Dear Parents and Guardians,

Week 3 is over and it is starting to feel like Fall! This is

definitely my favourite time of year – warm days, cool nights,

the leaves are now “blooming”, and no bugs! It is beautiful at

the cottage, there are many trails that are augmented by the Fall

colours, and it is a terrific time of year to get outdoors.

We have School Council next week, on Wednesday, September

26th, at 7 p.m., in the Career Centre.

I am always open to suggestions and comments, so please contact me at twilkinson@scdsb.on.ca if you have

something on your mind.

E-newsletters are available on the Bear Creek website: http://bss.scdsb.on.ca/

Please follow me on Twitter: @VPWilkinson

Please follow me on Instagram: spfx8691

If you see a topic you want to learn more about, you go to the item and press the “Ctrl” button while you click

your cursor and you will be “magically” transported to the topic you chose. To “magically” transport back to

the table of contents, go to the “Back to the Table of Contents” words at the end of each article, and press the

“Ctrl” button while you click your cursor and you will be “magically” transported back to the table of contents.

Table of Contents

Texting ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

SCDSB Grade 3, 6 And 9 Academic EQAO Math Results Increase In 2017-18......................................... 3

Vimy Pilgrimage Award ................................................................................................................................... 3

Schulich Leader Scholarships of 2018-2019 Academic Year ........................................................................ 4

Green Team ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

College Visits ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

College Information Program .......................................................................................................................... 5

University Visits ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Atlantic Universities Fair ................................................................................................................................. 5

Scholarships ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Parent Portal Gives Parents Real-Time Access to Attendance, Grade Information .................................. 6

Improv Club ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Weekly E-Newsletter

Stay Connected @ BCSS Friday, September 21, 2018

DECA ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Robotics Club .................................................................................................................................................... 7

This Year’s Musical Is… .................................................................................................................................. 7

Jam Sessions ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Studio 52 ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Choir................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Debate Team ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Pottery/Henna Club .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Yearbooks .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

New Simcoe County District School Board Website Launched This Summer ........................................... 8

Remind ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

SCDSB Community Apps Portal Makes Volunteering Easy ........................................................................ 8

Tabletop Club .................................................................................................................................................... 9

Kodiak Safe Space ............................................................................................................................................ 9

Drumline ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Anime Club ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Me To We ........................................................................................................................................................... 9

Kodiak Studios .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Pay for Field Trips, Lunch Days, Etc. With SchoolCash Online ............................................................... 10

Procedures Help Keep Our School Safe ....................................................................................................... 10

Student Dress Code ......................................................................................................................................... 11

Student Accident Insurance 2018-19 ............................................................................................................. 11

Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards ....................................................... 11

Badminton Club .............................................................................................................................................. 12

Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................................................................ 12

Sports News ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

Important Dates .............................................................................................................................................. 16

Positively Speaking ......................................................................................................................................... 16

What's Left Out? ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Parent’s Corner ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Parent Engagement in Secondary School ................................................................................................. 18

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week ......................................................................................... 21

P.S. (Positive Statement): ............................................................................................................................... 21

What’s Happening at BCSS?

Texting

One of the items that teachers constantly “fight” against is students using phones during class time. At least half

the time, students are texting conversations with their parents. So, we respectfully ask parents not to text during

the following times as your teen is busy in class:

- Before 8 a.m., no problem to text

- Between 8 – 9:20 – period 1, please don’t text

- Between 9:20 – 9:25 – no problem to text

- Between 9:25 – 10:40 – period 2, please don’t text

- Between 10:40 – 11:50 – no problem to text

- Between 11:50 – 1:05 – period 4, please don’t text

- Between 1:05 – 1:10 – no problem to text

- Between 1:10 – 2:25 – period 5, please don’t text

- After 2:25 p.m. - no problem to text

Obviously, if there is an emergency, please contact us and we will get your child as quickly as possible.

Thank you very much for adhering to this schedule.

Back to Table of Contents

SCDSB Grade 3, 6 And 9 Academic EQAO Math Results Increase In 2017-18

On September 19th, Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released 2017-18 EQAO

assessment results. The Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) mathematics results showed an

increase in Grades 3 and 6 mathematics and Grade 9 academic mathematics.

“We’re proud of the students who participated in EQAO last year. Our board’s renewed focus on math has had a

positive impact,” says Chris Samis, Superintendent of Program and Special Education. “We’re pleased to see

that our strategies are starting to move the trend upwards.”

The SCDSB has prioritized mathematics and is committed to a five-year improvement strategy that includes

teaching fundamental skills through conceptual understanding as well as supporting the development of

transferable skills like problem solving. This strategy includes a significant investment in professional learning

focused on content knowledge for teaching and leading instruction.

In support of our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, and as an extension of this past year’s area

of focus, the SCDSB will continue to emphasize building teacher capacity to respond to identified student

needs, with a focus on:

Primary mathematics (Grade 1 -3)

Junior mathematics (Grades 4 - 6)

Grade 9 mathematics

EQAO assessments are one piece of information that inform the SCDSB’s work. School and board staff analyze

EQAO data together with other assessment, well-being and engagement data to understand student needs and

how we can respond to them.

