Signing Off

This will be, officially, the last entry of the Grads of 2010 blog - I believe it has fulfilled its historic task in informing you of events happening at the school. I hope, in any way, shape, or form, that this blog has helped answered some of your questions, and has helped your grad year in some ways.
For the grads of 2010 who are reading this, please keep in touch! If you haven't already, you can add me as your friend on Facebook (click here), or follow me on Twitter (click here). If you have any questions throughout the summer, you can always e-mail me at eleung@vsb.bc.ca. Please do not attempt to come to the school during the summer to find me, or call the school number looking for me. You most likely won't be able to - as much as I can, I will try to enjoy my summer vacation away from school, though I know I will be there from time to time.

If you have a younger sibling or neighbour who will be in grade 9 or grade 8 next year, I will continue to maintain a blog, this one with a new address. Come check it out (click here). I don't know about you, but I think this new design looks really, really good.
Other than that, this is the official sign-off from me. For the grads of 2010 - it has been a privilege working with all of you. I wish each and every one of you success in all your future endeavours! Good-bye! Au revoir! Ciao! 再見! さよなら! Paalam!

Several Final Reminders

As the 2009 - 2010 school year draws to a close, here are a few final reminders to you:

1. Report cards were given out this morning. If you did not pick up your report card from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., it can still be picked up at the office (I know they eventually would be mailed out if they are not picked up; I'll update you as to when is the latest you can pick up the report card from school).


2. All yearbooks are sold out. Unfortunately, we cannot order any extra copies. So if you did not purchase a yearbook earlier, you would not be able to obtain one... sorry.


3. As I've mentioned late last week: if you need to re-write your English 12 provincial exam (or several other graduation-requirement exams) but you are not taking summer school classes, you MUST register for the exam at the school board office. This information has been published in this blog, and can also be found in June's newsletter.


4. For students who have completed all graduation requirements and want to take summer courses for upgrading purposes, you can only do that through VLN or adult education free-of-charge. Face-to-face summer school courses for students who have graduated in June will cost you money.


5. Teachers will be on duty at the school Wednesday. After our staff meeting at 11:00 a.m., teachers may be packing materials, moving supplies, or, in some cases, taking materials to their new schools. If you need to find a teacher for any reason, you must do so before 11:00 a.m.

Report Card Pick-up Reminder

Just a friendly reminder to all of you that your final report card from high school will be issued tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in your homeroom.

Teachers would remain in their classes until 10:00 a.m.. If you show up after 10:00 a.m., you would have to go to the office to pick up your report card.

If you notice an error on your report card, you need to see your subject teacher immediately. Because teachers would be supervising exams/cleaning up their rooms/moving teaching materials to another part of the school/etc., it will be a good idea for you to pick up your report card at 9:00, just in case you need to see a teacher for any reason on a mark.

On a personal note: if you have not signed my yearbook, or if I have not signed your yearbook, please come by to see me (or I will be scrolling down the grad hallway). It's your last day of high school, and I hope to say a formal good-bye to all of you. :)

August 2010 Summer Provincial Exams for Non-Summer School Students

This post pertains information that is applicable for students who will NOT be taking summer school classes with VSB, but still wish to take or re-take a provincial exam. (Mr. L's note: this would apply, in particular, to those of you who may need to re-write the English 12 provincial exam to pass English 12 to fulfill your graduation requirement)

Any Temp students who are not registered in summer school, but wish to write one of the following provincial exams in August (between Aug 9 to Aug 13), are required to complete an application form at the Vancouver School Board Education Centre, Summer School Office (Ground Floor, 1580 West Broadway, Vancouver):

• English 10
• BC First Nations Studies 12
• Communications 12
• English 12
• Social Studies 11
• Applications of Math 10
• Essentials of Math 10
• Principles of Math 10
• Science 10

Applications will be accepted from June 11 to July 15, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Students must present in person TWO DOCUMENTS to the Summer School staff to have their applications accepted: i) A student report card for the 2009/2010 year issued by one of VSB's secondary schools with your ministry PEN; ii) a student picture ID (i.e. Go-Card) from the school that issued the report card in i).

You must be present to fill out the application form yourself; telephone or faxed applications would not be accepted.

Please note: students who do not register as detailed above will not be permitted to write the exam. That is, the examination centre will NOT accept walk-in students for the exams.

June 2010 Provincial Exam Schedule

The following is the provincial exam schedule for Templeton's June session. All students writing the provincial exams should arrive 15 minutes prior to the exam to ensure that all registration process and paper work are done prior to the actual start time of an exam. You will NOT be allowed to write an exam should you arrive more than half an hour late. You must also start for at least an hour for each exam session before you are allowed to leave. For the full details of exam regulations and expectations, you can go to the Ministry of Education's website (click here).

June 21, 2010 (Monday)
Physics 12: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Principles of Math 12: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 22, 2010 (Tuesday)
English 12 (Mandatory exam): 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Social studies 11 (Mandatory exam): 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 23, 2010 (Wednesday)
Communications 12 (Mandatory exam): 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Chemistry 12: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
History 12: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

June 24 (Thursday)
French 12: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Biology 12: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 28, 2010 (Monday)
Geography 12: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

June 29, 2010 (Tuesday)
Mandarin 12, Spanish 12: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

I have only listed the exams that our current grade 12s may be writing. You may have a sibling/friend who needs to write a grade 10 exam, for the full exam schedule, you can check the Ministry's website (click here).

