October 2012.pub - George Elliot Secondary

Principal: Mr. Derek Lea
Vice-Principals: Mr. Duane Thachyk • Mr. Kevin Auclair
Principal Message
At the beginning of the school year, we hold assemblies for each grade to discuss our school culture and expectations. At that time, I
always share “Mr. Lea’s Number One Key to Success In School…” It’s pretty simple – GET INVOLVED. Research and experience shows
that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities and school culture events, feel more connected to their schools. Students
with a strong connection to their schools perform better academically and have fewer discipline issues. Getting involved also applies to
students studies as well. Students who engage in class and make time to study and complete homework indicate a higher level of
enjoyment in their classes and thus improve their results as well.
I believe this key to success is something that we as parents can embrace as well. Our involvement in our child’s education not only helps
to ensure success, but it leads by example. It demonstrates to kids that being involved is a healthy way to stay connected, and to have
influence over things that are important to us. Parental involvement includes communicating with your child’s teacher, asking them about
their day, helping with their homework, and even the taxiing we do to get them to and from events.
One significant way you can get involved is to volunteer at our school. Our Parent Advisory Council is a dedicated group of parents working
to improve George Elliot through their events and their voice. Each year the PAC looks for more parents to step up and help out – either
as an ongoing member of the PAC or as a volunteer for specific activities – the Gr 8 parent night, our apple program, the Healthy Living
Retreat, etc. If you are interested in helping, please contact our PAC through the website, or attend our next meeting on October 15th at
6:30 in our Library – the coffee will be on!
Derek Lea, Principal
EARLY DISMISSAL DAY/CONFERENCES
Thursday, October 11, 2012 is Parent/Teacher Conference
Evening. Students will be dismissed at 1:30 on that
day. School busses will adjust their route schedules
accordingly.
These early dismissals provide an opportunity for parents
and teachers to make contact, exchange information, and
address any questions or concerns about a student’s
progress. Teachers will be available in the gymnasium in an
open house format from 5:00pm through 8:00pm that
evening.
Please remember, if you have questions or concerns at any
time during the year you can contact your child’s teachers by
calling the school or emailing teachers via our staff directory
at http://www.ges.sd23.bc.ca/Contact/StaffDirectory/Pages/
default.aspx or by visiting our website and selecting the
Contact tab. (www.ges.sd23.bc.ca)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
5:00-8:00 pm
Thursday, October 11, 2012
GESS Gymnasium
PAC MEETING—Oct 15, 2012
The GESS PAC is looking for new members and
volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved
in your child’s school, please contact the PAC through
the Parent section on our website or join us at the
meeting: October 15th, 6:30 pm in the library.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Oct. 1-4 .............................................................. Interim Week
Oct. 5 .................................. Implementation Day—No classes
Oct. 8 ............................................. Thanksgiving Day Holiday
Oct. 9 .................. Gr. 12 Post Secondary Prep 10:30 or 12:35
Oct. 10 ............................................... UBC Visit—12-1:00 pm
Oct. 11 .......................................... Early Dismissal 1:30 pm—
................................. Parent/Teacher Conferences 5-8:00 pm
Oct. 15 ................................................. PAC Meeting 6:30 pm
Oct. 16 ............................................................. Photo Retakes
Oct. 19 .............................................. Pro-D Day—No Classes
Oct. 23 ............................................. MADD Presentation 2:00
Oct. 24 ............................. Gr. 9 –Take your Kids to Work Day
Oct. 25 ................. School District Facilities Plan Mtg. 6:30 pm
Nov. 1 .................................................... Cultural Performance
Nov. 12 ....................................... Remembrance Day Holiday
10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd. Lake Country, B.C. V4V 1Y7
Phone: 250-766-2734 ~ Fax: 250-870-5002 ~ Web: www.ges.sd23.bc.ca
OCTOBER 2012

GES COYOTE NEWS
REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE….
School Fees:
Students received fee statements during the first week of school. School fees are now due. With the
exception of the optional Yearbook fee (due by Nov. 30/12) and Graduation deposit fee (due by Nov.
30/12). If you would like to set up a payment plan or require any further information, please contact Mrs.
Jepson in the office. Pay your fees on-line using Visa/Mastercard/debit at www.ges.sd23.bc.ca or pay by
cash/cheque in the office. Thank you in advance for paying your student fees.
Textbooks/Library books:
Students are responsible for all of the textbooks and library books that they use. The books are signed
out in their name through the library computer system. If any of their books are lost or missing, students
will be billed for the replacement costs of these books.
Student Verification Sheets:
Thank you for returning your student’s verification form to the office. Please remember to keep
the office informed of any changes in address, phone numbers and contact information. It is
important to have correct current information on file, especially for emergency situations.
SCHOOL DISTRICT LONG TERM FACILITY PLAN
School District No. 23 is in the process of updating the District’s Long-term Facility Plan. The Plan will be driven by
educational program requirements, community and enrolment demographics, school operating capacities, as well as
the current condition of facilities. Public Meeting date for Lake Country: Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 6:30
pm in the community Gym. For more information visit the School District Website: www.sd23.bc.ca.
JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST
KEEP INFORMED…JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST
Visit our website at www.ges.sd23.bc.ca and
join our e-mail list. You will receive our monthly
newsletter and other important information
directly in your mailbox! You may unsubscribe
for this service at any time.
TERRY FOX RUN
Once again, the Terry Fox Run held on September
26 was very successful. We have raised approx.
$900.00 in donations. A BBQ fundraiser was held
after the run. Thank you to everyone for supporting
the Terry Fox Foundation. Special appreciation to
Mr. Frechette, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Wardmon and Ms.
Brown for organizing this school wide event.
STRONGSTART
StrongStart Early Learning Centre is a free drop-in preschool
program for children aged 3 to 4 who are accompanied by
their parents, grandparents or in home care providers.
(Younger siblings are welcome). The program emphasis will
be developmentally appropriate for this age group. Centre
hours are Monday to Friday, 8:15 –11:15 am.
Changes effective January 2012
Children under the age of 3 are welcome to attend GESS
StrongStart on Mondays, even if they have no older sibling
attending that day. Also, child care providers with no
more than 3 children in total may attend
GESS StrongStart on Mondays.
When you join us you may:
• Have some creative fun with your child
• Connect with other parents
• Access parenting information and support
• Find out more about resources in your community
Each program is led by a Licensed Early Childhood Educator.
We are pleased to have Helga Helgason as our GES Facilitator.
Teacher Helga is waiting for you to visit!!
2012—2013 School Goal
To ensure that all students graduate with a Dogwood or Evergreen certificate by focusing on
improving student achievement in Literacy, Numeracy and Lifelong Healthy Lifestyles.

