News letter

Welland Centennial Secondary School 1 November 2010

As the month of November flies by we are well into a terrific activity-packed year here at Centennnial. I continue to be impressed by the accomplishments of all of our students and by the variety of activities and opportunities that are available to Centennial students. This newsletter highlights a number of events and activities that have already taken place and that are continuing throughout the year. Students should listen to the morning announcements to be informed about the numerous opportunities, check the bulletin boards, and look at our school website www.wellandcentennial.com where many announcements are posted daily.

Although extracurricular activities and programs form a huge and important part of school life, our primary focus remains supporting all of our students with their educational program. We are proud of our students for the successes they have achieved with support from our staff. We thank our staff and all the parents, friends, and peer tutors that have also contributed to the success of our students. At this time in mid-semester 88% of credits in all classes are on track to be com-

have set some goals for supporting student achievement this year. These goals along with some highlights of past student achievement are profiled in the next page of this newsletter. As a staff and school community we are committed to all of our students and are working to ensure they all attain success with their education. Our goal for all students is to see them graduate from Centennial with a secondary school diploma and make a successful transition to an apprenticeship, College or University, or to the workplace.

Mid-semester report cards provide an opportunity for parents and students to discuss academic progress to date and to set goals for the rest of the semester. Our In-School Student Success Team and our Data/Planning Team will be reviewing all student marks at mid-semester. They and the rest of our staff are making plans to support students who are struggling, to encourage students who are becoming successful, and to celebrate the success of students who are excelling with their studies.

Finally, at this time of year it is mindful to be thankful for many things. We are thankful for the food on our table and our families at Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the sacrifices of soldiers, peacekeepers and veterans on Remembrance Day. As we approach the holiday season let us remember to support everyone in our community, particularly those who are experiencing financial and personal hardship. Our students and staff support the United Way Campaign, Salvation Army Food Drive, Hope Centre, Operation Christmas Child and the Canadian Cancer Society, and we will continue our efforts throughout the year in support of the community.

Paula MacKinnon Principal

Cougar News November 2010

Welland Centennial Secondary School

240 Thorold Rd., W., Welland, ON L3C 3W2

T: 905-735-0700 www.wellandcentennial.com

Inside this issue:

....................... 1

Student Achievement & Goals ... 2

M & M Centennial Fundraiser ..... 3

Student of the Month ................. 4-5

Homework Club .......................... 5

Arts Department ......................... 6-9

Business Department ................. 10

Cougar Clothes .......................... 11

English Department .................... 12

Mathematics Department ........... 13

Moderns Department.................. 14-17

Co-Curricular PE ........................ 18-21

Science Department ................... 22

Social Sciences Department ...... 23

Technology Department ............. 24-26

Library, Manga Club ................... 26

Student Services ........................ 27-33

M&M Centennial Fundraiser ....... 34-35

Message from VP ....................... 36

Bullying Awareness .................... 37


Welland Centennial Student Achievement

in 2009-10 On the 2010 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, 83% of participating first-time eligible students in grade 10 were successful. Of the students that wrote in the academic program, 97% were successful and of the students that wrote in the applied program, 62% were successful.

On the 2009-10 EQAO Assessment of Grade 9 Mathematics, 76% of academic level students and 30% of applied level students met the provincial standard (level 3 or 4).

In the 2009-10 school program 5519 credits were completed out of 5796 credits attempted in regular program and co-operative education. The overall credit completion rate for 2009-10 was 95.2%.

Mark distributions for the 2009-10 school year have been examined. For 2009-10 63% of the final marks

In 2009-10 at Centennial:

85% of grade 9 students completed 8 credits by the end of grade 9


78% of grade 10 students completed 15 or more credits by the end of grade 10


74% of grade 11 students completed 23 or more credits by the end of grade 11

Welland Centennial School Goals

for 2010-11 It is the goal of Welland Centennial Secondary School to achieve a 85% success rate for fully participating first-time eligible writers of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in March 2011.

It is the goal of Welland Centennial Secondary School to have 80% of academic students and 40% of ap-plied students achieve the provincial standard (level 3 or 4) on the 2010-11 EQAO Assessment of Grade 9 Mathematics.

It is the goal of Welland Centennial Secondary School to have 66% of student final marks in courses

students achieving at the provincial standard.

It is the goal of Welland Centennial Secondary School to continue to celebrate the effectiveness of the pro-grams and activities that contribute to school culture.


