At Avalon we focus on developing well
rounded students that meet their potential in
Academics, Athletics, Fine & Performing Arts,
as well as career exploration through Career &
Technology Foundations.
2
WELCOME TO AVALON
Bienvenue à Avalon
Serious about Success for All
En Route Vers l’Excellence
For all students who wish to register at Avalon in either the English or French Immersion programs, or for
those who wish to continue their well-rounded learning experience with us in 2015-2016, we expect that you
will find Avalon a well-rounded school where learning is enjoyable, challenging, engaging and rewarding.
In Avalon you will find a school where the achievement level is consistently high, an achievement which is
largely due to the commitment of students who truly know why they are here, to the teachers who set high
expectations, and to the parents who provide help at home and through the Parent Council initiatives.
At Avalon, you will find that approximately 25% of the students live in the immediate school neighbourhood.
The remaining 75% of the students come from the neighbourhoods of twenty other junior high schools to
share a well-rounded education experience in:
 Core subject instruction in which achievement consistently exceeds district averages in both the English
and French programs;
 A well-respected French Immersion program that is integrated with all school activities;
 An instrumental music program that engenders a love of that performing art and provides wonderful
opportunities for students to showcase their skills;
 A first class outdoor education program for Grade 7, 8 and 9 students filled with fantastic activities that
provide a deep appreciation of what the outdoors can offer and respect for our environment;
 A broad spectrum of junior and senior athletic opportunities embracing most junior high sports; and
 A wide variety of activities in Career and Technology Studies, fine arts, leadership, and physical
education/recreation programs.
At Avalon you will find a school where the use of technology is increasing as an aide to assist learning for all
students. You would also find that Avalon has a long history as a safe, caring environment within which you
will be challenged to do your best and to treat yourself, and all others, with respect. You will be expected,
and be assisted, to reach your potential as a learner.
This booklet provides current registration information about École Avalon School. We hope it will assist you
in your decision-making, and we look forward to welcoming you to Avalon to enjoy with us the educational
experiences of the 2015-2016 school year.
Yours truly,
Will Deys, Principal
École Avalon School
3
Pre-enrol on SchoolZone in 2015
This spring, parents of students currently enrolled at an Edmonton Public School can pre-enrol for the
2015-2016 school year online.
Sign in to SchoolZone between March 23 and April 15, 2015, and follow the prompts to select your child’s
preferred school. You can even use the mobile version of SchoolZone to complete the process directly from
your smartphone! Forgot your userid and password information? Contact your current school, they will print a
copy of your login information for you.
Pre-enrolment Questions? Talk to the principal at your child’s current school.
New to the District? Contact your preferred school to learn how to register as a new student before
April 15, 2015.
École Avalon School
4
OPTIONAL COURSES
ART 7 (73100) (Full Year)
The expression of the heart and soul! No, you don’t have to be artistic to take Art! Ms. Gaunt will draw the
artist out of you!!
There is a $20.00 fee to offset the cost of consumables purchased for the program and taken home.
Grade 7 Art introduces many techniques and materials you can use while creating art. You will learn to use
tempera paint, watercolours, ink, pencil, charcoal, cut paper, oil pastel, chalk pastel, and modeling clay. We will
explore the elements of Art and how they work together to create Art.
DRAMA 7 (73200) (Full Year)
You are quiet and shy? Then, Drama is for you! You are outgoing and theatrical? Then drama is also for you. Drama is a life skill
that everyone should take at least once!
The Grade 7 drama program at Avalon provides students with a learning environment in which to discover drama as an art form as well
as a medium for teaching and learning. It develops the whole person, allowing the student to discover his/her poise, self-esteem, and
social communication skills. An understanding and awareness of theatre is fostered. Students will have opportunities to explore theatre
games, creative movement, voice, story theatre, improvisation, and scripted work.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 7 (74100) (Full Year)
Avalon’s music program is the most respected and successful in Edmonton Public Schools. We turn heads when we wear our red
sweaters and when we play our sweet tunes!
The instrumental music program at Avalon School is an integral part of the school, involving the study of band instruments. Students
play the following instruments: flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, tubas, oboes, French horns, and percussion
instruments. The goals of the instrumental music program are to help students develop competencies and to strive for excellence in
playing, listening, reading, creating, and valuing.
These goals are achieved through the development of aural skills, technical and theoretical skills, interpretative skills, and synthesis
skills. These skills are divided into three levels in the Alberta Education Junior High Music Curriculum and correspond to Grades 7, 8,
and 9 Instrumental Music at Avalon. Because of the sequential nature of this optional course, it is only possible to enter the music
program at the grade 7 level.
The instrumental music program is actively supported by the Avalon Instrumental Music Society (AIMS), a parent support group. All
parents of music students are encouraged to join AIMS.
