Dear Parents and Guardians,

Week 6 is complete and I always feel this week (the week after Thanksgiving) is incredibly tiring – I am not sure why. It is one of the few times I can say that 4 > 5, because you really do 5 days of work, sometimes even 6, in 4 days. What a busy week!

School Council was on Wednesday, Pep rally and football games on Thursday, and progress reports being completed to be handed out on Monday.

Parents’ Night is next Thursday. How to sign up for appointments is a little different this semester. See below for more information.

I am always open to suggestions and comments, so please contact me at twilkinson@scdsb.on.ca if you have something on your mind.

E-newsletters are available on the Bear Creek website: http://bss.scdsb.on.ca/

Please follow me on Twitter: @VPWilkinson

Please follow me on Instagram: spfx8691

If you see a topic you want to learn more about, you go to the item and press the “Ctrl” button while you click your cursor and you will be “magically” transported to the topic you chose. To “magically” transport back to the table of contents, go to the “Back to the Table of Contents” words at the end of each article, and press the “Ctrl” button while you click your cursor and you will be “magically” transported back to the table of contents.

Table of Contents

Interim Progress Report Cards – This Monday..........................................................................................2Parent-Teacher Interview Night – This Thursday......................................................................................2I Give a Sh!rt Challenge............................................................................................................................... 3More Recycling FUNdraising....................................................................................................................... 62019 Prime Minister’s Awards..................................................................................................................... 7Barrie Football Teams Duke It Out In Pivotal Senior Game.....................................................................7A&E’s Lives That Make a Difference 2018 Essay Competition.................................................................9Military Co-op Presentation......................................................................................................................... 9

Weekly E-Newsletter Stay Connected @ BCSS

Friday, October 12, 2018

We Scare Hunger.......................................................................................................................................... 9School Council Members Invited to Connections Event On October 23....................................................9School Bus Transportation Information Available From The SCSTC....................................................10School Bus Safety Week and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.........................................................10Want to Be a Volunteer at Our School? Here’s What You Need to Know..............................................10Vimy Pilgrimage Award............................................................................................................................. 11Schulich Leader Scholarships of 2018-2019 Academic Year....................................................................12College Information Program.................................................................................................................... 12University Application Seminar................................................................................................................. 12Scholarships................................................................................................................................................. 12Cooking Club............................................................................................................................................... 13DECA........................................................................................................................................................... 13Yearbooks.................................................................................................................................................... 13Kodiak Studios............................................................................................................................................ 13Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards – due next week..........................13Badminton Club.......................................................................................................................................... 14Volunteer Opportunities............................................................................................................................. 15Sports News................................................................................................................................................. 16Important Dates.......................................................................................................................................... 17Positively Speaking...................................................................................................................................... 17

A Sense of Contentment.......................................................................................................................... 18Parent’s Corner........................................................................................................................................... 18

Encourage Your Teenager To Physically Prepare For Tests................................................................18Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week.......................................................................................19P.S. (Positive Statement):........................................................................................................................... 19

What’s Happening at BCSS?

Interim Progress Report Cards – This Monday

The first report of the current school year will be coming home on Monday, October 15th. The interim progress report card is a “snapshot” of how the student is progressing to date. It is very useful in identifying any issues or concerns so that they can be resolved while they are still small. We will be following up with our first Interview Night on Thursday, October 18th. We hope to see lots of parents out to meet their teen’s first semester teachers.

Back to Table of Contents

Parent-Teacher Interview Night – This Thursday

Parent-teacher interviews will happen on Thursday night, the 18th, from 5:30 until 7:30. You sign up for interviews a little differnetly this year.

Please go to www.schoolinterviews.ca, select Make a Booking, and type in the event code “bearc”.

Follow the instructions after that. It is really easy and quick. I booked appointments for my son in all of about 30 seconds.

You will receive progress reports on Monday, the 15th. If the teacher asks for an appointment, please make the appointment. This evening is important for your child’s success.

Back to Table of Contents

I Give a Sh!rt Challenge

Recycling Council of Ontario is a not for profit environmental organization whose mandate is the elimination of waste through activities that use reduce, reuse and recycling (3Rs) practices. Learn more about what we do: www.rco.on.ca.

