February 2015 Newsletter - Nantyr Shores Secondary School

Principal:
Alberto Bernardi:
1146 Anna Maria Avenue
Innisfil Ontario L9S 4X5
Phone: (705) 431-5950 Fax: (705) 431-7921
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Vice-Principals:
Liselle Prickett:
Doug Woods:
\
[email protected]
[email protected]
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: http://nss.scdsb.on.ca
Principal’s Message
Hello to the Triton community. As another semester begins, semester one comes to an end. This past
semester has been a very busy one with many reasons for celebration. Our junior football team made us
proud by bringing a championship home to Nantyr. Our hockey boys travelled to Barrie and brought
home the Kempenfelt Cup. We have a swimmer representing us at OFSAA and now our girls’ volleyball
are on a march to the championship as well. Let’s also not forget the pep rallies, talent show and of
course our Christmas Assembly. Academically we brought back the Honour Roll and the next time you
are in the building, please take a look. We celebrated academic excellence by having our first annual
Academic Awards of Excellence celebration. Semester two promises to be just as busy with extracurricular opportunities and additional academic supports such as Math help and our TIPs program for
supporting students with the Literacy Test.
Get Ready for the Ontario Literacy Test!
Grade 10 students will be taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on Thursday,
March 26, 2015. Successful completion of the OSSLT is one of the graduation requirements for all
secondary school students.
Our school board and our school are using a variety of literacy strategies to help students prepare for this
provincial assessment in each of their classes. Nantyr Shores’ students will be completing literacy tasks
in every grade 10 class and then will have the opportunity to participate in remedial workshops at lunch in
our 6 week Targeted Implementation and Planning Supports (TIPS) program and during class with our
literacy coach March 3,4,11 and 12. All eligible students will be participating in a practice test with tutorial
on March 10th. This explicit instruction is designed to help students see what success on the OSSLT looks
like and how they can be successful. There will also be a final half day Literacy Carnival on March 23 or
24 highlighting successful test writing strategies. Students with IEP’s will be given special instruction in
the use of assistive technologies to help them in writing the test as well in the weeks leading up to the
test.
The resources parents will find at www.EQAO.com explain the reading and writing skills being measured
by the OSSLT and include a tips and planning guide. The direct link to the parents’ section of the EQAO
website is http://www.eqao.com/Parents/Secondary/10/10.aspx?Lang=E&gr=10
For more information, visit www.eqao.com or please contact Vice Principal LIselle Prickett at extension
40284 or Special Education Resource Teacher J. Brownlee-Goll at extension 40297.
OSSLT BUSSING
Grade 10 students will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on the
morning of Thursday, March 26, 2015. For those students writing the test, busses will run as
usual. All other bussed students will be picked up at their usual stop 31/2 hours later. All
students not writing the test and don’t take a school bus are to arrive for 11:55 am.
FAMILY DAY
This year, Family Day falls on Monday, February 16, 2015. Family Day is
the third Monday of February and observed as a public (or statutory) holiday
in the three Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
Nantyr Shores will be closed on Family Day.
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SEMESTER 1 REPORTS – Report Cards Go Home February 11, 2015.
Your child should have brought home their Final Report Card for Semester I and a Completion
of Requirement for Graduation form. These show your child’s total credits earned and the
compulsory requirements that have been satisfied. If you have any concerns about your child’s
report or overall progress towards graduation please call any member of administration, your
child’s teacher or Mr. Rob Poissant, the Guidance Chair.
REPORTING OF STUDENT ABSENCES
It is very important that you notify our Attendance Office to report and verify your child's
absences. You can notify us in any of the following ways :
1.
2.
3.
E-mail our Attendance Hotline at [email protected]
Call our Attendance Office at (705) 431-5950 Ext. 40281
Send a note to the Attendance Office.
Black History Month
Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events
that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.
Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black
Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse,
compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. During Black History Month, Canadians can
gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and their vital role in the community.
Guidance News
ONLINE OPTION SHEET
Students will be selecting their courses for the 2014/2015 school year during the month of February.
Course selections take place online at home (computer time at school will be available for those that
require it). Due dates for courses selections will be announced in Feb on the school website under the
guidance tab.
GRADUATING STUDENTS AND PARENTS


