MILES MACDONELL COLLEGIATE February 2011 - Retsd.mb.ca

MILES MACDONELL COLLEGIATE757 Roch St, Winnipeg, MB R2K 2R1Ph: 667-1103Principal: V. LaurieVice-Principals: D. Finlay, K. Jacobwww.mmc.retsd.mb.caFebruary 2011Greetings from AdministrationToday, your son/daughter will have received the Semester 1 Report Card. We congratulate those students who haveworked hard during this past semester and we encourage all of our students to continue to put forth a diligent effort inorder to reach their goals.I would like to welcome the following professional staff who will be joining us at Miles Macdonell Collegiate for thesecond semester:Mr. Robert Gregoire – to assume the responsibilities of Mme Sharla Cockriell who is on Maternity Leave.Mrs. Karen Macdonald – to assume the responsibilities of English 40S for Ms Carole Steele who is on leave.Mr. Oliver Pagsuyuin – to assume the responsibilities of Mr. Martin Riley who is on leave to March 2011.Ms Megan Young – to assume the teaching responsibilities for Ms Carrie Gillis who is on Maternity Leave.At the beginning of the second semester, we welcomed grade 9 students from John Henderson, John Pritchard, Munroe,Chief Peguis, and Robert Andrews Junior High Schools to Miles Macdonell Collegiate for an orientation to their HighSchool of Choice. We have hosted a grade 9 Parent Meeting for the International Baccalaureate Program on Tuesdayevening of February 15 th and will host on the evening of Wednesday, February 16 th , a grade 9 parent orientation for theRegular, French Immersion, and Vocational Programs. The in division applications are to be forwarded to Miles MacdonellCollegiate by March 14, 2011.We will begin our registration process for our MMC grades 10 and 11 students on Tuesday, February 22 nd . Your childrenwill have received a letter referencing the registration process with their semester 1 report card. The one change in thisprocess for March 2011 is that we will have one day set aside for our Teacher Advisors to meet their students and parentsto personally discuss the registration course selection for the 2011-2012 school year. This will occur on Thursday,March 10 th . There will be no scheduled classes on this day and we hope that the majority of our parents will be able tomeet with us in fifteen minutes sessions, to register their children.For our students in grade 12, the meetings will be focused on graduation, convocation and post secondary opportunities.We hope to have representatives from the Universities of Manitoba, Winnipeg, and the College Universitaire de St.Boniface, along with a representative from Red River College and the Apprenticeship Board of Manitoba present to provideinformation to our grade 12 students and parents. Requests for the March 10 th interviews will be provided to ourgrade 12 students with the semester 1 Report Card, February 16 th , 2011.Our grade 12 students will have the opportunity to tour 3 post secondary institutions, Red River College – Tuesday, February22 nd , University of Winnipeg – Wednesday, February 23 rd , and the University of Manitoba – Thursday, February24 th , as they decide upon their post grade 12 careers.As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your son/daughter’s Teacher Advisor, thevice principals, Mr. Finlay, Mr. Jacob, or myself.-V. LaurieMiles Macdonell Collegiate 1 February 2011

Seniors Christmas DinnerThis past December 2010, the Miles Macdonell Collegiate Student Council under the leadership of two studentmembers, Anna S and Alanna S, hosted our Annual Seniors Christmas Dinner for approximately 150seniors from the community.The seniors were identified through the North East Regional Health Authority by their staff member EleanorStelmack.Both MMC students and staff prepared a full course turkey dinner which was followed by an evening of entertainmentprovided by our music students. Over 80 students participated in the holiday event. Our communitysponsor, Canada Safeway, donated all the food for the event.Have fun, learn withEdVenturesRiver East Transcona’s EdVentures is onceagain offering a great line-up of continuing educationcourses for everyone from preschoolers toseniors. Some great spring favourites are back,such as Golf for Beginners, Making MapleSyrup “For Fun or Profit,” as well as some excitingnew East Indian cooking classes and an introductionto Adobe Photoshop CS4. And parents– be sure to check out our Summer Campfor Kids programs too!Online registration gets underway Feb. 25 atwww.retsd-conted.com. Then, starting March 3,the brochure will be available at your local grocerystores, libraries and ACCESS centres. Registrationby phone and in-person at the McLeodEducation Centre, 530 McLeod Ave., beginsFeb. 28. Call now at 667-6193 or visit us onlinefor more information.Buckeyes BoysHockey ReportAfter five months of competitionthe teams in the WHSHLare flipping their calendars toFebruary – the harbinger ofthe playoff season. This is thetime of year when the games become the most intense andevery success and failure is magnified. It is the culminationof all of the hard work put in at practice and in games.The Buckeyes are entering this stage of the season in fairlygood shape with a record of 15-4-1 with two games remaining.Currently Matt L leads the league in scoring but a keyto the success of the team has been the ability of all threelines in making important contributions. The defence hasalso been solid and has become one of the better groups inthe league.The Buckeyes are entrenched among the top 4 teams in the12 team Winnipeg Free Press Division. This will earn thesquad a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs before they takeon an opponent in a best of 3 series slated to run sometimeduring the week of Feb. 21-Feb. 25. Team members arealways encouraged by the presence of fans from the schooland community. This will be especially important duringthe playoffs and it would be great to see some support duringthe championship run! Game times and locations willbe given during the daily announcements.Miles Macdonell Collegiate 2 February 2011