In the spirit of promoting rewear and reuse, we have partnered with Value Village® to challenge all Ontario and British Columbia secondary schools to organize an in-school clothing collection drive for used clothing (textiles) during Waste Reduction Week in Canada 2018. A grand prize of $2,500 will be awarded to the school that collects the most material per student during the challenge. Additional prizes can be won for collection and efforts to ‘take action’ on the issues of textile waste.  

How it works

Register

Register your school Monday, May 7 - Friday, October 5, 2018Schools must complete the challenge during Waste Reduction Week to be eligible. DONE! 

Collect

Collect used clothing items and textiles for reuse or recycling during Waste Reduction Week in Canada 2018 - Oct 15 - 19 2018.

Share

Share your school’s collection efforts and community engagement on issues of textiles waste through social media using the hashtag #IGiveAShirt™. 

Pick-up

Your donated materials will be collected during your assigned collection window from Nov 5 - Nov 9 2018.

Submit

To be eligible to win a prize, schools must register and complete a final submission form which will be open from Oct 19 - Nov 16 2018. 

Please note: you do not need the final weight of the clothes you collected to submit your results. Recycling Council of Ontario will send you your totals by the end of November to let you know how your school did. 

NEW PRIZES for 2018!

Participating schools are eligible to win prizes based on their collection or community engagement efforts in the 2018 #IGiveAShirt Challenge. Please read information below on each prize category. Note: One of each prize available per province (Ontario and BC only). Only one prize available per school. 

Collection Prizes

Awarded to schools based on clothing collection efforts. One of each prize available per province (Ontario and BC only). Participation prize awarded to any school that participates in collection. Winner is randomly selected.)

            Community Engagement & Social Media Prizes

In addition to the clothing collection drive, the #IGiveAShirt Challenge wants students to take action on textile consumption through the power of reuse (rewear). Participating schools will be recognized for their participation, community involvement, and creativity demonstrated through social media and online submissions. 

Show us how your school takes action by involving your community in the issues and challenge. Share photos or videos of your involvement to your favourite social media platform using the hashtag #IGiveAShirt. Our panel of judges will be looking for submissions that are innovative and creative. Entries can be submitted by students, student groups, clubs, classes, or as an entire school!

Not interested or able to collect clothing for the challenge but still want to take action on textiles waste for Waste Reduction Week? Schools have the option of only participating in the innovation, eco-fashion, and social media components of the challenge (registration still required).

Awarded to a school in each eligible province that comes up with the most innovative solution to reducing textiles waste through circular economy.  Possible solutions could include innovative products, services, policies, or business practices. Submissions will be accepted through the social media hashtag #IGiveAShirt and the post-challenge final results form.  

 Awarded to a school in each eligible province that creatively show their eco fashion " through reuse, repair, and upcycling. 

Sample ideas & inspiration:  Organize an eco fashion show using

upcycled textiles and thrift store finds. Create an eco fashion blog or vlog.  Trashion Fashion . Vintage day: assign a day that students are

challenged to wear all vintage clothes. DIY fashion projects using reused textiles. Create a new fashion line using only

reused clothing and accessories, then organize a fashion show at your school. 

It's Halloween season! Challenge students to create their costume using reused clothes and accessories. 

Awarded to a school in each eligible province that best engaged their community by promoting the clothing collection drive.

Sample ideas & inspiration: Class presentations. Organize a clothing swap.  Reach out to local media outlets such as news stations, newspapers, or radio Create an installation or display using textiles that creates awareness. Host an event and invite parents, local organizations, and government to celebrate your school’s

involvement in these issues.

Awarded to a school in each eligible province with the most engaging video posted on social media. 

Sample ideas & inspiration:

Film a video interviewing your classmates, teachers, and the community about the issue of textile waste and what is being done to solve these issues.

Film your school's collection progress to show how much clothing are being diverted from landfill through reuse/rewear

Music videos A summary video of your school's experience with the #IGiveAShirt Challenge and all the great work

you are doing on this issue!

Awarded to a school in each eligible province with the most engaging photo from the 2018 #IGiveAShirt Challenge posted on social media. Creativity counts!

Back to Table of Contents

More Recycling FUNdraising

Speaking of recycling, the Green Team is holding a metal/electrical waste recycling drive, starting on the evening of the 19th and continuing until November 2nd. The Green Team will be using funds for more initiatives, including mailings and eventually the Greenhouse Project (authorization still in the works). There are volunteer hours as well, for weekend and after school bin monitoring and public assistance.

