Greetings from the Principal:
With November now behind us, we turn our hearts and eyes to the Christmas season, with all of the hope it brings us for brighter days ahead. As we approach Advent, that time of longing for the birth of the Lord, we reflect on how we can make this world a better place, and how we can reach out to those in need. At Immaculata, we are busy preparing for this season through our focus on many social justice initiatives, such as Project Hope and the preparation of Christmas baskets. These are small ways we can contribute to those less fortunate in the true spirit of the Christmas season. Should your family need assistance at Christmas time, I encourage you to contact our chaplaincy leader, Mr. Mike Dallaire.
There are many events coming up to celebrate in the month of December. One of the highlights will be our school play, produced by our Focus Program students under the direction of Mrs. Hache. The play will be presented December 4 & 5. This year's production will no doubt be a popular one, based on the renowned Harper Lee story: To Kill A Mockingbird. We look forward to another excellent demonstration of the skills of our budding thespians! We hope you will join us in witnessing the fruits of their labours by attending this production. Ticket information will follow.
There will be a School Council meeting on Tuesday, December 1 in the library. All parents are welcome to attend, and we welcome your input on issues related to our school. The meeting will begin at 7 o'clock.
God Bless you all during this Christmas season.
Val McGillis
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From the Chaplain
In early November eight high school students from Immaculata joined with students from around the Board for our annual Youth Ministry Conference. It was held at the Ron Kolbus Centre at Britannia Park. The conference key speaker was Mr. Joe Gunn, a parent from Immaculata. A long time Catholic activist, Mr. Gunn spoke on the need to integrate our spirituality with our action as we go about caring for God's creation. On November 20th, our grade 12 students attended a Morning of Reflection at St. Paul University. There they heard from Mr. Jonathon Allsop from the Shepherds of Good Hope and Sisters Anne and Marlene from the Kairos Centre for Spirituality and Justice here in Ottawa. After listening to these speakers our soon-to-be grads worked in small groups and discussed how they could walk in solidarity with others during their final year here at Mac.
November 29th is the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time to slow down. It is a time to reconnect with the deepest longings of our heart, our families, our communities, and our earth. We will begin each week with a Chapel Morning Prayer at 8:00 for all who are able to attend. Plans are also in the works to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th with the celebration of the Eucharist at Canadian Martyrs Church. Throughout Advent we will work on our Christmas Hampers to give practical expression to our compassion for others.
The pre-Christmas season can be both exciting and overwhelming. Advent invites us to simply remember the reason for the Season, Christ who comes to us as Light and Love.
Blessing to you in the days ahead.
Michael Dallaire
Chaplain
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School Council News:
Monday, November 23 - 6.30-8.00pm
The next School council meeting will be on Tuesday December 1st in the library beginning at 7:00 p.m. A brief social to take place following the meeting. New members always welcome. Please Click Here to view minutes and agendas from previous school council meetings. |
Students of the Month:
Tyrell Johnson gr.12. His hard work and dedication to helping with the Sr. Girls basketball team. Tyrell volunteered approximately 70 hours of his time during the girls season. He assisted with skill building, suggested drills, took part in drills when extra players were needed, gave valuable advice to the coaches, and provided some much needed comic relief.
Brandon Hebert, Grade 10. Brandon is friendly and respectul both inside and outside the classroom. He has a tremendous ability to motivate and encourage his peers to do their best, and he demonstrates leadership skills and dedication in working with others. His enthusiasm, sense of humour and outgoing personality make him very easy to get along with and a fun student to have in any class! Way to go Brandon!
Liam Eveleigh & Alex KirkPatrick-Smith (gr. 12)
These two Immaculata student-athletes were on their way to hockey practice when they saw an elderly lady collapse coming out of her front door. They pulled over and checked on her. She said she was fine and then proceeded to pass out. They started some basic first aid and called 911. They say they started Cpr on her until the ambulance came and then revived her.
I was amazed at the sense of community these boys showed.
Well done boys!