All exams are two hours in length. You may stay up to 1 additional hour to finish the exam.

Please mark down especially the dates and times for the English 12 and Communications 12 exam - they are mandatory, and are needed for your graduation, regardless of what school mark you currently have.

If you want practice exams, the Ministry has posted at least three exams per subject online. Click here to choose a subject, and a sample exam, to download for your own reference. Answer key and, where applicable, resource packages, can also be downloaded.

Yearbook Signing Times

In case you haven't read the dozens of Facebook updates on the signing times for this year's yearbook, I'm posting it here for you, just in case:

Grade 8s: 10:00 a.m.

Grade 9s: 11:00 a.m.

Grade 12s: 12:00 p.m.

Grade 11s: 12:30 p.m.

Grade 10s: 1:00 p.m.

Yearbooks can be picked up and signed at the small gym and cafeteria. Please bring your student ID with you. If you have not paid for a lost school item and/or if you have not returned a library or textbook, you will NOT be allowed to pick up your yearbook even if you have paid for it already. To avoid delays, please make sure all outstanding fees have been paid.

To the best of my knowledge, all yearbooks are sold out now. The office is keeping a waiting list for students who still wish to purchase a yearbook. If you want to buy a yearbook but didn't pay for it, please visit the office early to see if you can get on the wait-list.

Lastly, bring your sharpies, bring your cameras, and bring a big smile with you - this is arguably the last time we will be gathering together. Let's sign away, and take lots of pictures with each other to mark the end of a wonderful five years for you, the grads of 2010!

FYI: Official Information on Provincial Exam Scholarships

I have received several e-mails asking for clarification regarding the requirements for the provincial examination scholarships since the last post. The following is taken straight out from the Handbook of Procedures for the Graduation Program from B.C.'s Ministry of Education. You can also read P.97 of the handbook yourself by clicking here:

Qualifying for a Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship

A student will receive a $1000 Examinations Scholarship if he or she:
• meets the basic eligibility requirements
• achieves at least a “B” final mark (provincial exam and school mark combined) in English 12, Français langue premiere 12, or English 12 First Peoples
• achieves 86% or higher on each of his or her three best Grade 12 provincial exams (can include the English 12 provincial exam) (Mr. L's note: this means, if you use English 12 as one of the subjects, then you'd need two more exams; if you don't use English 12 as one of the subjects, you'd need three optional grade 12 exams)
• fulfills the graduation requirements of either the 1995 Graduation Program, the 2004 Graduation Program or the Adult Graduation Program.

A student will receive a $2500 Examinations Scholarship Award if he or she:
• qualifies to receive an award (above)
• ranks among the top twenty scholarship students (based on his or her percentage score).

Any student who achieves a perfect score (100%) in each of three Grade 12 provincial exams will also be awarded an Academic Medal of Excellence.

When a student has two different percent scores for the same Grade 12 provincial exam, the higher percent score will be used. Scholarship scores do not have to be earned in one school year.

I hope this information is crystal clear to all of you now. If you are still unsure, please come in to see me.

Urgent Info on Provincial Exams

I hope this information will be able to reach you BEFORE the first provincial exam begins next Monday. Please help pass this information along to all of your grade 12 friends.

If you choose to write any of the optional provincial exams for your grade 12 courses, a blended mark that includes your provincial exam results WILL APPEAR on your official transcript, whether the exam’s results would help your school mark or not.

To the best of my knowledge, this does NOT affect your application and/or your registration chances for UBC and SFU; both have told secondary counsellors very specifically that they will look at your BEST mark (school % or blended %). However, the blended mark, whether it is higher or lower than your school percentage, will appear on your official transcript that is a part of our permanent student record.

The following diagram would illustrate my point (click on image to see an enlarged version):

In this scanned image of an actual transcript from 2009, this student had chosen to write two optional provincial exams, biology 12 and Principles of Math 12. He had also chosen to NOT write his optional exam for Mandarin Chinese 12. In Biology 12 (circled in red), his school percentage was 76%, and his exam mark was 49%. As you can see, his final percentage, a blended mark, appeared as 65%, which was substantially lower than his school percentage. Had this student applied to UBC, UBC would have looked at and used his school percentage of 76% for all application and registration purposes. However, the 65% would remain on his permanent transcript. Had this student chosen to apply for a post-secondary institution outside B.C. and/or a school advised him that his final mark would be used to determine whether he would have been admitted into a program, his decision to write the provincial exam can have a significant consequence.

In the case of Mandarin 12 (circled in green), this student had chosen to not write his optional exam. Therefore, his 93% mark from school would be the only mark that is available for anyone to see.

In light of this, I would urge you to consider very carefully whether to write an optional provincial exam or not. Here are some points worthy for consideration:

• You need to write English 12 and AT LEAST TWO other provincial exams to qualify for provincial scholarships (two if you use your English 12 mark too; three if you don't use English 12). If you want a provincial scholarship, then you must write two (or more) of these optional exams in addition to English 12.
• If you have been advised by a post-secondary school that your admission would be based on your final mark, and you fear that your current school mark is not high enough, writing a provincial exam can potentially help you achieve that mark.
• If you have already been accepted, unconditionally or conditionally, into a post-secondary program, and you want to write one or two provincial exams “just to see how well you can do,” you will take the risk of having a lower final percentage appear on your permanent student record, but this will not affect your admission into UBC and SFU.