SCDSB EQAO mathematics results for 2017-2018 compared to 2016-2017:

Grade 3 – 61% met or exceeded the provincial standard, up 1%

Grade 6 – 44% met or exceeded the provincial standard, up 5%

Grade 9 academic – 81% met or exceeded the provincial standard, up 6%

Back to Table of Contents

Vimy Pilgrimage Award

The Vimy Foundation created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award to recognize the actions of young people who

demonstrate an outstanding commitment to volunteer work through positive contributions, notable deeds, or

bravery that benefits their peers, school, community, province, or country.

The Vimy Pilgrimage Award consists of a fully funded week-long educational program in Belgium and France

to study Canada’s tremendous First World War effort. The program, scheduled for April 2–10, 2019, is offered

by the Vimy Foundation and features daily visits to important First World War sites including museums,

cemeteries, and historic battlefields. A total of 20 students will be selected for the 2019 program.

Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay describing their volunteer work; a 500-750-word biography

of, and tribute to, a solider or nursing sister; a 500-word motivation letter; a resume detailing their relevant

experiences; and a reference letter from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal, service club, volunteer

organization, etc. In choosing award winners, the Award Committee will take into consideration all elements

submitted for the application with special emphasis placed on the applicant’s volunteer work/service to their

communities. Click the ‘Apply Now’ link below for full application instructions.

For more information about the rules and criteria for the program click here.

Apply now for the 2019 Vimy Pilgrimage Award! (Link will take you to Canada’s History website to access the

application page.)

Entry deadline is November 18, 2018, midnight (Pacific time).

Curious about past programs? Click here for the 2018 Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipients.

Click here to view photos from the 2018 Vimy Pilgrimage Award program.

Additional questions? Email programs@vimyfoundation.ca

Back to Table of Contents

Schulich Leader Scholarships of 2018-2019 Academic Year

Launched in 2012, this $100 million program funds 50 undergraduate scholarships each year, across top

Canadian universities. Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest and most prestigious undergraduate Science,

Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarships in Canada, with a value of up to $100,000 each. Fifty

students receive this celebrated award each year – 25 for Engineering at $100,000 each, and 25 for Science,

Technology, and Mathematics at $80,000 each.

In order to become a Schulich Leader and receive the scholarship, students must first be selected by their high

school as a Schulich Leader Nominee. High schools may select one Nominee each. Only Canadian schools are

eligible to participate.

To be eligible, students need to demonstrate:

- 2 of 3 of: Academic, Leadership (entrepreneurial, business, community), or financial need

- AND be entrepreneurial minded in: Technology, Engineering, Innovation, or Research (Research into

questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses)

- AND be: a Canadian citizen, graduating in 2018-2019, and enrolling in partnering universities

- AND MUST NOT be: heading into medicine or medical research

For more information on the Schulich Leader Scholarships including nomination process please visit:

http://www.schulichleaders.com/

Green Team

Brilliant blue skies, magnificent forests, and refreshing air ... just a short list of the amazing things the Earth

provides for us and all free. What a sweet deal! But, there is no “Planet B” so let’s put on our A Game and

together make the world a greener place for all life.

Want to help make a difference, Kodiaks? Come out to the Green Team meeting in Room 207 at the beginning

of lunch on Mondays where everyone is welcome! Back to Table of Contents

College Visits

King’s College (at Western) September 24

Algonquin College (forum) September 26

Back to Table of Contents

College Information Program

Grade 12 Potential Graduates…Another academic year is underway and the Ontario College Information

Program is happing on Friday, October 26th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This is your chance to meet College

representatives from around the province, get information about certificates, diplomas, degrees and

apprenticeships, while also learning about admissions, student life and more. Sign up in Guidance ASAP, as

there are only 30 spots available. Back to Table of Contents

University Visits

Laurentian University September 25

Wilfrid Laurier University September 27

University of New Brunswick

September 28

Back to Table of Contents

Atlantic Universities Fair

Speak to Guidance about the upcoming Atlantic

Universities Fair. Not sure if you have to sign up

and/or register for it, so check with Guidance.

It is on October 5th, from 9:30 until 10:40.

Back to Table of Contents

Scholarships

ScholarTree is still committed to helping reduce student debt in Canada by making scholarship more accessible.

Most people don’t realise how many scholarships are awarded early in the school year. ScholarTree.ca has

$997,500 worth of scholarships that are currently accepting applications. Students can find which scholarships

are best fit for them by signing up at ScholarTree.ca.

To help with students prepare and transition to post-secondary life we have launched the ScholarTree Blog.

University students write the blog because we want the information to be as relevant to current student life as

possible. The main areas of focus for the blog are: 1. Student Life: general advice and hacks 2. Scholarship Tips 3. Entrepreneurial Spotlight: stories about students starting their startup or not for profit 4. How to: tips for applying and getting into prestigious programs

Make sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss the weekly updates. Back to Table of Contents

Parent Portal Gives Parents Real-Time Access to Attendance, Grade

Information

The SCDSB Parent Portal is a secure online tool that provides parents/guardians (of students less than 18 years

of age) with quick access to their children’s attendance and grades and includes the option to sign up for email

notifications. To access the Parent Portal, parents/guardians will need their child’s SCDSB Pupil ID Number,

which can be found on the Student Information Verification Form, as well as an Access ID. The Access ID will

be provided in a sealed letter this fall with instructions on how to create an account. If you lose the Access ID,

you can visit us in the school office and we’ll provide it to you after verifying your identity.

