DECEMBER 2015

Superintendent’s Message

Creating a culture of innovation and big picture thinking in PRSD schools

What is innovation?

Innovation can be described as change, alteration, revolution, breakthrough, a new method, idea or product. These words

absolutely define how we must look at our classrooms in order to meet the needs of students in our changing world.

What are some examples of innovation in Peace River School Division? Students are given time through flexible learning time (High School Redesign) and project-based classes that allow them to work on projects that are of interest to them. Through these types of classes, some of our students led a project that saw a skate park be built in one of our communities, a community garden was created and the produce is being sold to help a school in Kenya. Our schools are connecting with other schools, authors, experts and various organizations through technology and student owned devices are encouraged for learning in our classrooms. Every PRSD school has been supplied with Tower Gardens so that students can learn how to grow vegetables.

Earlier this school year, PRSD held an Innovation Symposium that brought students, staff and community to the table to learn about and discuss how schools and classrooms can be more innovative. You can learn more about the innovation symposium by visiting the PRSD website.

Innovation is important to student learning and success and we are very proud of our staff for supporting and embracing innovation and for their passion in finding new ways to engage students.

Paul Bennett Superintendent of Schools

This Month:

- Innovation at WCS

- Christmas Banquet

- Dec/Jan calendar

- Spotlight on Safety

- Final exam schedule

- Exam prep

- GPRC visit

- Bullying

Christmas Greetings from WCS

The holiday season is quickly approaching and the staff and

students at WCS would like to wish everyone a well deserved

break. We hope the season brings joy and cheer to you and your

family and friends. We would like to extend our appreciation to

everyone who has helped to make the first part of the year a success. If you are

travelling to visit family or friends over the break please drive safely. We look forward to

coming back together on January 4th following the break.

Principal's Message: Innovation

The world continues to change at an unprecedented rated and as a result society

adapts to meet these changes. At the heart of our society’s adaptation is our education

system. Adaptation through innovation is at the center of the cultural shift taking place at

Worsley Central School. We continue to strive to prepare students for the 21st century’s

world of work and instill the goals of the Alberta Education’s Inspiring Education where

we focus on helping students to grow as engaged thinkers and ethical citizens who

possess an entrepreneurial spirit.

This year we began to shift our school’s culture to capitalize on the spirit of innovation.

Through High School Redesign and the creation of a flexible learning environment,

known as Success Block, our school has transformed the timetable to allow for a more

student centered approach to learning where students have a greater degree of

responsibility and choice in prioritizing what they learn

and how they learn. This student centered approach is

implemented with the guidance of teachers who help

students to develop responsibility for their learning and

help them to make informed decisions about their

education which will help them in their future outside of

school.

Another example of the shift taking place are the

students in Grade 4-6 who dove into Alberta Education’s

new Career and Technology Foundations program this

year. This program will allow students to develop their

entrepreneurial spirit as ethical citizens. Earlier in the year our students, along with their

teacher, identified a way they could make a difference while developing a skill. They

have decided to learn how to knit and are using this new skill to make scarves that they

will donate to a local charity. It will be exciting to see this project come to a rewarding

conclusion, allowing our students to see that they can make a difference in their

community. We are eagerly waiting to see the next fantastic idea this group will come

up with.

Providing students with new and practical learning opportunities is another way we

continue to adapt the learning environment to help prepare students for their futures.

We are offering a variety of new courses this year through Career and Technology

Studies, such as Audio-Video Production and Finance. In addition to these new courses

we are bringing back courses such as Foods, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Construction,

Mechanics, and First Responders. The learning opportunities these courses offer are

made possible through the generous financial contribution from the Clear Hill County

and local community members who provide instruction and share their knowledge, skill

and passion with the students of WCS.

It is great to see the positive changes that are taking place at WCS and we are always

looking for new and innovative ways to transform education at Worsley Central School.

If you have any ideas about how we can continue our shift in innovation, please stop by

the school; we would be happy to discuss your ideas.

Adrien Hooper WCS Principal WCS Mission: Working, Caring, Succeeding

Visit our yearbook over the holidays at

http://www.worsleyschoolyearbook.com/yearbook2015.html

for pictures of all our Christmas activities.

December January 2015-2016

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

13 DECEMBER 14 no basketball practice

15 no basketball practice

16 no basketball practice

17 Christmas Concert @ 1pm no basketball practice

18 Christmas Banquet no basketball practice

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

JANUARY 1

2

3

4 Classes resume

5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12 13 14

9-11:30 am: SS 30 Diploma Pt A (written)

15 Fairview Jr boys/girls basketball tournament Fri/Sat

16

17 18 19 20

9-11:30 am: SS 30 Diploma Pt B (mc)

21 22 23

24 25

9-11 am: English 10 exam English 20 exam 9-12 am: Math 30-1/2 Diploma

26

9-11 am: Physics 20 exam

27

9-11 am: Sci 10 exam

28

9-11 am: Bio 20 exam

29 Site based PD day Jr/Sr report cards sent home

30

Spotlight on Health and Safety

Kristy Shilka, PRSD Health & Safety Coordinator

Children and adults face challenging situations every day at home, at work, at school,

online and in their communities. Discussing and teaching personal safety skills with

children is important to their overall well-being and safety, and provides them with

important life skills.