Please come in to speak to me, or e-mail me, if you have any questions on this. I hope I have explained things clearly to all of you here. Please also urge others in your grade to take a look at this post.

U Vic's Registration 101 Workshop

University course registration is one of the many challenges students need to face when entering a post-secondary institution. Representatives from U Vic will be coming to Vancouver June 2 to conduct a workshop called Registration 101. In this workshop, you will learn:

• the next step in getting organized for the registration process
• how to choose the right courses for your program
• how to build a timetable that fits your preferences and needs
• learn the ins and outs of UVic's online registration system

The advisor, Leah, will also be able to answer any last-minute questions you may have about UVic, your academic goals, or life in Victoria in general.

You do not need to pre-register. Just show up and attend!

Date: Wednesday, June 2
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby
Questions: contact Leah at stoneld@uvic.ca

Updated Info on VLN's Summer Courses

I have just received an e-mail from VLN's grade counsellor. She confirmed that current grade 12 students who meet the graduation requirement this June can still register for VLN courses online to upgrade or to add courses to your portfolio free-of-charge.

What this news means is: if you are currently in grade 12 and are on pace to complete the 80 credits required for graduation, there are several ways to which you can upgrade for a course you have already completed and/or add a course that you have not taken before:

1. Take the course online with VLN (click here to go to its summer school course site)
2. Register as an adult education student (i.e. you must attend the adult education information session next Wednesday - see my entry on Monday for details)
3. Attend a VSB summer school course, but you would have to pay for the course
4. Explore summer school options at other school districts

Because summer school course availability is really scarce this year, I would encourage you to act very quickly (colleagues from Richmond told me that many of Richmond's summer school courses are already full).

If you have any questions, please see me ASAP.

New Info for Summer School (Important)

I was just told by the administrators that grade 12 students who have acquired graduation requirements will NOT be allowed to register for summer school courses with VSB free-of-charge. The only grade 12 students who can still take summer school courses at a summer school center are those who do not have sufficient credits to obtain a graduation diploma by June.

I have written to VLN to inquire if this change applies to VLN courses as well, but have not received a response from VLN's counsellor. I will update you with more information when it becomes available.

The implications for this change include:

• For students who are NOT graduating in June, you would need to obtain a letter from either me or Mrs. Roberts to confirm that you need to register for a particular summer school course to fulfill your graduation requirement.
  
• For students who have sufficient credits to graduate, you can only take a summer school course at an adult education center for the purpose of upgrading your marks and/or adding a course to your portfolio. Information on adult education can be obtained by attending the adult education information session next Wednesday, May 26 (see my blog entry yesterday for details).
  

Adult Education Information Session (May 26)

A number of you will not have sufficient course credits to graduate this June. While summer school remains an option for those who will not have sufficient credits to graduate, you are only allowed to take a maximum of two courses in the summer. It also does not allow for students who will graduate, but wish to upgrade course marks or add courses.

If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be eligible to enroll into the school board's adult education program. Academic advisors will visit Templeton on May 26 (Wednesday) to speak to you about the adult education program. They can also meet with you individually after the general meeting to discuss YOUR SPECIFIC program.

There are a number of forms that you need to sign to attend this meeting. I also have an information sheet that would tell you the documents that you need to bring to this meeting. Please come to see me some time this week to pick up all the needed documents.

Volunteers Needed for Franklin's Sports Day

Sir John Franklin Elementary School is in need for volunteers for their sports day on May 21 (Friday). Approximately 30 volunteers are needed in total. This would be a good opportunity for those who are still in need to acquire community service hours towards graduation.

If you are interested in helping out, please let me know as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please see me or Mr. Mustapich for details.

Culturathon 2010

You have probably watched the popular TV show "Amazing Race" and have wondered about what it would feel like to be competing in a race around the world for clues, overcoming road-blocks and detours (yes, I watch the show frequently myself). What about a race that takes place right here in Vancouver, with a multicultural twist?

Sponsored by the Enoch Outreach Society, Culturathon 2010 is an engaging event where you and your teammates would have to complete a route through various checkpoints within Metro Vancouver. During the race, you will have to dicipher clues, complete tasks, and overcome challenges. The aim of this event is to challenge your perception of our city and our country, broaden your horizon of various cultures, and enrich your sense of responsibility and identity as Canadians.

This year's Culturathon will take place on June 26, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration fee for a team comprising 3 to 5 people would be $50. Registration deadline is June 12.

For more information, you can call Enoch Youth Outreach Society at 604-233-1800, or e-mail them at info@enochyouth.org. You can also learn more about Culturathon 2010 by clicking to its website (click here).

Volunteers Needed for Lord's Sports Day

A.R. Lord Elementary School is looking for approximately 20 students to help with their sports day on May 21 (Friday) from 8:30 to 12:30. For students who are missing a few community service hours, this is a great opportunity to acquire four of them.

If you are interested, please come in to see me A.S.A.P.

If you have any questions about this, you can see me or Mr. Mustapich.

