Dear Parents and Guardians,

Week 12 ends with excitement as we head into December. Before December though, we have a fan bus going to

OFSAA to see the Senior Boys’ football play at Tim Horton’s field in Hamilton.

Can you believe this is the last weekend of November? Where has the year gone?

Here’s some news that might make you say, “Oh, for the love of Pete!” Mr. Peter

Bowman, Vice-Principal for the last 4 or so years, working exclusively with the

surname section A – F, has been transferred to the great white North (actually green

and gold north) – Barrie North, that is, as a Vice-Principal there. Their gain is

definitely our loss and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Bowman, we wish you all the

best and please come and visit often (check in at the front office and sign the visitors

book, though – just kidding!).

Mr. Peter Longlade, custodian at Bear Creek is retiring next Wednesday, November

30th, after 30+ years working for the Board. Mr. Longlade was someone you could

always depend on, got very involved in the school life, and was greatly appreciated

by both staff and students. You would call Mr. Longlade and he would be right there

to do whatever was needed. He will be missed, as well. Mr. Longlade, we wish you

a happy, lengthy, healthy, and wealthy retirement!

All the best to both of our “moving-on” Pete’s!

We would like to welcome Mr. John Limoges, who comes to us from Stayner, as Bear Creek’s new Vice-Principal.

He will cover Mr. Bowman’s section of the surname alphabet. Please join me in wishing him all the best in his new

role.

For all Bear Creek community members of the Baha’i faith, we wish you many blessings as you celebrate the unity of

your Faith on the Day of the Covenant, on November 26th every year.

I am always open to suggestions and comments, so please contact me at twilkinson@scdsb.on.ca 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

Weekly E-Newsletter

Stay Connected @ BCSS Friday, November 25, 2016

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

Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) School Vehicle Cancellation .................... 2

Bear Creek Kodiaks GBSSA Football Champs ............................................................................................... 3

Green Team Waste Reduction Campaign ....................................................................................................... 5

After Hours Math Help ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Gene Researcher for a Week ............................................................................................................................ 6

Visual Arts Student Achievement News ........................................................................................................ 10

Ontario Junior Citizen Awards – due this week ........................................................................................... 10

Bear Creek Dance News .................................................................................................................................. 11

Drama News ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Still Collecting Pop, or Any Beverage, Pull Tabs ......................................................................................... 11

TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences (DDHS) ............................................................................................. 11

High School Health Research Bursary Program .......................................................................................... 12

VIMY “Orthotics” Fundraiser ....................................................................................................................... 12

Breakfast Club ................................................................................................................................................. 13

A & E Canadian Classroom – 2016 Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest – For Students and

Teachers............................................................................................................................................................ 13

Schulich Leader Scholarship .......................................................................................................................... 14

Kids, Grab A Good Book. Reading Still Matters! ......................................................................................... 15

Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................................................................. 16

Sports News ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

Important Dates ............................................................................................................................................... 17

Positively Speaking .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Parent’s Corner ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week .......................................................................................... 21

P.S. (Positive Statement): ................................................................................................................................ 21

What’s Happening at BCSS?

Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) School Vehicle

Cancellation

As inclement weather approaches, the following information will inform of any school vehicle cancellation.

Through this contact list, school vehicle cancellation information will be provided to local media outlets for

broadcast between 6:00 am and 6:30 am on days when school vehicles are cancelled.

The SCSTC also reminds everyone that school vehicle cancellation information will be available through:

The SCSTC website www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca

The SCSTC Twitter Account @SCSTC_SchoolBus

As in prior years, the SCSTC has divided Simcoe County into four (4) weather zones – school vehicle cancellations

may be specific to a single weather zone, include multiple weather zones or a total Simcoe County cancellation. The

four (4) weather zones are:

North Zone – Elmvale, Midland, Penetanguishene, Orillia and surrounding areas

South Zone – Alliston, Beeton, Bradford, Cookstown, Tottenham and surrounding areas

Central Zone – Barrie, Innisfil, Angus and surrounding areas

West Zone – Collingwood, Stayner, Wasaga Beach and surrounding areas

Bear Creek is in the Central Zone. Back to Table of Contents

Bear Creek Kodiaks GBSSA Football Champs

Josh Cook and Braden Butcher, of the Bear Creek Kodiaks, carry the

championship plaque to their awaiting teammates after defeating the

St Joan of Arc Knights during Thursday's senior boys AAA GBSSA

football final, held at the West Orillia Sports Complex. The Kodiaks

would take the championship game 21-15.

The Bear Creek Kodiaks are alive and continue to thrive.

A week after getting back into the Simcoe County Athletic Association

playoffs – and beating the undefeated Nantyr Shores Tritons in the finals –

the Kodiaks had to face the St. Joan of Arc Knights, owners of four straight

Georgian Bay Secondary School Association titles and 39 consecutive wins

in the region.

It was a hot start and a frantic finish, but Bear Creek took the senior 'AAA'

GBSSA championship with a 21-15 win over St. Joan of Arc.

