It was enjoyable to get back into the rhythm of school this week with lots of different activities going on. The school calendar from December to the end of February is quite disjointed so we are looking forward to having a solid month and a half with the students till Spring Break.
This week highlighted Pink Shirt Day, a day where we are reminded of how we should be treating each other everyday. It is always a good reminder that treating each other with kindness and respect should not just be confined to one day a year. Thanks to all who participated and supported the event.
Next week sees us host 2 orientation evenings, with our gr. 9 - 10 event happening on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30 PM in the theatre and our gr. 8-9 event occurring the next evening. These events allow us to communicate what BCHS is all about to our incoming gr. 9 students as well as help our current gr. 9 students make an informed transition to gr. 10.
With that said, it was inspiring to be present for the Alternative Programs pitch from the Rocky View Community Learning Center this week. Our gr. 9 students were presented with different opportunities for their gr. 10 year including going full time to Building Futures or The Farm, or staying at BCHS and enrolling in Leadership Academy or RVS Mechanics Training Center. Listening to the presentations from each of the programs made me thankful for the tremendous opportunities kids have in RVS schools.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Ryan
Today is the LAST day to buy your 2020 yearbook! Purchase it before midnight on SchoolCash for $40!
Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day and staff and students showed their support in lots of ways. Our Culinary students made 300 pink cupcakes (that were delicious) and served pink juice. The theme was Lift Each Other Up which should not only be the emphasis on Pink Shirt day but every day! Thanks to Ms. Tiemstra for spreading the word.
Our music students were treated to a wonderful blues act this week. Tim Williams and Kevin Belzner wowed the students with their talents! Thanks Mr. Dorner!
We welcomed our awesome partners at the RVS Community Learning Center to present to our gr. 9 students on Thursday. Building Futures, RVS Leadership Academy, RVS Mechanics Training Center, and the Farm School all offer students a different educational experience.
For more information on each of the programs, follow the links below:
Our Drama 9 students were experimenting with acting out different moods. Kids were tasked with being pretentious sculptures, pieces of clay, and demonstrating an emotion of happiness and sadness. Well done students!
Math 9 students were using vertical white board spaces to collaboratively solve surface area problems. Working through math problems together allows shared thinking and strategies. Well done kids and and thanks for your commitment to thinking classrooms Mr. Friesen.
Rocky View basketball leagues regular seasons have come to a close with Bert Church representing well. The standings for each team are below:
Good luck to all the teams and thanks for representing Bert Church so well throughout the season!
Foods class explored appetizers by making different canapés this week. Tremendous work by students enjoyed by staff.
Is your child interested in going on a trip to New York to explore their passion in drama or art? If so, there is a parent/guardian meeting on March 11th at 6:30 PM in the learning commons. Mr. Goodyear and Ms. Tschritter are excited to share what they have planned for Spring break 2021!
Career Centre News February 28, 2020
Student Works Painting – Information Session in Flex on Monday March 2
A good lead on a summer job can be worth as much as a scholarship. If you have a job to go to when the summer begins, you don’t have to spend your valuable time searching for work.
Student Works Painting is looking for painters and door to door marketers.
Find out more by signing up for Flex with Mr. Crawley on Monday March 2
Kings University Experience – Info Night – March 4 from 4 – 8 pm
Your chance to chat with professors about programs, discover ways you can get involved in academic research, explore campus and more
KingsU.ca in Edmonton
University of Alberta Registration 101 Workshops are coming to Calgary
Learn to navigate Bear Tracks for the purposes of course registration
Build a draft schedule (available to students that have accepted their offer)
Get advice on course selection
Meet fellow incoming first-year students
March 14 (Saturday) Register now or check out the full schedule online. Limited spots are available.
The day consists of guest speaker talks, a career panel, and workshops.
What you can do to prepare for Post Secondary when you are in Grade 11
April 8 during Parent Teacher Interviews, there will be several Post Secondary Institutes in the Learning Commons.
Applications for Post Secondary Education open up in September and October. Figuring out where you want to apply and how to apply will take away some stress that you might feel in grade 12.
Nutrien Sustainable Agriculture Youth Trip
The Award – Travel to Kenya on a ME to WE Trip from August 3 – 14, 2020
Tell us about your commitment to global issues and volunteerism in your community.
What are some ways you can get involved in sustainable agriculture in your community?
How would this award help you continue your work as a change-maker?
Trip recipients have a chance to contribute to sustainable agriculture programming by volunteering in total WE Villages. Lots of opportunity for personal growth while you connect with families in rural villages, dive into a vibrant culture, learn Swahili and go on a safari!
More info in the Career Centre
Bow Valley College – Calgary – Career Exploration Day – March 13
Field Trip to Bow Valley College on March 13 (room for 5 students)
Please let the office know if you are interested.