Staffer of the Month Award:
This month, our students would like to recognize Ms. Godmaire She clearly has made an impact on her students. They appreciate the fact that she is always smiling, patient, supportive and enjoys talking to students. She has been complimented on her hard work, leadership and dedication to both the Physical Education department and student athletic council. Ms. Godmaire has also been the driving force behind the creative spirit assemblies at Immaculata this year.
Well done Ms. Godmaire.
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Highlights from November
We have a budding journalist in our school. Clarke Alcevari (gr. 10) had his letter to the editor, (a class assignment in Ms. Bacile's class) published in the Ottawa Citizen Nov. 18th.
I would like to acknowledge all the hard work and preparation of Ms. DiEugenio, Ms. Blackburn and Ms. Godmaire for a truly moving Remembrance day assembly. Special thank you to all parents and guests that were in attendance.
On November 18th, Ms. Godmaire and the student athletic council entertained the student body with a spirit assembly giving tribute to the upcoming winter olympics. The student body was not aware that so many of the school staff were potential olympic athletes.
Our Chaplain Mr. Michael Dallaire lead our Grade 12's in a reflection morning at St.Paul's on November 19th. Students reflected on past experiences and how to best prepare for the journey ahead.
For those parents who were not able to attend Parent teacher interviews this past month, please make sure you review your child's report card and contact teacher if any concerns.
Ms. Arnason lead a group of students to the Boards Annual Peace Day Conference. Students from all the schools in our Board celebrated and discussed initiatives taking place this year.
For those in attendance at the coffee house, were truly entertained by the extraordinary talents our students have. Special thanks to Ms. Anderson and Ms. Taylor who organized and all our Teachers who came out to supervise.
Our Grade 9 & 10 English students had some experiential learning. Ms. Bacile's grade 9 & 10 English classes went to the National Art Gallery for a writing assignment, and Ms. Sweeney's grade 9 & 10 English classes went to the Great Canadian Theatre company. |
IMPORTANT ART EVENTS TO NOTE
December 01-04 - MASC artist, C.J. Fleury gives workshop on public art to grade 12 visual arts students.
December 04-05 - "To Kill A Mockingbird", a schoolplay presented by the drama Focus Program at 7 o'clock.
December 17th - Vernissage of the new art show with a focus on the grade 12 Arts Academy students at 6 o'clock.
December 17th - Arts Night featuring performances by the Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts students at 7 o'clock This year students from Immaculata's Focus Program will be performing To Kill A Mockingbird on December 4th and 5th. The play is an adaptation of Harper Lee's famous novel of the same name. To Kill A Mockingbird is on the grade 10 curriculum reading list and many of our senior students have read and enjoyed it.
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Final Exams
A reminder to parents and students that all high school students will be writing their final exams from January 22nd to 27th. Students will receive schedule after Christmas. Students are encouraged to review material and conference with classroom teacher to prepare. Medical notes will be required if student misses an exam.
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Grade 10 Canadian History
J.Cronin
The Grade 10 Canadian History Program examines Canadian development from the Pre-World War One to today. In conjunction with the Remembrance Day theme of "I Remember", students presented the findings of their research on Canadians who had won VC (Victoria Cross) Medals for bravery in the First World War. Each student adopted a soldier and examined his file with documentation online through the Veteran Affairs' website. They created profiles of their soldiers which included a photo, personal details and reason for winning the VC. These profiles were posted throughout the school as part of our Remembrance Week activities. They gave students an opportunity to reflect on the personal sacrifices made by many. One teacher commented that the profiles were " very touching..." and that they "... sure remind one of the human factor." The profiles are now hanging on a the wall in the north wing third floor of the school.
Since Remembrance Day the students have moved on to examine the reasons for the Great Depression, a timely topic as the state of our economy is much discussed today. As part of that unit of work, the students participated in a simulation of the stock market where they had an opportunity to trade in the commodities at the MSXE (Mac Stock Exchange). Some students took advantage of 'easy' loans to buy stocks in the bull market. Trading was brisk and at times frenzied. Unfortunately prices fell dramatically and many of our investors went bankrupt. The students shared their experiences and thoughts on the workings of the market and developed a better understanding of the events of 1929. They also investigated the current buying and selling of Tim Horton's stock. Due to popular demand, the market may re-open just before the Christmas break.