Back to Table of Contents

Improv Club

Improv Club is back! This Thursday at 11am in the drama studio. Please eat your lunch before because laughter

can be a choking hazard! Come out to the Improv Club every Thursday at lunch at 11am. We need 10 or more

to play! Back to Table of Contents

DECA

Interested in business? Want to compete against the best in our region, province and internationally? Travel the

province, including Toronto, and possibility Orlando, Florida? Pick-up information sheets about DECA on the

door of the Business Office, room 130, and register today! Back to Table of Contents

Robotics Club

Bear Creek Robotics Club will have their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 25th, at the beginning

of lunch, in room 166. Back to Table of Contents

This Year’s Musical Is…

This year's musical at Bear Creek will be Freaky Friday. If you would like to be involved in the production of

Freaky Friday, on-stage, back-stage, in the booth, at the door, then attend a short meeting in the studio this

Friday, at the beginning of lunch. That's Studio 52, behind the stage, at 10:45, this Friday. See Mr. “Music”

Johnston for more information in either rooms 119, 129, or 131.

Back to Table of Contents

Jam Sessions

Jam Sessions officially started this week. Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m., in the drama studio, behind the

stage. Have some fun hanging out practicing guitar or ukulele - all levels welcomed. Learn and grow from each

other. Please eat your lunch before you enter and be sure to get your student card once they become available.

Come see what the noise is about. Back to Table of Contents

Studio 52

Are you looking for trying something new? Studio 52 is looking for directors, actors and writers to produce our

first episode. The first production meeting was Tuesday, at lunch, in the drama studio, starting at 11 a.m. See

Mr. Collins for more information. Back to Table of Contents

Choir

Like to sing? Want to join a group of Kodiaks who like to sing, but missed the music rally on Tuesday. Well,

don't worry, because you can still come out to the first rehearsal for Bear Creek's Concert Choir Wednesdays

after school in Room 156. We will meet at 2:35 and sing until 3:50.

If you want to join but cannot make it Wednesday, stop by the music room at lunch, or after school, to add your

name to the list on the white board. Then get ready to have fun and sing your troubles away. See Mr. “Music”

Johnston for more information. Back to Table of Contents

Debate Team

If you are interested in being part of Bear Creek's new Debate team, See Mr. Brawn as soon as possible. Details

on an upcoming competition are available. Back to Table of Contents

Pottery/Henna Club

Do you like POTTERY. Do you like HENNA ART? There was a brief meeting Friday for any students

interested in joining the POTTERY CLUB or the HENNA CLUB. See Mrs. Dold if you have any questions, in

room 100, the Art room. Back to Table of Contents

Yearbooks

All this week, come to the yearbook table in the forum to purchase your yearbook. It's only 45 dollars and for a

limited time you will get a free name engraving! You can also buy it from room 121. Don't wait - buy before the

price goes up! Back to Table of Contents

New Simcoe County District School Board Website Launched This Summer

Visit www.scdsb.on.ca to check out our brand new look! Our new website launched in July, providing users

with an accessible experience that is mobile-friendly – it works well whether you’re on a desktop computer,

mobile phone or tablet. The new website also has improved search functionality and a special SCDSBshines

section to highlight and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our staff.

Back to Table of Contents

Remind

I administer the Bear Creek Remind app and regularly send out text alerts regarding the

school. Some of these may not relate to you but I generally try to incorporate texts that

apply to everyone. I have attached the instructions of how to do this. These alerts are for

students, parents, and staff. You can access this by entering the number (306) 992-6969,

and text @bcsskodiak. I have added the feature that you can reply to me.

You can sign up via e-mail as well, send a message To: bcsskodiak@mail.remind.com

=> leave the subject blank and send the message.

Some teachers have Remind apps as well.

The Guidance department has just established a Remind app. You can access that as well

by entering the number (514) 400-9191, and text @bcguidance.

Back to Table of Contents

SCDSB Community Apps Portal Makes Volunteering Easy

We appreciate the commitment of all who volunteer at our school. This school year, we are implementing a new

online Volunteer Portal. SCDSB Community Apps is a new online portal that allows you to begin the process

for volunteering at a SCDSB school. The portal eliminates much of the paperwork currently associated with

volunteers. Volunteer applications and approvals will occur online. The new mandate for Accessibility for

Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training, for volunteers, is also part of the portal. The Volunteer Portal

is available for all new people requesting to volunteer at a school location: http://communityapps.scdsb.on.ca.

Only new volunteers or those who require an updated Criminal Background Check Vulnerable Sector Screening

(CBC-VSS) are able to register on the portal at this time. Back to Table of Contents

Tabletop Club

Do you like board games and strategy? Looking for a D&D group or curious to try a session or two? Come out

to the Tabletop Club's meetings on Wednesdays, at lunch, in room 121. See Ms. Sweet for details.

Back to Table of Contents

Kodiak Safe Space

Are you interested in helping student mental health? Want to learn more about well-being? Come to the

Kodiak Safe Space meetings on Tuesdays, during the first half of lunch, in room 215.

Back to Table of Contents

Drumline

Our first rehearsal will be next Friday, September 28th. See Mr. Mavor in room 212 if you have any questions.