Discover CUE (Concordia University Edmonton) – Information Night
Thursday March 12 from 5 – 7:30 pm
RCMP – Youth Depot Camp
For students aged 16 – 19 (Grade 11 and12)
Two Camps: July 20-24, 2020 and July 27-31, 2020
Participation and observation of activities such as
University Pathways at St. Mary’s University
Register at St. Mary’s University in Calgary to take Engl 030 or Math 030
These are HS level courses that can be presented for admission to university
Final exam is set by St. Mary’s University and students do not write provincial diploma exams
Classes are July 7 – Aug 27 2020 Tues * Wed * and Thurs - Engl 9 – 12 AM * Math 1 – 4 pm
Register online: www.stmu.ca/class
Science Competitions coming up
HYRS Program – High School Youth Researcher – at university of Calgary.
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
Currently registered in grade 11
A clear interest in pursuing a health research career
A minimum of 85% standing in each of Math-20-1 or 20-2, Biology 20, and one other grade 11 science (transcripts or interim reports are required)
Prepare soon, the deadline to apply is in March 2020
A maximum of 2 students per high school will be selected for the Alberta Innovates Heritage Youth Researcher Summer program.
Go to the website to see the application
Canadian Association of Physics annual High School Exam for the Province of Alberta.
3 Hours exam to be written on April 8, 2020
Results of the exam will be used to select both national and provincial winners for prizes and to help select the Canadian team for the International Physics Olympiad
Brain Bee – Hotchkiss Brain Institute – See Mrs. D. Smith or Mr. Verhees if you are interested in preparing for this competition.
Students in Grade 9 – 12 are invited to compete
The winner of this competition will represent Canada at the 2020 International Brain Bee Championship in Washington DC
Careers Next Generation – RAP Skilled Trade & ICT Fair
Students and parents learn about the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), careers in skilled trades, and Information & Communication Technology.
Connect with 40 + Employers and Industry Associations; Post Secondary & Education Resources; Dual Credit & Exploratory Program
*March 11, 2020 (Wednesday) 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Notre Dame HS
*April 8, 2020 (Wednesday) 6:30 – 8:30 pm at James Fowler HS
At 7 pm there is a short Careers Presentation on RAP and ICT
MC College Open House – April 18, 2020
10 AM – 2 Pm April 18
MC College Calgary – 1023 7 Ave SW Calgary
Enter to win a $1000 Tuition Scholarship for any full-time program
Post Secondary Events
Event
When
Where
What
Preview Days @ Olds College
March 5, 2020
Fashion Institute @ Calgary Campus
*Apparel Technology-Fashion Apparel Major or Costume Cutting & Construction Major
Horticulture & Land Preview Day
*Arboriculture Technician * Horticulture Technologist * Land & Water Resources * Turfgrass Management
Post Secondary Recruiters at Bert Church HS
April 8, 2020
BCHS Learning Commons
Parent Teacher Interviews 5 – 8 pm Post Secondary Institutions will be set up in the Learning Commons.
RAP, Skilled & ICT Fair
April 8, 2020
James Fowler HS
Careers Next Generation
Open House St. Mary’s University
May 13, 2020
6 – 8 pm
St. Mary’s University
Calgary
Youth Job Fair At Airdrie Boys and Girls Club – March 12, 2020
Youth Job Fair Hosted by Boys and Girls Club Airdrie, 3-6pm200 East Lake Cres. NE Airdrie
Come out to meet actively hiring employers face to face, enter to win door prizes and have some hot chocolate!
For more information call 403-948-9711 or emailinfo@rwemploymentservices.com
Scholarships
Don’t Hope for a Scholarship ~ Plan for a Scholarship March Scholarship Tip
Collect letters of recommendation.
Scholarship and college applications usually require a few letters of recommendation from teachers and community members who know you best. They could include your employer, teachers, coaches, high school counselors, or other adults who can testify to your strengths, qualifications, and ambition.
Since you’re asking for a significant favor, it’s best to provide as much relevant information as possible to the letter-writer. You might even want to provide a Word template for them to use as they write your recommendation. Here are some other things you can provide:
Overview of the scholarship (if it’s for a specific application)
Your key strengths as related to the requirements AND your relationship to the reviewer. (Example: If you’re applying for a leadership scholarship, you might ask your Honor Society advisor to address your successful reelection as president.)
A copy of your resume
Any other plans for the future, like which colleges you’re applying to and what major you will pursue
After you collect your letters of recommendation, make sure you thank your reviewers for taking the time to help you.
St. Mary’s University - Scholarships
Deadline to apply – April 30, 2020 www.stmu.ca for complete list of St. Mary’s University awards
Presidents Circle Scholarships are automatically awarded to new high school graduates who achieve an average of 80% or higher on the five grade 11 or 12 subjects used for admission
Scholarship Average of 90% or higher
Up to $2500 in first year
Scholarship average of 85 – 89.9%
Up to $1750 in first year
Scholarship average of 80 – 84.9%
Up to $1000 in first year
Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program
A scholarship for students who have experience the death of a parent or guardian with littleto no life insurance.
For youth 17 – 24 yrs old to ease the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education costs