Parents' Page: September 2012

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Grade 12 Parent's Night Next Week

Next Thursday, October. 4th is the Grade 12 Parent Night.

When: 6:30pm

Where: L.A. Matheson

Why: It's a great opportunity to hear important and specific information regarding your grade 12 child's final school year. Included will be information about graduation, provincial exam prep, scholarship opportunities and an open forum to inquire about any questions you may have.

Please come join us for an informative evening in support of your child's path to graduation.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Reading Our Way to a Better Life

As I work with the students to instill a love and devotion to reading I came across a few like-minded supporters. If you're having any troubles encouraging the kids to follow through with their learning, even when it's hard, here's some support:

1.) Lifehacker: Want to Be a Great Leader? Read

2.) LifeDev: 8 Benefits of Reading (Or Ways Reading Makes You Better at Life)

3.) Personal Development: Importance of Good Reading and Writing Skills (In the Real World, In Your World)

4.) Styleblazer: 10 Smarty Pants Celebs: Did You Know They Went to College?

Friday 14 September 2012

Meet the Teacher Night!

All parents and students are invited this Wednesday, September. 19th to meet the L.A. Matheson staff and to meet their children's teachers.

When: 5:15pm-7:15pm, September. 19th.

There will be an opportunity to meet all of your children's teachers, find out about the classes, expectations and support systems. There's information on how to best support your child, and opportunities to meet and talk about questions, ideas and inquiries you may have about your child's education. Please come and join us for an informative and important evening together!

Below is a copy of pertinent information for my classes if you are unable to attend: Meet the Teacher Night Information Handout

Friday 7 September 2012

Creative Writing Contests and Opportunities

Your children are so creative, and there's many opportunities for them to share their voice. To all of the aspiring authors, budding poets, check out the English Department display wall with student entry forms and information, or talk to me (Ms. Bertrand) for more information on the creative writing opportunities coming up quickly.

****The 7th Annual National Student Poetry and Short-Story Contest is underway with cash prizes and submission deadlines coming up in November****

Explore their site, the rules, the prizes, the opportunities: Polar Expressions Writing Contests

Assessment of Student Learning

I structure assessment around two general principles: opportunity and responsibility. Students' learning is a collaborative process, one that involves students, their peers, class time and experiences, and their teacher. It is a process they must take an ACTIVE role in. I use a few summative evaluations where students demonstrate their learning and skill level, but throughout each course our time is devoted to opportunities for inquiry, practice and growth. Attendance and active participation and involvement in their own learning are critical, are required. Students' grades are based on skill sets: effective communication in all forms, critical reading and inquiry of our world, collaboration skills, and skill builders. Each student will create a portfolio demonstrating their development and learning, and it is required that they reflect and plan throughout the process. Assessment will be regular, ongoing and focused on improvement in learning. Student choice in modes of demonstrating their learning is offered, and student co-creation of evaluation criteria is utilized. Classes will integrate varieties of assessment practices including academic and creative writing, visual and multimedia creations, guided reads, role-plays, literature circles, quizzes, games, performances, blogs, debates, inquiry projects, independent and collaborative assignments, portfolios, etc. Standards of excellence will be high, challenging, but attainable. Students will have opportunities to redo work and demonstrate greater learning and attainment of skills throughout courses. Assessment standards and samples can be found at BC Performance Standards and the BC Ministry Prescribed Learning Outcome sites.

Top 10 Things Parents Can Do

TOP TEN THINGS parents can do to support their teenage child's learning (according to Mr.Thielmann's award-winning educator parent blog):

1. Provide a loving, peaceful, positive environment

2. Fulfill (& be attuned to) your child's real needs

3. Take an interest in what your child does

4. Be accountable & expect accountability back

5. Be responsible & expect responsibility back

6. Be a learner, show your passion for things you find interesting

7. Put a high value on education-graduating, and post-secondary

8. Help with time management- School as daily priority over social media

9. Read to your child

10. Talk, and listen, to your child