February, March, 2015 Newsletter

The Marliner
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
McNair Secondary School
9500 No. 4 Rd., Richmond, B. C. V7A 2Y9
Phone (604) 668-6575 Fax (604) 668-6585
Email: McNair@sd38.bc.ca
WebSite: www.matthewmcnair.ca
Principal: Mr. J. Leslie
Vice-Principals: Ms. W. Walker & Mr. M. Jaswal
PAC Chair: Ms. H. Aujla
Trustee: Mr. K. Hamaguchi
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
One of the advantages of the semester system is the opportunity for two beginnings each year.
The fresh new start offered by Semester Two is now well underway. We continue to encourage
students to take this opportunity to set new personal goals around academic achievement,
involvement in school activities and to make wise and healthy lifestyle choices. Please remind
your child of the importance of regular daily attendance, punctuality, keeping up with
assignments and asking questions when help is needed.
Semester One Report Cards were sent home on February 13th; please contact the office right
away if you did not receive your child’s report card. A special ”Thank-You” goes out to all
those parents who attended our Meet-the-Teacher Night for Semester Two, along with our Grade
8-11 Parent Program Planning Information Night on February 19th. We hope you got a chance to
meet all your child’s teachers and had all your questions answered about the very important
choices your children have to make for next year’s courses.
Our enrollment is up slightly and we have added three new members to the McNair teaching
staff. Please welcome them when you see them around the school:
Ms. Sarah Brown
Ms. Kathleen Hartmann
Mr. Vik Kahlon
ELL and Resource
French
PE and Art
Although Semester Two is only a couple of weeks old, we are already planning for the 2015-16
school year. Counsellors are visiting classrooms and students will be bringing home course
selection forms to discuss with parents. The McNair Program Planning Guide can be found
online on our website at: http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/sites/default/files/Program%20Book%20201415_0.pdf
Because the choices students make during the program planning process become the basis for the
classes we are able to offer next year, these decisions are extremely important and need to be
made with care. Once our timetable is “built” based on the choices our students have made in
the Program Planning Process, it is extremely difficult, even impossible, to make course changes
for students. So please, choose wisely!
Now that Semester One is over, I would like to highlight some of the great things seen at
McNair recently:
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Our Exam week went very well, as all our students showed up for school-based and
Provincial Final Exams. Students seemed very confident with how they achieved on the
exams,
and
can
check
their
results
soon
at:
https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/tsw/tsw/student/
Semester One Final Marks were sent home on Report Cards, and our students did very
well. Due to switching our Information Management system, we have been unable to
create our usual Super G and Honor Roll lists, but once we are able, we will post those
lists and I am sure our students have once again done very well.
Course Selections are being done now, so please be sure to review with your child the
courses they intend to sign up for.
A huge “Thank-You” to the PAC parents who granted several members of staff money
for some very important school purchases. The money is being put to good use!
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We enjoyed a very informative school-wide Assembly on February 16th, called “End
Gang Life”, put on by the Vancouver Police Department. Students seemed very engaged,
and left the assembly with lots of awareness of the dangers.
Graduation Transitions Interviews are being conducted by Mr. Hirayama. If anyone in
Grade 12 did not attend their meeting during exam week, they need to see Mr. Hirayama
to schedule an appointment ASAP.
The Mini-school students enjoyed a very successful trip to Whistler earlier this month
and are now looking forward to trips in the spring.
A reminder to parents of the upcoming Transfer deadline. Any student who wishes to
attend a school outside of their catchment area must submit the Transfer form by Friday,
February 27th.
February 25th is Anti-Bullying day across the province, so we are encouraging all of our
students to wear PINK on this day. You can buy a t-shirt from any of our student council
members!
Our Math students wrote their contests on February 24th. Our students have traditionally
done very well on the Cayley, Fermat and Pascal contests and we wish them good luck!
Our Music Program has had a busy month. We hosted our annual Winter Concert on
January 22nd, and then the Jazz Band performed in the Envisions Jazz Festival and the
Richmond Jazz Night at the Gateway Theatre. Way to represent our school!
The theatre department is preparing to open our Spring Production, “Grease”. Tickets
are now on sale for $15.00, and the show is sure to sell out. Be sure to buy your tickets
early!
The basketball season is slowly coming to a close, and all of the McNair teams did
exceedingly well. Congratulations to all teams, and a special “thank-you” goes out to all
the coaches who gave up so much time to provide their expertise to the players. Well
done, Marlins!
