dear parents and guardians,bss.scdsb.on.ca/publishingimages/lists/localnews/allitems... ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Week 3 saw the end of summer and the start of Fall on Wednesday morning, which means that NHL pre-season
hockey is in full-swing. Could this be the year the Leafs win that coveted trophy?? Uh...probably not, but it will be
exciting (or at least interesting). However, it does mean that meaningful baseball has been played in this
town/country for the first time in 22 years, with the Blue Jays first in their division and most likely heading into the
post-season. Now, that’s exciting (and yes, it’s also interesting). Go Jays!
Mornings were chilly and afternoons were beautiful. I was mentioning to a number of people that only in
Canada do we wear shorts in sub 10ºC weather, in the morning, in anticipation of plus 20ºC weather in the
afternoon. We Canadians are a tough bunch! Can you believe we are heading into October next week?
It is an incredibly busy sports week for Bear Creek student-athletes and their coaches. Good luck to everyone!
Previous e-newsletters are available on the Bear Creek website: http://bss.scdsb.on.ca/
I am always open to suggestions and comments, so please contact me at [email protected] if you have
something on your mind.
To the members of Bear Creek’s Jewish Community, we wish you “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday) as you
observe Sukkot.
Please follow me on Twitter: @VPWilkinson
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 Students Help Clean Up Forest ................................................................................................... 2
Free Historic Walking Tours this Saturday, September 26th ....................................................................... 3
Terry Fox Run ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Horatio Alger Association Canada Scholarship ............................................................................................ 3
PRO (Parents Reaching Out) Grants .............................................................................................................. 4
Recycle Your Books .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Bottle Drive for Rugby ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Citrus Fruit Fundraiser for Rugby ................................................................................................................. 5
Weekly E-Newsletter
Stay Connected @ BCSS Friday, September 25, 2015
Supermoon Lunar Eclipse on September 27 .................................................................................................. 5
Student ID Cards .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Pep Rally Buy In & Kodiak Spirit Day ........................................................................................................... 5
Fan Buses & Football Game ............................................................................................................................ 5
Yearbook ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Simcoe County Literacy Results ...................................................................................................................... 6
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge! ...................................................................................................... 6
A & E Canadian Classroom - 2015 Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest – For Students and
Teachers ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Learning Partnership’s Entrepreneurial Adventure is Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit! For
Teachers, Students, and the Local Business Community. ............................................................................. 7
2016 Canada's Outstanding Principals ......................................................................................................... 10
School Council - Wednesday, September 30th .............................................................................................. 10
University and College Upcoming Dates ....................................................................................................... 10
University Information Program Evening .................................................................................................... 11
Maclean’s Student Life Expo ......................................................................................................................... 11
Grade 9 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament ......................................................................................................... 11
B. O. B. ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Bear Wear ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards ....................................................... 12
Simcoe County Special Needs Information Fair .......................................................................................... 13
GSA .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
College Visits ................................................................................................................................................... 14
University Visits .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Me to We Club ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................................................................ 15
Sports News ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Important Dates .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Positively Speaking ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Parent’s Corner ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week ......................................................................................... 19
P.S. (Positive Statement): ............................................................................................................................... 19
What’s Happening at BCSS?
Bear Creek Students Help Clean Up Forest
More than 100 students from Bear Creek Secondary School
participated in a garbage cleanup event held near their school at the
Dyer Tract, Wednesday.
The tract is part of the Simcoe County Forests. This was the first
year the students got involved in the cleanup, in partnership with
the County of Simcoe.
We have awesome students here – just letting you know!
Back to Table of Contents
Free Historic Walking Tours this Saturday, September 26th
Heritage Barrie is sponsoring free historic walking tours conducted by knowledgeable and entertaining Barrie
Town Crier, Steve Travers, in partnership with Larry Cotton author of “Whiskey and Wickedness Barrie”.
“Venerable Souls”: 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meeting Point: Union Cemetery, 338 Sunnidale Road entrance
Come explore the history of esteemed people buried at Union Cemetery
“Victorian Rogues and Scoundrels”: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Point: Memorial Square on Dunlop Street Downtown Barrie
The tours are family-friendly. However, the historical and architectural content will appeal more to older youths
and adults than active young children.