In addition to the stock market exercise, students from my class were given a special powerpoint presentation by Denray Jean Jacques from Mr. Dicresce's applied history class. Denray gave his presentatiion on the "Development of the CCF (NDP) Party". Congratulations Denray!
We are also looking forward to our trip to the Diefenbunker on Dec. 2 . This is an opportunity to tour a nuclear fallout bunker created to house the Canadian government in the event of an attack.
The bunker really captures the circumstances and thinking of the Cold War period. Students are always pleased to hear that it was the setting for a Hollywood movie "The Sum of All Fears".
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St. Mary's Outreach Center
Therapeutic Photography
Immaculata High School Achievement Center at St. Mary's Outreach Center
"The word "photography" is derived from the Greek language: photo means light and graph(on) means written. Photography is defined by the Webster and other dictionaries as the art or process of producing images on a sensitized surface by the action of radiant energy and especially light. This is not a rule or an immutable eternal law, but simply the technical and scientific definition of the term "photography," used in English and many other languages. Photography has changed, but its definition is still valid. A digital camera obtains images by the action of light on a light sensitive surface. The images are photographs, although the action of light is physical and hot chemical."
Now, doesn't that sound like the most boring way to describe photography? To me photography is so much more. Sure taking a photo may be all about light and graph. However the actual outcome of that photo, what it means to you or me, that is what photography is. With the right teachings you can turn a "mug shot into a masterpiece". To me photography is a way of life, it is a way to express yourself, your emotions, and your experiences. Photography is how we as people can share with each other and the world, the things we love, the people we care for, and the moments that feel magical.
On Thursday November 12th , at the Immaculata High School Achievement Center at St. Marys, Mathew Claydon from HENRY'S came into our classroom on his free time to provide a presentation. Mathew showed all of us how to capture the moment at our best potential. Mathew caught all of our attention and held onto it. He put on a wonderful presentation, we are all grateful, and appreciative of the time Mathew took to come in for us. Mathew provided all of us with our very own digital camera at a very low cost. Because of Mathew's teachings we are all able to capture our life's favorite moments and hold onto those memories. As mothers we can say that this is very important. I know that I will be using my newfound knowledge in my everyday life with my daughter, capturing her most beautiful moments and achievements. I speak on behalf of the whole class when I say that this was not only educational and valuable but also fun and exiting.
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Co-op News!
Cooperative Education has been a study in the building of respect of our community partners, trained workers, labour groups, staff and students. The co-op department at Immaculata is primed to meet the challenge of the Ministry of Education's new vision for Secondary School Cooperative Education.
While we continue to have scheduling problems for positions within the building trades, we were much more fortunate automotive and service trades. As a result we placed 5 students in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in the first semester and twelve students in the first semester.
Much effort was extended to place our students in positions that would allow them to grow while exploring opportunities in an environment that would mirror or compliment their chosen path of education and future careers. To that end we had students working in various public and private enterprises that reflect the diverse world of career choices for today's youth.
The willingness of our generous employers to participate in co-op has allowed us to experience the wide world of work in the Nation's Capital. Without the cooperation of our many partners we would have to resort to a very limited and restricted work environment.
Our partners have been committed to our program and our students. They've welcomed the staff and assisted in safety inspections and training. They've made themselves available for interviews, evaluations, visits and mentoring sessions. They've worked alongside the staff to train and educate our young workers of tomorrow.
It is this community-minded spirit of our partners that allows us to offer our students the wide and varied experience that they seek. We are truly appreciative of their commitment and generosity. We would like to acknowledge them at this time and encourage the Immaculata Community to recognize their contributions to Cooperative Education for their children and the future workers of tomorrow.