There is a $100.00 fee per school year for the rental of school instruments.
Music is an Academic Option.
Option. Please be aware that it is the
only option that is used to calculate the average for the High
School Rutherford Scholarship. It is also the only option
which can be used for entrance to some faculties at University.
Please also be aware that you must be in music in Junior High
to register for Music in Senior High.
École Avalon School
5
CAREER & TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATIONS
Avalon School has several bundled classes to choose from. These optional courses provide our Grade 7 students an opportunity to explore
different courses in their area of interest. Courses this year: Home Economics (77360), Industrial Arts (77150), Computer Design Media
(78100), and Environmental Outdoor Education (75700). Instruction for each course will run for approximately half the year.
CTF is for you if you need to move around and build things, make things, and learn to sew and eat! ODE & Computer Media is for
students who need activity and want to learn more about our environment and design really cool stuff in class!
COMPUTER DESIGN MEDIA 7 (78100) (Semestered with ODE)
We know you know how to type and use WORD! Now let’s look at some of the COOL stuff!
Students in Media 7 will learn to use all the different aspects of computers as used in today’s multimedia
will be placed on:
environment. Emphasis
Graphic Arts—Students will work with several graphic arts programs to develop their own computer art and to manipulate
existing art to different media designs and functions.
Video Making—Students will learn the aspects of video development and creation by developing their own video from
beginning to end.
Audio Mixing—Students will be able to take a compilation of different songs, sound effects and media clips to create a
unique sound media experience.
Simple Animation—Simple animations will be created using freely available software.
Google Share/Internet—Students will become more aware of the use of Google Share and software related to Google
applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION 7 (75700) (Semestered with Computer Media)
Do you LOVE the outdoors and all things in nature? Enjoy physical activity and roughing it? Be part of an Environmental Outdoor
Education program that only exists at Avalon Junior High.
This is the first step in a 3 year program that will culminate with a very dynamic ODE 9 program where students will
participate in advanced outdoor experiences. It all starts in grade 7.
Activities—Activities include fall, winter, spring, and summer outdoor activities, horseback riding, orienteering, wall
climbing, leave no trace camping ethics, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, environmental studies, animal
identification, environmental education, and games.
Cost—Students will participate in a number of field trips during the year and will be expected to pay user fees. The cost for all of these
activities will be approximately $80.00.
Home Economics (77360) (Semestered with I.A.)
Batter Up and Sewing Two!
Grade 7 this is a fun and practical course that will introduce you to a variety of life skills and future career possibilities.
During the Foods and Fashion semester you will learn how to hand sew and use the sewing machine as you construct your
own apron to use in the Foods portion of the course. As a cooking group you will be able to make, drop, rolled and sliced
type cookies, smoothies, and quick breakfast foods. You will demonstrate the importance of accurate measuring and safety
in the kitchen.
There is a $20.00 fee for consumables for Home Economics
École Avalon School
6
INDUSTRIAL ARTS (77150) (Semestered with Home Ec)
Wood, Metals, Mechanics. You name it; we build with it!
Students in Industrial Arts will be exposed to seven main areas of study (strands) from the Career and Technical Foundations (CTF)
curriculum. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their skills by using equipment in the laboratory. There is an opportunity to
have extra time in the lab once a week, called “Open Shop”, and students are invited to attend as they see fit to complete any unfinished
projects. The strands we will explore are: Career Transitions - Safety in the lab; Communication Technology – screen printing;
Construction Technologies – wood working; and instruction in the safe operation of hand and power tools, layout, and project assembly;
Design Studies – basis of sketching and drafting; Fabrication Studies – The word “fabrication” is used when talking about metal projects
(our lab is well-equipped for projects involving metal); Electro-Technologies – The world of electronics is the main focus; Mechanics –
is primarily an on-line, computer format where students will complete assignments on gas powered and diesel powered machinery.
There is a $25.00 fee to offset the cost of consumable projects, applicable to all students.
École Avalon School
7
Get Involved for the Fun of It!
At Avalon, all students have numerous
opportunities to participate in cocurricular activities. Many of these
activities are scheduled at the beginning
of the school year and relate to physical
education,
fine
arts,
curriculum
enhancement, civic responsibility, and
leadership
development.
Listed
alphabetically, some of these activities
are outlined below.
ART CLUB
To join our club, students do not have to be “artistic” or “talented”. They do not have to be in the art option class. Students need only
be enthusiastic and responsible. This is a group that meets during the noon hour. Projects include watercolour and tempra painting,
calligraphy and other art materials.
Art Club members also help to arrange displays, circulate art displays throughout the school, and create seasonal theme decorations for
the school.
CONCERT BAND: GRADE 7
The concert band is a co-curricular activity open to all band students. Very soon after we play our first notes and form our band, we
have our debut at the fall concert.