“I can't really put into words how this feels,” said Bear Creek star and finals MVP Jack Malo. “We just ended a

streak that looked unbeatable.

“We came into this game and knew we were going to put up a fight, and we thought it was going to be really close,

but there's no way we thought we were going to beat them.”

The Kodiaks came in with a ton of respect for the Knights, who hadn't lost a contest to a local opponent since 2011.

They may have even given them too much credit on the opening kickoff, when a hesitation allowed St. Joan of Arc's

Tristan Huber to jump on the ball and give the Knights the first possession.

But after St. Joan of Arc missed a 21-yard field goal, the Kodiaks took the ball the

other way.

Quarterback Josh Cook connected with Tyler Poole for a 44-yard gain, and after a

roughing the passer call, had the ball moved to the one-yard line.

From there, Malo punched it in.

“That's what gave us all the momentum in the world,” Malo said. “That was

awesome work by the offence and the defence took it from there.”

With a 7-0 Kodiaks lead early on against a fabled opponent, but one they hadn't seen in years, Bear Creek began to

settle in.

“If you can score on the first series and get some offensive pressure, it puts the other team on their heels,” Loucks

said. “So for the whole game, the other team is on their heels, and that makes a difference.”

Huber caught a pass and picked up a good 30 yards after contact, taking the ball to the Bear Creek two-yard line

before quarterback Justin Winn carried the ball the rest of the way on the next play to even the score.

The Knights would pull ahead early in the second quarter, when Hunter Darnley punted a single through the ball of

the end zone, but St. Joan of Arc's only lead of the game would be short-lived.

First, Noah Jacka's 26-yard run got the Kodiaks into Knights territory.

After that, Cook found Poole twice in succession, the latter completion giving Bear

Creek a touchdown and 14-8 advantage.

The Kodiaks weren't done there and, just seconds before the first half was over,

Cook placed a perfect throw to Poole in the front-right corner of the end zone that

the basketball team's starting point guard ran under for his second touchdown of the

game.

Entering the second half with a 21-8 lead, the Kodiaks tried to keep the ball secure, but ran into a string of bad

penalties that extended a few St. Joan of Arc drives.

The Knights would get a freebie late in the third quarter on a 10-yard contact with the kicker call, ensuring that they

kept possession, and St. Joan of Arc would make it count.

After Ish Sookwah caught and ran for a pair of big gains, the Knights would go back to him on a five-yard plunge

into the end zone, cutting St. Joan of Arc's deficit to 21-15.

Neither team could get much going on offence until late in the contest, when it looked like the Knights might take the

lead after Sookwah went nearly 50 yards on a touchdown run – except that it was called back on a hold.

That led to St. Joan of Arc turning the ball over on downs, but just two plays later, Charlie Doering recovered a

fumble and the Knights had a chance to strike late to win it all, just as their junior squad had done a year ago.

Sookwah and Winn moved the ball to Bear Creek's two-yard line, but an illegal procedure penalty pushed them back

to the seven, and after two incomplete passes, the Knights were down to their last hope.

Winn looked to roll left and pass, but his attempt was tipped away by Bear Creek's Riley Duxbury, and after a pair of

first downs, all the Kodiaks had to do was take a knee and walk away as champions.

“Boy, did our defence come to play in those last four minutes,” Loucks said. “They stopped them cold and it was a

great defensive effort.”

The exciting finish marked Bear Creek's first GBSSA senior title since

2010, when another quarterback named Cook – that being Tivon, the

current AUS Outstanding Player with St. Francis Xavier – was under

centre.

“Josh has been on point for the last two weeks,” said Loucks of his current

quarterback. “All of his passes have been precision passes and his

receivers have been really good.

“To mention Tivon in there, who's having an outstanding career and will

be playing in the Mitchell Bowl this weekend, there's a lot of resemblances

for sure.”

It was a bitter pill to swallow for a relatively young St. Joan of Arc team, one that has set a new record for

consecutive wins in Simcoe County.

“Hats off to St. Joan of Arc, who have been the gold standard in our league for the last number of years,” Loucks

said. “They're an incredibly well-coached team with great athletes, and that's why we feel so good today, because we

beat a real quality program.”

Bear Creek will advance to the Simcoe Bowl in Hamilton on November 29.

Source: “Bear Creek Kodiaks GBSSA Football Champs”, By Stephen Sweet, Special to Postmedia Network, Thursday, November 17, 2016 7:29:08 EST PM,

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2016/11/17/bear-creek-kodiacs-gbssa-football-champs

Back to Table of Contents

Green Team Waste Reduction Campaign

Your Green Team hopes you saw the

Garbage Mountain in the Forum Last

Thursday. That’s the size of one week of

garbage from the school (11 m3) weighing

about 400 kg. But, a November Green Team

audit showed 2/3 of garbage bins contained

some recycling and 1/3 of recycling bins

were contaminated with garbage. We know that

most are doing proper recycling and waste handling. But, some of us could do better so that Garbage Mountain and

the amount of recycling going to the landfill would decrease. Let’s do it Bear Creek for a healthier environment and

future.