Meet in the music room, 156, right after school. Back to Table of Contents

Anime Club

Bear Creek's Anime Club met on September 11th, at lunch, in room 121. We will use this meeting to decide

what day our after school meets will be held on. New members are always welcome! Talk to Ms. Sweet if you're

interested but can't make it. Back to Table of Contents

Me To We

Me to We is meeting starting again and we would like to see you in room 223. ME to WE empowers people to

change the world through their everyday consumer choices. ME to WE is part of WE which empowers people to

change the world. WE invite you to join a community of people who are making the world a better place. Come

learn about "We Day" and the amazing connections and opportunities you can be a part of. We Hope to see you

in room 223. Bring your lunch with you.

Together WE change the world. Back to Table of Contents

Kodiak Studios

Kodiak Studios will be hosting many lunchtime events, including: jam sessions, coffee house performances,

improv club and more. So if you're interested in learning or practicing your guitar or ukulele, want a place to

perform, or a chance to break out of your shell. Kodiak Studios will have something for you starting up NEXT

week in behind the stage in the drama studio. Stay tuned for more info. Back to Table of Contents

Pay for Field Trips, Lunch Days, Etc. With SchoolCash Online

The SchoolCash Online program is available at our school, offering parents the option to pay online for lunch

days and other items. Parents who sign up will receive a notification when a new item becomes available for

purchase. Items are personalized to each student. Parents use a secure online account to process payments, and

can either make a one-time payment for each item as it occurs, or load money to carry a balance in the online

account to make payments in the future. To create an online account, go to simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com.

Please contact the school office with any questions.

Back to Table of Contents

Procedures Help Keep Our School Safe

The safety and well-being of students is our top priority. We have a number of procedures in place to keep our

school safe. You can help your child understand and feel safe by:

talking to them about the situations below

reminding them that emergencies are rare

telling them it’s important to follow staff instructions in these situations

Parents should talk about the following emergency drills with their children:

Shelter in place is used when there is an environmental or weather-related situation, like a chemical

spill outside the building, or a major storm. Activities continue inside the school. Students and staff are

not allowed to leave the building. The ventilation system may be shut off.

A hold and secure is used when there is a situation in the community, not related to the school, like a

bank robbery nearby. Activities continue, but all exterior doors are locked. No one is allowed to enter or

exit the school.

A lockdown is used when there is a major incident or a threat of violence related to the school. Students

and staff move to secure areas, away from doors and windows. Interior doors are locked, lights are shut

off and blinds are drawn. Students and staff remain quiet. We practice lockdown drills at least two times

per year. In the unlikely event of an actual lockdown situation, police ask that parents do not go to the

school. Information will be communicated through the school board social media sites

(www.facebook.com/SCDSB and www.twitter.com/SCDSB_Schools) and website (www.scdsb.on.ca),

through local police and local media.

All schools have evacuation plans in case of gas leaks, bomb threats or fire incidents that would require

everyone to leave the school. We hold drills to practice our evacuation plan. In a real evacuation,

students and staff may go to the evacuation site, depending on the situation. Parents will be informed

about pick-up procedures by the school, school board and local media.

Elementary school main doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must use the intercom system

to enter the building. Staff may not be available to answer the door immediately, please be patient.

All visitors, including school volunteers, are required to sign in at the school office and wear visitor

identification.

Staff and volunteers must complete a criminal record check before having contact with students.

We ask parents to contact us when their child will be absent from school as part of our Safe Arrival

program. When we don’t hear from a parent/guardian and a student is absent, we will call home to find

out the reason for the absence.

At least two staff members in every school are trained in first aid and CPR. All SCDSB schools have

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

When parents are at school during a drill or emergency event, they must follow direction from school staff,

police, fire and/or emergency personnel. Parents may not have immediate access to their children during drills or

emergencies. They may need to wait until the situation is resolved and school staff and/or emergency personnel

release students into parent care.

It’s important for you to know we’ll always take whatever precautions are necessary to keep our school and

students safe.

Back to Table of Contents

Student Dress Code

Students are expected to respect the guidelines when dressing for school. Our school is a safe space. We work to

be equitable and inclusive, and understand that students may choose to express themselves through their

clothing choices. Student clothing cannot pose a safety concern or conceal identity. Exceptions are granted to

students who wear head coverings or other garments/objects for the purposes of religious observance, medical

or sensory needs, or other reasons protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The SCDSB dress code is available in the student agenda and online at www.scdsb.on.ca. If you have questions

about the dress code, you can contact the principal or the SCDSB Equity and Inclusion Education Team at 705-

728-7570. Back to Table of Contents

Student Accident Insurance 2018-19

Student injuries at school, during school events, and extra-curricular activities (athletics, clubs, and out-of-

province/out-of-country trips) are not covered by the Board or its insurance company. While every precaution is

taken to provide a safe learning environment, accidents can and do happen. It is essential that all students

participating in extra-curricular activities have adequate insurance coverage for all instances of injury. The

Simcoe County District School Board has selected the “insure my kids” program through Old Republic Canada

as an option for students/parents/guardians to consider with regards to purchasing student accident insurance

coverage for the upcoming school year. The coverage is for 24 hours a day. This insurance offers a variety of

plans and benefits at reasonable annual prices. Coverage can be purchased online at www.insuremykids.com.