Continue to check your EMAIL for graduation and college/university updates from guidance
Parents Send an “ADD ME” email to [email protected] to be included in the information
loop on graduation information
The equal consideration dates for University and College applications were January 15 th and February 1st
respectively.
Students who will meet their graduation requirements are still encouraged to apply at either
www.ouac.on.ca (university) or www.ontariocolleges.ca (college).
GRAD BREAKFAST
This year’s grad breakfast will take place on Thursday, June 5th during period 1. More
details will be available via email throughout the semester.
COMMENCEMENT DATE
Commencement will take place on Thursday, June 26th, at 6:30 pm. Potential
graduates please note:
 a Grad Gown rental fee, $25, must be paid to Guidance by May 30th (No guaranteed refunds)
o Gowns requested after May 30th are not guaranteed due to shipping deadlines
 community service hours need to be submitted no later than May 30th
 all course work must be submitted no later than the day of your exam for any given course, in
order to participate in commencement.
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STUDENTS TAKING NIGHT SCHOOL OR INDEPENDENT
LEARNING CREDITS
Students taking courses other than regular day school and are applying to college or university need to
inform Guidance of the credits ASAP. Counsellors must manually change an applicant’s status with
OUAC or OCAS; not doing so may jeopardize acceptance to a program.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Grade 9 and 10 students may recover a semester one or two English, science, or math course with a
mark greater than 35% by attending summer school for 2 weeks starting the beginning of July (date
TBD). Also note, Grade 10 civics’ and careers’ half credits are usually also offered through summer
school as credit courses. Information on Grade 11 and 12 full credit courses will be made available in the
spring. Please go to www.thelearningcentres.com for more information
Please visit our website at: http://nss.scdsb.on.ca for important updates and
information.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Resource Room (#120) is open and available to support all identified students. Please encourage
your student to access the Resource Room and other supports available through his/ her SERT.
SERTS are available to answer any questions you may have about your student’s IEP or classes.
SERTS are also available to help students with course selection for next year. Nantyr’s Special
Education Resource Teachers are as follows:
Barb Kremer – department leader; ext. 40300
Heather Birch; voice mail 56121
Jennifer Brownlee; voice mail 56127
Will Gunn; voice mail 56147
Blair Klink; voice mail 56159
Gavin Ross; voice mail 56193
SIMCOE COUNTY SCHOOL BUS CONSORTIUM
The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) has developed a
New Website: www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca
You may also access this website through the www.scdsb.on.ca website and find the bus
icon with snowflake on the bottom left of the home page.
Key Features:
 Daily identification of Bus Cancellations
 Simcoe County student transportation information
Website details:
 Clicking through to www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca will provide you with a single source to confirm
any bus cancellations throughout Simcoe County.
 Individual school Weather Zone assignments are easily identified.
 By clicking through to the SCSTC Home page, additional student transportation information is
available – including SCSTC transportation FAQ’s, policies and contact information.
 Please note bus delays are not listed on this site - Delays will continue to be announced through
the local media.
What you need to know if buses are cancelled:
 schools remain open for student learning
 all efforts are made to post bus cancellations on www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca between 6:00
and 6:30 am
 bus cancellations posted on this site apply to both morning and afternoon bus transportation
Be sure to “Bookmark” this website in your favorites for easy reference throughout the school year!
SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES:
SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION AND SCHOOL CLOSURES
Parents are responsible for deciding if it is safe for their children to leave for school
during severe weather conditions. School bus operators determine during pre-dawn
hours if it is unsafe for buses to travel during inclement weather. As well, school
superintendents and principals together determine whether school closures are
necessary, depending on local weather conditions for each area of Simcoe County. (School closure
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decisions are based on severe weather conditions and NOT on school bus cancellation decisions.) In
addition, please note the following procedures relating to severe weather:

Cancellation of buses and school closures will be announced on local radio stations and the
Transportation Consortium at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca, www.scdsb.on.ca, as well as other
media broadcasts. Please be aware of your child’s bus number and bus company name. Tune in early
to radio and other media broadcasts and avoid having to phone the school.
Weather Zones for School Bus Cancellations
In an effort to better serve a diverse geographical region with changing weather patterns, the Simcoe
County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) has developed Inclement Weather Zones for
school bus cancellations. These four new zones – North, South, Central and West – were determined
with consideration for weather patterns, school catchment areas and existing school bus routes. Nantyr
Shores is located in the Central Weather Zone.
Bus Cancellation Messages - Bus cancellation messages are relayed via
www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca and the media. The messages will be as follows:
If weather is severe in only part of the County, then the weather zones will come into effect. The
message will be: “All School Buses have been cancelled in Central Weather Zone. Schools are open for
student learning.”If weather is severe throughout the entire County of Simcoe, then the message will be:
“All School Buses in Simcoe County are cancelled. Schools are open for student learning.”
MATH HELP SESSIONS
The Nantyr Shores S.S. Mathematics Department will be making
available a Mathematics EXTRA HELP Program for any student who
wishes to improve their performance during Semester 2. Teachers
are available on designated days and of course, if you have any
concerns, you should be speaking to your teacher to set up time for
extra help outside of the designated time.
This is open to all students. During this time, you are to work on your homework, work on
previous tests or quizzes or study for an upcoming test and get assistance from your
teacher.
YEARBOOKS
"This year’s school memories captured forever, order your Nantyr Shores Yearbook today." Our 20142015 Yearbook on sale now. For more information please contact Mr. J. Novakovich (Yearbook
Advisor) at [email protected].
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Do you (or someone you know) have a child who was born in 2010? If so, it’s almost time to
register them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB! Beginning on January 27, 2014, Simcoe County’s
public schools will be registering children for Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes for the
2014-15 school year. Contact your local public school for registration information. As of the
2014-2015 school year, ALL schools will offer full-day, every day Kindergarten. For more
information, visit: http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Kindergarten/Pages/Kindergarten.aspx.
SCSTC IS NOW ON TWITTER
The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) recently announced that
school vehicle cancellations are now available via Twitter. Simcoe County students and parents
can follow @SCSTC_SchoolBus for timely updates on school vehicle cancellations.
With the winter weather season in full swing, everyone is also reminded that this information can
also be found on the SCSTC website at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Efforts are made to
post and announce school vehicle cancellations between 6 and 6:30 a.m. on the SCSTC
website (www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca) and via Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus.
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NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND LEGAL CUSTODIANS OF STUDENTS
REGARDING OUT OF AREA REQUESTS
Under the Simcoe County District School Board procedures (APM A7000), it is possible for
students to apply for and receive permission to attend an out-of-attendance-area school.
Students will be permitted to continue in attendance as long as space is available. They may be
required to return to their home school or transfer to another school when the capacity of the school
they are attending has been reached and space is required for students residing within the attendance
areas.
Even with this permission, however, the responsibility for transportation to and from school is borne
by the out-of-attendance-area student and/or parent/guardian.
REMIND 101
Nantyr Shores has a new text alert communication tool REMIND101 for
parents. We encourage all parents to join this great communication tool
between the school and parents. Further information on how this tool works
can be found at www.remind101.com. To join our Remind101 Text/Email
group, please email your name and your child’s/children’s name to
[email protected] to receive your quick and easy instructions on
how to join.
The EQAO wants to hear from you 2015
Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is seeking input from
stakeholders and the general public on a new Strategic Plan that will guide its work for the
next five years.
The EQAO develops and oversees reading, writing and mathematics tests that students
must take in grades 3, 6, 9 and 10. It was created to provide information about student
achievement in publicly funded schools and make recommendations to improve learning
and teaching. EQAO test results have an impact on Ontario education policy.
You can participate in an online survey at
http://eqao.fluidsurveys.com/s/EQAOStrategicPlan/.
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR CHARACTER RECOGNITION EVENING
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) recognizes students, staff and volunteers who
demonstrate good character in their daily lives at our annual Character Recognition Awards Evening,
taking place on May 21 this year.
Each year, nominations from schools and the Education Centre are received highlighting the good
character of our students, staff and volunteers. All nominees are invited to the Education Centre on May
21 to celebrate those who exemplify the SCDSB Commit to Character attributes.
The nomination process opens on February 2 and ends on February 20, 2015. Recommendations can be
made by email or fax. More information and the Character Recognition nomination form is available at
www.scdsb.on.ca under ‘About Us’ and then click on ‘Commit to Character.’
FREE PARENTING COURSES THIS WINTER
Free parenting programs are available this winter in Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Courses include:

Making the Difference Together Parenting Program (Cool Solutions)

Parent Talk (for LEAP students only)