CITY OF LIGHTS2010 Grad Fashion Show – March 16 –7:30pm – Gym BThe Grad Fashion Show Committee is hard at work planning afantastic show for the entire school community. Mark your calendars– March 16. We have close to 50 student models and clothesfrom more than 10 top Winnipeg retailers. Our show will have two parts: casual spring fashionsand the latest formal dresses, tuxedos, and suits. Tickets will go on sale in early March and will cost$8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door.A fantastic silent auction is also in the planning stages with our models and committee members activelysoliciting donations from local businesses, family, and friends. All funds raised from admissionand the silent auction will go to reduce grad ticket prices for our students.For a fabulous evening of entertainment, join us on March16 in Gym B.REMINDER:NO CLASSESThere will be noscheduled classes onthe following days:-Monday, February 21Louis Riel Day-Friday, March 4ProfessionalDevelopment Day-Thursday, March 10Registration DayMiles Macdonell Collegiate 3 February 2011

RETSD in collaboration with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba offers support, education, and schoolbasedworkers to serve the school community.I. Parents’ Information & Awareness EveningThursday, February 17, 2011 @ 7-9pmKildonan-East Collegiate, 845 Concordia Ave.Topics include: student drug survey, why some youth choose drugs, protecting your kids, andcommunity resources you can use.Please contact Shannon at 223-9952 or Steve at 223-8829 for more info and to registerII. Parent Intervention ProgramWHEN: Tuesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 10 - 2011WHERE: Student Services Unit – 760 Kildare Ave E (corner of Kildare and Redonda)TIME:6:30pm – 9pmThis program is designed for parents and caregivers who are concerned about their child’s use of alcohol,other drugs and gambling. This two evening program will provide parents and caregivers with an overviewof programs Addictions Foundation of Manitoba offers, the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use, suggestionsfor enhancing communication related to alcohol and drug use, the effects on family, and an introductionto community programs.For more information and to register please contact Shannon Cheater at 223-9952 or Steve Doucet Campbellat 223-8829Official Launch of PULSEMiles Mac “Lit Mag”April 21, 2011 8 p.m.McNally Robinson Grant ParkCome and celebrate the 4th Annual launch of this nationallyrecognizedpublication.This year’s edition features 95 pages of poetry, fiction, commentary,art, photography and comics from over 40 authors and artists.Join us for an evening of readings featuring the accomplishments of some of Miles Mac’s topcreative talent.For more information contact Ms. Laura McMaster at lmcmaster@retsd.mb.caPARENT ADVISORY COUNCILOur next Parent Advisory Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the RETSDBoard Office, 589 Roch Street.Our guest presenter will be Ms Wanda McConnell, Director of Communications for the RETSD and she willspeak to the topic of Social Networking and our students.Join us!Miles Macdonell Collegiate 4 February 2011