Please watch for your student accident insurance package along with a letter about requirements for extra-

curricular activities and out-of-province or out-of-country trips. Back to Table of Contents

Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards

The Loran Scholars Foundation is beginning its search for the 30th class of Loran Scholars. We are deeply

grateful for your participation, helping us discover students who are dedicated to serving others, show promise

of leadership and have integrity, courage, compassion, grit and a high level of personal autonomy.

Grade 12 students may now apply at apply.loranscholar.ca. They may also view the application overview and a

sample application form. As in previous years, they will need to submit a transcript, request a reference from a

teacher or community member and have their school sponsorship confirmed (if applicable) before the deadline.

This year, we are delighted to announce a new selection committee for school sponsored candidates in Northern

Canada! Regional interviews will take place via Skype. Interested students from the region may consider

selecting this committee when applying this fall.

The deadline for applications is 8:00 pm (Eastern Time) on October 17th for school-sponsored applications and

October 24th for direct pool applications (without sponsorship). Each high school may sponsor up to three

students.

Find out more:

Eligibility Criteria

Our Awards

How To Apply

FAQs for Applicants

FAQs for Schools

We will grant up to 34 Loran Awards, each valued at $100,000 over four years of undergraduate studies, as well

as up to 104 finalist/provincial awards ($5,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.

Online applications are now open for the Loran Awards. Students can find out more about eligibility criteria, the

application process and see a sample copy of the application form.

Each high school can sponsor up to three students for these scholarships, which are valued at up to $100,000

each over four years of university. October 18 is the deadline for sponsored applications.

If more than three students are interested in applying, some can apply without sponsorship to the direct

pool. Direct pool applications are due October 25th.

For further inquiries:

website: www.loranscholar.ca

phone: 416-646-2120

toll-free: 1-866-544-2673

email: info@loranscholar.ca Back to Table of Contents

Badminton Club

Something new this year is the Badminton Club. It is on Thursday nights from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Students

can come and play for fun or to be competitive. There will be coaching available. Come for fun! Come for

training! Come for exercise!

We are opening this opportunity for the family of schools for Bear Creek. Grades 7 and 8 students are welcome

to participate as well, from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m.

See Mr. Wilkinson for more information.

Back to Table of Contents

Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER!

GET INVOLVED!

BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY!

Do you want to volunteer or get a summer job? Not sure where to start? Check out Bear Creek’s volunteer and

student job opportunity board located outside of the Guidance office. It is updated weekly with fantastic

opportunities! Still not sure what to do? Make an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor for some further

suggestions.

Remember, EVERY student must complete a minimum 40 hours

of volunteer work to graduate.

Please submit your “Completion of Community Involvement Activities” sheet (this sheet can be found either

on-line or at the Guidance office) to the Guidance office as soon as it is signed by both you and a parent.

1. Do you like sports? Are you in need of community service hours? Do you want to get a jump on

community service hours? Well the home game crew might be for you! We are in need of capable and

trustworthy students to help with sports scorekeeping for the year. Basketball and volleyball are the main sports

in which we require help. Please sign up on the list outside of the student success office room 110 over the next

week and attend the lunch meeting next Tuesday, September 13th, at 10:45 in room 125.

2. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Grounds Crew. Please see him in his office

(upstairs admin tower) on Thursday for more information.

3. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Breakfast Club. Please see him at the Breakfast

Club table any day for more information and to sign up.

4. Please set aside Saturday, October 20th for a tree planting event in partnership with Lake Simcoe Region

Conservation Authority.

Now more than ever, we need to plant as many trees as possible.

For the first time in our history on Earth, every citizen of every country faces a global crisis; namely, ever

increased global warming which is triggering dramatic changes in our climate.

Trees play a vitally important role in mitigating the devastating effect of climate change such as famine-

producing droughts and deadly flooding, they reduce our energy costs, and vastly reduce our soaring health care

costs. We will all reap the benefits of cleaner air, as the billions of hairs on the leaves of trees trap dust, dirt,

and nasty pollutants such as lead, mercury, and sulphates.

Trees provide a safe habitat for numerous forms of animals and birds.

Seeing that we are a key community partners Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, I hope that as many

members of Nature Barrie as possible will make a concerted effort to participate in a tree planting event right

here in Barrie.

Date: Saturday, October 20

Time: 10 am - 12 noon

Location: Barrie disc Golf Course

434 Ferndale, Barrie

5. The Thornton district lions club is looking for students to assist them with their semi-annual roadside

debris pickup.

We are responsible for two kilometers of the 20th Sideroad, west of county road 27 to Ivy.

On Saturday, September 29th at 9:00 a.m. All appropriate safety and supplies will be provided.

Community service hours are available.

Please call Lion, Joan Jay at 705-436-1548.

6. Supero Stomp on September 22nd

7. Are you a grade 12 University bound student currently taking advanced functions? If you are interested

in tutoring mathematics to a younger Bear Creek student for either cash or community involvement

hours, then come see Mr. Gunson, in Guidance, to learn what's available.

8. Volunteers needed for CIBC Run for the Cure

The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single day volunteer-led event in

support of breast cancer. We need your help to make it the best it can be. Sign up to volunteer on September

30!