Being a member of the Concert Band means a personal commitment with their section of the band at one lunch
hour rehearsal per week. It also means having the opportunity to experience success and perform in one of
Alberta's finest young musical ensembles.
JAZZ BAND
The Avalon Jazz Band is open to all music students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and
drumset. Students who are not members of the band are welcome to audition for Jazz Band if they play guitar, bass or Drumset.
There is one rehearsal per week for this group. The day and time the rehearsal for this group is determined in September of each year
based on member requests.
COMPUTER CLUB
Interested students meet during scheduled lunch hours in the upstairs computer lab. Games are allowed as long as there is no violence
or anti-social theme. Some members take a leadership role in developing the media support for school assemblies.
École Avalon School
8
DRAMA CLUB
The Avalon Drama Department has many exciting opportunities for students to get involved, Whether your interests lie in acting,
designing, improvising, or being a fabulous spectator, we’ve got something for you!
Musical Production:
Come one, come all! Students in any grade, with or without theatre experience, are invited to become a part of the action. If you
are interested in acting, you can audition for a role. Actors rehearse several afternoons per week, some lunch hours, and even on a
weekend. A little too shy to act? You can be part of one of our many crews. From set design to costume creation, there are tons of
ways to get involved. Tech meetings are usually held at lunch hours, but sometimes we meet after school too. This all culminates
with an amazing production!
Citadel Club:
Each year, the Citadel offers a special price to junior high and high school students. A student club membership “buys” a
subscription to six main stage plays, a snack before the play, a pre-show discussion taking you and your teacher into the
backstage world of the productions, and following each performance, a special talk-back session with the actors and/or the
creative team from the production. Enjoy the life of the theater with other students! The package price varies each year, so
watch for information to be posted on SchoolZone in September for the new Citadel season.
INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS
Senior Girls Volleyball
Senior Boys Volleyball
Junior Boys Volleyball
Junior Girls Volleyball
Senior Boys Basketball
Senior Girls Basketball
Indoor Soccer
Senior Girls Soccer
Senior Boys Soccer
Junior Boys Basketball
Junior Girls Basketball
Indoor Track
Cross Country Running
Slow Pitch
Curling
Track and Field
Badminton (Jr. & Sr.)
Wrestling
All students are encouraged to participate in these programs. Many grade 7 students are successful in making the Senior Athletic teams.
Junior Athletic teams are only open to grade 7 & 8 students. In addition to the large participation rate at Avalon, the school also boasts
many city championships.
INTRAMURAL ATHLETICS
Athletics at Avalon include a lunch hour intramural program. Intramurals run September through June, Monday to Friday from 12:29 to
12:54 p.m. The activities are organized by grade levels or homerooms, or students have the opportunity to create their own teams.
Students receive sign-up sheets in their physical education classes. Intramural activities have included basketball, soccer, dodge ball,
volleyball, table tennis, badminton and floor hockey.
LIBRARY CLUB
Do you love books and like to have a good time? Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at the library? Satisfy
your curiosity by becoming a Library Club member. You will check books in and out, shelve books, label books and help with library
displays. You will be first in line to check out the new books in the library. Come and enjoy the fun and gain some valuable
experience in the library.
École Avalon School
9
STUDENT COUNCIL
Avalon’s Student Council has something for everyone! Student leaders at Avalon can join one of several specialized councils to develop
their leadership skills. For example, students can help plan dances and in-school activities through the Social Board, volunteer to create
community projects through the Service Board, or have the opportunity to develop their emcee skills through the Communications
Board. Avalon’s Student Council also serves as an umbrella organization that encompasses all our wonderful clubs and teams.
OTHER CLUBS
Teachers are often approached by students who have creative ideas for new clubs and groups. Past examples include the Chess and
Scrabble Club, the Craft Club, the Games Club, Movie Club, Peer Support and Sewing Club. If you would like to start a new club, put
together a proposal and ask a teacher to sponsor you. It’s a great way to meet new friends and make productive use of your lunch hour!
École Avalon School
10
Each year, a number of out-of-town trips are planned as co-curricular enrichment activities for students who wish to participate; none of
the trips is compulsory. It is important to note that details and prices of the specific trips may vary from year to year; those outlined
below are only approximations provided to assist families with long-term and budget planning. In addition, not all trips listed below
may run every year; their organization depends on a number of factors including student interest, flight availability, school scheduling,
and cost to families. These trips are earned priviledges; students wishing to participate should have records of excellent attendance and
positive behavior.
School fees must be paid in full before students may participate in school trips or tours.
