MATTHEW MCNAIR SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTERmcnair.sd38.bc.ca/sites/mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/files... · the library and computer labs to enter those selections into the computer system. Hopefully,

“A great place to learn”

MCNAIR NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016

MATTHEW MCNAIR SECONDARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER HOME OF THE MARLINS -‐‑ ESTABLISHED IN 1974

Principal: Mr. J. Leslie Address: 9500 No 4 Road, Richmond, BC, V7A 2Y9 Vice Principals: Mr. M. Jaswal & Ms. W. Walker Phone: 604-‐‑668-‐‑6575 Fax: 604-‐‑668-‐‑6585 PAC: Mr. B. Aujla Early Warning: 604-‐‑295-‐‑6497 Trustee Liaison: Mr. K. Hamaguchi Twitter: @McNairMarlins

Website: http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca

Principal’s message: Semester 2 is now well underway, and students have settled into their next set of courses. Spring Break will be coming in a couple of weeks (from March 11-28-inclusive of the Easter Long Weekend), so there will undoubtedly be lots to do before the holiday. We would also like to welcome two new staff members to the McNair team: Katelyn Louie (French and ELL) and Valerie Con (ELL and Science) have joined our staff and are excited to be helping our students.

Highlights from the past month of school include the great successes of our various Basketball teams (the Sr Boys have qualified for the BC’s for the third year in a row!) and work that is being done with program planning. Grade 12’s are now making plans for post-secondary (school opportunities, travel, work and so many other things await our graduates), and Grade 8-11 students have been asked to make choices about course selections for September 2016. Counselors came into classes in the early part of February to provide information to students about course offerings, and then toward the end of the month, students were taken to the library and computer labs to enter those selections into the computer system. Hopefully, all of our parents had an opportunity to review course selections with their son/daughter. Remember that we build our timetable based on what students tell us they want to take in the Fall. Making changes to timetables will be more difficult if students change their minds, so hopefully you have made your choices carefully.

Coming up in early March is the McNair Theatre department Spring Production of Sleepy Hollow. As it is every year, our Spring Productions are eagerly anticipated, and this show once again promises to be amazing. Be sure to get your tickets early, because the shows will sell-out. Similarly, our Math department had several students enter the Pascal, Euclid and Cayley Math contests, and once again, our students did themselves proud. We have had among the best results in all of British Columbia and the best in the district for many years, and did the same again this year! Congratulations!

Spring is right around the corner and once we return, school will be very busy until the end of the year with Grad events, final exams, Program Planning and a host of other celebrations. Be sure to enjoy a restful long Spring Break, and come back ready to finish the year strong! --Mr. Jason Leslie

Traffic Safety Just a reminder to staff and students: The days are still quite short and students are often arriving at school or leaving for the day in some dark and wet conditions. This can make crossing the busy Number 4 Road treacherous. We have had some recent close calls, and last year two students were hit while in the crosswalk. This is a reminder to all parents dropping off or picking up their children, please drive cautiously! Similarly, students need to cross the street using the crosswalks, but please be sure to look both ways before crossing. Many drivers have a hard time seeing pedestrians, so you need to be cautious, too.

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Protect Personal Belongings The best defense against acts of theft is to not bring valuable items to school. Protect your belongings and do not leave money or other valuables in an unattended bag, locker or changing room. Students should LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME!

Grade 12 News: Grade 12’s are now entering a very exciting and busy time of their high school lives. Please be sure to check over their TVR’s (a record of student marks from Grades 10-12), and remind them to complete their PSI forms (Post Secondary Information). Students also need to start thinking about upcoming graduation events, and need to go to the school website to enter their Gown size https://survey.sd38.bc.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=82MH5m2 and write their Valedictory comment https://survey.sd38.bc.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=82MHnm2 for when they cross the stage at Commencement. The last semester will go by very quickly, so it is important to stay on top of all the tasks you need to complete!

McNair Newspaper McNair Aware is the school Newspaper profiling all of the great things that are happening in and around our school. Students are writing and taking photographs about what makes McNair such a great place to learn. Please check out the blog at: http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/blogs. If you have an interest in contributing, please see Mr. Leslie.