Location: Heritage Park, Lakeshore Drive, Barrie L4M 1A6

Date: 30 Sep 18

Please contact Shannon Vickery at borunvol@ccscloud.org for more information.

Back to Table of Contents

Sports News

The scores and schedules across the County are on www.hometeamsonline.com; type “scaa ‘your sport’” in for

league (i.e. scaa football).

Next week’s sporting events look like:

Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wednesday 26th Thursday 27th Friday 28th

Girls’ Golf

@ Batteaux

Creek Golf

Boys’ Soccer

vs. Collingwood

Jr./Sr. Boys’

Volleyball

@ Innisdale

Sr. Boys’

Football

vs. Innisdale

Club

Jr./Sr. Girls’

Basketball

@ Eastview

Jr./Sr. Girls’

Flag Football

@ Orillia

Jr. Boys’

Football

vs. Banting

Sr. Tennis

GBSSA

Qualifier

Barrie

Sr. Boys’ Golf

@ Tangle

Creek Golf

Club

Cross-Country

Meet #2

Arrowhead

Provincial

Park ,

Huntsville

Are you a new student to Bear Creek in grade 10, 11, or 12 and are interested in playing sports? Did you

transfer from another high school? Please come to see Mr. Wilkey in Student Success, room 110, to fill out the

necessary forms so you can play sports this year.

This announcement is for anyone with tumbling, gymnastics or cheerleading experience. We are looking for

athletes who can flip or lift to perform in the upcoming pep rally. There will be a meeting Tuesday, September

25th, at the start of lunch, in room 190.

The Junior Boys’ Volleyball team kicked off their season with a big win against Nantyr Shores on Wednesday,

September 19th, after school, defeating the Tritons 3 sets to 1. Owen Miller provided the team with great

setting while Aidan Lambert and Hayden White delivered some crushing hits.

The Senior Boys’ Volleyball team won their first regular season game on Wednesday, September 19th, at Bear

Creek, in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The boys played against a good defensive Orillia squad, but as a result

of good setting, timely hitting, and great digs, our guys won 3 games to 1.

The Senior Boys’ Volleyball team won their 2nd regular season game on Thursday, September 20th, against

Innisdale, winning 3 straight. All the guys played well and each member contributed key plays to the win.

Congratulations to the Bear Creek Cross Country team who competed on Thursday, September 20th in Wasaga

Beach. Midget Boys’ and Senior Boys’ finished 1st overall and the Senior Girls’ finished 2nd overall.

On Thursday, September 20th, the Boys’ Soccer team played their first two league games. They opened the

season against Barrie North. The Kodiaks came out to play, scoring two quick goals within minutes of starting

the game. Bear Creeks’ passing and ball control was unbelievable as they dominated the game from the get go.

The Bear Creek GB-contenders kept up the pressure and finished the game strong with an 8-2 victory. In their

second game, they went on to face Nantyr Shores. Once again, Bear Creek was first to find the back of the net.

In a hard fought battle, the Kodiaks came out on top once again, winning 3-1.

There was a Girls’ Hockey team meeting on Monday, the 17th, at lunch, in room 142. All girls interested in

playing this year were invited. If you couldn’t make it, see Mr. Morrison as soon as possible.

Our Senior Flag Football team won their OFSAA Sanctioned Tournament on Friday, September 14th in

Markham. The girls battled in 37-degree heat and played four games in 5 hours and beat schools from around

Ontario who were the champions from their areas.

Are you interested in running with Team Unbreakable, our Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime running group?

Go to room 187, by 10:55, on Tuesdays and Thursdays and get ready to have fun! Back to Table of Contents

Important Dates

Saturday, September 22 Fall starts

Wednesday, September 26 School Council, 7 pm, Career Centre

Monday, October 1 Orange Shirt Day

Monday, October 8 Thanksgiving

Monday, October 15 Interim/Progress Reports out

Thursday, October 18 Parent/Guardian Night, 5:30 – 7:30

Monday, October 22 P. D. Day

Friday, October 26 Picture retakes

Wednesday, October 31 Hallowe’en (school theme –

camping)

Back to Table of Contents

Positively Speaking

Do you ever feel “discombobulated”? I think I saw that term initially in a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon, and

really wasn’t sure of its intended meaning.

I look at it now as the definition of not feeling whole, especially when a powerful emotion takes over, for like

anger – “I blanked out and just…” – I have heard that from students many times to describe their anger at a peer

or a teacher (sometimes at me). Other parts of you are going “Really? You’re going to behave like that?” I

think this stems from being discombobulated – not evenly balanced. At least, that’s how I see it.

I thought the below article would be useful – hope you enjoy it.

What's Left Out?

The Practice:

Feel Whole.

Why?

When I look back on mistakes I've made – like dumping my anger on someone, making assumptions in haste,

partying too much, losing my nerve, being afraid to speak from my heart – in all cases a part of me had taken

over. You know what I mean. The parts of us that have a partial view, are driven by one aim, clamp down on

other parts, really want to have a particular experience or to eat/drink/smoke a particular molecule, yammer

away critically, or hold onto resentments toward others.