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Athletics:
November saw a few of our fall sports teams end their seasons, and a special congratulations goes out to the girls hockey team who made it to the semi finals for the first time this year! All of our teams were celebrated in our 2nd annual Fall Sports Teams Pep Rally where everyone in attendance witnessed our fine coaches run in our very own "Olympic Torch Relay" video. What a thrilling way to kick off the rallies! This year's winners of the Pep Rally Challenge Trophy were the 7/8 boys gaelic team, the jr. boys soccer team, and the sr. girls basketball team. Finally, best of luck to our winter season sports teams, and congratulations to our November Athletes of the Month:
7/8 Female: Gabriele Zitikyte
7/8 Male: Bill Trudeau
HS Female: Christina Bélanger
HS Male: Christopher Kabouchi
Grade 7/8 Wrestling
This year's team saw 21 dedicated wrestlers compete for Immaculata at the East City Finals held on November 19th. This was the first time wrestling competitively for many of these students. Of the 21, 18 advanced to the City Finals held on November 25th.
The City Finals saw Immaculata as a team clinch 5th place out of 13 schools. Medals were awarded to the following students: Gold: Corrine Desjardins, Silver: Ty McGowan, Holly Wadden, Aidan Opazo, Bill Trudeau, Katie Allerton Bronze: Patrick Ladabie, Alfredo Lopez 4th: Matthieu Desjardins, Chloe McCue
Coaches Butler and Chan would like to thank all wrestlers for their dedication and hard word, and the parents of the wrestlers, the school administration, teachers and student body for their support
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| News for Graduates
Important reminders for for Graduates . Please Click Here to see important reminders for 2009-10 graduating class. As well, the graduates will be having the Grad Committee's Cake Auction which will be held TS1 Thurs. Dec. 17th. Donated cakes would be much appreciated. It is our major fundraiser of the year.
In November, grade 12 students were invited to sign up for College and University application tutorials. It is highly recommended that students have their applications completed and sent by December 18th.
From Student Services
During the month of December guidance counsellors will be visiting all grade 9 classes to discuss study skill strategies, exam preparation, and review community service requirements. In addition, the guidance counsellors will visit all grade 11 classes to review graduation requirements and discuss the importance of researching college, university, and workplace pathways.
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Bullying Awareness at Mac
Bullying awareness week took place from November 15-21 2009. Grade 7 and 8 religion classes participated in many activities, initiatives and lessons around bullying awareness and prevention. Here is a summary of one class's discussion: WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE: THE VICTIM -Walk away -Tell someone you trust -Take the initiative to get help -Say something complimentary to the bully to distract -Stay in groups to avoid confrontation -Use humour to deflect the situation -Never let the bully see you sweat -Practice self affirmation (i.e. I am a nice person) THE BYSTANDER Instead of ignoring a bullying incident try the following: - Tell a teacher (or VP/ Principal) - Move toward or next to the victim - Use your voice "stop" - Befriend the victim - Lead victim away from the situation THE BULLY - Talk to a teacher/counsellor - Put yourself in their shoes - Stop the cycle - Think before you act Congratulations to Lorraine Tupas (704), Marie Dolcetti-Koros (701 ) and Celine Borle (805), winners of the bullying awareness poster contest this week! The posters were insightful, creative and informative. These students' posters have been laminated and are on display in the school. We at Immaculata are committed to help eliminate bullying in our school. A group of grade 7 & 8 teachers formed a collaborative learning community. Our goal is to create and implement a school-wide approach to preventing, intervening in and responding to bullying that is catered to our school's population. If you, as a parent/ guardian, are interested in working with this team, please contact Jaime De Pippo at Immaculata High School for more information. Parents can find more information about bullying online at: http://www.ottawacatholicschools.ca/media.php?mid=9625 |
Software for Students
I would like to bring to your attention a series of educational products that have been developed by teachers in our school board and are being used in our classrooms. The NECTAR Foundation develops and markets educational software for mathematics, language arts, and science for Kindergarten to Grade 12. Math Trek, Language Trek and Science Trek are widely used by schools within our Board. Each program uses engaging interactive technology to help students develop their mathematics, reading and writing skills. Some products are also designed as remediation or intervention support programs. If your son or daughter requires additional help with any of these subjects, or you would like to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom, I would encourage you to visit www.learnwithtrek.ca for more information on these affordable products. |
Business and Technology Department News
In Grade 10 Computer Engineering, the students will be setting up a Peer-to-Peer network between each of their workstations. They will then learn how file sharing works on a network by accessing other students' computers via their computer and reading files. Each workstation will contain a file that has a favourite popular song. The students will then create a list of songs that are on each workstation that they have explored via the network.