Registration for 2011-2012With first semester just past, it’s hard to believe that we’re gearing up for thenext school year!It’s true: registration and course selection takes place in March, and all studentsshould have their choices finalized before spring break. It can be a bigdecision! The 2011-2012 Information Handbook, which includes details aboutprograms, course descriptions, graduation requirements, etc. is now availablein the ―Documents‖ section of the MMC website. Visit schools.retsd.mb.ca/miles for more information.This year at MMC we are having a Registration Day, when students and familiescan meet with the Teacher Advisor to select courses and finalize decisions.Registration Day will be held on March 10. There will be no scheduledclasses on this day.Mark your calendars and agenda books with the following key dates:February 22 nd - TA Meeting #1 (11:45am – 12:01pm)Students will receive the course selection sheet and information handbook. Interviewrequest forms for Registration Day will be issued.February 24 thTA Meeting #2 (10:25am – 11:25am)Interview request forms will be collected. TAs and students will review the course selectionsheet and information handbook.March 2 nd - TA Meeting #3 (10:45am – 10:55am)Appointments for Registration Day will be confirmed.March 10 th - TA Meeting #4 **Registration Day**Students and families will meet with the Teacher Advisor at the appointment time.Course selections will be reviewed and students will be registered in courses. Pleasebring student fees of $50 and all forms.March 22 nd - TA Meeting #5 (10:37am – 11:07am)Course verification sheets are returned to the students.Students confirm course selections or make changes as needed.Miles Macdonell Collegiate 5 February 2011

VG Curling TeamHeading to the PlayoffsThe Miles Macdonell Collegiate VarsityGirls curling team finished the regular seasonwith a winning record of 4-3. Playoffsbegin on February 7, 2011 when our fourthplace team competes against the fifth placeteam from River East Collegiate in themodified page playoff system. Playoffstake place at the East St. Paul CurlingClub. Hopefully our team will still be inthe mix, so come out and support the players!Members include:Kristin C.,Melissa S.,Heather D.,Klarissa J. andJamie M.City of Winnipeg Leisure GuideThe City of Winnipeg is proud to provide a wide variety of recreationand leisure opportunities to contribute to the overall wellbeingof our community. The Leisure Guide is published threetimes per year and is filled with fun and exciting programs foreveryone, including paid registered programming as well as freedrop-in programming for children and youth.For more information on Leisure Guide programs, please pick upa copy of the Leisure Guide, call 311 or log on to Winnipeg.ca/leisureonline. Guides are available for pick up at civic pools, librariesand leisure centres, and at a number of retail locationsincluding Safeway, 7-Eleven and Mac’s. Registration for springand summer programs, including summercamps, begins on Monday, March 14, 2011.Watch for the new Spring/Summer LeisureGuide out March 5 th .Learning another language haslifelong benefits!The benefits of learning another language are many and can touch all parts of your child’s life.When you learn another language you exercise your brain. You not only learn how to communicate in another language,you benefit from a whole new set of skills and abilities!Depending on when your child starts to learn another language, and the length and intensity of this experience, yourchild can:become a better listenerdevelop greater self-disciplinelearn to compare and contrast, solve problems and think more creatively.Gaining these skills can lead to improved learning (and higher marks!) in other subjects, such as mathematics, scienceand social studies.Learning another language in school can also open up the educational opportunities your child will have after senior highschool. If your child knows another language, he or she:will have more universities, colleges and technical training institutions and programs to choose from—both in Canadaand in other countrieswill be able to enroll in degree programs and courses that have a second language prerequisitewill have access to a larger pool of information from which to study and learn.Many Canadian post-secondary institutions offer options to study abroad, as well as work experience opportunities thatrequire skills in another language or for which these skills would be an advantage. Students who know or are learninganother language may participate in a variety of exchange programs, summer courses and opportunities to work abroad.Learning another language will help prepare your child for the challenges and opportunities in our changing world!-Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada 2006Miles Macdonell Collegiate 6 February 2011

