Eric Hamber Secondary August Newsletter 2015

ERIC HAMBER SECONDARY SCHOOL 5025 Willow Street Vancouver BC V5Z 3S1 Telephone: 604-713-8927 Fax: 604-713-8926 http://hamber.vsb.bc.ca/

Mr. Alex Grant, Principal Ms. Ranjit Bains, Vice Principal Mr. Raza Mirani, Vice Principal

Ms. Janet Fraser, Liaison Trustee Mr. Rob Schindel, Director of Instruction Mr. Nathan Wilkes, PAC Chairperson

AUGUST 2015 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Parents, Students, and Staff, I hope that your summer has been an enjoyable one and that you are looking forward to the 2015/2016 school year. Eric Hamber’s traditions of excellence in all aspects of school life have been established and maintained through the hard work and dedication of all of the staff and students who have worked in and attended Eric Hamber Secondary since 1962 and we look forward to the continuation of those traditions in the upcoming school year.

Please continue to monitor the school website http://hamber.vsb.bc.ca/ as well as the VSB website http://www.vsb.bc.ca/ for information and updates.

OPENING SCHEDULE Our schedule for students on the opening day of school, Tuesday, September 8th, will be: 9:00 a.m.

Grade 9 students

To Auditorium (then to Home Room class)

10:00 a.m.

Grade 10 students

To Auditorium (then to Home Room class)

11:00 a.m.

Grade 11 students

To Auditorium (then to Home Room class)

12:00 p.m.

Grade 12 students

To Auditorium (then to Home Room class)

Grade 8 students

To Auditorium (then to Home Room class)

1:00 p.m.

Students will be assigned lockers, receive their timetables, and will be able to pay school fees in their Home Room class. Please bring cheques (made payable to Eric Hamber Secondary School) or cash (exact change) for school fees.

The second day of classes, Wednesday, September 9th, will begin at 8:40 a.m. with another Home Room class followed by regular classes on an adjusted schedule, ending at 3:03 p.m. The third and subsequent days of classes will begin at 8:40 and end at 3:03 p.m. according to the standard bell schedule. It is important for students to attend Homeroom and all classes each day to maintain their enrolment at Hamber.

Hiring new staff will not be completed until after classes resume; however, we are able to welcome several new members of the Hamber team at this time: Ms. Helen French (Grade 9 Counsellor)

Ms. Melissa Killion (English)

Ms. Wendy Law (Applied Skills)

Mr. Andre Lechner (LAC Science)

Ms. Andrea Maley (Social Studies)

Ms. Serena Young (LAC Humanities)

Returning from leave are Ms. Nica Buonassisi, Ms. Milly Lin, and Ms. Amy Yiu.

We had a few staff members leave our school in the last year due to retirement or to accept new positions.

Our retirees included: Mr. Ken Spence (LA/LS)

Mr. David Smith (Social Studies)

Ms. Marilyn Super (Counselling)

Ms. Stacey McEachern and Ms. Anita Lee will be on Maternity leave.

Eric Hamber’s School Goals will remain unchanged for 2015/2016: Goal 1: To foster student engagement to increase a sense of student belonging as well as increase community, environmental, and personal responsibility.

Goal 2: To foster classroom engagement to improve student success and learning.

Goal 3: To increase knowledge, acceptance, empathy, awareness, and appreciation of Aboriginal histories, traditions, cultures, and contributions among all students.

I welcome your comment, questions, and suggestions and can be reached at agrant@vsb.bc.ca or by calling 604-713-8927. I look forward to meeting parents at PAC meetings and other school events throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Alex Grant Principal

You will find additional, important information for new and returning students on the following pages of this Newsletter.

GRADE 8 ORIENTATION – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 pm On Wednesday, September 2nd, Eric Hamber will host the Grade 8 Summer Orientation This orientation is an opportunity for our new Grade 8 students to become acquainted with their school and get to know their new classmates. The orientation will include an “ice breaker”, interactive games, a homeroom meeting, and a tour of the building using a temporary class schedule. You will have an introduction to Peer Counsellors and key Hamber staff members who are all really excited to meet incoming Grade 8 students.

Following the activities we will have lunch in the cafeteria courtyard for the students. Parents may pick up their child after 1:30 pm. in the Cafeteria.

Our annual Grade 8 Camp will be held October 5th and 6th at Camp Stillwood. Students will be bringing home detailed information and permission forms the first week in September. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions at the Grade 8 Parent Orientation prior to the Walkabout on September 17th. We encourage all grade 8 students to participate in this fun event in order to start building meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC SAFETY Student drop-offs and pick-ups should happen only on 33rd Avenue and 37th Avenue.

