Principal’s Message

So much has happened since September! Our staff and students have been very busy organizing and staging many events to support school spirit and pride.  In mid-October, the Punjabi 11 class organized Diwali celebrations that included our Banghra team and lots of food! Shortly after, we celebrated Halloween with a number of fun activities arranged to delight and scare. Drama students built and presented a very authentic and SCARY haunted house. It took me two days to pick up the courage to go in … and thankfully I came out in one piece, albeit a lot greyer and somewhat nerve wracked! We also celebrated the various cultures represented in our school with Multicultural week recognizing cultures from five continents.

November is going to be very busy. We began with an assembly on finance November 1 that was very well received; grade 9’s participated in ‘Take our Kids to Work’ day on November 4; then Day of the Dead followed on November 5. We wound up the first two weeks with very moving assemblies to recognize Remembrance Day on November 9 and 10. On November 26, grade 12’s will participate in Post-Secondary information sessions to help them plan for life after high school. Matheson’s Got Talent will finish up the month. This is a wonderful showcase for the variety of talent in the school with performances in dance, music and singing and raises money for CounterAttack.

Of course, along with all these activities, we had several sports teams in action: volleyball, soccer, swimming and cross country. Our athletes are doing extremely well this season, with teams qualifying for the Surrey’s and some heading for the Fraser Valley’s. This is a testament to our team spirit and a dedicated group of coaches.  A special thank you to our coaches and parents for supporting our students in athletics and other extra curricular activities.

As we move toward the end of the semester, I’d like to encourage students to channel their energy toward being successful in their courses. The first report card with marks will be sent home on November 26. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, I encourage you to call the school and make arrangements to discuss progress.
      
 Judy Henriques

PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

November 26, 2009 @ 7:00 PM

For parents of students in grades 6 – 12
L.A. Matheson Library

Substance use and abuse:
how to recognize drug use in teens and tweens
and how to respond if you suspect your child
is using drugs
Presented by Rob McGirr, District Substance Use Liaison
What are the signs that your teen is using drugs? These are not

What are the signs that your teen is using drugs? These are not easy to detect because they often overlap with very common teenage behaviours such as changes in sleeping habits, changes in hobbies, and changes in mood or attitudes. He will discuss "drug paraphernalia" - equipment that is used to produce, conceal and consume illicit drugs – as well as provide information to help parents make informed decisions about how to approach substance use in their children.

Mustang Cafe Weekly Menu
November 23rd to 27th

Monday:
Shrimp Fried Rice $4.00
Minestrone Soup $1.50

Tuesday:
Clubhouse Sandwich with Coleslaw $4.50
Boston Clam Chowder $1.50

Wednesday:
Tuna Melt with Fries $4.00
Vegetable Noodle Soup $1.50

Thursday:
Gnocchi Pasta with Sundried Tomato Sauce and Caesar Salad $4.00
Bean and Bacon Soup $1.50

Friday:
BBQ Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables $5.00
Tomato Basil Soup $1.50

Reminders to Parents & Guardians

1. 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.

2. When waiting for your child:

Career Center News

Planning 10 Students

Each grade 10 student that is currently taking Planning 10 has been given an opportunity to participate in an on-line career search entitled “Career Cruising” with Ms. Ward. With this program, students answer a variety of questions based on their skills, interests, etc. that in turn lead them to a list of careers that might be suitable for them. The follow-up to this activity is to have students meet with one of the Career Facilitators, Mr. Deluca or Ms. Wilson, to plan for course selection for their Grade 11 and 12 years based on the career that they have chosen. This process will assist students in making informed and relevant course choices.

Coop Students

Both our Humanities 11 and Math11E/Science & Technology Coop students successfully completed their first of two work experience placements. The students found their experiences to be valuable as it  gave them an idea of what type of career they feel would (or would not) suit them.  The students were also able to make contacts and gain references in their chosen career field. Some students were even hired by the companies that they worked for. Congratulations to all of our students for representing L.A. Matheson so well in the community! The Math11E/Science & Technology Coop will be going out again from November 23 - December 11 and the Humanities 11 Coop will be going again from November 26 - December 17.

Of course none of these experiences would be possible without the businesses and organizations that agree to take in our students for three weeks. We are very appreciative of the employers for taking time out of their busy days to support and encourage our students in this endeavor.

