This Week At Journey January 11-15

Exploratory #2 – Begins Thursday. Most students have returned their forms but we have a few who still need to get them in. Some are already full and students will know which one they are in on Monday. If your child’s exploratory needs a waiver form they must be in by Wednesday or the spot will be given to the next student on the waitlist. Students are expected to attend exploratories and are given a satisfactory or unsatisfactory on their report cards. An unsatisfactory will make the student ineligible to be on the Honour and/or Effort Role for term #2.

School supplies – It’s that time of year to bring in a few more school supplies. Many students are short on pencils, pens, lined paper and duotangs. Gym strip that went home for washing also needs to be sent back to school. Students need to change clothing for safety and hygiene.

Preparedness – Staff have been hard at work improving our state of readiness for any emergency or disaster which may affect our school, especially in light of the recent earthquake December 29th. Work is completed or underway in a number of areas:

• Updated JMS Emergency Plan (Completed)
• Updated JMS Classroom Emergency Backpacks (Completed)
• Updated JMS Emergency Communication procedures between staff and parents (Completed)
• PAC championing and financial support of new emergency supplies secured for school (Completed)
• JMS Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist prepared and posted to school website (Completed)
• (Please visit the JMS website to review and print the checklist for your family’s disaster preparedness.)
• JMS Emergency Container project for storage of dedicated disaster supplies on site (Ongoing)

These are just a few examples of the positive steps JMS is taking to enhance the safety and security of students and staff in time of ANY emergency or disaster.”

Student Support Services – Now that the IEP process is underway, parents who have requested an IEP meeting will be receiving a notice for the date and time this week.  For parents with IEP input, please return your child’s IEP with comments and corrections to Mr. Nguyen.  Please contact nnguyen@sd62.bc.ca for any questions and inquiries.

Grade 8 course registration – All grade eight students need to have parent permission to access Career Cruising for course selection next year. The deadline has passed to send them into Journey. If you have not signed this release (extra copies available at the office and all grade 8 families have been emailed) you must do so asap and return it to EMCS. Regardless of where you think you might be going next year, you should fill out courses selection for EMCS.

Royals Hockey – For the first time ever, SD62 will have “District Day with the Victoria Royals” on Friday, January 29. This will be a fun event for families and friends of all SD62 staff and students to go watch a Victoria Royals hockey game for only $9, show some school/District spirit and have fun! Use promo code SD62NIGHT when ordering online at selectyourtickets.com/promo

Monday

Exploratories – lists will be posted today at lunch in the foyer. Exploratories begin Thursday.

Gamers’ tournament begins today at lunch in the main lab. Semi-finalists will be announced on Monday am. Thanks to Trin and Bryce in Division 2 for their role in organizing this event; these students show excellent leadership potential.

Dragon’s Den Creative Writing Club at lunch in Main Computer Lab

Gamers’ Club Tournament begins today in the Project Room at lunch

Organic Herbal Tea – as part of our Aboriginal Education Program we will be serving tea in the foyer to any and all students who are interested at recess and lunch all week (while supplies last). Thanks to our AbEd Support Staff!

Tuesday

Culture Club today in the Kitchen at lunch. Everyone is invited to check out what we’re got planned for today.

Role Model Kevin Cranman will present the 1914 Film “Land of War Canoes ‘ in Ms. Johnston’s class today at 11 am

Student Council Meeting – today at lunch in Mme. Abell’s classroom. All divisions need to be represented and reps are needed to give their valuable input.

Presentation – Ms. Wien’s class will have a presentation on Suicide Awareness today at 10:15

PAC Meeting tonight – All parents/guardians are welcome to attend our meeting tonight at 7 pm in the Annie Acreman Library. You don’t have to join the executive or volunteer!

Wednesday

Chess Club – The Journey Chess Club meets today in the Project Room at lunch with Mr. Bryan.

Gamers’ tournament – continues today at lunch.

Vocal Group – meets today in the Band Room at lunch

PAC Food Day – Pizza. Drinks and other goodies also for sale

Sumo-Bot Club meets afterschool at EMCS

Jr. Girls’ Volleyball practice afterschool today

Thursday

Jazz Band meets today at 8:15 am in the Band Room

Exploratories begin today – bring any equipment you need and always bring your enthusiasm!

Mindstorm Robotics Club – 3:05-4:30 in the Project Room

Journey to Japan Meeting – All students travelling to Japan this year meet tonight in the library at 6:30 pm

Friday

Upcoming Dates:

January 18 – Non-Instructional Day (this is a new one not in the original calendar) for staff to have workshops on the new BC Curriculum

January 20 – EMCS Trip to Germany, Paris and the Alps. If you are in grade 8 this year, and want to travel in 2017, attend the information meeting at 6 pm tonight in the Art Room. EMCS teacher, Mrs. Sue Garat has taken students to Europe for many years and is an expert at arranging these trips and taking students to foreign countries.

January 27 – Anxiety Workshop with quest speaker Dr. Kristin Buhr 6-8 pm in the Gym. All Sooke parents and care givers are invited to attend.