February Newsletter

1 7 t h

A v e n u e

C a m p u s

|

2 5 0 - 7 1 8 0

February ~ 2012

J R / S R Basketball & Peer Support page 2

H I G H Senior High Citizens, Wrestling & Study Skill Sessions page 3

N E W S L E T T E R Junior High Citizens, Athletes of the Month, Fine Arts Students page 4

BP Energy Visits Rundle College

Night of the Academics, Hockey Game, Student Services, Graduation, Guatemala page 5-7 office hours Front Offic e Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Senior High Office Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Student Attendance Please contact the office with your child’s absence at 403-2507180 or email to: Junior High School - Mrs. Laidlaw (laidlaw@rundle. ab.ca.)

Senior High School - Ms. Moodie (moodie@rundle.ab.ca)

Anne Drinkwater, President and CEO of BP Canada, along with BP’s marketing team, Amanda Baliant, Jordan Eldridge (Rundle College Alumni) and Pam Berstad, visited our school to hear about the great work the grade 9 students have been doing in their Service Learning Project, “Solar Lights with a Social Purpose.”

After indulging in a delicious Himalayan luncheon, thirteen grade 9 leaders volunteered their time and expertise to share their learnings with BP representatives utilizing “Prezi,”a web-based presentation application. The team was very impressed with all that had been accomplished by the students since the project’s inception. Some of the highlights include: learning about solar energy and how this technology can improve the lives of villagers in a developing nation, sending over 15 solar lanterns to a remote village in Nepal, planning a successful fashion fundraiser to purchase more lights and school supplies, and finally, sharing their learnings with the Rundle College Primary school children. This project was made possible with BP Energy’s A+ for Energy Education Grant Program. Congratulations to the following students whose hard work, determination and innovation resulted in a remarkable presentation to the BP Group: Michael Broodo, Meg Buchanan, Danielle Chang, Noah Cooke, Safira Keshavjee, Daniel Krayzel, Meghan Lim, Sam Maclennan, Mateo Mendez, Mitch Peterson, Amir Sara,Morgan Saunders, and Niki Zanesko.

Parents will be contacted if any student is absent without parent/ guardian permission.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Teacher’s Convention this upcoming Thursday. Enjoy your long weekend!

Classes resume Tuesday, February 21.

February ~ 2012

J u n i o r H i g h B a s ke t b a l l Te a m s The Grade 9 Girls’ Basketball team has had a very busy and successful month in January. The girls played in two tournaments, which included our home tournament where we placed third, and the Medicine Hat High School tournament where we won the consolation championship.

We now stand at seven wins and one loss in league play with two games left against Calgary Christian and Webber Academy. The girls continue playing a lot of basketball in February, as we compete in both the Mid-Sun and Clarence Sansom tournaments. We will also be competing in South Central Zones on March 2nd and 3rd at Trinity Christian School, which will be our final tournament of the season.

The girls have continued to display their talent at all our games and they continue to prove themselves as one of the top teams in the city.

Good luck to the girls as they enter the final stages of their season.

The Grade 7 Girls’ Basketball team has had a wonderful first half of their season. The girls have been practicing hard, developing their skills and have been very successful in their league play, as they are so far undefeated.

The girls have learned a lot about basketball and had lots of fun at the Strathmore tournament, as well as U of C Dino’s practice and Dino’s game. Good luck with the rest of your season!

Peer Support Many students from the Peer Support Leadership team in the senior high have been involved in the Rundle College Peer Tutoring Program. Numerous junior high students have taken advantage of the extra help. The program has been running at the school for many years with a few minor adjustments along the way. The primary goal of the program is to create a friendly atmosphere for junior high students to gain some extra help within the familiar school environment. This year has been especially successful and we have received lots of positive feedback from parents, teachers, tutors, as well as the junior high students. A grade nine student, Gavin Angman, stated the following: “It helped me greatly. The amount of time I met with my tutor increased my grades in math. I like having students helping students because I feel more comfortable with them.” Overall, the program has been very successful and everyone involved should be congratulated for their efforts to create a positive academic school environment.

- Emily Buchanan

February ~ 2012

W r e s t l i n g

Senior High Citizens of the Month Lisha Yu is being recognized as a grade 10 Citizen of the Month for her consistent and positive efforts in the classroom and around Rundle College. Lisha is a mature and motivated student in the classroom, keeping up with her studies regardless of her busy schedule.

Outside of class she is an active member of Reach for the Top, Peer Support, Yearbook and Peer Tutoring, striving to do her best and encourage her peers to do the same. She is also giving up a great deal of her time helping with the spring musical of The Sting. Congratulations, Lisha!

