A Tradition of Excellence 2115 McEown Ave Saskatoon, SK S7J 3K8 Principal - Lisa Hodson Vice Principal - Jason Benson Assistant Principal - Nadine Cannell Director of Education - Greg Chatlain Assistant Superintendent of Education - Scott Gay Board Trustees - Tim Jelinski & Alice Risling Newsletter January 8, 2016 Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools www.gscs.sk.ca We re on the Web! http://www.gscs.sk.ca/stu dentsandfamilies/schools/ hch/ Principal s Message Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful Christmas filled with joy and celebration! We are back to school preparing diligently for the end of semester one. We are very excited to announce that Holy Cross will soon be developing the field east of the school. Due to the great generosity of a donor, we will be building a new sports field, complete with bleachers and change room facility, scheduled to be finished sometime next fall. We are so grateful and fortunate to have beautiful space for our students to use right out our back door! Final assessments begin on Thursday, January 21 st. Students will write an exam each day followed by a prep and instruction period for the next day s exam. There will be a 20 minute break in between. Students will receive a memo with all the information needed for semester end, as well as start up for semester 2. You can find this memo on our school website. We would ask that you do not park on the west side of the U on McEwen Ave. We have families that need to access the wheelchair parking in front of the school, and they have been unable to access those parking spots due to cars parking on the wrong side. We understand there is not a lot of available parking for pick up, but we need to have access to the handicap parking spots. Thank you for your cooperation. Grade 8 registration is just around the corner. Next week, registrations teams will visit the elementary schools to provide information about life as a student at Holy Cross. A few of our current Grade 9 students will come along to talk about their experience this year. Our Grade 8 Parent Information Night is Tuesday, February 2 nd at 7pm in the Holy Cross Theatre. On February 8 th and 9 th, the Grade 8 students come to Holy Cross for a tour and pep rally. For more information, please contact the school. Our next Catholic School Community Council meeting is Wednesday, January 13 th at 7pm in the office conference room. All are welcome. God Bless, Lisa Hodson Upcoming Events Wednesday, January 13 HCCS Community Council Meeting - 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 20 Last day of classes before Exams Shortened Day - 12:30 Dismissal Thursday, January 21 Period 1 Exam Day 8:35-10:55 - Period 1 Exam 11:15-12:15 - Period 2 Class Friday, January 22 Period 2 Exam Day 8:35-10:55 - Period 2 Exam 11:15-12:15 - Period 3 Class Monday, January 25 Period 3 Exam Day 8:35-10:55 - Period 3 Exam 11:15-12:15 - Period 4 Class Tuesday, January 26 Period 4 Exam Day 8:35-10:55 - Period 4 Exam 11:15-12:15 - Period 5 Class Wednesday, January 27 Period 5 Exam Day 8:35-10:55 - Period 5 Exam Thursday, January 28 Semester Turn-around No School for Students Friday, January 29 Semester Turn-around No School for Students Monday, February 1 First day of Semester 2 Timetable pickup 8:35 a.m. from Semester one homerooms Tuesday, February 2 Grade 8 Parent Information Night 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 3 Report Card Distribution - Period 5 Thursday, February 4 HCMPA Meeting 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 5 Newsletter on-line Monday, February 8 Grade 8 Visits 9:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m. Tuesday, February 9 Grade 8 Visits 9:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m. Wednesday, February 10 Ash Wednesday Lenten Liturgy Thursday, February 11 Shortened Day - 12:30 Dismissal
Page 2 Did you Know? Mobile Device Acceptable Use Policy Mobile devices must be on silent mode while students are at school. Mobile devices may not be used during class time, unless directed by a staff member. Students who inappropriately use their mobile device during class time will have it taken to the Main Office and have to retrieve it after Period 5. For a second infraction, students will only retrieve their mobile devices when their parent or guardian has come to the school to obtain it. The office is open until 4:00 pm for mobile device pick-up. Mobile devices shall not be used to bully. This is a criminal offence. In these instances, the school s processes for dealing with incidents of bullying may be put into effect. Other consequences will be considered as necessary. Video & audio recordings are not allowed in the school unless part of a school approved activity. Mobile devices may not be used in washrooms or change rooms or the gymnasium. Final Exams Final exams for the first semester are scheduled from Thursday, January 21st, until Wednesday, January 27th. Students will have a 2 hour and 20 minute exam period, followed by a 20 minute break and then a hour class period to prepare for the next days exam. Exam day Schedule Thursday to Tuesday Exam day Schedule Wednesday 8:35-10:55 am Exam Period 8:35-10:55 am Exam Period 