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.

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.

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).
  

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Public Memorial Service for Ms. Ho

There will be a public memorial service for Ms. Ho on Saturday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chinese Cultural Center (555 Columbia Street, Vancouver, B.C.). This special event to remember and honour Ms. Ho is open to all staff and students wishing to attend.