BLENHEIM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

April 2007

Principal’s Message This newsletter accompanies the mid term report for semester 2, 2006-2007 school year. The marks earned on this report should give you a fairly accurate assessment of your son or daughter’s efforts so far this term. Should there be any concerns, parent-teacher conferences can be scheduled for Tuesday, April 24^th by calling the school at 519-676-5485 and asking for the Guidance Department.

In addition to this midterm report, this semester interim reports were mailed home to the parents/guardians of students whose credit(s) were deemed at possible risk. Early identification of concerns usually results in a successful solution to the situation. Each teacher has set aside time during the school day to offer extra help to our students should they need it. The students are encouraged to seek this support. Unfortunately some are hesitant to ask for this assistance. If your son/daughter is demonstrating any hesitancy - please encourage him/her to arrange some “help” time with the teacher in question.

In this newsletter, you will be made aware of many of our student successes in mathematics, drama, robotics, science, technology, athletics, communication studies and visual art. We are very proud of the efforts of our Bobcats, both in the classroom and the community.

The students have organized and completed just this past week the 30 Hours Famine for World Vision Hunger Relief. This is a fine example of what our dedicated students can accomplish when they are thinking of others and we appreciate the continued community support. Along this same line, we also appreciated all the community and student support during our recent Field Improvements Fundraiser – the Buffet and Silent Auction. This event was incredibly well attended.

The spring sports season is about to spring into action. The line up for student activity is very comprehensive: Boys’ and girls’ soccer, badminton, track & field, boys’ football, girls’ rugby and dance. These events usually offer free admission and take place after school. You are always welcome to view these exciting extra-curriculars when you get the chance.

Please drop by anytime. The more that parents are involved in their son’s and daughter’s education, the greater the student results are.

M. Sherman

Principal

Parent’s Night

Guidance Office

Grads

· Mid-term marks for Semester 2 will be sent to the OUAC/OCAS application centres April 27

· Final response date to accept a college offer is May 1st

· Final response date to accept a university offer is May 28th

· NOTE: students may accept an offer prior to the common response date, but will not be compelled to make an earlier decision.

Post Secondary Students are generally going to Post Secondary School at an earlier age. We are now receiving data regarding the transition of these students to University. The universities have noticed a trend lately that students who go away from home for their first year of university are often trying to change universities in second year to get back to their home university. They have noticed a trend with the younger students that they are having difficulty handling money, paying bills, dealing with leases and checking their e-mail for messages from the universities. Professors have said that first year students have a very high absentee rate from classes. Also, they have found that the younger students do not seem to listen to feedback from their professors. They often do only the minimum to get through.

We believe that there is a need to provide students with information about successful transition from High School. To provide extra support for our graduating student’s transition presentations will be conducted prior to the end of the semester. Sessions are being planned with guest speakers who can help them make the transition from high school to the world beyond whether they plan to go directly into the workforce, begin an apprenticeship or continue their studies at college or university.

The College & University bound session will include a financial presentation on costs, money management and the OSAP process given by Tim Brunet, a financial officer at University of Windsor. In this session, students will also learn about time management, living away from home, roommate negotiations along with general tips and survival strategies.

Apprenticeship and work bound students will learn about job opportunities in preparation for the world of work, interview strategies as well as apprenticeship information. Students will receive a helpful booklet “The Real World – The Survival Guide to Life After High School”. In this booklet students will find guidelines on achieving professional, social, personal and financial goals. It is hoped that all graduating students will take advantage of this opportunity.

eINFO Scholarships Potential applicants can search the scholarships that are available to first-year students at Ontario’s universities. Students can search by university, annual dollar value range, required grade range and other useful criteria. By performing multiple searches, students can ensure that they find all the scholarships available to them.

Go to www.electronicinfo.ca and slick on “Scholarships” for details.

OSAP Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) http://osap.gov.on.ca

OSAP provides financial assistance to qualifying full-time and part-time students attending a post secondary institution. Applications are completed and submitted on-line. They will be forwarded tot the student’s choice of institution. If problems are encountered do not hesitate to contact the financial aid office of that school for assistance.

CSI Summer School will be held at John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham. It is an

(Credit Success opportunity for students to both improve their skills and upgrade their academic

Opportunities) achievement, in Math and English courses taken during the school year. Students who have achieved a mark of 40% or more may be eligible for an upgrading opportunity. Eligibility is determined by the administration.

Upgrading Opportunities offered are dependent on enrolment:

Ø Grades 9 & 10 Teacher led programs in English, Math & Science – July 3 - 23

Ø Grades 11 & 12 self study programs English, Math & Science – July 3 - 19

Ø Self-directed upgrading programs in Grade 10 Career Studies and Civics will be available

July 4 – 29 – 4U New Credit English and Math begins and runs from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

July 6 – 26 – Grades 9–12 upgrading program begins and runs from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Registration forms for this year’s Summer School program should be available in Guidance in mid-May. Registration fee is $10.00.

