Spartan_times_May_Ju.. - Dartmouth High School

SpartanTimes
ISSUE
07
Dartmouth High School’s Monthly Newsletter
MAY - JU NE
2010
this issue
Graduation P.2
International Night P.3
New SpartanWear Store P.3
DHS Awards Night Winners P.4
Important
Dates
DHS Music Update P.5
ESL Highlights P.6
Mes Chers Amis:
st
June 21
Prom
Holiday Inn Dartmouth
Doors open: 7:15pm
Dinner at: 8:00pm
June 25th
Grad Breakfast
& Rehearsal
9am at DHS
June 28th
Graduation Ceremony
Dartmouth Sportsplex
9am
August 26th
Late Registration
for new and returning
students
September 2nd
First Day of School after
summer vacation
for students
Il est difficile de croire que nous sommes
dans la dernière ligne droite de l’année
scolaire! Que le temps passe vite! The
year has certainly flown by rather quickly,
but it has been a very positive and
productive one. Thanks to the dedication
and contributions of many students, staff,
parents, members and friends of the
school community, Dartmouth High has
experienced successes at many levels.
As a school community, the most
significant success is that of the
development
of
a
Planning
for
Improvement document. Examining and
analyzing data from a variety of sources,
the
staff
worked
collaboratively
throughout the course of the year to
develop a math and a literacy goal along
with specific strategies designed to
achieve them. These goals will be used
to inform our teaching practices over the
next four years in the interest of
improving student achievement. As we
proceed with the implementation of these
goals, we anticipate a new culture of
teacher collaboration, learning and
inquiry.
Staffing challenges this year did not
affect our ability to move forward.
In
fact, it has served as a source of
inspiration to ensure that the learning
needs of our students are being met.
We are pleased to inform you
that Mr. John Regan is now a permanent
Vice-Principal at Dartmouth High. He
has had a very successful year and we
look forward to the wealth of experience
he will continue to bring to the
administrative team. The position of a
second permanent Vice- Principal will be
announced before the end of the school
year.
We formally announce the
retirements of Ms. Pat McDougall and
Mr. Nathan Fudge. I am pleased to have
had the opportunity to work alongside
them over the last two years. The can be
proud of the contributions they have
made and we hope they are taking many
fond memories with them. On behalf of
the students and staff, I wish them all the
best as they begin a new phase in their
lives. Other staff changes include, Ms.
Jen Alexander and Ms. Andrea
MacEachern who are moving on to other
teaching positions. They have impacted
on the school and we wish them all the
best.
I take this opportunity to thank you once
again for your contributions to a
successful year. I look forward to year
three as principal of Dartmouth High and
I wish you all a safe and fun-filled
summer holiday.
Good luck to all
graduates!
~ Mme. Monard
Spartan News, May - June 2010
Fine Arts
Night
On Thursday, June 3rd,
DHS hosted its 10th Fine
Arts night featuring films
and film awards from the
Film and Video Production
12 classes, dance performances from Dance
11, a special student
choreographed piece by
Lauren MacEachern, and
Trebled Youth Jazz Choir.
Mr. Church and Ms. Veno
created an art gallery
showcasing the best work
all year from our Art 10,
11 and 12 classes in a
variety of media.
The Eye to Eye gallery
was also made open to
the public for viewing as
well. It was a great night
of student performance
and product.
Thanks
to everyone involved and
we will see you in January
2011 for our next one!
Last day of School –
June 29
Dartmouth High will be following the
same practice for students for the
last day of regular classes as in
previous years. Final Report Card
will be issued and returning students
may seek out general information for
next year. Dismissal for students will
begin at 10 a.m. with schools
following the normal schedule of bus
runs.
Page 2
Prom Info
June 21st
Holiday Inn
Doors open at 7:15pm
Dinner will be served at 8:00pm
.
Tickets are on sale every day at
12 noon in Room 231.
Signed permission slips must
accompany money.
~Ms. Courtney
Graduation
In a few days, the class of 2010 will walk
across the stage to receive their high
school diploma. We encourage students
to take advantage of the next few days to
complete all assignments and to prepare
for exams. We look forward to this year’s
Prom and in the absence of the Safe
Grad event, we have provided the
students with information on personal
safety (MADD multimedia presentation),
to help them make good decisions as
they celebrate this milestone in their
school career. Grad Breakfast will be
served by volunteer parents and
teachers at DHS on Friday, June 25 at
9:00 a.m. Following that, graduates will
be rehearsing for the ceremony in the
school gym. This is mandatory to ensure
the ceremony goes smoothly on Monday.
It is hard to believe that June has come
around yet again. Soon, we will be
graduating the class of 2010 but not
before a final stretch of hard work.