Back to Table of Contents

After Hours Math Help

Bear Creek is offering after school math sessions for grades 9 and 10 students to get extra assistance with their math,

especially to assist grade 9i students with their EQAO math assessment in January. Please see your math teacher for

a form to be included in these sessions. There is no cost, there are snacks, and unfortunately, students are responsible

for their own transportation home. Extra forms will be available in the Library, the front office, and Guidance, as

well as attached to this e-mail. Please get them in ASAP. Back to Table of Contents

Gene Researcher for a Week

The Gene Researcher for a Week (GRFAW) program, developed in 2003 by The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation,

was created to support the goal of fostering the growth of genetic clinician-scientists by inspiring and mentoring high

school students in Canada. In the years to come, these emerging scientists may be the ones who will make ground

breaking discoveries, and translate these findings to improved patient treatment and care. Under the sponsorship and

guidance of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Genetics (CIHR-IG), the GRFAW Program can

look forward to the longevity and growth of the program.

CIHR-IG is pleased to announce that applications will be accepted for the 2017 Gene Researcher for a Week

Program November 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Funded by the Canadian Institute Health Research

Institute of Genetics, CIHR-IG selects motivated and ambitious students in grades 11 and 12 who have an innate

curiosity for science, human genetics, and human genetics research. This year we anticipate being able to place 50

plus students in this program.

The program offers high school students:

1. The opportunity for a hands-on learning experience in the field of genetic research. Students gain insight into the

world of genetic diseases by observation and are often provided the opportunity of conducting real, hands-on

scientific experiments (i.e. DNA isolation, PCTR, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, cell culture and

ELISA assays). Participants may also learn how genes cause human genetic disorders and how top scientists translate

these findings into treatments and cures for genetic diseases.

2. The opportunity to work in one of Canada's top genetic research laboratories. These students are placed in labs of

influential Canadian scientists for one week over Spring Break. This experience gives young students what many

have called "a life changing experience". The GRFAW mentoring program is a great opportunity for young scientists

to learn about human genetics research and connect with some Canada's best researchers.

3. The opportunity develop a network of high potential peers. Student gene researchers are bright, talented and highly

motivated individuals. By participating in the program, they will have an opportunity to meet people in their host lab

and institution. Some labs will host more than one student, providing a further opportunity to network with other

students.

4. The unique opportunity to learn about the many exciting career paths in science and genetics

Through the science teachers in the schools, it is our hope that motivated science students across Canada have ready

access to this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Please encourage your students that are eligible to apply; Application will be posted on November 1st at

www.grfaw.ca and will CLOSE December 31, 2016.

Selection Criteria

Selected students will be placed with their host scientists during Spring Break. Due to the high number of students

that apply, candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

Must be a resident of Canada

Must be a high school student in grade 11 or 12

Must be 16 years of age by January 1st of the year of participation (2016)

Must have a high academic standing (overall GPA of 85% or higher)

Must show an interest in pursuing a career/education in human genetics

Must be well rounded in all areas (academic, volunteer and extra-curricular activities)

Must be willing to travel to another city or province to participate (up to 35% of our participants are placed

outside of their home city/town)

Cost to students: There is no cost to participate in the program or to apply. If travel is required, a stipend will be

provided by the CIHR-IG, however it may not cover all travel costs including food and accommodations.

NOTE: Student placements happen during their own school's Spring Break dates. This information is requested on

their application. If they have a two week spring break, we will place them during one or the other for one week only.

More information is available on the website www.grfaw.ca or you may contact us at cihr-ig@mcgill.ca or phone

514-398-3416. Back to Table of Contents

Message from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Immunization Records

The Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires the health unit to have up-to-date immunization

records for all students attending school. According to the ISPA (2014), students currently in high school are required

to be vaccinated against:

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Pertussis (whooping cough) - booster required between 14-16 years old

Measles, Mumps and Rubella - must have two doses after the first birthday

Meningococcal Disease - must have one dose after the first birthday & Men-C-ACYW in Grade 7

The health unit does not receive immunization information directly from doctor’s offices. Please contact the health

unit each time your child receives a vaccine from their health care provider. If your child’s immunization record on

file with the health unit is not up-to-date, they may be suspended from school.

What you can do:

Check – Your child’s yellow immunization card

Contact – Your child’s health-care provider to obtain records, or to get missing vaccinations

Share – Go to www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/ to enter the complete record, or fax a completed record to

705-726-3962 Back to Table of Contents

Advanced Placement: Students Can Earn a University Credit While Still In High

School

Grade 11 and 12 students at 11 Simcoe County District School Board high schools have the option to take Advanced

Placement (AP) courses. These courses are designed to cover the Ontario Curriculum, while providing accelerated

and advanced level programming to prepare students to write American College Board examinations. Students can

earn a university credit while still in high school, gain admission to university or both, depending on the university.

For more information on AP courses available this school year, visit SCDSB’s website at

www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Pages/Advanced-Placement.aspx or contact your Guidance Department.

