June 2018

Parent Newsletter Grace is not given to decorate life but rather to make us strong in life, giving us

courage to go forwards!

~ Pope Francis

Principals Message We are into the final weeks of the school year as we celebrate with the graduates leaving the school and prepare to welcome approximately 375 grade 10’s for the upcoming school year. The month of June proves to be another busy one filled with soccer games, track and field provincials, year-end activities and band concerts. Last day of classes and year end activities are on June 15th and the diploma exams start on the 13th. Please note that during the part A exams for Social and English, grade 12 classes are cancelled. Please check our website for the complete exam schedule for all grades. Please remind your child that books for their respective courses must be returned to the business office right after they complete their final exam. All other belongings should be cleared from their lockers and locks returned by noon on June 29th. Any locks left on the lockers will be cut off and contents removed after the 29th. As my tenure at this wonderful school comes to an end, I would like to thank the entire school community for making my years at Archbishop MacDonald immensely enjoyable. I have a great staff of dedicated adults to work with, and amazing school council that work so well to support our school, and most importantly the best students in the city that bring a smile to my face every morning when I walk through the doors of this incredible building. It has truly been an honour to serve as principal at Archbishop MacDonald! I take with me many wonderful memories and I wish everyone nothing but the best in the years to come! Enjoy the summer break! John Fiacco

June 4 All City Choir Concert

June 6 All City Band Concert

June 12-28 Diploma & Final Exams: See Exam Schedule on our website, also on the MAC TV’s for students.

June 15 Last of Classes- MAC it OUT- Year end Celebration

June 15 Athletic Banquet

June 29 Non Instructional Day

Have a Wonderful Summer!!

See you in September!!

Applying for the Rutherford Scholarship Alexander Rutherford Scholarship (the Rutherford) was named in honour of Alexander Rutherford, Alberta’s first Premier. The Rutherford recognizes and rewards academic achievement in senior high school to encourage students to pursue post-secondary studies.

Application Process and Timelines

Step 1: Submit your online application when:

• Your final high school marks are available, and • You are enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies

You will be notified of the results of your assessment once your final high school marks are available.

Step 2: If you are eligible, Student Aid will send a request to your post-secondary institution asking them to confirm your enrolment:

• If you apply before you start post-secondary studies, Student Aid will send a Confirmation of Enrolment request to your school by the end of your first month of study.

• If you apply during or after your post-secondary studies, Student Aid will send a

Confirmation of Enrolment request to your school one month after your application has been assessed.

Step 3: Your school will be given 30 days to confirm your enrolment. Confirmation of your enrolment must be received before your cheque can be issued. Student Aid will mail a cheque to you approximately 1 month after confirmation of enrolment is received.

• Transcripts are not required for courses in Alberta. Only marks recorded on a valid Alberta Transcript of High School Achievement are accepted; high School grades obtained through upgrading at a post-secondary institution are not accepted.

• In the event of a mark change, send a letter indicating the appeal with your grade,

mark change and course to Student Aid Alberta.

Upcoming 2018 Archbishop MacDonald High School PAC Casino SAVE THE DATE!!!

The next casino for Archbishop MacDonald High School Parent Advisory Committee will be held at the Grand Villa Casino (next to Roger’s Place) on Monday, November 19th and Tuesday, November 20th, 2018. We will be looking for volunteers to fill 46 positions. I will be sending out a request for volunteers in September but if you are interested and know your schedule already, please let me know. We will be trying to fill the following positions: Positions: General Manager, Banker, Cashier, Chip Runner, and Count Room Shifts: Monday, November 19, 2018 AM Shift 9:00/9:30am – 6:30/6:45pm PM Shift 6:00/6:15pm – 3:30/3:45am or 11:00pm-3:45am OR Tuesday, November 20, 2018 AM Shift 9:00/9:30am – 6:30/6:45pm PM Shift 6:15pm – 3:30/3:45am or 11:00pm-3:45am Please send your name, phone number and email address and what shift you would like to work to Cara Kaup at kckaup@shaw.ca. *If you have a preference for a position or would like to be grouped with some friends, please indicate that also. If you have any questions about the casino or the different positions, please email or call me at 780-930-1545. Thank you for your help! Cara Kaup Archbishop MacDonald High School PAC Casino Chairperson

Archbishop MacDonald Drama News Archbishop MacDonald's production of Heathers was nominated for 18 Cappies awards including outstanding musical, best song, lead actor and actress, top critic team, and outstanding ensemble. The Cappies are being held Sunday, June 10th at the Citadel Theatre.