Graduation 2010 Valedictorian Nomination

The Graduation 2010 Valedictorian nomination form can be picked up from my office right now. To qualify as this year's valedictorian, you must meet the following qualifications:

• A "B" average on all your courses (73% or above)
• A good citizen inside and outside of the school
• An ability to speak well in front of a large audience

You need to find FIVE people (Templeton Staff and/or grade 12 students) who support your application. On the application form there are five lines where you can enter these people's information. Please have them sign and write their names. Your application can be voided if we cannot make out who those people are.

All the nomination forms will be collected. Templeton staff then will select a number of finalists, and then, students will be allowed to vote. The student who receives the most votes will be Templeton's Valedictorian at the graduation ceremony on June 8.

The application deadline is Tuesday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m. Completed forms can be submitted to me, or Mr. Mustapich. If you have any questions, please come and see either one of us.

Langara College Entrance Bursaries

The Langara Entrance Bursary is a $500 bursary given to two students from feeder secondary schools. Any student who plans to attend Langara in September, 2010, is eligible to apply.

Selection on the bursary will be based on relative financial need, and on acceptance and enrollment at Langara College.

The application deadline is June 18, 2010.

Please come to see me for an application form.

Calendar of Important Dates (May)

It is getting closer and closer to THE DAY now. Graduation is just around the corner, and I know this is going to be a very, very busy time for many of you. Don't give up, don't slack off - make your final push for another month or two, and you will be there!

There are a lot of events happening in May. For those of you who have applied for post-secondary institutions, you may have received admission notices by now. Please be extremely mindful for deadline dates for i) accepting an admission offer; ii) paying the registration deposits; and iii) meeting faculty-specific deadlines. Unlike that in high school, you would not be given a "grace period" for being late - if you fail to accept an admission offer, for example, your seat at a university/college may be taken back!

Here are some general dates to remember:

• May 1: TWU's admission deposit and early housing deadlines
• May 1: UBC's housing application deadline
• May 1: VCC's music application deadline
• May 7: Non-instructional day at Templeton - school not in session
• May 11: Valedictorian Nomination Forms due at 3:30 p.m.
• May 14: VCC's digital graphic design application due
• May 15: TWU's course registration opens
• May 20: Instructional Planning Period
• May 21: June's Lunch Envelopes due
• May 24: Victoria Day - school not in session
• May 25: Year-end Music Concert
  

Also, a reminder: post-secondary schools will begin verifying your interim grades through their electronic PSIs. If there is an error, you should contact the post-secondary institution directly to rectify the situation. Be proactive.

May's Buss Pass

Just to let you know that your bus passes for May have arrived. You can come to my office at your convenience to pick one up.

If you have submitted an application for a buss pass but is not receiving one, you need to speak to Mr. Mustapich to review and/or to appeal. As mentioned in the past, students may request for a bus pass if they are in a District program, if they live more than 4.8 km from the school, or if there is a financial need. Not providing the necessary documentation and information on your application form may result in you not receiving a bus pass.

Student Loan Information Session Reminder

Just a friendly reminder to you all that there will be an information session on student loan Wednesday at lunch (April 28th) in the library.

Bring all your questions; bring your lunch; bring a pencil and a few pieces of paper - there will probably be quite a lot of information that would be of interests to you.

Bell Schedule Revision

Beginning Monday, April 26, we will return to the original daily bell schedule with a 45-minute lunch period, and a 5-minute break between 3rd and 4th blocks in the afternoon. Specifically:

Monday to Thursday:

• Period 1 (1.4 and 2.4; blocks D and H): 8:45 - 9:45
• Break: 10:05 - 10:20
• Period 2 (1.3 and 2.3; Blocks C and G): 10:20 - 11:45
• Lunch: 11:45 - 12:25
• Period 3 (1.2 and 2.2; Blocks B and F): 12:30 - 1:50
• Period 4 (1.1 and 2.1; Blocks A and E): 1:55 - 3:15

* times in bold represent the revisions made

Friday:

• Period 1 (1.4 and 2.4; blocks D and H): 8:45 - 9:45
• Period 2 (1.3 and 2.3; Blocks C and G): 9:50 - 10:55
• Lunch: 10:55 - 11:40
• Period 3 (1.2 and 2.2; Blocks B and F): 11:40 - 12:40
• Period 4 (1.1 and 2.1; Blocks A and E): 12:45 - 1:45
  

Term 3's Grad Transitions Forms

For those of you who have missed the instructional planning period (IPP) this morning, the term 3's graduation transitions assignment is now available to be picked up from me.

Term 3's assignment focuses on the topics of making a transition plan, financial planning, and creating the necessary document to make your transition plan a reality. The assignment itself is fairly self-explanatory, but should you need assistance, you can come in to see me, or visit Ms. Ward for more details.

For students who are not taking PE 11/12, of course you would have to continue filling in your physical activity log for this term.

Both assignments are due June 18, 2010. That said, since provincial exams are happening the weekend after this due date, we are recommending that you finish those assignments a lot sooner than that.

During IPP, Ms. Ward also mentioned that the final component of graduation transitions is an interview you would have to do with one of the three administrators. Sign-up sheets would be posted outside Mrs. Roberts', Mr. Mustapich's, and Ms. Ward's door some time in May. I will let you know about this when it happens.

Finally, for those who still have not completed your term 1 and/or term 2's graduation transition assignments, you may still submit them to Ms. Ward. If you are not sure whether or not you have successfully completed your GT assignments, refer to your term 2's report card. Search for the course "graduation transitions," and read the comments attached. See the screen shot below (click the image for an enlarged view):
Bottom line, have your GT assignments done ASAP - it is a 4-credit requirement that no grads should be missing.

