August 17, 2012

8 PAGE

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Parents’

SPECIAL SECTION

Backto School GUIDE Friday, August 17, 2012 Special Supplement to:

VICTORIANEWS SAANICHNEWS

OAK BAYNEWS

THE SCHOOL-LIFE BALANCE: Maintaining marks while engaging in extracurricular activities is rewarding, but takes care and planning

By Jennifer Blyth While the ultimate goal of high school may well be an education that takes us forward in academics and life skills, some of our fondest memories are often of the extracurricular activities that fill the “off-hours.”

Nick Postle, who graduated from Mt. Doug High School this past June, not only took on his fair share of activities, including time with the school’s improv team, musical theatre program and dance, but also spent considerable hours volunteering with student leadership.

All this came together in Grade 12 when Postle was named student council president and earned the distinction of Most Outstanding All Around Student.

This fall, Postle is looking forward to entering the Fine Arts department at the University of Victoria and continuing his theatrical studies.

Q. You are very involved in your school community – why is this important to you?

A. For me being involved in school activities was something I chose to do because I enjoyed it. I like helping people and I have fun trying new things.

Q. What are the benefits of being involved at school?

A. Being involved with activities in school has made me “three dimensional.” What I mean by that is that I’ve acquired skills by volunteering and joining clubs that aren’t part of the everyday school curriculum. I like to think this variety of skillsets will not only look good on a resume, but also help in whatever career I finally end up in. Being involved in various school activities also led to me meeting lots of new people and making plenty of good friends.

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Q. What are the challenges of balancing school work with extracurricular activities?

A. Sometimes it was tough to decide what do when I had conflicts between two things on one day, and then on top of that a homework assignment due the day after. But I managed by prioritizing what I had to do.

Q. What strategies do you suggest for high school students wanting to enjoy extracurricular/outside activities while also maintaining their marks?

A. Plan ahead. It’s important to know what you’re gong to do when you wake up in the morning, so make decisions on time conflicts as far before they occur as you can. As much as you plan though, sometimes a homework assignment can just pop up, so try and be flexCont. on page 3

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B2 • Back to School

Friday, August 17, 2012

BACKtoSCHOOL PARENTS’ GUIDE

Connecting with a study partner can help with review of material.

‘Smart Start’ study strategies The transition from high school to college or university can be a challenge for students as they try to balance new academic expectations with time management needs.

To get you off on the right foot, Camosun College offers the following suggestions:

STUDY SMART • Think about past learning experiences to discover where you are likely to need help, and ask for help when you need it – even high test anxiety can be overcome.

• Find a friend to study with, or to help you review materials.

• Plan to attend all classes.

• Plan to review materials before classes so you can ask your questions.

• Find a comfortable place to study free from distractions. Studying in a consistent place may help you learn.

• Ask other successful students about their study strategies.

• Ask about the computing use demands of your program. If you are not comfortable using a computer, a word processing program, and email, or doing research on the internet, get help from friends or family and practice, or take an academic upgrading course or Continuing Education before you start classes. Basic computer skills are essential to college success.

Open House

TIME MANAGEMENT • Plan what work, home or volunteer activities you can stop doing, or ask others to help with, while you’re a student.

• Look for time-saving shortcuts in all parts of your life.

• Try to arrange your work schedule to focus on studying during busy times and exams.

• Schedule big social events, medical appointments, trips, etc. between semesters.

• Schedule shorter daily study time at the time of day when you learn best; it’s better for learning than a few long weekly blocks.

• Learn about course expectations by looking at course outlines and plan so the time spent on each exam or assignment matches its percentage of the course grade.

• Use time riding the bus, between classes or appointments, etc. for study and review.

• Use a planner to record assignment due dates, exams, course start and end dates, your work schedule, personal appointments, and study time.

• Get clarity on all out-of-class program requirements (e.g. anticipated study time) and the class and field experience schedule, to know if you’ll work early mornings, late afternoons or weekends, or need extra travel time.

• Talk to other students about managing schedule demands.

