Cabot Junior-Senior High School
May 31, 2010
Dear Parents,
We have had a very busy winter/spring and the school year is quickly coming to a close. The June calendar, with our exam schedule, has been passed out. We try to keep you informed about school activities on a daily basis by updating our school website at www.cbv.ns.ca/cabot .
We are very proud of the many accomplishments of our students. We have had a very active year with sports and are very pleased with student academic success with 57 honours students (average 85% or higher), and 38 distinction students (average 80% or higher). Olivia MacIntosh and Vincent Hines will go to Holy Angels High School on June 9 to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal. Each year this is awarded to the top grade 11 male and female student in each high school throughout Nova Scotia. Congratulations Olivia and Vincent! As well, we continue to reward individual students and classes through our PEBS (Positive Effective Behavior) program.
Special thanks are extended to all of our volunteers and people who have contributed to our school this year to make so many opportunities available for our students. Here is a brief summary of some of the many activities and events:
Monthly Report: January-May 2010
School-Based Activities:
February 18- school dance
February 22, 23, 24 and 25- the grade nines wrote the grade 9 Department of Education Literacy Assessments.
February 24- Hosted our Cabot High Annual Science Fair.
December- March: After-school guitar program for beginners and advanced students, funded by a Victoria County Community Health Board grant. Thanks to our very talented instructor, former graduate, Michael Gorey.
Student council hosted a Spring Fling during the week of April 12. Highlights were a Much Video Dance and Motivational Multimedia Assemblies for the junior and senior high on April 15.
You may have seen some of our students working in our communities as part of our Options and Opportunities Program (O2). The work terms were very diverse and we thank our communities for supporting our students in this program that focuses on work experience and career exploration. To learn more about O2, please visit the link on our school website.
Active Healthy Living Activities/ Sports Events:
January 6- Our school participated in the Health Promoting Schools Olympic Torch Relay 2010. Jonathan Smith and Rhiana Dixon participated in bringing the torch to North Highlands Elementary School with some assistance from RCMP Cst. Shawn Cornelisse.
February 9- Junior High Girls Basketball Team hosted a NBA 2-Ball Competition as a fundraiser.
February 14- The Senior High Girls Basketball Team won the annual Brendan Memorial Tournament at CBH Academy.
February 16- The Senior High Girls Basketball Team won the NSSAF Regional Championship.
February 20- The Senior High Boys Basketball Team won the NSSAF Regional Championship.
February 27- The Senior High Girls Wrestling Team won the NSSAF Regional Championship.
March 4,5,and 6- Cabot Senior Girls hosted the Division 4 Provincial Basketball Championships, placing 5th out of 8 teams. Also during this weekend, the Boys Senior Basketball Team travelled to Lockeport where they finished 6th in the Provincial Championships out of 8 teams. The Wrestling Team also travelled to their provincial championships in Wolfville, bringing home 8 medals!
The Comets (Basketball Nova Scotia Team) have concluded their season, putting forth a strong effort as they competed in the Provincial Championships in Halifax on March 27.
March 10 and 11- Grade 9 Atlantic Canada Studies classes partnered with Parks Canada and participated in a snowshoeing expedition and visit to the interpretive centre in Cheticamp. Classes focused on curriculum connections on how national parks contribute to our Canadian identity.
March 29- The grade 8 Phys. Ed. classes went to the Cape North Community Centre for a day of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
April 28- Cabot hosted an All-Star Basketball Game.
To keep students active we have had spring basketball for junior high boys as well as spring running club for interested students.
Sports Awards Night was held on April 29: Junior Female Athlete- Kelsey Dixon, Junior Male Athlete- Ben Fricker, Senior Female Athlete- Emily Fricker, Senior Male Athlete- Jamie-Lee Burton, Junior High Team of the Year- Girls Volleyball, Senior High Team of the Year- Girls Basketball.
This is our first year to have an Ultimate Frisbee Team. Congratulations to the founding team and their coach Derek Quann for starting this sport at Cabot. They participated in the provincial tournament in Dartmouth on May 29.
Educational Field Trips:
March 9- Europe Tour 2010 travelled to New York, Italy and Spain. What a wonderful experience for our 24 students. A special thank you goes out to the lead teacher for this event, Mr. Leo Donovan. Leo will be hosting a meeting early in June to meet with students interested in Europe Tour 2012.