10:55-11:15 am Nutrition Break 10:55 Dismissal 11:15-12:15 pm Next Period Class All students are required to be in attendance for all exams and classes that they have in their semester one timetables. School Fees 2015-2016 School fees for the 2015-2016 school year are now past due. Students with outstanding fees are asked to please settle their accounts with the school prior to the start of final exams. This will also be the last opportunity to order a yearbook for the 2015-2016 school year, the yearbook must be ordered prior to January 21st. If you need to make payment arrangements for student fees, please contact Mrs. Bloski at 306-659-7605. Semester 2 Timetables All students will receive new copies of their semester 2 timetables on the first day of semester 2, Monday, February 1st. Students will report to their semester one homeroom to receive a new copy of their timetable at 8:35 and then proceed directly to their new period one class. Students are to follow the new timetables as their will be changes made to room assignments and teachers. SRC News Welcome back Holy Cross! We hope you all had a restful and relaxed break spent with friends and family. December was a great month as we look back on our Holy Cross 12 days of Christmas activities. Thank you all for participating in our hot chocolate and movie days as well as our various spirit days! Due to finals coming up in a few weeks the SRC will not be organizing any events for January. However, there will be many events to look forward to in February including: Lenten liturgies, Valentine s Day, matchmaker forms, candy grams and grade 8 visits. Good luck in finals everyone!
January 8, 2016 Newsletter Page 3 Graduation Photos 2016 Photographers from Lifetouch Photography will be at Holy Cross from January 20-27 to take graduation photos of grade 12 students who will be applying to graduate this June. Students received information today on how to book their photo appointment on line. If a student did not receive this information they are asked to come to the main office to pick up a brochure. It is recommended that all graduates schedule a sitting while Lifetouch is at the school to ensure they are included on the Class Composite and in the Yearbook. Students are required to go on line to the web page provided in the informational brochure to book their 20 minute photo session. It is recommended that students book their appointments during times where they will not be missing any class time. Students will not be permitted to leave their exam period or the following class period to attend a photo session. Students wishing to receive their proof package from the photos will be required to pay a sitting fee. With this fee you will receive approximately 15 proofs including cap & gown, casual and personality poses. Students are encouraged to bring props for their casual and personality poses. Please note that due to allergies we do not allow pets in the school. Graduation 2016 Grade 12 students will receive the Application for Graduation on Wednesday, February 3rd when they pick up their final report cards for semester one. Students wishing to participate in the graduation ceremony are required to complete an application and submit it to the school prior to March 2nd. All accounts with the school must be paid prior to graduation applications being processed. Students applying for graduation must be passing all required classes by mid-term of the second semester and have the potential to receive the minimum required 24 credits by the end of the second semester. Graduation will take place on Wednesday, June 29th. The schedule for the day is as follows: 8:00 am All Graduates to arrive at TCU Place 9:00 am Procession of Graduates / Graduation Mass and Exercises 11:30 am All Graduates to return to Grand Circle to return their Graduation gowns 5:00 pm Doors at Prairieland Park open for the Graduation Banquet 5:45 pm Graduation Banquet Begins 9:00 pm Grand March of the Graduates 9:30 pm Graduation Dance Students will depart for the Chem Free After-grad from the graduation dance. Music Department News The Edmonton Cantando Music Festival Band and Choir Tour will take place from Sunday, April 17th to Tuesday, April 19th. Memo's will be sent home shortly with all grade 10-12 students (also including grade 9 boys in choir) wishing to participate. Parental/Guardian consent forms, medical forms and post-dated cheques will be due on February 1st, 2016. Outdoor Education Fernie Ski/Snowboard Trip The outdoor education club is travelling to Fernie, British Columbia to enjoy this area's Alpine Resort. The group will leave on February 15th, and ski the 16th, 17th, 18th, and return during the night of the 18th, 19th. There are still a few spots open if other students are interested. Please see Mr. Blais for more information. Table Mountain Ski/Snowboard Trip The outdoor education club is travelling to Table Mountain Ski/Snowboard Resort for a one day trip on Friday, January 29th. This trip is open to all grades and is a great opportunity for all those wanting to learn a new sport and skill or hone an existing talent. There will be a trip meeting on Friday January 8th in room 361 to pick up necessary forms.