Exams are just around the corner so
keep studying! We are looking forward
to this year's Prom.
We would also like to express our
sincere gratitude to the students, staff,
parents/guardians and many community
members for their support over the past
few years. For those who will be moving
on to continue your careers and enhance
experiences at new schools, we will
remember your time at DHS fondly. All
the best in 2010-2011!
Spartan News, May - June 2010
Spartan News, April 2009
Page 3
Page 3
International Night an Outstanding Success
To give you an idea of the success of
this 1st annual event, we would like to
share the voluntary feedback from
Diversity Management Consultant of
the HRSB, Michelle Estekantchi, who
was in attendance on May 19, 2010.
With a number of ESL students from
various parts of the world and a
significant
number
of
African
Canadian
students
and
many
students from diverse cultural and
ethnic backgrounds who make up the
student population of Dartmouth High,
we are already making plans to host
the second annual International Night
as we highlight and demonstrate
acceptance and appreciation for
differences.
New Spartan Wear Store
Please be informed that Dartmouth High
has recently formed a partnership with
PMG Printing & Promotions in the
interest of selling Spartan Wear clothes
on-line. This is a local company and
many high schools in the metro area are
already on board.
DHS students demonstrated a high
interest in Spartan Wear clothing
following some giveaways of T-shirts and
sweatpants bearing the “I’m so Spartan”
expression at our recent Awards and
Letters ceremony. This is a fundraising
endeavour that will help to support
programs beyond the classroom. While
this on-line store will serve to meet the
needs our school community, it will help
to heighten school spirit and Spartan
pride. We are working hard to launch our
on-line store which will be launched
before the end of the school year.
Please check our website periodically to
view an assortment of Spartan clothes.
Suggestions are welcome.
“I would like to thank you for the invitation to
International Night at Dartmouth High. The event
was exceptionally well done. The organization of
the event, seamless presentation and wonderful
array of food was notable. However, the
component that made the evening outstanding to
me was the inclusive environment that has been
built by staff and students of Dartmouth High. The
inclusive atmosphere radiated throughout the night
of food and entertainment. To watch students face
light up as their countries and traditions were
displayed in my opinion embodied the boards RCH
in learning policy. To see the pride of the teachers
as they watched student performers was heart
warming and spoke volumes of the dedication of
the staff at Dartmouth High. It was pleasurable
evening and an evening that I will remember.
Again, thank you for the invitation and the
dedication to inclusive and respectful schools”.
~ Michelle Estakantchi, Diversity Management
Consultant, HRSB
Computer
Programming
Competition
On Friday, May 7, Dartmouth High
School took two teams to Saint Mary’s
University High School Programming
Competition. The event was free to all
participants, and offered prizes including
laptops and iPods.
Both teams performed very well despite
an unusually difficult problem set. Our
top team tied the second- and thirdplace winners for number of questions
answered, and narrowly missed out on
receiving either $500 or $1000
scholarships. The DHS Programming
teams consisted of:
Wesley Fisher, Evan Hiltz, Trevor
Kendrick, and Kyle McWilliams.
~ Jen Alexander
Yearbooks
Yearbooks
Yearbooks!
The 2009 - 2010 Yearbook
will be arriving soon!
Graduating students will
be able to pick up their
yearbook
during
the
reception
after
the
Graduation Ceremony at
the Sportsplex on Monday,
June 28th. All other
students can pick up their
yearbook on the last day of
school, Tuesday June 29th
between 8:30 and 10:00.
Haven't
purchased
a
yearbook? You still can!
Yearbooks
are
still
available for purchase
online and will also be
available at the graduation
ceremony and on the last
day of school for the cost
of $50.00. Cheques can be
made out to Dartmouth
High School.