According to the Midwest Metals website: The metals we recycle fall into one of two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous.

The main element of ferrous metals is iron. Cast iron, steel, and the various steel alloys are ferrous metals. A metal is still classified as ferrous even if it has less than 50% iron content, as long as it contains more iron than any other single metal. Ferrous metals can be found from sources including industrial activities, building demolition and consumer end of life-cycle items. We help to recycle these sources and turn them into income.Examples of ferrous metals include: end of life vehicle, household appliances, heavy melt, auto cast, rims, and unsorted loads receive our shred price per ton.

A metal is considered non-ferrous if it contains less iron than any other metal. Many metals utilized primarily for metal plating, alloying elements or used in the fabrication of parts are classified as non-ferrous. Our high-tech analyzing equipment and extensive knowledge lets you get the best recovery possible from these metals.Examples of non-ferrous metals include: tin, zinc, silver, gold, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, nickel, copper, and tin alloys.

The following items can be collected: {Prices per pound}Aluminum: aluminum unclean, cans, cast, extrusion clean, extrusion unclean, low copper, old aluminum, rims, siding, aluminum block transmissions; Electrical: aluminum jacket bx wire, ballasts, box transformers, Christmas lights, com wire, dry cell batteries, insulated aluminum, insulated copper #1, insulated copper #2, is wire, large motors, small motors, steel jacket bx wire, transformers, wet cell batteries; Electronics: circuit boards, mixed e-waste, televisions, towers; radiators: aluminum clean, aluminum unclean, copper clean, copper unclean, mixed combo clean, mixed combo unclean; Non Ferrous: compressors, lead, stainless clean, stainless unclean, stove elements; Brass: brass clean, brass taps, brass unclean; Copper: #1, #2, #3;

{Prices per tonne} Ferrous: auto cast, cars, heavy melt, dealer clips, oversized, shred, steel rims, white goods.

Please bring these items in for recycling starting on October 19th. Schedule of bin times will follow.

Please call, or e-mail, Mr. Wilkinson for more information.Back to Table of Contents

2019 Prime Minister’s Awards

As part of the Prime Minister’s World Teacher’s Day statement, the 2019 Prime Minister’s Awards competition is now open! Teachers play an important role helping to build the next generation of successful, caring, and creative Canadians. We all remember a teacher that changed our lives. The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM, and Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour exemplary teachers and early childhood educators who are preparing our youth for the innovation economy. Prime Minister’s Awards recipients can receive:

•             Cash awards worth up to $5,000•             A certificate from the Prime Minister•             National recognition and promotion of their best teaching practices

The Prime Minister’s Award program would like to thank the RBC Foundation for their generous support towards the recipient’s monetary awards. Consider nominating an educator for a 2019 Prime Minister’s Award! Download your nomination package and a poster today by clicking on the web button below, or visiting our website at www.pma.gc.ca. Submit your nomination electronically or by mail before January 14, 2019.

Back to Table of Contents

Barrie Football Teams Duke It Out in Pivotal Senior Game

Boas, glitter and face paint the order of the day as friends and family come out in droves to see two city teams battle on the gridiron.

The Bear Creek Kodiaks hosted the Eastview Wildcats in Barrie, Thursday afternoon, in a battle for second place in the senior division atop at the Simcoe County Athletic Association (SCAA) standings. 

The Wildcats blanked the Kodiaks, 30-0, to improve to 3-1 on the season. 

With the loss, Bear Creek's record falls to 2-2 and puts them in third place in the six-team loop. 

Barrie North and Bear Creek will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the Georgian College Turf Field. 

The playoffs start on Tuesday, Oct. 30 with the quarter-finals, followed by the semifinal on Friday, Nov. 2 and the championship game on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Georgian College Turf Field. 

In Thursday's junior boys’ action, Bear Creek avenged their school's loss earlier in the afternoon with a 32-0 victory over Eastview, while Collingwood defeated Banting, 32-6.

The Barrie North Vikings sit at 4-0 atop the junior SCAA standings, followed by Eastview at 4-1 and Bear Creek at 3-1.