Space is limited so please register in advance by e-mailing [email protected]. Indicate the tour you’d
like to attend and the number of people. For more information, visit the online events calendar via barrie.ca or
contact Kathy Brislin at 705 -739-4220 Ext 4440. Back to Table of Contents
Terry Fox Run
Bear Creek staff and students will be doing their Terry Fox run/walk on Friday, October 2nd, all through the day
depending on the grade (Period One: Grade 12's, Period Two: Grade 11's, Period Four: Grade 10's, Period
Five: Grade 9's) for the last part of the period.
Any donation is appreciated and will collected in homerooms as well as when students get on the track. In the
past, the schools I have been part of, implemented the idea of “Toonie for Terry” which, if each student
participated, would raise over $3,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation to eradicate cancer. Back to Table of Contents
Horatio Alger Association Canada Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada provides $650,000 annually in need-based scholarship support for
deserving students in all Canadian provinces and territories. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are awarded to full-
time students in their terminal year of high school with financial need (family income under $55,000) who have
demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, a commitment to pursue a post-secondary
education, a desire to contribute to society, and a good academic record.
Application Deadline: October 25, 2015
How to Apply
The application process for the 2016 Horatio Alger of Canada Scholarship Programs is now open. High school
seniors from all Canadian provinces and territories graduating in spring 2016 are now able to submit an online
application. Visit the About our Scholarships page to learn more and apply.
See more at: https://www.horatioalger.ca/en/scholarships/#sthash.TUjNHnzN.dpuf Back to Table of Contents
PRO (Parents Reaching Out) Grants
SCDSB Schools Receive Over $73,000 for Parents Reaching Out Projects
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has been granted more than $73,000 this school year to
connect with parents through the Ministry of Education’s Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants for School
Councils and for PRO Grants for Regional Projects.
SCDSB School Council Projects
Individual school councils apply for PRO Grants to support initiatives that focus on ways to further engage
parents in their child’s education. These projects feature topics of relevance to each school community,
including mental health, safety online, parent engagement and family literacy and math events. In total, this year
SCDSB school councils are receiving $40,115 in funding for 41 school-based projects.
View a complete list of 2015-2016 SCDSB PRO Grants for school councils.
SCDSB Regional Projects
PRO Grants for Regional Projects are available to various community groups, non-profit organizations and
educational systems to create more opportunities to work with parents as partners.
This year, the SCDSB has been awarded four regional grants:
1. “Inclusive and Assistive Technology Awareness Exhibition” will demystify assistive technology and
demonstrate how it is becoming more mainstream and available.
2. “Transition Program for Students and Parents Involved with School Realignment and Closure” will
encourage positive relationships between families affected by school closures.
3. “We’re All Outside Together” will engage families to enhance the frequency and quality of outdoor
learning experiences to support student achievement.
4. “Circle of Learning- Family of Schools Outreach” will support events introducing healthy eating and
habits to parents, and improve understanding of learning strategies at schools across Simcoe County.
View a complete list of 2015-2016 SCDSB PRO Grants for regional projects.
Further details on PRO programs can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website. Back to Table of Contents
Recycle Your Books
If you have any young readers at home that have outgrown their books and they ready to part ways with them,
we will gladly accept them in the Learning Centre. Please let us know as we are adding new books to our
collection daily. Back to Table of Contents
Bottle Drive for Rugby
The rugby team is doing a bottle drive October 3rd in the community. If you happen to have empties lying
around and would like to bring them to school (portable 405), we would appreciate the support and would save
you a trip to the beer store. Back to Table of Contents
Citrus Fruit Fundraiser for Rugby
A box of oranges can be purchased for $30 or grapefruit for $25. If a student does not ask you and you would
like an order please email Deanna or myself and we will get those delicious items to you in early December.
Citrus is fresh from Florida and last for months in the cold cellar. Back to Table of Contents
Supermoon Lunar Eclipse on September 27
I know this is not directly Bear Creek news, but it is “world” (or “out of this world”) news that I thought you
might find interesting. Here’s to clear skies on Sunday night!
Don't miss the total lunar eclipse this Sunday night.
Sky and Telescope magazine says:
“This eclipse is unusual in one particular way. It’s the biggest eclipsed Moon you’ll ever see! The year’s
closest lunar perigee occurs just 59 minutes before mid-eclipse.”