Page 4 Student Services RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship A total of 15 RBC Students Leading Change Scholarships worth $10,000 each and an amazing travel opportunity as well! There will be 5 scholarships awarded in each of the following 3 student categories: Graduating High School Students Undergraduate Students Second Degree Students All applications are to be submitted online. Deadline for applications: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced in the summer of 2016.Come to Student Services for a more details or check out the website scholarships.rbc.com/studentsleadingchange.aspx $1,000.00 Bursary offered by Kin Canada Each year, Kin Canada provides students across Canada with bursaries when they apply/attend a post-secondary institution for education. The Kinette Club here in Saskatoon will review any applications received from the high schools within our city. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2016. Get your application at this website http://www.kincanada.ca/apply Attention Members of CUPE Local 2268 Two scholarships are still available and the deadline for receiving applications has been extended to January 8, 2016. A reminder that scholarships are $500 each. Applicants must be a dependent member of CUPE Local 2268. For the dependent to be eligible to apply, the parent/guardian (CUPE Local 2268 member) must have a minimum of two (2) years continuous membership in the Union. Applicants are to be enrolled in a course at a recognized college, university or technical school in Canada. Preference will be given to first and second year students. Students will only be eligible to receive the scholarship once. All applicants are to include the name of their parent/guardian, a copy of their letter of acceptance from the school in which enrollment has been obtained, and a copy of their transcript of marks from the highest grade completed or a copy of their Grade 12 diploma. Application forms may be obtained from the Local 2268 web page at: http://www.cupe2268.ca/ Saskatoon Naval Reserve and the Canadian Armed Forces Any students interested in a noon hour presentation, come to Student Services to sign up, date to be announced. PAAL- (Physical Activity for Active Living - for children, teens with special needs) Registrations are now being accepted for the next PAAL Session. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, gain references, and earn CE Service Hours. Applications and more information is available in Student Services. Skills Boot Camps Any Grade 10, 11 or 12 Students that are interested in learning more about the Automotive Industry, Information Technology Industry, Web Development or Culinary Industry these Skills Boot Camps are for you! You will have a chance to gain a better understanding of the industry, engage in independent learning as well as a number of hands-on activities lead by professionals in these fields and remember they are free! Come to student services to pick up an application package and learn more about these great opportunities for you! Any questions see Ms. Hofmann. The College of Education will move to direct entry Applications opened October 2 and the deadline for applying is February 15, 2016. Come to Student Services to get an info sheet on all the requirements. Grade 11 Exit Plans As part of the Holy Cross Career Development Program, students in Grade 11 are encouraged to make an appointment with Mrs. Remizowski for their exit plan. During this meeting, students have an opportunity to: review their credits look at timetable and course selection for next year discuss plans &/or options for after Grade 12 Students who have questions about their options find these meetings very helpful and are made aware of career exploration opportunities that occur during the year. An attempt is made to meet with all Grade 11 students, one on one.
