Dear Parents and Guardians,

Week 18 starts, again, with a snow day and ends with the last Friday of semester 1 classes. Final evaluations

start on Wednesday afternoon. Students are getting prepped for final projects and evaluations. It is a busy time

of year for both students and staff. Everybody seems to be up to the challenge though! Can you believe were

are heading towards the end of January already? Where did this month go?

There will be another e-newsletter on Wednesday night and then a brief hiatus until Friday, February 12.

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

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

something on your mind.

Please follow me on Twitter: @VPWilkinson

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

Pop Tabs ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

EQAO Math and Literacy Results .................................................................................................................. 2

Life Skills Winter Ball ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Doodle 4 SCDSB Contest.................................................................................................................................. 3

The 2016 CEMC Workshop in Computer Science for Young Women ....................................................... 3

Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools........................................................................................................ 3

OSAID Scholarships for 2015-2016 ................................................................................................................. 4

Breakfast Club - NEW ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Parents as Partners Programs ......................................................................................................................... 5

Evaluation Moratorium .................................................................................................................................... 5

End of Semester Evaluations ........................................................................................................................... 6

Message from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Coping With Anxiety ...................................... 6

It’s In You to Give – Blood Donor Clinic ....................................................................................................... 6

Bus Cancellation Information in Case of Inclement Weather ...................................................................... 7

Math Help Room ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Free Math Help for Students in Grade 7 To 10 ............................................................................................. 7

Character Ed. .................................................................................................................................................... 7

Weekly E-Newsletter

Stay Connected @ BCSS Friday, January 22, 2016

The Banting Legacy Scholarship ..................................................................................................................... 8

Scholarships ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences (DDHS) .............................................................................................. 8

High School Health Research Bursary Program ........................................................................................... 9

Calling All Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch - NEW ....................................................................... 9

2016 RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship Opens Call for Applications ...................................... 10

Schulich Leader Scholarships ........................................................................................................................ 11

Orillia Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Composition Contest ........................................................... 12

Volunteer Opportunities - NEW.................................................................................................................... 12

Sports News ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Important Dates .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Positively Speaking ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week ......................................................................................... 19

P.S. (Positive Statement): ............................................................................................................................... 19

What’s Happening at BCSS?

Pop Tabs

If you have lunch in our cafeteria during lunch, you most likely get visited by Konor Moodie, a student in our

Life Skills program. He collects pop tabs, sends them in somewhere and they turn into wheelchairs. Last year,

his efforts resulted in the manufacture of 2 wheelchairs. I am hoping with your help, we can increase this

number.

If you can, please collect pop tabs and have you or your teen bring them to school. They can drop them off at

the office to be given to Konor. If your teen sees me, they can give them to me as well, and I will see that Konor

gets the tabs.

We have 8 + paperboxes full of pop-tabs that we will be donating. Please continue to send the pop tabs in.

Thanks very much. Back to Table of Contents

EQAO Math and Literacy Results

If your teen wrote the grade 9 EQAO Math or the grade 10 EQAO OSSLT and they want a printout of their

results, please have them see Mr. Wilkinson in the second floor Admin offices. Back to Table of Contents

Life Skills Winter Ball

On Wednesday February 3rd, Bear Creek is hosting its first Annual Winter Ball for all Simcoe County Life

Skills, ASD, and Learning Centre students. This Ball will allow Students with Special Needs to experience the

joy, fun, and excitement of a semi-formal-like dance in an inclusive environment. They will enjoy lunch and

then dance the day away with their friends.

The Life Skills students and staff are working furiously to make decorations for the fast-approaching day. They

are currently asking for donations of white and/or blue lights and white, silver, and blue decorations to help

transform the cafeteria into a winter wonderland. If necessary, they will be returned after the event day.

If you are interested in helping or donating, please contact Justina Debney @ jdebney@scdsb.on.ca .

Thanks very much. Back to Table of Contents

Doodle 4 SCDSB Contest

Get your creative on!

For this contest, students and adult learners at the Simcoe County District School Board are encouraged to

create a doodle that tells the world “What makes me unique."

Just like a Google Doodle, each doodle must incorporate the letters SCDSB.

Students can use all kinds of materials to create their doodles, from crayons, to clay, to graphic design, even

food and video games!

Get your creative on!

Contest Full details at: doodle4scdsb.blogspot.ca/

#doodle4scdsb

@SCDSB_arts Back to Table of Contents

The 2016 CEMC Workshop in Computer Science for Young Women

One of the initiatives of the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing is to encourage more female

students to consider computer science, in the hopes of increasing their representation in this field.

Here is a fantastic opportunity for female Grade 9 and 10 students, the 2016 CEMC Workshop in Computer

Science for Young Women. This week-long event includes introductory programming, lectures, labs and hands-

on activities that are complemented by social activities. Past participants raved about the great time they had and

how the workshop changed their perceptions about computer science and computer scientists. Those selected to

attend pay a $150 registration fee, which covers the cost of travel and accommodation in residence.

