Viking Voices – Course selection, Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

Mar 8, 2017 @ 09:39

Students have been meeting with Mrs. Benka, our guidance counsellor, to select their courses for the 2017-18 school year. Students use the education planner, myBlueprint for selecting their courses. This web-based program allows students and counsellors the ability to review course selections, identify plans with missing prerequisites, and make modifications. Completed and current courses are automatically loaded into a student’s Official High School Plan. As students build their plan, the Pathway Eligibility Indicator automatically shows students the impact of their selections and unlocks all eligible possible post-secondary options. To graduate from high school, students need to earn eighteen compulsory credits, which include English, math, science, history, geography, health and physical education, French as a second language and the arts. They are also required to obtain a half credit of career studies and civics in grade 10 as well as completing twelve option credits. Not to be forgotten is the accumulation of forty hours of community involvement activities and successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy test. All students, including incoming grade eight students, need to complete their course sections and the completed selection sheets have been sent home to be signed.

 

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy test (OSSLT) will be fast upon us. Grade ten students will be preparing to write the test on March 30th. This always seems to happen very quickly after March Break! The EQAO website has great resources for parents and students who have questions or want to see what type of questions will be featured on the test.
High school students have been filling out permission forms and bringing in their money for the annual trip to Searchmont. The ski/snowboarding trip is planned for March 24th with Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Laing chaperoning. The forms need to be returned by Thursday, March 9th.

 

Thanks to all of the high school students who showed leadership by refereeing and scoring during the elementary school basketball tournament which is taking place today, Tuesday, March 7th.

 

This week’s lunch special from the LEAD class is chicken parmesan on a bun with ceasar salad.

 

Michipicoten high school teachers have been signing up for a professional learning opportunity called ‘To Learn Math: For Teachers and Parents’. This video/online course has been offered through Algoma District School board. Dr. Jo Boaler (Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University and author of the book, “Mathematical Mindsets”) instructor of this course, presents interviews with students, demonstrates cutting edge research ideas, and uses interesting visuals, and suggests resources such as peer and self-assessments. The course also includes interviews with some of the world’s leading thinkers, such as Sebastian Thrun (Udacity/Google) and Carol Dweck (expert on mindset).

 

The next parent council meeting will be April 4th. If you would like to join or would like more information, please call the school (705-856-4464).