Help us to keep traffic off of Willow Street so that it remains a safe pedestrian area for both students and local residents.

Please: DO NOT drop students off by driving into designated staff parking areas.

Please avoid using the lane east of Willow as part of your route to drop off students. The laneway is not designed for two way traffic and causes another area of safety concern as a result.

GRADE 8 PARENTS’ ORIENTATION As part of our special attention in assisting our Grade 8 students to make a successful transition to secondary school, we will be holding an Orientation meeting for Grade 8 parents on Thursday, September 17th at 6:00 pm to provide information about Grade 8 Camp and other issues. Please plan to join us as it is important to your son or daughter that you remain connected to the school community when they enter secondary school.

PARENT WALKABOUT EVENING Please plan to attend our Parent Walkabout Evening and meet your child’s teachers on Thursday, September 17th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The format of the evening will be a simulation of our Day1/Day2 class schedule with parents moving from classroom to classroom according to their child’s timetable. You will be able to meet your child’s teachers and hear about course content and objectives, expectations, nature of assignments, methods of evaluation, and other pertinent information. If your son or daughter has an early morning class, you should arrive at 6:30 pm. For Day 1/Period 1 classes, you should be at the school at 6:55 pm. Further details, including a copy of your child’s class schedule will be brought home by your child prior to September 17 th.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Term One Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, January 14th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Information on how to register times with teachers will be sent home with Term One report cards, which go home with students on Wednesday, December 16th.

STUDENT REPORT CARD DAYS Hamber staff prepare three formal reports during each school year, and parents are advised that students will be carrying home report cards and newsletters that are issued in Homeroom class on the following dates: First Report ............................................................................................... December 16, 2015 Second Report ...................................................................................................... April 6, 2016 Third Report ....................................................................................................... June 29, 2016 In addition to the formal reports, teachers prepare interim reports anytime during the year when they have concerns about your son/daughter, or when they want to inform you of improvement or outstanding achievement in their subject areas. If you do not receive the report card or if you have questions about your student’s progress or attendance, please call the school and speak to the appropriate counsellor.

COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT Grade counsellors hope Hamber students have enjoyed their summer vacation and are rejuvenated by the break. We look forward to working with you this coming year and wish you all a successful start to the new school year. A special welcome goes out to our new Grade 8 students and parents and others new to our school community.

Students are assigned to a grade counsellor as indicated below for programming and course selection, but are free to consult any counsellor for personal matters.

Grade 8 – Mr. Smith Grade 11 – Ms. Kartsonas

Grade 9 – Ms. French Grade 12 – Mr. Vastardis

Grade 10 – Ms. Gates

Counsellors will be contacting students with incomplete timetables to set up appointments on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd. Counsellors also will be enrolling new students during this time. DO NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL – your counsellor will call you if you need an appointment!

Timetables will be handed out to students in Homeroom Class on Tuesday, September 8th They have NOT been included in this newsletter At course planning time last spring, students were urged to select their courses carefully and timetables have been created based on these choices. Necessary changes to reflect summer school results are currently being made. Consequently, only a very few students should still have a need for timetable changes.

No course changes will be made until after September 10th.

MULTICULTURAL HOME SCHOOL WORKERS Vancouver School Board Multicultural Home-School Workers are knowledgeable, active members of their ethnic communities. They are professionally trained and have experience in the issues related to cultural integration and cross-cultural communication. They are also familiar with the public school system in Vancouver.

These workers are available to support students, families, and school personnel by facilitating communication among those of differing linguistic or cultural backgrounds. Acting as liaison for school, family and community, they help school staff understand the concerns and needs of each community. Eric Hamber’s Mandarin and Cantonese speaking Multicultural Home-School worker can be reached at (604) 713-5999 at the District Reception Centre. Home-School workers who speak several other languages are also available. Please call the school if you need further information.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE Students are expected to be in all scheduled classes on time, every day. Attendance records are maintained by subject teachers and entered into computer records each class. A student not present in class is marked absent. Acceptable reasons for absence are: illness, parental requests, school field trips, or school Work Experience. All other absences are unacceptable.

It is important that parents/guardians call the school office at (604)713-8927 to report a student absence by 9:00 am the day the student is absent. It is the student’s responsibility to bring a note to school on their return to show to the teachers whose classes have been missed, and THEN bring this note to the main office so that the computer attendance is updated. If this procedure is not followed, the computer will show the student as absent without reason; an unacceptable absence. Absence notes are available on the Hamber website.

Eric Hamber Secondary utilizes Synervoice Software and/or email to contact parents or guardians to report student absences. Please make sure that our records include the parent email address.

