School District 8 - News Archives

 

Job Fest
April 17, 2008
Saint John Trade & Convention Centre

Job Fest, a partnership between J.D. Irving, Limited, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL), and School Districts 6, 8 & 10 provides an opportunity for Grade 11 students to make the connection between the world of education and the world of work. Established in 1993 with a small number of students, this event has grown to include all Grade 11 students across three School Districts.

Practical workshops and experiential learning set the stage for students to think about, explore, and prepare for their future. Facilitated by our sponsors, students participate in interactive sessions on resume writing, cover letters, and interview skills, all directly linked to outcomes in the Grade 11 English curriculum. These workshops culminate in the selection of 400 students who will participate in an event held at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre where they will have an opportunity to apply and interview for mock jobs in a variety of occupational sectors. Professionals currently employed by our partners conduct these interviews. In addition to the interviews, students & teachers will participate in professional development workshops on topics such as Health, Safety & Wellness in the Workplace, Six Destinations and Jobardy, a fun, interactive way to learn more about employment and post secondary options.

The student chosen as the “top” candidate for each of the twenty-eight mock job positions will receive a 1st place prize. All participants of Job Fest receive a token of appreciation for their participation.

Job Fest is an exciting opportunity for students and one more example of how education collaborates with the business community to ensure that all students are better prepared to make post-secondary decisions.

This event can further aid in the campaign to keep our young people in New Brunswick by providing an opportunity for them to network with our partners, see, and hear about the jobs that will be available, right here at home.

If you require additional information, please contact the guidance personnel in your high school or call Joan Wilkins @ 643-6884.


Intensive Core French Program

Below are dates and locations for the parent information sessions on the Intensive French. All sessions will run from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., on the dates indicated below.

These sessions are for parents and all sessions will have the same information. If you are unable to attend the one in your area, you are welcome to attend another.

Tuesday, March 25th Bayside Middle School Auditorium
For all elementary schools located east, including St. Martin’s

Monday, March 31st River Valley Middle School Theatre
For all elementary schools located ‘on the river’, including Morna Heights and Browns Flat

Tuesday, April 1st Princess Elizabeth School Gymnasium
For all elementary schools located on the central peninsula

Wednesday, April 2nd Havelock Elementary School Gymnasium
For all elementary schools located west, including Fundy Shores


PREMIER’S AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Recommendations for the Premier’s Awards of Excellence in Education (formerly known as the Minister’s Excellence in Teaching Award) may be submitted by individuals or groups in the nominee’s school district. There are seven categories: District Awards; Numeracy, Literacy & Science; Developing a Passion for Learning; Inclusion: Community Engagement and Partnerships; Healthy and Safe Schools; and Lifetime Achievement.

The District Awards will be selected by the school district and approved by the District Education Council. The six other award recipients will be chosen by the Provincial Awards Committee based on submissions from the school districts.

Nomination forms are available online at www.gnb.ca/0000/awards.asp or by clicking here. The due date for nominations is April 1, 2008, and the awards will be given out during a gala ceremony on June 3 at the Playhouse in Fredericton.


Saint John High School Open House, Monday February 18th (rescheduled due to weather)

Please be advised that the Open House at Saint John High for grade eight students has been postponed until Monday, February 18th. commencing at 6:30. Please send a voice mail to parents of grade eight students as notification of the change in date.


District 8 French Second Language Information Sessions

Parents and or Guardians are invited to an information session on French Second Language Programs available in District 8. Further information is available by contacting individual schools or Deborah H. Thomas, French Second Language Learning Specialist for School District 8.

January 28, 2008

6:30 Westfield (Early French Immersion)
7:00 River Valley (Late French Immersion)

January 29, 2008

6:30 Havelock (Early French Immersion)
7:00 Barnhill Memorial (Late French Immersion)

January 30, 2008

6:30 Princess Elizabeth ( Late French Immersion)
7:00 Millidgeville North ( Early French Immersion )

Snow date for above sessions January 31, 2008

February 4, 2008

6:30 Forest Hills ( Early French Immersion )
7:00 Bayside Middle ( Late French Immersion)

February 5, 2008

7:00 Loch Lomond ( Early French Immersion)

Snow date for any of the above sessions February 6, 2008


The Apprentice Event - a fun, interactive environment for Grade 9 girls to learn more about the types of careers available in the Technology sector.

On December 5, 2007, The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) presented “Women in Information Technology”, an annual event aimed at increasing awareness among Canada’s female youth about careers in technology. CIPS Loyalist (The Saint John Chapter of CIPS) brought together female role models from a variety of technology fields to share their experiences, and encourage students to consider a career in technology in a theme entitled The Apprentice Event. The Event is funded by sponsors including provincial government departments and supported by volunteers. Coaches for teams include women working in IT careers and educators. 175 girls in grade 9 participated in an “Apprentice”-like team based activity. The goal for each team was to develop a website in which they offered a service or product to the public. Through this project, they carried out the responsibilities of their real-life industry counterparts in a bid to win the judge’s vote for best project.