VLN Online Summer School

A poster for VLN's summer program has arrived at my office, and I have made copies of it.

For students who may be missing a course you need for graduation and/or a post-secondary program, and for students who may wish to upgrade a course you did not do so well in during the school year, VLN is offering a 5-week completion program for a variety of courses at the grades 10 to 12 level.

Summer school program runs from July 2 to Aug 6, with July 15 - 20 being the midterm period, and August 3 - 5 being the final exam period. All students must write the mid-term and final exams in person. No exceptions.

International students need to come into the main VLN office in Room 123 - 530 East 41st Avenue to register.

For more information, you can visit VLN's website (click here) or e-mail its staff at vlnsummer@vsb.bc.ca

Instructional Planning Period - April 22

April's IPP will focus on your third term's graduation transitions assignment, which deals with the topic of financial planning and the budgeting process. Mr. Mustapich may also have some information regarding the graduation ceremony to pass along.

The bell schedule for the day will be a little different from usual. Stay posted for the actual schedule.

As per usual, we will be meeting in the cafeteria for our IPP.

See you there!

Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services' Youth Outreach Academy

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services is offering a Youth Outreach Academy for students who want to learn some life-saving skills and to challenge themselves.

The Academy runs from May 17th to 21st, 2010. It is a challenging program of life saving and fire fighter skills. The goal of the academy is to help students build self-confidence, interpersonal skills, teamwork, and community spirit.

A complete application form contains the following components:

• VF&RS Release of Liability Form
• VSB Parent/Guardian field studies consent form
• VSB Medical/Emergency consent form

If you are interested in the program, please come to see me for an application form.

Information about Provincial Exam Scholarships

One of you came and asked me about scholarships that are given out from the provincial government when you do well on government exams. The following is taken directly from the graduation handbook the Ministry of Education has put forward. For more details, you can download the handbook (click here) and read Chapter 5.

A student will receive a $1000 Examinations Scholarship if he or she:

• meets the basic eligibility requirements (i.e. be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time the provincial exams are written)
  
• achieves at least a “B” final mark (provincial exam and school mark combined) in English 12, Français langue premiere 12, or English 12 First Peoples
• achieves 86% or higher on each of his or her three best Grade 12 provincial exams (can include the English 12 provincial exam)
• fulfills the graduation requirements of either the 1995 Graduation Program, the 2004 Graduation Program or the Adult Graduation Program (Mr. Leung's note: all of our current grade 12 students are on the 2004 Graduation Program)
  

A student will receive a $2500 Examinations Scholarship Award if he or she:

• qualifies to receive an award (above)
• ranks among the top twenty scholarship students (based on his or her percentage score).
  

Any student who achieves a perfect score (100%) in each of three Grade 12 provincial exams will also be awarded an Academic Medal of Excellence.

When a student has two different percent scores for the same Grade 12 provincial exam, the higher percent score will be used. Scholarship scores do not have to be earned in one school year.

So, basically, there is an advantage in writing these optional provincial exams. Some out-of-province post-secondary schools, and some international post-secondary institutions, still require the writing of these provincial exams.

Student Loans Information Session

Mr. Hayes from the career center has just informed me that there will be an information session on student loans on April 28th (Wednesday) at lunch in the library.

Representatives will come to Templeton to speak to you about the many topics on student loans. Among the topics are:

• What is the difference between a loan and a grant?
• How much money is available?
• What is the application process?
  
• How do I fill the application form?
• How are the federal and provincial loan programs different/similar?
• And many more...

For students who are planning on applying for any type of financial assistance, this workshop is probably very important to you. Please make arrangements so you can attend this workshop - grab your lunch early that day!

Out of Office Notice

I will be away from my office from 12:30 to 3:30 Thursday, April 15. I will be down at the school board's office working on the school's timetable for next year.

If you need to see me, please write a note and slip the note under my door. Write down your name, a brief description of why you need to see me, and a best time to contact you on the note. I will try to get back to you ASAP when I come back.

For emergencies, please see either Ms. Gallpen, Ms. Robertson, or Mrs. Morgan. You can also contact any of the administrators: Mrs. Roberts, Mr. Mustapich, or Ms. Ward.

See you on Friday!

Sarah Mclachlan Music Outreach

The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach is an Arts Umbrella project. The project allows young people to explore their creative potential and develop positive peer connections that will inspire them to succeed in life, in addition to building a life-long love of music and enthusiasm for learning. The program is guided by the vision of founding partner, international singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan.

The programs are led by professional musician instructors, who guide students in an exploration of their creative process through songwriting, playing in an ensemble and recording their original work.

If you want to apply for this project, you must submit your application by Friday, April 16. Application forms can be obtained from the office, or you can go to Arts Umbrella's website (click here - the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach's info is at the bottom of the page, while registration information can be found at the top of the page) for details.

Hot Dogs on Sale for $1 all week this week!

The yearbook class is raising funds this week by selling hot dogs! Get you hot dog(s) all week this week (Monday to Friday, April 12 to 16) in the cafeteria during lunch time. Each hot dog is sold only for $1, so get them fast.

