at Archbishop MacDonald High School

Fall 2020 Edition Greetings and welcome to an exciting year of learning and growth in the IB programmme. Your contacts for the IB program are:

We are very happy to welcome you to our IB community

What is the IB Programme? The IB program is an internationally recognized program designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect* * Mission and strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2014. At Archbishop MacDonald, the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP- Grades 8, 9 and 10) finishes its final year this program prepares students for the two year IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) that qualified students will enter in grades 11 and 12. Archbishop MacDonald is an accredited IB MYP and DP school. Teachers are trained by the IB organization and use IB assessment criteria to evaluate student learning. IB students engage in a program that enhances the breadth and intensity of academic study and also prepares students with valuable personal skills that advance success with post-secondary pursuits in college, university, internships and employment.

IB News

at Archbishop MacDonald High

School

Mac IB Newsletter

• Middle Years Program (MYP): Helen Grijo

Helen.Grijo@ecsd.net

• Diploma Program (DP): Jacqueline Sewell

Jacqueline.Sewell@ecsd.net

This IB newsletter will provide you with information on upcoming events, dates, deadlines and IB news at Archbishop MacDonald High School.

Additionally, you can find more information about the IB Programmes at Archbishop MacDonald High School on

our school website:

https://www.ecsd.net/schools/8403/Pages/Default.aspx

IB Learner Profile “The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common

humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world.”

-IBO Website – ibo.org. Retrieved September 14, 2014. Each newsletter we would like to highlight 2 of the characteristics of the learner profile which represents the IB mission statement in action.

If you would like to read the full learner profile please visit the following link:

http://www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/pdfs/learner-profile-en.pd

Our StudentS are…

Risk-Takers

As we embark on a new year with the IB Programme, we learn to take risks and become

stronger for it.

Risk-takers approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; they work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. They are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

&

Collaborators

Collaboration is an important aspect in teaching and learning. Collaboration is an imperative approach to learning skill and can be defined as the action of working with someone to produce or create something. In order to collaborate effectively in an academic setting, a student needs to be a good communicator. At Archbishop MacDonald we are communicators. We express

ourselves contently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups

General IB News & Events

International Mindedness (I.M.) Club

The International Mindedness Club provides students with opportunities to take a leadership position in organizing and carrying out events to support those in

need on an international scale.

We are hoping to start this club virtually in the New Year. We are looking forward to creating change in our new environment.

IB Approaches to Learning ( ATL) “The IB Programme aims to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond; it encourages students to become “active, compassionate and lifelong learners” (IB mission statement). IB teachers therefore play a crucial role as teachers of learners, not simply teachers of content.”

- International Baccalaureate Organization

As part of this mission; we will be introducing and practicing the 5 strands of the ATL in our M10 groups to assist them with developing essential skills to promote success in their studies.

The Approaches to LearningSkills

Thinking Skills Communication Skills

Social Skills

Self-Management Skills Research Skills

IB Wellness

IB Retreat – R. September 24 A great afternoon camaraderie amongst our

full IB-MYP and full IB-DP candidates

IB candidates met over Microsoft Teams.

Activities Included:

• Getting to know each other: participation and input into a shared Google slide

show.

• Reflection on theLearner Profile: an individual activity toassess one’s personal

learner profile attributes and to set goals regarding improving on other learner

profile attributes.

• Break-out sessions: MYP and DP groups attended programme specific sessions

IB-MYP : Orientation to the Personal Project

IB-DP: Orientation to the IB Core: TOK, EE and CAS

• Please See the rest of the newsletter for descriptions on:

The MYP Personal Project

The DP TOK

The DP EE

The DP CAS

IB Middle Years Programme News

The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

The MYP at Archbishop MacDonald is a five-year programme, which is implemented in a partnership between us and St. Edmund’s as well as St. Thomas More. Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

The MYP curriculum

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents.

The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group, in each year of the programme. In the final two years of the programme, carefully-defined subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.

Why offer the MYP? Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

• build confidence in managing their own learning • learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world • outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills • consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations • thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel.

develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizen

The IB MYP (10) engages students in academically rigorous courses focused on eight subject groups: English, World

Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, the Arts, Technology, and Physical Education. IB MYP (10) students

learn to think creatively and independently as they immerse themselves in this

interdisciplinary education.