Spartan News, May - June 2010
DHS
Awards Night
And the winners are…
Golf
Boys MVP: Ryan McDonah
Girls MVP: Emily Piggott
Drama Awards
Artistic: Melanie O'Hara
Technical: Jessy Matthews
Improv (Arthene McMerty):
Tyler Craig, Caitlin Doiron, Will
Andrea
Yearbook Members of the
Year:
Katie Capstick-Purdy, Monica
Bowser, Liam Osler
Student Council Member of
the Year:
Ella Vermeir
Outstanding Gr. 12 Musician
Anna Dickey
Outstanding Gr. 11 Musician
Melanie O'Hara
Outstanding Gr. 10 Musician
Evan Forde
Outstanding Jazz Musician
Robert Purcell
Most Points Award:
Brett Glover
Break Dance Award:
Cameron Turnbull
Female Rookie of the Year:
Emily Piggott
Male Rookie of the Year:
Shivase Reddick
Sportswoman of the Year:
Helen Clement
Sportsman of the Year:
Brett Glover
Female Athlete of the Year:
Sophie Langille-Broderick
Male Athlete of the Year:
Adam Moore
Neima Award:
Cam Turnbull
Page 4
Girls Hockey
MVP: Shavonne Dobson
Rookie: Emily Piggott
Coaches: Kirsty Gilmore
Cross Country
Girls MIP: Beth MacNeil
Boys MIP: Graham Tompkins
Girls MVP: Emily Clarke
Boys MVP: Jonah Doucette
Girls Rookie: Natalie Walsh
Boys Rookie: Alex Lingley
Boys Hockey
MVP (Don Koharski Award): Cam Turnbull
Rookie: Billy Hartley
Coaches (Danny Flynn Award): Andrew Ring
Sportsmanship (Margaret Ross Award):
Matt Taylor
Girls Soccer
MVP: Sophie Langille-Broderick
Rookie: Claire Yorston
Coaches: Helen Clement
Cheerleading
MVP: Nicole Jewers, Ashley Davies
Rookie: Justin Trevail
Coaches: Nicole Leggatt
Boys Soccer
MVP: Brett Glover
Rookie: Ben Doucette & RJ Stevenson
Peter Strong Award: Mark Barros
Field Hockey
MVP: Emily Piggott
Rookie: Megan Smith
MIP(Coaches Award): Tara Moriarty
Football
MVP: Donald Tabor & Josh Sears
Rookie: Deshawn States
MIP: Jordan Sampson
Moose Mills Award: Adam Moore
Badminton
MVP: Angela Moores & Sophie Langille-Broderick
Girls Volleyball
MVP: Sophie Langille-Broderick & Kristin Boyd
Rookie: Hannah Stegen
MIP: Michelle McPherson
Coaches Award: Olivia Aubrecht &
Catherine Jones
Boys Volleyball
MVP: Connor Maessen
Rookie: Logan King
MIP: Peter Jennex
Girls Basketball
MVP: Madisen Jennex
Rookie: Jane Miller & Dominique Monard
MIP: Marissa Penney & Kate Costen
Girls Bball “B” Team
MVP: Meredith Patterson
Rookie: Hannah Stegen
MIP: Mallory Mills
Boys Basketball
MVP: Dorelle Parsons
Rookie: Justin Beals
MIP: Shondell Johnson
Girls Rugby
MVP: Shavonne Dobson & Katlyn Hubley
Rookie: Laura MacNeil
MIP: Mashelle Solei
Coaches: Jessica MacNeil & Tanya Koveshnikova
Boys Rugby
MIP: Joel MacKenzie
Rookie: Jacob Moore
MVP: Adam Moore
Track & Field
Girls MVP: Emily Clarke
Girls Rookie: Emily Phelan
Boys MVP: Jonah Doucette
Boys Rookie: Alex Lingley & Andre Peach
Ski Team
MVP Boys: Andrew Ring
MVP Girls: Jillian McDermott
Table Tennis
MVP: Daniel Jacklyn
Girls Softball
MIP: Mallory Davis
MVP: Katie Hillier
Rookie: Emily Piggott
Page 5
Spartan News, May - June 2010
Options and Opportunities (02 Program)
We look forward to building on our O2
program next year. This has been a third
year of 02 growth and development, but
along with its many successes, we
continue to experience some growth
pains, some of which may be attributed
to a lack of stability in staffing. As we
forge ahead next year and with a better
knowledge and vision of the program, we
anticipate even greater successes with
the program. We are making strides in
our collaborative efforts and more team
work is being encouraged to implement
the vision and to maintain the integrity of
the program. June was a busy month
coordinating with the Junior High
Schools and organizing 02 interviews for
next year grade 10 class. Thanks to all
students who completed the applications
and to those who were selected for the
interview process.
The interviews were conducted by Dept.
Head of Student Services, Ms. Trish
McIntosh and Mr. Jeff Wambolt acting
coordinator of the 02 program. It was
reported that the interviews went very
well and that the caliber of these
potential students will help us to continue
to strengthen and to raise the profile of
the program. We still have a few more
spots for incoming grade 10 students
and if there are interested students, we
invite them to contact the school. We
also have a few spots in the grade 11
program and would certainly be
interested in interviewing potential
candidates. This program provides many
opportunities for students to explore
career options whether they are
university bound or if they decide to
pursue a career path through community
college.
DHS Music
May was a busy month for the Music
Students at Dartmouth High School. The
Spring Concert took place on May 5th, with
an open dress rehearsal for the school in
the morning and the evening concert for
parents and friends. The Grade 10 and
11/12 concert bands and Jazz Band played
excellent programs—showing off a wide
variety of styles and lots of great solo
moments.