(Disclaimer: the hot dogs you purchase may not look exactly as illustrated here, but the money you pay will help fund the yearbook class)

Ms. Kim, I have done my advertising for you out of the goodness of my heart. Now, where's my free yearbook? :p

Canada Student Loans and Grants Brochures

Costs for post-secondary institutions and trade schools have gone up in recent years, and if you are from low- or middle-income families, paying for your education is probably a concern for you.

Canada Student Loans and Grants, together with provincial or territorial student assistance programs, can help. Recent changes to federal student financial assistance mean more money is available in grants, meaning that you can receive the same amount of funds, but have to repay less in the form of student loans. New for this year are $250 and $100 per month grant for full-time students from low- and middle-income families.

Brochures on Canada Student Loans and Grants have arrived. I have about 20 copies but can photocopy more for you. Alternately, you can go to Government of Canada's student loans and grants site for more details (click here).

The Canada SOARS Awards Program 2010 (Update)

The Canada SOARS Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional achievements in the areas of academics, arts, and community services. The program invites applications from secondary school students in grades 11 and 12 with a minimum grade average of 73% on their most recent report card. A panel of interdisciplinary professionals from the Canadian Club of Vancouver will select winners from both levels for each category of award.

This year's applicants must write an essay of no more than 500 words on the topic "The use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter by youth as a means of building a stronger Canada." In the essay, articulate your thoughts on the importance of social networking, its benefits or its problems drawing on your own experience within your school or beyond.

Each award will consist of a special Canada SOARS plaque and a scholarship of:

• $200 for two runner-ups in each category (there are 3 categories)
• $500 for the award recipient in each category
• $500 for Award of Excellence runner-up
• $750 for the Recipient of the Award of Excellence

For an information brochure, or an application form, please come in to see me. I can also e-mail you the information brochure and the application form. For this, please e-mail me at my vsb e-mail address.

Application deadline is May 3, 2010. (deadline has been extended)

The Go Physics! program at Triumf

Ever wonder what Einstein discovered? What are the greatest mysteries in physics today? Do you have aspirations to become the next Stephen Hawking?

The Go Physics! program is a one-day camp to supercharge your theoretical physics brain: from Einstein's warped space time and the weird quantum world of atoms, to the greatest challenge of all: a unified theory of everything, you will be participating in hands-on labs, "minds-on" challenges, and of course, you will be meeting some new friends.

The event will take place on Friday, May 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at TRIUMF, Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. It is sponsored by TRIUMF, as well as BC's Science Fair Foundation.

You must be in grade 11 or 12 physics and have a keen interest and strong ability in both physics and mathematics to apply. Recommendations from your physics teacher (Mr. Hengeveld) is needed in this case. There are only 30 spaces available for this opportunity, so please act fast.

For more information, you can contact Patti Leigh at pleigh@sciencefairfoundationbc.ca for details. You can also ask Mr. Hengeveld for a copy of the information poster.

Templeton Foundation Bursary Applications DUE

It has been over a week since the deadline of the Templeton Foundation Bursary applications has passed. Mrs. Maruno and I have to send the applications into the evaluation committee, so tomorrow (April 9, Friday) will be the last day I will accept an application.

If you are unable to submit the application for any reason, you MUST come and see me during the day on Friday. Otherwise, I will not be able to accept any more applications after Friday.

Important Notice to all VLN students

I have just received, from the VLN, students' second term report card. There are several pieces of important information that I need to point out to you. To illustrate the problem, I have taken the liberty of capturing a "typical" report card that shows my concern. To protect the privacy of the student, no student information nor instructor information is displayed below:
The VLN report card contains a term mark, followed by one or two comments from the instructor. Because VLN courses are self-paced, your term mark is determined ONLY from the work you have completed up until the time the report card is prepared; that is, there is no fixed deadline as to how much course work you have to complete by the term's end (though your instructor has probably given you a timeline as a reference).

As you can see from the above screen shot, this student has a percentage mark of 80% in Planning 10 (in the green rectangle). Had this been a regular report card issued at the school, this mark would indicate that the student has received a mark of 80% based on all the course materials from term 2. However, if you look at the teacher's comment on the right (circled in red), you can see that this student has only completed 5% of the course by finishing the orientation assignment. What this means is, this particular student, in reality, has gotten 80% on one assignment that is worth 5% of the course. It is similar to a student in my old science class receiving an 8/10 on the title page - it does NOT mean the student will be receiving 80% for a term, much less the course! Mathematically-speaking, it means the student actually has only gotten a mark of 4/100 in a course, with about 2 months of school remaining! Bottom line: you must look at both your term mark and your teacher's comments on a VLN report card to see where you are really at.

Many of you are taking a VLN course to upgrade a course you have previously taken. Some of you are taking a course online to fulfill graduation/post-secondary requirement. Not completing the course, particularly not completing a course that is required for graduation, bears some serious consequences. It may mean that you would not have a pre-requisite to register for the program of your choice at a post-secondary institution, or it may mean you would not have sufficient course credits to graduate! I am urging you to contact your VLN teacher immediately to see what you can do to rectify the situation. If you require any assistance, please see me immediately.

UBC: Request for Special Consideration for Admission for Disability-Related Reasons

This information pertains ONLY to students who are applying to UBC.