In 2016, the workshop will be held at the University of Waterloo from Saturday, May 14th to Saturday, May 21st.

We are looking for participants with an aptitude in mathematics but with little or no previous exposure to

computer science. Participants should not have attended any similar workshop.

If your female teen is in grade 9 or 10, and you think has an aptitude in mathematics but have little or no

previous exposure to computer science, this is an awesome opportunity for them. As they aim for participation

from as many different schools as possible, it is rare for two students from the same school to be selected. I

have attached a flyer that provides more information and their online application system is available at

http://www.csgirlsrock.ca. The application deadline is February 25th, 2016. Those selected to attend will be

notified around March 24. Back to Table of Contents

Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools

Nominations are now open for the 2015-16 Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools. These awards recognize

and celebrate the innovative work that Ontario's Safe and Accepting Schools Teams do in promoting a positive

school environment, and supporting student achievement and well-being.

Anyone in a school community can nominate a Safe and Accepting Schools Team using the new nomination

form, which is easier to complete this year. The deadline for nominations is February 19, 2016. For more info

and to fill out the nomination form, visit: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/nominate.html.

Back to Table of Contents

OSAID Scholarships for 2015-2016

OSAID (Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving) has two scholarships available to full-time Ontario

secondary school students.

The IBAO Anna Pyles Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship offered to an Ontario based, June

graduating secondary school student who has done outstanding work in raising awareness about impaired

driving in the school and community.

For more information, please go to: http://www.osaid.org/wp-

content/uploads/2015/10/IBAO_OSAID_AnnaPylesMemorial-Scholarships_and_application_requirements.pdf

The AVIVA Start Up Scholarship is a $500 scholarship for full time Ontario secondary school students. There

are two of these scholarships on offer for students who have significantly contributed to starting up an OSAID

group in their schools.

For more information, please go to: http://www.osaid.org/leaders/scholarships-and-certificates/aviva-osaid-

start-up-scholarship/ Back to Table of Contents

Breakfast Club - NEW

This week, we broke the 8,300 student served mark. We are feeding an average of 148 students per day and

operating at a cost of 20.3 ¢/student/day. Any donation you can provide is used well and greatly appreciated.

Charitable receipts will be given.

Thanks to the teachers and EA’s who help out setting up and cleaning up the Breakfast Club in the morning.

Without them, this service would be impossible to do!

We recently received a donation from the Thornton Food Bank who had an over-abundance of baked goods.

Thus, we would like to thank them and they asked that if you are looking to donate somewhere, they would be

willing to take any donations as well.

We are very fortunate and grateful for the assistance of Tim Horton’s who are donating some of their baked

goods. While there is no cost to the student, the program depends on donations from our community to keep

going. We are asking parents and community members for donations of the following to help with our costs:

cereal bars (peanut-free), fresh fruit, bagels, jams, non-hydrogenated margarine, light cream cheese, juice boxes,

muffins, dried fruit, raisin boxes, granola/fruit bars, and cash. Anything you can assist with, would be greatly

appreciated.

I have spoken to the personnel in the cafeteria and they informed me that the cafeteria gives away free oatmeal

every morning as well. Thanks to the ladies in the café!

If you wish more information about the program or wish to donate, please contact Terry Wilkinson at (705)725-

7712, voice mail, 43664. Bear Creek's priority is to have healthy students! Back to Table of Contents

Parents as Partners Programs

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)’s Learning Centres offer parenting programs to all parents

who currently have a child in school. The winter 2016 schedule begins this month.

These free ‘Parents as Partners’ programs help parents develop understanding, knowledge, skills and specific

techniques that can be used at home to support and encourage the healthy development of their child.

Courses include:

Triple P: Parenting your 2-10 year old

Exploring positive parenting techniques and strategies and encourage good behaviour

Effective Parenting

Helping your child build self-esteem, responsibility and problem-solving skills.

PILLARS- Parenting Initiative, Lifelong Learning and Resources

Supports parents currently enrolled in an educational program and helps positively affect both the parents and

their children.

View the poster with dates and times. Courses begin in January and February at locations across Simcoe

County. Back to Table of Contents

Evaluation Moratorium

During the 4 days of evaluation moratorium, there will be no sporting events or field trips. This semester these

days are from Thursday, January 21st – Tuesday, January 26th.

Moratorium days are reserved for teaching, evaluation review and/or practical in-class evaluations with no

requirement for additional study.

Teachers are encouraged to have summative evaluations that are rich, complex and meaningful for students to

demonstrate the synthesis of their learning.

The purpose of the moratorium is to enable students to prepare for their final evaluations. Therefore,

students must NOT receive or be responsible for any assigned work that requires any form of

preparation outside of regularly scheduled classes during the moratorium.

Guidelines:

Due dates for assignments must be scheduled ahead of the moratorium.

ISU presentations are acceptable during moratorium provided that all of the work for those presentations is

submitted prior to the moratorium.

SERTs should be notified of any due date extensions for students on IEPs.

EQAO math may be an exception out of necessity. It should be noted that students preparing for EQAO at

home during the moratorium are also preparing for their math exam – an acceptable home activity during

this time.

Examples of assessment activities allowed within the moratorium:

A practical activity using school equipment (e.g. science lab) done within the class period.

An open book activity where no preparation at home is required. The activity must be completed within the

class period.

Any work that is part of the 30% summative evaluation being completed during moratorium must be

completed in class and not require work outside of class.

Back to Table of Contents

End of Semester Evaluations

This semester evaluation period runs from Wednesday, January 27th until Wednesday, February 3rd. Day 1,

period 1 exams are on Wednesday, January 27th. Day 2, period 2 exams are on Thursday, January 28th. Day 3,

period 4 exams are on Friday, January 29th. Day 4, period 5 exams are on Monday, February 1st. We are

sending this out early in order to assist you in avoiding situations where a holiday has been booked and it may

interfere with final evaluations. Weather-wise it is a very uncertain time, so there may be a chance of weather

(i.e. snow day) interfering with evaluations and evaluations are then moved a day forward. All exams start at

8:30 EXCEPT Wednesday, January 27th, which starts at 11:30. Back to Table of Content

Message from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Coping With Anxiety

(As exams are right around the corner, I thought this is worth repeating.)

Feelings of anxiety can be common among teenagers. Sometimes normally happy teenagers will become

anxious or fearful about something for a day or two but will return to normal without any need for help from

their parents. However, some teenagers seem to suffer from more intense and frequent feelings of anxiety that

prevent them from participating in normal everyday life. Creating a positive family environment, encouraging

regular school attendance and helping your teenager face their fears can help.

If you would like to learn more about monitoring your teenager’s emotions and behaviours, ways to talk openly

with your teenager and encouraging your teenager to practice their coping skills, call Health Connection at 705-

721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and talk to a public health nurse about the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

or visit www.triplepontario.ca. Back to Table of Contents

It’s In You to Give – Blood Donor Clinic

In 2015, Bear Creek’s Partner for Life pledge was 100 units/donations. In fact, that was surpassed by 1 unit for

a grand total of 101 units of blood donated on behalf of Bear Creek Secondary! Now that’s something to

celebrate! So awesome! Many thanks to you and the entire Bear Creek team of donors that have helped build

your pledge and save lives.

Bear Creek is a Partner for Life for Canadian Blood Services. Canadian Blood Services comes into our grade

11 Biology classes to blood type the students and raise awareness for blood donation. When a student or family

member give a blood donation, they simply have to say that they are pledging for Bear Creek and it goes

towards our pledge. Last year, we reached 101 pledges and this year we have pledged 110 units. Donors must

be 17 years of age or older. We also arrange for a Life Bus to transport students to the permanent clinic in

Barrie twice a year. Back to Table of Contents

Bus Cancellation Information in Case of Inclement Weather

Winter is just around the corner in Simcoe County, and with it comes the possibility of severe weather,

challenging winter driving conditions and, as a result, possible bus and school event cancellations.

All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student

Transportation Consortium’s bus information website at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Our school is in the

CENTRAL WEATHER ZONE. When buses are cancelled, please remember that schools are still open

(unless otherwise noted) for student learning.

The Consortium, in conjunction with bus operators, will make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m.

and as such, will make every effort to post announcements between 6 and 7 a.m. Parents should also note that

inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not run

at the end of the day.

You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: https://scstc.ca/Subscriptions and you can follow

the Consortium on Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus. Back to Table of Contents

Math Help Room

The Math Department offers extra help to students Monday - Thursday from 11:15 - 11:45 in Room 240.

Back to Table of Contents

Free Math Help for Students in Grade 7 To 10

Homework Help is a free online math help resource for students in Grades 7 to 10. Homework Help provides

FREE, live one-on-one tutoring from Ontario teachers, and is funded by the Ontario government and

administered by TVO. Students can ask their math questions during chat room hours, Sunday to Thursday, 5:30

– 9:30 p.m. You will need your teen’s OEN # - if you don’t have that, e-mail me and I will get it for you. For

more information and other math resources, visit: https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org.

Back to Table of Contents

Character Ed.

We will be appreciating both students and staff for good character. This is shown on many levels, each and

every day. That being said, staff and students will have the chance to nominate each other for a small reward.