The NASA video (1:20) is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAw_wrIr5s
Make sure you get out for a look between 10:11 and 11:23 EDT. Back to Table of Contents
Student ID Cards
Student cards are available for sale in the school store during lunch from Tuesday to Friday all year. They cost
$15.00. For payment we accept cash or School Cash Online. Student cards are required to play on any team,
club, group, and attend any school event. All the proceeds raised from sales gets re-distributed within the school
for students. Back to Table of Contents
Pep Rally Buy In & Kodiak Spirit Day
During Period 1 on Wednesday, September 30th Student Council is hosting an all grade buy in. All you need is
this year’s student card to attend. Back to Table of Contents
Fan Buses & Football Game
On Wednesday, September 30th, following the pep rally, student can attend the Sr. Boys football game at the
Barrie Sports Complex via Fan Bus. The cost is $5.00 with a non-perishable food item for the Barrie Food
Bank, and this year’s student card. A signed permission form is required.
Back to Table of Contents
Yearbook
Buy a yearbook at the lowest price, for $40, for a limited time only – from September 25th to September 30th.
Don’t pass up this opportunity to re-live memories in the future! Back to Table of Contents
Simcoe County Literacy Results
Simcoe County's students are below the provincial average on the literacy tests taken last spring, but not by
much.
Results are out from the secondary school literacy tests show a pass rate of 79 per cent for Grade 10 students in
schools across the County.
Province-wide, the pass rate is 82 per cent.
The Education Quality office no longer releases school-by-school results for the test, saying the test shouldn't be
used as a measure of a school's quality. Back to Table of Contents
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge!
Would you like to win a share of $500,000 in Samsung technology for your school? Sign up for the Samsung
Solve for Tomorrow Challenge!
The Learning Partnership is joining Samsung Canada to launch the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge, a
national educational challenge designed to inspire Canadian students to reach their full potential and get closer
to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects by applying them to help better their
communities – and win new technology for their schools!
• Students will be asked to identify an existing challenge or issue they are passionate about in their town, city or
neighbourhood, and use STEM to help solve it.
• The challenge is open to all students and teachers in Grades 6-12 at publicly funded schools across Canada.
• Finalist schools will share in $500,000 in Samsung classroom technology. Solve for Tomorrow Challenge
partners include Canadian YouTube stars Mitch Moffit and Greg Brown of AsapSCIENCE. Mitch and Greg
will visit two grand prize winning schools to learn about their winning student projects and feature them in an
AsapTHOUGHT video; they'll also host an epic STEM lab experience at the winning schools.
• The first phase of the contest runs September 23 to November 30, 2015.
To learn more, visit solvefortomorrow.ca and follow @SamsungCanada and #SamsungSolve on Twitter,
Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: Paul Cartwright,
North Strategic for Samsung Canada at [email protected] Back to Table of Contents
A & E Canadian Classroom - 2015 Lives That Make a Difference Essay
Contest – For Students and Teachers
Welcome to the 2015 Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest.
If you go to http://www.livesthatmakeadifference.com/index.html , you can learn more about this year’s essay
contest and Official Rules, check out last year’s essay winner, and submit your own essay into the competition!
A Bear Creek Student Could Win $3,000!
Students in grades 5-12 may enter by writing an essay based on someone they think made the biggest impact on
Canadian society in 2015. Prizes are awarded in two grade levels: 5th - 8th grade and 9th - 12th grade. Two
winners will be selected in each level.
GRAND PRIZE FIRST PRIZE
Student: $3,000 Prize Student: $2,000 Prize
Department/Classroom Department/Classroom
of Teacher: $1,000 Cash of Teacher: $1,000 Cash
Contest ends December 11, 2015. Back to Table of Contents
Learning Partnership’s Entrepreneurial Adventure is Unleashing the
Entrepreneurial Spirit! For Teachers, Students, and the Local Business
Community.
I have an IDEA. It can be a BUSINESS.
We can get CUSTOMERS.
It’s EXCITING – it’s ENTREPRENEURIAL!
The Learning Partnership’s Entrepreneurial Adventure is all about sparking students’ natural curiosity,
intelligence and passion to seize an opportunity to take their ideas to market – and discover just what they can
do!
The Entrepreneurial Adventure Program is a hands-on entrepreneurial journey for students in Grades K-12. It is
designed to develop students’ enterprising spirit, financial literacy, innovative thinking and social responsibility.
To date, these student business ventures have raised $2.6 million for charities!
Entrepreneurial Adventure helps develop Canada's next generation of entrepreneurs by teaching essential 21st
century skills, such as marketing, business planning, team building and the importance of social responsibility.