The really big part – the big boss – is a sort of driver centered in neural circuits in the prefrontal cortex, behind

your forehead. This part is driven to a fault, running things top down, and ignoring bottom-up signals of

growing fatigue, irritability, burnout, and issues with others. It draws on and gets wrapped up in the sequential,

action-planning, language processing parts of you that are based in regions in the left side of your brain. (The

statements here about sides of the brain are reversed for about half of all left-handed people.) Meanwhile, the

boss part can shame, disown, and suppress other parts of you, especially those that are softer, more vulnerable,

and younger.

But when you open to the whole of your experience, you have more information and can make better decisions.

You perceive more fully, seeing the big picture, putting things in perspective. You free up energy that was spent

pushing down your real feelings. You tune into your body, your heart. You're less fixed or attached in your

views. You recognize the good things in you and around you that you'd tuned out. You feel more supported,

more protected. You take things less personally.

You feel at home in yourself.

How?

Awareness is like a big stage upon which lots of sights, sounds, tastes, touches, smells, thoughts, feelings,

memories, and wants pop up for a bit and then pass away. All this is in your consciousness, but mainly in the

background. The spotlight of attention bounces around the stage, lighting up one thing after another.

In the practices that follow, you are going to widen the spotlight – the field of attention – to include more and

more of the whole stage. This draws on networks on the sides of your brain, mainly on the right side, because it

is specialized for holistic processing, for taking things as a whole, as a gestalt. By doing these little practices

repeatedly when you have a moment of quiet, you will stimulate and therefore strengthen the neural networks

that support feeling whole, so that you can sustain that sense of wholeness even when the oatmeal hits the fan.

Here we go.

For a dozen seconds or longer, be aware of all the sounds around you. Let them be what they are, lasting or

changing. Disengage from inner verbal commentary about them; stay with the experience of sounds as a whole.

Notice how this feels: probably more relaxed and at ease.

Soften your gaze and be aware of sights around you, the visual field as a whole. Explore lifting your gaze

toward the horizon, which will tend to activate neural networks that process sights in a more global, I'm-

integrated-with-the-whole-world way. (See James Austin's book, Selfless Insight, for more on this.)

For a dozen seconds or longer, be aware of the sensations of breathing in the front of your chest, around your

heart . . . aware of this area as a whole. Then be aware of your whole chest breathing, including the stomach,

diaphragm, rib cage, and back. Take the whole chest as a single, unified gestalt, rather than attention skittering

from one sensation in it to another. Then broaden attention further to include the sensations of air moving down

your throat . . . your hips and shoulders and head shifting slightly with each breath . . . sensations around your

nose and upper lip . . . gradually taking the whole body as the unified object of attention . . . abiding as a whole

body breathing. Notice how this feels; let the feeling of this sink in again and again so that you can come home

to this way of being more easily in the future.

And you can take it a step further, with the sensations of breathing coming together with sounds and sights,

these perceptions experienced as a single whole, all known together globally, nothing left out, breath after

breath.

Also – resting in some sense of ease with yourself, try opening to the emotions you may have pushed away. Can

you let them come up, and flow through you? Then try opening to longings you may have pushed away, opening

to needs or vulnerabilities that've been silenced or set aside. Welcome these various emotions and longings into

awareness. You don't have to act upon them. In fact, by welcoming them you will make them feel more at home

– so they will become less insistent or strident – and you will feel more at home in yourself.

With moments of practice that add up over time, you will feel more like a whole person, less fragmented and

partial, less yanked this way and that by competing desires in your head. As this happens, you will feel more fed

and fulfilled and thus less defended, less separated from others, less a part – and more connected, more

entwined with the world as whole.

Notice how this feels, probably safer, more contented, and more loved and loving. Let it sink in again and again.

At home in wholeness.

Source: “What’s Left Out?”, by Rick Hanson, Ph. D., © Rick Hanson, 2018

Back to Table of Contents

Parent’s Corner

With School Council scheduled for next Wednesday at 7 p.m., in the Career Centre, I thought the below was

appropriate. There are so many benefits for parents to still be involved in their teen’s high school.

Parent Engagement in Secondary School

Education is fundamental and essential to our children’s well-being. In order for our children to understand the

value of education, we as parents, as their most influential role model, must too value education. Students, for

the most part, will be surrounded by educators who love what they do and love to educate. What students aren’t

seeing as much of, are their parents being active participants in their education. Why is this important? It is

important because our children are always students. Learning does not simply take place inside the classroom

but everywhere. I cannot stress enough how important it is for a child to see their parent take an interest in their

education and school community. When a parent becomes involved in the school community then the child’s

respect, loyalty and devotion to the building, the staff and their own personal education also grows.

As an educator, I see understand what parental involvement can do. There is a stark difference between the

behaviour and academic successes in students who parents are involved and active versus those who are not.

There is a delicate balance that needs to be found between being active and becoming what we have come to

know as the “helicopter parent.” Children need to see that parents value education enough to want to know

more, to get involved and show an interest in what they are doing with 6-8 hours of their day. It is about

developing ownership, a real connection to their school and education so that students feel safe, welcome and

that they belong.

I do not want to spend the majority of this article rambling on about getting involved – I want to provide you

with some practical tips and suggestions of what you can do. Choose at least 1 thing from the list below to start

immediately. As time allows, choose more and become more active in your school community.

1. KNOW YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL CALENDAR

Every school has a school calendar – this can be found in the agenda, and on the school’s website as well. Know

what is happening in the building and encourage your child to be active in their school community as well.