GRADE 7 QUEBEC HOMESTAY PROGRAM For French Immersion Students
This opportunity has been available for students for nine years. The homestay program will allow the students to experience, first hand,
the culture, language and history of Quebec. They will have the opportunity to prove to themselves how much their language skills have
developed over the years through the French immersion program. For the entire trip the students will speak French. French teachers
chaperone, Quebecois families billet, and our guides speak only French.
The trip takes place in the spring, with seven days spent in Quebec City and it’s surrounding areas and one day in Montreal. Students gain
a tremendous amount of self-confidence in their language skills by the end of this trip. Approximately $3,100.00 (Cost varies each year ).
GRADE 8 AND 9 SKI TRIP
This one night/two day trip to the Rockies and is open to grade 8 and 9 students with a positive record of appropriate behaviour.
Previous trips have been to Banff or Jasper and is supervised by staff members. The price varies according to the cost of transportation,
lift ticket and accommodation.
GRADE 8 YEAR TRIP TO COSTA RICA
Grade 8 students who qualify will have an experience that will take them through Costa Rica, nature’s masterpiece. Explore this tranquil
land of democracy and rare natural beauty. They will travel with an English- speaking guide into an ecological wonderland gifted with
both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, rainforests, cloudforests, a living volcano, and natural jungles alive with exotic birds and wildlife. Stay at
rainforest lodges and a Pacific coast “blue flag” beach resort. Meet the most modest, generous and openhearted people on earth as you
embark on an educational journey like no other! The trip would take place in May. The approximate cost of the trip would range from
$3200-$3400.
GRADE 9: TOUR DE FRANCE
For the last twenty plus years, a trip to France has been organized for any grade 9 students who wish to go; they do not need to be in
either French Immersion or FSL. We visit Nice, Monaco, and spend one day in northern Italy. Students are hosted by families in or
around Toulon for three to four days. We then travel to Paris, with all its usual sites: Eiffel Tower, le Louvre, and l'Arc de Triomphe.
The cost varies from year to year. Planning for the trip starts when students are in grade 8.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Avalon has a very active School Council composed of parents and teachers. This group has chosen for itself a role of public advocacy.
This group meets with Avalon Administration and staff representatives every two months. The best way to understand those interesting
junior high years is to join us in School Council. (Please note: In lieu of fundraising, parents are able to donate $20.00 (located on
student fee sheets). These PAC funds are used to purchase manipulatives, library books, equipment for optional programs, or athletic
items for the school.
AIMS
Avalon has a fundraising parent group whose primary role is to support the Instrumental Music program. Please join the AVALON
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SOCIETY.
École Avalon School
11
ÉCOLE AVALON GRADE
7 OPTION REQUEST FORM
District Deadline for submission: Wednesday, APRIL 15, 2015
Student Name: ______________________________________
EPS Student #: ________________________
(available through SchoolZone or Student ID card)
Current School: ______________________________________
Please Check one of the following boxes:
Student Transferring to
Avalon for 2015-16
(Parent has set next year indicator through SchoolZone)
Student Transferring to
Avalon for 2015-16
(Request current school Administration to set next year indicator)
New to District
Using the numbers 1 to 4, RANK the Option Course choices in order of preference with number 1 being the most preferred.
Visit our Website http://avalon.epsb.ca (or for current Avalon students SchoolZone) for a full description of all Option
Courses.
Option courses offered are subject to change based on student interest and staff availability. Once complementary courses are chosen for
the school year, and staffing and programming have been put into place to meet student demand, it is essential that students remain in their
chosen courses.
Please note that most complementary courses have a fee associated with them. These fees are to cover the cost of consumable materials
such as paint, groceries in a Foods class, wood for a Construction project or bussing and entrance into venues for Environmental Outdoor
Education field trips.
These fees are approximate and may change when they are collected in the fall.
Language of Instruction
(Please circle)
PRIORITY CHOICE—
Please rank from 1
through 4
English —JHS 7100
French Immersion—JHS 7101
7100 FSL—JHS 7351
English Language Arts—JHS 7100
5– DIGIT—COURSE CODE and Estimated Cost for 2015-16
73100—ART 7 (FY) - $20.00
73200—DRAMA 7 (FY)
74100—INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 7 (FY) - $100.00
77360—HOME ECONOMICS $20.00/ INDUSTRIAL ARTS (Semestered Bundle) - $25.00
75700—ENVIRONMENTAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION
(Semestered with Computer Design Media 7) - $80.00
__________________________________________
____________________________
Parent signature
Date
IMPORTANT:
 For students transferring from another school district, this form must be received at Avalon School no later than the
District Deadline—Wednesday, April 15, 2015)
 Parent Signature is required on Option Request form.
École Avalon School
12
École AVALON SCHOOL
5425– 114 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 3M1
Phone: 780-434-8402
Fax: 780-435-7623
http://avalon.epsb.ca
Serious About Success for All
En route vers l’excellence
École Avalon School