Triple P: Parenting Your 2 - 10 Year Old

Triple P: Parenting Your Pre-teen or Teen (for parents of children ages 10-16)
These courses will help parents develop understanding, knowledge, skills and specific techniques that
can be used at home to support and encourage the healthy development of their child. Parents will also
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discover ways to build a positive relationship with their child's school. Find out more, including registration
information, by visiting www.scdsb.on.ca – ‘Parents’ menu, then click on ‘Workshops.’
CIRCLE OF LEARNING PARENT ACADEMY - FREE WORKSHOPS TO HELP YOU BOOST
YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
As a parent/guardian, you were your child’s first teacher and you are still his or her most important
teacher. Your involvement in your child’s education has an impact on success. Register to attend
workshops throughout the year designed to help you support your child’s learning and development.
The workshops are:
•
March: Make the difference in math with a growth mindset
•
April: Math 101 - all parents can support their children in math
•
May: Resilience: Nine things kids need from their families, schools, and communities
Find workshop dates, times, descriptions and register online at www.scdsb.on.ca/circleoflearning.
The Circle of Learning Parent Academy is hosted by the Simcoe County District School Board’s Parent
Involvement Committee and made possible with the support of the Ministry of Education through a
Parents Reaching Out Grant.
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE COURSES IN BARRIE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
High school students have the opportunity to learn a new language in Semester 2 with the Barrie
Learning Centre's International Language courses. German (Level 2), Spanish (Level 2), Mandarin (Level
2) and Japanese (Level 1) will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from Feb. 10 to June
2. The Barrie Learning Centre is located in the Bayfield Mall, 320 Bayfield Street. More information can
be found at The Learning Centres website at http://www.thelearningcentres.com/ (click on ‘High School
Students’ then ‘International Languages’). Registration is available online through the Student Portal or
through school guidance departments.
LEARN TO DRIVE AT ONE OF OUR HIGH SCHOOLS
Simcoe County District School Board’s Driver Education program, for teens and adults who currently have
their G1, includes 20 hours of in-class instruction, 10 hours of independent work and 10 hours of
individual in-car instruction. The program meets all Ministry of Transportation requirements and is a
Ministry Approved Beginner Driver Education provider.
There are sessions beginning in February at Stayner Collegiate Institute, Elmvale District High School
and Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School. The cost is $600 plus HST. Courses are also offered at
SCDSB’s six Learning Centre locations.
Visit The Learning Centres’ website (www.thelearningcentres.com – click on ‘High School Student’, then
‘Beginner Driver Education’) for more information, registration forms, and Frequently Asked Questions. To
register, print and complete the registration form, and take the completed form to your local Learning
Centre or call 705-725-8360 for more information.
IT’S FLU SEASON – PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a declaration of widespread influenza activity in
Simcoe Muskoka. To protect yourself and your family, consider getting the flu shot. Stay home if sick,
cover your cough and wash your hands frequently. More information about the flu is available on the
health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or by calling Health Connection at 705-721-7520
or 1- 877-721-7520 weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CAR SEAT SAFETY REMINDER - USE A BOOSTER SEAT UNTIL THE SEAT BELT FITS YOUR
CHILD CORRECTLY
Adult sized seatbelts are not designed for small children. Children between the ages of 4 to 9 do not fit
into a seat belt properly. If a child is moved out of a booster seat too soon they can be hurt or killed in the
event of a crash.

Seatbelts are made for people who are at least 4’9” or 145 cm tall

A booster seat lifts your child up so that the seat belt fits your child correctly

A properly fitting seat belt crosses low on the hips with the chest strap lying across the shoulder
and middle of the chest.
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For more information on booster seat safety see Parachute Canada’s Guide to Installing a Booster Seat
video or visit www.parachutecanada.org (search ‘injury topics’ – ‘car seats’).
GETTING OUT THE DOOR ON TIME IN THE MORNING
Ah, the morning chaos of a household waking up: cleaning, dressing, eating and racing out the door…
Any number of things can make for a stressful morning: lack of sleep, a child needing reminders every
step of the way, the last minute lunches. The key is organization. Be realistic about how much time you
need to get ready in the morning. Time pressures add stress to everyone.
Some tips from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:

Get yourself ready first, before your child. Go to bed at a reasonable hour so you wake up rested
and ready for the day.

Plan ahead: pack lunches, find the mittens, and pick clothes the night before.

Keep the television off! Electronics and TV can be very disruptive first thing in the morning. If
there is extra time, let them use it to read, chat, or help out.