Owen Vouri is a strong student, with contagious enthusiasm. He has a genuine and respectful nature and is always willing to lend a helping hand. His focus and determination in academics, clubs, athletics, drama and everything he sets his mind to is outstanding. He is a very positive individual who has a great sense of humor and is a true team player who is very deserving of Citizen of the Month honors.

Amanda Burwash is a highly deserving recipient of the Grade 11 Citizen of the Month award. Amanda is mature, polite, kind, and thoughtful to peers and teachers, and is respected as a gentle leader among her peers.

Amanda maintains a strong academic average while actively involving herself in Peer Support and Rundle School projects. Amanda consistently has a sincere and enthusiastic demeanor about her and treats everyone around her with patience and kindness. Well done, Amanda!

Richard Moody was a major contributor to the football team this year. His relentless desire to get better can be observed in his off-season training for the upcoming year. He also pursues his academic efforts with the same intensity. He is a “great guy to be around” according to his peers; and teachers will always tell you, “He is always willing to help you out when needed.” This young man is a great student and peer and is to be commended for taking the time and effort to achieve excellence in sport, academics and character.

Lykera Syrnick demonstrates leadership in many ways... on the basketball court, in the classroom, and with her peers.

She is a very hard-working student and demonstrates very strong artistic abilities, even attending art classes outside of school. She is a very positive influence on her teachers and fellow students. Lykera is an enthusiastic member of the Reach for the Top team and is described as poised, kind, caring, and “a team player”. Lykera also holds down a part-time job outside of class and consistently demonstrates a strong social conscience, having volunteered for Neighborlink’s “No crib for a bed” program. Congratulations, Lykera!!

Evan Beck has proven time and time again that he is a true Rundle citizen.

He played a key role in the success of the football team and carried that pride and leadership into every aspect of his school life. His dedication to academic excellence is apparent in his strong desire to succeed, but even more commendable is his willingness to go beyond his own interests to help with the mentoring of younger students and to serve as a positive role model in our school.

Study Skills Sessions Ms. Woods will continue to run weekly “drop in” study skills sessions on Thursday’s, at lunch in the library. This is an excellent opportunity for students to receive some one-on-one help with a variety of executive and study skills such as: organization, time management, long range planning, test taking and test preparation. Please encourage your child to attend these sessions should they require some instruction in these areas. Reminder announcements are also made as well as a schedule of ‘themes’ posted outside the library door.

W r e s t l e r s H a v e M o r e S u c c e s s e s i n E d m o n t o n

The Jr. and Sr. High Wrestling teams, along with Rundle Academy, went up to Edmonton Jan. 27 and 28 for the first tournament of the New Year with excellent results and strong determination. Teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC and Newfoundland attended the tournament. In the Jr. High Paperweight tourney our girls team placed third overall.

Individually, top finishers were Lauren Kruger and Jolene Wong, gold, Daniel Krayzel, bronze, fourth for Jordan Wong and sixth for Leigh Hauck. In the Sr. High tourney, gold went to Patrick Tapuska, silver to Brittany Giacchetta and bronze to Justin So. All team members competed very well and represented Rundle in an exceptional manner in all respects. Well done, Cobra grapplers!

Congratulations to our Wrestlers of the Month, Brittany Giacchetta and Jordan Wong.

February ~ 2012

Junior High Citizens of the Month Aaron Sanchez is a positive leader in all of his classes and works diligently to maintain a high level of achievement. He has impressed his teachers and fellow students with his dedication to academics and athletics, and he demonstrates all the positive qualities of a Rundle citizen. Aaron is also making an impact on the wrestling mat as a valued team member of the school wrestling team. He is a hard working, positive competitor who always has a smile on his face.

Michelle Sutton is consistently positive in all her classes. She’s friendly with her teachers and classmates alike and can be counted on to be a great team player. She participates in all aspects of Rundle life, be it the volleyball team or the basketball team. As a student, she is a role model for her classmates as she listens attentively, is always on task and puts great effort into each and every assignment. Her obvious love of learning is a trait we hope for every Rundle student.

A t h l e t e s o f t h e m o n t h

Jordan Wong (7)

Megan Williams (8)

Logan Roth (9)

Joelle Peterson (7)

Bohdan Winnicki (8)

Morgan Gregg (9)

McKenna White is a great example of a student who makes Rundle College tick. She is a fierce competitor on the fields during Cross Country season, pushing herself and her team mates to be better every day. She is a talented musician and artistcreating a piece of art in Social Studies that drew the awe from the students that gazed upon it. She is a quiet and humble individual who remains grounded despite her array of talents.