Parents/Guardians:

In July, we will be sending an information package, including a final report card as well as information on how and when to register for the next school year.

If you do not receive your package, please check the website On the Front Page scroll down to find the link titled Summer Package for Registered Students 2018-2019 where all the information will be posted.

Student schedules will be given out on the students designated registration day. If the student is missing a course from their schedule, please have them come into the office on their registration day and fill out a form for an addition to courses. If the student has taken summer school, we require a progress report showing completion of the course.

On the student’s day of registration, pictures will be taken for the students I.D. card, yearbook as well as their picture packages. Please note: the picture packages are paid directly to “SMART PHOTOGRAPHY”.

**If you have a correction or change to your address, please contact the office as soon as possible so that we are able to update the information. **

At Home Prep: Provincial Diploma Exams

Leading up to the exam… 1. Be consistent with study time; a little each day will be much better than trying to cram everything into

one long session. In addition, consider developing a glossary or collection of note-cards for vocabulary review in each class. Many students find that preparing for an individual class for 60-90 minutes per day, five or six days per week, will leave them well-prepared at exam time. All-nighters simply don't work for most people, and students experience declining returns on their efforts when they attempt to study for four and five hours straight.

2. Do not multi-task while studying. Set aside time to study in advance and then follow through. For most people, that means leaving your room and turning off visual/auditory distractions, including iPods, Facebook, and music with lyrics.

3. Complete a mock test. Why not set aside a review assessment and time yourself. Try to answer these questions on paper without using your notes? If you complete a mock test, 3-4 days before an exam, you’ll then know where to focus your studying. You may also combat pre-test jitters by demonstrating to yourself what you know. For the humanities, try answering a couple of potential essay questions on a timed, closed book basis and see how you do. Another simple way to conduct a mock test is to ask a friend or classmate to give you an oral quiz based on concepts in the textbook or in either of your notes.

4. If you have outstanding questions, go see your teacher, tutor or parent at least three days before the exam. If you’ve given yourself a mock test in advance, you’ll be able to go to the school with an agenda.

5. Think about what written questions might be on the exam; outline each potential essay as a form of pretesting and practice.

6. Consider studying with a group of dedicated students. A group study session is an ideal time to review and compare notes, ask each other questions, explain ideas to one another, discuss the upcoming exam and difficult concepts, and, when appropriate, delegate study tasks. Be sure to set an agenda and a specific time frame for your group study session, so that your work stays on track.

… the above tips have been selected from http://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams

Test Taking Tips... Before the Test Tips

1. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a high protein breakfast. Drink plenty of water. 2. Practice guided imagery, visualizations of succeeding on the test, mentally “going where the information is stored

in your brain”, or breathing techniques. 3. Don’t study right before the test. Concentrate on being calm and mentally accessing the information you have

already studied. 4. Get to the test a little early. 5. Don’t engage in negative talk with other students before the test, such as “I’m so nervous – I don’t know if I

studied enough.” 6. Eliminate negative thoughts or self-talk by replacing them with a positive affirmation, like “I am prepared for the

test and I will do well” or “I am smart – I can do this.” 7. Ask your teacher if you can use a blank piece of paper during the test (be sure to ask or it may look like you are

cheating). Use the paper for “brain dumping” or “mind mapping” during the exam. 8. Make a decision to ignore students who finish the test before you. Research shows that students who leave early

usually don’t score as well as those who take more time. 9. Sit as close as possible to the area where you learned the information in class.

Multiple Choice Test Tips

1. Read the directions carefully. 2. Read the sentence stem, think of the answer, and then find it in the choices. 3. Pay careful attention to negative words (underline them) in the stem and these are distractors. 4. Read all the options, before choosing. 5. Don’t dwell on the ones you don’t know. Close your eyes and tell yourself, “the answer will come,” mark the

question, and then move on to questions you know. Go back to the one(s) you marked and try again – the answer has probably come to you.

6. Go back to the questions you were unsure of. If the answer hasn’t come to you, use one of the strategies below to help you answer the question.

During the Test Strategies

1. Look for the one that is grammatically correct. 2. Look for similar words in the question and answer. 3. Look for the longest and most specific answer. 4. Try the “True or False” technique. 5. Stick to the subject matter of the course. 6. Watch out for negatives and extreme wording. 7. Numbers in the middle range are usually correct. 8. If two options are opposite, the answer is probably one of them. 9. Research shows the most commonplace answer is “C” followed by “B”. 10. “None of the above” is seldom correct. 11. “All of the above” is often correct if the answers are very specific.