Be clear and realistic about what your child can do. Praising them when they do something well
encourages them to do it again and gain new skills.
Remember to have patience. Your child learns from watching you and you have the unique opportunity
to show these skills. In time your child will learn to plan ahead, be organized, and develop patience. For
more information you can call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and speak with a
public health nurse or click on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or visit
www.triplepontario.ca. For more tips, check out SCDSB’s Sharing Simcoe blog at
www.sharingsimcoe.com and read the post “Resolve to have an organized household this year – 6 tips to
get you started” (posted Jan. 14).
FREE COMPUTER BASICS COURSE OFFERED AT THE BARRIE LEARNING CENTRE
Do you have the skills you need for today’s culture of internet, online and technical job search? The
Barrie Learning Centre is offering no cost evening computer classes starting February 2 (Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m.). Call 705-725-8360 x45165 for more information
and to register.
STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 TO 12 ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THE MINISTER’S
STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Ontario Ministry of Education is seeking local students for the 2015-16 Minister’s Student Advisory
Council (MSAC). The MSAC is a group of 60 students from all parts of the education system
(English/French, Public/Catholic) and regions from across the province. Student members share their
ideas and advice with the Minister of Education on how to ensure Ontario's schools remain the best in the
world.
The deadline for students to apply is Feb. 28. The MSAC is open to students in grades 7 to 12. Everyone
is welcome and no special qualifications are required. The council honours diversity and inclusion and
encourages applications from students who combine lived experience with a perspective that they are
genuinely interested in sharing and representing. For more information or to apply, visit the Ministry’s
website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/speakup/msac.html.
NOMINATE A SCHOOL FOR THE 2014-15 PREMIER’S AWARDS FOR ACCEPTING
SCHOOLS
The Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools recognize exceptional and innovative work being done in
schools to create welcoming environments. The SCDSB welcomes staff, students and community
members to nominate a local school for the Premier’s Awards for Accepting Schools. Schools should be
considered who show initiative, creativity, and leadership in at least three areas related to school climate.
More information, including the nomination form, FAQs and a tip sheet can be found at
www.ontario.ca/acceptingschools. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 20.
NEW YORK TRIP
We are excited to tell you about the upcoming opportunity for the students at
Nantyr Shores Secondary School to explore New York City! We have
partnered with EF Educational Tour to provide a safe, high-quality coach tour
at an affordable cost. I believe that an educational tour helps teach students
essential life skills while enhancing their academic experience. They get to
make new friends and exchange ideas; they gain confidence and become
more independent. In the end, they return home with a fresh perspective on
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the world by experiencing an exciting part of North America firsthand.
Our trip will be departing on April 30, 2015 and will return on May 3, 2015.
Unforgettable highlights of this tour will include:
- Top of the Rock
- Broadway Show
- National Comedy Theatre
- 911 Memorial
- Albright Knox Gallery
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of New York
Also included:
-
Comfortable motor coach transportation- 3 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners
Hotel Accommodation
- Sightseeing tours led by licenses local guides
Full-time Tour Director
- All scheduled activities
Professional night security at the hotel
- All applicable taxes and customary gratuities
Based on 30-35 participants student travelers, the total trip cost is $875. Optional comprehensive
insurance is available for $48. Details about the All-Inclusive Protection Plan can be found on Page 11 of
the Traveller Application.
Please discuss this opportunity with your son or daughter.
For those students interested in participating you may enroll online by entering your tour number
1596552SJ at www.eftours.ca/enroll
If you have additional questions or need some more information please contact Nicole Miller at Nantyr
Shores Secondary or EF Tours at 1-800-263-2806.
We are looking forward to this fanastic trip.
Ms. N. Miller, Nantyr Shores Secondary & EF Educational Tours
NANTYR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS!
It’s not too late to join the Nantyr School of Business!!!
An exciting new club for students of all grades interested in Business for their future.
Every month we meet to discuss current business topics, enter fun contests, meet with
interesting speakers and explore options for post-secondary business programs.
Graduates of the club will receive a special certificate upon graduation that will benefit their
resume, applications and portfolios.
See Ms. Brincat or Ms. Morgan for details.
IMPORTANT DATES
Report Cards
Family Day
School Council Meeting
2nd Semester Progress Reports
March Break
O.S.S.L.T
Parent/Guardian/Teacher Night
Easter Weekend
2nd Semester Mid Term Reports
New York Trip
Prom
Victoria Day
School Council Meeting
Arts Night
Evaluation Days
Commencement
February 11, 2015
February 16, 2015
February 23, 2015 6:00 p.m.
March 13, 2015
March 16-20, 2015
March 26, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 5:30 p.m.
April 3-6, 2015
April 30, 2015
April 30 – May 3, 2015
May 9, 2015
May 18, 2015
May 25, 2015 6:00 p.m.
June 2, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
June 18-24, 2015
June 25, 2015
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