MCNAIR SECONDARY SCHOOL DATES: (Please check the calendar on the school website regularly)

March 2 Collaboration Day-late start (9:45 AM) March 4-10 Spring Production of Sleepy Hollow March 7-9 Grade 7 Basketball Tournament March 8 PAC Meeting (7 PM) March 11-28 Spring Vacation March 25 Good Friday March 28 Easter Monday March 29 First Day of School after Spring Break April 6 Collaboration Day-late start (9:45 AM) April 21 Report Cards Issued (Sem 2: Term 1) April 22 Pro-D Day (School Closed) April 27 Parent Teacher Conferences (2-4pm)

On-Line Safety: Teenagers live in an incredibly connected, digital world that is changing every day. Communication happens faster now than ever before through all kinds of platforms (Texting, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, SnapChat, Vine and many others). Students are reminded to always be thoughtful online.

Parents are encouraged to learn about social media and reinforce with their children that their digital footprint can be traced to them and will stay with them forever. Be sure to demonstrate the same care, kindness and respect online that you do in person. Always think before you text or post-is this something I would be okay with my parents seeing? If not, then don’t send!

Follow McNair Secondary School on Twitter: Please stay connected to our school and join the over 475 students, parents, alumni and community members who are already following McNair on Twitter! This is a great way to get short reminders and updates of all that is happening at McNair Secondary. Twitter is easy to use from your smart phone or computer and is a very popular social media platform used by millions of businesses, universities, news agencies and community organizations in Richmond, Canada and throughout the world. Follow us: @McNairMarlins

School Transfer Information Richmond students who wanted to transfer schools had to have submitted their transfer form by Friday, February 12th. All transfers will be considered according to some criteria that must be met. Letters regarding decisions about transfers will be sent out on February 29th, and should be arriving in homes by the end of the first week of March. If denied, parents may appeal the decision by submitting a request by March 11th, 2016.

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PAC Meetings The McNair PAC executive invites you to attend PAC meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month in the conference room. These meetings provide an overview of what is happening at school and an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 8th at 7 PM.

Program Planning: Counselors have been into classes to present information about course offerings for next year. Hopefully, you have taken the time to review your selections with your parents and have entered your choices into the computer system. Remember that changing courses is much harder to do after the timetable is built, so please ensure that the courses you have selected are the ones you want to take next year. For information about McNair courses, see our program Planning Guide at: http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/sites/mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/files/attachments/Thu%2C%202015-07-02%2012%3A59/ProgPlanBook%202015-16r.pdf

Dry Grad Fundraiser Spring cleaning ..... Support McNair Dry After Grad fundraiser by dropping off clothing items at the front of the school under the sign into the large bin. Drop off bottles / cans at Ironwood recycling behind London Drugs. Account #256

Satisfaction Surveys: Each year the B.C. Ministry of Education asks parents of students in Grades 4, 7, 10 and 12 to complete a “Satisfaction Survey” to determine parents levels of satisfaction with their child’s education. We invite all parents of children in Grades 10 and 12 to go online and complete the survey. It is available in 19 different languages and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Please go to the link below, and under District, select 38 Richmond and under school, select McNair Secondary. Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide your feedback. https://www.awinfosys.com/surveyfull1/central/main/ParentSurvey.asp

McNair Dry Grad 2016 What is a Dry Grad? A Dry Grad is a lively, informal event which follows the Grad Dinner/Dance on June 28. This is an alcohol-free and drug-free event where the grads enjoy a safe place to celebrate. The participating students are bussed directly from their formal Dinner/Dance downtown to the McNair Gym. The event runs late into the night (ending by 5 am). It’s a fun-filled atmosphere where the grads enjoy good food, refreshments, music and many forms of entertainment and activities.

Help is needed by parents for.....donations, fundraising and organizing the dry grad event.

Next Dry Grad meeting is on March 3rd at 7pm at the school. Join us and bring your ideas for making a great dry grad event for our kids.

Please visit the school website to access the donation letter http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/parents/mcnair-dry-grad To contact Dry Grad committee, email us at [email protected]

Happy Lunar New Year:

The Chinese Lunar New Year was celebrated on February 8th, and we want to wish all of our students and families who celebrated a prosperous and healthy 2016.

The monkey is the ninth of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and those born in this year are considered intelligent, social, witty and possess a magnetic personality. They can also be clever, mischievous and a little self-centered.

