Student Success
It has been and bustling few months
between midterms and final exams. We have been involved with our
current staff and students as well as planning for our new September
2008 class of gr 9 students.
We are continuing to prepare for the OSSLT
(Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) that will take place on
Thurs. Mar. 27, 2008. Student Success is working with all partners as
a member of the School Literacy Team. Many different methods of
preparation have already begun and will continue leading up to our
big day. Students and parents are encouraged to visit www.EQAO.com
for additional resources and information about the test. If students
would like more preparation materials, the Student Success room
(Rm233) has additional exercises available. In November, we attended
a conference in Hamilton hosted by OASAR and had the opportunity to
hear Dr. Bruce Ferguson speak. He is not only a celebrated medical
doctor and child educational researcher; but he is also an inspiring
presenter. He provided a very real and personal face to so many of
the challenges that our students face across this
province.
In December, our Guidance Department
hosted the Grade 8 Feeder school students and staff for an
interactive in-service in support of a school board pilot project for
on-line registration. The Student Success teachers met with the gr 8
teachers during these visits and provided them with resource
materials that had been prepared in conjunction with the Heads of
Departments at Cardinal Newman. We would like to thank the Peer
Mentors that have been working diligently over the past few months.
In December they presented to the gr 9 Religion classes about
learning styles and then returned in January to do subject specific
exam preparation sessions. These students not only assisted in class
preparation, but were a great support to the Student Success students
as well. In January, the Student Success teachers also hosted period
1 exam preparation sessions for gr 10 Student Success students in
applied classes, and they also presented to various gr 9 classes
about getting ready to write their first set of high school
exams.
Recently, we participated in gr 8
parent’s night and the gr 8 orientation day. The orientation day
included a “Lunch & Learn Session” for the gr 8
teachers, the Cardinal Newman Heads of Department, and other members
of the school leadership team. During the month of February, we will
be visiting the feeder schools to better acquaint ourselves with our
2008 gr 9 students.
As the change over to semester 2 occurs.
We want to congratulate the students successfully completing the
Credit Rescue Programs and Credit Recovery class. We will be revising
our Student Success lists, and we welcome any student whot feels they
can benefit from some extra assistance in order to reach their full
potential to come and see us in Rm 233. Mrs.
Mariella and Ms. H. Salciccioli
Teach a peer to choose the right path, and
when he/she is older, he/she will remain upon it.”-Proverbs
22:6
The prestigious Newman’s Peer Mentor
Club has been very busy this semester! The lunchtime tutoring
offered many grade 9 students assistance with subject-specific skills
and general study tips. I would not be surprised to see some of
these tutees become future tutors themselves.
Our main focus this half of the semester
was classroom presentations to assist grade 9 students. Our first
presentation, “Use it or Lose it: Directing your Brain to Work
Harder For You” helped all grade 9 students identify their
learning style and suitable study techniques. Studies show that the
most critical element for a student’s success in school is an
understanding of how to learn. The Mentors also addressed how to
prevent “Brain Drain” by proving the benefit of reviewing
all notes for about 10 minutes per subject every night! Ask your
son/daughter about the Marshmallow Test and how that fun activity
related to emotional intelligence! After all, emotional intelligence
has become one of the hottest buzzwords among employers!
Our second presentation focused on exam
preparation. For most students, but especially for grade 9s, just
the very thought of final exams can elicit feelings of confusion and
stress. With the assistance of the Grade 9 Counsellor, Mr. Groleau,
the Peer Mentors visited all HRE1O1 classes to address time
management, study schedules, and effective study techniques using
specific concepts taught in class. By the end of the presentation,
the students felt more prepared on how to face their first set of
high school exams.
Our final focus for the semester was on
assisting the grade 8 students as they began their journey from
elementary school to high school. Their first contact was at the
“Internet Café” in December where they addressed
their questions as part of the Chears, Fears, and Unclears
Presentation with the Guidance Counsellors. In January, the Mentors
were thrilled to meet with students on Grade 9 Orientation Day as
they escorted groups to three class presentations. Once again, their
casual conversations helped calm their fears and build their
excitement about coming to our great school.
It is obvious the Peer Mentors play a
significant role in promoting the sense of community in our school.
We are truly blessed to have this group of 40 young leaders.
P.S. Grade 9 students interested in
joining our club are asked to see Mrs. Mariella in early
February.
A Letter from the Special Education
Resource Department Mrs. J. Pagliari ( Department Head)
Semester One has come to a successful end.
Students are engaged in active learning in a variety of courses.
Students with special needs experienced great success in the work
placements, fulfilling many roles ranging from assisting Senior
Citizens at Arbour Creek with their daily routine to taking care of
toddlers at the Y.M.C.A. Day Care. We are proud of their
accomplishments and contributions to the Stoney Creek community. Our
department, staff and students are looking forward to an exciting
Semester 2.
Recent Events
On Tuesday January 29, a group of
educational assistants attended a workshop on the Autism Spectrum
Disorder presented in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Autism
and the Board’s Student Services Staff. Cardinal Newman’s
staff that attended found this workshop very informative and
interactive. The key points focused on were the need for schedules,
ways to reduce anxiety and the importance of pairing speech with
visual cues as a precursor to reading. The ultimate goal for the
student with autism is to develop individual
independence.
Several Educational Assistants also
attended a workshop presented by Nancy Hall on behalf of the Hamilton
Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Important
information was presented about the profile of primary and secondary
disabilities, diagnostic issues and criteria. As well, support
strategies and ways to restructure the classroom for success were
discussed.
Upcoming Events
Queen’s University is offering a
challenging alternative learning opportunity called E=MC2. Secondary
students from grade 9 to 12 who are gifted or highly motivated are
invited to attend a weeklong program. The program combines a taste
of academics, residence life and extra-curricular activities. It
allows students to get a true flavour of the university experience.
If you think your student would be interested in this program please
contact Mrs. Mamone at ext. 325. Mrs. M. Chernets-Taha (
Special Education Resource Teacher)
Mrs. H. Mamone ( Special
Education Resource Teacher)