Our elementary school basketball tournament is scheduled for March 4-6. This very
exciting tournament is the first time many of our future students get to come to the school
and see what life is like as a Marlin, and we want to welcome them. If you get a chance,
stop by to see some of the action!
The Rogers Connect Tutoring Service is happening on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30pm at
the Brighouse Library in Richmond. If you need some help and are interested in taking
advantage of this, please see Ms. Bagnall.
Spring Break is coming!! Our last day of classes is Friday, March 13th. We will be
closed for two weeks and will re-open on Monday, March 30th.
McNair continues to be a very busy place! Thank you to all those who come out to watch and
support our students and to all the staff who go the extra mile to connect with our young people!
Jason Leslie
Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
February 27
March 2-6
March 4-6
March 9-12
March 10
March 11
March 13
March 30
Jazz Night at Gateway
Grease
Grade 7 Basketball Tournament
Interims sent home
PAC Meeting 7 PM
Collaboration Day-late start 9:45 AM
Last Day of classes before Spring Break
Schools reopen after Spring Break
ANTI-BULLYING DAY
McNair students and staff are encouraged to wear PINK on February 25th
and join thousands across Canada in a symbolic stand against all forms of
bullying. Originally started in Nova Scotia by a group of students after a
younger schoolmate was teased for wearing a pink shirt, the awareness
movement has grown in popularity across the country. McNair students are known for
being caring and respectful toward each other and we hope the school will be a sea of
pink on February 25th to show support for this very important cause. To get your pink
t-shirt, please see any member of Student Council!
CROSS BOUNDARY DEADLINE
This is a reminder to all parents and children who live outside the
McNair catchment area. The Deadline for submission of Cross-Boundary
request forms is Friday, February 27th, 2015. If you live outside of
the McNair catchment and wish to come to this school, be sure to get
your form submitted to the school on or before this date.
We have
room and would welcome you to this great school!
THEATRE DEPARTMENT
GREASE: Is finally here!!! After 3 months of intense rehearsals Grease
opens for evening shows on Monday March 2nd and runs until Friday
March 6th. Tickets may be reserved by calling the school at 604-6686575. Leave a message with the office staff and someone from the Theatre Department
will get back to you. Tickets are $15 each. On Wednesday, March 4th, as a special treat,
11 staff members including Mr. Leslie, our Principal, will have a special cameo in the
show! This show is sure to sell out so act quickly, after all “Grease is the Word!”
ATHLETICS
Basketball results
Grade 8 Boys
Finished 3rd in league and 4th in play-offs
Grade 8 Girls
Finished 7th in league. Did not place in play-offs
Grade 9 Girls
Finished 2nd in league and 2nd in play-offs. Qualified for VD playoff
Feb 17-19 at McMath
Grade 9 Boys
Finished 1st in league and 2nd in playoffs. Qualified for VD play-offs
Feb 17-19 at Richmond
Grade 10 Girls
Finished 4th in league and 4th in play-offs
Sr. Girls
Finished 9th in league and did not qualify for play-offs
Sr. Boys
Finished 2nd in league and 3rd in play-offs. Advance to
Lower mainland play-offs Feb 18-19
CADD LAB
3D Printing Now Available in the McNair CADD lab!
McNair's CADD students are the first in Richmond to use a Makerbot 3D
printer!
Richmond School District enters the world of 3D Printing with the PAC's
purchase of a Makerbot 3D Printer. It will allow students to print out all
sorts of projects and parts designed in the school's CADD lab. 3D Printing
technology has been around for quite a few years, but only recently has it
become affordable to schools.
Students at McNair will now be creating
prototypes of original designs such as
figurines, toys, and art. It will also be
used to enhance their Architecture
models with furniture, fixtures and
detailing. Thank you McNair PAC!
McNair – 2015 Dry Grad
Dry Grad is an all-night, parent-sponsored event that will begin immediately after the
graduation ceremonies. To ensure this night is very special, grads enjoy a variety of Fun
Activities, Entertainment, Music, Food and Prizes!
Don't miss out - Early Bird Tickets go on Sale in March @ $50 at the office (did I
mention the prizes?)
To kick-off spring cleaning - we are holding our Clothing Drive from March 2-6,
coinciding with the Spring Play - Grease. You, your friends and family members can drop off
old clothes and linen at the school and catch a play at the same time!
Pssssst . . . Did You Hear?