Examples of personal safety skills that are important for children to learn include: how

to be and act aware, calm and confident, how to be prepared for different situations and

activities, how to take charge, how to set boundaries, how to get help and how to

protect oneself. It is also very important that children know how to call 9-1-1, know their

address, phone number and their parents’ names.

As adults, being mindful and present in our daily activities will reflect onto our children,

at home, at school and in our communities. Whenever possible, use teachable

moments to reinforce personal safety practices and above all, ensure children know

how to get help if they need it.

When it comes to personal safety “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Final exam and Diploma Exam Preparation

Senior high students enrolled in grade 10/11 courses will be writing final exams in the

last week of January. These exams will test the students’ acquisition of knowledge and

skills in each academic subject. The weight, or percent of final grade, is determined by

each teacher, and will be a significant portion of the students’ overall final grades.

For students enrolled in grade 12 academic subjects, Diploma exams will be

completed by students enrolled in academic courses. These tests are worth 30% of a

student's final grade in English, Math, Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics,

Science and French.

Final exams and diploma exams are extremely important tests and there are a

number of ways students can ensure they perform to their full potential. Daily

attendance in class is always important, but in the final weeks leading up to the end of

semester 1 it is very important to attend class to learn the remaining content and skills

and to be a part of in-class review. Completing assignments will ensure students have

the practice and exposure they need with the content covered in a timely manner and

will contribute greatly to their success.

We encourage each student to speak with their teacher about review sessions and

scheduling additional help during Success Block or after school. If your child is writing a

diploma exam and looking for some different ways to help prepare, here are some

options for you:

1. Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2: Students interested in after school review or essay writing sessions for the Social Studies Diploma can make arrangements with Mr. Hooper.

2. PRSD DIploma Prep Courses: Need a power study session before your diploma exam? PRSD is hosting preparation sessions for the Biology 30, English 30-1 and Math 30-1 diploma exams. The sessions are open to all students in the region. Review your exam writing strategy, work with sample questions and review (chapter by chapter) your course work. Registration information can be found at https://docushare.prsd.ab.ca/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-42687

MATH 30-1 Course dates: January 23 and 24, 2016 Course times: Saturday 9 am - 4.15 pm

Sunday 9 am - 4.15 pm Register by: January 18, 2016

Location: Grimshaw Jr/Sr High School Cost: $100.00

3. Rock the Diploma: Online Diploma Review by RDT Learning: RTD Diploma Prep Courses can help students by offering additional review as they prepare for their diploma exams. These courses are taught by experienced certified teachers. There is a cost to register and the courses are offered in the evenings. For more information go to http://www.rockthediploma.com/

4. Using Practice Tests - Exam Bank has online multiple choice tests for student practice

log on at http://www.exambank.com/ username: worsley pw: wcs - check out a copy of The Key study guide from the school library or purchase

your own copy from Castle Rock Research at http://castlerockresearch.com/all-books-alberta/

General Information:

Diploma Examination Guides Guides for students have been posted on Alberta Education's website as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document for parents. Visit the links below to view these documents: Guides for Students can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/students/exams/guides.aspx Diploma information for students can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/students/exams.aspx

Diploma information for parents can be found at https://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources/exams/

Sem 1 2015-16 Final Exam Schedule and Diploma Exam Schedule

*Please note the date and time for YOUR exams

Final Exams: Grade 10 and 11 courses Location: Gymnasium

Mon Jan. 25

9:00 – 11:00 am

Tues Jan 26

9:00 – 11:00 am

Wed Jan 27

9:00 – 11:00 am

Thurs Jan 28

9:00 – 11:00 am

English 10

English 20

Physics 20 Science 10 Biology 20

Diploma exams: Grade 12 courses Location: Library

Thurs Jan 14

9:00 am – 11:30 am

Wed Jan 20

9:00 am – 11:30 am

Mon Jan 25

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Social Studies

Part A (written)

Social Studies

Part B (multiple choice)

Math 30-1

Math 30-2

Final Exam Important Notes:

● The last day of instructional classes for senior high students is Friday January 22nd.

Senior high students should be attending their regular classes for review with your

teacher until the day they write their final exams.

● Thursday January 28th from 1:00 – 3:00 will be an exam make-up day for all non-diploma

courses.

● Junior high students have regularly scheduled classes during the examination period.

● Diploma exams missed for any reason may receive a mark of zero.

● Diploma Exams: "Students who arrive more than one hour after a diploma examination

has started will not be allowed to write the examination. Students who arrive late but

within the first hour of administration may be allowed to write at the discretion of the

principal … corresponding to the amount by which the student was late." {Alberta

Education.}

Grande Prairie Regional College - Fairview presentation

On December 8 instructors and

administrative staff from Grande Prairie

Regional College in Fairview visited

student in grades 7-12. Students learned

about a variety of post secondary

opportunities available to them in Fairview.

Presentations were made about the

following programs: heavy duty technician,

automotive technician, animal health

technician, Harley Davidson motorcycle

technician, as well as trades programs in

plumbing and pipefitting, carpentry,

electrician and welding. Students were

also given information about the Skills Canada competition and the Trades Training

Camp and were encouraged to sign up for these events coming in the spring of 2016.