Source: “Barrie Football Teams Duke It Out in Pivotal Senior Game”, Raymond Bowe/BarrieToday, Friday, October 12, 2018, https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/barrie-football-teams-duke-it-out-in-pivotal-senior-game-18-photos-1081761?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Back to Table of Contents

A&E’s Lives That Make a Difference 2018 Essay Competition

Tell us about the heroes that make a difference in and out of your classroom and win $3,000!

Welcome to the 2018 Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest

Here you can learn more about this year’s essay contest and Official Rules, check out last year’s essay winners, and submit your own essay into the competition!

Teachers, be sure to check out our Teacher Resources section to learn how to bring free A&E educational programming weekly into your classroom.

Here’s How to Enter and Win

Students in 5th – 12th grades may enter by writing an essay based on someone they think made the biggest impact on Canadian society in 2018.

Prizes are awarded in two grade levels: 5th – 8th grade, and 9th – 12th grade.

Two winners will be selected in each level.

GRAND PRIZE$3,000 for student$1,000 for Department/ Classroom of Teacher

FIRST PRIZE$2,000 for student$1,000 for Department/ Classroom of Teacher

Back to Table of Contents

Military Co-op Presentation

Interested on attending Military Co-op next semester? There is an information session for students, parents and teachers on October 18th, at 7:00 p.m., at CFB Borden. For further information, please see Ms. Richardson in the Co-op office, room 185.

Back to Table of Contents

We Scare Hunger

It is the time of year again when Me to We will be collecting food for the food bank and women's homeless shelter. A box off to first period classes on Tuesday morning. Please bring in one (or two, or ten, etc.) non-perishable food items. We will collect these boxes just after Hallowe’en.

Back to Table of Contents

School Council Members Invited to Connections Event On October 23School council members are invited to join us at Connections, the Simcoe County District School Board's (SCDSB) school council development and networking event.

When: Tuesday, October 23rd, 4 to 7 p.m.Where: SCDSB Education Centre, 1170 Hwy. 26, Midhurst

Participants can gather tips and important information to help you in your role on school council, contribute to group discussions, browse booths and enjoy snacks from our approved vendors, and network with fellow school council and Parent Involvement Committee members. This year, we welcome Jacqui Strachan,

Communications Director, People for Education, who will discuss fundraising and equity within a school council.

Register at www.scdsb.on.ca/connections. Register by October 16th for your chance to win a $500 parent engagement grant for your school. The winner(s) will be drawn at the event. You must be in attendance to win the prize.

Back to Table of Contents

School Bus Transportation Information Available From The SCSTC

For school bus transportation information, visit the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC)’s website at: main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Also, remember to bookmark the school bus information page at: simcoecountyschoolbus.ca for bus delay and cancellation information on inclement weather days.

Back to Table of Contents

School Bus Safety Week and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

School Bus Safety Week takes place October 22 to 26, 2018. To support schools in promoting school bus safety to students, the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC), in partnership with school bus operators, will offer bus evacuation training to all home-to-school transported students. During this week, school bus drivers will educate students on how to evacuate a school bus safely in an emergency situation. Wed., Oct. 24 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in the province of Ontario. It’s a great opportunity for the school community to thank our bus drivers for all their hard work transporting students to and from school safely. For more information, visit the SCSTC website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/.

Back to Table of Contents

Want to Be a Volunteer at Our School? Here’s What You Need to Know

We appreciate the commitment of all who volunteer at our school. This school year, we are implementing a new online Volunteer Portal. SCDSB Community Apps (http://communityapps.scdsb.on.ca) is a new online portal that allows you to begin the process for volunteering at our school. Here is some information to share as we’ve been receiving some questions:

Only NEW volunteers or those who received a letter in June indicating you require an updated Criminal Background Check Vulnerable Sector Screening (5-year renewal) are able to register as a volunteer on the Community Apps website at this time.

If you’re a current, approved school volunteer, you can still volunteer at our school for the time being. You should have recently received a letter with your access code. This code will allow you to register as a volunteer on the Volunteer Portal through the Community Apps website.

Back to Table of Contents

Vimy Pilgrimage Award

The Vimy Foundation created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award to recognize the actions of young people who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to volunteer work through positive contributions, notable deeds, or bravery that benefits their peers, school, community, province, or country.

The Vimy Pilgrimage Award consists of a fully funded week-long educational program in Belgium and France to study Canada’s tremendous First World War effort. The program, scheduled for April 2–10, 2019, is offered by the Vimy Foundation and features daily visits to important First World War sites including museums, cemeteries, and historic battlefields. A total of 20 students will be selected for the 2019 program.

Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay describing their volunteer work; a 500-750-word biography of, and tribute to, a solider or nursing sister; a 500-word motivation letter; a resume detailing their relevant experiences; and a reference letter from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal, service club, volunteer organization, etc. In choosing award winners, the Award Committee will take into consideration all elements submitted for the application with special emphasis placed on the applicant’s volunteer work/service to their communities. Click the ‘Apply Now’ link below for full application instructions.

For more information about the rules and criteria for the program click here. Apply now for the 2019 Vimy Pilgrimage Award! (Link will take you to Canada’s History website to access the application page.)

Entry deadline is November 18, 2018, midnight (Pacific time).

Curious about past programs? Click here for the 2018 Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipients.

Click here to view photos from the 2018 Vimy Pilgrimage Award program.

Additional questions? Email programs@vimyfoundation.ca

Back to Table of Contents Schulich Leader Scholarships of 2018-2019 Academic Year

Launched in 2012, this $100 million program funds 50 undergraduate scholarships each year, across top Canadian universities. Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest and most prestigious undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarships in Canada, with a value of up to $100,000 each. Fifty students receive this celebrated award each year – 25 for Engineering at $100,000 each, and 25 for Science, Technology, and Mathematics at $80,000 each.

In order to become a Schulich Leader and receive the scholarship, students must first be selected by their high school as a Schulich Leader Nominee. High schools may select one Nominee each. Only Canadian schools are eligible to participate.

To be eligible, students need to demonstrate:

- 2 of 3 of: Academic, Leadership (entrepreneurial, business, community), or financial need- AND be entrepreneurial minded in: Technology, Engineering, Innovation, or Research (Research into

questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses)- AND be: A Canadian citizen, graduating in 2018-2019, and enrolling in partnering universities- AND MUST NOT be: heading into medicine or medical research

For more information on the Schulich Leader Scholarships including nomination process please visit:http://www.schulichleaders.com/

Back to Table of Contents

College Information Program

Grade 12 Potential Graduates…Another academic year is underway and the Ontario College Information Program is happening on Friday, October 26th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This is your chance to meet College representatives from around the province, get information about certificates, diplomas, degrees and apprenticeships, while also learning about admissions, student life and more. Sign up in Guidance ASAP, as there are only 30 spots available.

Back to Table of Contents

University Application Seminar

University Application Seminar is period 2 on Monday, October 15th, in the cafeteria. Back to Table of Contents

Scholarships

ScholarTree is still committed to helping reduce student debt in Canada by making scholarship more accessible. Most people don’t realize how many scholarships are awarded early in the school year. ScholarTree.ca has $997,500 worth of scholarships that are currently accepting applications. Students can find which scholarships are best fit for them by signing up at ScholarTree.ca.

To help with students prepare and transition to post-secondary life we have launched the ScholarTree Blog. University students write the blog because we want the information to be as relevant to current student life as possible. The main areas of focus for the blog are:

1. Student Life: general advice and hacks2. Scholarship Tips3. Entrepreneurial Spotlight: stories about students starting their startup or not for profit4. How to: tips for applying and getting into prestigious programs

Make sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss the weekly updates.Back to Table of Contents

Cooking Club

Hey Kodiaks! Do you love food? Do you want to learn how to cook? Well, come on over to room 198, the hospitality room, on TUESDAYS, for the Bear Creek Cooking Club. We are going to be trying different recipes from a varieties of cultures. Bring a toonie, and enjoy trying something different!

Back to Table of Contents

DECA

Interested in business? Want to compete against the best in our region, province and internationally? Travel the province, including Toronto, and possibility Orlando, Florida? Pick-up information sheets about DECA on the door of the Business Office, room 130, and register today!

Back to Table of Contents

Yearbooks

All this week, come to the yearbook table in the forum to purchase your yearbook. It's only 45 dollars and for a limited time you will get a free name engraving! You can also buy it from room 121. Don't wait - buy before the price goes up!

Back to Table of Contents

Kodiak Studios

Kodiak Studios will be hosting many lunchtime events, including: jam sessions, coffee house performances, improv club and more. So if you're interested in learning or practicing your guitar or ukulele, want a place to perform, or a chance to break out of your shell. Kodiak Studios will have something for you starting up NEXT week in behind the stage in the drama studio. Stay tuned for more info.