In Grade 11 Communication Technology, the students are creating a "street scene animation" using Flash. They have created a road with cars driving by, people walking across the road and getting into taxis/buses. Some students have even been able to create children kicking soccer balls bouncing across the road or eagles flying and snatching a squirrel from the ground.
In Grade 9 Exploring Technology, the students are working on the manufacturing/construction unit by creating their own locker organizers out of cardboard. They had to research efficient storage strategies as well as how to create shelves in their locker organizers that are stable and solid. Then they will work on the "final touches" by painting the locker organizers and/or adding pictures, etc. The grade 10 Business Technology students are hard at work creating portfolios of documents using Microsoft Publisher featuring an event of their choice, wheras the grade 11 Accounting Students are learning the ins and outs of the year-end requirements to prepare the financial statements to be used for Income Tax returns and other purposes. The grade 12 students are putting into practice some leadership skills to help in the preparation of a slide show for the convocation coming up in June. |
Lockdown Drill
Immaculata practiced the first of two lockdown drills this year on November 23rd. Lockdown drills are mandatory across the province of Ontario.
Special thanks to our School Resource Officer Serge berube and members of the Ottawa Police Department who assisted us.
Lockdown Drill Information
Lockdowns should be viewed as a proactive measure taken by the school to ensure that our students and staff are safe in the event of a threat to the school or the individuals inside.
It is important that all people involved understand the terminology correctly. The term "Lockdown" will only be used when there is an imminent threat of violence within the school, or in relation to the school. The misuse of this term could result in staff and students becoming desensitized and not taking the procedure seriously.
The term "Secure School" will be used to secure the school because of a situation that is not an imminent threat to the school but could endanger people if they were leaving the property (e.g., a bank robbery occuring near the school or a gas leak in the neighbourhood). In this case, the school would continue to function normally, with the exterior doors being locked until the situation is resolved, and individual classrooms being locked with students kept inside the rooms.
Lockdown drills end with a general announcement releasing people from the drill. In the event of an actual lockdown, however, no announcement over the public address system would be made until a police officer or school administrator has released every classroom or secured room to a secure classroom situation.
In the event that there is a lockdown drill in a school, parents would not be permitted to enter the school building or to escort their child out of the school. Cell phones would not be accessible to students, and communication would be temporarily cut off to attend to this serious situation. The practise of holding these drills will ensure that our students have a healthy respect for this serious situation.
Fire-drills have long been accepted as an important and effective tool in preparing staff and students for a fire within a school. While this is a rare event, it does, in fact, happen. It is very important that students take these drills seriously, and that they are treated with respect. Fire exit posters are in every classroom and area of the building, and it is extremely important that students exit in a quiet and orderly manner, and that they gather in their designated spot with their teacher, who will be checking their attendance.
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After School Literacy and Numeracy Programs
After School Numaracy and Literacy Programs will continue this month.
The after school numeracy program is being offered to students in grade 8 and 9 in preparation for the EQAO grade 9 Province Wide Math Assessment. Letters were distributed through students math teachers. If you have any questions, contact your childs math teacher or Mr. Raso (ext 2226).
Students are also being offered additional literacy support through the after school literacy program. Please contact Mr. Capobianco (ext 2227) if you have any questions.