Essay Exam Tips…

Plan Before You Answer: 1. Read the exam carefully. 2. Read all the questions. Note how much time you should allot to each question. 3. Jot cues as you read. Use the “mind map” or “brain dump” technique. 4. Start with the easiest questions. 5. Number parts of a multi-part question (list these as part of your answer).

Answering: 1. Understand the question completely (see #5 above). 2. Strive for a complete answer (see #5 above). 3. Briefly outline your answer in the margin of your paper. 4. Use facts and logic. 5. Avoid giving your opinion, unless specifically directed to give it. 6. Be concise. 7. Write legibly. 8. Reread your answer for clarity.

Melting “Brain-freeze” Techniques

1. Recreate the testing scene. Get practice tests from your teacher, or create your own, and take the test in the same time frame you are given in class with the same kind of distractions.

2. Focus your attention on breathing. Concentrate on the air going in and out of your lungs – long, deep breaths will calm you and send oxygen to your brain. Do this for two minutes.

3. Hear your negative thoughts and mentally yell: “Stop!” Then, mentally repeat an affirmation such as, “The answers will come” or “I am smart – I can do this”, several times.

4. Discover where the tension is in your body. Tense and release the muscles in this area and become aware when relaxation occurs during the release. Focus on the relaxation and recreate the sensation whenever you choose during the exam.

5. Use guided imagery. This works best if you practice before the test. Close your eyes and see yourself in your favorite, most relaxing place – a beach or forest are good examples. Feel everything about this place, including sights, sounds, and smells. Once you are proficient, you can take this quick fantasy trip right during the test. When you are there, mentally tell yourself “Go to the place where the answers are.” Take a deep breath, open your eyes and begin writing. … the above tips have been selected from https://www.usu.edu/asc/studysmart/pdf/TestTakingTips.pdf

Dates for Provincial Achievement Tests (DIPs)

June 2018

Writing a Diploma Exam FAQ’s about writing Diploma Exams https://education.alberta.ca/writing-diploma-exams/frequently-asked-questions/everyone/faq-about-writing-diploma-exams/ A guide for writing ELA 30-1 A guide to writing ELA 30-2 https://goo.gl/mNnJpj https://goo.gl/VApZA1 A guide for writing Social Studies 30-1 A guide for writing Social Studies 30-2 https://goo.gl/C5r4YJ https://goo.gl/tcwNug A guide to writing Math and Science https://goo.gl/CRM3QX

Alberta Education Released DIP Items English Language Arts

ELA 30-1 – Released Test Items https://goo.gl/q8qNng ELA 30-2 – Released Test Items

Readings Booklet: https://goo.gl/WT4ZXx

Question Booklet: https://goo.gl/ccNyvH

Answer Key: https://goo.gl/wyd6U1 Mathematics

Math 30-1, 2017 Released Exam https://goo.gl/X34E1U Math 30-1, 2016 Released Exam https://goo.gl/usWBwx Math 30-1, 2014 Released Exam https://goo.gl/T3KWzX Math 30-2, 2016 Released Exam https://goo.gl/LJMKcr Math 30-2, 2013 Released Exam https://goo.gl/uUGxqM

Sciences Biology 30, 2017 Released Exam

https://education.alberta.ca/media/3653325/04-bio30-released-items-2017_20170817.pdf Chemistry 30, 2016 Released Exam

https://education.alberta.ca/media/3653442/09-chem30-2017-releaseditems_20170830.pdf Physics 30, 2015 Released Exam

https://education.alberta.ca/media/160462/08-physics30-released-2015-16_20151007.pdf Science 30, 2016 Released Exam

https://education.alberta.ca/media/3653326/08-science-30-released-items-2017_20170817.pdf

Data Booklets https://education.alberta.ca/science-10-12/program-supports/everyone/support-documents/

Related Math and Science Docs

Math-Science Guide for Students Preparing to Write 2017-2018 Diplomas https://education.alberta.ca/media/3653521/07-mathscience-guide-for-students-2017-2018_20170912.pdf Calculator Policy https://education.alberta.ca/media/160349/06-dip-gib-2015-16-using-calculators.pdf

Significant Digits in Science https://education.alberta.ca/media/1626619/mathsci-sigdig-data-rounding-nov27-2015-helv.pdf