Back to Table of Contents

Now Accepting Applications for Loran Scholar Foundation Awards – due next week

The Loran Scholars Foundation is beginning its search for the 30th class of Loran Scholars. We are deeply grateful for your participation, helping us discover students who are dedicated to serving others, show promise of leadership and have integrity, courage, compassion, grit and a high level of personal autonomy.

Grade 12 students may now apply at apply.loranscholar.ca. They may also view the application overview and a sample application form. As in previous years, they will need to submit a transcript, request a reference from a teacher or community member and have their school sponsorship confirmed (if applicable) before the deadline.

This year, we are delighted to announce a new selection committee for school sponsored candidates in Northern Canada! Regional interviews will take place via Skype. Interested students from the region may consider selecting this committee when applying this fall.

The deadline for applications is 8:00 pm (Eastern Time) on October 17th for school-sponsored applications and October 24th for direct pool applications (without sponsorship). Each high school may sponsor up to three students.

Find out more:

Eligibility CriteriaOur Awards

How To ApplyFAQs for ApplicantsFAQs for Schools

We will grant up to 34 Loran Awards, each valued at $100,000 over four years of undergraduate studies, as well as up to 104 finalist/provincial awards ($5,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.

Online applications are now open for the Loran Awards. Students can find out more about eligibility criteria, the application process and see a sample copy of the application form.

Each high school can sponsor up to three students for these scholarships, which are valued at up to $100,000 each over four years of university. October 18 is the deadline for sponsored applications.

If more than three students are interested in applying, some can apply without sponsorship to the direct pool. Direct pool applications are due October 25th.

For further inquiries:

website: www.loranscholar.caphone: 416-646-2120toll-free: 1-866-544-2673email: info@loranscholar.ca

Back to Table of Contents

Badminton ClubSomething new this year is the Badminton Club. It is on Thursday nights from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Students can come and play for fun or to be competitive. There will be coaching available. Come for fun! Come for training! Come for exercise!

We are opening this opportunity for the family of schools for Bear Creek. Grades 7 and 8 students are welcome to participate as well, from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m.

See Mr. Wilkinson for more information.

Back to Table of Contents

Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER! GET INVOLVED!

BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY! 

Do you want to volunteer or get a summer job? Not sure where to start?  Check out Bear Creek’s volunteer and student job opportunity board located outside of the Guidance office.  It is updated weekly with fantastic opportunities!  Still not sure what to do?  Make an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor for some further suggestions. 

Remember, EVERY student must complete a minimum 40 hours of volunteer work to graduate.

Please submit your “Completion of Community Involvement Activities” sheet (this sheet can be found either on-line or at the Guidance office) to the Guidance office as soon as it is signed by both you and a parent.

1. Do you like sports? Are you in need of community service hours? Do you want to get a jump on community service hours? Well the home game crew might be for you! We are in need of capable and trustworthy students to help with sports scorekeeping for the year. Basketball and volleyball are the main sports in which we require help.

2. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Grounds Crew. Please see him in his office (upstairs admin tower) on Thursday for more information.

3. Mr. Wilkinson is looking for students to be part of the Breakfast Club. Please see him at the Breakfast Club table any day for more information and to sign up.

4. Please set aside Saturday, October 20th for a tree planting event in partnership with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.  

Now more than ever, we need to plant as many trees as possible.For the first time in our history on Earth, every citizen of every country faces a global crisis; namely, ever increased global warming which is triggering dramatic changes in our climate. Trees play a vitally important role in mitigating the devastating effect of climate change such as famine-producing droughts and deadly flooding, they reduce our energy costs, and vastly reduce our soaring health care costs.  We will all reap the benefits of cleaner air, as the billions of hairs on the leaves of trees trap dust, dirt, and nasty pollutants such as lead, mercury, and sulphates.  

Trees provide a safe habitat for numerous forms of animals and birds.

Seeing that we are a key community partners Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, I hope that as many members of Nature Barrie as possible will make a concerted effort to participate in a tree planting event right here in Barrie. 