Together with teachers and volunteer business mentors, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 develop
innovative business ventures that raise money for local, national and international charities.
Entrepreneurial Adventure Goals
Enhance critical and creative thinking
Cultivate the spirit of adventure and enterprise, risk and reward, and sense of satisfaction from
transforming an idea into reality
Develop self confidence in developing and
communicating ideas
Experience collaboration and team work
Develop project and time management skills
Develop leadership and collaborative skills (ability to
lead a team and work within a team)
How Does Entrepreneurial Adventure Work?
Local volunteer business partners and teachers work together with the class to:
1. Identify a venture concept
2. Plan, promote and launch their ventures at school and
public showcases
3. Celebrate its success at the Entrepreneurial Adventure Showcase held every May at high visibility public
venues
4. Profits of the venture are usually donated to a local charity
Through mentorships from teachers and business partners, students work together to learn about planning,
teamwork, presentation skills, risk management, marketing, financial literacy and business as well as develop
personal enterprising qualities.
We aspire to expand the EA program coast to coast across Canada and engage even more high school students
than ever before. The goal of the program is to instill a sense of entrepreneurial adventure in the students,
by harnessing local resources and providing students with a foundation of knowledge that will allow them to
envision, create and operate their own entrepreneurial undertakings.
How to Get Started With the Entrepreneurial Adventure Program
Partners are matched in the fall of the school year, and the programs operate between January and May.
Entrepreneurial Adventure Showcases are held in cities across Canada at the end of May every year.
Why Entrepreneurial Adventure?
The program benefits not just the teachers, business partner volunteers and students, but the entrepreneurial
ventures become a point of pride for communities and generally result in funds being raised to support special
causes.
By instilling a sense of entrepreneurial adventure in the students, the program also opens the door for economic
development and innovative projects to occur in communities and could effectively reduce the amount of youth
out-migration by illustrating the boundless opportunities that an entrepreneurial venture provides.
Teachers and Business
Partners Timelines:
September: Register on the Entrepreneurial Adventure
Upon registration, gain access to resources and information
December: Professional development workshop is provided
Meeting with business partner
Planning time is coordinated between partners
“Seed money” may be needed to begin the business venture
January: Classroom visitations begin and a timetable is set for future visitations
Project implementation begins
May: Showcase celebrations – the Big Day!
What's in it for Students?
32% of young people view entrepreneurship as the most desired profession
Explore various career opportunities
Learn business skills, financial literacy, presenting and promoting to the public
Learn how to plan, organize and deliver a project – project management skills
Make the curriculum relevant, using real-world projects and authentic learning
Develop teamwork skills, interpersonal skills and support creativity
Build self-confidence and resilience
Make a significant contribution to their community, develop personal & social responsibility
Have fun!
What's in it for Teachers?
Entrepreneurial Adventure aligns and is easily integrated into the provincial curriculum
Appeals to students at all ability levels
Develops community partnerships
Teach students to be more creative, strategic thinkers
Professional development opportunities
Access to ideas, activities, and a library of recourses and discussion forums
Networking with other colleagues from different schools and boards
Chance to win a national award and cash prize for your classroom
Have fun!
The Role of the Teacher
Act as a facilitator in the classroom
Agree to time commitment with the partner – one hour and a half per week as a starting point
Communicate with the business partner on a regular basis to establish a solid partnership
Attend the Entrepreneurial Workshop as part of Professional Development
Develop a business plan and raise money for venture start-up costs
Brainstorm with students on the plans, projects and implement it through curriculum objectives
Complete the application for the National Awards (optional)
Complete the project by May, ready for the Showcase and Celebrations
What's in it for Business Partners?
Give back to the community by contributing to public education and serve as a role model
Share your knowledge and expertise
Establish your brand and profile in the community
Gain access to The Learning Partnership’s national forum and a library of resources
Demonstrate corporate social responsibility - instill the value of giving and caring
Promote the value of one and the power of many
Have fun!
The Role of the Business Partner
Work with the class to identify and develop a business venture
Assist the students to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes that such a venture requires
Share personal knowledge and expertise
Make presentations to the class that relate to the desired outcome of their venture
Help develop or acquire resource materials that students may need
Help to assess the ideas, opportunities and venture plans of the students
Provide opportunities for students to visit a business
Connect the class to other businesses in the community
Assist in the completion of the application for the National Awards (based on the class’ decision to
participate) Back to Table of Contents
2016 Canada's Outstanding Principals
DO YOU KNOW AN INNOVATIVE AND OUTSTANDING SCHOOL PRINCIPAL?