Social Studies Social Studies 30-1. 2016 Released Exam: http://bit.ly/2LonAmT Social Studies 30-1. 2014 Released Exam: http://bit.ly/2GFMrPC Social Studies 30-2. Exam Information and Scoring guides: http://bit.ly/2IGQyN2 Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2. Examples of Students’ Writing: http://bit.ly/2ICdVLK

Supplementary DIP Practice for Students Quest A+

Quest A+ is Alberta Education's digital testing solution. This website contains released tests for various subjects. Quest A+ can be accessed from https://questaplus.alberta.ca/

Go to www.questaplus.alberta.ca --> Practice Tests --> Select grade--> Select subject

Solaro

An online resource created by Castle Rock (same company that creates The Key) Available for grades 3-12 in the subject areas of Language Arts, Math and Science. The program contains practice questions for students as well as review material. There is a fee associated with the program; however, students can access the program for free through the Edmonton Public Library if they have a library card! www.epl.ca

Go to www.epl.ca --> Type “solaro” in the search bar --> e-book--> …create new account ExamBank (pricing structure for this service)

ExamBank is an online website where students can write online practice exams in core subjects for all grade levels from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The questions are prepared by subject area teachers that pertain directly to Alberta’s curriculum. There is a fee to access this site. http://exambank.com/

Edmonton Catholic School District Parent Newsletters June 2018 Father’s Day – Loving and Caring for Our Neighbours My father, John, turns 90 next month! He has aged like fine wine!

He joins a host of celebrities 90 years and older, including Tony Bennett, Kirk Douglas, Betty White, Bob Barker, Angela Lansbury, Doris Day, and Mel Brooks (but my dad is way funnier than Mel Brooks!).

He may not be a celebrity in the sense of being a movie star, but he is my hero – always has been; always will be.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, join me in expressing our love and gratitude for our fathers (mine included), as well as for our stepdads, adoptive dads, foster dads, grandfathers, godfathers, and the like.

Dad’s are our coaches, best friends, and protectors. They teach us – like my dad did for me – true values in life, real stuff that we can pass on to our own children: love, faith, honesty, self-confidence, integrity, and so on. And they teach us simple things like to ride a bike, build a birdhouse, and drive a car.

If I were to pick one thing that I admire most in my father’s 90 years, it would be is his love, respect, and compassion for neighbours. When he was younger, healthier, and stronger, he took it upon himself to care for our neighbours, especially the elderly and those in need. He would fix a broken window, repair a leaky faucet, cultivate a garden, help with the harvest, even milk the neighbour’s cows.

On more than one occasion, I’ve asked my self why did dad do the things he did? What motivated him? As I grow in age (and I’d like to think in wisdom!), I like to think that dad reached out to neighbours because he not only thought it was the right thing to do, but that in some small way he recognized Christ in them. You see, dad loved God and the Church. (More than once he even painted our small church of Saint John the Baptist, Lavoy, including the domes high above the earth – dad was a carpenter, which makes me the son of a carpenter, just like Jesus! Isn’t that sweet?).

In loving God and the Church, it wasn’t a far leap of faith for dad to recognize Christ in our neighbours.

This Father’s Day, let us honour our fathers by imitating them in their goodness. Let us strive to become like Jesus, doing the works of Christ, that is, the works of compassion, forgiveness, sacrificial love.

Perhaps a page from the life of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta would be helpful here in making real our outreach to one another. (My dad, and late mom, met Mother Teresa when she visited Saint Paul, Alberta, in 1982).

Saint Teresa writes: “Another time I was walking through the streets of London in a poor area where our sisters also work. I saw a man in a truly terrible condition sitting there looking so sad and alone. So I walked up to him and took him by the hand and asked him how he was. When I did this, he looked up at me and said, ‘Oh, after such a long time, someone is touching me.’ And then his eyes brightened, and he started to sit up straight. Such a tiny attention had brought Jesus into his life. He had been waiting so long for a show of human love, but it was actually a show of God’s love.

“These are beautiful examples of the hunger I see in these people, the poorest of the poor, the ignorant and unwanted, the unloved, the rejected, and the forgotten. They are hungry for God.”

In some sense, I think that’s what motivated my dad in caring for our neighbours. He wanted to satisfy their hunger for God.

This Father’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to meet the hunger of God in each other, “not only a hunger in people suffering physically, but also a great hunger in people suffering spiritually and emotionally – people suffering in their hearts and souls, especially our young people.” (From “A Call to Mercy”).

Happy Father’s Day! Happy 90th Birthday Dad!

Bishop David