Date: Saturday, October 20 Time: 10 am - 12 noon Location: Barrie disc Golf Course 434 Ferndale, Barrie

5. STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Frightful Forest & Haunted Wagon Ride at Drysdale’s Tree Farm

We need ZOMBIES, we need WITCHES, we need YOU! Where: Drysdale’s Tree Farm 6635 Simcoe County Road 56, Egbert When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October To Register: Contact Luke - 705-424-9719 or info@drysdales.ca

6. Are you a grade 12 University bound student currently taking advanced functions? If you are interested in tutoring mathematics to a younger Bear Creek student for either cash or community involvement

hours, then come see Mr. Gunson, in Guidance, to learn what's available.

Back to Table of Contents

Sports News

The scores and schedules across the County are on www.hometeamsonline.com; type “scaa ‘your sport’” in for league (i.e. scaa football).

Next week’s sporting events look like:

Monday 15th Tuesday 16th Wednesday 17th Thursday 18th Friday 19th Jr./Sr. Girls’Basketballvs. Collingwood

Jr. Girls’Basketballvs. Bradford

Cross-CountryMatch #4, @ Little Lake Park, Midland

Jr. Boys’ Football @ Nantyr

Sr. Boys’ Football @ North

Jr./Sr. Girls’Flag Football Playoffsvs. TBDBarrie Community Sports Complex

Jr./Sr. Boys’ Volleyball@ Orillia

Boys’ Soccer Playoffsvs. TBDSpringwater Township Nursery Fields

Are you a new student to Bear Creek in grade 10, 11, or 12 and are interested in playing sports? Did you transfer from another high school? Please come to see Mr. Wilkey in Student Success, room 110, to fill out the necessary forms so you can play sports this year.

The Senior Boys’ volleyball team continued their unbeaten streak, on Wednesday, October 10th, after an amazing 5 set win. The boys lost the first 2 games against a good hitting Eastview squad. But after a few changes to defense and offence, the guys won the next 3 games.

The Junior Boys’ volleyball team travelled to Eastview, on Wednesday, October 10th, afternoon to take on the undefeated Wildcats. The boys came out strong crushing Eastview 25-11 in the first set. They went on to win the match 3 sets to 1, and once again, all players contributed to the victory with Mason Coolen scoring the game winner. Highlights include some outstanding work at the net by Hayden White, some devastating kills by Aidan Lambert and Kaleb McConnell, all thanks to some awesome setting from Owen Miller.

Congratulations to the Bear Creek Cross Country team who competed on Thursday, October 4th, at the Pre-OFSAA Championships, in Hamilton. The Senior Boys’ team was led by Brayden Degrasse, who finished in 19th out of 475 runners. Amber Fisher finish 12th overall out of 475 in the Senior Girls’ 6 km race. Our Midget Boys’ team of Caleb Wallis, Austin Morby, Justin Tate, and Jackson Cole were led by Caleb finishing in the top 10 and therefore, the midget boys finished 5th out of 152 schools competing.

Back to Table of Contents

Important Dates

Monday, October 15 Interim/Progress Reports outThursday, October 18 Parent/Guardian Night, 5:30 – 7:30Monday, October 22 P. D. DayFriday, October 26 Picture retakesWednesday, October 31 Hallowe’en (school theme –

camping)Thursday, November 1 Night of ExcellenceWednesday, November 14 Take Your Kid to Work Day

– grade 9’s

Back to Table of Contents

Positively SpeakingThis was an extremely busy weekend after an extremely busy week, with another busy week ahead. Am I stressed? Not really. I got/get a lot done.

This weekend for instance, I chopped up the huge branch that fell from our tree, after taking it down Thursday and Friday, I fixed our oven (which wasn’t heating up), I took our dock out for the season, I took the boat out for the season, and I spent a terrific Saturday with family and friends at the Bala Cranberry Festival (where I got more of my Christmas shopping done).

Am I rested? No, that is why I am doing this e-newsletter at midnight on Sunday evening (which is okay – adds to the contentment).

Am I content? Very. With Thanksgiving just past, I am reminded of my many blessings, some of which are to be physically and mentally able to some of the above tasks…successfully.

I thought the below article would be useful – hope you enjoy it.

A Sense of Contentment

One of the hardest challenges we face in our everyday life is achieving a sense of being content. In fact, we are consistently urged in the direction of resistance to “being content”. It is somehow felt that feeling content leads to being complacent. However, if we are to achieve our full potential, then we must learn to be content in our circumstances. That does not mean we stop striving to improve them. It just means that you accept where you are today, take from it all that it gives and give back to it all that you can.