New Credit opportunities: English and Math (ENG4U, MGA4U, MCB4U) – July 2 – 27

Ontario Universities’ Ontario secondary school students applying for admission to an Ontario university who

Admission Information do not receive an offer of admission can inquire about possible openings at other Ontario

Service universities through the OUAC beginning June 1 to August 24, 2007.. Visit www.ouac.on.ca or www.ouac.on.ca/101/referral.html

Grade 11 Planning Mrs. Mallory-Wood and Mrs. Jobin will be meeting with all current Grade 11 students in

Sessions the next several weeks to encourage appropriate post-secondary planning. Whether students are considering apprenticeship, college, university or direct-to-workplace pathways, students have steps to take and information to gather which will prepare them better for the changes and choices ahead. Regardless of the pathway they choose, all students will be encouraged to make the best choices for their future by:

1. knowing themselves: their skills, interests, strengths and abilities

2. exploring opportunities: talking to others, using resources, taking advantage of co-op and other opportunities

3. building a pathway plan

4. getting experience through extra curriculars, volunteer work, or paid employment

Learning Centre The Learning Centre is busy supporting student learning. Accommodations available include computer use, reading/rephrasing of test questions, quiet work area, extra time, and material support for projects/research, editing/proofing of assignments, after school homework assistance, books on tape, extra supplies and individual help upon request. Students are encouraged to take charge of their learning experience and seek assistance as soon as they encounter difficulty. Parents should support this learning process by encouraging good study habits, by reviewing the day’s lessons or by talking about the school day events.

Appointments have been sent home for May 2 IPRC, please respond early to these. All times are at a premium. Your confirmation of attendance at the appointment time would be appreciated. This is a time to discuss the most recent IEP and the support that is being offered and used by the student.

Student interviews are on-going offering encouragement and strategies to continue or improve upon the reported marks to date.

Events & Happenings

Bobcat Athletic Program On Saturday, March 24^th the Bobcat Athletic Program hosted its first ever fundraiser dinner and silent auction in John Gilchrist Hall. The event was an incredible success and raised almost $11,000.00 that will be used to help build a permanent press box and scoreboard for our outdoor playing fields. Many people did an enormous amount of work to make this evening so successful. Jan, Ric and Charles Pollock donated and cooked all the food for over 400 hungry football players and bobcat supporters. The menu was incredible and no one left hungry. Venetia Moor and Mary Aitken headed up the silent auction, collecting over $6000.00 worth of prizes from local companies. Ed Thompson, Bill Gardiner, Annalea Benn, Kelly Wright, Dena Anderson, Renee Crombez, Gail Dreveny, Stephanie Johnson and Bernadette Lobbestael were also actively involved with the project. Special thanks to all the people and businesses that made this evening so special. A very special thanks to Brian Pugh for spearheading this very successful event. We hope to make it an annual event. Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the spotter’s tower and scoreboard project can call the school. Please find a list of sponsors below. Go Cats!!!

Au Natural Aug’s Video Banks Mazda Barnier Boats Bartimaeus Benjamin Moore Blenheim Chrysler Blenheim Decorating Blenheim Meat Market Blenheim News Tribune Canadian Rugby Assoc. CFL Hall of Fame Chatham Hydro Chatham Maroons Competitive Edge Health & Fitness Complete – Janice Vandehogen Cyber Stoned Deer Run Golf Course/ Kent Farm Supplies Detroit Red Wings Downie Photo Dukes Harley-Davidson Erieau Fire Department Fitness Zone Ford’s Mens Wear Friendly Photos GMC Dealership Greatview Orchards Hamilton Tiger Cats Hello Gordeous Home & Gift Collection Hyland Seeds J.A.C. Rentals Kathy’s Galley Kevin Gervais-Dresent Fab Man Lasting Memories Liquidation World Mac Allison McLauchlin Chiropractic McGuigan’s Plant Co. Mels Menu – Melanie McKeller Metal Powder Products Michael Ramsdale Naples Noggins Hair Design Studio Ron’s No Frills Sobeys Susan Burke TNT Store Toronto Argonauts Toronto Blue Jays Toronto Maple Leafs Venue De Milo W.G. Thompsons Westside Performance

SAA Happenings This winter, the SAA has been hard at work improving the athletic department here at the school. We have begun planning our annual banquet congratulating our athletes on a job well done. We have been brainstorming to find ways to improve this event and have made many steps towards this goal. We have also begun brainstorming our “Athletic Alley” idea in restoring athletic records and recognition of athletes at the school.

During the winter season, we've had some great performances from our varsity teams. Our junior and senior boy’s basketball teams both made it to the playoffs and, with strong, determined players, were serious contenders.

