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.

Vancouver Fire Fighters: Gordon Anderson Memorial Bursary

I have just received information about a $500 bursary the Vancouver Fire Fighers' Union Local 18 is offering.

The Gordon Anderson Memorial Bursary, valued at $500 each, is offered to six students in good standing who have contributed to the school community, as well as expressed interest in labour-related issues.

The award is offered to graduating students from Vancouver public secondary schools, or the graduating child of a current or retired Vancouver Fire Fighter. All applicants must be a permanent resident in B.C., and must register in a recognized post-secondary program prior to the end of the current calendar year.

To apply, you must:

• submit a covering letter (details can be found on the application form)
• complete the bursary application form
• provide two letters of reference
• submit a copy of your most recent transcript

Application deadline is April 23, 2010.

For more information, you can go to Vancouver Fire Fighters' website (click here) for details.

Application forms can be obtained from me or you can click here for a direct link.

SFU Super Tour

The final Super Tour for the 2010 school year at SFU's Burnaby campus will take place on April 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:15 a.m.).

This event is designed to introduce prospective students and their families to SFU's programs, campus, current students and professors, and to the advising staff. It is a guided tour led by SFU students, and a great way to experience what SFU has to offer.

The following is an overview of the event:

• Introductions and student life keynote
• Program/Faculty Q&A Session
• Snacks and guided tour
• Faculty and advisor meet and and greet
• Closing keynote

The Supertour is free to register, but you must register first as spaces for program-specific tours have limited spaces. To register, go to the Tours site at SFU (click here) and choose the "book a supertour" option.

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.

Two Information Sessions

As we move closer and closer to graduation time, more information sessions are put together by various post-secondary institutions to advertise to you their programs and what they have to offer. Specifically:

The Big Info Session and Program Expo for BCIT will take place Wednesday, March 31, 2010, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the BCIT Burnaby Campus (3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby). You can talk to students, graduates, and instructors about BCIT's full-time and part-time programs. Learn also about BCIT's unique program where you can obtain a professional certificate in 1 year, a professional diploma in 2 years, or a degree in 4 years.

You can register by calling 604-451-6735 or visit BCIT's Big Info Session's website: click here

Vancouver Community College (VCC) is hosting a big info night on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at their Broadway campus (1155 East Broadway, Vancouver). You can learn about any of the 140 full-time and part-time programs VCC has to offer, meet the faculty, and enter for a draw to win $500 towards your tuition.

To find out more, and the check out VCC's programs, go to VCC's website: click here

Posters and pamphlets of these two info sessions can be viewed and obtained from my office.

Capilano University (Misc.)

Two pieces of news surrounding Capilano University:

I have just received the "Hotline" newsletter from Capilano University. Inside the March's issue is a complete list of the program information meetings for many of the university's programs. Different from the general information session, these information meetings would help you get a program-specific understanding of a program of your choice, and to learn about career options that you would have by completing these programs.

The complete program list has been posted on my door, or you can also visit Capilano's info meeting's site for more details: click here

Academic advisors from Capilano University will be visiting Templeton on Monday, March 22. If you want to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an advisor, please sign-up at my door by the end of the day Friday. The academic advisors can answer your questions regarding admission requirements, tuition fees, financial aid and awards, registration process, and program details. I would encourage all students who are considering Capilano to schedule for a meeting. Each advising session will be around 20 minutes in duration. Sign-up sheet is posted outside my office, next to the little white board.

Bachelor of Education Degrees with NITEP at UBC

The Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) at UBC offers a bachelor of education degree both at the elementary and secondary level for students of First Nations ancestry. Through the program, students earn a Bachelor of Education Degree that prepares them to teach in the public, band-operated, and independent schools.

NITEP is currently accepting applications for the 2010 - 2011 academic year. The application deadline is April 30, 2010. All applicants who submit all supporting documentation by June 15 will have their Faculty of Education application fee paid by NITEP.

For more information, come see me, or the First Nations support workers at Templeton. You may also wish to visit NITEP's website (click here) for more details.

Capilano University's General Information Night

Capilano University will be holding a general information night this Thursday, March 18, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m., at its North Vancouver campus.

In addition to hearing a general presentation about Capilano programs and courses, you'll be able to meet with faculty and ask general and program-specific questions. It is an ideal way to get an in-depth look at Capilano University and learn more about student life, campus atmosphere, financial aid, admission requirements and the application process. You can also win prizes by attending this event!

The information night will take place in the library building in Room 322 at Capilano's North Vancouver campus (2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver). For more information, you can go to the "Explore Capilano" website (click here).

