Principal’s Message

The start of a new semester is so refreshing; it’s like having a new year celebration in the middle of the year. The change of courses brings renewed enthusiasm for learning, students set goals for high marks and maintaining good work habits. The excitement is invigorating!

We started the new year with the news of a devastating earthquake in Haiti.  Without hesitation, students and teachers organized fundraising to support the country. Mr. Brown generously volunteered to have his head shaved if they collected more than $1,000. The school collected over $4,000 in a two week period!  Mr. Brown will go under the razor on February 12 at lunch. I know that the incentive of shaving Mr. Brown’s head played only a minor part. Our students are well known for their generous nature and willingness to help others.

For grade 10, 11 and 12 provincially examinable subjects, the mark on the report card that goes home on February 9 is the school mark that will be blended with the exam mark. Exam marks are obtained by logging into the Ministry of Education web site:  www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams. You will need the student’s PEN number, found on a report card, to access exam results.  If you didn’t receive a report card, please feel free to come by the office to pick it up. As always, I encourage you to contact teachers if you have any questions regarding your son/daughter’s progress or marks.

I am very pleased with the efforts our students made first semester and you can see how well they have done with the honour roll list published with this newsletter. We will recognize their outstanding performance with an
 
      

GRAD TRANSITIONS News

WOW! Nine students have completed the Graduation Transitions Program and have received their RM (requirement met) already.  You don’t need to wait for April to hand in the rest of your components – hand them in when you have them and you too can finish the GT program early. 

DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – All Grade 10’s, Grade 11’s and Grade 12’s are required to keep a Daily Physical Log of 150 minutes per week.  The log is in their agenda on pages 6-10.   Forms are available on the Grad Transitions Board (outside room C101), room C101 and on First Class under LAMA Student Conference.  Students may complete a Declaration of the Daily Physical Activity rather than a log – these sheets also available in C101 and on the bulletin board.

Grades 12’s now have completed the first set of their components, which were due December 4. The students who have yet to hand them in – still can! Hand them in ASAP.  If not completed – you will receive on “I” (incomplete) on your January report card.

items Due on April 9, 2010

• The Daily Physical Activity form
• 30 hours of volunteer/work experience
• Resume
• Cover letter
• ONE reference letter

All of these sheets are available in room C101 or on First Class Desktop “LAMA Student Conference”.

Daily Physical Activity Log

GRAD TRANSITIONS CONTINUED

Other important dates to remember :

Now to February - Early Exit Interviews for the First 30 grads finished.

February 25 – Celebration Pizza lunch for the first 30 grads to finish their GT program, so get yours done now and have pizza on L.A.M.

If you are graduating in January – you must complete all components and the Exit Interview by January 12, 2010 to have RM (requirement met) on your official transcript.

Mustang Cafe Weekly Menu
February 22nd to 26th

Monday: Feb 22nd
Macaroni & Cheese with Fresh Green Salad $4.00
Creamy Tomato & Mushroom Soup $1.50

Tuesday: Feb 23rd
Grilled Cheese & Bacon Sandwich with Fries $4.00
 Chicken Noodle Soup $1.50

Wednesday: Feb 24th
Shrimp Stir-fry on a bed of rice $4.00
Vegetable Chowder $1.50

Thursday:Feb 25th
Vegetarian Chilli and Garlic Bread $4.00
 Beef and Barley Soup $1.50

Friday: Feb 26th
Beef Lasagna with Caesar Salad $5.00
Minestrone Soup $1.50

Food Drive

Ms.Hogg 1st place

This class came in the first place to have the most items of food from them thank you. They got 28.5 items per person. Good Job!

3500 items donated to the food bank.

Good Job L.A Matheson!

Lets get more next year !

Reminders - Student Info

Medical Alerts :

If your child has a medical problem of which the school should be aware of, please notify the school office ASAP. Medical alert forms are available in the office.

Missing school time :

If your child is missing school due to a family emergency or a family vacation, please obtain a “Student Missing School Time” form from the office. Your child will need to obtain parent and teacher signatures. Completed forms must be returned to the office in advance.

