1. TRANSITIONS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BROOKS SECONDARY
Brooks Secondary School
5400 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L6
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2. WELCOME
TO BROOKS SECONDARY

3. Introduction
The transition from elementary school to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their parents/guardians.
There is a lot to look forward to:
a new school
new friends
new opportunities
It’s also normal to be a nervous about the switch to a secondary school.
Many students say they are excited AND anxious about entering secondary school.
There are many people/resources at Brooks to help students and parents/guardians each step of the way.

4. About Brooks Secondary School
Brooks Secondary School is a school of approximately 800 students (Grade 8-12)with a teaching staff of approximately 60 teachers.
It is a vibrant, diverse learning community which supports and encourages excellence in all aspects of school life.

5. How is High School Different?
the school is bigger
more than one teacher during the day (4 classes a day)
different timetable
move to different classrooms and areas of the school over the course of the day
classes are longer—lasting approximately 80 minutes per block...teachers use multiple teaching strategies during this time
homework and workload expectations may increase from elementary school
more courses to choose from and more opportunities to tailor school program to individual interests and goals
more extracurricular activities
more independence and responsibility
different activities and events (social events, games, dances, etc.)
...to name a few

6. Curriculum
Grade 8 students are expected to take a wide range of academic and elective courses.
All Grade 8 students take the following courses:
□English 8 □ Social Studies 8
□ Math 8 □ Science 8
□ PE 8 □ Health and Careers 8
□ Language 8 (French 8 or Klah ah men 8)
Students also have the opportunity to participate in Band 8 if they wish.

7. Other electives
Students will also try several courses in the fine arts/ applied skills area.
All students will rotate through a series of the same electives that may include
art, drama, environmental education, computers, foods, metalwork, robotics, textiles, and woodwork.

8. Sample Timetable Day 1 Day 2 8:58-10:18 A English 8 10:25-11:45 B PE 8
45 min.
LUNCH
12:30-1:49 C
Science 8
1:56-3:15 D
HCE 08 & mini-electives
8:58-9:58 C
Socials 8
9:58-10:38
FLEX
10:45-11:45 D
HCE 08 & mini-electives
45 min.
LUNCH
12:30-1:49 B
French 8
1:56-3:15 A
Math 8

9. Extra Curricular Activities
Joining an extracurricular club, team or group is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and gain and improve skills.
Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of extracurricular activities, meeting a variety of student interests.
Extracurricular groups meet at various times in the day (before school, at lunch, after school)
sports teams
badminton, basketball, curling, golf, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, track & field, volleyball, etc.
groups and clubs
book club, Compassion Project, Interact, mountain biking, music, robotics, student council, Students for Environmental Action, yearbook, and yoga, etc.
Information about extracurricular activities can be found in the school agenda and through the school announcements throughout the year.

10. Where Do I Keep My Things?
All students will be assigned a locker for their own use.
Students must bring their own locks.
Keep your combination a secret and your valuables at home.

11. Cell Phones
Cell phones are permitted at school; however, they are not to be used during instructional time.
Please do not call or text your son/daughter during instructional time...this can be disruptive to students and teachers.
Inappropriate cell phone use may result in the cell phone being taken away by teachers and administrators.

12. First Day of School
On the first day of school Grade 8 students will go to the gym for introductions.
Students will then move to an assigned homeroom where they will be given their timetables, locker number, and textbooks.
Students will participate in a number of welcoming/transition activities.
a BBQ for all of our Grade 8 students is provided.
Dismissal is 1:00 pm.

13. Know Your Resources
There are many people, services and resources available at Brooks to help make the secondary school experience a positive and successful one for all of our students.
There are teachers, administrators, librarians, coaches, school counsellors, secretaries, and tutors, to name a few, all here to help students have the best secondary school experience possible.
If you have a question, concern, or problem, talk to the appropriate person. If you’re unsure of who to talk to, contact a school counsellor. He/she will help connect you with the right people, information, and resources.

14. School Counsellors Mr. Marciniak Mrs. Burt Mr. Brach Mr. Palm
alpha counsellor for students with the last names A – L
Mrs. Burt
alpha counsellor for students with the last names M- Z
Mr. Brach
school counsellor for International Students, Safe Schools Coordinator, First Nations Leadership Coordinator
Mr. Palm
career coordinator

15. Tips for Parents
Talk to your child before Grade 8 starts about the differences between elementary and secondary school and what to expect.
Attend orientation activities with your child. Our OPEN HOUSE takes place on Wednesday, June 19th 6:00 pm). Students and parents/guardians will learn more about the Grade 8 program and tour the school.
Volunteer, join the PAC, meet teachers, attend school conferences or events and read school newsletters.
Keep up to date about school activities and opportunities. Our website is updated regularly for students and parents/guardians.
Encourage your child to be involved in school activities. There are many activities during lunch and before/ after school (extra-curricular).
Encourage the use of agendas for homework and check them regularly for assignments, projects and tests.
Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations.
Encourage and model time management strategies. Help your child balance school work with their outside activities and interests.
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 your child’s school counsellor or administrator.

16. Keeping in Touch Administration Principal: Ms. Rothwell Counsellors
Mr. Marciniak (A – L)
Mrs. Burt (M-Z)
Mr. Brach (International Students)
Teachers
-teachers can be reached by phone or
-phone the main office (604) and the office staff will notify the teacher with who you wish to consult
- addresses are listed in the agenda
Administration
Principal: Ms. Rothwell
Vice Principal: Mr. Perrault
Vice Principal: Ms. Behan
Class Progress
Interims
Report Cards
Parent/Student/Teacher
Conferences
Informal/Formal Meetings
Newsletters
Website

17. OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, June 19th @ Brooks Secondary School
from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Information
Meet the administrators and school counsellors.
Meet the Grade 8 team
Tour