The start of a school year often brings with it new goals for kids and adults alike. This year is going to be different is something I heard a lot while making many course changes.
In the book "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg, the author outlines a clear habit loop that we fall into. The image below sums it up nicely.
Taking this example, a cue will remind us of a routine, we'll follow the routine, and be rewarded for it. If you've ever tried to change a habit in your life (which I'm sure we all have) this won't be surprising for you.
The reason this matters if for kids and adults alike, we need to be careful of the routines that follow the cues in our day to day life. For a gr. 12 student who has a spare in their schedule, that could trigger a trip to Wendy's or Tim Hortons where they're rewarded with fast food but possibly not the grades they wanted. Building in positive routines in all of our lives is the key to changing habits. I'm working on some in my life right now and I encourage you to help your child with positive routines in theirs as well.
Have a great weekend
Ryan
Our football team played very well in the annual Airdrie Bowl last Friday. In front of a packed house, the Chargers roared out to a 60-0 halftime lead. Strong play in all three phases of the game gave blue and gold an edge on the scoreboard. Congrats to all the players and coaches and good luck on Friday night in Chestermere.
The Cosmetology program is up and running once again in a wonderful new space. Gr. 9 - 12 students enjoy the windows and 22 stations to work on their skills. Thanks to Mr. Blumhagen and Ms. Dix for their work with our kids.
On Wednesday, Sep 11th, many of our students participated in Golf divisionals at Lynx Ridge in Bearspaw. A highlight of the day was our gr. 9 team finishing third with Logan Morrison leading the way shooting a 77. Well done kids and thanks to Mr. Sera for sacrificing a day at work to go golfing!
A quick pop-in to Mr. Smith's Creative Writing class on Wednesday showcased a fun team-building activity for the students. Putting things they all agree on on index cards then trying to build the tallest structure with the cards was challenging. We learned that one group shared a dislike of Nickelback! Fun times.
The displays in our school are so well done. Outside our photography classroom student work from last year is displayed. Kids were tasked with creating their own magazine covers. The level of skill is off the charts. Mr. Crawley does a wonderful job teaching the students the ins and outs of photoshop.
Career Centre News
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Chinese Proverb
First Day to Apply at SAIT is October 2.
Generally it is a good idea to apply early, especially if the program you are applying to is very competitive. Some programs stop taking applications in December.
SAT and ACT exams – 2019-2020
Which Test Should you Write?
At a glance, the two tests aren't that different. Both the ACT and SAT are nationally recognized standardized tests and common admission requirements for US schools. Catering primarily to high school juniors and seniors, each test measures students’ proficiency in various critical skill areas — such as problem solving and reading comprehension — that are necessary for college success.
Additionally, because all US colleges and universities accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, there's no advantage in taking one test over the other. This means you can apply to the same schools, regardless of which test you decide to take!
There are differences between the two tests. If you plan to write one, do some research and figure out which test would be the best one for you to write. One difference is that the SAT is 3 hours without the essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes with the essay. The ACT is a little shorter – 2 hours and 55 minutes without Writing and 3 hours and 35 minutes with Writing. This Blog site compares the differences.
SAT
Test Date
Early Registration
Registration Deadline
Cost to write: $47.50 without Essay and $64.50 with Essay Code for Bert Church HS is 820021
Oct 5, 2019
Aug 21, 2019
Sept 6, 2019
Dec 7, 2019
Oct 23, 2019
Nov 8, 2019
March 14, 2020
Jan 29, 2020
Feb 14, 2020
May 2, 2020
March 18, 2020
Apr 3, 2020
ACT
High School Code is 820021
Cost: $150 or $166.50
Test Writing centres in Alberta: Lacombe, Cardston and Red Deer
The International writing dates are not posted yet, but will likely be the same weekend as United States test writing.
Sept 14 2019, Oct 26 2019, Dec 14 2019, Feb 8 2020, April 4, June 13 2020, July 18 2020
Registration deadlines will be posted later this spring. More information here All students testing outside the United States must register online. Register and create your ACT account to proceed.
Study and Go Abroad Fair – September 28 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre
Attend Seminars, admission is free, chat with recruiters from top universities from around the world.
Seminar Topics include:
The Search for Scholarships
Scotland is Now
How to succeed in your UK Medical School Application
Scholarship Tips for Financing Studies in the United States
Find out about programs, prereqs, application process
Study and Go Abroad
September 28, 2019
Calgary Telus Convention Centre
International University and Experiential Travel Expo
SAIT Open House
October 18, 19 2019
9AM to 3 PM
SAIT
Explore programs at SAIT
University of Calgary Open House
October 5, 20109
University of Calgary
Find out about programs, residence, application process etc
Discovery Days at U of C Med School
October 18
U of C Foothills Campus
Take our Kids to Work Day
November 6, 2019
Grade 9’s go to work with a parent
University of Alberta Open House
October 19, 2019
Edmonton Campus
Learn about programs, registration process, residence and get your questions answered
Bow Valley College Open House
October 19, 2019 10AM – 3 PM
Bow Valley College
Calgary
Explore Programs and learn about application Process
Focus on Careers
November 19, 2019
Each Advisory hosts a Career Mentor
Students conduct Informational Interviews
Alberta Post Secondary Event
November 27, 2019
BCHS Gym
Your chance to visit more than 20 PS Institutions all under one roof
Scholarships
Don’t Hope for a Scholarship ~ Plan for a Scholarship
Eco Youth Award 2019
To apply, you must submit a project proposal based on any environmental topic, such as climate change, water, air, waste and recycling, soil transportation, food, energy, etc
Must be between 6 and 18 yrs of age and you can submit as a group or as an individual.
Deadline to apply: Dec 6, 2019Finanicial award of $750
Supports promising young Canadians who show strength of character and a commiyment to service in their communities, challenging them to fully realize their leadership potential.
Up to 36 Loran Scholar awards valued at $100,000 over four years. Up to 52 one-time awards valued at $5000 offered to finalists not selected as Loran Scholars and 50 Provincial Awards valued at $2000.
Must be graduating from HS in 2020, Canadian Citizen, minimum GPA of 85%