Grade 12 and 11 - Dry Grad Volunteers Earn Tickets for Draws. For more information,
contact us at:
Email: mcnair.dry.grad@gmail.com
Website: http://mcnair.sd38.bc.ca/?q=node/4495
Or, type in your search: McNair Dry Grad
Sincerely yours,
McNair - 2015 Dry Grad Committee
MCNAIR MUSIC PROGRAM
The McNair Music Program held its winter Concert on January 22nd. The concert
was extremely well attended. All ensembles performed, sharing their growth and
development made in the first semester. Matthew Da Silva and Ryan Lo were the
Concert Emcees, both charming the audience with their humor and musical skills.
The McNair Jazz Band and Jazz Combo all attended the Envisions Jazz Festival February 20th.
The McNair Jazz Band will be performing at the annual district Jazz Night on February 27th, at the
Gateway Theater. This is an evening where all the high school Jazz bands, Combos, and Choirs in
Richmond come together for an evening of showcasing their Jazz ensembles. All are welcome and
invited to attend.
Due to the drop in the Canadian dollar, the Music Program planned trips to the US have been
changed:
Intermediate and Junior Concert Bands will be attending the Okanagan Band Festival in
Penticton, March 3rd and 4th. The students will have an opportunity to perform many times on
their travels and enter the festival.
Senior Band, Jazz band, Choir and the String Orchestra will be touring to Banff and Calgary on
their annual 5 day band trip April 15th -19th, as marked on the school calendar.
We will be holding a Band-a Thon fundraiser this year on March 12th. This has proven to be an
excellent fundraiser for many schools. We hope to garner much more support this year and reach
our fundraising goal of $10,000.
The McNair Music Program has many performances and festivals planned for the rest of the year.
CAREER NEWS
Important Information is available:
 Richmond Dist. Career Center News:
http://public.sd38.bc.ca/~ccnews
 “Ms. Hudson’s ” Facebook page for important info and updates
https://www.facebook.com/MsHudsonCareerCentrenews
 Around the School: Student announcements, Bulletin Board
 In the Career Centre - Drop in to see the Career Advisor, Ms. Hudson,
Wednesday afternoons, Thursdays all day and Fridays all day
Grade 12 students....Applying for Post-Secondary studies 2015?
Be sure to check your admission, scholarship, housing and document deadline dates
carefully. Deadline dates vary.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Check the Career Centre News – many scholarships are available:
http://public.sd38.bc.ca/~ccnews
IMPORTANT DATES
Dec 15/14 – April 30/15 – SFU self-reporting dates
Feb 15/15 - Mar 31/15 – UVic self-reporting dates
Feb 28/15 – Deadline to self-report grades for UVic Entrance Scholarships
Feb 28/15- Early admission deadline for SFU & UVic
Feb 28/15 – SFU Major Entrance Scholarships deadline
Feb 28/15 – SFU Beedie School of Business application deadline
Mar 1/15 – TRU early application deadline
Mar 1/15 – KPU deadline for early admission to selective entry programs
Mar 1/15 – April 30/15 – UBC self-reporting dates
Mar15/15 – UBC deadline to submit required admission documents (IELTS/TOEFL)
Mar 15/15 – SFU Beedie School of Business deadline to self-report grades
March 31/15 – UVic self-reporting closes
Apr 30/15 – SFU Self-reporting & add/switch program deadline
A Limited Number of Programs at UBC Are Still Accepting Applications
Although the deadline to apply for Winter Session (September to April) has passed, as of
Feb. 3rd, certain UBC programs are still accepting applications. If you are planning to apply,
it’s best to do this immediately as some of these programs will close their application
without notice. For more information visit:
http://you.ubc.ca/admissions/blog/after-you-apply/still-accepting-applications/
The following programs are still accepting applications:
Vancouver campus
Bachelor of Computer Science (deadline to apply: March 15)
Bachelor of Science in Forestry (deadline to apply: March 16)
Bachelor of Science in Forest Sciences (deadline to apply: March 16)
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation (deadline to apply: March 16)
Bachelor of Science in Wood Products Processing (deadline to apply: March 16)
Vantage One Bachelor of Applied Science
Vantage One Bachelor of Arts
Vantage One Bachelor of Management
Vantage One Bachelor of Science
Okanagan campus
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Education – Elementary Teacher Education Program
Bachelor of Education – Secondary Teacher Education Program
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Human Kinetics
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Science
Before you apply, check the program listings and make sure you’ve met all of UBC’s
admission requirements.
https://account.you.ubc.ca/ubc/apply/apply_now.ezc
Langara College Course Planning Sessions
Grade 12 students - have you applied to attend Langara College in Sept. 2015? If so,
consider attending a Course Planning Session. These sessions fill quickly so arrive early to
ensure seating. Due to the large number of students wishing to meet with a
counsellor/advisor, the Langara Counselling Department requires that new Arts and Science
students attend a Course Planning Session before receiving individual assistance. You are
advised to start your educational planning early. http://www.langara.bc.ca/studentservices/counselling/workshops-info-sessions/course-planning-sessions.html Note that
additional sessions will be added in upcoming months.