      

      


SCENES 2007

Harbour View High School presents SCENES 2007 on Thursday and Friday evening; November 29 & 30, at the Harbour View High Auditorium. Tickets are $5.00 available at the door and curtain is at 7:30.

The Theatre Art 120 class will perform the one act play Wenceslas; a show about how he became "Good".

Act II will feature student written, directed, and choreographed scenes from shows such as Chicago, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and some original scripts as well! We hope to see you at the show at 7:30!


Little Shop of Horrors

Saint John High School Faculty and Friends present Little Shop of Horrors, November 29-30 and December 1. Dennis Knibb Auditorium. Curtain at 8 p.m. Tickets $7


Christmas in the country

Brown’s Flat School will be holding an evening of entertainment “Christmas in the Country” on Saturday, December 1st. Doors will open at 6:00pm for a bake sale, canteen, raffle ticket sales and to view auction items. Musical entertainment will alternate with a live auction and door prizes beginning at 7:00. Join us in the country to start off the Christmas season! Free admission! Any inquiries may be directed to Jo-Anne Martin at 468-6000 or josephine.martin@nbed.nb.ca.


Meet the Teacher/ Open House

“Meet the Teacher /Open House” events for the beginning of this school year will be held on the following dates, according to grade levels of schools.

  • Kindergarten to Grade 5 ( Elementary ) Schools – Tuesday, September 18th
  • Kindergarten to Grade 8 and Grade 6-8 (Middle) Schools- Wednesday, September 19th
  • Grade 9-12 ( High)Sschools – Thursday, September 20th

Elections to Parent School Support Committees ( PSSC) will be held at the Open House event. For more information on PSSCs, , view the attached information booklet or contact the school principal . The Department of Education has information on PSSCs at www.decnb.ca


COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR

1. STUDENTS [ GRADES K – 12]:
ALL students in the public education system in School District 8 will begin the 2007-2008 school year on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4.

2. TEACHERS:
Teachers and school administrators will begin the 2007-2008 school year with two professional development days on August 27 and 28, and two administration days on August 29 and 30.

3. TRANSPORTATION:
School District 8 officials will send home busing arrangements prior to the start of the 2007-08 school year for the following grade levels: Kindergarten, three, six and nine. The remainder of the students will have the same busing arrangements as the previous year unless otherwise notified through a letter from School District 8.

City Transit student bus passes will be available at their school commencing the first day of classes, September 4. Such passes are not available at the District Office. Students must sign for a City Transit bus pass and assume responsibility for it.

Questions related to transportation should be directed to the District 8 Transportation Department via telephone at 658-6383 (line will be in service as of August 27, 2007), or E-mail at ed08pupiltransportation@nbed.nb.ca

Students should be at their bus stop five minutes before the scheduled time. It is normal for bus schedules and bus stops to be adjusted during the first few days of operation. Your patience in this regard is requested and very much appreciated.

Best wishes to all our students and staff for a happy, safe and productive school year.

Susan Tipper,
Superintendent


Year end message

The end of another school year is upon us. On behalf of the District Education Council and Senior Management, I wish to thank you for all that you do on behalf of the students in District 8. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Susan Tipper, Superintendent


Irving Oil Scholarships for students of St. John the Baptist-King Edward School


SAINT JOHN, NB – As the class of 2007 prepares to graduate, Irving Oil will be awarding the first ever ‘Fueling the Future’ Scholarships to two local high school students, valued at up to $28,000 each.

The scholarships are open to St. John the Baptist-King Edward (SJBKE) School alumni graduating from Saint John High School and St. Malachy’s High School, with one scholarship going to a student from each school. At up to $7,000 renewable each year for a maximum of four years, the scholarship will cover such expenses as tuition, books, transportation and other costs for each student. The scholarship recognizes exceptional teamwork and community spirit, focusing on a candidate’s well-rounded involvement in school citizenship and volunteerism, as well as academics.

“We’ve been a proud partner of St. John the Baptist-King Edward for five years, and it’s very exciting to be able to continue that support later in these students’ lives, especially during the transition from high school to post-secondary education,” said Kenneth Irving. “This year’s graduating class was attending SJBKE when our company began the Fueling the Future partnership in 2002.”

