WSS Newsletter – March 2021

Westview Secondary School

MARCH NEWSLETTER

March 1st, 2021

Learning Snapshot

Spring is arriving which means the days are getting brighter, longer and warmer. It also means we are arriving at the mid-point of Quarter 3. Below are some images from learning and events that have been happening over the past few weeks. From top to bottom and left to right: Students are creating beautiful cartoon summaries of Romeo & Juliet in Ms. MacDonald’s English 10 class. In PE 10, Coach J is using Olympic quality timing devices to assess student sprint times. Our Link Crew students are sending off airplanes with their Quarter 3 intentions written on them. In Art, Ms. Cruikshank’s students created incredible masks based on prints or objects that they brought to class. Link Crew students at the grade 8 hot chocolate afternoon on Valentine’s Day. Finally, Lucien, an awesome international student from France helping out in Ms. Liversidge’s French 8 class.

Covid Information

We continue to be so proud of how Westview students are following the Covid guidelines thus far this school year. There were recent changes announced in the province and in almost every case Westview was already following the new practices such as mask use in the classrooms.
The Ministry of Education in partnership with the BCCDC has launched a new website (LINK) to help students, parents, educators learn more about COVID-19 prevention in school
The BC Centre for Disease Control has a helpful new online resource for B.C.’s education community. Built for parents, students, and school staff, the K-12 Schools and COVID-19 website has a wealth of valuable information including:
- Health and safety measures that have been put in place to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in schools
- Protocols when there is a positive COVID-19 case in a school
- Shareable resources, like a contact tracing infographic
- Quick links to tools like the COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and the new K-12 Health Check app help with frequently-asked questions

Student Scheduling for 2021-22

Although we are just over the midway point in this school year, our counsellors and Vice Principals are wrapping up individual scheduling meetings with all students in grades 8-11. These one-on-one interviews are a valuable investment to aid in students making course selections that align with their future goals but also to connect with key contacts in the school community. If your child requires further changes for next year, please have them visit the counselling office and book an appointment by using the QR code on the office doors!

Basketball & Soccer Academies – Registration Info

Westview has two sports academies that are open to student-athletes of all skill levels. The Basketball Academy is run by teacher/coach, Ms. Macleod & the Soccer Academy is run by teacher/coach, Mr. Schmidt,
Both academies offer high level instruction and an incredible sense of community. There is a fee for each sport ($400 for Basketball & $600 for Soccer) which covers equipment, uniform and specialized instruction, training & guest speakers.
- ○ Basketball Academy
  - ■ Website with information & registration – (LINK)
  - ■ Basketball Academy Video (Link)
- ○ Soccer Academy
  - ■ Website with information, videos & registration – (LINK)
  - ■ Soccer Academy Video (Link)

YDI & Satisfaction Surveys

Westview and all secondary schools in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows are participating in a number of surveys for students in grades 10, 11 & 12.
Students in grades 10 & 12 complete the BC Ministry of Education Satisfaction Survey during the first two weeks of March. The survey covers a range of topics, providing a comprehensive picture of the educational experience in B.C. public schools.
Students in grade 11 will be taking the Youth Development Index (YDI). The YDI intends to establish healthy social, emotional, mental and physical behaviours in early life are more likely to achieve academic success and other positive developmental outcomes.
The YDI surveys Grade 11s to identify which resources, opportunities, and practices set youth best up for success in adolescence and adulthood. As researchers at SFU, the UBC Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP-UBC), and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), we have built the YDI in collaboration with school administrators, teachers, healthcare providers, policymakers, community partners, and young people themselves.

Pink Shirt (Anti-Bullying) Day – February 24th

Westview leadership students worked hard in Quarter 2 to prepare for a month of activities that focused on building kindness. Rather than a Pink Shirt Day where anti-Bullying is the focus our students chose February as Kindness month.

Some of the activities included: decorating lockers with encouraging words, handing out hot chocolate with pink sprinkles, candy grams for students to send their peers a treat, and selling t-shirts in advance of February 24th!

Upcoming Events
March 8-12th – Student Satisfaction Surveys (Gr. 10 & 12s) & YDI Survey (Gr. 11s)
March 15th-22nd – Spring Break – Week #1
March 22nd – 26th Spring Break – Week #2
March 29th – PAC Zoom Meeting

Follow Us on Social Media
@wsswildcats – Westview’s official Instagram account
@WSSsd42 – Westview’s official Twitter account

Please do not hesitate to email Darren Rowell, Principal (Darren_Rowell@sd42.ca) if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Darren Rowell

Principal, Westview Secondary School

-Inspiring & encouraging students to strive for excellence!

Have a Question?
The following list of Counsellors and Administrators and their grades are listed below: