Weekly E-Newsletter Stay Connected @ BCSS Friday, May 25, 2018
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Week 15 of semester 2 ends with our grads very excited about their prom tonight.
It was a terrific Prom 2018 for Bear Creek students, at Tangle Creek. Everyone was well behaved, well dressed and well-coiffed. The meal was excellent, the music pretty good, and it appeared that everyone had a good time. Thanks to Mrs. Watson, Mrs. McNamara & their team for a great evening.
From what I have seen, Mother Nature is providing another “interesting” weather weekend – sun, warm, rain, cool, windy! Welcome to Summer!
Whatever the weather, I hope you have a great time with family and friends!
Can you believe it is the last weekend of May? Again, where did this year go?
We had an area all candidates debate on Wednesday.
I am always open to suggestions and comments, so please contact me at [email protected] if you have something on your mind.
E-newsletters are available on the Bear Creek website: http://bss.scdsb.on.ca/
Please follow me on Twitter: @VPWilkinson
Please follow me on Instagram: spfx8691
If you see a topic you want to learn more about, you go to the item and press the “Ctrl” button while you click your cursor and you will be “magically” transported to the topic you chose. To “magically” transport back to the table of contents, go to the “Back to the Table of Contents” words at the end of each article, and press the “Ctrl” button while you click your cursor and you will be “magically” transported back to the table of contents.
Table of Contents
Bear Creek Grills Candidates On The Issues ...... 2 Dress Code ...... 4 Green Team ...... 6 Craft Sale ...... 6 Do You Know a Youth, Aged 15-29, Who Is Looking for A Job or to Gain Work Experience? ...... 6 Dental Health Worker Visits - Monday afternoon ...... 7 SheCANPlay ...... 7 Kodiak Paw Commencement Award ...... 7 Rock Climbing Club ...... 7 Applying for Scholarships ...... 7 Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario Provincial Scholarship ...... 8 Applications Open For 2018-19 Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants...... 9 Stay Safe In The Sun ...... 9 Summer Camp Can Be A Life-Changing Experience ...... 9 School’s in for Summer at The SCDSB ...... 10 New Path Offering Child and Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinics ...... 10 Gilbert Centre Programs for LGBTQ2S Youth and Families ...... 10 OSAP Applications For 2018-19 Now Available ...... 11 BCSS Lunchtime Live/Jam Sessions ...... 11 Volunteer Opportunities ...... 11 Sports News ...... 13 Important Dates...... 14 Positively Speaking ...... 14 The Law of the Garbage Truck – Part 2 ...... 14 Parent’s Corner ...... 15 Help Your Teen Schedule Time To Prepare For Upcoming Exams ...... 15 Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week ...... 15 P.S. (Positive Statement): ...... 16
What’s Happening at BCSS?
Bear Creek Grills Candidates On the Issues
High school students are a snapshot of the future.
An all-candidates debate held Wednesday morning at Bear Creek Secondary School in south-end Barrie featured five candidates running to become the MPP representing Barrie-Innisfil once the provincial election rolls around on June 7, as well as one stand- in.
On hand for the debate were Stacey Surkova (Trillium), Andrea Khanjin (Progressive Conservative), Pekka Reinio (New Democrats), Ann Hoggarth (Liberal), Bonnie North (Green) and Amanda Wattie, who was taking part in the debate on behalf of Canadians’ Choice Party candidate Jake Tucker. Tucker was in the audience, but unable to participate due to a bout with laryngitis.
The all-candidates debate was moderated by teacher Jason Rourke, who referred to students as “the next generation of voters” and reminded them that it’s important to vote based on your belief system.
Each candidate was given four minutes to present their party’s platform, followed by a question-and-answer session (and candidate rebuttals) where students stepped up to the microphone in the middle of the packed auditorium.
Issues raised included the minimum-wage increase, climate change, post-secondary school funding, mental- health strategies, sex-ed curriculum and transit/infrastructure.
After the Q&A, the candidates were also given a chance to provide some closing remarks. Following the debate, candidates answered more questions from students during a more informal meet-and-greet on the auditorium floor.
One of the more lukewarm exchanges came when Hoggarth asked Khanjin about her stance on gay-straight alliances, which are often student-led groups that foster safe and supportive environments for the LGBTQ communities in schools.
Hoggarth pointedly asked Khanjin if her party would allow such alliances in schools.
“Miss Khanjin used to work for Jason Kenney, who says he will outlaw them if he is the premier of Alberta,” Hoggarth said. “I would like to know if her government would allow gay-straight alliances in the school.” Khanjin fired back at Hoggarth.
“Ann, as a fellow female, frankly I think it’s appalling that you think that I have the same opinion as a man,” Khanjin said.
“I think as a young female, and there are many young females here, we all have our own opinions,” she added as the noise level in the auditorium began to rise among the students. “And the PC Party is a party where we believe in equality of outcome and we believe we’re discussing all people’s beliefs, and therefore we’re not going to be banning such things in schools.
“I can have my own opinion and the PC Party has its own opinion,” Khanjin said to applause.
Sex-ed curriculum was a hot topic at Bear Creek, as a student asked Khanjin about her party’s stance on taking a new look at the issue and how it could affect the LGBTQ community.
Khanjin there was not much consultation around the sex-ed curriculum when it was introduced.
“We want to increase that consultation,” she said, adding her party wants to consult a broader range of people, including teachers, parents and retired teachers.
“Look, we don’t want to be creating policy in a silo in some ivory tower at Queen’s Park,” Khanjin said. “We want to leave it to some experts and consult some experts, and that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
Students had differing opinions about what unfolded Wednesday morning at the debate.
Johanna Porter, a Grade 12 student at Bear Creek, said issues such as the raising cost of post-secondary education are crucial for teenagers preparing to move on to college or university in the coming months.
“It’s about how it affects us and our community,” said Porter, who just turned 18 and will be participating in her first election next month. “I think they addressed the issues well and it was informative.”
Madeleine Bower, who’s also a Grade 12 student who just turned 18, said she noticed some of the candidates tried to dodge questions and instead would go into their party platforms to bring the discussion around to other topics.
“We’re big about the environment, so it was good to see them address climate change,” Bower said. “They definitely did answer enough questions, but some went unanswered. It definitely helped me figure out who I’ll vote for.”
Tyler Brittain, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, said he didn’t like how some of the hopefuls acted during the debate.
“Some of the candidates were being very unprofessional, joking and laughing while the others were speaking,” Brittain said.
Brittain said he liked that the candidates fielded several questions from the student body about mental health, which he called “a very important issue, top of the list.
“There are a lot of people who’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and it’s become more widespread, especially in high school where more people are becoming aware. People are becoming more confident talking about it.”
Source: “Bear Creek grills candidates on the issues”, Raymond Bowe, May 23, 2018, Barrie Today, https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/bear-creek-grills-candidates-on-the-issues-932209?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email
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Dress Code
With the warm weather here, we usually have an increase in dress code violations in an effort to stay cool. I included a graphic for you to share with your teen, in case we (administrators) have to talk to your teen about this, you know what we are referring to.
One of the things that always happens when we approach Summer is students take out their summer clothes in preparation for the nicer weather. We see an increased usage of flip flops, tank tops, shorts and muscle shirts appearing in and around the school. We usually have to remind students that there are appropriate places for some items of clothing that they wear...but it may not be at school!
For example:
Short shorts are not appropriate at school. How short is short? Well, we don’t use a ruler to measure them, but generally speaking if the tips of a student’s fingers extend below the hem of the shorts, then the shorts are probably too short. Another guideline I have been using recently is if the material of the front pocket can be seen below the hem of the shorts, the shorts are most likely too short.
Tank Tops and Muscle Shirts: We do not allow students to wear these, even in phys. ed. classes. There is a myth out there, called the “three finger rule”, that says if the straps of the top are more than three fingers wide the top is OK. Our students have been told that the expectation is that clothing provides “an uninterrupted line of clothing covering the body from top of the shoulders to mid-thigh”. Tops should also have appropriate necklines that are not too revealing and there should not be inappropriate graphics or expressions on the top. Instead of spaghetti straps, think lasagna noodles!
The choice of footwear is somewhat more flexible, but it must be appropriate (for safety reasons) to the class. While sandals may be appropriate in an English class, they would not be appropriate in a technical class or a science class (spilled chemicals could pose a hazard).
No clothing should have inappropriate language, drug or associated paraphernalia, weapons, or alcohol images on them. Again, these may be fine for out of school, but in an educational institution, they are not appropriate.
There are lots of ways to dress for school...
...but there are a few things that aren't okay.
Our board’s dress code is one way that we embed the principles set out in the SCDSB and Ministry of Education documents, Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario, and Equity and Inclusive Education to ensure safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments for all of our students. In SCDSB schools, we believe that students should be able to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination. When making choices about what to wear to school, we respect your individuality. To ensure that our learning environments are safe and respectful spaces, our board has consulted with students and staff to develop this set of shared standards for student dress. Your clothing cannot pose a safety concern or conceal your identity. Note that exceptions are granted to students who wear head coverings or other garments/objects for the purposes of religious observance, medical or sensory needs, or other reasons protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Back to Table of Contents
Green Team
Bear Creek hosted a very successful All Candidates meeting this week which saw our auditorium packed with attentive students wanting to learn how to choose who or which party to vote for to make a better future for Ontario. The Technical department also videotaped the meeting live so other teachers could have their classes watch from their classroom TVs. Even more were able to tune in to the website where the Meeting was saved.
In the Green Team’s Friday announcement, Kodiak’s were encouraged to keep talking and thinking about which candidate will make a better Ontario on election day. Remember Earth Day is every day and be sure to consider who would help provide a healthier climate and environment and therefore a more sustainable future.
This is the web address for the Meeting to the school community to check out. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_dRZKFsqab6dV8bcRQEnw
Meetings are every Monday, during lunch, in room 207. Back to Table of Contents
Craft Sale
Base Borden has its annual air show on June 2nd and 3rd. It is an excellent show. Tying into that show, is a craft sale:
Saturday 2 Jun 18 9 am – 3 pm Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School 8505 County Rd 10, Angus ON
OVER 70 VENDORS!!!!
Stop by and see us before/after the Base Borden Air Show!!
Admission $1/BBQ onsite!
Hosted by Michele Garland and Laura Morgan
Contact: [email protected]
Proceeds of this event will be shared between Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School and the Military Family Resource Centre. Back to Table of Contents
Do You Know a Youth, Aged 15-29, Who Is Looking for A Job or to Gain Work Experience?
The Career Centre can help. Services include paid employment training, support with job searches and more, at no cost. Meet with an Employment Consultant today, or visit the Career Centre website at www.barriecareercentre.com for more information, including hours of operation. The Career Centre is operated by the Simcoe County District School Board. This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Back to Table of Contents
Dental Health Worker Visits - Monday afternoon
Does your child need dental work and you are unable to afford it? The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provides a dental health worker for students in need. Monique of the Health Unit will be coming to Bear Creek on May 28 and is now accepting appointments for that day by calling: 705-721-7520, ext. 7875, or speak to Mr. Wilkinson, in the office. Please contact her directly and she will ensure your child will have a time. Students with an appointment will also receive a kit consisting of toothpaste, toothbrush, floss and other items for dental care.
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SheCANPlay
Calling all females! Are you passionate about being active? Would you like to meet more people that share the same interests as you? Well you're in luck. The first SheCANPlay event will be hosted at The Heights Ski and Country Club on Thursday, May 24th from 5 – 8 p.m. This night will include: yoga, an energizer activity, guest speakers, food and an award winning movie and social. To sign up either connect to the SheCANPlay Facebook group or follow the link on the attached poster. SheCANPlay....EVERYTHING!
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Kodiak Paw Commencement Award
Grade 12 students please fill out the below google form. This information will help us award the recipients of the Kodiak Paw Awards. DEADLINE is June 1st to be eligible for a Kodiak Claw and/or Paw. www.bit.ly/Kodiakpaw2018 Back to Table of Contents
Rock Climbing Club
This is a reminder that rock climbing club will be departing after school Fridays from Portable 403. See Ms. Wilson-Weir if you have any questions. Back to Table of Contents
Applying for Scholarships
Now is the best time for grade 12 students to apply for scholarships, we are in the heart of peak scholarship season. At ScholarTree.ca, we are continuing to improve on what is already the best site for Canadian students to find and apply for scholarships.
We've listened to feedback from students and have made some significant changes to the scholarships page.
New Features: - View scholarships by category - Filter scholarships - More sort options - More accurate matching algorithm - Improved mobile interface
ScholarTree is 100% free to students! Back to Table of Contents
Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario Provincial Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2018
Value: $1,000
Selection: This scholarship is provided for students furthering their formal education as a full-time student at a post- secondary institution (in their first year). For scholarships to be awarded, proof of enrolment must be received by the FWIO Provincial Office by September 30th. Scholarships are forfeited after this date and will be awarded to the alternate.
Eligibility: For the 2018 scholarship, students must complete a 500-word essay, answering the question: "Advocacy has always been a big part of the Women's Institute. What do you see as a topic the Institute should be advocating for? Why and how should this be done?"
Awarded on the basis of academic achievement upon entrance into the program. A transcript of marks for the most recent academic year showing the numerical grade average in percentage form for the complete year (e.g. 85%).
Three signed reference letters from community organizers and/or high school faculty (no more than 2 from the school).
Applicant must be a Canadian Citizen, a resident of Ontario, and a prospective high school graduate. Previous winners are not eligible.
Full-time students entering their first year of studies at a post-secondary institution.
Conditions: Candidates may apply only once in any one year. When only one application is received, a grade point average of 75% must be attained for the full scholarship award. Half of the scholarship amount will be awarded for a mark under 75%.
FWIO Provincial Scholarship Application Form (PDF)
The above application form has been created in a fillable format. Please complete and return to FWIO by the above deadline. Back to Table of Contents
Applications Open For 2018-19 Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants
Parents/guardians play a vital role in public education, and Ontario’s Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants are designed to encourage parents’/guardians’ involvement in their children’s education to support student achievement and well-being. PRO grants are provided to select applicants who develop projects, events or training in support of parent/guardian engagement. Applications are due by June 5. Find out more: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/. Back to Table of Contents
Stay Safe In The Sun
It only takes one bad sunburn in childhood to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. As the weather gets warmer, follow these sun safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and SPF 15 lip balm apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside (even on cloudy days) and always follow the label instructions apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin – nose, ears, back of neck, tops of feet, etc. reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours and after sweating or swimming wear loose, long sleeved shirts and pants, a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses if possible, avoid being in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when you’re outside, look for shade.
For more sun safety tips, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1- 877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
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Summer Camp Can Be A Life-Changing Experience
According to a recent study from the University of Waterloo, the positive development that children and youth experience at summer camp results in sustained behavioural changes at home, school and in the community. Friendships blossom, self-confidence emerges and independence grows – helping children and teens build resilience to help them face new challenges throughout their lives. Here are four life skills fostered at summer camp:
Increased independence and self-confidence – Camp is the perfect place for kids to practice making decisions for themselves without parents and teachers guiding their every move.
Making new friends and being part of a positive group – Free from the social expectations pressuring them at school, camp encourages kids to relax and make friends easily.
Increased environmental awareness – When children are connected to their environment, they are healthier and happier. Summer camp provides kids with the opportunity to “unplug” from technology and enrich their perception of the world, while enjoying the great outdoors.
Improved attitudes towards physical activity – Children spend so much time indoors these days and mostly sitting down. A recent Statistics Canada study found that only seven per cent of youth aged six to 19 got the recommended hour a day of exercise they need. Summer camp is a great way for kids to get outside and move.
The benefits of camp are plenty – from life lessons beyond the classroom to appreciating nature and building confidence and leadership skills. Learn more about the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka camps at YMCASummerCamp.Ca.
Information provided by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Back to Table of Contents
School’s in for Summer at The SCDSB
Are you and your child planning their courses for next school year? Looking for a way to create flexibility in their timetable and earn a credit? Consider summer school! Each year, the SCDSB offers a variety of summer programs to over 2,000 students. Summer school options include open, college and university level courses from Grades 9 to 12. Courses are offered in-person or online. Interested students can also travel and earn credits with the summer EduTravel program. Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.learningcentres.com. Current SCDSB students should speak to their guidance counsellor for information and to register. Register now so that your summer school choices align with course selection for next year! Back to Table of Contents
New Path Offering Child and Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinics
New Path now offers Child and Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinics in five office locations throughout Simcoe County: Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Collingwood and Orillia. The Walk-In Clinic provides a single session to children, youth and families who require support for emotional, relationship or behavioural challenges. The Walk-In Clinic can be accessed by children, youth and families as often as they require support. Children, youth and families can self-refer by attending one of the walk-in clinic locations across the county. Dates and times of the clinics are posted on the New Path website (www.newpath.ca). For more information, contact New Path’s Central Intake Department at 705-725-7656 or from the 905 area code in Simcoe County by calling 1-866-566-7656. Back to Table of Contents
Gilbert Centre Programs for LGBTQ2S Youth and Families
The Gilbert Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit, charitable organization that provides programs and services to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals and families in Simcoe-Muskoka.
Visit the Centre’s website at www.gilbertcentre.ca for more information about these programs:
LGBTQ2S Youth Connection drop-in groups LGBTQ2S Youth Connection is a drop-in and social space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, 2spirit, trans, asexual etc. and questioning youth. Groups are a place for youth to connect with each other and to community. Groups take place in Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Parenting LGBTQ Youth sessions These free sessions, ‘Parenting LGBTQ Youth,’ are offered in April, May and June in Alliston, Barrie, Collingwood and Orillia. Dinner is provided. To reserve your spot, contact Jake at [email protected] or 705-722-6778 ext. 107.
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OSAP Applications For 2018-19 Now Available
Going to college or university next year? The 2018-19 Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is now accepting applications for full-time students. Apply early to get an estimate of the amount of grants and loans you could receive. Apply now at: www.ontario.ca/osap. Back to Table of Contents
BCSS Lunchtime Live/Jam Sessions
Jam Sessions is a “safe space” mental health initiative that allows staff and students to learn and play guitar and/or ukulele, for FREE.
Jam Sessions is now in need of any gently used acoustic guitars and currently looking for a Cajun (slap) drum or djembe drums.
BCSS Lunchtime Live provides a venue to showcase their talents - some of which performing for the first time (students with high anxiety too!). BCSS Lunchtime Live mainly features music but will have other themed events like poetry, dance, and improv as well.
Eventually we're looking to have our own sound system for Lunchtime Live as we increase our performances from 2 times per month to every available Friday lunch: microphones and speakers/amps. (Tech crew is busy as is and we can't always rely on booking out their equipment.)
Any community support, donation, connection that will help with equipment or costs would be appreciated.
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Volunteer Opportunities
VOLUNTEER! GET INVOLVED! BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY!
Do you want to volunteer or get a summer job? Not sure where to start? Check out Bear Creek’s volunteer and student job opportunity board located outside of the Guidance office. It is updated weekly with fantastic opportunities! Still not sure what to do? Make an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor for some further suggestions.
Remember, EVERY student must complete a minimum 40 hours of volunteer work to graduate.
Please submit your “Completion of Community Involvement Activities” sheet (this sheet can be found either on-line or at the Guidance office) to the Guidance office as soon as it is signed by both you and a parent.
1. Do you like sports? Are you in need of community service hours? Do you want to get a jump on community service hours? Well the home game crew might be for you! We are in need of capable and trustworthy students to help with sports scorekeeping for the year. Basketball and volleyball are the main sports in which we require help. Please sign up on the list outside of the student success office room 110 or see Mr. Wilkey.
2. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Breakfast Club. Please see him at the Breakfast Club table any day for more information and to sign up.
3. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students who need volunteer hours to come out and join him on the front gardens. Lots of fun digging, exhilarating weeding, and planting will be had by all. Contact Mr. Wilkinson for more information.
4. Tree Planting
This year, the South Simcoe Streams Network is planning 19 events with a planting target of 5000 native trees and shrubs. Weekday and weekend opportunities are available to students.
SPRING WEEKENDS Sunday, May 27th—Adjala-Tosorontio (afternoon)
Contact Mr. Wilkinson for more information.
5. Rushmount Equine Sports Ltd – needs volunteers 1773 Cambrian Road in Severn June 3, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Community Fundraiser with proceeds going to Diabetes Canada Camps. Contact Robb Russell at [email protected].
6. Kerry’s Place in conjunction with Community Works Canada needs volunteers Seeking volunteers ages 15-21 to provide peer mentorship to youth with autism once a week for 11 weeks in Barrie CommunityWorks Canada® is an after-school program for teens with autism to make new friends and gain valuable work experience while building communication and social skills. Earn up to 30 volunteer hours Make a difference in someone’s life Build leadership skills Gain valuable volunteer experience Make new friends
PROGRAM PERIOD: APRIL 18th to JUNE 27th, 2018 WEEK 1: ORIENTATION WEEK 2-11: WORK EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES AT VARIOUS LOCAL BUSINESSES Get involved today by calling (647)296-6476 or email [email protected]. Visit www.worktopia.ca for more details. 7. St Georges Anglican Church
No date was given, so give the number below a call.
St. George's Anglican Church 9 Granville St, Barrie.
We're in need of 5-7 students in need of community hours. For a rummage sale. We need students to help carry furniture, books and other items bought by the community to cars.
Starting at 0600 (6 am) going to 1500 (3pm). The sale starts at 0800 (8am) to 1300 (1pm) Please dress for weather as jobs could include working outside.
No lunch provided, but there will be a BBQ to buy food from.
If there are further questions, please contact by phone at 705-816-2214
8. TOWNSHIP OF ESSA ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM – June 9th
The Adopt-A-Road Program is a township-wide program that encourages community involvement in the maintenance of Township roadsides and is open to community groups and individuals who want to take an active role in enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Essa Township partners with local groups or individuals to clean up sections of Township roadsides.
The Thornton District Lions Community Service Club is looking for students to assist them with their semi- annual roadside debris pickup on Saturday, June 9th.
Community service hours available.
All appropriate safety and supplies will be provided.
Please call Lion, Joan Jay at 705-436-1548
Back to Table of Contents Sports News
To check out scores, schedules, standings, etc., please go to: http://www.scaasports.ca .
Next week’s sporting events look like:
Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th Thursday 31st Friday 1st Sr. Boys’ Rugby Girls’ Slo-Pitch Track & Field Track & Field vs. Collingwood & OFSAA Regionals OFSAA Regionals Nantyr @ York University @ York University
Sr. Girls’ Rugby Ultimate Frisbee Jr. Boys’ Rugby Boys’ Baseball Tournament Playoffs vs. TBD
Are you a new student to Bear Creek in grade 10, 11, or 12 and are interested in playing sports? Did you transfer from another high school? Please come to see Mr. Wilkey in Student Success, room 110, to fill out the necessary forms so you can play sports this year.
Bear Creek’s Boys’ Baseball team played GBDSS in Midland on Monday, May 14th. They started down 3 nothing by bottom of the first inning but through good base running, timely hitting, and solid pitching, they were able to come back and win 9 to 8. Great pitching by Braydin Helmer, Dawson Burrows, and Zacc Helmer. Great outfield catch by Cameron “Kevin Pillar” Buchanan.
Bear Creek’s Boys’ Baseball team played Banting in Alliston on Friday, May 18th. They did not win. It was not pretty. But the boys were determined to come back strong and they did.
Bear Creek’s Boys’ Baseball team played Nantyr in Midhurst on Wednesday, May 23rd, in a doubleheader. They won both halves of the double header, bringing their record to 3 and 3. Great pitching by Dylan Wood and Nick D’Ambrosio in game 1, and Braydin Helmer and Dawson Burrows in game 2. Zacc Helmer hit a triple. Jared Case completed a triple play (we only needed two outs) all by himself. Great catch in the field by Jake Scott. Great base running and few errors contributed to the wins. The scores were 7 – 2, and 8 – 3.