REMINDERS – STUDENT INFO
CONTINUED…

PE locker use :

Students that use the PE lockers inside the change rooms need to bring his/her own lock and lock up their belongings. The school is not responsible if items go missing.

Student fees and outstanding debts :

Students must pay their student activity fee ($20) plus all outstanding debts, by cash or cheque. You can obtain a print out of your child’s outstanding debts from the office.

Student Information :

If your address, telephone number or emergency contact information has changed please let the office know.

Student Pick up and Drop Off Procedures

• When picking up or dropping off your child :

PLEASE do not double park at the front of the school. Cars are not allowed to be parked on the left side of the drop-off area, where the meridian is. Emergency vehicles must be able to get in through that area.

• When waiting for your child :

If you are waiting for your child, please park in the designated “visitor” spots located in our parking lot and have your child meet you there.

Thank you for doing your part in keeping the students and parents of LA Matheson safe.

Career Center News

CAREER CENTRE PROGRAMS

Exceptional programs,
Exceptional Students

John George, a current grade 12 student, successfully completed his District Partnership Program at the end of January 2010. John took the Douglas Warehousing course from September to November, then completed his six week work experience placement at i2i Logistics, a logistics companyon Annacis Island. Congratulations John on an excellent semester and we wish you well with all of your future endeavors!

We would also like to congratulate Courtney Rustin and Shanley Lal on successfully completing their two semester District Programs. Courtney received top marks in her Baking and Pastry Arts course, as did Shanley in her Hairdressing course. We wish you nothing but success in pursuing your chosen trades. Well done ladies!

DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP TRADES PROGRAMS

L.A. Matheson would like to wish the following students all the best in the upcoming District Partnership Program:

Mantej Khangura                            
Automotive Service Technician at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary &
Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Brandon Martyn                              
Automotive Service Technician at
 Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary &
 Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Jason Rocha                                     
Automotive Service Technician at Lord
Tweedsmuir Secondary and Kwantlen
Polytechnic University

Kaleb Slamang                                 
BCIT Electrical program at Princess Margaret

Good luck to you all. We know that you will be great ambassadors of L.A. Matheson!

“LET THE CO-OP’S END…LET THE CO-PO'S BEGIN"

The end of January marked the end of two highly successful Co-ops: Humanities 11 and Math 11 Essentials/Science and Technology 11 Co-ops. These students successfully completed two three-week work experience placements, as well as their academic courses. We would like to extend our appreciation to all of the students and teachers for making first semester’s Co-ops the best yet.

February saw the start of three additional Co-ops being run this year. The Culinary Arts 12, Information Technology 11/12 and Science 11 all began on February 1. The students are excited to go on their first work experience placements and have done much in the way of preparation for them. They have created formal resumes and cover letters and have participated in a two day World Host workshop taught by Ms. Miller and Mrs. Spencer. In March, they will also participate in our annual Mock Interviews in which they simulate an actual interview scenario with various interviewers who range from Surrey School District staff to members of the outside community. With these activities and experiences, we feel that the students will be fully prepared for success at their various work placements.

FIELD TRIPS & UPCOMING EVENTS
SFU is hosting an “Open House” on March 4 from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm at their Surrey campus. Talk to the Career Centre about signing up for bus transportation, which is being provided by SFU. Deadline for bus sign up is Friday, February 19. If you would like attend the “Open House” you must register on-line at: http://www.surrey.sfu.ca

The Justice Institute is hosting their annual Career Showcase on Friday, March 19 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Showcase will feature display booths and presentations by current justice and public safety professionals. Come and learn more about career opportunities in the fields of criminal and social justice and public safety. Contact (604) 528-5874 or visit the Justice Institute’s website for more information.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is hosting their annual BIG OPEN HOUSE on Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10 at their Cloverdale Campus. Come and meet current students, faculty, graduates and advisors as you learn about the many programs and services offered on all of Kwantlen’s campuses. There will be campus tours, interactive display programs, information booths, workshop, entertainment and so much more. Come to the Career Centre for more information or visit the Kwantlen Polytechnic website: http://www.kwantlen.ca/bigopenhouse

Multicultural Club News

Eid-Ul-Adah Celebration

The MC club organized an Eid-Ul-Adah celebration on December 2 at lunch. Staff and students dressed up in ethnic clothing and handed out informational brochures explaining the significance of Eid. Samosas were distributed by donation for Franklin, our sponsored African student. Music, Henna and face painting were a main attraction for staff and students. A big thank you to everyone who helped organise this event .

