Smithers Secondary School May 5, 2016 Grade 7 Night Smithers Secondary School May 5, 2016

Welcome! Intro by Katherine

Transition Schedule Student visits to SSS with grade 7 classes (May 3 & 4) SSS Counsellors visit elementary schools to answer questions (May 6-15) SSS Counsellors, Learning Support Teacher and Administrators meet with grade 7 Teachers and Administrators to share information about students of concern and those who have learning needs. (April/May) Individual meetings with parents at SSS for students with IEPs.

Message from Mr. Grice

Grade 8 Courses English Social Studies Math Science Physical Education French Elective Wheel (Possible choices: Textiles, Metal, Drama, Art, Woods, Coding, Outdoor Ed) Optional: Band Optional: Hockey Academy

Example Timetable 1. 8:25-9:45 Elective Wheel or Band/Hockey Academy 1. 8:25-9:45 Elective Wheel or Band/Hockey Academy 2. 9:50-11:10 English/Social Studies Break 3. 11:25-12:45 Math/Science 12:45-1:40 Lunch 4. 1:45-3:00 P.E. or French

Physical Education 8 Physical Education 8 is part of the Grade 8 curriculum. Students are required to have a change of clothes (PE strip) and athletic shoes every class. Be prepared to go outside! Students often bring sweatpants and sweatshirts in addition to their regular PE strip. PE classes are 80 minutes long. *PLUG ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY!

French 8 All students are required to take a language 8 class. Exceptions are made only for students who have specific learning needs (IEP’s) that can not be met in French class. French Immersion students will take Francais Langue 8. The following year, they will be in French 10.

Lunch Hour Students have many different options for lunch hour. Whether you bring a lunch from home or buy one from the cafeteria, students can eat any of the open classrooms, round room, benches or outside on nice days. There are also many activities happening at lunch (intramurals, clubs, etc.) Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

Lockers and Textbook Fees All students are assigned a locker for their own use. Students must purchase locks from the main office for $5. There is a $75 text book deposit that is returned after graduation once all books are returned in good condition. Total fees: $80.

Reporting-What to Expect Four formal Report Cards Mid and End of Each Term Informal Reports Interims On-going Feedback from Teachers/Staff Suggestions You should see homework Communicate – early and often

Policies Electronics Lates/absences/appointments Computer Use Bullying/Safe Schools

Student Services Know Your Resources Secretaries School Counsellors Tutoring Centre Education Assistants Aboriginal Support Workers Administration: Principal, vice-principal. Lot’s of people to provide help! Never be afraid to ask! Secretaries: parents must call in sick, point of contact for arranging homework if student will be away for extended periods, teacher contact information. School Counsellors: referral to other community agencies, academic advising, personal counselling. Tutoring Centre: tutorials at lunch and afterschool, short-term catch up periods. Education Assistants: work with students and groups during class time. Aboriginal Support Workers: All Nations Room, contact for parents, support for students, referrals. Substance Abuse Prevention Worker: meets with students one-on-one and in groups. Administration: Principal, 2 vice-principals.

Extra-Curricular Activities Grade 8 Special Events: hikes, ski days, year-end picnic Leadership Intramurals School sports Green Team Gay Straight Alliance Stand-Up (Anti-Bullying) Youth for A Better World

Tips for Parents Talk to you child about what to expect at high school. Discuss their fears and hopes. Attend school activities and events with your child (meet the teacher night, course fair) Volunteer, meet teachers, read school newsletters. Encourage your child to be involved with School activities. Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations. Work together with the school. If you have a question or concern about a class, make a phone call or send an email to the teacher. For other concerns, contact a school counsellor or principal. Monitor your child’s social media use, and encourage healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits.

Student to Student Tips Join clubs and teams to meet people and make friends. Ask questions Do your homework Study for tests Be prepared for class Bring Ipads and other electronics for research only Skipping out is not cool Do not be late Don’t blow off studying – it’ll catch up with you. Don’t worry about the older kids, they don’t really care about you.   If you are uncomfortable, safe places include: The Library The tutoring center The counseling office The band room The drama room The All Nations room The art room

Questions??

Thank you for Coming… We’re glad you came!

School Tour & Snacks