The Small Ensembles and
Trebled Youth provided even more variety,
and moved quickly and smoothly on and
off stage to keep the pace of the concert
up-beat.
The Boston trip on May 12 to 16 was a
huge success. The itinerary was a busy
one, so it was a jam-packed four days of
travel, musical activities and sight-seeing.
Our students acted as excellent
ambassadors of our school. They played
a wonderful concert in front of Faneuil
Hall on the morning of May 14th, and a
festival concert on Saturday morning,
bringing home a Bronze trophy to
Dartmouth High School. A big thank you
to the many parents who helped with the
fundraising for this trip, and especially to
the steering committee: Gerald Glover,
Christine Carter, Amber Nelson, Cynthia
MacAulay, Stephanie Sealy, Pamela
Hunter, Pam Burton, Lorraine Micallef
and Anne Galbraith.
Our last event of the year will involve
playing for the DHS Graduation
Ceremonies on June 28th. The “Grad
Band”, a mix of 36 Grade 10 and 11
students have had six rehearsals so far,
and are looking forward to marching in
the graduating class in a couple of
weeks.
Become a Host
Family, Help an
International
Student
International Services at the
HRSB is looking for warm
and caring host families for
International
Students
attending
the
Halifax
Regional
School
Board
schools.
Hosting a student is an
exciting
adventure
that
enriches your family’s life
and brings a world of new
ideas and experiences right
to your doorstep. Host
Families are supported by a
Homestay Coordinator and
financial
assistance
is
provided during the student’s
stay ($525.00 tax free per
month).
Host families agree to
provide a private bedroom
and three balanced meals
per day. They invite and
encourage participation in
family events and treat the
international student as one
of their own children. For
more information please
contact
Marilyn
Hurst
at
(mhurst@hrsb.ns.ca)
464-2000 ext 2548 or Dan
Walsh (dwalsh@hrsb.ns.ca)
at 464-2000 ext 2547.
~Martine Adriaensen
Facilitator, International
Services, HRSB
Spartan News, May - June 2010
Page 6
English as a
Second Language
The year is rapidly winding down at DHS and
the ESL students have been busy embracing as
much as possible before returning to their home
countries to tell of their experiences.
The middle of May saw each student prepare a
traditional dish to bring to the first-ever
International Festival at DHS. Not only did they
prepare food, they also provided PowerPoint
presentations, complete with authentic music
and pictures from their homes. ESL students
received a crash course in, “Our eyes are bigger
than our bellies.” The students, with homecountry names and colourful national flags fixed
to their name tags, sported smiles that burst
with pride.
There wasn’t much rest. The very next morning,
the ESL class departed for a one-day tour of
PEI. The tour included a ferry ride over, tours of:
Founder’s
Hall,
PEI
Legislature,
The
Confederation Chamber and Green Gables.
Added to their English lexis were the likes of:
Double-double, Spuds, Bud the Spud, Stompin
Tom, Cows Ice Cream, Bright Red Mud, Lucy
Maud
Montgomery,
Raspberry
Cordial,
Cavendish, Fiddleheads, Fixed Link, Mounties
and many more.
A majestic sunset treated the weary travelers as
they crossed the Confederation Bridge.
Cameras were feverishly busy as the sun sank
into the glass-like ocean only to have
the gasping silence broken by the swirl of the
sirens when the Mounties pulled us over, midbridge. Only warnings were issued, but
clarification was needed because the Mountie was
not on a horse, but in a car.
Everyone was home safely by 11:00pm that night,
but before midnight, and thanks to Facebook,
pictures of every aspect of the day’s adventures
had reached Europe, Asia and South America.
Without much rest, that same Saturday, some of
the class headed for Moncton and witnessed
Magnetic Hill, Crystal Palace and a sensational
wave at the Tidal Bore.
Exhausting as it sounds, the ESL class, this past
Friday, prepared and delivered 35 lunches (salad,
garlic bread, Pasta Supreme, a Brazilian
chocolate treat and a lobster tale). Hours later, the
mess was cleaned up and planning began for the
next adventure...a trip to Cape Breton on June 2224. More and new lexis will be explored, such as;
Rita, Men of the Deep, Canso Causeway, Whitney
Pier, Coal Miners, Louisburg, Alexander Graham
Bell, Mira, The Cabot Trail, and how to pronounce
Antigonish and Whycocomagh!
As endless as it seems, the job of an ESL teacher
has to be the most rewarding position in the
HRSB. This year’s ESL class will have memories
to cherish a lifetime.
~ Mr. E. Thorne
Have a safe and
happy summer!