Bear Creek’s Boys’ Baseball team played Twin Lakes in Midhurst on Friday, May 25th. They won the game, bringing their record to 4 and 3. Great pitching by Nick D’Ambrosio, Zacc Helmer, and Dawson. Jared Case completed a double play with Braydin Helmer. Speaking of Braydin Helmer, he made two fantastic foul ball catches. The score was 10 – 2. Playoffs on Thursday.
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Important Dates
Monday, May 28 Dental Screening Thursday, May 31 World No-Tobacco Day Wednesday, June 6 School Council Meeting, 7 pm Career Centre Monday, June 11 Athletic Banquet Wednesday, June 13 Grade 9 EQAO Math Test Thursday, June 14 Grade 9 EQAO Math Test Sunday, June 17 Father’s Day Wednesday, June 20 – Tuesday, June 26 Sem II Final Evaluations Thursday, June 28 Commencement Friday, July 6 Sem 2 report cards sent out
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Positively Speaking
Continuation of the Law of the Garbage Truck.
The Law of the Garbage Truck – Part 2
Continued from last week – firstly, we must avoid becoming garbage trucks ourselves. We need to be aware of all the “garbage” that is thrown at us every day from outside sources, i.e. the TV news channel or radio station that repeats all the “bad” or “negative” news, every fifteen minutes, twenty-four hours a day. The newspapers reinforce those same negative words and pictures. Our minds, particularly our subconscious mind, cannot discern the fact that it is all the same news being repeated over and over again, and we absorb that as multiple negatives. The result is a full garbage truck. Thirty minutes of news per day, if properly sourced, will be enough to keep most people reasonable informed and knowledgeable.
Secondly, when we face a situation where we are being “dumped” on, we need to recognize that the “dumper” has reached the overload point. We should offer them a friendly face, an understanding attitude, a smile and words of encouragement. We need to stop and realize that they are having a bad day. We should be helping them to feel less burdened; after all, it may be our turn tomorrow, as we all have bad days. If we don’t take being dumped on personally, we will not “take” their garbage and spread it around to others and take it back into our homes.
Source: The Perkolator, Barrie 1, # 255, Apr. 30 – May 14, 2010
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Parent’s Corner
With final exams approaching in less than a month (afternoon of Wednesday, June 20th), there is no time like the present to get ready for exams.
This article helps you help your set a schedule for the exams.
Help Your Teen Schedule Time to Prepare for Upcoming Exams
As the year winds down, final exams seem to sneak up on students. Your teen could probably tell you exactly how many hours are left in the school year, but they might be unable to tell you what their math final exam will cover.
Help them take responsibility for their studying by giving them these tips:
Get organized It’s much easier for your teen to figure out what to study if they have their old tests, homework and class notes from the entire year. Starting at least ten days before the test will keep their stress level down.
Identify problem areas What concepts were most challenging for your teen? They should spend the most time working on those.
Work on other areas They should review notes and practice important skills. Solving simple problems, such as for a math or science test, also helps.
Take practice tests Have them make copies of old exams and retake them. Grade them by comparing them to the original tests.
Review one more time The night before the test, your teen should go through their study materials and spend extra time on anything that still gives them trouble.
Get a good night’s sleep Don’t let them spend the night before the test cramming. Preparing ahead of time should make them feel confident about the test.
Source: “How to Study for a Math Final Exam”, Coolmath.com, www.coolmath.com/finaltip.htm Back to Table of Contents
Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week (May 28 – June 1)
Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th Thursday 31st Friday 1st Browse in a Talk about rules and The best way to Have your teen do Your teen will be bookstore with your consequences. spend time with some internet facing important teen. Encourage teens to your teen is a casual research about exams this month. think of invitation: “Would things they might do Make sure they get consequences if you like to go on an this summer. enough sleep the they don’t follow errand with me?” night before a test the rules. or exam.
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Have a great weekend!
Go Jays!
Be well!
Terry Wilkinson
Vice Principal Bear Creek Secondary School
P.S. (Positive Statement):
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby Back to Table of Contents
P.P.S.: If you like what you have read so far, please tell another parent/guardian, get them to e-mail me, and I’ll add them to the e-mail list.
See below for Newfoundland’s lovely Spring-like weather.