Hallie Brown is a respectful and polite student who embodies the attributes of a positive Rundle citizen.

She excels in the classroom due to her focus, work ethic and dedication to understanding concepts. Hallie contributes to the school as a leader on the Gr. 8 Girls’ basketball team as well as contributes to the greater community as a participant in the volunteer club.

F i n e A r t s S t u d e n t s

Mitch Peterson is a focused, mature and hardworking student who has really come into his own this year. In the last few months he has played an integral role in the BP Solar Lanterns project, garnering him praise and added respect from his peers as well as his teachers. And despite the pressures of deadlines and public speaking, he was able to remain steady and even-keeled; an oasis of calm. Congratulations, Mitch.

I n t r a m u r a l 3 o n 3 B a s k e t b a l l C h a m p i o n s

Liam Venter (7)

Jeff Lee (8)

Veda Mottahed (7)

Sophie Thornton (8)

Alexa Chin (9)

Riley McVeigh (8)

Brenden Goslin (9)

Lauren Poelzer (7)

Ana Lucyshyn is our kind and gentle soul. She cares deeply about everyone around her and both her actions and her words let others appreciate and admire her sincerity.

She is a role model for hard work and dedication to learning, whether that be in her academic subjects or her training as a gifted musician. She is also a leader in her commitment to volunteerism and community service. Ana is a champion to the underdog, a friend to anyone who needs one, and a delight to have in the classroom.

Meghan Lim (9)

The championship game came down to a best of 3 series between Bring It Home and Big Three. In the end in overtime, Brandon Giacchetta drained a shot from the 3 point range to give the championship to Big Three.

Thank you to all participants for coming out to play and congratulations to the members of Big Three, Brandon Giacchetta, Joel Lindsay, Jake McKenna and Davy Braakman. Intramural Badminton doubles is the next noon hour activity.

Evening of the Academics & Open House

2012 Evening of the Academics Participants

On January 12, we had our annual Evening of the Academics and Open House for new prospective

families to Rundle College, as well as our present grade 9 families.

There were orientation sessions for the families, and then guests were able to tour the school and spend time interacting with both staff and students. There were many displays and activities8 and students encouraged our guests to be active participants. Students took the time to talk to parents about our many travel trips, exchange program and peer support activities.

February ~ 2012

For the first time, we had our senior high concert band rehearsing and practicing their marching skills for their upcoming trip to New Orleans.

Because of the students’ enthusiasm, visitors left with a greater appreciation and understanding of our programs. Teachers were particularly impressed with the enthusiasm, dedication, maturity, and accomplishments of our student volunteers. The senior high teachers and administrators would like to thank all students who participated in our Evening of the Academics.

The evening was a success because of you!

The Good Old Hockey Game The annual Summit Series has produced some of the most dramatic moments in Rundle College sports history and this year’s StaffStudent Hockey Game on February 3 at Westside Rec Centre did not disappoint. Looking at the two teams on paper, the teacher team went into the game heavy underdogs, but found strength, determination and great goal tending to seek out a surprising 10-8 victory over the heavily-favoured student team. Even after trailing 4-1 in the second period, the teachers mounted a dramatic comeback, taking a win out of the clutches of defeat. One could also take this game out of the pages of history and “The Miracle on Ice,” when the US hockey team defeated the powerhouse Soviet squad in the 1980 Olympic Games. This year’s Summit Series was truly one for the ages.

Ryan Finn Buck Stewart David Kim Lisha Yu Ethan Leier Richard Moody Margaret Smith Maddy Crilly Amanda Lambie Cayley Wreggitt Nico Scarcello Chandan Kooner Emily Buchanan Tony Terrien Alex Adams Duncan Allison Abhi Toor Ashifa Hassam Ayleigh Henderson Tegan Powell Eliza Kraus Ijay Ezekeke Josh Shankel Thomas Kellner Will Carter Gabby Peterson

Joey Hubbard Ethan MacDonald-Jasper Justine Nowicki Claudia Wilde Nick Chan Davy Braakman Evan Biberdorf Chelsey Sherloski Kathleen Mitchell Rhys Johnson Inara Dattadeen Caitlen Lehrmann Gurleen Gill Lauran Cole Mari-Ann Meling Brittney Giacchetta Mike Walls Abby Collyer Maddy McConnell Ewa Danielewski Natasha Mitha Sam Sawchuk Jenna Westaway Aelita Rozitis Brandon Giacchetta Dylan Amirault