IB MYP Personal Project

The personal project is a culminating Middle Years Programme (MYP) project to develop

the student's personal interest and to show and apply the skills, which are developed through the MYP's Approaches to Learning. This project is based on the student's interests and

talents, resulting in a product or outcome.

Please see link created by TWO of our wonderful MYP students last year. Greast job Ella and Erdine . . .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EKOdVuVGf8&t=7s

IB – MYP Awards – Celebration of Excellence- R. October 3

The MYP Programme had the pleasure of awarding our IB-MYP students with the

following awards:

• IB MYP Explorer Award:

This student is: Sensitive to social and cultural concerns, and interested in developing an international

and intercultural awareness

Motivated to define themselves and their relations to others at this uncertain time in

their development

Striving to think critically and independently

Dedicated to work collaboratively

Disciplined in their approach to study, exhibiting a keen scholarly approach

Committed to help others and to act as a responsible member of the community at the

local, national, and international levels

Congratulations go to Ella!

• IB MYP Completion Certificates Awarded to any student who completed their personal projects.Congratulations go to: Erdine

DMarko G, Teana G, Ella J, Niko M, Asher M,Glory O, Jaiden R, Liam T and Austyn W

IB – MYP Science and Mathematics All students in grade 10 receive an IB Middle Years experience. The grade 10 science teachers collaborate often in order to deliver the very best educational practices. The following are just examples of the activities that are students are asked to participate in.

MYP Sciences at Mac

Potato Tonicity Lab

In lab groups, students make up their own procedure in orer to investigate “tonicity.”

Energy Skatepark

Students participate in a simulation dealing with poential and kinetic energy.

Are We Doomed to Consume? Through an interdisciplinary unit,

students will use Individuals and Societies as well as Sciences to make judgements about consumer

products.

Moving Man Simulation

Studnets work in the computer lab to experiment with speed, distance,

displacement, and acceleration.

Fun Dip Inquiry Lab

In collaborative lab groups, students

are introduced to the Inquiry lab. They use FunDip candy to carry out their hypothesis.

MYP Mathematics at Mac

IB Diploma Programme News

Full IB Candidates IB Course Candidates Take the full IB Diploma Programme Only take some courses within the programme

The IB Diploma Programme

IB Diploma Subject Courses IB Diploma Core Courses

Group 1: Language A (English) Theory of Knowledge Group 2: Language Acquisition

(French B, Spanish ab initio, Italian ab initio)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

(Social Studies – aka: History)

Extended Essay

Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Group 5: Mathematics Creativity, Activity, Service Group 6: The Arts

(Art –aka: Visual Arts, Drama – aka Theatre, Music)

IB Skills Infused in all programming The Learner Prof ile International Mindedness Theory of Knowledge

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

IB Diploma Programme Information

For any students or parents who have questions about the IB Diploma Programme: Access additional information about the IBDP can be found on the school website: https://www.ecsd.net/schools/8403/Programs/Pages/IB-Diploma-Program.aspx You can also contact the IB Diploma Coordinator: Jacqueline.Sewell@ecsd.net

In the IB DP (11-12), students continue to

develop an international outlook through a challenging course of study. The standard and higher level courses in which students

engage are focused around six subject groups: Literature, World Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental

Science, Mathematics, and the Arts and Electives. Upon successful completion of the program and its requirements, students may

be eligible for the IB Diploma, a globally

recognized college qualif ication.

Visit IBO website for more information

http://www.ibo.org/diploma/

IB Diploma Programme Changes for 2020-2021

School Year IB Instruction for 2020-2021

For the 2020-2021 school year IB courses will only be offered in person. Students who had previously enrolled in IB courses, but have selected to move to online learning will need to have their schedules altered to regular programming instead of IB programming.

IB Registrations for Year 2 Candidates Year 2 IB Candidates have received a digital registration form to be filled out indicating the IB courses they wish to complete in the May 2021 IB session.

Year 2 IB candidates must commit to completing the 1 or more IB courses that they are registered for regardless of the Quarter in which the IB course is offered. The registration deadline to IBO is an absolute deadline. Registrations cannot be retracted and fees cannot be reimbursed once the registration to IBO is completed.

The IB Registrations (and IB Fees) will be finalized by the beginning of November.

IB Fees The IB Programme is an alternative pathway that is available for learners which carries an IB fee associated with it. IB Fees are used for curricular implementation, administration, registration and assessments that accompany the IB Programme. The IB fee must be paid in both the first year (year 1 candidate) and second year (year 2 candidate) of the IB Programme. The same fee is charged regardless of the number of IB courses that an IB candidate enrolls in.