March 27- Several high school students travelled to CBU to participate in the CBVRSB Math League.
March 30- Many students participated in the CBVRSB Science Fair. They proudly represented our school and brought home the following awards: Clayton Tilley- Information and Computer Technology, Rhiana and Jared Dixon- Engineering Award
May 12 at Baddeck High School: Several High School students attended “Math Circles”. This event was facilitated by Angela Siegel (PhD student at Dalhousie University).
Congratulations to Beth Barretto who attended a session at Encounters With Canada in April. Encounters with Canada is a youth forum in Ottawa. Every week of the school year, 120 to 138 teens from across Canada learn about Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, explore exciting career options, develop their civic leadership skills and live an extraordinary bilingual experience.
Concerts/ Festivals/ Visiting Drama Productions:
January 11- School-based CanWest Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Jake Whitty (1st place) and Ben Fricker (2nd place). On February 27, Jake and Ben represented our school at the CanWest Spelling Bee at CBU.
April 6- Beth Barretto placed 2nd for grade 12’s in the 2010 Thirty-Third Annual Public Speaking Event for the CBVRSB. Congratulations Beth!
April 30- Northside Dance did a full hour of various dance styles for all students.
Guest Speakers/ Presenters:
February 23- AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton (grade 8 and 9)
May 12- Dr. Bibiana MacLeod did a presentation on her work in Haiti to help victims of the earthquake.
May 18- Cabot graduates, Melissa Hines and Julie MacKinnon, visited classes to inform them of the humanitarian work they have participated in the Dominican Republic.
Site-based Professional Development:
January 4- NSTU Roles and Responsibilities, Bruce Kelloway
January 28- Preventing Knee Injury, Cathy Brett-Gwinn
February 1- Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, Anita Hardy-Williams
March 29- IPP Modules, Anita Hardy-Williams and Fiona Fitzgerald
Highlights of School Advisory Council Meeting:
Our school advisory council met on May 19 at 3:30pm. Our next meeting will be in September. If you would like more information, please contact Barb Costelo.
Other:
April 22- Several teacher assistants traveled to Sydney in the evening to take part in a public session sponsored by The Autism Society of Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Regional Police Service and Cape Breton Ground Search and Rescue. The goal of the risk management session was to address the specific issues when facing an emergency situation involving a person with autism. We thank our teacher assistants for taking the time to participate in this very important session.
Honours Banquet for honors students and family- May 20
Distinction Luncheon for students- June 8
Teacher, Mr. Mike Dunphy, received a NSTU Excellence in Teaching Award on Friday, May 14. Congratulations Mike for all your important contributions to education.
$135.00 AIDS Fundraiser
$ 190.00 raised for Haiti earthquake victims (donated to the Red Cross)
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Monthly Report
October~December 2009
School-Based Activities:On October 19 our 2010 graduates had their grad photos taken. Potential graduates should see the guidance counselor for assistance in post-secondary applications, as well as bursary and scholarship applications. On October 22 we had a wonderful show of school spirit as we celebrated Halloween with a costume dance. The costumes this year were fantastic! Student council is doing a super job keeping us busy this year. Thanks for all of your hard work, and thanks as well to the Art 10 class who are always there to decorate for our special events! We had our Christmas dance on December 3 and in keeping with the Christmas spirit, student council raised over $400 with a pie auction on December 1 for Christmas Daddies. Thanks go out to all of the staff and students who so willingly took a pie in the face for charity. Special thanks go out to Cst. Shawn Cornelisse. Shawn’s pie definitely raised the most money and he was a great sport to get involved!
