MARCH 2007 – NEWSLETTER: Princess Margaret High School School Website: http://sd67.bc.ca/schools/pmss

E­mail Address: Maggie@summer.com School Phone: 770­7620

PAC News A warm welcome to all parents from your PAC.

We have been diligently organizing in order to make PAC functions run even smoother than they have in the past.

Through the efforts of your PAC Executive, we have established a new communication line with parents, streamlined our Gaming Fund process while including feedback from students. Also, we have begun computerization of all PAC tasks, thereby speeding up processes and limiting much of the work load. Your PAC is responsible for the distribution of approximately $14,000 each year and as always, your input is greatly valued.

Just a reminder that your PAC meets the third Tuesday of every month. How would you respond if your child showed an interest in your daily workplace? Why not show an interest in theirs?

Aboriginal Education Congratulations to all students who are in the

Aboriginal Education Program on their continued academic success this term. All students are reminded that the Ab. Ed. Room is open for extra assistance and support after school on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00­4:00 and at lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Take advantage of the extra support!! See Lana and Dan for more details. As well the Ab. Ed. Program has a number of activities planned over the next weeks: Wednesday, March 7 th ­ 9:30­2:30

Career Symposium, Sandmann Inn Tuesday, March 13 th ­ 6­8 p.m.

Aboriginal Education Pot Luck Dinner Penticton Indian Band Hall. All students and parents are welcome to attend Friday, May 18 th Aboriginal Education Pow Wow at SLMS

Student Jeopardy The student Jeopardy tournament has been

underway since October. Champions: David Addison, Darius De­Silva Dias , Eddie Schulz, and Dan Atkinson. The teacher tournament is currently underway. Winner to play student winners at a later date.

Course Planning. The counsellors have visited all grades to

disperse course planning information for September 2007. All students should have discussed their plans with their parents and returned the signed course planning sheet to the school. After spring break, students will receive their course verification sheets. They will have an opportunity to change their selections at this time. Simply replace the unwanted course with the new one, sign and return to the school. In June, a timetable will be issued to students. We will then try to accommodate changes if there is sufficient room in the class. Any special course requests should be made in writing to the principal. An attempt to accommodate your child will be made but some requests are not always possible.

Grad News The Garfield Weston Merit Scholarship for

Students entering fulltime college is an award that is available for students who have a minimum of 75% in the courses required for their program of choice. Students must be planning to attend fulltime for a minimum of two years in a non­university transfer program. Applications are available in the counselling centre.

Okanagan College representatives will be here at 12:45 Tuesday March 13, in the library to meet with students regarding programs and admissions.

Scholarship and bursary information is continually updated. See the bulletin board in the counselling centre for current awards.

The Cinderella Project assists graduating students with funds to purchase attire, tickets, hair care etc for the ceremony and prom. Applications need to be submitted by March 16. The contact person is Terry Kalaski at terri.kalaski@telus.net

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Penticton Scholarship and Bursary Information and Application

All grade 12's are encouraged to attend this very important meeting on Wednesday, April 4 th at 12:30pm in the Library. Mr. and Mrs. Cox will be informing you on the application process ­­ all applications must be submitted before the April 13 th deadline. Additional scholarship meetings will be held throughout the week if for some reason you cannot attend this meeting. It is very important that all grade 12's understand that you cannot apply if you do not attend one of these scholarship meetings.

Sr. Boys Basketball The Senior Boys basketball team finished third at

the Valley Tournament thereby qualifying for the Provincial Championships. Neil Sidhu was named a first team all star. The team traveled to Kamloops Tuesday March 6 th , with coach R. Reid. The Sr. Boys basketball team finished 12th at the AA Boys Provincial Championship. The boys played with great pride and heart throughout the week. Neil Sidhu led the way offensively averaging 18 points per game. Aman Grewal contributed 14 points per game plus was the team's defensive stalwart. The team would like to thank all fans who came out to create a wild atmosphere at home games throughout the year. The coaches would like to thank the managers Jade Pederson and Nitasha Hyde for the efforts all year. We would also like to recognize the team's seniors Neil Sidhu, Aman Grewal, Kenny Kandola, Ravi Tiwana, and Deep Phachu for their contributions to the basketball program over the past four years.

Members of the team include: Kyle James Landon Racicot Ricky Leblanc James Finlayson Kayne Hauptman Levi Ravnsborg Scott O’Grady Nairn Brims Neil Sidhu Aman Grewal Kenny Kandola Ravi Tiwana Deep Phachu Managers:

Nitasha Hyde Jade Pederson

Jr. Boys Basketball The Jr. Boys Basketball team concluded a very

successful season on Feb. 16 at the South Zone Playoffs in Oliver. The team defeated Keremeos 44­40 to claim 3rd place in the South Zone. The team rallied from an 18 point deficit in the third quarter and demonstrated the heart and character they shown all year to claim victory.

The boys finished 3rd in regular season standings and defeated Pen Hi in the first round of the playoffs. As well, the team finished tied for first in the South Zone Challenge, 2nd in the L.V. Rogers Tournament (Nelson), 3rd in both the W.L. Seaton Tournament (Vernon) and our own Maggie Southside Slam. All the players represented Maggie very well and were a pleasure to coach. Good luck to the Gr. 10's and we look forward to the Gr. 9's who are returning for next year!!! Thanks to all parents and staff who have supported the team this year.