Each month, one student from each grade is selected as Student of the Month. The criteria that

staff consider in making the selections are:

Ö a commitment to a strong work ethic, initiative and responsibility in activities at

Welland Centennial

Ö a positive attitude and being supportive of others

Ö leadership by personal example

Grade 9 Grade 10

Grade 11

October 2010

Jayden Lockey Palmer Carpenter

Margaret Breton Alyssa Gilby

Grade 12


Student of the Month

Welland Centennial Secondary

School would like to thank Mr. John

Clark & M.T. Bellies for their

generous contribution of gift

certificates to our Students of the

Month!

Come out to . . .

7:00 am: Tuesday & Thursday (Library)

LUNCH: Monday & Wednesday (Room 203)

2:30 pm: Tuesday & Thursday (Library)

A little worried about classes this year?

Keep caught up with your work, finish assignments, study for tests, organize your binder, and get

tips for improving your study skills.

Study on your own, or ask for help from teachers or peer tutors.

Everyone welcome! See Ms. Wiseman for more details.


This year the Drama Club will again present a

major theatrical production open to all students. The

Les Misérables

was phenomenal, with record audiences each night.

We will continue the pattern of producing a play

The

Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. In

this fast-paced, sophisticated romantic comedy Wilde

pokes fun at Victorian society and satirizes the upper

treatment of the theme have made this play an

audience favourite for generations.

Auditions took place in early November and rehearsals have already begun.

The performances will take place on Feb. 24 and 25. This production will

also be entered in the Sears Drama Festival in early March.

Senior Drama Showcase: On January 13th the Grade 12 Drama Class is

planning on presenting an evening of one-act plays to showcase the

remarkable talent in this class.

Sears Drama Festival at Centennial:

The Sears Drama Festival is an annual

event showcasing the drama talent from

the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic School Board.

This year the Sears Drama Festival will take place in our auditorium, so our

community will have the opportunity to see four evenings of theatre presented

by District of Niagara high schools. We look forward to seeing you in the

audience.

Drama Workshop for Senior Students: This fall the senior drama class took

Students received an intensive two-day training session in this pivotal theatre

style and they gained invaluable experience working with Mr. Langlois.

Logo Contest: As in other years, we will be holding a logo contest for our production of The Importance of

Being Earnest. All students are encouraged to enter the contest and design a logo which will be featured on all

promotional material for the show (posters, programs, tickets, t-shirts, etc.) This is a fantastic way to showcase

artistic talent and would make a great addition to an artistic portfolio. Details for the contest will be made public

shortly.

Arts Department


Arts Department

The Centennial Arts Department headed out on the road for their

annual Arts Road Show visiting six elementary schools. Princess

Elizabeth, Glendale, MacKay, Gordon, Ross, and Glynn A. Green

were on the itinerary this fall. The Cats Band, Vocal Ensemble,

Theatre Arts Drama Team, and a Visual Arts multimedia

presentation all went on two buses. Like a seasoned on-the-road

band the entire team of over 50 students worked smoothly to

pack up equipment, load it, unload it, set it all up, perform, and do

it all again, three times in one day!

The show began with a rousing Cats Band Medley of familiar tunes arranged by Mr. DiMartile, followed by an

equally compelling multimedia video presentation that had entire student bodies clapping and cheering. A senior

drama cast of four, Alexa Muir, Scott Mannell, Reilly Mcllhone, and Faith Bunyan performed a hilarious scene

depicting the perils of class room group work. Mr. Braun and the vocal ensemble rounded off the show by

turning young audiences into a choir that together with the surround sound affect of the vocal ensemble learned

and performed several melodies drawing our attention to Remembrance Day.

After the sixth show the mutual feeling amongst staff and students was

wondering what it would be like if we could do this a couple of times every

week.

The Arts staff would like to recognize the support of our administration for

picking up the tab for busing and our colleagues at Centennial who

graciously covered our classes while we were on the road.

Ms. Neufeld Mr. DiMartile Mrs. Thibault Mr. Braun

Up and Coming Events:

Magazine Subscription Fund Raiser - thank you for your

support in this 2nd annual venture.

Christmas Concert - Wednesday, December 8th @ 7:00pm

Oranges and Grapefruit Citrus Sale - last two weeks

in November.

New York City - April 7 - 10, 2011


Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture

This year Welland Centennial has begun to offer a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in the Arts. We already offer SHSM

in Construction and Hospitality, and this year we add the arts.

What does it mean to be enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major and what are the benefits to our students? The

SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific sector while meeting

the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and assists in their transition from high school to further training,

college, university, or the workplace. An SHSM in Arts enables students to gain arts-related skills and knowledge in the context

of engaging, career-related learning environments and helps them to focus on graduation and on pursuing their postsecondary

goals. This program helps students start planning for careers in the Arts in a variety of areas.