DISTRICT PROGRAMS

Take Our Kids to Work - November 4, 2009

A big thank you to all of the parents, relatives, friends, and employers who made this event a great success!! This day helped students to understand:

• The importance of staying in school
• The skills required for today’s workplace
• An appreciation of their parent’s role in making a living and supporting a family
• How to make a connection between what they learn at school and what is required in the workplace

Events

Monday, November 9, 2009 - "Fresh Minds Symposium"

The University of Victoria is offering students interested in careers in Health Sciences a one day symposium in which students will be able to network and connect with health science experts and explore career options in the Health Sciences field. Ten students from L.A. Matheson will be joining students from Fraser Heights Secondary, Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary and Semiahmoo Secondary in this unique opportunity.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - "Education and Career Fair" at the Tradex in Abbotsford

This day-long event will provide students in Grades 10-12 an opportunity to interact with and inquire about the various post-secondary options that are available to them by speaking with representatives from each of the 77 participating institutions. The Fair features exhibitors from universities, colleges, private training institutions, corporations and associations in B.C., Canada and internationally. The following website has a list that is updated regularly on who is participating: www.educationandcareerfairs.com.
Students will be provided with free tickets and transportation by the Surrey School District. Contact the Career Centre for further information.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - L.A. Matheson's Career and Post Secondary Fair

L.A. Matheson is hosting a Career and Post Secondary Fair on January 13, 2010 in the small gym from 1:00 - 3:30 pm and 4:30 – 6:00 pm. We are inviting all students, parents, guardians and everyone else in the community to join us in discovering labor market trends, connecting with professionals in the trade and exploring post-secondary options. Public and private post-secondary institutions will be represented, including Douglas College, Simon Fraser University and the Justice Institute, just to name a few.

For further information, please contact the Career Centre at (604) 588-3418 or you can email Ms. Ward at ward_d@sd36.bc.ca or Ms. Wilson at Wilson_cheryl@sd36.bc.ca.

*** REMINDER ***

RCMP YOUTH ACADEMY APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO THE CAREER CENTRE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20.

Aviva Grant Competition

           Thanks for voting, we made it to the semi-finals, Voting contuines Dec.2-2009 to Dec.16-2009. We look for your support. Remember to vote before 9pm each day thank-you.

L.A.M. Theatre Company

Check out the exciting events being put on by The L.A.M. Theatre Company this fall !

December 9 - 11

"Once Upon A Playground"

Our Winter production focuses on childhood friendship and the importance of accepting yourself for who you are. Don't miss this funny and touching story !

Where to go after school ?

Post-Secondary

Information Sessions

Thurs. Nov 12 & Tues. Nov 17
6-8:30pm Get to know UBC Information Event
For Grade 11 & 12 students and parents
Bell Centre for Performing Arts

Mon. Oct 26th
4pm-7pm Kwantlen Cloverdale Campus Open House
Trades & Technology
Instructors will be on hand in each shop area to answer questions.

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.

H1N1 Flu:  Parent Information

The Surrey School District works closely with public health professionals to ensure district and school staff take all appropriate measures to minimize health risks, including from viruses like H1N1.  This includes ensuring students, parents and staff have up-to-date information about health risks and how they can help to avoid spreading or contracting contagious illnesses.

In most respects, the H1N1 virus has not affected students or schools any differently than a typical flu season.  However, the H1N1 flu has been declared a pandemic because more cases of H1N1 flu have been reported through-out the world than would be considered normal for a flu.  Importantly, school-aged children appear to be getting the H1N1 flu more than other influenzas.

Minimizing the spread of H1N1 flu
Because school-aged children appear more vulnerable, all students, parents and school staff are urged to follow simple, yet very effective everyday routines to reduce the spread of the germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the H1N1 flu:

• Teach your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Teach your children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of their elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Children who are sick must stay home from school and daycare, and stay away from other people until they are feeling better and able to fully participate in normal activities; usually about seven days.

Symptoms
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza. They include:

Additional information
The Surrey School District is monitoring absenteeism due to illness and continues to work closely with public health experts to ensure preventative practices are in place and students, parents and staff are informed as health officials provide new information. 

There is more easy-to-read information about the H1N1 flu, including frequently asked questions and answers, available to you on the school district website home page at www.sd36.bc.ca.  You can also ask for this information from your school.

PAC Meetings

Swim Team News

This year’s swim team is well under way. The team practices are every Tuesday and Friday morning from 6:30 am to 7:30 am at North Surrey Pool. The coach for this year’s swim team is Carly Guraliuk.  If you are interested in joining the team, please see Mrs. Dillon

Ice Hockey News

The ice hockey team has two wins under their belt.  Come and cheer them on at one of the following games.

Monday, November 16:   
3:15 pm at Fleetwood against Kwantlen Park

Tuesday, November 24:
3:30 pm at North Surrey against Panorama Ridge

Tuesday, December 1:
3:30 pm at North Surrey against Princess Margaret

Wednesday, December 9:
3:15 pm at Fleetwood against Tamanawis

Aboriginal News

The aboriginal students celebrated the raising of their first nations flag on Friday, October 23. It is now hanging prominently in the cafeteria and it reflects the pride of our first nations students here at L.A. Matheson. Students are encouraged to come to homework club on Monday and Wednesday after school in Mrs. Dillon's room (room D153). 

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

GRAD TRANSITIONS News

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 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.

Grade 12’s: the following components for the Grad Transitions Program are due by Friday, December 4; if these components are not completed you will receive an “I” (incomplete) on your January report card.

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

Daily Physical Activity Log

Other important dates to remember :

Now until February : early Exit Interviews for the first 30 grads finishe

Thursday, 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. Matheson.

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.

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

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