Back to Table of Contents

Leading Women/Leading Girls Building Communities Recognition Program

MPP Ann Hoggarth invites nominations for outstanding women and girls for their community leadership

contributions. To submit a nomination, please provide the completed nomination form, available from Ann

Hoggarth’s office (email ahoggarth.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org) and provide two letters of support from persons such as

a community leader, mentor, employer, or another individual who has had experience volunteering with the nominee.

Support letters should address the following three areas:

describe how the nominee’s efforts improved the lives of women and/or girls in her community

explain how the nominee’s achievements demonstrate her leadership

specify the number of volunteer hours the nominee contributes annually

Nominations for Barrie residents can be forwarded to MPP Ann Hoggarth's Barrie office by December 19.

Back to Table of Contents

Provide Input on Proposed 2017-18 School Year Calendar

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites public school communities to submit input regarding the

proposed school year calendar for next school year (Sept. 2017 to June 2018). Input can be provided by visiting

www.scdsb.on.ca, then clicking the link on the ‘School Year Calendars’ page under the ‘Schools’ menu. All

stakeholders including staff, school council members, parents/guardians, students and members of the school

community are invited to provide input. The deadline to submit input is Jan. 13, 2017. Back to Table of Contents

The RBC® Black History Month Student Essay Competition

Every year Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy

of black Canadians, past and present.

RBC Royal Bank® takes this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians, who,

throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse and prosperous nation we are today.

During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and the vital role

this community has played throughout our shared history.

Essay Topic:

The hopes and dreams of black Canadians have helped to shape this country.

In 750 words or less, please tell us what can young people learn from the achievements and contributions of black

Canadians over the past 150 years to help shape the future for generations to come?

Submission Guidelines:

The essay (“Essay”) must be no more than 750 words in length and must be in response to the following question:

What can young people learn from the achievements and contributions of black Canadians over the past 150 years to

help shape the future for generations to come?

Submissions may be mailed to:

RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition,

RBC Royal Bank, 200 Bay St, South Tower, 19th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2J5

Or emailed to blackhistorymonth@rbc.com

The top three winning essays, determined on the basis set forth in the judging criteria section, may be included in

print or online in support of Royal Bank of Canada’s activities related to Black History Month.

Eligibility:

The Competition is only open to grade 12 students who are: legal residents of Canada; applying to a Canadian post-

secondary school; and plan to attend in the 2017/2018 academic year.

Entries must be the original work of and written solely by the entrant. The Essay must be double-spaced, numbered

and type-written. Please see official Competition Rules for further information on eligibility requirements.

Deadline:

Submissions must be postmarked or emailed on or before Friday, December 9, 2016.

Judging Criteria:

The Essays will be judged on the following criteria:

How well the Essay addresses the question or topic

How well the Essay is organized

The use of personal and non-personal examples to illustrate your point of view

Writing accuracy (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

Prizes:

There will be a total of 30 scholarships awarded, including three grand prizes. Scholarship funds will be administered

by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. Each winner will have to show proof of acceptance to a Canadian

postsecondary institution prior to receiving the scholarship funds.

First prize: $5,000 scholarship

Second prize: $2,500 scholarship

Third prize: $1,500 scholarship

Additional prizes: Twenty-seven (27) – $500 scholarships

Winners will be announced on February 3, 2017. Back to Table of Contents

Visual Arts Student Achievement News

The following Bear Creek Secondary School students have been accepted to participate in Art Exhibitions in Toronto

and Orillia:

1. Youth Arts Program at the Legislative Buildings in Toronto.

Art works will be on display from Nov. 2016 until Jan 2017.

The Honourable David Lavec has not yet announced the date for the opening Reception.

Student Participants:

Kelly Anderson, Talia Damerino, Evangelina Dold, Victoria Mclarty, Lor Richardson

2. OMAH (Orillia Museum of Art and History). Annual High School Art Exhibition.

Art works will be on display from Dec 2-Jan 29. Opening reception December 2, 6-8 pm.

Student Participant:

Evangelina Dold

Back to Table of Contents

Ontario Junior Citizen Awards – due this week

Extraordinary young leaders - they're all around us - in schools, at church and on sports teams. The truth is, there are

young people everywhere who are working hard to make their community a better place by volunteering for various

organizations, making donations, saving lives and maintaining top grade averages. It's time to recognize their

dedication and nominate them for a 2016 Ontario Junior Citizen Award.

Any Ontario resident aged six to 17 is eligible for the award and can be nominated in one of five areas:

A person involved in worthwhile community service

A special young person contributing to their community while living with a physical or psychological

limitation

An individual who has performed an act of heroism in the past year

Excellence in achievement, such as the arts or athletics

Good kids who show a commitment to make life better for others and do more than is normally expected of

someone their age

While all nominees will receive a Certificate of Recognition from their local community newspaper, up to 12

nominees will be chosen as the final recipients and invited to a special ceremony held in the spring of 2017.

Nominations will be accepted until November 30th, 2016.

More information and nomination forms are available at www.ocna.org/juniorcitizen.