According to Statistics Canada, Arts and Culture are essential elements in the new global economy not only for their entertainment value but also for the skills they develop in individuals. An arts education, for example, challenges people to think critically and to solve problems creatively skills that are now in high demand. During the 1990s, the cultural sector labour force grew by 31 per cent, compared to 20 per

The Benefits of a Specialist High Skills Major include:

Students refine their skills and improve their work habits, gain confidence in their ability to succeed, and see the

connections between their studies, the world beyond high school and their future careers;

Students experience a range of customized, career-focused learning opportunities;

The focused learning experiences give students the opportunity to explore, identify, and refine career goals and make

informed decisions related to postsecondary education;

Upon completion of an SHSM and graduation from secondary school, students will receive a red seal on their

which outlines their achievements and certifications;

This program is available to students in Grade 11 and 12 and those students who are currently in Grade 10 should start

planning for Grade 11 now, and consider whether this program is for you.

College and/or University

Announcer and Other Broadcasters

Apparel Production Supervisor

Artisan or Craftsperson

Broadcast Technician

Conductor, Composer or Arranger

Film or Video Camera Operator

Graphic Arts Technician

Graphic Designer, Animator, Illustrator

Interior Designer

Industrial Design

Performer: Actor, Comedian, Singer, Dancer

Painter, Sculptor, and other Visual Artists

Photographer

Producer, Director, Choreographer, and Related

Occupations

Professional Occupations in Public Relations and

Communications

Technical Occupations Related to Museums and

Art Galleries

Writer

Apprenticeship Training

Entertainment Industry Power Technician

Crafts Artisan

Painter and Decorator

Patternmaker Textile, Leather, and Fur Products

Workplace

Camera, Platemaking, or other Pre-Press

Operations

Desktop Publishing Operator

Photographic and Film Processor

Sign Maker

Textile Colourist

Weaver, Knitter and other fabric-making

occupations


Visual Arts

The latest additions to our Visual Arts Program include the introduction to grade 11 Media Arts Course and the acquisition of 5 iMacs for our technology upgrades in the classroom. The Media Arts course is designed to provide the exploration of digital mediums, including photography, digital video production, mixed media and web/computer art. Students will complete the course with a personal DVD portfolio and website.

Media Club

Students of all backgrounds gather in Room 148 for Media Arts Club every Thursday from 2:30-4pm. Students are not required to have any artistic experience. We cover a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, web design, video/image production and photography. Current productions include promotional videos shown at the Arts Road Show for both Visual Arts and Media Arts Club. New students are always welcome.

Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture


Yearbook Class o

enrol, which means that the class is made up of students from grades 10 12, all using their skills to create their very own ll be r,

PowerPoint, the Web, SharePoint and other online tools to build great content. If this sounds like a course you would like to take part in next year, be sure to sign up for BTX4C1.

Are your children prepared for e-learning? The popularity of e-learning is growing internationally, unfortunately the student results are not the greatest. Vicky Phillips, founder of Geteducated.com, a consulting agency for distance educators, estimates the online student dropout rate at around 35%. The average attrition rate for college freshman at U.S. universities is around 20%. Failure rates are also much higher and educators are scrambling to find answers. Here in the Business Department at Centennial, students can experience e learning first hand, but in a traditional classroom setting. The instruction, lessons and testing is done in the e-learning fashion but the teacher and students are in class. The idea is to familiarize our students with the technology and work skills they will require in order to be successful in future e-learning courses. Courses currently using this format are Grade nine business, BTT1O and BTA3O which students can take in grades 10 12.

The Business Certificate

-OP. Naturally, employers of young adults prefer to hire employees with a business background to work for their business!

Jet Boat Trip Business students were once again treated to a great day in September, with a visit to Niagara Jet Boats, where they met with the Owner, John who gave an impassioned speech on the importance of post-secondary education, professionalism, literacy and

Business Department


T's Hoodies 1/4 zip

Hoodies

Track/Sweat pants

Price Price Price Price

$12 $25 $40 $25

Sizes Sizes Sizes Sizes

small, med, large, XL, XXL small, med, large, XL small, med, large, small, med, large, XL

Cougar Gear These items can be ordered from our website at any time. Go to www.wellandcentennial.com and click on

A Computer for Every Student?

your life. en

society, you will need to communicate and learn electronically. You should consider acquiring a business certificate by earning 5 business credits and letting your future employers know that you are ready for business!

Business Department


English Department

The English Department welcomes Mrs. Code back from maternity leave and Mr. John Anderson who is new to Cougar Country.