Active Healthy Living Activities/ Sports Events:We are very pleased with the support we are receiving from outside agencies with a healthy living focus. Bonnie Nicholson from Transition House visited the school on October 13 and November 3 to speak to junior high students about healthy relationships, Internet use (cyber-violence), and alternatives to anger in resolving problems. Bonnie also met with high school classes on December 9. Nicole Aboud-Ellis, Addiction Services Educator and Counsellor, continues to visit the school to offer services and do class presentations regarding substance abuse and other addictions. She is also working on starting a drug awareness committee with students and starting a smoking cessation program. On October 16, RCMP Cst. Shawn Cornelisse did presentations to junior high classes on the drugs and substance abuse. Our Youth Health Centre with nurse Jenna MacDonald-Whitty is open on a regular basis (2 days per week). Jenna is working on setting up a Youth Health Committee for students so that they can have a voice in the services they require. Youth response to this has been very encouraging. We are very excited to announce that we have applied for, and received a Health Promoting Schools Grant from the CBVRSB. This $2500 grant will allow for student field trips that will focus on fitness and curriculum connections across a variety of subject areas with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We had our outdoor basketball court paved on November 25. Through partnerships with the Victoria County Community Health Board and the CBVRSB we hope to have nets and fencing in place for the spring. As well, funding received from the Victoria County Community Health Board will assist in continued improvements to our fitness room with the purchase of a treadmill. Sports Highlights:We were very proud to have 11 students from grades 7-12 participate in the NSSAF Cross Country Running Provincials in Antigonish on October 26. They ran in all kinds of weather to train for this event and showed real determination and grit! Great job! Senior Girls Volleyball season has concluded as well as the Junior Girls Volleyball. The Junior Girls had an exceptional season with the ultimate prize being winning the NSSAF league banner on December 5. The Senior Girls Basketball Team hosted the Danny MacKinnon Memorial Tournament on November 21. Danny was a great friend to many, and a huge supporter of basketball in our communities. The senior girls also won their league tip-off tournament at Memorial High School. We have applied for and been selected as the host school for the Division 4 Provincial Championships for Girls Basketball in March 2010. The senior boys team is blazing trails to play games throughout the province and off to a great start to their season. On December 5, the Junior High Boys Basketball team proudly hosted and won their league tip-off tournament. The Junior High Girls Basketball team also won their league tip-off tournament at Bridgeport School in Glace Bay. CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE and keep up the great work!
Educational Field Trips:On October 5, the Options and Opportunities (O2) class visited the North Highlands Community Museum in Cape North for career exploration in tourism as well as culture and heritage. On October 20, the class toured the Cape Breton Highlands National Park facilities to examine the vast variety of jobs within the Park. On October 27, the O2 class and the Physics 12 class traveled to Wreck Cove to see the hydro facility. It was a real eye-opener as to the magnitude of this project which is located so close to our school. On November 2, the O2 class visited NSCC Marconi Campus to explore post-secondary educational opportunities. On October 6, the grade 12’s went to CBU to participate in an event hosted by universities in Atlantic Canada. Students were able to visit different representatives to discuss university requirements and offerings. On October 8, the Geology 12 class went to Sydney Mines to the Cape Breton Fossil Centre and had a wonderful visit with geologist Dr. Stuart Critchley. Europe Tour 2010, with their group leader Leo Donovan, continue to fundraise and prepare for their tour during March Break 2010. Beth Barretto and Jeffrey Grover participated in the CBVRSB Math League competitions at CBU.
Concerts/ Festivals/ Visiting Drama Productions:On October 14, several high school students volunteered for the Celtic Colours Music Festival at a performance in Ingonish. On November 9, we held a Remembrance Day service for our veterans, peace keepers and Legion members. All junior high students attended.
Guest Speakers/ Presenters:On October 1, Clarence Barrett from Parks Canada gave a presentation to the Geology 12 class on Geology of Cape Breton with a focus on the northern areas of the island. He gave a great explanation of our changing world, with reference to the shifting plates and showed how Cape Breton came to be made up of many different minerals that originated from all parts of the globe. Selma MacKinnon worked with our junior high students doing sessions on the traditional handcraft of knitting. She was sponsored by the North Highlands Community Museum. On October 5, CBVRSB Student Support Worker Dionne Romard visited our school to offer support to African Nova Scotian students. On October 9, Lisa Frizzel from the Department of Labour visited some of grade 12’s to explain the apprenticeship program in skilled trades as a post-secondary option. Ms. Frizzel returned on November 13 to do a provincial survey with our high school students on how well they are being informed on educational and career opportunities in the trades. Local artist Chris Gorey has been in to work with our Art 10 class as part of the provincial ARTS program (Artists in Schools). We are looking forward to Chris’ expertise and enthusiasm in January as he will continue with the sessions in the new year.