GES COYOTE NEWS
CAREER PROGRAM NEWS
Watch for information on the upcoming events:
October 10 - UBC visits GESS at noon in the library
October 25 - Post-Secondary Institution Representatives visit GESS (morning)
October 1 to November 30 - University of Victoria - self report grade 11 marks to receive a conditional offer of admission for September
2013
November 1 - Deadline for OC Dual Credit Programs (Mr Meraw)
Signed up for Work Experience? Don't forget to pick up your Training Plan at the Career Centre and return it, completed, as soon as possible.
If you are in grade 10 or 11 and you think you might be interested in one of the Dual Credit programs, come to the Career Centre for information
and to sign up for a Job Shadow.
Grade 9 "Take Our Kids to Work Day" takes place this year on Wednesday, November 7.
Keep your eyes on the Communicator and drop by the Career Centre. We have lots of exciting opportunities for Job Shadows, Conferences,
and Project Placements.
Planning students - Don't forget to sign up for your Job Shadows asap.
Follow us on Twitter,,,, gesscareers
Crystal Drachenberg, Career Programs
ATHLETIC NEWS
Fall sports are underway. We currently have gr. 9 boys & girls volleyball, gr. 10 boys & girls volleyball, and sr.
boys & girls volleyball taking part in league and tournament action. The gr. 8 rugby team will be seeing their first
action at the beginning of October. Visit the ‘Athletics’ page of the GESS website to stay on top of athletics at
GESS.
Congratulations to the Senior Girls Volleyball team for their consolation
victory at the Princess Margaret Tournament on Sep. 21/22.
(back row L - R) Coach Ariel Townsend, Coach Johanna Friesen, Katri
Rinta-Harri, Stephanie Townsend, Jessica Benson, Sam Steele, Jenna
Rever, Rona Cummings, Sierra Sanchez-Dickie, Rachel Bergen, Coach
Kristina Stefanek (front row L - R) Kaesha Lazar, Shanay Howe, Leah
Townsend.
Next tournament is at GESS & UBCO Oct. 5/6.
MATH DEPARTMENT NEWS
Congratulations to the following winners of the Math Problem of the Week:
Junior Problem Solvers: Alex Mcallister—Sept. 10; Tom Head—Sept. 17
Senior Problem Solvers: Alex Klicper—Sept 17
SAFETY MESSAGE
Parents—please remind your children to follow the safety rules when walking or riding their bikes on the local roads.
Remember to ride your bike on the right side of the road, and walk towards the traffic, or use sidewalks when available.
By following these rules, we can help ensure that our students are travelling safely.
2012—2013 School Goal
To ensure that all students graduate with a Dogwood or Evergreen certificate by focusing on
improving student achievement in Literacy, Numeracy and Lifelong Healthy Lifestyles.

GEORGE ELLIOT SCHOOL CALENDAR
2012 - 2013
GES COYOTE NEWS
Revised - September 2012
DESIGNATION PURPOSE 2012-2013 TIME
Days in Session
193
(3 summer Pro-Days –Aug 28,29, Aug.30)
Number of Days of Instruction 186
Number of Non-Instructional Days Teacher Pro-D 3
Schools Open Tuesday, September 4 Dismissal 11:52 am
Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 8
Remembrance Day Monday, November 12
Schools Close for Winter Vacation Friday, December 21
Winter Vacation Period December 24-January 4
Schools Reopen after Winter Vacation Monday, January 7
Family Day Monday, February 11
Schools Close for Spring Vacation Friday, March 8
Spring Vacation Period March 11 – March 22
Schools Reopen after Spring Vacation Monday, March 25
Good Friday Friday, March 29
Easter Monday Monday, April 1
Victoria Day Monday, May 20
Last day for students Thursday, June 27
Administrative Day Friday, June 28
Schools Close Friday, June 28
NON-INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS
District Wide
Implementation Day Friday, October 5 No Classes
Pro-D Day Friday, October 19 No Classes
Pro-D Day Friday, February 15 No Classes
Early Dismissals Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, October 11 1:30 p.m. dismissal
Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, March 7 1:30 p.m. dismissal
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
Opening
9:00 a.m.
Break 10:20 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:52 a.m. 12:35 p.m.
Break 1:50 p.m. 1:58 p.m.
Closing
3:15 p.m.