The IB Fees are charged as follows: Year 1 course(s) = $150 CAD 

Year 2 course(s) = $150 CAD 

Total IB Fees     = $300 CAD 

Year 1 Candidates (Students only taking 20IB courses or Math 30IB) Due to our new quarterly system we will be modifying when the IB fees will be charged to your account. The year 1 IB fee will be charged during the quarter that the year 1 candidate takes their first IB course.

Please be aware of this fee when it appears on your account so that it is paid to allow for your child’s learning within the IB programme.

Year 2 Candidates (Students taking 1 or more 30IB*/31IB/35IB Courses) *With the exception of Math 30IB which is a Year 1 course.

IB fees will be charged upon the finalization of Registrations for the May 2021 IB Assessment Session (Early November). Please be aware of this fee when it appears on your account so that it is paid to allow for your child’s learning within the IB programme.

A Message from a Full IB Alumni Candidate Emily Redmond – May 2019 Session

Emily was a full IB candidate at Archbishop MacDonald High School. She excelled and was presented with the award and scholarship for the Highest IB Average. Emily used her IB transcript to apply for admission into both Harvard University and Stanford University, and was accepted at both universities. Emily is presently studying at Stanford University. Here is a video clip of Emily explaining her experiences in the IB programme and the benefits that IB has provided her as she continues her studies at Stanford University.

Emily Redmond - Alumni IB Diploma Programme.mp4

IB Core Courses Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course that encourages critical thinking, inquiry and analysis as students reflect upon the process of knowing. Benefits of this course: Students develop essential metacognition skills that expand their capacity to develop their higher order thinking skills.

Extended Essay (EE)

▪ The extended essay is an in-depth, independently

researched investigation of a focused topic.It is

intended to promote high-level research and writing

skills, intellectual discovery and creativity.

▪ This leads to a major piece of formally presented,

structured writing at the university level of

approximately 4000 words.

Benefits of this course: Students develop university level research, essay formatting and writing skills over a prolonged period of time with the individualized guidance of an advisor to assist them with the process.

Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)

▪ CAS documents a candidate’s extracurricular

involvements which also require a reflection of

personal skill growth. There are 8 objectives that must

be met as part of their voluntary experiences and the

cumulative suggested time is 150 hours.

Benefits of this course: Provides students with an opportunity to develop a balanced curriculum vitae. This allows students to build networks to their community, to contribute and develop personal skills.

IB Diploma Programme Awards

Orest Melnyk IB Diploma Learner Profile Award Orest Melnyk was the IB Diploma Coordinator here at Archbishop MacDonald High School for over 20 years. With the support of the district, school administration, and staff; the IB Diploma Programme with its sound principles of a well-rounded education flourished under his direction. Orest Melnyk ensured that the directives of the programme infiltrated the classrooms and permeated through the school. Archbishop MacDonald High School is proud to be called and IB World school since 1983; and the infrastructure of our school's design of the programme is credited in large part to the work of Orest Melnyk. This award is given to a worthy Full IB Diploma Candidate at the Grade 12 level who best exemplifies the characteristics of the IB Learner Profile. This Award has a scholarship associated with it that has graciously been sponsored by the School

Advisory Council (SAC).

Congratulations to Peace O. for being awarded with this

prestigious award and scholarship.

Peace is presently studying at the University of Alberta.

Highest IB Diploma Programme Mark

This award is given to a worthy full IB Diploma Candidate at the Grade 12 level who achieved the highest overall IB Diploma Mark. This Award has a scholarship associated with it that has graciously been sponsored by the Morgex.

Congratulations to Anikit R. for achieving the highest IB Mark.

Anikit is presently studying at the University of Alberta.

Full IB Diploma Awarded to any candidate who completed the Full IB Diploma Programmeand achieved the minimum requirements to receive a full IB Diploma

• CAS Requirements have been met

• EE and TOK grades are D or greater

• All Subject grades:

o higher than a grade of 1,

o no more than 2 grades of 2,

o no more than 3 grades of 3.

o must achieve at least 12 points on HL subjects

o must achieve at least 9 points on SL subjects

• Must achieve a minimum of 24 grade points in total.

Congratulations to our May 2020 Full IB Diploma Candidates

who have completed this outstanding accomplishment!

• Peace O.

• Anikit R.

• Amilia T.

• Pavlo T.

We wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.