Term 2's Grad Transitions Forms Reminder

Just a reminder to all students that the Term 2's graduation transitions assignments are due Tuesday, March 16. Two assignments are due this time:

1. The physical activities log (printed on yellow paper this term)
2. The Employability Skills form (printed on purple paper)

A few minor clarifications to point out to you regarding your graduation transitions assignments:

• If you are currently taking PE 11 or PE 12, and had submitted your physical activities log in term 1, you do NOT have to re-submit a log for term 2.
• You should enter your physical activities on a weekly basis. That is, instead of listing what you have done on any given day, or record your hours for a particular month, list your physical activities on a weekly basis (e.g. Week of Mar 1 to Mar 7)
• The 30 hours of work experience can be obtained through paid work, volunteer work, or a combination of both.
• These 30 hours can be obtained during your grade 11 year, during the summer between grade 11 and 12, or during this year. Hours obtained in the summer of 2008 (between your grade 10 to 11 year) does NOT count.

Completed GT assignments can be submitted to Ms. Ward. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask Ms. Ward, or you can ask me as well.

For information about other GT assignments, including Term 1's GT assignments that some of you have yet to complete, you can go to my older entries (click here to display all of them)

Post-secondary Transition Information Forum (for youth with disabilities)

A flyer has been e-mailed to me about an upcoming information forum that would provide information for all secondary students with special needs.

The forum will provide current information on services, programs, and resources, which exist to support students transitioning from secondary school. Parents and students are encouraged to attend.

The forum will take place on March 29, 2010 (Monday) from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Board of Education (1580 West Broadway, Vancouver). A "resource fair" of tables and information will be ongoing in the VSB cafeteria. Participants will have the opportunity to talk to presenters and collect materials at the resource fair.

More details can be found from the forum's flyer, which was posted on my door.

The Croatian Cultural Centre's Scholarships and Bursaries

The United Croats of Canada King Tomislav Branch (Croatian Cultural Centre) is offering scholarships and bursaries for BC residents of Croatian ancestry (at least one parent must be of Croatian ancestry).

The scholarships are in the amounts of $500 and $1000 for full time attendance either at a university, college, or a technical/vocational institute. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. Applicants must provide two letters of reference, and a short essay on a topic chosen by the scholarship committee.

The bursaries are in the amounts of $500 and $1000 for full time attendance either at a university, college, or technical/vocational institute. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need and previously demonstrated capacity for successful completion of a program of studies. Applicants must provide two letters of reference, and a short essay on a topic chosen by the scholarship committee.

Completed application forms must be received by May 1, 2010, to be considered for the fall term or semester. Application forms can be obtained from my office, at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive), or the Centre's website (click here).

BCAHA Scholarship/Bursary

The British Columbia Association of Health-Care Auxiliaries Scholarship/Bursary, valued at $1000 this year, is awarded to a BC student enrolling in first year studies in a human health care field at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution of advanced learning.

To qualify, you must:

• be a resident in the province of BC
• have conducted a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer services to an accredited health-related facility (career prep does NOT count)
• intention to enroll in further education in the human health care field
• a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• demonstrate financial need
  

The recipient must attend the first year upon graduation from secondary school or the award, or the award may be defaulted.

Details and the application form can be obtained from my office.

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

Calendar of Important Dates (March)

Spring is just around the corner (it starts officially on March 21), and this is an exciting month for a variety of reasons. The following are some important dates that you may need to mark on your personal calendar:

• March 1: Capilano University and VCC re-open after the Winter Olympics
• March 1 - 7: Students who wish to be considered for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kwantlen for the Spring 2011 term must submit their applications
• March 3: Music Spring Dinner Concert at 6:00 p.m.
• March 4: Grad "Hang Out" in the new gym
• March 5: Last day of classes before spring break
• March 15: School re-opens after spring break
• March 15: Capilano U's HKIN program and document deadline
• March 16: End of Term 2 + Term's 2 GT assignments due date
• March 16: Kwantlen U's scholarship application deadline
• March 17: UBC self-admission opens
• March 24: Lunch envelopes for April due
• March 25, 26: 30-hour famine
• March 26: Term 2's report cards sent home
• March 31: BIG info session and program fair at BCIT
• March 31: Application deadline for Selective Entry undergraduate programs at Kwantlen
• March 31: Self-reporting phase 2 closes at UVic

Please note: individual scholarships' application deadlines are not listed. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that scholarship applications are submitted on time. Please be considerate in asking staff for reference letters. Generally, allow 2 weeks for a teacher to write a reference letter for you.

Enjoy a festive March!