Site-based Professional Development:Teachers have been working on literacy strategies with CBVRSB Literacy Consultant, Lyn McInnis. For the October 23 Conference Day, teachers attended professional development sessions throughout the province in their respective subject areas. Teacher Assistants participated in a wellness session. Teachers who worked at the school worked on our school accreditation project as well as literacy and website development. On November 20 we hosted a professional development session for all teachers and teacher assistants north of Smokey. The session was facilitated by Child and Adolescent Services workers Dr. Julie MacDonald and Allan Saunders. The session focused on services offered by Child and Adolescent Services as well as signs that educators should be watching for in youth that may determine they need assistance.
Highlights of School Advisory Council Meeting: School Advisory Council met on November 4 and prepared for our school accreditation (school improvement) review in December. All schools in Nova Scotia are involved in this project that spans 5 years. Our school was recently accredited for having shown school improvement. Our school review took place on December 8 and we received accreditation status and are the first school in the CBVRSB to be awarded this status, and the 11th school in the province. Our targeted areas of improvement were student discipline, literacy, and school communication. Special recognition goes out to teachers Fiona Fitzgerald and Donnie Simms who have worked very hard leading staff on this project and compiling data and results. Also, a special thanks to library technician Kim Rambeau for keeping our school website updated with current information.
Other:| We finally have a yearbook advisor! Katie McNaughton met with the yearbook company to lay the ground work for this year’s year book. Teacher Joey Rhodes has volunteered his services as a photographer. Katie was also a great help with our Community Calendar fundraiser which will go to support student awards. The calendar this year will have a beautiful picture of our 2010 graduates and should arrive in February. Report cards were issued on November 18 and parent-teacher sessions were held on November 19 and 20. On November 21 the Autism Society North of Smokey met at Cabot with Michelle Gardiner, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Cape Breton and a parent guest speaker. After-school guitar is now taking place on Mondays for advanced players and Wednesdays for beginners. The instructor is Michael Gorey. There is no charge to students as this project is being funded through a Wellness Grant through the Victoria County Community Health Board. Students are showing great enthusiasm for this new opportunity!
September 2009 Monthly Report
School-Based Activities:On September 10th, students and staff wore pink in support of “Stand Up Against Bullying Day”.
On September 11th, we hosted the Lieutenant Governor’s Education Medal Ceremony. Her Honour, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, presented medals to the 2009 recipients from each high school in our district. Congratulations are extended to all the recipients and Jeffrey Grover and Beth Barretto, who represented Cabot and are now in their grade 12 year.
Active Healthy Living Activities/ Sports Events:On Friday, September 25th, the grade 7 students celebrated the Terry Fox National School Day by doing a hike in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. From 1-2pm, all students and staff remaining at the school participated in a walk around the track of our sports field. The grade 7’s raised $165.00 toward The Terry Fox Foundation, and the remainder of the school raised $347.25. A grand total of $512.25 will be donated to this very worthwhile cause.
On a very windy September 23rd , the Cabot Senior High Golf Team (Jeremy MacDougall, Brendan Barron, Taylor Hardy-Scott, and Jamie Powers) placed a respectable 5th out of 10 teams. The tournament was held at LePortage Golf Club in Cheticamp. On September 29th , the Cabot Junior High Golf Team (Luke Hardy, Liam Costelo, Zachery Hardy) also placed a respectable 7th out of 14 teams at their tournament at the Lingan Golf Course in Sydney.
Our running team has been on the move competing regularly and gearing up for the regional championships in October in Westmount. Girls soccer and volleyball are also well into their seasons.
Some students and staff participated in the annual Fiddler’s Run in Sydney. Elijah Thornton came in 3rd in his age group in the 5km, and 4th overall. Teacher Daniel Murray (running coach) came in 2nd overall for the half marathon (21 km). Kilya MacNeil (grade 8) and former Cabot student Garry MacDonald both ran on a relay team that took first place for the ½ marathon relay. Each runner on the relay team ran 5km.