Band Program Participants Kathryn Anderson Justin Bagga James Bouchard Michael Brewer Sharon Brewer Tyler Bull Nicole Carswell Tess Carswell Elizabeth Church Lauran Cole Mary Cumming Kieran Dicke Jack Evans Joshua Fehr-Twaddle Ashley Franklin Michael Gluszak

Taylor Hanlon Joey Hubbard Alex Kim Mallory Kirzinger Calder Kitagawa Ryan Kozole Tessa Krause Will Lee Kenji Lee Marc Levesque Hannah Magus Connie Mah Keenan McVeigh Kathleen Ross Dylan St. Louis Ethan Strohbach Megan Zmetana

STUDENT SERVICES NEWSLETTER February 2012

Winning A Scholarship At first glance, scholarship applications may look easy. Don’t let that fool you! The application is a vital part of winning any scholarship. Scholarship selection committees sift through hundreds or even thousands of applications, and the application form is what they use to determine which applicants continue to the next stage. It’s crucial that you ace your application to make the first cut. For tips on how to win the top scholarships, please check out the resources in the Student Services office.

Scholarships:

Transcripts:

The Miller Thomson Foundation National Scholarship: Deadline: March 1, 2012 One hundred entrance scholarships of $3,000.

Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, have made a positive contribution to their school and have made significant contributions doing community service. Application & information at www.millerthomson.com.

After the diploma exam release date of February 21st, students can request a transcript so that they can send it to institutions outside of Alberta who require it. Please note that we will send all transcripts directly to UBC. UVic asks students to self report their final 30 level grades online.

Educational Liaison Association of Alberta Scholarship: Deadline: March 31, 2012 Amount of $500 awarded to students who demonstrate leadership in their school and have participated as a volunteer at school or in the community. For more details, please go to http://www.elaa.ab.ca/scholarship-counsellor.

Scholarship information can be found in the Student Services office or on the Moodle website, under Post Secondary Planning.

St. Andrew’s University: We are hosting a presentation about a new program in Medicine offered at this institution.

It is a unique collaborative program with U of Edinburgh and U of Alberta! All grade 10 & 11 students are encouraged to attend on Friday, March 16th at lunch.

All institutions outside of Alberta require that a final transcript gets sent directly from Alberta Education to their institution in mid July. This request MUST be made through Alberta Education. This can be done at http://www.education.alberta.ca/students/tran scripts.aspx.

US College Admission Tests: The next ACT (American College Test) date is April 14th with a registration deadline of March 9th. Go to www.act.org to register.

The SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test) test is May 5th with a registration deadline of April 6th.

Visit www.collegeboard.com to register.

SAT Preparation Workshop: This workshop will be held on the weekend of April 20-22nd at our campus. Students who are interested in attending must submit the registration fee of $400 to the main office by March 9th.

Grade 12 Graduation Plans are underway for the 2012 graduation ceremonies. The afternoon ceremonies will be at the Jubilee Auditorium on June 4. All parents, friends, and students are welcome to attend the ceremony, and special seating will be arranged for families of the graduating class. The evening program, including the dinner and dance, will be held on June 8, at the Red & White Club.

Cap and gown photos will be taken February 27 - March 5 at the school. Information about these photos will be given to students on February 9. We will also keep students and families updated via emails. Proofs should be delivered to the school prior to Spring Break.

In the weeks following Spring Break, a letter will be sent to parents detailing graduation times and costs. In the meantime, anyone with questions about graduation is encouraged to contact Ms. Baird at the school (403-250-7180).

Guatemala Trip Update – Grade 12 During Spring Break 2012, 16 grade 12 students along with 3 teachers will be going on a voluntourism trip to Guatemala. Working with the Hearts and Hands Foundation will allow the participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Mayan culture and to work with the Mayan people in the areas of health and education. While in Guatemala, they will spend one week in the highlands with the local Mayans building stoves in their homes. Students have been busy individually fundraising as each participant is responsible for raising the funds to build 5 stoves.

In addition to building stoves, the students have undertaken to fundraise as a group to provide a scholarship for a local Mayan boy, Jose Mauricio Bixul Cgiroy, who would not otherwise receive an education. In fact, the money we fundraise will provide 5 years of secondary schooling. We will have the opportunity to meet Jose, along with our other scholarship student, Roxana, when we participate in a cultural exchange with Colegio de Maya.

Scholarship fundraisers for Jose: The Guatemalan group has already managed to raise some funds by auctioning hockey tickets, and they have planned 2 additional fundraisers. We have planned a float sale for Friday, February 24, and a Fiesta for Tuesday, March 6. We hope that we can count on the support of the student body in this very worthwhile cause.