Every year The Learning Partnership honours principals across the country who exemplify excellence in public
education. Nominations for the 2016 Canada's Outstanding Principals awards are now open. Submissions are
invited from school boards, colleagues, parents, teachers, students and all community members.
Nominate an Outstanding Principal Today! Submission Deadline is November 2, 2015
For more information, please contact: Jon Powell, Program Manager at 416.440.5112 or
[email protected] Back to Table of Contents
School Council - Wednesday, September 30th
Our first school council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Cafetorium, on Wednesday, September 30th.
Back to Table of Contents
University and College Upcoming Dates
SOME GRADE 12’S: University Application Tutorial: Tuesday, November 3 per. 2 in the cafe
SOME GRADE 12’S: College Application Tutorial: Wednesday, October 28 per. 1 in the cafe
Back to Table of Contents
University Information Program Evening
The Standing Committee on Student Recruitment has finalized the schedule for the fall 2015 University
Information Program (UIP). They are looking forward to visiting Barrie to connect with interested students and
their families.
Please save the date and plan to join them at this year’s University Information Program at:
School Name: St. Peter's CSS
School Address: 201 Ashford dr.
Date: Monday, October 19th, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Format: Traditional Style (15 min you + 3 x 35 min. Presentation + 30 min. Roam)
See Guidance for more information. Back to Table of Contents
Maclean’s Student Life Expo
Thinking of upgrading your future? Be inspired! Entertained! And Informed about various pathway options
available as you prepare for your post-secondary lives. Plan to attend the Maclean’s Student life expo at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre on October 17th and 18th. Free tickets are available in Guidance. Pick some
up today! Back to Table of Contents
Grade 9 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Link Leaders are very excited to be hosting a grade 9 and Link Crew Ultimate Tournament on Tuesday
afternoon.
Here are the Link Crew members:
Here are the grade 9’s:
Here are the refs:
A great day was held by all. Thanks to all the participants, teachers and
Mrs. Ketcheson for organizing this fantastic event! Back to Table of Contents
B. O. B.
Attention all past, present and future “BOB” (The Bunch of Believers) club members! We will be meeting on
Tuesdays at lunch, in room 206 on Tuesdays! Please see Mr. Rourke or Mrs. Grant if you have any questions!
Back to Table of Contents
Bear Wear
Get your Bear Wear today! Visit the School Store to check out all of our Kodiak clothing and spirit items!
Those of you who pre-ordered this past spring, your items are ready for pick-up. Come to the School Store in the
forum between 10:50 and 11:30! Back to Table of Contents
Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards
Online applications are now open for the Loran Awards. Students can find out more about eligibility criteria, the
application process and see a sample copy of the application form.
Each high school can sponsor up to three students for these scholarships, which are valued at up to $100,000 each
over four years of university. October 21 is the deadline for sponsored applications.
If more than three students are interested in applying, some can apply without sponsorship to the direct pool. Direct
pool applications are due October 28.
What do we look for in selecting scholars?
Loran Scholars are young people who deeply value integrity and honesty. They are curious by nature, and are
interested in a wide range of subjects. Furthermore, they are willing to take meaningful risks and prioritize results
over appearances. Each one has shown a sustained commitment to service in the community, has taken the initiative
to create positive changes and is interested in working for a better world.
Sponsorship & Reference Guidelines
1. Candidates wishing to be sponsored must select Sponsored by my school in the online application, and
then enter the name and email address of their school sponsor under School Contact in the Educational Background
section.
2. Every candidate must get a letter of reference, whether they end up in either the sponsored or direct pool.
The reference does not have to be completed by the school sponsor. Anyone who knows the candidate and their
activities well, who is not a family member or a friend, may complete the letter of reference.
3. Once the letter of reference has been submitted, the school contact will receive an email asking whether or
not the student is being sponsored by the school. This email will include a copy of the student's application and
transcript. The online sponsorship form takes about 2 minutes to complete.
4. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that both the reference writer and the school sponsor have
sufficient time to complete their parts before the deadline. We are encouraging all candidates to express interest to
their schools as early as possible.
5. If the student is not one of the sponsored candidates, or if their sponsorship is not complete by October 21,
they will be automatically entered into the direct pool.