新年快樂!

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McNair Courtyards Fundraiser The CBC (Courtyard Beautification Committee) continues to work hard to raise funds for purchasing our green wall, plants, and general supplies.

Funds are raised through school fundraisers such as – bubble tea, samosa, and bake sales. On April 30th (Saturday) and May 28th (Saturday), CBC will be hosting car washes at McNair’s south parking lot on Albion Rd from 10am to 2pm (weather dependent). All proceeds will go to beautifying McNair’s courtyards. We hope parents will bring their cars out to support this great fundraiser!

Courtyard Beautification Project CBC (Courtyard Beautification Committee) continues to work hard to raise funds for purchasing our green wall, plants, and general supplies.

Funds are raised through school fundraisers such as – bubble tea, samosa, and bake sales.

On April 30th (Saturday) and May 28th (Saturday), CBC will be hosting car washes at McNair’s south parking lot (on Albion Rd) from 10 – 2pm, weather permitting. We hope parents will bring their cars out in support of these events!

Pink Shirt Day: To help promote ERASE Bullying month, McNair Secondary Student Council planned a series of lessons and activities for Pink Shirt Day on February 24th. Students went into our Grade 8 reading classes, and delivered a lesson on the language we use with one another. All staff and many students wore pink t-shirts on the day, and McNair Secondary showed once again that it truly is a caring place.

Here is a link to the video they showed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW8BDgLpZkI

Congratulations to everyone who participated and who helps make McNair such an accepting place.

Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS)

For 4 weeks Wednesday, April 6-13-20-27, 2016 Time: 9-10:30 am Mitchell school – room 113

For Registration please contact your SWIS Worker: Inas Elmenbbawi 778-835-1238

Settlement Workers in

Pro-D Information Over 200 teachers, administrators, and educational assistants from McNair, Cambie, McRoberts, Boyd and Burnett met on Friday February 19th, 2016 at Cambie Secondary for an EdCamp providing valuable insights into a myriad of topics such as the new curriculum, assessment strategies, and adapted/modified programs, and educational technology amongst others. The next Pro D day is being planned for Friday April 22nd, 2016.

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MCNAIR NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016 Music Program FESTIVALS

The McNair Jazz Band and Jazz Combo have been busy performing at many local events. They both recently attended the Envisions Jazz Festival. Envisions is a competitive festival very well attended with almost 300 ensembles competing. McNair was awarded an excellent rating and was in the running for the final play off competition performance but unfortunately were not one of the final two ensembles.

Zane Heilig was awarded top guitarist in our division and Francis Naluz was awarded $50 gift certificate in recognition of his amazing Bass solos.

PERFORMANCE

The Jazz Band and the Combo performed at the Richmond district Jazz Nite at the Gateway on Thursday February 25th.

UPCOMING TOURS

McNair Music Program is gearing up for all Ensembles to attend their spring trips.

Intermediate and Junior band will be attending the Victoria Band festival on March 3rd and 4th. This is an exciting schedule with two performances at a school and senior home plus the festival performances in the afternoon.

The Senior Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra and Choir will be going to Edmonton on April 20th for a five-day performance tour.

Theatre /Drama Theatre McNair is thrilled to be presenting our Spring production of the world premiere of award winning McNair alumnus Joelysa Pankaneaís dark and quirky musical adaptation of Sleepy Hollow. The production is well underway with rehearsals and the very talented cast is looking and sounding amazing.

After over 130 hours of rehearsal, the cast of 25 actors, four musicians and several dedicated crew members will be ready to open the show for public performances on Friday March 4th at 7:00pm with additional shows on March 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, also at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available through the Theatre Department. We can’t wait to share this work with you!

McNair Athletics The Winter Sport Season is now in the history books. Our Table Tennis team had a very successful season under the guidance of Mr. Thiessen, and promises to be a contender come next season.