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Back to School • B3

VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, August 17, 2012

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BACKtoSCHOOL PARENTS’ GUIDE

Staples helps kids & parents get ready for school Two hundred children and teens from single-parent households will receive new backpacks and all the school supplies they need thanks to donors and partners of 1Up Single Parent Resource Centre.

“This is a stressful time of year for many single parents who need to find extra resources to provide for back-toschool,” says 1Up executive director Liz Bloomfield. “Our goal is to help relieve this stress so parents can focus on their own self-development and other basic needs that families in transition may be experiencing.”

1Up Single Parent Resource Centre, established in 1979, provides practical support, empowerment and hope to more than 1,500 single-parent families in Greater Victoria. Services include free individual counseling, personal growth and parenting education courses, a mentoring program and support groups, plus resources to help low-income single parents stretch their budgets.

All three Staples stores in Greater Victoria are accepting cash donations on behalf of 1Up Single Parent Resource Centre as well as offering special sale items toward the fund-raising. Staples employees will then purchase the supplies at the lowest possible prices and pack new backpacks customized for each child. “The staff want to be part of giving back to the commu-

Balance

Bring in this AD and nity and this new partnership with 1Up allows us to do that,” says Staples sales manager Shawn Gowitt. “It also allows our customers a chance to participate in the community and by working with 1Up we are able to provide charitable tax receipts for cash donations of $20 or more.”

The campaign continues until September with the goal of raising $8,000 for 1Up Single. Resource Centre families and $16,000 for low income families accessing supplies through the school districts.

Cont. on page 1

ible. Don’t book yourself solid, leave some wiggle room in case something jumps up out of nowhere. If nothing does, relax; staying calm is also important for juggling a busy life.

Q. What would you say to students who may be new to a school or a little shy about getting involved?

A. If you think you want to do something but aren’t sure about whether you’d enjoy it, try it with your friends. In my experience most clubs and programs at my school don’t force students to sign contracts. So it’s fine if you just show up for a meeting or two to get the feel of it. If you don’t think anything your school offers is any good, try it anyway. Who knows, maybe you’ll really enjoy it and find new friends while you do.

Q. What are some of the many possibilities open to students in high school? Is there really something for virtually every interest?

A. Well, when I was in Grade 9 there was a knitting club. I played water polo for three nights one year.

There was also a diplomacy league for awhile. Clubs and teams are constantly being formed, and if there’s interest in it, it stays for longer. So the more involved people are, the more varied the clubs. Schools are set up so you can potentially start almost any club.

Q. How has your participation helped you?

A. It has taught me so much that a standard academic timetable never could. I’ve learned how to communicate with others in such a way as to plan an efficient event, how to create ideas on the spot and how to problem solve creatively. I’ve also gained great and lasting friendships by doing things with like-minded people.

Q. Parting words?

A. Too often students complain about things in their school without getting into the community and trying to change them, whether by starting up their own new club based on an interest or talking to the principal about a problem they have with their eduction. I hope that one day being involved with extracurricular groups and student government will be much more commonplace.

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NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION AND SCHOOL OPENING SEPTEMBER 2012 NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION Greater Victoria Schools will be open to welcome and to register New Students as outlined below. Please provide a birth certificate and proof of residence. If the student has already registered and selected courses, it is not necessary to re-register.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools: August 27 to August 31 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm daily Alternative Education: Registration begins August 27. Please call 250-360-4321 for a registration appointment.

Continuing Education (Adult Education): Registration, intake and assessment begin August 27. Please call 250-360-4332 for an appointment. Continuing Education classes begin Tuesday, September 4 (regular classes) and Monday, September 10 (self-paced classes).

Home Learners’ Link/The Link: Registration begins August 27. Please call 250-360-4303 for your registration appointment.

FRENCH IMMERSION: (Early and Late) Early French Immersion students enter in Kindergarten or in Grade 1 and students enter Late French Immersion in Grade 6.

There are no catchments for Late French Immersion students.