For the next few months, we are recognizing two of the Board’s ten character traits per month. For January, our

Character Ed. traits that we will be recognizing are Respect and Cooperation. Staff and students fill out a ballot

and submit it to Mrs. Miller or Mr. Wilkinson. Back to Table of Contents

The Banting Legacy Scholarship

The Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation (SFBLF) is once again providing their Banting Legacy

Scholarship. This scholarship is offered as support for a students, living with diabetes, to advance their career

aspirations through higher education.

The Banting Legacy Scholarship, funded by SFBLF, is among those awarded through a very successful program

initiated by the Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) in 1999 that now has over 500 graduates. They require,

however, that any recipient of our scholarship must be from our ‘region’ (albeit very loosely defined). 40

scholarships will be awarded in 2016.

Scholarship winners participate in a very inspirational weekend in residence at U of T including the awards

ceremony held at the Isobel Bader Theatre, usually in May. Apart from the funds, winners also gain the life-long

benefit of becoming part of an ever growing and influential peer group of former winners… many of whom are

committed to serving as mentors for their younger colleagues.

The deadline for applications is March 7, 2016.

Applications can only be submitted online. The essential ‘get started’ link for any applicant

is http://diabeteshopefoundation.com/content/how-apply

Supporting documentation required of an applicant is not onerous but is not the type of material easily

assembled at the last minute.

Their inaugural winner for 2015 was Erica Geen from Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School in Orillia.

Back to Table of Contents

Scholarships

On top of preparing for exams, and finishing up coursework, it is time for graduating students to be looking at

scholarships. Mr. Wilkinson has recently signed up for a scholarship website. Please visit me or Guidance to

apply for scholarships.

To put it into perspective, I had looked at 37 scholarships just as a test of the system, and it resulted in over

$330,000 of monies for your post-secondary adventure. This is open to university and college applications.

Back to Table of Contents

TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences (DDHS)

Event Date: May 26, 2016

Email: jmcnorgan@cdnmedhall.org

An insightful and fun hands-on workshop for students in grades 10 through 12, interested in a career in health

science and technology. This full day event held at McMaster University Student Learning Centre, in Hamilton,

is an exciting opportunity for students, from across the province, to explore careers in medicine and health

sciences. Students will benefit from an inspiring keynote lecture, two hands-on-workshops of their choosing,

and an interactive laboratory experiment demonstration. Each school is invited to register up to 5 students who

have a strong interest in a career in health sciences. This first step is to register your school online

at http://cdnmedhall.org/hamilton-health-sciences-corporation, which is now open. Once our system has advised

us of your registration, we will email further instructions to you for your students to register online and select

their workshop assignments. Workshop spaces are limited. Access to workshop space is determined on a first

come-first serve basis and individual students registration will open April 5, 2016 to April 28, 2016 @ 4pm. For

complete details, please visit: http://cdnmedhall.org/hamilton-health-sciences-corporation

Back to Table of Contents

High School Health Research Bursary Program

Competition Closes: April 15, 2016. 4:00p.m.

Email: bursary@hhsc.ca

An invaluable opportunity for top high school science students in grades 11 and 12 to apply for a seven-week

summer internship placement program working alongside Hamilton world-class researchers and team members

July 4 – August 19, 2016. This program provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore career

options, expand their potential horizons and exposure to leading scientific minds in healthcare research, as well

as receive a $1,500 bursary upon completion. Students are required to submit an application, letter of

nomination from a science department head or science teacher, a 1000-word essay on their academic and

extracurricular accomplishments, as well as career aspirations. Posted on the HSHRB program web page are the

submission guidelines, application form and bursary publications. For complete details, please visit website:

http://www.hhsresearchadmin.ca/partnership-collaboration/youth-programs/high-school-bursary/

Your support and involvement will allow both the Discovery Day and HSHRBA youth outreach programs to

flourish, and will give your students an opportunity that is normally reserved for university and postgraduate

students. Once again, we invite and encourage you to share this timely notice with your respective science

department heads, science teachers’ guidance office, and students in grades 10-12. You may pass on to other

science department heads and science teachers who are interested. Word of mouth is an exceptional form of

communicating this event.

Should you have any questions please contact catherwood@hhsc.ca or Ext. 74604 or biancdan@hhsc.ca Ext.

43828. Back to Table of Contents

Calling All Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch - NEW

Presented by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment

and Infrastructure, the Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch competition invites high school students in

Ontario to pitch their business ideas in a two-minute video. Videos are judged through online public voting

(40%) and expert judges’ scores (60%).

Twenty finalists are chosen who are awarded a trip to Toronto to pitch their ideas live at OCE’s Discovery

conference and showcase, May 9-10, 2016, in front of a panel of judges from the entrepreneur community.

Based on the live pitches, the judges select six winners who are presented with reserved entry into the Summer

Company, a Nymi Band from Nymi and a Muse brain-sensing headband by InteraXon.

Check out the highlights and awards ceremony video from the finalist event at Discovery 2015.

Read a blog from Albert Lai, serial entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch Discovery judge,

to learn about his experiences and some advice for young entrepreneurs.

The Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch competition was an incredible experience that allowed me to

explore the lessons I was learning in school in a real-world situation,” said Patrick Chong, one of last year’s

winners. “Not only did the competition instill in me the confidence to take my business idea to the next level, it

also provided me with the knowledge and connections needed to turn it into a reality.”

For more information, visit www.makeyourpitch.ca.

This is due by March 23rd. I went on the above site and only one entry had been submitted. Make Your Pitch –

chances are very good that your idea will be seen. Back to Table of Contents

2016 RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship Opens Call for Applications

Students continue to place a priority on social good and inspiring change in their communities and around the

world. To help bring students closer to these goals, RBC is pleased to announce the opening of its application

process for the RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship.

Now in its 10th year, the program provides $150,000 in scholarships to 15 of Canada's most civic-minded

students in three categories: Graduating High School or CEGEP, First Undergraduate Degree or Diploma, and

Second Degree or Diploma. In addition to the monetary scholarships, six scholarships are paired with a ME to

WE Trip to be taken in the Summer 2017. The trips create life-changing experiences for youth, families, groups

and individuals in partnership with ME to WE.

Applications are now open and available online. Students are encouraged to submit their applications before the

February 23, 2016 deadline.

"It's no longer just about academic pursuits for today's students. They're socially conscious and want to affect

positive change both at home and in the world around them," said Mandy Mail, director of Student Banking.

"We want to enable students by providing funding for their tuition and an opportunity for a unique hands-on

experience that will help them develop the skills they need to lead that change."

Alexa Scarcello, a 2014 RBC scholarship recipient, travelled to Kenya in May 2015 to participate in her ME to

WE trip. Describing her experience as "transformative" and "eye-opening", the Queen's University student said

her time in Kenya provided her with an opportunity to re-evaluate her priorities.

"From their sense of community to their hospitality, the cultural mindset of the Kenyan people was infectious.

This experience truly resulted in a significant shift in my perspective and fueled a passion in me to continue to

give back and be a leader of change, both in my local community and abroad," she said.

"Young people are driven to learn about and contribute to the world around them, and are passionate about

making a positive difference," said Craig Kielburger, co-founder, ME to WE & Free The Children.

"Thanks to the RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship, we are able to help young people realize their

dreams of making a difference in their communities and around the world through tangible, on-the-ground

experiences in our Free The Children developing communities, and by supporting them in their education.

Together, we can help outstanding students reach their goals of changing the world."

Scholarship recipients are selected for their excellence in academics, with a strong emphasis on civic and

volunteer engagement. Please see terms and conditions for full details.

Being a recent recipient of the Students Leading Change scholarship, Alexa offers students three pieces of

advice when filling out the scholarship application:

Do your research.

Be unique and highlight what makes you stand out.

Take your time filling out applications for scholarships.

Write multiple drafts.

Apply for the RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship online at rbc.com/scholarships. The deadline to apply

is 3 p.m. EST on February 23, 2016. Back to Table of Contents

Schulich Leader Scholarships

Creating the next generation of technology innovators - who is your Schulich Leader nominee?

Nominate a student to win an $80,000 STEM scholarship!

What Are Schulich Leader Scholarships?

Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling

in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) programs at our Canadian partner universities.

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future

generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in

2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to be the next pioneers of global scientific research and

innovation.

50 scholarships are awarded each year

25 @ $80,000 for engineering

25 @ $60,000 for science, technology or mathematics

What is a Schulich Leader nominee?

A Schulich Leader Nominee represents the top STEM student in your graduating class and in turn becomes

eligible to win an $80,000 or $60,000 scholarship. This student exemplifies at least two of the following

criteria: academic excellence, leadership and financial need.

Benefits of being a Schulich Leader nominee:

• Chance to win an $80,000 or $60,000 scholarship

• Recognition on a National stage and within their school

• Increased access to summer jobs/internships

What is a Schulich Leader?

A Schulich Leader is a student who has been selected by one of our 20 partner universities to receive $80,000 or

$60,000 to pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM. In addition to this large financial award, they join an elite

network and receive many ongoing benefits.

Only Schulich Leader Nominees are eligible to become Schulich Leaders

Click Here to find the link to our 2016 information package on how to submit a Schulich Leader Nominee.

To access the application form and submit your 2016 Schulich Leader Nominee, please Click Here

If you have any questions please contact Dara Newton at dnewton@uja.schulichleaders.com

Back to Table of Contents

Orillia Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Composition Contest

Students Who Have a Passion for Composing!