The Grade 8 Girls Basketball had a very successful season finishing second, losing a close final to McMath. The Grade 9 Girls also had a successful season, finishing third in league play before falling in the Richmond playoffs. The Senior Girls had an excellent year, finishing fourth in Richmond league, then third in the playoffs, qualifying for the Lower Mainlands. They came up just 2 wins shy of qualifying for the Provincials for the first time in 13 years! Well done, girls! On the Boys side, the Grade 8’s had a solid season and hosted the Richmond playoffs. This team should be much improved for next year. The Grade 9’s had a very good regular season, but some unfortunate injuries left the team short-handed in the playoffs. Look out when they have their entire team back next year. The Junior Boys had another very successful season, just missing out on qualifying for the V&D championships. The Senior Boys, despite being very young (only one grade 12 on the roster), had an excellent year, finishing third in Richmond and qualifying for the Lower Mainland Tournament. They then came third in the Lower Mainland Tournament and qualified for the BC Championships (for the third year n a row). What an amazing run for this group of hard working athletes. Special thanks go to Mr. Sangra for all his hard work as coach! Congratulations go out to all the coaches and scorekeepers who helped run all of our teams and games. The gym was a very busy place all winter, as we had teams in 7 of the 9 divisions possible.

It was a very exciting season, and we now prepare to field teams in all our Spring sports. It promises to be another busy season, and is a great way to meet new friends and make positive connections to the school. We hope to see you try-out for something! If you are interested in any of the upcoming Spring Sport seasons (Track and Field, Soccer, Boys Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Golf or Rugby), please see Mr. Dhaliwal.

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MCNAIR NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016 RISP Homestay Host Richmond International Student Program

Interested in opening your home up for a rewarding experience?

The International Student Program allows overseas students to enter Grades 8 through 12 at selected secondary schools, and under certain circumstances, Kindergarten to Grade 7 at selected elementary schools in Richmond, Greater Vancouver. The program gives overseas students the opportunity to study alongside Canadian students in the BC public education system. As a Host Family, you will have an opportunity to welcome into your home, students from around the world. Your family will have a profound influence on the students’ study abroad experience. Both your family and the students you host will ideally gain a mutual understanding and respect for each other’s culture and world-view. In addition to economic remuneration, your reward will be the realization that your commitment to host international students will, in some small way, contribute to global understanding and world peace.

Each member of your family and your student will come to know each other in depth. Our Homestay program is the ideal setting for this type of experience.

If you are interested in learning more about our hosting program please forward an e-mail for information.

Karen York Homestay Coordinator International Student Program Tel 604-295-4303 [email protected]

2016 McNair Hoodies Marketing 12 students have designed the new 2016 McNair logo for both hoodies and sweat pants. There will be one order placed before Spring Break. If you want to get your order in, please fill out the forms and bring it to Room 106 (Mr. Sangha) with cheque or cash asap. Check out the links (on the form) for your colour choices for both items

**The order form is on the last page of the newsletter.**

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MCNAIR NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016 Career WEBSITE INFO:

Richmond Dist. Career Center News: http://public.sd38.bc.ca/~ccnews

Visit “Ms Hudson ” facebook page for important info and up-dates: www.facebook.com/MsHudsonCareerCentreNews

AROUND THE SCHOOL: Student announcements, Bulletin Board, Counselling

Drop in to see the Career Advisor, Ms. Hudson, in the Career Center

Mon to Fri from 11:15 to 3:15

CHECK OUT SCHOLARSHIP & OTHER FINANCIAL AID INFO:

Richmond Dist. Career Center News: http://public.sd38.bc.ca/~ccnews

Register and search at: http://www.studentscholarships.org/, http://www.studentawards.com/, http://www.schoolfinder.com/

GR 12s: DEADLINES ARE COMING UP!!

Self-Reporting

UBC

Portal opens on February 22nd – deadline – Mar 20 http://you.ubc.ca/admissions/canadian-highschools/bc-yukon-selfreporting/

SFU

Portal is open Major Entrance Scholarship – Feb 15 Beedie School of Business – deadline to self report is Feb 28 All other applicants – Apr 30 https://www.sfu.ca/students/admission-requirements/applied/fall.html

UVIC

Portal is open – deadline - Mar 31 http://www.uvic.ca/future-students/undergraduate/admissions/self-reporting/

NEXT STEPS FOR GRADE 12s

• Complete the Post Secondary Choices Form (PSI) Deadline is March 1st for interim grades to be received by the institution applied to. www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/tsw/tsw/student/welcome.

• Register to write the TOEFL/IELTS and/or the LPI if you are required to do so. Contact the Career Centre or the individual post-secondary institutions you are applying to for requirements and exemptions.