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Attendance for Extra-Curricular Activities at Immaculata
At Immaculata, we believe that Academic Success is linked to good attendance. We understand that your child might be ill from time to time, have an appointment or be occasionally late despite everyone's best efforts to arrive on time. If you know that your child is ill or will be late, we ask that you phone the school to inform a member of the office team so that it can be correctly entered into attendance records.
We are reminding students that extracurricular activities are a great way of staying involved in the school and developing good social networks. Similar to how Coaches need their players at practice to help them get ready for the game, students also need to realize that being in class is essential for successful completion of courses. Students who continue to have excessive unapproved lates or absences will not be permitted to partake in extra-curricular activities including athletics, clubs, dances or spirit assemblies. This is a last resort. We want our students engaged and participating in extra-curricular activities. However, good attendance needs to be maintained. If any questions, please refer to page 7 of the student agenda which contains the student code of conduct.
Again, we ask that if you know your child will be absent or late, please contact the school to inform a member of the office administrative team. We will not be back-dating lates or absences as approved, if no attempt has been made within a reasonable period of time (from the date of the attendance infraction).
We appreciate your support in this matter.
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Free Online Math Tutoring Available
Have a child in Grade 7 who doesn't quite understand how to add fractions? Or maybe your teenager is struggling with a geometry assignment? Extra help is now available.
Check out Homework Help, where certified Ontario teachers are online 20 hours a week to provide free math tutoring for the Grade 7 to 10 math students in the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
Students can log in Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., for one-on-one confidential help. There are interactive discussion rooms for each grade where they can view to the current lesson, watch tutors draw on the whiteboard - and then type their own question for on-the-spot help.
To access www.HomeworkHelp.ilc.org, your child will receive a login ID, as well as help setting up an account from their teacher at school.
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ESL NEWS: Looking for information in your language? Looking for English activities for the whole family? Then check out: www.ellhelper.com |
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Grey Sisters Commemorative Library News
Forest of Reading Programs:
The lists of the 2010 nominated books have now been released! Please go to the Ontario Library Association (O.L.A.) website www.accessola.com and select "Forest of Reading® Programs" to find out more information about the books, the authors and the rules for voting.
Our school's White Pine Reading Group (grades 9 to 12) has grown to 20 students and our Red Maple Reading Group (grades 7 and 8) is now at its maximum of 25 students.
On Wednesday, December 16th, we will be having our kick-off celebration of all of the books, now that they are catalogued and ready for signing out. Students will enjoy pizza and drinks at lunchtime before having the afternoon to find a cozy corner in the library to read one of the 2010 nominees.
In mid January, we look forward to our "special guests" at our meetings. Numerous staff members have signed up as guest readers/presenters for each of the books.
White Pine Fundraiser
In order to reduce the costs of our trip to Toronto in May for the "Forest of Reading Awards", this year's book club students are selling tickets for5 prize baskets. Wonderful, useful items in each basket.Great for Christmas gifts! Tickets are 1 for $1.00 and 6 tickets for $5.00. The White Pine Book Club would like to thank our local sponsors who donated prizes for these draws: Byblos Hair Salon, Green Door Vegetarian Restaurant, Metro Grocery Store (Glebe Location), Only You Esthetics, Second Cup (Glebe Location), Singing Pebble Books, Watson's Pharmacy and Zen Kitchen.The draws will take place Friday, December 11th.
Book Donations:
The library staff would like to thank the following people who donated items to our Grey Sisters Commemorative Library during the month of November:
Mrs. Jane Cronin (History teacher), Ms L. Gorman (English teacher), Mrs. Rosemary Peloso-Souilliere (Math teacher), Ms Carol Sweeney (English teacher), Leandro Cedeno-Betancourt (grade 7 student) and Ben Lewis (grade 10 student). We were very happy to receive so many fiction and non-fiction books to add to our collection!
Literacy Initiatives:
Our "Word Walls" are growing in our classrooms! We are now at Week #7 on the list of EQAO Words. During the last week of December, groups of grade 10 students will be "evaluating" (using a rubric) the "Word Walls" in each classroom and office. They will then award prizes to the top grades 7 and 8 display and to the top grades 9 to 12 display.