We have all heard the saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”.

Well, that’s not always true; in fact, it rarely is. There is the story of a farmer who toiled on his land for several years and didn’t feel he was getting ahead. He decided to sell the farm and go out into the world to make his fortune. Not long after, the new owner was walking by the stream that ran through the farm when something in the water glinted and attracted his attention. He bent down and picked up a shiny, sparkly piece of rock. He carried it home and then took it to be analyzed - it turned out to be a diamond. Some years later, the original

property owner, still seeking his fortune, returned, he found a diamond mine on his farm, and the man he had sold the farm to, had made his fortune. The farm he sold is the site of Kimberley Mines in South Africa, the largest diamond mine in the world.

The moral: do the best you can, with the talents you have, or learn, where you are. Give the best of you and take the best of that which is returned to you and you will live a fulfilled and contented life. One that gives hope and encouragement to others, and who knows, you may even make your fortune.

Source: The Perkolator, Barrie, March 20, 2013Back to Table of Contents

Parent’s Corner

I thought this would be appropriate as the interim progress reports go out this week.

Encourage Your Teenager to Physically Prepare for Tests

Your teen can (and should) study for days leading up to a big test – but they’re not truly ready until they prepare their body for the test as well as their mind.

How can they do that? Share these test preparation tips with your teen:

Avoid pulling an all-nighter Your brain works best when it’s well rested. Schedule your studying in advance so that you can get at least six hours of sleep the night before a test.

Set an alarm clock Set a backup alarm, too, if you’re concerned you may oversleep. Ask your parents/siblings to ensure that you are up.

Eat breakfast Food fuels your body and your mind, giving you energy and helping you focus. Avoid a big meal, which could make you groggy. Try something like a bagel with peanut butter and a piece of fruit.

Show up early Allow yourself five minutes before the test begins to get settled – get out your pen, pencil, calculator, etc. and take a few deep breaths.

Source: “Test Preparation Tips,” TestTakingTips.com, www.testtakingtips.com/test/genpre.htm

I had my students try a number of other things that I realized worked for me, as a student:

When you get to the test, put the notes/textbook away – you are only going to stress yourself out because you are going to see something that you don’t fully know and you will panic.

Don’t talk to anyone before the test – they will commiserate with you, yes, but they may ask you things that may shake your confidence; get into a “zone”.

Play stress release music on your I-pod/mp3 - If you have some sort of musical device, have it playing soothing music to relax you. Google “Mozart effect” or “Pink Floyd effect” to get more information. Quiet soothing music calms the panic beast.

Review, review, review - If it is a math or science test, do all the review questions at the end of the chapter. The more review questions you do, the harder it will be to be tripped up by something you haven’t seen before.

Breathe - If on the test, you panic, put down your writing instrument and relax (including breathing). Take ten deep breaths and when you can breathe “normally”, go back to writing the test. The 30 seconds you spend relaxing will save you much anxiety time later.

I hope these help!

Back to Table of Contents

Parent Pointer Calendar for the following week (Oct. 15 – Oct. 19)

Monday 15th Tuesday 16th Wednesday 17th Thursday 18th Friday 19th No homework tonight? Have your teen review or read ahead. Daily study time means just that.

Challenge family members to learn two or three new vocabulary words each week.

Discuss the dangers of marijuana with your teen. It limits the brain’s ability to absorb and retain information.

Is study time before dinner? Be sure to have healthy snacks on hand. Hungry teens can’t concentrate.

Is your teen planning on attending a post-secondary institution? Get a schedule of their visits to the school.

Back to Table of Contents

Have a great weekend!

Be well!

Terry Wilkinson

Vice-PrincipalBear Creek Secondary School

P.S. (Positive Statement):

“Everyone must take time and sit still to watch the leaves turn.” 

- Elizabeth LawrenceBack to Table of Contents

P.P.S.: If you like what you have read so far, please tell another parent/guardian, get them to e-mail me, and I’ll add them to the e-mail list.

I don’t know about you but I am already in line for my Stanley Cup finals tickets. Leafs and Vegas!

That being said, it is nice to be a fan of a winning team – 5 – 1, with 10 points.