January is a month of new resolutions and beginnings. I noticed during the first week back from holidays, students were making a real effort to get to class on time. The halls were noticeably empty when the bell rang. Unfortunately, like many New Year's Resolutions, things started to revert back and students have returned to being late for class. I would like to stress the importance of students arriving to school on time in the morning and to class on time throughout the day.

For most schools, January is a quieter month with less activities taking place. This is not so at Johnston Heights. Our Debate team held its first competition on Friday, January 6th. We had 93 students participating from approximately 10 schools. I would like to congratulate and thank Danny Zhang, Faiz Jaffar, and the rest of the leadership team for their outstanding organization in running the Debate. Thank you also to Mr. Chow, Ms O'Malley, and Mr Zanatta for giving up their Friday night to assist in the judging and organizing of the event.

Congratulations to Alex Gamache for being named an All Star at the Surrey Fire Fighters Senior Girls' Basketball Tournament held January 4 – 8. Our Senior Boys are participating in the annual RCMP Basketball tournament January 8 – 12th. I wish all our basketball teams continued success throughout their season.

Our leadership students continue to participate in several initiatives both in the school and the District. A group of senior students participated in the Model United Nations out at UBC. Others are involved in the District's Travel Smart Initiative and a small group had the opportunity to meet with Jagrup Brar, the MLA who is currently living on welfare for the month. At school, the Leadership Spirit Team had some fun prior to exams by holding a Nerd Day on January 18th in the Cafeteria.

I want to congratulate 6 of our Grade 12 students for their hard work in applying to the RCMP Youth Academy. These individuals have been meeting with Ms. Ramsey in the Careers Centre every week since October to work on their applications. Many of them participated in the RCMP Boot Camp that was put on and run by our School Liaison officer, Constable Burgraaf. It is highly unusual, but all 6 students were given interviews for 25 spots in the Academy. Congratulations to all of them for their efforts.

Due to ongoing teacher job action, students in Grades 8 – 11 will not be receiving final marks. Report Cards will be issued giving parents information in their child's attendance and teacher contact information. Students in Grade 12 will be receiving final marks and report cards will be issued on February 8, 2012.

A reminder to parents that second semester begins on Monday, January 30th. Timetables for second semester will be handed out in home room on that first day.





Ms. S. Hammond
Principal
Johnston Heights Secondary