Questions can be directed to:

Kelly Gorven

k.gorven@ocna.org

416-923-7724 ext. 4439 Back to Table of Contents

Bear Creek Dance News

WC Little - Grade 11’s start teaching the grade 5’s at WC Little starting Monday, November 7th. The grade 11’s will

teach the younger students a dance and they will perform in a recital for their parents.

K Cup - The dance department is busily working on creating choreography for the annual K Cup, happening on

Tuesday, December 13th. The dance department will instruct and lead the entire school in a stand dance that will be

performed to the other 4 schools attending.

Recital - This semester's recital will be happening on Thursday, December 15th at 7 p.m. For tickets please contact

Mrs. Robert or Ms. Bruno. Back to Table of Contents

Drama News

Sears Drama Festival is being run out of the Georgian Theatre this year. The performances will occur during the last

week of February/first week of March. This is open to the public. Tickets will be $10. Back to Table of Contents

Still Collecting Pop, or Any Beverage, Pull Tabs

I am hoping with your help, we can get higher than 400,000, as this year, we have two students who want to pick up

where Konor left off – Nick, our Special Olympics National competitor in Snowshoe (he medaled at the national

level – twice) and Aidan, our competitive student who plays every and any sport he can. So if you see them in the

halls or cafeteria at lunch, we are looking for you beverage/pop tabs!

If you can, please collect pop tabs and have you or your teen bring them to school. They can drop them off at the

office to be given to Nick/Aidan. If your teen sees me, they can give them to me as well, and I will see that

Nick/Aidan gets the tabs. Back to Table of Contents

TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences (DDHS)

Event Date: May 26, 2017

Email: jmcnorgan@cdnmedhall.org

An insightful and fun hands-on workshop for students in grades 10 through 12, interested in a career in health science

and technology. This full day event held at McMaster University Student Learning Centre, in Hamilton, is an exciting

opportunity for students, from across the province, to explore careers in medicine and health sciences. Students will

benefit from an inspiring keynote lecture, two hands-on-workshops of their choosing, and an interactive laboratory

experiment demonstration. Each school is invited to register up to 5 students who have a strong interest in a career in

health sciences.

This first step is to register your school online at http://cdnmedhall.org/hamilton-health-sciences-corporation , which

will open January 2017. Once our system has advised us of your registration, we will email further instructions to you

for your students to register online and select their workshop assignments. Workshop spaces are limited. Access to

workshop space is determined on a first come- first serve basis and individual students registration will open mid

April 2017. For complete details, please visit: http://cdnmedhall.org/hamilton-health-sciences-corporation Back to Table of Contents

High School Health Research Bursary Program Competition Closes: April 3, 2017. 4:00 p.m.

Email: bursary@hhsc.ca

An invaluable opportunity for top high school science students in grades 11 and 12 to apply for a seven-week summer

internship placement program working alongside Hamilton world-class researchers and team members July 4 –

August 18, 2016. This program provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore career options, expand

their potential horizons and exposure to leading scientific minds in healthcare research, as well as receive a $1,500

bursary upon completion. Students are required to submit an application, joint letter of nomination from a science

department head and science teacher, a 1000-word essay on their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, as

well as career aspirations. Posted on the HSHRB program web page are the submission guidelines, application form

and bursary publications. For complete details, please visit website: http://www.hhsresearchadmin.ca/partnership-

collaboration/youth-programs/high-school-bursary/

Back to Table of Contents

VIMY “Orthotics” Fundraiser Dr. Scott Best of Holly Chiropractic (Marsellus and Mapleton – Mac’s Plaza) has generously offered to donate

$50.00 toward Bear Creek’s Vimy trip for every pair of orthotics purchased by the Bear Creek community.

Many of us may have benefits for orthotics – so this is a win – win situation. Please consider helping us out with

our fundraising efforts. Holly Chiropractic is only 5 minutes away from the school. Please ensure that you tell Dr.

Best that you would like a donation to be made toward the Bear Creek Vimy trip.

Dr. Best’s Proposal:

I propose to donate $50 for every pair of orthotics purchased from Dr. Scott Best at Holly Chiropractic and Wellness

toward the fundraising effort for the Vimy Ridge trip at Bear Creek S.S. Holly Chiropractic and Wellness has been a

part of the south Barrie community for the past 12 years. We have been providing cost-effective and reliable care for

our patients and we look forward to assisting in the fund raising efforts for this awesome adventure.

In order to qualify for this offer, new and existing patients need to notify Dr. Best that they are a part of the Bear

Creek family and would like the donation to be directed toward this fundraising effort.

The benefit of custom orthotics is obvious in the context of our busy and active lives. The more time we spend on

our feet, the more stress we inflict on our bodies. Our feet are irregular surfaces that conform their shape to the many

irregular surfaces that they can stand upon. However, especially in industrialized nations, we are constantly standing

on flat surfaces and subjecting our feet to maximal stress every day. Custom orthotics act as an interface that help

maintain the foot as a stable foundation for our everyday activities.

If you suffer from painful arches, heel spurs, shin splints or knee/hip/low back pain, custom orthotics may be an

important part of restoring you to optimal functional capabilities.

