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R.D.
PARKER COLLEGIATE
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Ryan Land
Rob Watt Wally Itson Grant Kreuger |
Principal
Vice Principal Vice Principal Vice Principal |
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Phone: Fax: |
(204) 677-6200 (204) 778-5050 |
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272 Thompson
Drive, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 0C4 |
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Science, Physical Education, English & Library, Student Success, Math, Practical Arts, Fine Arts, H1NI Q & A
September, 2009 Principal’s
Message Welcome, tansi
and bienvenue! I mean this greeting to include not only staff members and
students, but also parents, guardians and community members. R.D. Parker is
very much a community school deeply committed not only to meeting the diverse
needs of our students, but also to meeting the demands of our dynamic city and
of an increasingly complex world. Parents and guardians are integral members of
our learning community, but we do not always get to hear your voices, concerns,
suggestions and hopes. There are many reasons for this and when it comes to
communication between home and school, there is always room, and cause, for
improvement. The Spirit Wolf outside of the collegiate declares that “Success
Begins Here!” and while we believe that this can be true, the reality is that
success tends to begin at home with parents and guardians that are interested,
involved and engaged in their children’s education. At R.D. Parker we continue
to value your support, your feedback, and your encouragement—we could not do
what we do without you! Having said this we are always looking for new
opportunities to listen to what parents, guardians and community stakeholders
have to say, so please contact us to let us know how we are doing, or consider
joining our Parent Advisory Council to have your say. (For more information
about joining the PAC, please contact the school at 677-6200.) Great schools
are continuously striving to improve and R.D. Parker is no exception. The staff
will soon be undertaking the important work of strategic goal-setting and
planning in order to set the course for the short and long term future. To this
end, there will be no classes on Wednesday, October 7th to allow for
an intensive day of goal-setting at RDPC. The staff will continue to focus on
the five priorities for action identified in the School Effectiveness Review of
2008, which were: 1.
Adaptive Leadership 2.
Caring, Respectful Environment 3.
Responsive Curriculum and
Assessment 4.
Authentic Partnerships 5.
Comprehensive Prevention and
Intervention A number of
important initiatives and improvements have already grown out of the review,
with one of the most significant being the re-invigoration of a departmental
leadership structure at RDPC. Department Heads and Administration meet
regularly as RDPC’s Leadership Team, and the ten departments also meet on a
monthly basis, in order to foster communication, enhance professional growth
and develop shared understanding, while building capacity for school improvement.
This will also be a key in implementing the district goals relating to
assessment, climate and engagement. On September 25th, RDPC’s
teachers will be participating in a district-wide Assessment Workshop that will
offer training in quality assessment practices. The in-service has been planned
and will be delivered by two consultants from If I did not get a chance to meet you at our Meet the Teacher and Open House on Wednesday, September 23rd, then I sincerely hope to see you at a game, a concert, in the community, or as you pass through the school one day. I will also be available during our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences on November 2nd. At the very least, give me a call at 677-6202 to let me know how we are doing or to find out how you can get involved with learning at R.D. Parker Collegiate. I look forward to it. Yours in leadership and learning, Ryan Land
News from the Science
Department
A
work in progress…. Well,
after some time, the science rooms at RDPC have finally started to get a
face-lift. This past summer the School Board started the refurbishing project
in rooms 207 and 209, with plans for at least two more rooms to be completed by
end of next summer and continuing each summer until all the science rooms have
been renovated. Included in the upgrades were new energy efficient windows
across the first and second floors, countertops, base cupboards, additional
electrical outlets on the new backsplashes, double sinks, eyewash stations, as
well as new desks and chairs for the staff. Supplies were ordered as per usual by our
Laboratory Technician Mrs. Valois for the 2009/2010 school year. However, this year, she was able to stretch
the budget to include some new technology for Grade 9 &10 Science, as well
as Grade 11 & 12 Physics. We now
have two hand held electronic devices that will measure distance, velocity,
acceleration, force, impulse, momentum, voltage, current, resistance, sound…
The great thing about these devices is that they can work with a computer or as
a stand alone. Students will get a
chance to work with this technology to increase their understanding of how
current flows in a circuit, how graphs of motion relate to actual movement, how
Newton’s Laws of Motion are true even though they seem to defy logic, & how
sound waves graphically come together to produce the sounds that make up our
world. This technology will help
students see graphically, what they could only see conceptually before. It is our wish to make science come alive to
our students, and to instill in them a love for this subject that we each enjoy
so much. “Gene Researcher for a Week” Calling all ambitious students in grades 11 and
12 who have an innate curiosity for science and human genetics…. The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation is
offering an opportunity for students to engage in a seven day program that
fosters the growth of genetic clinician-scientists in Candidates will be selected based on the
following criteria: The
candidate must be a resident of Don't Miss Out!!!! Apply!!!! For application forms and more information on
this excellent opportunity please see Mrs. Harwood (Room 206). -
summer camp (Pinawa) -
provides high school students with hands on
scientific learning experience in an R and D environment -
6 weeks in length – 235 hours in the 6 weeks -
15 to 18 years of age -
2 grade 12 credits -
environmental community service,
extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence -
$5000.00 educational expenses -
earthday.ca -
for students who are currently in their
graduating year or graduated in the last two years from a Canadian High school -
demonstrated outstanding environmental
commitment, community service and leadership youthcanada.ca -
there is a section on scholarships Social Studies
News Victory in 65th
Anniversary of the Liberation of This coming spring, April 28 - May 12, Mr.