HEALTH RECORD INFORMATION If your child has any medical problem or condition that may require specific emergency treatment while at school (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, severe allergies), it is the parents’ responsibility to completely fill in and return the Medical Alert Form to the Main School office. This form will be handed out to students in Homeroom class during the first week of school so that staff and administration can be made aware of any concerns. Students should carry their own Epipen if required. If your child is injured at school or in an emergency situation, this is the form that will be referred to provide emergency care. In order to protect your children from communicable diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, it is important that they be immunized. The school nurse arranges clinics a few times a year at the school and, with the parents’ written consent, provides the immunization required. Immunizations can also be given by family physicians.

STUDENT SAFETY Each year many students move, or change telephone numbers, but neglect to inform the School Office of their changes, which makes effective communication between school and home impossible. This, in turn, compromises student safety in the event that we need to contact the family quickly should the student become ill.

As student safety is of prime importance to us, please provide the Receptionist in the main school office with your new address and/or phone number as soon as you move or change telephone numbers during the school year.

SMOKING, ILLEGAL DRUGS & ALCOHOL, VIOLENCE Relationships in our school are based on mutual respect and courtesy; many stringent policies are not necessary. However, we are certain that Hamber parents support the following three policies.

Please discuss them with your family: 1. The Vancouver School Board has adopted a no-smoking policy for all personnel, students, and members of the public covering all buildings and school grounds. We appreciate parents’ cooperation in ensuring that students observe the no-smoking rule in the building, on the grounds, and at school-sponsored functions.

2. No student may be in possession of illegal or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol, or have consumed drugs or alcohol prior to, or while at school, in school, in the vicinity of the school, or at school sponsored functions. Possible consequences for violation of this policy include suspension, transfer and expulsion.

3. Any student found with weapons, involved in violent acts or involved in soliciting others to commit an act of violence, will be dealt with on an individual basis. Depending on the nature and severity of the situation, possible consequences may include suspension, transfer and expulsion.

NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATIONS We urge our students to behave as responsible citizens when travelling through the neighbourhood. While the majority of our students respect the school neighbourhood, our goal is to have all students behave in such a way that the residents living next to our school do not suffer more noise, more litter or more congestion on their streets.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS Please mark Thursday, September 24th on your calendar, as that is the day when school photographs will be taken. All students must be photographed as they will be provided, free of charge, a Student ID Card. This ID card is your BC Transit GoCard, as well as your Hamber Library Card required for entrance to school events and writing final school and Provincial exams. If you wish, you will be able to purchase additional colour packages. You will receive detailed information on the photo packages available, and their cost a day or two in advance of Photo Day. (Photo Retake Day will be Tuesday, October 27th.)

PAC NEWS It has been a glorious summer, full of warm weather and for my family long walks in the evenings!

As the fall season approaches. I'd like to extend a personal welcome to all returning students and parents. And, a special greeting to all incoming grade 8 students: welcome to Hamber!

I hope to see many of you at PAC meetings this year, and I am looking forward to working with you all again. The following dates are planned for PAC meetings: September 16, October 7, November 4, January 6, February 3, April 6, and May 25 (AGM).

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm in the staff room. Please check the PAC website for agendas (http://hamberpac.ca) or sign up for (infrequent) email newsletters.

Nathan Wilkes, PAC Chairperson (chair@hamberpac.ca)

PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR PARENTS Parents play an important role in the prevention of smoking, drug and alcohol abuse. As parents, you can do a lot to influence your children in ways that help them make healthy choices.

SEVEN SIMPLE MESSAGES THAT CAN HELP 1. You are important in prevention.

Research continually shows that parents are very important in prevention. When it comes to substance misuse, the quality of family life and relationships which you help determine, are among the most powerful protective factors.

2. The perfect parent is a myth.

Because every family and every child is different, there is no perfect parenting model or method. But, with intuition and effort, we can all find better ways to parent.

3. You are your child’s #1 teacher.

Don’t leave it up to the school or the community to teach your children to avoid drugs. Don’t be afraid to start talking with your children about medications, alcohol and other substances early.

4. Your children need you.

They need to feel your love and the reassurance that they have an important place in the family and that home is a safe and good place to be. They will feel better about themselves knowing this. When they have a concern about something like drugs, they will be more likely to talk to you about it.

5. Don’t be afraid to set limits.

Children from homes with reasonable, but firm rules and expectations are actually happier than those with no rules or structure. Be frank and honest in setting rules about alcohol or other drug use. Be firm in knowing where your children are and when they are expected home.