The standard cost for orthotics at HC&W is $400. Most health care plans will cover most if not all of this cost.

Usually it is necessary that the patient provide an MD’s referral to their insurance company in order to use this

benefit. We will be happy to assist with any inquiries.

Respectfully,

Dr. Scott Best Back to Table of Contents

Breakfast Club

Bear Creek’s Eat Well to Excel - Breakfast Club has been very successful, so far. We have served over 13,000

students since the second week of September!

Students who miss breakfast at home can get a nutritious breakfast at school prior to period 1. This will be located in

the main forum. We are very fortunate and grateful for the assistance of Tim Horton’s who are donating bagels,

muffins, scones and croissants. We would also like to thank Mrs. S. Elines for donations of various breads, buns,

pastries, and other bakery items.

While there is no cost to the student, the program depends on donations from our community to keep going. We are

asking parents and community members for donations of the following to help with our costs: cereal bars (peanut-

free), cheese, fresh fruit, bagels, jams, non-hydrogenated margarine, light cream cheese, 100% juice boxes, multi-

grain breads, yogurt, muffins, dried fruit, raisin boxes, granola/fruit bars, and cash. Anything you can assist with,

would be greatly appreciated.

If you wish more information about the program or wish to donate, please contact Terry Wilkinson at (705)725-7712,

voice mail, 43664. Bear Creek's priority is to have healthy students! Back to Table of Contents

A & E Canadian Classroom – 2016 Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest –

For Students and Teachers

Welcome to the 2016 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 2016. 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

Due: December 9th, 2016 Back to Table of Contents

Schulich Leader Scholarship

Step 1: Schools – Select the Nominee

Get the word out

• All high schools across Canada are eligible

• Display promotional materials

(Download the posters: Version one and Version two)

• Notify staff and graduating students about the program

Select your Schulich Leader Nominee

• Nominees must possess at least two of three criteria:

° Academic Excellence

° Leadership (community, business or entrepreneurial)

° Financial Need

• To qualify, Nominees must:

° Graduate high school in the 2016/2017 academic year

° Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

° Enroll at one of our partner universities

Submit your one Nomination by February 1st, 2017

• Access Nomination Form

• Choose a school staff member to submit the Nomination

• Nomination form includes:

° Name and contact information for your school

° Name and contact information for your Nominee

• Student takes action:

° Your Nominee will receive an email with a link to complete the Schulich Leader Scholarship

application

Step 2: Students – Complete the application

Application requires:

• Universities where the Nominee wants to attend

• List of top three achievements (academic or other)

• 600 word essay demonstrating why they should win

• Optional 250 word essay to outline extenuating circumstances

• 50 words maximum on where you see yourself in 10 years

• Two letters of reference (at least one from a school staff member)

• Copy of an up-to-date transcript or credit counsel summary

• Headshot profile image for marketing purposes

Schulich Leader Scholarship Application due February 22nd, 2017

For more information about the program, please visit our website at www.schulichleaders.com

Back to Table of Contents

Kids, Grab A Good Book. Reading Still Matters!

Below is an article written by Bruce Rodrigues, CEO of EQAO.

“I don’t understand.” Those three little words can be so devastating to our present and our future. Chances are, if

you’re reading this article you’re probably not one of the thousands of Ontarians who struggle to draw meaning from

the important texts that are everywhere around you. Sadly, though, for too many in Ontario — children, adolescents

and adults alike — the written word is more of a wall than a gateway to new thoughts, facts and ideas.

For the complete story, please go to:

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2013/09/08/kids_grab_a_good_book_reading_still_matters.html

As an aside: I am looking for interested fathers/male guardians/older brothers/grandfathers/uncles and sons (a male

Bear Creek student) to start a reading club, with authors like Tom Clancy, Frederick Forsyth, Arthur C. Clarke, etc.,

whose works are aimed at (typically) male readers – If you are interested, please let me know.

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) 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 over the next week.

2. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Grounds Crew. Please see him in his office (upstairs

admin tower) on Thursday for more information.

3. 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.

4. Need volunteer hours but want to have fun at the same time? Join the “Youth Involvement” program as a Peer

Volunteer with Simcoe Community Services!

From September to June, high school-aged youth from all over Barrie come to attend “Wednesday Evening Bash”

events. Youth participate in bowling, craft and games nights, dance classes, movie nights, and have the chance to

connect with friends.

All volunteers are required to submit a Criminal Reference Check and complete a volunteer orientation.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Volunteer, please contact:

Jamie Hall, Stakeholder Relations Manager

705-726-9082 extension 5280

jhall@simcoecommunityservices.ca

5. Gift wrap at the Georgian Mall this December

Call Epilepsy Simcoe County at (705) 737-3132 or e-mail epilepsysimcoecounty@rogers.com

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:

Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th Thursday 1st Friday 2nd Sr. Boys’

Football

OFSAA @

Hamilton

Boys’ Hockey Wrestling Meet Girls’ Hockey

Jr. Boys’ Basketball

Tournament @

Eastview

Sr. Boys’ Basketball

Tournament

Swim Meet

Attention students who are interested in playing badminton. There is a sign up outside of the phys-ed office. The

first practice was at lunch on Friday, November 25th. If you missed it and are still interested, please see Mr.