Kissick and Mrs. Maloney-Buchanan will be taking, at this time, 20 students to Mixed in with these sites will be opportunities
to visit local sites. They will also
have an opportunity to be matched with a Dutch school as a bit of a cultural
connection to each country and each other. Students will represent 2 veterans of their
choice or 2 who will be given to them to represent our region at these
services. Our veterans of WWI and WWII
are fading from our eyes, the Dept. Of Education has seen fit to have our
History curriculum reflect these and other conflicts and how they helped shape
our country. This is a golden
opportunity to be a part of our history and see how we are perceived by others
through our veterans' efforts. Planning is starting regarding fund-raising
activities which will help get us to and back from
Physical
Education News
English
Language Arts and Library Department Welcome to the 2009/2010 school
year. The English Language Arts and
Library Department is ready for another exciting year of student learning and
success. If you are interested in
familiarizing yourself with the curriculum outcomes for grades nine through
twelve please feel free to contact Susan Horvath at 677-6200. You may also go online and visit the Manitoba
Department of Education, Citizenship and Youth website (edu.gov.mb.ca). The English Language Arts and
Library Department would like to suggest the following pieces of advice so that
your student will have a more meaningful and successful school year:
The English Language Arts and
Library Department is located on the second floor of RD Parker Collegiate. We are looking forward to meeting you this
evening. We will have a display located
across the hall from Room #227. Ms.
L. Bass Learning
Resource Centre Ms.
J. Bonner Room
#223 Mrs.
S. Crawford Room
#225 Mrs.
R. Foley (Ridley) Room
#231 Ms.
L. Henderson Room
#235 Mrs.
S. Horvath Room
#228 Mrs.
A. Lindsey (School Librarian) Library Mrs.
K. McIvor Room #226 Ms.
S. Mueller Room
#227 Mrs.
A. Ricketts-Slack Room
#223 Some
important information to be aware of Tuesday,
January 4th to Friday, January 8th AND Tuesday, June 1st
to Friday, June 4th, 2010 Grade Twelve Provincial English Language Arts Exam ·
Please be advised that this is
mandatory for all graduating students.
Please ensure that your student will be present on exam dates. Monday,
February 1st to Friday, February 5th, 2009 Semester One Exam Week Monday,
June 14th to Friday, June 18th, 2010 Semester Two Exam Week ·
Please ensure that your student
will be present for all exams on the days that they are to be written. All English Language Arts Students are to
write an exam at the end of their course with the exception of students who
receive exemptions from their teachers. From
the Library (Ms. Anne Lindsey and Ms. Lorie Henderson) Students must have their pictures
taken so that they may receive Student Identification/Library Cards. Picture retakes are scheduled for the morning
of Thursday, October 29t, 2009.
The
eight highly motivated teachers in the Student Success Dept., formally known as
Special Services/Learning Centre include; Ms. Guthrie, Ms. Heis, Ms. Wakeling,
Mrs. Kazlauskas, Ms Bonner, Mrs. Kristjansen, Mrs. Bass and Mrs. Roberts. Some
of our roles include:
* A
reminder to parents that tutoring is also provided in the Student Success Area
every day after school from 3:30 to 4:30. Math
is The start of the school year has to be one
of the most exciting times for students and teachers, alike. The teachers of the Math Department would
like to take this opportunity to welcome back new and returning students to RD
Parker Collegiate. The 2009/2010 school
year brings a new grade nine curriculum which is implemented throughout the In order to make the most out of your mathematical education this year the Math Department offers the following suggestions for a successful year: · Hard Work - will get you the grade every time. · Keep an Open Mind – you are good at math, you just need to give it a chance. · Never Give Up – ask for help when it doesn’t seem to add up. · Talk – to classmates, parents, friends and your teacher; they are your best and most plentiful resources. · Find the Beauty – Math is all around us. When you finally get it, it is exciting to see how things fit together, why things work, and how it all makes sense.