6. You are an important role model.

You are your childs’ most enduring example. This is true in the case of substance use and misuse. By acting responsibly in your behaviour related to medication, alcohol, and tobacco and other drug use, you are without words, teaching your child an important lesson.

7. There are no guarantees.

Remember: Your children are individuals and ultimately will make their own decisions.

Parents can influence their children, but cannot control them. The first step in helping a child is to help him/her accept responsibility for his/her own actions.

SCHOOL LOCKERS All students are assigned one locker on opening day through their Homeroom class or upon registration. Grade 12 students have already signed up for lockers. Please note that any locks placed on lockers that are not assigned will be removed.

SCHOOL LOCK FEE All students are required to use a school lock for their school locker. The cost to purchase a combination lock from the school is $9.00. Grade 8 and new Grade 9 and 10 students will require an additional lock for their PE class. This $18.00 should be included in the cheque presented for fee payment.

Parents and students are reminded that neither the school nor the Vancouver School Board has insurance to cover loss or damage of students’ personal property. Do not bring expensive items to school.

Almost all thefts that occur at Eric Hamber are as a result of students leaving items in unlocked PE lockers!

INFORMATION FROM THE PE DEPARTMENT Eric Hamber recommends that our Grade 8, 9, and 10 PE students wear Eric Hamber PE strip. In past years, the PE staff received virtually 100% support from parents, who understood and approved of our rationale – to ensure that students were changing into recognized and acceptable PE strip each period. Students who wish to purchase Eric Hamber PE strip may do so by including $30.00 ($20.00 for shorts and $10.00 for a T-Shirt) as part of their September school fees paid the first week of school. PE strip may also be purchased from PE teachers.

PE Fees: PE 8–12 uses a number of community Field Trips and resources to enhance the recreational opportunities for the students. Students choosing not to participate in the Field Trip will be required to complete an alternate activity at the school. The cost breakdown and activity selection for each grade will be sent home the first week of school.

YEARBOOK The school Yearbook is optional; however, it is highly recommended for all students (especially new students) in order that they gain an appreciation for the school and for all the wonderful opportunities that the school has to offer. Students wanting a Yearbook are advised to pay at

school opening as the number of books ordered is based on the number of students who have paid for one in September. The cost for books ordered in September is $35.00. After that, the cost is $40.00.

ERIC HAMBER SECONDARY SCHOOL – 2015-16 General School Fees Make Cheque Payable to Eric Hamber Secondary School Description Agenda Intramurals/clubs Social Responsibility Student Council Total Standardized Fees

Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 $9.00 $9.00 $9.00 $9.00 $9.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $30.00

$30.00

$30.00

$30.00

$30.00

Optional Fees: Yearbook P.E. Strip Locks (2) @ $9.00 each Grade 8 Camp Grad Dinner / Dance Graduation (Valedictory Fee)

$35.00 $30.00 $18.00 $150.00

Total Fees, Including Optional:

$263.00

(Fees due Sept 8th to 11th, 2015)

$35.00

$35.00

$35.00

$35.00

$135.00 $70.00 $65.00

$65.00

$65.00

$270.00

ERIC HAMBER BELL SCHEDULE MONDAY - FRIDAY Early Morning Period

07:30 - 08:30

Period 1

08:40 - 09:55

BREAK

09:55 - 10:10 Silent Reading

10:10 - 10:30

Period 2 & Announcements

10:30 - 11:45

LUNCH

11:45 - 12:30

Period 3

12:30 - 01:45

Period 4

01:50 - 03:03 HIP DAY BELL SCHEDULE

HIP Period

08:40 - 09:40

Period 1 (Classes begin)

09:40 - 10:40

Period 2

10:45 - 11:45

LUNCH

11:45 - 12:30

Period 3

12:30 - 01:30 Silent Reading

Period 4 & Announcements

01:35 - 01:55 01:55 - 03:03

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS (Walkabout, P-T Interviews, etc.)

Early Morning Period

07:30 - 08:30

Period 1

08:40 - 09:55

BREAK

09:55 - 10:10 Silent Reading

10:10 - 10:30

Period 2 & Announcements

10:30 - 11:45

LUNCH

11:45 - 12:30

Period 3

12:30 - 01:15

Period 4

01:20 – 02:03

CALENDAR 2015 – 2016 **Dates subject to change** September

02 08

10 14 16 16 17 17 18 22 24 25

Grade 8 Orientation 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

School Opens - Homeroom Welcome Assemblies: Gr.9 – 9:00 a.m.

Gr.10 – 10 a.m.

Gr.11 – 11 a.m.

Gr. 12 – 12:00 p.m. Gr.8 – 1:00 p.m.

Homeroom: 8:40 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Day 1: Periods 1-4 9:05 a.m.–3:03 p.m.