For further inquiries:
website: www.loranscholar.ca
phone: 416-646-2120
toll-free: 1-866-544-2673
email: [email protected] Back to Table of Contents
Simcoe County Special Needs Information Fair
Do You Have a Child with Special Needs Ages 0 - 21?
Find answers to your questions at the Simcoe County Special Needs Information Fair
• Free Admission
• Free Skilled Child Minding for Children of all Ages and Needs
• Everyone Welcome including Parents, Families, Caregivers, Teachers and Therapists
• Get connected and access information on everything from recreational activities, family resources, financial
help, funding, therapy options and so much more!
• Public and private services will be present
• Drop in - No need for registration
• Information sessions offered throughout the day - topic details and times will be posted on the CTN website at
www.ctnsy.ca closer to the date
Thursday, October 8, 2015
1:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Mapleview Community Church
300 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie ON
For more information contact:
Lori Brown 705-719-4795 ext.2255 / [email protected] Back to Table of Contents
GSA
The Gay-Straight Alliance meets during lunch in room 120 on Fridays. Bring your lunch, and new members are
always welcome. Back to Table of Contents
College Visits
The sign up binder for college rep visits is now available in guidance. Sign up today to get a spot reserved, for:
Humber College September 29
Fleming College September 30 Back to Table of Contents
University Visits
The sign up binder for university rep visits is now available in guidance. Sign up today to get a spot reserved,
for:
Laurentian University September 28
University of Guelph September 29
Nipissing University October 1
UOIT October 2 Back to Table of Contents
Me to We Club
Do you want to change the world? The Me to We club meets every Monday, in room 238, at lunch. Come on
out and see what it’s all about! That's Me to We, Monday at Lunch, room 238.
There is the Me2We trip is on Thursday to the Air Canada Centre. It looks like it will be a FANTASTIC day!
Back to Table of Contents
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; I also have attached it) to the Guidance office as soon as it is signed by both
you and a parent.
1. Do you need community service hours? Do you enjoy watching sports? Do you want to get involved in
the sporting community at Bear Creek? Then the Home Game Crew might be for you! The home game
crew is a group of people who help to set up for and score keep all the various sports that happen at Bear Creek.
If you are interested, please see Mr. Wilkey in Student Success room 110.
2. The South Simcoe Theatre, Innisfil’s home for Great Community Theatre, is getting ready to begin
another year of entertainment. They are putting the call out for student volunteers from our local high
schools, whether they are looking to complete volunteer hours, continue a love for the arts, or are just looking
for a great experience! They’ve had countless former and present students take part and many have returned
even after their hours are completed.
This year, South Simcoe Theatre will be presenting two musicals, one play, one Christmas pantomime,
and a play reading weekend. Mounting this season will require volunteers in different capacities from
September through to June.
They are always looking for technical and backstage crew to help put their shows on. Students that are
interested in learning this side of the theatre work closely with the director, stage manager, and actors to craft
the show and bring it to the stage. These positions require a commitment to be at the theatre for rehearsals and
shows for the run of the show, which is roughly three to four months, three to four nights a week that could
include weekends.
If you can’t commit to something long term or on a set schedule, they also need help on their Saturday
set building crew. Headed up by experienced artisans, students will construct set and prop pieces and use any
number of techniques to make them as a realistic as possible. There are many students who come out to help
with all the season’s productions in this capacity. No previous artistic skill is required, just a great attitude and a
willingness to learn.
If you have a sporadic schedule filled with a lot of other commitments, volunteering with the Front of
House team allows you the flexibility of coming in on your own schedule. Their shows run for three weeks on
Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. The commitment here would be three to four hours
on whatever days you could make it. The Front of House team collects tickets from patrons at the door, hands
out programs, prepares and sells the snacks for sale and intermission and provides any general information a
patron could ask for.
Their business has always run on the strength of volunteers and they welcome you to join in that long
standing tradition. They want to work with you to find the best fit for you. Please contact them at the theatre’s
box office number of 705-458-4432 or by e-mail at [email protected] or to Daniel Galea at
[email protected]. You can also check them out on our website www.southsimcoetheatre.com that
has a link to their Facebook page.
3. Drysdale's Tree Farm are offering volunteer opportunities to high school students during their Halloween
Festivities, which run every weekend in October. They are seeking student volunteers for this Halloween
season to assist with the various attractions they offer to the public here at Drysdale's. A portion of their
proceeds go toward Camp Quality – Southern Ontario, a national charitable organization devoted to providing
free camp experience and year-round programming for children with cancer.