Senior Girls’ Basketball The senior girls’ had a successful

season going undefeated in league play and capturing the South Zone Championship. Despite having only one grade 12 girl and usually being the shortest team, the Mustangs battled hard in every game and were highly competitive. Coaches Mitchell and Killick would like to thank Sukhi Sidhu for the outstanding leadership she provided both this year and throughout her four years at Maggie. They would also like to thank Sarita, Susie, Shanna, Jenna, and Kayla for giving up their last year of Juniors and providing very valuable contributions to the team. With nine returning players and some strong players coming from the junior team the Mustangs are anticipating another strong showing next year. Team members included: Sukhi Sidhu Jolene Nagy Katrina Gallagher Erin Sloan Yun­Ho Kruger Kayla Sahara Susie Welch Sarita Willock Jenna Darin Shanna Mikkleson

Multicultural Week Multicultural Week will occur May 14­18 this year.

We will have a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony on Monday, and cultural food and displays on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The performances will be held at an assembly on Friday. If you would like to assist will food, cultural displays or be part of the performances, please call Mrs. Storie at the school. Our multicultural club meets at noon every second Monday

Skills Canada Competition 2007 Skills Canada BC competitions help raise the

profile of trades and technology occupations for BC youth. The philosophy of these events is to reward students for excellence, provide a forum for industry, and education to work together in evaluating student performance and keep training relevant to employers needs. The event is also the largest showcase of trade and technology occupations in the province, providing visitors with a chance to access current labour market information, talk to career education professional and view first hand the competitions on site.

Okanagan College has hosted the regional event annually since 1996. This venue provides students with opportunities to participate and demonstrate their skills in various events which will increase their awareness and interest in pursuing a career in the trades and/or technology sectors. This year Okanagan College Kelowna is hosting contests in: Automotive Service; Cabinet Making; CAD Architectural; CAD Mechanical; Carpentry; Culinary Arts; Electronics and Welding with two Virtual contest ­ Internet Website and TV & Video.

This years event will start on ­ March 3, 2007 at Okanagan College.

Students that place gold in their contest areas will advance to the Provincial Event which is held in Abbotsford. The 13th BC Provincial Skills Competition ­ April18, 2007 ­ Tradex – Abbotsford, BC. Students winning Gold in Abbotsford are invited to go to the 13th Annual National Canadian Skills Competition ­ June 6 th ­ 9 th , 2007 ­ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The students who are entering the competition and representing our school are: Megan McNee ­ Fashion Design competition Ryan Kuzemski ­ Mechanical CADD competition Trevor Demerse ­ Architectural CADD competition Jacob Dunlop and Alicia Leader ­ Culinary Arts Kendra Dicer, Arlene Dunstan­Adams, Bryson Selles and Rhean Mantha ­ Virtual Film and TV Competition Colin Wright ­ Carpentry

A special thanks for our sponsor teachers Ms. Shirley Smith, Mrs. Dana Kocsis, Mr. Keith Brodt, and Mr. Patrick Whiteley for helping prepare our student for this regional competition. Good Luck Students!!

Library News A challenge from your teacher librarian:

March is the month to recognize Freedom to Read which guarantees that you can and may read what you choose to read in a democratic society. Some challenged material includes The Bible; The Giver; Of Mice and Men; Hold Fast; Harry Potter series to name only a few!

Why not make the choice to read some new books or magazines on Spring Break? Check out these popular titles: Shrimp by Cohen; Nineteen Minutes and Perfect Match by Picoult; Halo the Flood by Nylund; Keeping the Moon by Desen; Borderlands by Dewey; In My Enemy’s House by Matas along with numerous other books by various authors and in different genres, Magazine titles include the following: TransWorld Motocross, Snowboarding and Skateboarding; Popular Science; Newsweek; Maclean’s; CosmoGirl; Seventeen; and various Prom issues for 2007. Reading and lifelong learning go hand in hand. If you have something to read you are Never alone or lonely.

If you are interested in learning more about censorship and free expression, here a couple of websites: http://un.org/Overview/rights.html The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and http://laws.justice.ca/en/charter The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Ms. Lewis­ Teacher Librarian Mrs. Harris – Library Assistant

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ACE IT TRADES TRANSITION PROGRAMS

Delivered in Partnership between School District 67 and Okanagan College ACE IT ­ Trades Transition programs allow students to start apprenticeship training during their graduation program years and provide a smooth transition from secondary school to Industry Training and employment. ACE IT ­ Trades Transition Programs provide:

• Registration in the BC Apprenticeship system • Credit for the first level of technical training in

the industry training (apprenticeship) program • High school graduation credits (16 credits per

semester)

The programs are scheduled to allow students to participate during one or more semesters of their grade 11 and 12 years.

Trades Transition programs are tuition free for secondary students. However, most programs have material, textbook, and related college fees that are the responsibility of the student. More information on ACE IT Trades Transition Programs is available at: www.okanagan.bc.ca www.itabc.ca www.sd67careers.ca Contact your school Career Centre or David Kalaski at 770­7752 / dkalaski@summer.com

PROGRAM LOCATION Next Sessions Application Date

Joinery Cabinetmaking

Penticton / Summerland

February 08 to July 08

October 2007

Residential Construction

Summerland

Penticton / Summerland

February 07 to August 07

February 08 to August 08

FULL

September 2007

Welding Level C

Okanagan College – Penticton

August 07 to January 08

February 09 to July 09

Wait listed

September 08

Electrician Okanagan College – Penticton

February 08 to July 08

September 2007

Plumbing Okanagan College – Penticton

August 08 to January 09

February 08

NOTE: ACE IT ­ Trades Transition Programs require full time attendance for a minimum of one semester. Students should consult with their school counselor and Career Centre to plan for completion of all graduation requirements and the ACE IT program.