Multicultural Club Meetings

Our Monday meetings have been moved to Room D255 (Mrs. Khaira's room) at lunch. All members must attend.

Upcoming events
                 
Chinese New Year ~ Wednesday, February 17
                 
Black History Day ~ Friday, February 26
                 
Diggin’ the Roots ~ Thursday, April 1

BC Children's Hospital Fundraiser: Teacher's Lip Sync ~ Thursday, May 20

Would you like to join?

New members are always welcome.

Hospital / Homebound Program

What is the Hospital / Homebound Program ?

Surrey Hospital / homebound teachers provide instruction to students of all grade levels who are unable to attend school for medical reasons. The goal of the program is to have students return to their regular classroom with as little educational interruption as possible. Instruction is available at Surrey Memorial and Peace Arch Hospitals, or in the student's home.

When is a student eligible for the program ?

Students registered at a public school in Surrey may be referred to the Hospital / Homebound program when they are expected to be absent for five days or longer. They may be referred by the principal, teacher, counsellor, attendance secretary, parent, doctor or nurse. Some of the reasons for referral include: surgery, accidents, infections, diseases, intestinal program, cancer, repiratory problems, pregnancies, mental health problems, or immune deficiency problems.

Students hospitalized for either a short or long term can be referred upon entering the hospital.

What work is assigned to the student ?

The Hospital / Homebound teacher contacts the student's classroom teacher(s) to arrange for work to be assigned, then make appointments to teach the student at the hospital or at home. In some cases the Hospital / Homebound teacher may, in consultation with the classroom teacher, modify the assignments to take in acount the illness, injury or effects of the medication. Students then work at assignments that they would do if they were attending regular classes in school, using texts, worksheets, workbooks and exercises assigned by their classroom teachers.

For more information about education in Surrey

and support for students and parents, visit www.sd36.bc.ca

Surrey Schools . . . Keeping Learners at the Centre

Peer Counselling Info

The Peer Counselling Class for the 2009/2010 year is made up of the following grade 10, 11, and 12 students:

                      
     Peer counsellors are available to meet with students to help them deal with problems and to mediate conflicts. The peer counsellors will be meeting every grade 8 student to welcome them to L.A. Matheson and to check in with them to see how things are going.

PAC Meetings

March 30, 2010          7:00 pm           Library
April 21, 2010             7:00 pm           Library
May 20, 2010              7:00 pm           Library

Matheson Athletics

Welcome back for another year of athletics here at L.A. Matheson. Once again, we look to field teams in various sports this year.  We hope that you participate in as many sports as possible. The fall season is about to begin and we will have teams in boys soccer, boys and girls volleyball, and swimming. Tryouts for our fall teams will start soon.

Please listen to the announcements, watch the TV monitors, check the Athletics Bulletin Board outside the PE office and surf the web and our athletics website for the latest information about tryouts, practices, games, scores and other events.

http://fcweb.sd36.bc.ca/~mah_s/Athletics

Welcome back for another year of athletics here at L.A. Matheson.  The fall season is starting and we are running a full slate of volleyball teams, boys soccer, cross country, and swimming.