They are seeking enthusiastic performers to play a part in their Haunted Wagon Ride and in their Harvest
Village (which includes pumpkin picking and face painting).
If any students are interested, please have them contact [email protected] for more information.
4. Why you should volunteer at Goodwill:
Goodwill offers flexible, 7 days/week scheduling for the following positions:
• Build new skills to improve your resume
• Enhance your communication and customer-service skills
• Obtain results-oriented experience
• Complete your 40 hours of community service
Apply online at www.goodwill.on.ca or email [email protected]
Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age. Accumulation of community involvement hours may begin
the summer after completing Grade 8. Back to Table of Contents
Sports News
The scores and schedules across the County are on www.hometeamsonline.com; type “scaa ‘your sport’” in for
league (i.e. scaa football).
Next week’s sporting events look like:
September 28th September 29th September 30th October 1st October 2nd Girls’ Flag
Football
@Bear
Jr./Sr. Boys’
Football
@Midhurst
X-Country Race
@Horseshoe
Jr./Sr. Girls’
Basketball
Tournament@Bear
Jr./Sr. Girls’
Basketball@OSS
Girls’ Flag
Football
@Eastview
Sr. Girls’ Golf
@Settler Ghost
Boys’ Soccer
@Innisdale
Sr. Tennis
@Barrie Courts
Sr. Boys’ Golf
@Tangle Creek
Jr. Boys’
Volleyball
@CCI
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 130, I think) to fill
out the necessary forms so you can play sports this year.
The annual Junior Girls’ Basketball tournament will occur on October 2nd and 3rd (after school on the 2
starting at 3 and all day Saturday).
The annual Senior Girls’ Basketball tournament will occur on October 23rd and 24th (after school on the 23
starting at 3 and all day Saturday)
Back to Table of Contents
Important Dates
Starts nightfall of Sunday, September 24 - Sukkot
Ends nightfall of Sunday, October 4
Wednesday, September 30 School Council, 7 pm in Career
Centre
Friday, October 2 Terry Fox Run
Back to Table of Contents
Positively Speaking
In honour of our Terry Fox Run on Friday, I would like to include a teen cancer survivor story.
Osteosarcoma
My life was forever changed on August 22, 2012 when I found out I had cancer; that was the last thing as an
active sixteen year old I expected to hear. To start let me give you a little peek into my life. Since I was small
my parents said that I have always been an active child and as I grew up I became highly involved in sports:
baseball, track, badminton, volleyball, and most especially hockey.
One thing most people probably don't know about me is that I always think everything happens for a reason and
after days of sitting in the hospital with my first round of chemo, knowing the Terry Fox run was approaching, I
realized something: Terry Fox had the exact cancer I have, and he didn't give up, and when he was done
treatments, he didn't avoid the topic, he did the exact opposite: he decided to run across Canada to increase
cancer awareness. I then realized how much cancer treatments and surgeries had changed since his time, and it
is mainly because of what he did. I realized how important cancer research is, and creating awareness of this, so
that's what I am trying to do, talking at schools to try to make people, especially kids, realize how important
cancer research is, and I'll begin by telling my experience with cancer.
I was playing baseball in an annual tournament. In an attempt to steal home plate, I slid, and in doing so, injured
the inside quad of my left leg, but I wasn't overly worried; as an athlete, I had endured many injuries, and this
one did not prevent me from walking. After seeing my family doctor he said it appeared to be a torn quad,
however even with rest it still got worse we headed to the city to see a doctor who specialized in sports injuries.
He checked over my leg, and felt the lump I had found the day before, he figured it was a torn muscle, which
had torn completely off, and that that was the lump we felt, and I would have an MRI done to determine if I
needed surgery to reattach the muscle. We explained to him that I had AAA hockey tryouts two weeks later, so
he said he would make sure the MRI was done within a week.
That Friday, we met with my oncologist and after more tests, she verified that I did, indeed, have cancer. The
first question that came out of my mouth, thinking of Terry Fox was, "Will I lose my leg?" She told me she
wasn't going to lie to me, that, yes it could happen, but not to worry about that, because chemo treatments have
changed greatly since Terry Fox had cancer, and there are many things we can do before it would get to that
point. She also told me I needed to have more tests done and an exploratory surgery to have a biopsy done to
determine which type of bone cancer it was.