Our girl’s volleyball squads had fantastic years. Our senior girl’s volleyball team had a good run during the season and entered the playoffs with good spirits. The junior girls turned it on in the playoffs, winning the Kent championship, and moving onto the SWOSSA semi-finals. With strong determination and great teamwork, the girls won the SWOSSA championship. Great job girls!

The boy’s hockey team had a strong year as well, making it to SWOSSA A-AA quarter finals. As a team, they played hard and truly gave their all. The curling teams also had a good year and showed excellent Bobcat spirit.

This season, our junior football, soccer, girl’s rugby, badminton, and dance teams are underway. Way to go Bobcats!

Math Notes In February, over 25 Bobcats took part in the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat competitions sponsored by the Centre for Education in Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. These contests are designed for students in grades 9, 10 and 11 respectively and are written by students across the country. Congratulations are extended to all BDHS students who accepted the challenge!

Special recognition goes out to the following students:

ü Katelin Osborne - top Bobcat in the grade 9 Pascal contest

ü Colin Dorssers - top Bobcat in the grade 10 Cayley contest

ü Jesse Onland - top Bobcat in the grade 11 Fermat contest

Who were recipients of a Certificate of Distinction for scoring in the top 25% of all competitors in the contest

Grade 11 students Brandon Bourgeois and Alex Adrian-Shaw

explore new algebraic concepts in MCF 3M1.

Declan Trotter, Clint Dorssers, and Jessika Harding examine a recently manufactured robot component.

Grade 9 students Nathan Richards-Velinou works

with team mentor Tom Drouillard.

The SKY team demonstrates its robot’s lifting capability, hoisting its two alliance robots off the ground at the end of a match to earn valued bonus points.

Bobcat and SKY team member Jenna McEachran (grade 9) wows the crowd

with her renditions of the Canadian and

American national anthens as the competition

kicks off.

Team 758 (SKY Robotics) hangs a tube on the scoring spider.

SKY Robotics

The 2007 South-Kent Youth Robotics team capped another successful season in late March when they competed at the FIRST Robotics Waterloo Regional event held at the University of Waterloo.

Based at BDHS but comprised of students from around South-Kent, SKY Robotics began working about a year ago towards it’s 2007 competition season. Under the watchful eyes of mentors from local industry, students met once a week to develop skills with engineering concepts, machining techniques, computer assisted design, programming, and website creation. They created prototypes and were able to test design ideas before the pressure of the competition season began.

In early January, team members and their families gathered at BDHS to learn about the 2007 challenge – Rack ‘n Roll. Teams of three robots would compete against one another in a 3-D game of tic-tac-toe, scoring points by hanging swimming rings on a large structure to form the longest lines of rings possible in their team’s colour. Bonus points would be earned if, at the end of a match, robots could be elevated off the floor.

The SKY team decided to make the elevating of robots its prime function, with the hanging of rings as a secondary task. After 6 weeks of intense work, with students, mentors, and teachers working 7 days a week, the robot was equipped with an agile and powerful drive system, a ramp fitted with a car jack that could handle the job of lifting two other 120lbs robots, and an arm that would allow us to hang rings as well.

In the week after March Break, the team and its many supporters were off to Waterloo. SKY and BDHS were represented centre-stage as the competition began when grade 9 student Jenna McEachran wowed the crowd with her singing of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems. As the competition wore on, the SKY team and their robot also took their chance to impress. Some manufacturing defects in transmission plates provided by FIRST presented an ongoing challenge for team members and contributed to a frustrating first day of competition. Eventually though, an effective solution was found and the robot was able to perform optimally. On day 2, after showing the crowd what the ‘bot could really do, the team was rewarded with a berth in the playoff rounds. SKY and their alliance partners pushed their best-two-of-three quarter-final match to an exciting decider before being eliminated.

Team members from BDHS include:

Clint Dorrsers Eric Drouillard

Jessika Harding Jen Lansue

Josh Lee Jenna McEachran

Wade McEachran Randy Mikkelsaar

Nathan Richards-Venlinou Declan Trotter

Mr. McConnell Miss Sullivan

The students would like to thank their mentors who give so generously of their time and expertise.

These include:

Mr. Roger Gooch Mr. Dave Mifflin

Mr. Tom Drouillard Mr. Mike Luckan

Mr. Bill Mallory Mr. Ed Hornick

Mr. Ernie Chaput Mr. Gerry Duchene

Mr. Bert Thieven Mr. Sandy Blackshaw

To learn more about the South-Kent Youth Robotics program or FIRST Robotics, visit

www.skyrobotics.ca

http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc/default.aspx?id=966

Western Ontario Melissa Vandersluis will be representing our school at the HOBY Conference Leadership

Leadership Seminar in the very near future. The mission of HOBY provides lifelong development

(HOBY) opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential. Melissa will be attending leadership seminars, meeting students from many different areas, and enjoying activities that have been specially designed to promote and motivate. Enjoy yourself, Melissa.