Orillia Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Composition Contest

Students are invited to submit compositions of approximately three minutes in length, for the following:

String Ensemble Violin 1 Violin 2

Viola Cello Bass

Prizes

1st Place - $125.00 and performance in the Spring Concert on May 29 at 6:30 pm

2nd Place - $75.00

3rd Place - $50.00

Guidelines: Pieces should be three to five minutes in length, a three in level of difficulty from one to seven.

Winning piece will be performed at the OYSO Spring concert on May 29, and all prizes will be given out at that

time. Scores and parts of the winning piece will need to be provided to the orchestra if chosen.

Submit Scores to:

Oliver Balaburski

St. Paul’s Centre,

62 Peter St. North,

Orillia ON L3V4Z1

Contest Closes January 30, 2016

Contact orilliayouthsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com for more information Back to Table of Contents

Volunteer Opportunities - NEW

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; I also have attached it) to the Guidance office as soon as it is signed by both

you and a parent.

1. Do you need community service hours? Do you enjoy watching sports? Do you want to get involved in

the sporting community at Bear Creek? Then the Home Game Crew might be for you! The home game

crew is a group of people who help to set up for and score keep all the various sports that happen at Bear Creek.

If you are interested, please see Mr. Wilkey in Student Success room 110.

2. a) Why you should volunteer at Goodwill:

Goodwill offers flexible, 7 days/week scheduling for the following positions:

• Build new skills to improve your resume

• Enhance your communication and customer-service skills

• Obtain results-oriented experience

• Complete your 40 hours of community service

Apply online at www.goodwill.on.ca or email volunteer4good@goodwill.on.ca

Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age. Accumulation of community involvement hours may begin

the summer after completing Grade 8.

b) Customer Service Support at Goodwill needed. Volunteers 14 and older will assist customers while

they’re shopping & are responsible for maintaining a clean, tidy and safe work environment. Gain retail

customer service experience while enhancing the shopping experience for Goodwill customers. Orientation and

training provided. No police check required for Volunteers under 18.

CONTACT: Jenny Chang PHONE: 705-331-6168 EMAIL: volunteercoordinator@goodwill.on.ca

3. The Bob Rumball Long Term Care Centre for the Deaf is looking for compassionate volunteers, 16 and

older, who have good communication skills. Orientation provided and police check is required.

Duties include:

* assist with arts & crafts, meal times, special events & programs, serving and clearing in Café.

* physical maintenance of the residence & landscape.

4. Want to make an outstanding difference to the life of a senior? Be a Friendly Visitor to a Senior at

Roberta’s Place. Volunteers 12 & older are needed to:

• Visit residents in Roberta Place’s long term care residence

• Assist by playing games, providing hand & hair care, baking, doing some arts & crafts, puzzles & reading

• Help with taking residents for walks outdoors, Zumba/exercises

Develop customer service skills. Must complete intensive orientation; undergo a Police/Criminal Reference

check for Vulnerable Sector Population, supply 2 personal references. 2-step tuberculosis skin test will be done

at Roberta place at no charge.

CONTACT: Sheila MacDonald PHONE: 705-733-3231, ext. 501 Email: smacdonals@jarlette.com

5. Volunteers are the backbone of Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS), and we entirely

dependent on volunteers to run our program.

Our on hill volunteers are well trained and certified, and those who help out off hill are equally important in

getting our skiers ready to go on hill. We need folks to help with participant assistance, administration,

fundraising, and special events.

Our volunteers generally return year after year, as it is so much fun, and incredibly rewarding.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED……..

Simply choose the program that you would like to get involved with, and contact the program director.

For further information, please contact ski@disabledskiingontario.com

6. Virtual volunteer opportunity – Barrie Youth Survey

Influence the way the City of Barrie addresses the needs of youth! They are interested in understanding

more about you & your experiences in Barrie. Your answers will help make Barrie one of the most youth-

friendly communities in Ontario.

Upon completion of this survey, you can sign up to receive a ½ hour credit towards your volunteer hours!

Access survey through communityreach.ca or City of Barrie website.

7. Downhill Skiing Assistant

Awesome opportunity that we just can’t wait till the new year to tell you about! Volunteers ski for free

after your shift until closing!

Volunteers MUST:

• Have your own skis

• Be comfortable enough on skis to help instructors get kids on & off rope tow, & accompanying skiers up the

chair lift.

• be willing to commit to ALL 8 WEEKS of the program & have access to own transportation.

• be willing to undergo a “Vulnerable persons” screening. (don’t worry – it doesn’t hurt!!!)

• Accept orientation & training as required.

Volunteers 14 & older work with kids 6–14 on the autism spectrum at Snow Valley for an 8 week program.

WHEN: Wednesdays January 6th to February 24th, (8 week program)

SHIFTS: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Snow Valley - 2632 Vespra Valley Rd, Minesing

So that’s 8 - 16 hours of community service, free skiing, and you’ve helped make some kids wildly happy!