Elementary (K-5): Campus View, Doncaster, Macaulay, Margaret Jenkins, Marigold, Quadra, Sir James Douglas, Willows Middle (6-8): Arbutus, Cedar Hill, Central, Lansdowne, Shoreline Secondary (9-12): Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Reynolds, Victoria High Students are asked to register at their catchment area school. To find out which school New Students should attend, please visit the District Website at http://www.sd61.bc.ca click Schools click School Locator and enter your street name or postal code or call 250-475-3212.

SCHOOL OPENING The first day of school is Tuesday, September 4th (except self-paced classes at Continuing Education).

Elementary: Middle: Secondary: Esquimalt:

Students report at 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Please note: Eagle View reports at 8:30 am to 11:00 am Students report at 9:30 am to 11:30 am Students will report as follows: Grade 9 at 9:30 am to 11:00 am, theatre then TA; Grades 10, 11, 12 at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, to TA Lambrick Park: Grades 10 to 12 at 9:30 am to 10:30 am, to homeroom. Grade 9 at 10:45 am to 12:15 pm, to gym then to homeroom Mt. Douglas: Grade 9 at 9:00 am to 11:30 am; Grades 10, 11 and 12 at 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm Oak Bay: Returning Grades 9 to 12 students at 10:00 am, to TAG; New Grades 9 to 12 students at 9:00 am, to theatre in West Building Reynolds: Report to gym: Grade 9 at 9:30 am to 11:00 am; Grades 10, 11, 12 at 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Spectrum: Grade 9 at 9:45 am to 11:15 am, report to the Old Gym; Grades 10, 11, 12 at 11:30 am to 12:00 noon, report to TAG Victoria: Grade 9 homeroom and introduction 9:30 am to 11:00 am; Grades 10, 11, 12 homeroom and introduction 11:15 am to 12:30 pm Alternative Programs: GAP – 9:00 am; S.J. WILLIS – 9:00 am – Please call 250-360-4321 for all new student registrations Continuing Education (Adult Education): Please call 250-360-4332 for your registration appointment.

B4 • Back to School

Friday, August 17, 2012 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE

BACKtoSCHOOL PARENTS’ GUIDE

“I’m looking forward to taking musical theatre and more courses to figure out my future.”

– Becca Moore, Grade 10 at Claremont High School

Good to eat and good for you: lunch ideas for back to school For parents, back to school can mean heading back to the drawing board to try to find something healthy and tasty for school lunches.

The challenge has become even trickier

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Have kids help prepare and pack their lunch, following healthy guidelines – they’ll be more likely to eat it!

in recent years with limitations to ingredients – no more PB & J in many cases – the need to use re-usable containers and the desire for solid nutrition.

For Nancy Moniz, Saanich mom to two teen boys, a hearty Thermos of leftovers can be a good choice all around and spaghetti is a particular favourite.

Bobbi Neal has been experimenting with salad rolls this summer and looks forward to trying them in school lunches for her son, Dawson, 13, and daughter Kwyn, 9.

“With having active, athletic kids my biggest challenge is to keep their protein levels up and with many schools not allowing nut products it can be challenging – this is a great solution,” Neal says.

A wrap-style finger food using cellophane noodles, these can be created in vegetarian or meat versions, just fill with your favourite chicken, shrimp, shredded beef or pork, tuna or deli meats, and serve with a variety of dips.

Easy to make, the kids love to help and it’s a good way to get those veggies in, Neal says. You can even “make them the night before and it still tastes great the next day (sometimes even better).”

Having kids help choose, make and

pack their lunches can help increase the chances they’ll eat, suggests the Dietitians of Canada.

“Children are more likely to eat a lunch that they have been involved in creating.

Let your children choose some of the foods that will go into their lunch bags.

Plan or prepare school lunches together and make it fun!”

Other tips?

• Get organized – Organize lunch supplies such as insulated containers, lunch bags or boxes, plus reusable drinking boxes, napkins and cutlery in one spot.

• Lay a solid foundation – Teach children to include at least one choice from each of the four food groups of Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.

• Mix it up – Offer a variety of foods to prevent boredom and make lunch a meal that your child looks forward to.