Miles Mac Students Invited to Attend theState of the Province and State of the City AddressOn Tuesday December 14 th , 2010 four Miles Macdonell Collegiate World Issues students, andtheir teacher Ms. Street, were invited to attend the annual State of the Province Address at the ConventionCentre as part of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce High School Council Program. Thestudents, Eusebio R., Michael V., Riley K., and Samuel S., not only had the opportunity to be a partof this prestigious luncheon where the Premier outlined his vision to 750 government and businessleaders, but they also had the chance to meet Premier Selinger and ask him questions about the futureof the province. Each student prepared questions in advance which ranged from questionsabout the new Blue Bomber stadiumto suggestions to encourage the youthto be more involved in the politicalprocess.As part of the Winnipeg Chamberof Commerce High School CouncilProgram, six Miles Macdonell CollegiateWorld Issues students, EusebioR., Michael V., Samuel S., Rachel B.,Rebecca W. and Daria P., were alsoinvited to take part in Mayor SamKatz’s State of the City Address andluncheon on Friday February 7 th , 2011. In addition to being able to mingle amongst 1200 of the cities’top political and business leaders, the students were also afforded the opportunity to take partin a question and answer session with a handful of other high school students from across the cityand the mayor. After the question and answer session with Mayor Katz where the students grilledhim on everything from when the Jets are coming back to crime and safety, the students took part ina special presentation about the National Museum for Human Rights.This day was especially noteworthy for one of our students, Eusebio R., who was selected bythe Chamber of Commerce to sit at the President’s Table at the Luncheon. He was able to meet numerousbusiness and political leaders in a special VIP lounge prior to the luncheon and was frontand centre for the mayor’s speech.All of the students that participated in these events were extremely grateful to have had theopportunity to take some of the things that they have learned in their World Issues class and applythem to the real world. They were really excited about having the voices of the youth heard by ourpolitical leaders and look forward to participating in upcoming High School Council events that theWinnipeg Chamber of Commerceis planning on puttingon in the spring.Miles Macdonell Collegiate 7 February 2011

February - March - April Key DatesMon, Feb 21 – Louis Riel Day – No Scheduled ClassesTues, Feb 22 – TA Meeting - Distribution of Registration packagesTues, Feb 22 – Red River College – Open House for Grade 12 studentsTues, Feb 22 – Fri, Feb 25 – Grad Photos beginTues, Feb 22– Parent Advisory Council– 7:00 p.m. Board Office Room ETues, Feb 22 – Sat, Feb 26 – Winter Ski TripWed, Feb 23 – U of W – Open House for Grade 12 studentsThurs, Feb 24 – U of M – Open House for Grade 12 studentsThurs, Feb 24 – TA Meeting:Review of Registration ProtocolGrad Tracking revisedGrade 12 Grad AssemblyThurs, Feb 24 – Grade 10 IB – Parent Info EveningFri, Feb 25 – Divisional Peer Tutoring/Student Mentor ConferenceMon, Feb 28 – Grade 11 IB – The Great Escape – U of MWed, March 2 – TA Meeting:Distribution of Registration Day InterviewsGrade 12 Yearbook Grad Quotes & Convocation StatementsFri, March 4 – Professional Development Day – No Classes for studentsWed, March 9 – 3:30 pm - Staff MeetingThurs, March 10 – Registration Day – No scheduled classes – TA MeetingsWed, March 16 – TA Meeting – Distribution of Interim Report CardsWed, March 16 – Grad Fashion showFri, March 18 – TA Meeting – Collection of PST Interview Request formsTues, March 22 – TA Meeting – Course Verification sheets for RegistrationTues, March 22 – Evening Jazz CaféTues, March 22 – Parent Advisory Council Meeting – 7:00 pm – LibraryThurs, March 24 – 5:00 – 9:00 pm - Parent/Student/Teacher ConferencesFri, March 25 – 1:00 – 3:15 pm – Parent/Student/Teacher ConferencesFri, March 25 – Last day of Classes – Spring BreakSat, March 26 – Sun, April 3 – Spring BreakMon, April 4 – First day of classes (Day 2)Tues, April 5 – Thurs, April 7 – Rotary Career SymposiumTues, April 12 – TA MeetingWed, April 13 – 2:30 pm dismissal – Staff MeetingWed, April 13– 6:30 p.m. New York Trip Parent Meeting – LibraryThurs, April 21 – 8:00 pm – 2011 Pulse Launch at McNally’sFri, April 22 – Good Friday – No classes for studentsMon, April 25 – Grade 12 IB CAS Celebration Lunch (& slot 4)Wed, April 27 – TA – Distribution of Mid-Term Report CardsThurs, April 28 – Peer Tutor LuncheonFri, April 29 – Coordinated Day – No Classes for studentsMiles Macdonell Collegiate 8 February 2011