January 8, 2016 Newsletter Page 5 Bridging to Work Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, in partnership with Can-Sask and the Ministry of Education, offer Bridging to Work! This program is designed to help GSCS graduates transition into the world of work after high school. The target group is graduates or school leavers from GSCS that have decided not to further their post-secondary education or training immediately upon finishing school. Services provided include job search, one-on-one career counselling, finding job opportunities, community advocates and resources, maintaining employment, personal management, accessing upgrading and other training options for skill development. For more information, contact your high school or call the Career Development Centre at 659-7591. High School Transcript Requests Student high school transcripts requests are available online using VISA, VISA debit and Master Card at http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/transcripts. Students requesting transcripts are required to enter their information with caution as once a transaction has been submitted, information cannot be changed. Common errors/inquiries include: Student MAY select up to 5 destinations (or times) in one request for $20.00 by using the Add Request Button; up to 10 additional destinations (or times) may be added for an additional fee. Example 1: One request that include 5 destinations/times; Total is $20 1. 1. U of S - As soon as possible 2. 2. U of S - After January Exams 3. 3. U of S - After June Exams 4. 4. Self - As soon as possible 5. 5. Self - After June exams Example 2: All requests to Self (for scholarship purposes or other); Frist 5 for $20; destinations 6, 7, etc are $2 each; total $24 1. 1. Self - As soon as possible 2. 2. Self - As soon as possible 3. 3. Self - As soon as possible 4. 4. Self - After January exams 5. 5. Self - After January exams 6. 6. Self - After June exams 7. 7. Self - After June exams Selecting the wrong dispatch date; all requests are summarized for review prior to submitting; After November session means December transcript processing After December Session means January transcript processing After January session means February transcript processing After June session means July transcript processing As soon as possible means NOW or as soon as payment is processed, errors are corrected Submitting an incorrect email online - all correspondence is auto-completed online; therefore re-read the request BEFORE submitting to ensure the correct email address is submitted. All transcript requests result in TWO emails automatically sent to the student (client) - one regarding the submission of information and one regarding payment. It is imperative that students check their email for this confirmation. Further assistance is available through the Ministry of Education Student Services Department 306-787-9525.
Page 6 Holy Cross Catholic School Community Council The next meeting for the Holy Cross Catholic School Community Council will be held on Wednesday, January 13th at 7pm in the school library. All members of the Holy Cross Community are invited to attend. Young Authors & Poets Competition 2016 Short Story and Poetry Creative Writing Competition for Grade 12 Students! This competition is organized by the Silver Quills Writer s Group and is open to all Grade 12 students attending a Saskatoon Catholic or Public High School. Grade 11 students currently registered in a Grade 12 English class are also eligible. Students can enter both a Short Story & Poetry for judging and cash awards. Submissions are to be made via email in either a.pdf,.doc or.txt files to creativewritingcompetition@shaw.ca before midnight, Tuesday, March 22nd. Short Story s should be a minimum of 800 words and a maximum of 1600 words (double spaced). Poetry should be a minimum of 8 lines up to a maximum of 28 lines (double spaced). Our sponsor, Brian Mallard and Associates of Saskatoon is providing over $ 1,500.00 for Cash Awards. The competition is organized by the Saskatoon Silver Quills Writer's Group-2016 Competition Committee. Our goal is to foster creative writing in local high school students and support literacy. Reporting Bullying through Crimestoppers As part of government s response to Saskatchewan s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying, the Ministry of Education has partnered with Crime Stoppers to provide another way for Saskatchewan youth to report bullying. Students can report bullying anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, 24/7 year-round. Students can also text Crime Stoppers between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on week days. Text TIP210 to CRIMES (274637) for Saskatoon *Bullying tips are not eligible for rewards. Next Newsletter February 5, 2016