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

2. Welcome!
Intro by Katherine

3. 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.

4. Message from Mr. Grice

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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 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.

16. 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

17. Questions??

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

19. School Tour & Snacks