CONTACT: Erin Nightingale PH: 705-252-7429 ext 100 EMAIL: ENightingale@autismontario.com

8. “COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR” – VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers needed for a variety of positions. The Barrie Walk is February 20th in support of Youth

Haven. Positions include: food team, set-up/take down, registration desk volunteers, welcome desk volunteers,

route/rest stop hosts & parking attendants. Refreshments & a meal provided at the end of the walk. No police

check required & no minimum age. See more info online.

SIGN UP ONLINE www.coldestnightoftheyear.org

9. BARRIE WINTERFEST 2015 February 6th and 7th

Volunteers 16 & older are needed to assist staff with performers, maintain grounds & possibly

administer surveys. Daytime & Saturday evening shifts available. Apply today!!

CONTACT: Amanda Dyke PHONE: 705-739-4220 EMAIL: amanda.dyke@barrie.ca

10. YOUTH VOLUNTEER TASK FORCE

Youth (ages 14-19) from Barrie can join as the primary contact for your school, responsible for working

with Community Reach to brainstorm, promote, & evaluate the ChangeTheWorld Youth Volunteer

Challenge. Campaign runs April 10th to May 23rd 2016; planning starts now! Get to know not-for-profits in

your area, & add valuable experience to your resume. Commitment is 5 hours/month for 5 months.

IMPACT… Have a direct impact on the quality of life for many people in your community by engaging your

peers in volunteer events for the benefit of not for profit agencies.

Back to Table of Contents

Sports News

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

in for league (i.e. scaa football).

No sports due to the moratorium. Back to Table of Contents

Important Dates

Thursday, January 21 - Wednesday, January 27 moratorium

Wednesday, January 27 – Wednesday, February 3 Sem. 1 final evaluations

Thursday, February 4 – Friday, February 5 P. D. Days

Monday February 8 semester 2 starts

Sunday, February 14 Valentine’s Day

Monday, February 15 Family Day Holiday

Back to Table of Contents

Positively Speaking

I thought this might be good information to pass on to your teen, as final evaluations start on Wednesday, the

27th.

Exams

Developing a Positive Attitude

Like sport, exams require knowledge, skills, practice and a positive attitude. Having the right attitude towards

your study is very important; your goal is to perform at your peak on exam day.

Being well prepared boosts confidence. Preparing well means starting early in the semester, having clear goals

and organising your time. All this will help you to develop a positive attitude and to perform at your best.

Part of having the right attitude also means coming to terms with the fear of not doing so well. Negative self-

talk, such as, 'My life will be ruined if I fail' will not help you. Instead, try to imagine that you are in the exam

situation and feeling confident and terrific. Success!

Formulating Clear Goals

To clarify your long-term goals ask yourself why you are doing this course and what you want to achieve. This

then leads to more medium and short-term goals. For example, if you decide that you are doing a management

course because you want to set up your own business (a long-term goal), your medium term goal might be

successful completion of a particular unit or assessment task. Your short-term goal might be to summarise a

topic in preparation for an exam.

Making a Study Timetable

Being organised and managing your time is crucial, and having a timetable is particularly important as exams

approach. Although revision should start early in the semester, it is never too late to start.

Use a semester planner to map out what tasks have to be completed. You need to be sure of the important dates

when assignments are due and when your exams will be held. You could also include major personal events in

your life that will impact on your studies, such as weddings, holidays and so on.

Next, consider what your commitments might be in an average week. Your weekly planner should include work,

sleep and family commitments. Don't forget to allow for hobbies and recreational activities. Over the semester,

you should allow an average of ten hours a week for each subject you are studying.

You need to consider what tasks are most appropriate for each of the times you have available. For example,

reading a difficult text might best be done when you are mentally alert. Leave simpler tasks to study periods

when you work less effectively. For each study session, ask yourself what you want to achieve.

Getting the Best Out Of Your Revision

There are principles of effective learning that apply to revision. You need to commit information from your

short-term memory to your long-term memory. In order to do this you must revisit your material many times.

You also need to be actively engaged with your material in committing it to memory - just reading or

highlighting material is too passive for effective recall.

We remember best the things that are meaningful for us. So, always place what you are studying within the

overall context of the subject. Become familiar with the unit outline early in the semester. Try to develop an

overview of the subject from your study guide and identify the patterns and structures in the subject.

If you regularly review throughout the semester, by exam time much of the memory work will have been done.

Clearly, getting information into your long-term memory will take time, so start early. Leaving all of your

revision to the end of the semester means that you will have to cram for the exam. Information will only go only

into short-term memory and will be forgotten.

Psychologists have studied how people remember (and forget!) things; some of their findings can be of use to

us. Research has shown that we can recall only about 20% of new information within 24 hours of learning it but

this goes up to 60-80% if we review the information within 24 hours.

