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.