Wilkinson or Mrs. Reid, ASAP.

More announcements next week.

Back to Table of Contents

Important Dates

Tuesday, November 29 fan bus to Hamilton

Wednesday, December 7 School Council, Career Centre, 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 8 Sounds of the Season Concert

Tuesday, December 13 K-Cup

Thursday, December 15 Dance Recital

Friday, December 23 Last day of classes of 2016 calendar year

Back to Table of Contents

Positively Speaking

Two Friday’s ago, the teachers’ PD day had staff look at ways to promote well-being and practice mindfulness

for/with their students. As I have gotten older (and hopefully, wiser) I have found that I get more from giving than

receiving. I also find myself filled with gratitude at the things, anything, that has been given to me. From what I

have read on mental well-being, gratitude is a very important component to well-being. I believe this article will

assist all of us in how important gratitude is.

The Science Behind Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life)

The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to

notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep

better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. And gratitude doesn't need

to be reserved only for momentous occasions: Sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work,

but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of pie. Research by UC Davis psychologist

Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, shows that simply

keeping a gratitude journal—regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which we’re thankful—can

significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.

You’d think that just one of these findings is compelling enough to motivate an ingrate into action. But if you’re

anything like me, this motivation lasts about three days until writing in my gratitude journal every evening loses out

to watching stand-up comics on Netflix.

Here are a few keys I’ve discovered—and research supports—that help not only to start a gratitude practice, but to

maintain it for the long haul.

Freshen Up Your Thanks

The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice new things you’re grateful for every day. Gratitude

journaling works because it slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting what we focus on.

While you might always be thankful for your great family, just writing “I’m grateful for my family” week after week

doesn’t keep your brain on alert for fresh grateful moments. Get specific by writing “Today my husband gave me a

shoulder rub when he knew I was really stressed” or "My sister invited me over for dinner so I didn't have to cook

after a long day." And be sure to stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you.

Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice. Make a game out of

noticing new things each day.

Get Real About Your Gratitude Practice

Being excited about the benefits of gratitude can be a great thing because it gives us the kick we need to start making

changes. But if our excitement about sleeping better because of our newfound gratitude keeps us from anticipating

how tired we’ll be tomorrow night when we attempt to journal, we’re likely to fumble and lose momentum. When we

want to achieve a goal, using the technique of mental contrasting—being optimistic about the benefits of a new habit

while also being realistic about how difficult building the habit may be – leads us to exert more effort. Recognize and

plan for the obstacles that may get in the way. For instance, if you tend to be exhausted at night, accept that it might

not be the best time to focus for a few extra minutes and schedule your gratitude in the morning instead.

Make Thankfulness Fun By Mixing It Up

University of Rochester partners in crime Edward Deci and Richard Ryan study intrinsic motivation, which is the

deep desire from within to persist on a task. One of the biggest determinants is autonomy, the ability to do things the

way we want. So don’t limit yourself—if journaling is feeling stale, try out new and creative ways to track your

grateful moments. My fiancée Michaela decided to create a gratitude jar this year. Any time she experiences a

poignant moment of gratitude, she writes it on a piece of paper and puts it in a jar. On New Year’s Eve, she’ll empty

the jar and review everything she wrote. When a good thing happens, she now exclaims, “That’s one for the gratitude

jar!” It immediately makes the moment more meaningful and keeps us on the lookout for more.

Be Social About Your Gratitude Practice

Our relationships with others are the greatest determinant of our happiness. So it makes sense to think of other people

as we build our gratitude. Robert Emmons suggests that focusing our gratitude on people for whom we’re thankful

rather than circumstances or material items will enhance the benefits we experience. And while you’re at it, why not

include others directly into your expression of gratitude? One activity involves writing a gratitude letter to someone

who had an impact on you whom you’ve never properly thanked. You could also share the day’s grateful moments

around the dinner table. The conversations that follow may give you even more reasons to give thanks.

Source: “The Science Behind Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life)”, By Derrick Carpenter, MAPP, http://my.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/

Back to Table of Contents

Parent’s Corner

The United States celebrated their Thanksgiving on Friday, while we had ours in October, but it is never too late to

show gratitude. We have it VERY lucky in this part of the world. TO top it all off, with all the celebrations that are

happening over the next month, regardless of what your faith is, it is very appropriate and I would say necessary to

show gratitude. This is a 2-part article –the other half will come out next week.

10 Ways to Teach Your Teen Gratitude: The First 5 Ways Is that what I deserve after helping you? What am I going to do with you?!”

You might hear this cry of frustration among parents of teens as they struggle with their child’s mood swings

and opposition to authority. Caught between the desire to see their teens individuate and the longing for a time, only

a few short years ago, when their teens used to need them, want them around, and perhaps even “worship” them a

little, Mom and Dad might be dealing with their own growing pains.