The Grade 9 and 10 Applied English courses have been updated with the new Nelson series textbooks this semester. These textbooks incorporate technology and contemporary topics to focus on developing

On Friday December 10, 2010, English students will travel to Toronto to attend the Classical Theatre Hamlet. Tickets include a Workshop and the performance. The leaves at 8:30

a.m. and returns at approximately 7:00 p.m., depending on traffic.

Mr. Gale and Mrs. Lomas-28 and Friday October 29, 2010. They have brought back new ideas to the staff for incorporating technology in the classroom.

Our CAPPIES (Critics Award Programme) crew is up and running. After attending training at Woodend Conservation area, the group is ready to start reviewing local high school plays. The team includes Shira Blake (lead critic), Nyle Collins, Heidi Whitnall, Olivia Taylor, Sara Allison, and Danielle Banninga. Watch local newspapers for their Reviews.

The Senior Reach team practises Wednesday at lunch in Room 133 with Mrs. Lomas-Gale, while Mr. John Anderson is coaching the Intermediate Reach team on Fridays at lunch in Room 134.

The Written Word Festival was held on Tuesday November 9, 2010 at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. A variety of writers, including a poet, a journalist/film critic, novelists, screenwriter, cartoonist and song lyricist discussed their craft and careers in writing. Shira Blake, Danielle Banninga, Monique Davis, Amruddin Mohammadi, Sam Hamp and Paige Eedens had the opportunity to attend this inspiring conference.


Mathematics Department

The math department currently has several opportunities for students to get help with their math work. Along with Homework Club, afterschool Math help sessions run on Monday and Wednesday's after school for grade 9 and 10 students. There is also on line math help available for grades 7 to 10 students from Sunday to Thursday 5:30 - 9:30 pm. Please see the information to the right.

Please contact the school and or the math department if you have any questions concerning these programs.


Moderns Department

Paris Crêpes Bistro in Niagara Falls On Tuesday, October 26th

language and culture. Our students watched as the Executive Chef and Master Crêpier created delicious

fresh crêpes & Katelyn Breau was the lucky student who was selected to

create her very own crêpe. Following our meal, we hopped on a Double Deck Tour Bus, and with our own

personal tour guide toured the great historical sites of the Niagara Parkway! What a great day!

A True Taste of Culture! Twenty grade 10 Core French students embarked on a true cultural experience at the Paris Tokyo Bistro in Welland. Students had the opportunity to sample sushi, maki, french style pizza and desert crêpes! Not only did they learn how to make the food they indulged, they were taught proper etiquette of the culture. What a great experience and a true taste of culture. Being able to link what is taught in the classroom with experience, left students knowledgeable and most importantly their stomachs satisfied! Quel beau voyage!


On October 1st

Canada Eh! in Niagara Falls. The bilingual musical celebration of Canadian culture featured cast members from various parts of Ontario and Quebec. The students were treated to a large three course family style

Moderns Department-

Oh Canada Eh?

Canadian Education Exchange Foundation Program Experience the global classroom by participating in an international exhange! Have you considered hosting a stu-dent from another country and then returning to that country for three months of study? An international exchange allows students to live in another country, attend school there, experience a new culture and improve your language skills. Students have the opportunity to travel to France, Luxembourg, Belgium (2 month exchange only) and Spain. Information is also available for a one month summer exchange to France or Switzerland. See Mme Brennand in Guidance or any language teacher asap as preliminary applications are due shortly. Information is also available at www.ceef.ca

Perspective 2011

Fifteen grade 9 -12 students will embark on an experience of a lifetime at St. Donat, Québec February 9-13th 2011. They will experience 5 days immersed in the French culture skiing, snowboarding, singing and danc-ing. The trip provides all levels of skiers and snowboarders the chance to learn or master the sport. We wish them a fun and memorable experience. Bon Voyage!


Moderns Department-

Extended French History Class ~ Guest In November, Jeffrey Kimber, a former Centennial student who now works in military intelligence in Ottawa was a

Students learned how military practices changed over the century. Students also ate hard tack and bully beef and dressed in military attire from WW 1, WW II and present day.


Moderns Department-

War Plane Museum

Students from all grade 10 History Classes will travel to Hamilton to the War Plane Museum.

They will see planes from WW 1, WW II and from the Cold War and they will learn about many aspects life during the war!

Trip to Italy and Greece Students will be travelling to Italy and Greece in March of 2011 with Mme Kimber. This ten day trip will provide students with an amazing cultural experience and they will visit historical sites they only read about in school. There is still room for interested traveller if you sign up before the end of November.

If you are interested, please see Mme Kimber ASAP.

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