Educational Field Trips:Also, as part of the grade 7 hike in the Park for Terry Fox National School Day, they participated in the River Ramble program. This program allows students to see science in practice in the field as they uncover the mysteries of the fascinating underwater world and how Parks Canada monitors the health of this important ecosystem. Both events took place at the Clyburn Brook in Ingonish.
Concerts/ Festivals/ Visiting Drama Productions:
Guest Speakers/ Presenters:On September 29, Rebecca Duggan and Lee Anne Reeves from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada visited the Archaeology 11 class to talk about digs that have been done at the site. They spoke to students about the “Mystery Grave”.
Nicole Aboud-Ellis, Addiction Services Educator and Counsellor, will be visiting the school on a weekly basis to offer services and do class presentations regarding substance abuse and other addictions.
Health nurse Jenna MacDonald-Whitty has done presentations for students on H1N1 prevention and Youth Health Centre services.
Site-based Professional Development:Staff have been working in PLC’s to explore assessment practices in common curriculum areas.
On September 4th, CBVRSB Math Consultant Arlene Andrecyk met with all math teachers.
On our first “Learning Monday” on September 14th, Marie Stradeski and Jean-Francis Lane met with staff to discuss the many educational programs and services offered by the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
On September 24th Junior High Math Mentor Theresa Devoe met with junior high math staff to inform them about mentoring programs and services.
Mary Beth LeBlanc, Cape Breton District Health Authority, met with staff on September 28th to inform staff about H1N1 prevention.
Special Awards (Students/ Staff/ School):
On September 23rd we hosted an appreciation breakfast for our bus drivers.On September 28th the school hosted a staff appreciation breakfast for all staff prior to our professional development sessions.
Highlights of School Advisory Council Meeting:
Cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Other:
At the end of the month, we opened our Youth Health Centre. The YHC will be open two days a week, and is stafeed with a nurse and receptionist. A doctor will have monthly visits as needed. The schedule is posted outside the YHC as well as on our monthly calendars and website www.cbv.ns.ca/cabot
There are approximately 41 youth health centres across Nova Scotia. These centres provide health education, health promotion, illness prevention, referrals to othre health care providers, follow-up and support, as well as some clinical services. The majority are located in schools so that youth will have easier access to health care in a non-judgemental environment, and receive health services in a confidential manner. We invite you to learn more about YHC's by looking at the provincial website:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/healthy_development/youth-yhc.asp
Contact Information:
Jenna MacDonald-Whitty, RN
(902)336-2712
Parent Newsletter-September 2009
Welcome back to school! Students have received a school handbook. Students and parents are advised to read the handbook so that they will have a better understanding of school operations, rules and policies. Also, the school website is updated regularly to keep you informed about school notices, events and homework. www.cbv.ns.ca/cabot Students should listen carefully to morning announcement for information on sports, extra-curricular activities, etc.
Safety and security remain a focus for all schools. Visitors to the school must go directly to the office to obtain a visitor’s pass and sign in. Attendance is very important for learning. Please call us if your child will be absent before 9am.
Please read the allergy information. We have people with life-threatening allergies in our school and we must all work together to ensure a safe learning and working environment for all.
Please read the information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu. We will keep you updated on these issues as the school year progresses.
Here are some reminders to help you start the year successfully:
- Follow the school dress code- it is in your school handbook
- Students are not allowed to leave school property without permission
- No smoking on school property
- Students should not travel in other students’ vehicles
- Do not wear caps in classrooms
- Computers are for education use only, no Facebook, MSN, etc.
- All students are being assigned new passwords and ednet e-mail accounts
- Cafeteria will only sell food during student recesses and lunch hours
- No food in classrooms (water only)
- If you are late for school or returning from an appointment, sign in at the office
- If you have parental permission to leave during the day, and your parents have contacted the school (telephone or note), sign out at the office
- Pay your student fee of $20 ($10) for additional family members (this must be paid before the first school dance)
- Sports fee is $20 for the first sport and $5 for any sport thereafter
- Check the school website for homework and notices at www.cbv.ns.ca/cabot
- School pictures will be on October 13 and retakes approximately 2 weeks after that date
- An updated cafeteria menu and price list will be sent home with the September calendar next week (monthly calendars are sent home with students each month)
Have a great school year. If you have any questions, just call me at 336-2266.
Barbara Costelo
Principal
