Principal's Newsletter April 2018

UNIVERSITY WEEK
Maggie Ren & Isaac Stephens
Are there any special events that
you enjoyed outside of classes?
What activities were available?
Do you feel that University Week
has helped prepare you for
post-secondary school?
What did you enjoy about
University Week in November?
M: We got to have a lot of free
time during University Week so
that we could learn to manage our
time efficiently. Also, there were
many fun activities that happened
on Campus. It was awesome!
I: My favourite part of the previous
University Week was the freedom
entrusted to us students. I feel as
though it is very beneficial because
it allows students to develop a productive
balance between school,
work, and entertainment, so that
by the time we are in university we
will know how to lead a productive
and organized student lifestyle.
“University Week has
definitely prepared me
for my post-secondary
schooling next year.”
What are some of the differences
between University Week and a
regular secondary school week?
M: The biggest difference is that
there is more freedom during University
Week; freedom to manage
my time, freedom to do whatever I
wanted to do. This also means that
time management and planning are
critical to success. Procrastination can
lead to serious difficulties because no
one is checking up on you.
I: During a regular week of school
students attend classes from
8:25am until 3:25pm with a lunch
break during the day and mandatory
study hall in the evenings.
However, during University Week
the classes will be in the form of
lectures or big projects, often
being located in the chapel or a
local university’s lecture hall. Select
classes also run during the
evening, giving students the real
university experience.
M: I really enjoyed the late night
café in November’s University
Week. It‘s good to have a place
where you can study without
going hungry. They had a lot of
sports games, a late night café,
and group study time.
I: Most students become involved
in study groups with
friends and classmates. These are
very productive and often take
place in our recreation building,
which has special events that are
study-oriented during University
Week. Some of these events
were a study-focused coffee house,
a late night meal for students
studying late, and a fun athletic
activity to give our brains a short
break. These activities were very
helpful for our academic success
during University Week.
M: Yes, because university is going
to be totally different and the
transition from high school to university
is a big and important one.
It’s good that NCC can provide us
the opportunity to experience a
little bit about university life so
that we can be mentally prepared
for next year.
I: University Week has definitely
prepared me for my post-secondary
schooling next year. The freedom
and responsibility entrusted to
me shows me both the positive
and negative consequences
for my academic efforts. Hard
work is essential for success in life.
I have learned this in many ways
throughout my six years attending
NCC; however University Week
was one of the events that impacted
me the most in this way.
Maggie is a grade 12 student
from Shenzhen City, China.
She enjoys working out, running,
reading, and spending time with
friends. Maggie has been at NCC
since grade 9 and is planning on
studying Psychology and Linguistics
at Queen’s University, followed by
Law School.
Isaac is a grade 12 student from
Fenwick, Ontario. He is involved in
many athletics such as hockey and
golf. Isaac has been at NCC since
Grade 7 and is planning on studying
Business Sales and Marketing at Niagara
College after his time here at
Niagara Christian Collegiate.