• Make sure you are aware of the following deadlines for the institution to which you have applied: • Documents • Housing • Offer acceptance/deposit fee • Course registration

Reminder to Grade 11s

If you are planning to attend a USA post-secondary institution after graduation, it is a good idea to register for and to write your SAT admission exam during your Grade 11 year! See the College Board website for registration details http://student.collegeboard.org/

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MCNAIR NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016 Career (continued) Up-Coming Events

Mar 2 - SFU 50th Anniversary Celebration: Surrey Campus Open House For details: http://www.sfu.ca/surrey/engage/visit-us/open-house.html

Mar 2 - Explore Capilano Night - Held at the North Vancouver campus. http://www.capilanou.ca

Mar 2 - Douglas College Music Technology Diploma Open House Time: 7-9pm Place: Douglas College, New Westminster Campus, 700 Royal Avenue (Room 3220) For more information contact [email protected] or phone 604-527-5272

APPRENTICESHIP (ACE IT) PROGRAMS. A Future Without Limits!! Students in grades 10 & 11. Students attend these programs in their grade 12 year and therefore must apply in their grade 11 year. First deadline to apply: Wed Mar 9, 2016 Second deadline to apply: Wed Apr 27, 2016 See the Careers Program Website for more information: http://careerprograms.sd38.bc.ca or visit your Counsellor or Career Advisor

Mar 9 - Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) Open House 11 am to 7 pm, at 715 McBride Boulevard, New Westminster, BC.

Mar 10 - The Richmond Community Foundation Scholarships Deadline –For details visit: http://richmondfoundation.org/grant/apply-scholarship/

Mar 12 & 13 - The Sky's No Limit - Girls Fly Too Event - Over 15,000 participants from around BC and beyond are expected at the Abbotsford International Airport. Free flights are offered to female first-time fliers Advance registration is required: http://www.girlsfly2.ca/events.html

Mar 12 & 13 - The Sky's No Limit - Girls Fly Too Volunteer Opportunity Male and female volunteers of any age and any ability welcome. Opportunities abound for students to shine as a community leader and volunteer. Help is needed with all aspects of the event – pre-event planning & logistics, set-up, event weekend and post-event cleanup. See website application details: http://www.girlsfly2.ca/volunteer.html or contact 604-210-4033, email: [email protected].

Mar 31 - Coast Capital Youth Team - Applications are now open for this unique work experience opportunity for students entering grade 11 or 12 in Sept 2016. As a paid member of the Youth Team, you’ll work as a Community Ambassador and as a Member Service Representative helping members in one of Coast Capital branches, where you will process daily transactions and handle inquiries. Visit the website for further information. https://www.coastcapitalsavings.com/About_Coast_Capital_Savings/Helping_Communities/Youth_Programs/Youth_Team/ or email: [email protected]

Apr 2 (Sat 10am - 1pm) - UBC Computer Science "For Girls Only!" TechTrek Workshops - UBC is reaching out to female students to encourage them to participate in STEM related activities. See website for details: https://www.cs.ubc.ca/grades-k-12/techtrek/saturday-workshops

Apr 4 - KPU (Langley) Horticulture ACE IT Information Session Location: KPU Langley Campus Horticulture greenhouse located across the pedestrian overpass from the main Langley campus. 20901 Langley Bypass. Time: 3:15 - 4:30pm Phone: 604.599.3254 Email: [email protected] http://www.kpu.ca/hort/apprenticeship

Emily Carr Summer Institute For Teens Regular Registration Deadline: Jun 17, 2016 $2390 Canadian + Permanent Residents $2790 International Students For further information see: http://teens.ecuad.ca/summer/

School-‐‑branded Clothing: Order Form McNair Students

Student Name: Student Number:

Order taken by: MARKETING 12

Payment Method:

q Cash q Cheque (include name/student # on chq)

Clothing Item

Circle one: Colour* Qty Each Total

Hoodie See link for many colours:

XS S M L XL XXL http://i.imgur.com/FwMbolW.png

$35.00

Sweatpants See link for 7 colours:

XS S M L XL XXL http://i.imgur.com/SSYi6dD.png

$30.00

Total

Thanks for your order. Please go to Room 106 if you have any questions.