Can you identify the type of math that M.C. Escher used in his drawing Reptiles? The Practical Arts Department is a combination
of the Home Economics Dept. (Clothing, Family Studies, and Foods and Nutrition)
and Technical Arts Dept. (Drafting, Electronics, Metals and Woods.) There are
classes in all areas but many of these classes are very full. All of these classes have a lab component to
them. A limited number of spaces are
available in these areas and safety is a prime concern. Some of the labs were
equipped over the summer with new ventilation systems, but not all are in
working order at this time. Clothing is a combination class of Grades 9, 10,
& 11. They are working on small projects at the moment but will be working
with commercial patterns and sergers in the coming weeks. Family studies have 2
courses offered at the moment Grade 10 Pre-school and Family Studies 40G and 40S.
Foods and Nutrition classes are occurring separately for both grades 9 & 10. They are working on cooking with whole wheat flour and other foods which give more nutrition in the diet. Drafting and Electronics use computer programs for some of their work. Metals are waiting on the ventilation system to be hooked-up before starting welding, other lab work is proceeding. Woods has just ordered materials last week and all are beginning to learn the safety feature of the machines. Safety glasses are needed for both woods and metal classes.
Greetings from the Fine Arts Department! In this article, we would like to give
everyone a glimpse of what they may look forward to in Fine Arts Classes this
year. There are some changes in staff. Laurie Dysart is the art instructor this year
and there are three new band instructors: Sarah Lewis, Kevin Lewis, and Rodney
Hall. David Boyce will be continuing in
drama as will Kristin Donovan in basic French and Nourreddine Lamouni in French
immersion. David Wolfe is also resuming
his work with choir and will serve as Fine Arts Department head. Each of the courses offered in Fine Arts offers
many wonderful learning opportunities.
Drama is a vibrant, active performance based course where the students
will gain the confidence to assume a variety of characters. Both comedy and tragedy are covered while
learning the history of the theatre and all the backstage technical aspects as
well. In class skill building is tested
in the extra curricular shows that are open to any member of the school body –
not just drama students. Basic French classes are packed with a variety
of activities such as songs, projects, videos, and grammar. The students are constantly challenged to
produce creative projects which result in them practicing the new skills and
vocabulary they are learning. The
students have in the past year hosted The It is an exciting year for the R. D. Parker
Music Department. In addition to having
three new instrumental music teachers, we are also pleased to offer several new
courses. Mrs. Lewis, in addition to working
with the grade 6-7 band, will be starting a brass ensemble at RDPC. This ensemble is open to students in grades 9
– 12 who play a brass instrument and are looking for another opportunity to be
involved in music. Mr. Lewis is excited
to add improvisation based jazz small groups to our music courses as well as
working with the Senior Jazz Band, Grade 8 Band and the Junior Concert Band. Mr. Hall will be working with the Senior
Concert Band and teaching music theory in addition to the Junior Jazz Band. Second semester he will be offering an
entirely new course – guitar! This will
be an intro to guitar course that will be open to all students regardless of
their musical background or experience.
The choirs will continue to explore a variety of musical styles which
they will offer in conjunction with the bands at one of our many school
concerts throughout the year. The bands
and choirs will be traveling to H1N1 Flu: Questions and Answers for Schools and Parents
Will schools
be closed? H1N1 is
considered to be present in all Any
decision to close a school or set of schools would involve careful
consideration of the specific situation at that time, taking into account the
spread and severity of the virus within Direction
on school closures for public health reasons would come from the Minister of
Education, Citizenship and Youth, in consultation with the Chief Provincial
Public Health Officer and/or regional medical officer of health. Will the H1N1
flu vaccine be available in schools? The H1N1
vaccine is expected to be ready this fall and there will be enough supply for
every Manitoban who wishes to be vaccinated. The vaccine may arrive in batches,
so health officials will identify people who should be prioritized for the
vaccine, either because of their essential role during flu season or because
they are considered to be at greater risk for severe illness. In order
to best meet the needs of the community, how and where the H1N1 flu vaccine
will be provided to people who wish to be vaccinated will likely be determined
at a regional level. What
precautions should I take? Manitobans
are encouraged to use routine precautionary measures to prevent infections: •
Stay home from school or work if you are ill and limit unnecessary contact with
others. •
Cover a cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve or
using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Place the tissue in the garbage. •
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. When soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers may be an
acceptable alternative if hands are not visibly soiled. •
Limit touching of your eyes, nose or mouth. •
Contact your health-care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200
or 1-888-315-9257 if you are concerned that you may need advice or
care. •
Obtain prompt care if your symptoms are severe or worsening (i.e. shortness of
breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness). What should I
do if there is a confirmed case in my child’s school? The H1N1
virus is considered to be present in communities throughout The same
basic precautions are still the best defense against H1N1, including washing
your hands regularly with soap and water and covering your nose and mouth when
coughing or sneezing. Children who are ill should stay home until they feel
better. Parents of ill children can contact Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200
or 1-888-315-9257 for advice on when to seek medical attention. |