Day 2: Periods 1-4 8:40 a.m.–3:03 p.m.

Library Opens HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m Grade 8 Parents Orientation 6:00 p.m.

Parent Walkabout, 7:00 p.m. (Early Dismissal 2:03 p.m.)

Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D) Student Council Executive Retreat School Photos Clubs Day (Lunch)

October

5-6 07 12 15 19 20 22 23 27 28 29 30 31

Gr. 8 Camp PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day (No School) Student Vote 2015 Federal Election Term 1 Interim Report HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Interim Reports mailed home Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D) Photo Re-takes (p.m.)

Halloween Dance Gr 12 BC Post-Secondary Day, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Haunted House at lunch Grad Photo Sessions at Artona

November

02-04 03 04 04 04 10 11 17 18 24 25 26 27

Grad Photo Sessions at Artona Hamber Challenge Information Night, 7:00 p.m.

HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Take Our Kids To Work Day – Grade 10’s PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Remembrance Day Assemblies Remembrance Day (No School) Period Rotation – Day 1: Periods 2,1,4,3 Period Rotation – Day 2: Periods 2,1,4,3 Grads of 2021 Day HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Gr. 7 Parent Night 6:00 p.m.

Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D)

09

December

04 08 09 10-11 11 15 16 17 17 18

Term 1 Ends Winter Band Concert 7:00 p.m.

HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Footlights Matinee/Evening Performances Application Deadline for Challenge Program Winter Choral Concert, 7 p.m.

1st Term Report Cards Issued – Homeroom at 9:45 a.m.

Deadline for Studio/Challenge Applications Winter Strings Concert, 7:00 p.m.

Winter Break Assemblies & last day of classes before Winter Break

January

04 06 14 15 20

February

01 03 03 04 08 09 17 18-19 23 24 25 25-26

Term 2 Interim Report PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Period Rotation: Day 1: Periods 3,4,1,2 Period Rotation: Day 2: Periods 3,4,1,2 Family Day (No School) Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D) Musical Matinee 12:30 p.m.

Musical, 7 p.m.

1st Offers for Challenge/Studio Programs HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

1st acceptances for Challenge/Studio Programs Musical, 7 p.m.

March

01 02 03 04 04 08 10 14–18 21-24 25 28 29

2nd Offers Challenge/Studio Programs Band Concert, 7:00 pm District Junior/Intermediate Concert Choir Festival, 7:00 p.m.

Term 2 end Second Acceptances for Challenge/Studio Programs Intermediate Band/Choir at Holy Trinity 7 p.m.

Dance Show 7 p.m.

Spring Break District Closure Good Friday Easter Monday School Re-opens after Spring Break

School Re-opens after Winter Break PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Parent Teacher Interviews, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. (Early Dismissal – 2:03 p.m.)

Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D) Grade 8-11 Students Course Planning Assemblies: Grade 8 & 9 Period 2 Grade 10 & 11 Period 1 20 Grade 8-11 Parents Course Planning Evening, 5:00 p.m.

20-25 Drama Winter Show 21-23 Midtown Showdown Basketball Tournament 27 HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

April

06 06 11 13 13 15 18 19 22 25-29 26 27 27 29

PAC Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

2nd Term Report Cards Issued in Homeroom, 9:45 a.m.

Student Council Nominations Open Provincial Skills Canada competition Ministry Satisfaction Surveys – Gr. 10, 12 Student Council Nominations Close Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D) Student Council Executive Interviews First Nations 12 Aboriginal Awareness Afternoon Student Council Campaigning Period Rotation: Day 1: Periods 4,3,2,1 Period Rotation: Day 2: Periods, 4,3,2,1 HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

French Language Articulation Testing

May

03 02-06 04-05 05 09 12 19 20 21 23 26 26 31

Student Council Assemblies AP Exams Ceramic Sale at lunch Big One at 2 (Earthquake evacuation drill) Term 3 Interim Report Fashion Show, 7:00 p.m.

Hamber Prom, 6 p.m.

District Closure PAC Meeting – AGM, 7:00 p.m.

Victoria Day (No School) HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Dance Show 7 pm Spring Choral Concert 7:00 p.m.

June

TBA 02 03 08-13 15 15 17 21 22–27 29 29 30

School Leaving Ceremonies – 7:00 p.m. (Orpheum) Strings Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m.

All Library Books Due Drama Spring Show HIP Day (School starts at 9:40 a.m.)

Band Concert, 7:00 p.m.

Drama Banquet Term 3 End Provincial Exams Final Report Cards Issued in Homeroom Last day of students in school Administrative Day (School Closing)