Important Langara Dates:
April 30, 2015
PSI Interim Transcript Deadline to ensure interim grades can be processed in
time for course registration in June.
May 31, 2015
Secondary School Interim Transcript Deadline. Students who have not
filled out the PSI form by April 30 will need to submit an official interim
transcript (stamped or sealed by school) by this date.
Early June 2015
Students can log in to their myLangara account to activate their
registration date and time. (Course registration begins June 22 and
continues until the start of classes.)
July 15, 2015
PSI Final Transcript Deadline. Students who missed the April 30 Interim
transcript deadline must fill out the PSI form by July 15.
August 1, 2015
Secondary School Final Transcript Deadline. All students who have not
filled out the PSI form must provide Langara with an official BC Ministry
of Education final transcript indicating graduation. Students who have
not provided proof of graduation by this date will be dropped from
classes.
August 15, 2015
Fee payment deadline for registered courses. Students who have not
paid their fees by August 15 before 2100 hours (9pm) will be dropped
from their registered courses
September 8, 2015
First day of classes
UP-COMING WORKSHOPS:
Feb 28/15 (10-12:30pm) - UBC Computer Science TeckTrek
Workshop - for Students in grades 8, 9 & 10 - a series of fun,
hands-on activities that introduce them to Computer Science. To register,
go to: https://apps.cs.ubc.ca/TechTrek/
KPU's School of Horticulture and Green Ideas Network presents environmental
movie evenings
Challenging movies, spirited dialogue, informative speakers
Wed. Mar 11th 2015 Feeding Frenzy (57 min)
Wed. Apr 8th 2015 Revolution (90 min)
Room 1030, Kwantlen Langley, 20901 Langley By-pass Doors open at 6:30 pm. Films begin
at 7:00 pm.
Register at 604-599-3348 or email to Betty.Cunnin@kpu.ca Admission by donation.
STUDY AND GO ABROAD FAIRS
Canada’s Largest International University and Student Travel Expo
Wed Feb 25 from 2pm – 6pm
Vancouver Convention Centre
VPD 2015 INFO SESSIONS
There is no need to register. Information Sessions are held in the auditorium of the Justice
Institute of B.C. Police Academy. The JIBC is located at 715 McBride Boulevard in New
Westminster.
For info see: http://vancouver.ca/police/recruiting/police-officers/informationsessions.html
Post-Secondary Information Sessions
Our local colleges and universities frequently host information events on their campus to
promote their programs to prospective students. Visit the links below for information
session details.
Capilano: http://www.capilanou.ca/calendar.aspx?view=list&for=277&
Kwantlen: http://www.kwantlen.ca/futurestudents/events.html
Douglas: http://www.douglascollege.ca/study-at-douglas/information-sessions
BCIT: http://www.bcit.ca/infosessions/
Langara: http://www.langara.bc.ca/news-and-events/information-sessions/index.html
VCC: http://www.vcc.ca/applying/apply-now/info-sessionstours/
U of A Online Chats
All sessions will be held from 7 to 9pm MST. For dates, visit
https://ualberta.askadmissions.net/groupchat/LandingPage.aspx
OPEN HOUSES
Kwantlen (KPU) Cloverdale (Trades) Open House(s)
For dates, visit
http://www.kpu.ca/trades
PREVIEW WEEK AT CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE
March 18 – 20
Email recruiter to register: recruiter@corpuschristi.ca
MAR 14/15 Western University ~ March Break Open House 2015
To register visit: http://welcome.uwo.ca/march/index.html
MAR 27/15 - Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Open House, Kamloops, BC
Students, friends and families are invited to attend the TRU Open House if they are
interested in or have applied to the university. This is an opportunity to attend information
sessions, do tours of the campus and residence, and to attend workshops and seminars to
learn about the available programs. For further information visit:
www.tru.ca/openhouse.html