“You’re ruining my life! Just leave me alone!”

On the other hand, these might just be the lines of their teens, who, with raging hormones and a natural desire to

spend time with friends (and less time with you), are realizing that they’re too old to play yet are too young to decide

how they’re going to run their life.

Adolescence is certainly a crazy time for both parents and teenagers. But it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. As adults,

parents can think of ways to help their teens as they go through this important journey in their lives. It takes a lot of

patience, determination, creativity, reflection…and yes, stress-management.

One way to make living with your teen more tolerable and enjoyable, is to help them develop a grateful outlook on

life. As parents, we can’t demand that our teenagers be grateful of us or anyone else. However, we can’t simply

accept an ungrateful attitude and a sense of entitlement from them either.

So what are we to do?

Here are the first 5 tips to help your teens keep the importance of gratitude in the forefront:

(1) Clarify the difference between rights and privileges. In today’s world of modern conveniences, we take many

things for granted. We don’t realize that conveniences are privileges rather than our rights. For example, it’s the right

of our children to be clothed, but it’s a privilege for them to wear designer jeans. It’s the right of our children to be

educated, but it’s a privilege for them to have access to after-school programs and specialty classes. Our children

don’t need to earn their rights but they do need to earn their privileges. Help your teens discover the blessings they

have been given. This doesn’t mean lecturing– but a discussion of news stories that show people’s rights being

violated or dinner conversation about stories teens who do not have many privileges will help to make this distinction

more obvious.

(2) Be a model of gratitude. That means show it, recognize it, and appreciate it when you see it. When your teen

demonstrates kind, thoughtful behavior, be sure to show gratitude. Don’t let sleeping dogs lie. Nothing feels better

than being appreciated for the little things such as putting the plates in the sink without being asked or making the

bed. Resist the temptation to say; “FINALLY, you did it– why don’t you do this all the time!” It will backfire. In

addition, show gratitude for others, whether it’s a neighbor who brings in your mail or the store clerk that helps you

with your groceries, when they help you or do something to make your life a little more convenient or worthwhile.

Our own gratitude shows our teens that it’s important to be grateful even for both small and grand gestures.

(3) Keep a positive attitude and stop whining. It may sounds corny, but a grateful, positive outlook tends to make

life, well, more positive. Every morning, find something for which to be grateful; the sun shining, the garden getting

the rain it needed, the fact that your neighbor remembered to put his robe on before getting his paper. Notice

something positive about your teen. Compliment him but don’t overpraise. This could be as simple as telling him

how good he looks in his blue shirt or as significant as telling him how much you appreciate the hug he gives you

ever morning.

(4) Acknowledge failure and frustration—both yours and your child’s. Owning one’s weakness is the first step to

learning and improving. Adding humor to the situation when possible/appropriate will help lighten things too. Say-

“Oops, I guess I messed up, sorry about that,” “I must have left my brain on my pillow this morning—I’ll go get it,”

or “Everyone makes mistakes—we can be thankful that we have the ability to fix them.” Then, end the conversation

with hope: “Thank goodness, there’s still tomorrow. We’ll do better next time.”

(5) Find the Good in the situation. Many situations which appear “bad,” often can result in something good. It may

be tough, but try to be a “good-finder” and show your children how to do the same. For example, The Seemingly

Bad: Your teen has to stay home on a Friday night and baby-sit her younger sibling. The Good? They find this movie

on TV that was so funny that they had a blast watching it together. The Benefit? This will teach them to look for the

good and not be so quick to complain.

Gratitude is a state of mind. It takes a conscious mindset and a willingness to stop and take notice of everything that

makes life better, more convenient, and more fulfilling. Surround your teen with gratitude; grateful people, things to

be grateful for, and models of gratitude and he’ll surely get the picture. Teens can seem like they’re not paying

attention but in reality, they carry our voices and our examples everywhere they go. So go ahead. They’re watching

and listening. And they want to talk to you.

Source: J.L. Mahoney and others, “Organized Activity Participation, Positive Youth Development and the Over- Scheduling Hypothesis,” Society for

Research in Child Development, www.srcd.org/press/mahoney.pdf.

Back to Table of Contents

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week

(November 28 – December 2)

Monday 28th Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th Thursday 1st Friday 2nd

Ask your teen to tell

you some of the

things you’ve done

together that they

most enjoyed.

Look for a skill you

and your teen can

learn together. It’s a

fun way to get to

know your teen on a

new level.

Read a textbook

assignment with

your teen. Then ask

your teen to tell you

about it in his own

words.

Talk about how your

family can do

something for others

this holiday season.

Some teenage

holiday parties

involve alcohol.

Check with the

host’s parents before

you allow your teen

to attend.

Back to Table of Contents

Have a restful weekend!

104th Grey Cup – Go Ottawa!

Be well!

Terry Wilkinson

Vice-Principal

Bear Creek Secondary School

P.S. (Positive Statement):

“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder--no matter how old you became and how much you'd seen,

things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.”

- Candace Bushnell 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.