Special considerations may be given to applicants to UBC who have a known disability (more info will be listed below) and have a competitive grade-point average. The following was taken directly from the letter I have received from Student Development and Services:

Rationale for Special Consideration:

Requests for Special Admissions for disability-related reasons may be made by students whose Grade Point Average is close to the admitting competitive grade point average but not sufficient for Admissions. As well, students should demonstrate a disability-related exceptional circumstance such as one or more of the following:

• lack of accommodation at a previous academic institution when requested by the student despite the provision of appropriate documentation;
• accommodations were not received because the student was not aware of having a disability or diagnosis did not take place until after the completion of studies;
• student’s disability was diagnosed mid-studies after which disability-related accommodations resulted in marked improvement in academic standing;
• relapse of student’s documented disability resulted in academic performance, which did not accurately reflect the student’s academic ability. Duration of relapse was short-term.

For more information, please see me, Mr. Mark, or Mrs. Roberts.

CFIG 2010 National Scholarship Program

Grade 11 and 12 Canadian resident students who are planning to enroll or expected to enroll in a post-secondary program of at least 2 years may be interested in this award.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is giving away one national scholarship of $6000, and 12 regional and high school scholarships of up to $1500. To apply, you must:

• Write a 1000-word essay with proper referencing on one of three topics related to independent grocers and the food industries (details on the essay topics can be obtained online by going to CFIG's scholarship website - click here)
• Provide a list of academic achievements, awards, and extra-curricular activities
• Provide an official transcript of grades
• Submit an application form

Applications must be sponsored by a CFIG store. To find a CFIG sponsor, e-mail kkwo@cfig.ca with your name and area to which you live.

The application deadline for this award is May 31, 2010.

For more detailed instructions or to apply, visit CFIG's scholarship's website: click here

I also have a few information posters in my office, if you need to obtain one.

Barry MacDonald Scholarship

The Barry MacDonald Scholarship is aimed at providing financial support to a Vancouver student in their pursuit of post-secondary education. It will be awarded annually to a grade 12 student who has demonstrated exceptional ability in the use of technology in education. An emphasis will be placed on students whose technological expertise and creativity are directed toward improving learning opportunities, or otherwise integrates computer technology into educational programs in the school or community. The amount of the scholarship is $400.

The application deadline for this scholarship is Friday, April 30. Because this is a VSB-sponsored award, completed application needs to be sent in via intra-office mail. This means you would have to complete your application before the actual deadline, and give your application package to me to send in for you.

For more information, and for an application form, please come in to see me.

Final Block Rotation Change: April 8 & 9

Just a friendly reminder that the final block rotation change will take place this Thursday and Friday, April 8 and 9.

On April 8 (Day 1, Thursday), blocks will go 4-3-2-1. Using the A to H notation, it means classes will go D-C-B-A.

On April 9 (Day 2, Friday), blocks will go 4-3-2-1 as well. That means, in the A to H notation, they will go H-G-F-E.

Please mark this down on your calendar, and don't show up to your 1.2 (Block B) class first thing on April 8.

Calendar of Important Dates (April)

Here are some important dates in April that may be of interest to you:

• April 2: Application deadline for the motion picture production program at Capilano
• April 10: Final SFU Super tour for this academic year
• April 10: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Open House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Kwantlen's Surrey campus
• April 12 & 13: Phase I of Sister School Exchange (Temp students @ Magee)
  
• April 14: VCC Info Night at its Broadway Campus (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  
• April 19 & 20: Phase II of Sister School Exchange (Magee students @ Temp)
  
• April 21: Registration workshop for UNBC
• April 26: IDEA program portfolio deadline at Capilano
• April 30: Capilano University's Excellence Scholarship (CAPX) application deadline
• April 30: Self admission closes for BC/Yukon students at UBC
• April 30: PSIs must be completed electronically for students wishing to have their interim transcript information forwarded to BC and OUAC.

Please note: starting in April, I will be frequently away from my office working on the school's timetable for next year. If you cannot find me in my office, please fill out one of the blue notes that I will place in the hanging folder on my door. Leave me your name, a brief message, and a block/time that would be best for us to meet. I will do my best to get in touch with you at the earliest possible time.

Pathway to Success Youth Employment Initiative

This event, sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group and the BC Centre for Ability, is an one-day camp organized for youth with a permanent disability and/or a chronic medical condition, aged 15 to 22 years, who live in the Lower Mainland.

The camp activities will include a full day of indoor and outdoor activities. The indoor sessions will focus on developing skills to succeed in the work place. The outdoor sessions are experiential activities that would help develop your communication and team work skills.

The camp will be held at Camp Alexandra at Crescent Beach, White Rock on May 18th, 2010 (Tuesday).

For more information, please contact Nicola Oliver at 604-630-3013, or e-mail her at noliver@centreforability.bc.ca.

April's Bus Pass

April's buss passes have arrived. You can come by my office to pick up yours starting... today.

If you have moved recently to a place that is more than 4.8 km away from the school, and you have a financial need, you may apply for a bus pass. Application forms can be found in the hanging file sorter on my door. Completed applications must be submitted to Mr. Mustapich. Because the bus passes are purchased before the end of the month, please complete your application at the earliest possible time. Thanks.

Garfield Weston Awards: application deadline extended

I'm please to let you know that the application deadline for the Garfield Weston Awards for College students have been extended to April 15.

This award, intended for students who are planning to go to a college diploma/applied degree program (university transfer programs are NOT eligible), comprises an $8000 annual stipend, tuition waiver from the college, and a $3500 summer funding. It is one of the biggest award available for college students.