Know when school holidays, parent teacher interviews and report cards occur.

2. ATTEND PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS/ MEET THE TEACHER NIGHTS

Every parent has a different work schedule now and this can often be difficult. But try your best to plan ahead

(by looking at the school calendar) and book the time off to be there. If you cannot make it, be sure to contact

your child’s teacher(s) and set up individual appointments with them. It is extremely important even if your

child is in secondary school.

3. ASK YOUR CHILD – EVERYDAY WHAT HAPPENED AT SCHOOL

Even if your child says “nothing” for weeks on end….keep asking! Eventually, they will have something to tell

you. Help them with homework if they ask and help them to stay organized with upcoming assignments or big

projects.

It is important because our children are always students. Learning does not simply take place insidethe

classroom but everywhere.

4. GO TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL– ACTUALLY INSIDE

Often when children become young adolescents and teenagers and are walking themselves to school, we don’t

even step foot in the school building. Don’t let this be the case. Opportunities such as parent nights, concerts,

shows, sports games and community gatherings are happening often, try to attend whenever possible –

especially if your child is participating.

5. GET INVOLVED – JOIN THE SCHOOL’S PARENT COMMUNITY COUNCIL,

AND VOLUNTEER FOR FIELD TRIPS AND EVENTS

It doesn’t mean you need to help out with everything – just attend when you can and help where you can. If

more parents became active in these groups, then there would be very little work for everyone to share.

6. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO GET INVOLVED

There are a variety of events and activities for your child to participate in. If finances are an issue please talk to

an administrator at the school, often special funding or payment plans can be used to help ensure that all

children can participate.

Henderson and Berla (1994) reviewed and analyzed eighty- the studies that documented the comprehensive

benefits of parent involvement in children’s education. is and other studies show that parent involvement

activities that are effectively planned and well implemented result in substantial benefits to children, parents,

educators, and the school.

BENEFITS FOR THE CHILDREN

Children tend to achieve more, regardless of ethnic or racial background, socioeconomic status, or

parents’ education level.

Children generally achieve better grades, test scores, and attendance. Children consistently complete

their homework

Children consistently complete their homework.

Children have better self-esteem, are more self- disciplined, and show higher aspirations and motivation

toward school.

Children’s positive attitude about school often results in improved behavior in school and less

suspension for disciplinary reasons.

Fewer children are being placed in special education and remedial classes.

Children from diverse cultural backgrounds tend to do better when parents and professionals work

together to bridge the gap between the culture at home and the culture in school.

Junior high and high school students whose parents remain involved usually make better transitions and

are less likely to drop out of school.

BENEFITS FOR THE PARENTS

Parents increase their interaction and discussion with their children and are more responsive and

sensitive to their children’s social, emotional, and intellectual developmental needs.

Parents are more con dent in their parenting and decision-making skills.

As parents gain more knowledge of child development, there is more use of a protection and positive

reinforcement and less punishment on their children.

Parents have a better understanding of the teacher’s job and school curriculum.

When parents are aware of what their children are learning, they are more likely to help when they are

requested by teachers to become more involved in their children’s learning activities at home.

Parents’ perceptions of the school are improved and there are stronger ties and commitment to the

school.

Parents are more aware of, and become more active regarding, policies that affect their children’s

education when parents are requested by school to be part of the decision-making team.

BENEFITS FOR THE EDUCATORS

When schools have a high percentage of involved parents in and out of schools, teachers and principals

are more likely to experience higher morale.

Teachers and principals often earn greater respect for their profession from the parents.

Consistent parent involvement leads to improved communication and relations between parents,

teachers, and administrators.

Teachers and principals acquire a better understanding of families’ cultures and diversity, and they form

deeper respect for parents’ abilities and time.

Teachers and principals report an increase in job satisfaction.

BENEFITS FOR THE SCHOOL

Schools that actively involve parents and the community tend to establish better reputations in the

community.

Schools also experience better community support.

School programs that encourage and involve parents usually do better and have higher quality programs

than programs that do not involve parents.

Source: “Five Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Teens Starting High School”, by: Amanda St. Louis Excerpt from Home-School Relations: Working Successfully

with Parents and Families, by G. Olsen, M.L. Fuller, 2008 edition, p. 129-130. http://www. education.com/reference/article/benefits- parent-involvement-research/

Back to Table of Contents

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week

(Sept. 24 – Sept. 28)

Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wednesday 26th Thursday 27th Friday 28th

To encourage

saving, consider

matching your

teen’s savings with

an equal

contribution.

Encourage your teen

to take

responsibility for

her/his work.

Remind her/his only

once that she/he has

homework.

Stop fighting with

your teen about

clothes. Give

him/her a budget

and guidelines. Let

him/her take

responsibility.

Help your teen see

that she/he can’t

control others, but

she/he can control

how she/he reacts to

others.

Encourage your teen

to review his/her

class notes every

day.

Back to Table of Contents

Have a great, restful weekend!

Be well!

Terry Wilkinson

Vice-Principal

Bear Creek Secondary School

P.S. (Positive Statement):

“I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all

the daylight hours in the open air.”

- Nathaniel Hawthorn Back to Table of Contents

P.P.S.: If you like what you have read so far, please tell another parent/guardian, get them to e-mail me,

and I’ll add them to the e-mail list.