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| The Bear Hug:
Immaculata High School will participate in the third annual Bear Hug event on Friday, May 7. Fifteen Catholic schools will be involved in this event, which aims to raise $500,000.00 for charity and to set a new Guiness World Record for most people engaging in a Bear Hug at one time. The money raised will be divided between Rogers House, CHEO, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. All funds are designated for cancer patient care and research. This will be a very exciting event for Immaculata, and with our close proximity to the canal we have a prime spot to participate in this event. There will be several events designed to raise awareness, generate interest, and build some community spirit. Stay tuned for continuing information items! |
| Safety and Security:
Unfortunately, there have been a number of thefts of expensive items such as cell phones and personal electronic devices throughout the school. It is clear that students continue to put their personal property at risk through carelessness, neglect, or disregard for guidelines. Most thefts occur in change rooms or out of lockers that do not have a good quality lock on them. Often, students do not take the time to ensure that their locks are scrambled again when they close them, or that they are indeed locked before they walk away. Sometimes students will walk away from an open locker to chat with a friend, and something will go missing then. Often, against all good advice, students share their combinations with other students, and do not guard against others watching as they open their locks. And sometimes, students are in possession of inordinate amounts of cash which they leave unattended. While it is our utmost wish and goal to instil in our young people the values that would prevent thefts from occurring, we do know that not everyone shares those values, and once an item has been lost or stolen, it is difficult to recover it. We do not want to turn our community into a police state, and so we encourage parents to discourage their children from bringing their expensive items to school. It is too late once the item has disappeared! |
UNIFORM NEWS:
We continue to reinforce the wearing of the uniform at Immaculata as one of the "non-negotiables" in our community. We enlist the assistance of parents in ensuring that your child arrives at school properly attired. We are already lending out a huge number of shirts and other items each day, as students arrive without appropriate uniform items. We will continue to work with students who are not complying with school policies, and would like you to know that we will be calling home to let parents know about repeat offenders.
The wearing of a uniform is a long and proud tradition at Immaculata High School. All students who attend this school must be in compliance with the school uniform at all times, unless specified by the school administration for such events as our weekly "Macwear Days", which occur all Fridays of each month except the last Friday, which is a designated "Non-uniform Day". On Macwear days, students are permitted to wear their Mac sports jerseys or Immaculata t-shirts and spirit wear, and on non-uniform days, students are permitted to wear clothing of their choice (i.e. jeans) as long as it is tasteful, modest, and befitting a Catholic school environment. For specifics about the components of the uniform, please consult the student agenda book.
Should a student be found in contravention of the uniform policy, every attempt will be made to allow that student to quickly change into the appropriate clothing. Used items of uniform clothing are kept on hand (regularly laundered and hung up) for a student to borrow in exceptional circumstances when they inadvertently forget their own apparel. A student may also borrow from a friend if possible. However, should it become a chronic issue that a student is out of uniform, progressive disciplinary action will be taken to discourage such behaviour.
Uniforms can be purchased through our supplier, TOP MARKS. Please refer to the website for information regarding ordering and timelines. Should there be a financial constraint that prohibits a family from purchasing the required items, please direct your concerns to our Chaplaincy Leader, Mr. Mike Dallaire. |
| Internet Sites for Parents
By NorthStar Staff
Internet Sites to Share: Websites for Change By Tweed W. Ross, Ed.D. TED Ted, Ideas Worth Spreading is a must see website of videos of "inspired talks by the world's greatest thinkers and doers." www.ted.com Fast Company: Change or Die Scientific evidence points out that individuals presented with that stark choice prefer, nine to one, not to change. Does that give principals a clue as to why change is so difficult to achieve? www.fastcompany.com/magazine/94/open_change-or-die.html Quotes Useful quotes about change. www.quotegarden.com/change.html and http://thinkexist.com/quotations/change/ Colorado State University Extension: Dealing with Change How to deal with change on a personal level.
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