Ask for copies of old exam papers, if available for your unit, from your teacher. This will give you an idea of the

types of questions usually asked. Practise answering exam questions under realistic time constraints so you

become familiar with how you will have to perform on the day.

On The Day of The Exam

Have a good breakfast; exams do not have coffee breaks. Wear comfortable clothes. The weather is changeable

and the exam room may not be heated or cooled. Check that you have several pens and everything else you are

allowed to bring with you into the exam.

Re-read your summaries, but don't try to cram new information. Leave home in plenty of time so that you will

arrive early and avoid last minute panic.

Expect to feel a little nervous; nobody is immune from exam anxiety. Some adrenalin can be useful if it can be

channelled into a drive to get you through an event.

Reading Time

Use your reading time profitably. Get an overview of the structure of the paper. Read all instructions very

carefully. Be clear on what sections, and questions are compulsory. Read all of the questions carefully and select

the questions you will answer.

Plan the amount of time you will spend on each question. The time should be proportional to the allocated

marks. For example, if a question is worth 30% of the marks, you should allocate 30% of your time.

Decide on the order in which you will answer questions, making sure that you do not leave compulsory

questions until the end. Answer easier questions first as these will boost your confidence and may even allow

you to pick up some extra time that you can spend on more difficult questions.

Essay Exams

Lecturers comment that when students do not do well in essay exams it is because they do not answer the

question, and their answers are not well structured.

When answering essay questions you are usually expected to provide more than just the facts. You may also

have to give an opinion, develop an idea, or discuss a position. You need to explain your ideas clearly and

produce specific examples.

Before writing, make a quick plan, as you would for an assignment essay.

It is important to:

answer the question precisely and concisely

present your arguments and ideas clearly - your assessor is not a mind reader.

Multiple-Choice Exams

In multiple-choice exams the chance of getting an answer correct by guessing is not very high. Your best

strategy is to know your material well.

Read all the alternatives, even if you think the first one is correct.

Eliminate answers you know are wrong.

Sometimes it is preferable to think about what the correct answer might be before looking at the

alternatives.

Eliminate answers that contradict common sense or are illogical.

Answers you cannot understand are likely to be incorrect.

Be wary of options that include absolutes such as 'always', 'never', 'all', 'none' - they will often make a

statement false.

Be especially careful of negatives, i.e. questions which include phrases like, 'Which of these is not...?',

'All of these except ...’

Watch your time very carefully. Do not spend too much time on one question. Move on.

Open-Book Exams

Open book exams can be a trap because they can lull you into a false sense of security. You need to be

thoroughly prepared. You do not have time to read your textbook in the exam nor to find new information.

Texts can be a handicap unless you know your way around them very well. Be very familiar with the texts and

know where to find sections that you will need to refer to. Coloured post-it stickers are very useful for this

purpose.

After The Exam

After the exam, take some time to reflect. It is important to build on your strengths and learn from mistakes.

Were you able to keep to your exam timetable?

As you revised, were you an active learner?

Were you surprised by the type of exam questions on the paper?

Did you manage your time in the exam efficiently?

Did you answer the questions asked?

Source: “Exams”, http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-support/study-skills/handouts/exams.php

Back to Table of Contents

Parent’s Corner

Help Your Teen Focus during Study Time

It can be hard for many teens to keep their focus during study time. If your teen tends to get distracted,

encourage them to:

Set small goals at the beginning of each study session. They should write these down, including what

they would like to finish and by when.

Stand up and face away from their desk as soon as their mind begins to wander. Staring at their book

trying to focus will only frustrate them more. The simple act of standing up and taking a short mental

break will actually help your teen regain their concentration.

Keep a reminder pad on their desk. If they suddenly remember that they need to bring their math book to

school the next day, they should jot it down instead of interrupting their study time to go get it. Making a

quick note will help them stay focused on the task at hand.

Source: “Control of the Study Environment”, Virginia Tech Division of Student Affairs, www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/control.html.

Back to Table of Contents

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week

(Jan. 25 – Jan. 29)

Monday 25th Tuesday 26th Wednesday 27th Thursday 28th Friday 29th

Can your teen sew

on a button? It’s a

basic life skill that

everyone should

learn.

Teenage boys are

one of the main

markets for

smokeless tobacco.

Know the dangers

and share them with

your teen.

EVALUATION

DAY 1 - PERIOD 1

(starts at 11:30)

EVALUATION

DAY 2 – PERIOD 2

(starts at 8:30)

EVALUATION

DAY 3 - PERIOD 4

(starts at 8:30)

Back to Table of Contents

Stay warm!

Wish your teen best of luck on their evaluations!

Be well!

Terry Wilkinson

Vice-Principal

Bear Creek Secondary School

P.S. (Positive Statement):

If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money.

- Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby - a.k.a. Pauline Phillips) 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.