Coaches and sponsors for our fall teams are:

Grade 8 Boys Volleyball: Mr. J. Willie (Student Teacher), Ms. D. Storey Gray and Mr. B. Gray.
Grade 8 Girls Volleyball: Mr. B. Sutter and Ms. M. Kenkel.
Junior Boys Volleyball:  Ms. B. Peckham
Junior Girls Volleyball:  Ms. J. Halls
Senior Boys Volleyball: Mr. S. Mah
Senior Girls Volleyball: Mr. K. Stockdale
Junior Boys Soccer: Mr. J. Judson
Senior Boys Soccer: Ms. C. Bell (Student Teacher)
Cross Country: Ms. S. Hogg and Ms. M. Smith.
Swimming: Mrs. D. Dillon

Keep up to date with the latest athletic information by checking out the athletic website. The website can be found on the school website or you can link directly at: fcweb.sd36.bc.ca/~mah_s/Athletics.  Also, this year look out for our athletic newsletter, "Matheson on the Run", created by the PE Leadership 10 class. The newsletter will be posted on the school website. The first publication should out sometime in October.

LIBRARY NEWS

L. A. Matheson Library welcomes its new teacher-librarian Ms. Cauduro. Ms. Cauduro was one of Matheson’s French teachers for many years. Students are encouraged to drop by and meet Ms. Cauduro in the library.

Ms. Finch has retired, and is busy reading all the books she never had time to read; "So many books, so little time". She wishes the very best to our new teacher librarian, to all Matheson students, and especially to the voracious readers who made her days happy.

Home Access to Destiny Library

The District has provided a wonderful resource for helping our students do their homework. While at home, students can now access the library collection catalogue, to see which titles we have in our school library, and which resources are available. In addition to books and resources information, "WebPath Express" is also available. A student can use WebPath Express to connect to educationally-chosen websites to research their topics. Instructions for this program will be provided in September/October during library orientation classes. Students can also obtain assistants by asking the teacher librarian for help.

Remote (Home) Access to Destiny
Library Program

http://library.sd36.bc.ca
or
http://www.sd36.bc.ca
 Students.Resources>School Library Catalogues> choose L. A. Matheson Library

School District #36 Programs

District Partnership Programs:
Twelve grade 10 and grade 11 students have applied for various District Partnership Programs which will begin in 2009/2010 school year. The application process is quite involved, in that the students have to:

•meet specific academic pre-requisites
•do a site visit of the facility that they would be attending
•pass the District Math Assessment
•have a good attendance record
•have two references, one from a teacher and one from a community member
•include their resume and a cover letter

Once the application package has been sent in, the students are interviewed by a district official and a post-secondary instructor. These programs are highly competitive; there are a limited amount of spots available for all secondary schools in Surrey.
We wish the following students all the best in their application process:

•Automotive Service Technician Applicants:
Mantej Khangura, Joshua Manimtim, Brandon Martyn, Jason Rocha and Bobby Sandhu.

•Electrical Applicants:
Mark Luporini, Pritesh Patel, Parmvir Shergill and Kaleb Slamang.

•Hairdressing Applicant:
Hilary Rustin

•Millwright Applicant:
Brandon Foster

•Parts and Warehousing Applicant:
John George

•Welding Applicant:
Aaron Goundar

Post-Secondary Information Collected on one Website

Students can plan an academic career and seek the appropriate information to make informed decisions. The site is at www.educationplanner.bc.ca

How to save your files @ home

Click on the the Office Logo

Then select the Word 97-2003 Document

Adobe Software for students up to 85% off. The Adobe K-12 Licensing Program is available through http://www.software4students.ca and can be purchased by a Grade 6 - 12 students.

Examples of pricing:Web Standard CS4 regularly $999.99, just $229.93 Cdn. Design Standard CS4 regularly $1399, just $229.93 Cdn. Photoshop Element 8 & Premiere Elements 8 bundle regularly $149, just $129.93 Cdn. Production Premium CS4 regularly $1699, just Cdn 349.93. Check website for info on how to purchase items.

DIGGIN THE ROOTS

WHAT:
L.A. Matheson’s cultural celebration.

WHEN:
April 8th (In the evening)

WHERE:
L.A. Matheson’s Big Gym and Cafeteria

WHY:
To raise the money for the Children’s Hospital and learn about the other cultures.