championship.

Ayla Akehurst of Carihi won the gold medal in triple-jump at the BC • HIgh School Championships.

Thirty-eight Carihi students toured Europe’s battlefields during spring • break.