Short on ideas? Try hummus, pita wedges, raw veggies, yogurt and 100 per cent fruit juice or whole grain tortilla filled with tuna salad, celery sticks, grapes and chocolate milk.

A banana muffin, boiled egg, carrot sticks and milk can be quick to prepare and nutritious, or try leftover pasta, meat sauce, melon cubes and milk.

Back to School • B5

VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, August 17, 2012

BACKtoSCHOOL

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SPORTS + SCHOOL = slam dunk, with the right balance

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By Jennifer Blyth Whether your student likes the solitude of swimming or the high-paced world of competitive hockey, sports can offer a wealth of benefits.

In fact, from the camaraderie of a team environment to the fitness that will allow teens to greet life with a healthy outlook, the positives of sport are many. And with more Greater Victoria schools offering focused academies, including golf, baseball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse and more, the opportunities to get involved just keep growing.

In addition to increasing fitness and challenging themselves physically and mentally, “sports offer the opportunity to learn teamwork and co-operation with others that may not be possible to duplicate in the classroom and certainly not in our video game culture,” says Ed Somers, Department Head of Counselling at Lambrick Park Secondary School and advisor for the school’s international students.

As the coach of Lambrick Park Senior Boys Basketball team since 1990, leading the boys to five Provincial AA titles – and the father of two 13-year-old high-performance basketball and baseball players – Somers knows a thing or two about student athletes The camaraderie sports offers is significant, and for some, school and community athletics also offer a chance to take their sport and their education to the next level.

But for students involved in sports and other extracurricular activities while trying to maintain their grades, how do they strike the right balance?

Most coaches understand that the primary concern for students and parents should

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Austin and Calvin Somers strive to balance baseball and basketball commitments with their studies. be academic achievement, however it’s incumbent on the athlete, coaches and parents to ensure time is well-structured to allow the players to achieve in school. Organization, with two- to three-week plans for practice times and games, including potential travel, can help students stay on top of their game – and academics.

“Knowing what lies ahead each day, each week and each month is practical planning for life!” Somers says.

“Heavy academic loads when their sport is most active can be a challenge, and students and parents can talk to counsellors and coaches at the school to try to balance the academic load, perhaps weighing it heavier in one semester where the student will be less active, to free them up in the semester when they would be busier.”

For Devon Gall, a rep-level Saanich Minor Hockey player who also played Bantam AAA baseball this year, a lighter second semester when both sports overlapped for a time was invaluable. Committing to

set aside time for homework in between practices and planning ahead for major school projects also helped prevent – or at least minimize – lastminute scrambling.

“Families can work with their son/daughter to create structure in each and every week. Note all practice times, be aware of all tests and assignments, and put them on a calendar and in your smartphone,” Somers suggests.

“There will always be changes but hopefully few major surprises. Sometimes students can request work before big trips and try to complete assignments before travelling.”

In balance, and with the right attitude from all involved, the lessons learned from participation in sports will last a lifetime. “School and community sports can help teach young people commitment, discipline, organization, a sense of belonging, cooperation and goal setting – all so valuable for that time in life and certainly on toward postsecondary or workplace life and adulthood.”

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B6 • Back to School

Where the Music Begins!

Friday, August 17, 2012

BACKtoSCHOOL PARENTS’ GUIDE

KEY DATES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

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Aug. 20 to 31, weekdays – UVic Jump Start tours for all new undergraduate students living off campus, meeting in front of the University Centre.

Tours offered daily at 2 p.m.

Aug. 20 to 24 and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 27 to 31. FMI: www. uvic.ca Aug. 28 – Camosun College Health & Human Services welcome back on Lansdowne campus. FMI: camosun.ca Aug. 29 – Camosun College School of Business welcome and orientation. FMI: http:// camosun.ca/learn/school/ business/events/orientation. html Aug. 30 & 31 – Camosun College hosts its international students’ orientation and welcome at Interurban and Lansdowne campus. FMI: http:// camosun.ca/international/students/orientation.html Aug. 30 – UVic International Student Welcome for international visiting, exchange and degree program students new to UVic. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the MacLaurin Building - A Wing.