“Our community has been working together and there are many opportunities in front of us,” continued Mr. Irving. “We’re very proud to be a part of this effort, and hope this year’s round of graduating students will benefit through local jobs and opportunities in our community in the future.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our kids,” said Cynthia Dupere, a teacher and coordinator for the Fueling for the Future Program at SJBKE. “It’s great for the graduates to be able to continue their education with little financial worry, but also great to let the current students know that this something they can strive for. We hope it will encourage them to do their best.”

Fueling the Future Scholarship winners will be announced during graduation ceremonies at St. Malachy’s High School and Saint John High School, to be held June 22nd and 25th respectively.

Each week, 90 Irving Oil employees and alumni volunteer to support the students and staff of SJBKE through one-on-one mentoring, classroom assistance, and at the school’s lunch program, the Chicken Noodle Club. Since 2002, Irving Oil has provided students with new computers, educational school trips, sports uniforms, a new sound system, and other much needed supplies.


Marigolds on Main Street - 10th Anniversary

Marigolds on Main Street will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on June 6, 2007. The Marigolds on Main St Committee, comprised of individuals from Leisure Services, School District 8, and local business partners, began planning for our “Decade Celebration” in September 2006. A CD has been produced that profiles past plant days and recognizes previous participation by students and the community. Furthermore, the committee has made it a priority to increase awareness of the impact the project has on the positive growth of the North End. This CD will be used to tell the marigolds story to new students, community members and other local supporters who can help keep the beautification process alive.

The “Celebration” portion is a new initiative to the Marigolds on Main Street project. In addition to the marigold planting, special events will be added to the plant day program to enhance the experience for those expected 1400 individuals involved.
Special Events include:

  • Piper led Parade. Students, dressed in “Decade Celebration” t-shirts, will march from their schools and join together on Main St.
  • Opening ceremonies by local dignitaries to welcome the students, teachers and local residents.
  • Planting Kick-Off – Over 1000 students will put their knowledge to the test and begin planting the 40,000 marigolds in prepared beds.
  • Appreciation BBQ
  • Stage Show – featuring local entertainment and the committee will also highlight the impact the project has had on the North End.
  • Special features: face painting, and balloon animals.

Certificates will be made for every student who participates in the celebration day. They receive these certificates when they return to their school. This certificate recognizes their commitment to the project in their classrooms and serves as a reminder of the work they have done to enhance their community.

For more information, contact Jackie Henneberry @ 632-6107.


District 8 Teacher, Kim McCormick wins Excellence in Teaching Award

Teachers honoured with Minister's Excellence in Teaching Awards (anglophone sector) (07/05/28)

NB 659

May 28, 2007

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Nine anglophone-sector teachers have been chosen to receive the 2006-2007 Minister's Excellence in Teaching Award, Education Minister Kelly Lamrock announced May 26 during a ceremony in Fredericton.
The awards are presented each year to anglophone-sector teachers for their invaluable contributions to the education of New Brunswick youth.

"New Brunswick is proud to have thousands of highly qualified public school teachers," Lamrock said. "This year's recipients of the Minister's Excellence in Teaching Award are exceptional examples of the dedication, creativity and innovation displayed everyday in our classrooms."

The recipients of the 2006-2007 Minister's Excellence in Teaching Award are:

  • Adam Rogerson, Gunningsville School (District 2)
  • Belinda Oram, Hampton Middle School (District 6)
  • Kimberley McCormick, River Valley Middle School (District 8)
  • Robert Griffin, Grand Manan Community School, (District 10)
  • Donna Seymour, Nackawic Senior High School (District 14)
  • David DeLong, Dalhousie Middle School (District 15)
  • Toby Daigle, Rexton Elementary School (District 16)
  • Dan Duguay, Coles Island School (District 17)
  • Jacqueline Fortner, Garden Creek School (District 18)

Award recipients were presented with a sculpture designed and produced by New Brunswick artists Jennifer Macklem and Kip Jones, a framed certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 professional development bursary.

Biographical notes follow for each recipient.

Minister's Excellence in Teaching Award recipients

School District 8: Kimberley McCormick

A member of the teaching staff at River Valley Middle School for about 17 years, Kimberley McCormick's passion for teaching math and science is reflected in the creative and innovative ways she approaches teaching and learning. McCormick is involved at the school, district, and provincial levels on various committees and professional development activities. She happily shares her expertise and ideas with others. Most recently, McCormick was asked to meet with provincial consultants to review the Mathematics Achievement Standards for Grades 4 to 6, having been involved in the review of Atlantic Canada Mathematics Achievement Standards.


Champlain Heights School Celebrates 50 years

Champlain Heights School will be selling engraved floor tiles to commemorate its 50 year anniversary. The tiles are $50.00 each (income tax receipt provided). Please contact the school at 658-5335 if you are interested in making a purchase.