This all happened in a matter of days, and then on September 6th , we had an appointment and the pathology
results were back from Vancouver which verified I had osteosarcoma, the same cancer Terry Fox had, that
following morning I started my first chemo treatments.
Before I knew it, it was time for surgery… I was off to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto as I was told he was the
only surgeon in Canada who could perform the surgery I required, and he was world-renowned for the type of
surgery he did. This surgery would allow me to be able to, theoretically, be able to do everything I once could
before.
It was Sunday, August 19 when I had that first MRI, and the next day we received a call that we needed to come
in asap. On Wednesday, August 22, we went back for yet another MRI, an X-ray, and another visit with the
doctor. When we met with the doctor, he told us that I had a tumor the size of an orange in my leg, and that I
had an appointment at CancerCare two days later. I sat there with my head down, thinking about what I was
about to go through, because something told me it was cancer, that there was no chance it wasn't.
This whole procedure took just under 16hours. Eleven days post-surgery, I was out of the hospital, and we flew
back home. A week later, I was back to chemo treatments.
On January 22 five months to the day I found out I had cancer I was told the pathology test came back from
what they took out of me at surgery and 100% of the cancer was dead which meant the chemo worked! I still
however had to continue with my chemo till the end of May.
By April I was able to begin to put weight on my leg, and by the end of June, about three weeks after I was
finished my last round of chemo, I was walking without any crutches, just the help from my brace because my
muscles were still too weak. I still go to CancerCare once a month for follow-ups.
My experiences with chemo treatments, and the children I have seen at CancerCare who suffer from the disease
has, in some ways, made me stronger than I ever was before, and is what drives my determination for me to
continue to bring awareness to others, hoping I can make others understand why it is so important, and how the
research really does make a difference; think of Terry Fox, and then think of me. Because of him and his vision,
I survived. Since he first ran over $600 million has been raised worldwide in Terry's name, and so the survival
rate of cancer has increased drastically. Terry Fox was, and in my eyes will always remain a hero. I thank Terry
Fox for every day of my life, I hope I can be half of the person he was, and help people understand how
important research is and how important his impact is.
Source: “Osteosarcoma”, by Kailee Robinson, posted on 2:26 PM, September 13, 2013; http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi?_id=1025
Back to Table of Contents
Parent’s Corner
Prepare Teens for Adulthood by Giving More Responsibility
Your teen may be used to your telling them what to do and when to do it. But as they grow up, they should gradually
take over their own schedule.
The start of the school year is the perfect time to give your teen a calendar or a planner. Encourage them to think
about assignments and events and to write everything down so they don’t forget anything.
Then, suggest that your teen start thinking:
• Monthly After filling in their calendar with school, activity and family commitments, they should look at
the whole month. Are there any conflicts? Is there a big project coming up next month that they
need to start working on now?
• Weekly It’s important to review the week ahead, as well. Do they have any tests next week? They will
have to allot more study time for that subject this week. If they wants to go out with friends on
Friday night, they may need to do their laundry on Thursday instead.
• Daily Your teen can make to-do lists to help keep them on track. That will ensure they get everything
done.
Review the schedule with your teen. If they’re at school for eight hours a day, sleep for eight hours a night and
studies for three hours each evening, do they really have time to join the soccer team?
With practice, your teen will learn to make responsible decisions about how to spend their time.
Source: High School Parents Still Make the Difference, Vol. 21, No. 1, September 2013, www.parent-institute.com
Back to Table of Contents
Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week
(Sept. 28 – Oct. 2)
Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th Thursday 1st Friday 2nd
Not all teens want to
go to college.
Explore other
options, such as
trade school or the
military.
Give your teen a
spiral notebook to
use as a journal.
Ask them to write in
it for 10 minutes a
day.
Give your teen
today’s newspaper.
Have them report on
a news item during
dinner.
Do you have to
drive your teen to
activities? Use car
time to talk.
Do not allow your
teen to diet unless
their doctor
determines they
have a health
problem. Back to Table of Contents
Have a great, restful weekend! The walking tours sound interesting. There is also the Coldwater Fair (~45
minutes north) and/or the Great Northern Exhibition in Collingwood.
Be well!
Terry Wilkinson
Vice-Principal
Bear Creek Secondary School
P.S. (Positive Statement):
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been
saving up all year for the grand finale.”
- Lauren DeStefano, Wither 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.