Aug. 31 – UVic Graduate Student Orientation, including workshops, an information fair, lunch and a specialized campus tour, Cadboro Commons Building.

Sept. 2 – UVic Residence Parent Orientation, for parents and guardians of new students living in Residence.

Sept. 2 – UVic Move-in Day and Residence Orientation for students living in Residence Sept. 4 – Back to school for students in Districts 61, 62 and 63.

Sept. 4 – Most Fall 2012 credit programs/courses begin at Camosun College.

Sept. 4 – UVic New Student Orientation for all new undergraduate students, living in Residence or off campus; check-in at 9 a.m. in the heart

of campus between the library and the MacLaurin building.

Events, speakers, food, music and more as you officially become a VIKE! Sept. 10 to 12 – UVic Indigenous Student Week of Welcome for all new and returning Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) at First Peoples House, including Afternoon Tea with Elders’ Voices, LE,NONET events, Coast Salish, Métis and all-cultures celebrations and a variety of presentations. All welcome!

Sept. 14 to 16 – Homecoming 2012 at Royal Roads University. FMI: www.royalroads. ca Sept. 17 – Pro-D day for SD 61 (Victoria) and 62 (Sooke) Sept. 21 – Camosun College barbecue from Culinary Arts, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Teacher tips for a good school start Wondering how to get your youngster off to a good start this school year?

“The best advice I would have is for parents to talk with their kids about the upcoming year – fears, things they are looking forward too, what they might learn, etc.,” says Mel Postle, a local elementary teacher for 24 years.

It can also help for parents to think back and talk about their own experiences at that grade, Postle says.

Practically speaking, continue to spend time reading with kids over the summer, get organized, get your school supplies and spend time together putting kids’ names on them – it will help them greet the new year with feeling confident and prepared.

“I’m looking forward to seeing friends, to playing games and sports at lunch and starting a new year at middle school.”

– Jayden Wakeham, Gr. 7, Dunsmuir Middle School

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Back to School • B7

Friday, August 17, 2012

BACKtoSCHOOL PARENTS’ GUIDE

Shopping early in the day when children are fresh and the stores are less crowded can make it easier to find what you need – at the right price.

7 steps to saving on those back to school expenses From the hottest styles to the all-important binder, back to school can be expensive. Shopping smart can help.

Shopping for school supplies and new school clothes can add up, especially at a time when parents are also looking at the start of new extra-curricular activities and bills associated with summer vacation.

Here’s seven suggestions to make the experience a little easier!

1. Assess what is already on hand. Unless kids have grown considerably, you don’t need to create a new wardrobe from scratch – a few new pieces can make things look fresh. Take a day or two to go through kids’ closets, setting aside items that still work and making a list of new items to look for.

2. Establish a budget. Set a spending limit for each child and don’t stray over it. Withdrawing cash from the bank and spending only what is in hand may make shoppers less likely to overspend.

3. Stock up on the basics. New undergarments and socks will likely be needed. Aim for about 10 to 12 pairs of each.

4. Buy new shoes. Active children tend to

wear out shoes quickly. One pair of sneakers and one pair of dressier shoes may be adequate.

5. Shop sales. If the weather is warm, it’s possible to save money on clearance T-shirts and shorts that stores are putting on sale to make room for next season’s items. Don’t fill a student’s wardrobe with heavy sweatshirts or sweaters – layering options are good because students can adjust to feel comfortable.

6. Mix designer with discount. Not every item in a child’s wardrobe has to be trendy.

Layering items, such as T-shirts, can often be picked up for a discount in stores while outer items, like jeans or some shirts, can be picked up from the trendier stores. Shop their sales and see if they offer coupons by signing up to loyalty websites.

7. Shop early in the day. Though it may be a challenge to get kids up and out to stores when they’re in vacation mode, arriving early means thinner crowds and refreshed children. Kids who are tired or hungry can be difficult shoppers.

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B8 • Back to School

Friday, August 17, 2012 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE

BACKtoSCHOOL STUDY HALL GETS THE STYLE TREATMENT

PARENTS’ GUIDE

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