All students with a minimum 75% average are encouraged to apply. Since they are extending the application deadline, it is an indication that your chance of winning an award has increased as there are probably not enough applications.

For more details about this award, visit my old entry by clicking this link (click here). You can also visit Garfield Weston's website for more details (click here).

APEGBC University Entrance and Engineering Transfer Entrance Scholarships

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Foundation (APEGBC) offers a number of university entrance scholarships to graduating high school students entering UBC, SFU, UVic, or UNBC that lead to a degree in engineering or geoscience. Each entrance scholarship is valued at $2500.

The Foundation is also offering several Engineering Transfer Entrance Scholarships valued at $1000 each for graduating high school students entering a college or university engineering transfer program in BC.

Scholarship selection is based on Grade 12 academics, extra-curricular activities, references, financial need, and the student's written statement outlining reasons for entering the profession.

Applications should be completed and post-marked no later than June 28, 2010. Students submitting applications for the scholarship should also arrange for their Grade 12 transcripts to be sent to APEGBC before August 6, 2010.

For more information, or for the application, visit one of the links below:

APEGBC's General Scholarship Information: click here

Entrance Scholarship Application Form (for students entering an engineering program at UBC, SFU, UVic, or UNBC): click here

Transfer Scholarship Application Form (for students entering an engineering transfer program): click here

BCIT Aviation Education Info Day

For students who are considering a career in the aviation industry, this may be an information session that is of interest to you:

BCIT’s Aviation Education Information Day

On April 10 (Saturday) between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., BCIT’s Aerospace Technology campus will be open to you (Address: 3800 Cessna Drive, Richmond – you can click here for a map).

This information session would allow you to:

• Meet with BCIT instructors and industry reps
• Speak with current students and check out their projects
• Visit BCIT’s 300,000 sq. ft. campus housing over 35 aircrafts and training aids

For more information, you can go to the aerospace/aviation department’s website (click here). To register for the event, click here.

Grad Intro Forms

I have been going to your English/Communication classes distributing an orange/green form. This form would contain the information you want me to read, on your behalf, as you walk across the stage during the graduation ceremony in June.

You are limited to an introduction of two sentences (no 75-word run-on sentences, please). During the brief introduction, you may want to thank those who have made a difference in your high school life, and/or you may want to talk about your plans following graduation.

Please note: Mrs. Roberts and I reserve the right to change any content that we deem to be unsuitable/inappropriate for the graduation ceremony. If you are not sure what would be accepted or not, please come in to see either one of us.

Completed forms must be submitted to me by March 31, 2010.

Soldier for a Day Work Study Program

Since 1996, the BC Army Reserve has been working in conjunction with various school districts in running a work study program that helps familiarize students with the Canadian Army Reserve.

This one-day seminar intends to give an interactive introduction to the Canadian Forces Army Reserve. Students will learn about equipment, vehicles, and experience a wide range of military skills.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 24 from 8:30 to 4:30.

Participants must be over the age of 15, and be enrolled in grade 10 or higher. Application and release forms can be obtained from my office.

The application deadline is Friday, April 16, 2010.

Templeton Foundation Bursary

Each year, friends of Templeton donate money to assist our students with financial needs who plan to pursue post-secondary education. One-time bursaries and scholarships are given to students that are selected by the Templeton Foundation Bursary selection committee.

Application forms for these bursaries can be obtained from my office. I must point out that some information surrounding you and your family's finance must be disclosed on the application form. Your financial information would remain confidential to the selection committee, however.

Completed application forms can be submitted to me by the end of March. Late applications may not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to come in and see me.

Phillip Paulson Scholarship

The Phillip Scholarship is an $1000 award aimed at providing financial support to a Vancouver School Board (VSB) student in his/her pursuit of post-secondary education leading to a university degree.

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates compassion, a dedication to serving others, a commitment to the betterment of individuals or the greater society. Examples of such activities include (but not restricted to): citizenship activities, service to others through volunteer work in the school and beyond, and personal achievements focused on supporting others.

Completed applications must be sent through VSB's internal school mail to:
Phillip Paulson Scholarship Committee
c/o VSB Professional and Administrative Staff Association
VSB Maintenance & construction
1549 Clark Drive
Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3L4
Attention: Doug McClary

Application must be received by Wednesday, April 21, 2010.

Application forms and further details can be obtained form my office, or you can contact Doug McClary by phone at 604-713-5640, or by e-mail at dmcclary@vsb.bc.ca

Sister School Switch 2010

The Vancouver District Student Council (VDSC) will be sponsoring the annual Sister School Switch program in April once again. This program focuses on bringing together students from each sister school pair in a student shadow/school exchange activity.

This year's program will send 8 students (4 in grades 11 and 12; 4 in grades 9 and 10) to Magee Secondary (above left). Magee host students will be hosting our students on April 12, 13 (with the 14th being an optional date) while Templeton will be hosting our Magee friends on April 19, 20 (with the 21st being an optional date).

Application forms can be obtained from me. Completed application forms need to be submitted to me by March 31st at 8:45 a.m. (no late application forms will be accepted). The students chosen to participate will be notified before the end of that day.

Please note: Following the selection process, successful applicants must obtain a teacher permission form to be excused for the classes on April 9 and 10. It is also your responsibility to keep up with the class work and assignments during the switch.