P.A.I.R.S. PAIRS Committee is sponsoring a one‑day conference at Lambton College on Thursday, (Partners Active in May 3, 2007. A number of students from all schools have been invited to participate,

Resource Sharing) while other students have been active in planning the conference. Fifteen workshops have been planned and will be conducted by students.

Kristen Eskritt and Craig Lindsay will be representing our school at the conference. They will be presenting a workshop entitled “Supernatural/fears/phobias”.

Fifteen of our Grade 10 & 11 students will also be attending this one‑day conference at Lambton College – Dylan Vanderpol, Dallas Pokornik, Stephanie Campbell, Erica Nauta, Alijcia Wolanski, Heather O’Brien, Heather Capeling, Heather Allison, Ryan Dunlop, Hayder Al-Jaishi, Justin Day, Kevin Vercouteren, Kristen Littlewood, Karen Brush and Matt Price.

RYLA The RYLA program is a mix of feature speakers, group discussion, and leadership skill building activities. This year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conferences will be held on May 11 - 13 at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. The Conference objectives are to further demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth; to encourage and assist selected youth leaders and potential leaders in methods of responsible, effective, voluntary leadership through a fun training experience; to encourage leadership of youth by youth; and to publicly recognize the high quality of youth leaders in our communities. The highlights include excellent speakers, meeting new friends, leadership skill building and more ...

This year’s BDHS student representatives to RYLA are Neri Gomez, Alicia Bond, Dan Jeon, Colton Srokosz and Brook Polowick.

Yearbook In 144 pages we cover events, activities, clubs, sports, and more. We will have 48 pages in colour – which is the most ever. Included is also the Year in Review – a look at Canada and the World. The Yearbook is a great way to remember another great year at BDHS – Drama Club’s “The Purple Orchid” wins…, Sr. Football team wins…, 30-Hour Famine has another great year, Jr. Girls Volleyball team wins…, friends, classmates, great teachers, and more.

Semester 1 Yearbook class completed half the book and Semester 2 Yearbook class is busy working to finish another eventful year. We need your support. There are still copies of the 2007 Bobcat Yearbook available to purchase. We want to make sure that no one is without his/her own copy. It is important for you to purchase your copy now by paying $45 at the Main Office. If the installment plan works better for you, we will try something new this year – students/parents can pay $25 before the end of May and $25 before the last class day in June.

During Semester 1 Yearbook students and Business Marketing students were in the community securing support by asking businesses and individuals to purchase advertising space in our 2007 Yearbook and our 2008 Student Planner. Thank you to those who have already placed an ad with us for this school year. The community support is very much appreciated because by purchasing advertising space in the Yearbook and Planner, more students have the opportunity to buy a Yearbook. This is not a money-making activity -- we merely try to cover all expenses. The advertising requests will start again soon.

Thank you to our community for supporting the Yearbook, as well as, many of our events and activities.

Dates to

Remember

CO-OP DEPARTMENT - SEMESTER 2, 2006/2007

Each semester the Co-operative Education Department relies upon our community support system to provide a meaningful and knowledgeable practical experience for Bobcat Co-op students. This semester our business partners are as follows:

STUDENT NAME	PLACEMENT	POSITION
Katelyn Adams	Chatham Kent Health Alliance	Physiotherapy Trainee
Isaac Boswell	Can-Am Tractor	Heavy Equipment Technician
Wes Chandler	Dauphin Carpentry	Construction Trainee
Carrie Collins	Growing Together Daycare	Child Care Assistant
Jen Dreveny	No Frills – Pharmacy	Pharmacy Technician
Brianna Evans	CAA Travel	Travel Assistant
Jeff Hermsen	Blackburn Radio – CKSY	Marketing Assistant
Darren Heuston	R.J. Equipment	Welder
Shana Johnson	Shoppers Drug Mart – Pharmacy	Pharmacy Technician
Brittany Keys	Wayne’s Pizza	Chef
Mitch Kluka	Chatham Kent Health Alliance	Engineering Department Trainee
Colin McEachran	Ontario’s Fun Connection	Travel & Event Coordinator
Amanda Pettit	Blenheim Physiotherapy/ McLauchlin Wellness Centre	Physiotherapy/Message Therapy Trainee
Bill Purdy	Konal Engineering - Fabrication	Welder
Kyle Rietdyk	Metal Powder Products	Millwright
Jessica Rumble	Chatham Kent Health Alliance	Nurse
Brittany Rylett	Kent Veterinary Hospital	Veterinary Technician

***Note: Parents, Students, Supervisors and the Community are invited to join us for the Career Fair on May 11 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at BDHS. We look forward to seeing you there.