Theme of Grad 2016

Principal’s Message

February 2016

VSS GRAD 2016 NEWSLETTER

G raduation marks the transition of our young emerging adults from public school into

society. For this reason, this ceremony is also called commencement, or beginning. This rite of passage comes with a great deal of pride on behalf of the school staff, the parents, families, and of course, the grads themselves. We plan to honour our grads in style in front of our community. As this date draws near, it is important for us to outline all the activities and our expectations around this event in this

newsletter so that you can be well prepared to make this a memorable day and not miss any-thing. Thanks in advance to all parents, grads, and staff who have, and will, contribute to Grad 2016! The school takes on the task of organizing the formal grad ceremony and looks to the parents

and grads to lead decorating, fundraisers, and dry grad initiatives. We need all of you to contribute to make this a successful

event. As you read through this newsletter consider where you can fit in. Become part of the Grad 2016 team!

Message from Grad 2016 Parent Chair - Elcita Young We are getting closer to one of life’s major events for both our children and ourselves - Grad! I am sure you are all getting excited. I know that the Grad committee can’t wait. I want to thank all the parents that have been coming out to help make this Dry Grad an event to remember. If you are interested in joining us please do—the more the merrier. There is lots still to do and many things that still need planning. We meet the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the Library. Hope to see you there.

Message from Grad 2016 President - Keiiryn Young With the year half over, the anticipation for grad increases. We are all excited to walk across the stage at Kal Tire Place, even though some of us don’t want to admit it. I know that you all have busy lives and the time spent fundraising is a sacrifice of study time, or sleep, or any number of activities. So I want to thank those of you who have been a part of the fundraisers. Thank you to parents, students, and faculty members. If you haven’t been involved—START. It’s not our parent’s grad (they are doing all that they are, out of their love for us) if it sucks it doesn’t affect them. So keep an eye on your email, listen to the announcements, read the facebook posts, ask a friend for news on fundraisers and grad in general, and when you sign up to do some-thing, commit. To be cliché, let’s make our grad the best it can be!

VSS Graduation 2

Cinderella Program 3

Fees 3

Calendar of Events 4-5

The Big Day — Graduation 2016 6

Dry Grad Committees 7

Fundraising News 8

Grad Fashion Show 8

Non-Sanctioned Grad Events 9

Scholarships and Bursaries 10

Aboriginal Grad Luncheon 10

Inside this issue:

Graduation Achievement

There are three parts to a VSS Graduation; the Graduation Achievement, the Graduation Ceremony, and the After Grad Social. The Graduation Achievement is the completion of all Ministry of Education requirements for a “Dogwood” Diploma or if the student’s individualized education plan dictates an “Evergreen” Certificate. This achievement is the most critical piece as this is the accomplishment each student has been working towards for 13 years. The ceremony and social are an honouring of this achievement. All grads have al-ready been notified that they must be in a position to actually achieve graduation by year end to be part of the Commencement Ceremony. Our counselors, Ms. Glinsbockel & Mrs. Smith, will be happy to meet with all grads to review their status with them. They are available to discuss this with parents or grads if you have questions. Mr. Reid will review all grads’ programs and make final decisions by end of term 3 on April 19th, 2016 at the latest. We realize the social aspect of being with classmates is important and we encourage grade 12 non-grads to stay involved in the other graduation celebrations.

Commencement Ceremony

The Graduation Ceremony is the most formal and traditional part of graduation. At VSS we have used KAL Tire Place for many years to host this large event that sees many staff, community members, family, and friends come to support the graduates as they receive their symbolic diplomas from the principal while wearing traditional graduation robes. This event is organized by the school staff. We take pride in hosting a first class event that sees our graduates honoured in the appropriate fashion. Official Ministry of Education diplomas are available in the summer once final grades are confirmed.

After Grad Social

Immediately following the Grad Ceremony at KTP will be time for families to have dinner on their own. After family time everyone is welcome back to VSS for a promenade of the graduates in their formal suits and dresses. The promenade is followed by speeches and a short dance. The dance is followed by Dry Grad.

Dry Grad is a national movement that began in the very early 90’s created to prevent drinking and driving injuries and deaths during graduation festivities. This year’s grade 12’s are no different from past years and support is needed to provide a safe place for celebration of their achievement. Merchants in our area are asked to contribute prizes as an enticement to get everyone to attend. If the community supports us and parents organize this event then we should all encourage our grads to attend wholeheartedly. This is the last opportunity to “get together” as the “2016 Grads of VSS”.

Although this event is primarily for the VSS Grad class we do recognize that some Grads may want to bring a non Grad guest. Guests will have to be signed-up ahead of time, be at least 16 years of age and currently enrolled in secondary school. Grads are limited to one guest only. Guest tickets are $10 each. Registering guests begins in May through the school office. Guests must be in good standing with their schools. It is also important to note that all prizes are for VSS Grads only. All Dry Grad attendees should plan to stay for the

whole evening. Parent contact to Mr. Reid in advance is necessary for early departures.

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PROM MC’s: Aislinn Rivard & Jordan Sheppard

PARENT REPSONSE: Rhonda Becker

CLASS HISTORIAN: Emmanuel Areizaga

SPEECH TO STAFF: Claire Armstrong & Keiryn Young

SPEECH TO PARENTS: Emma Massey

STAFF RESPONSE: Jacquie Nuyens

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Grad Fees

$135 Grad Fees pays for the following - ~KAL Tire Place Rental ~Rental of gown and keeper cap with tassel ~Grad diploma ~8 X 10 Courthouse & Front of School Photos ~Decorations & printing costs ~Audio Visual Services ~Grad Gift Dry Grad Fundraising pays for the following - ~All Dry Grad activities, ~Food, drinks and prizes A reminder that at the October Grad Parent Meeting October parents overwhelmingly voted in favour of a Dry Grad fee of $25 to help offset fundraising for Dry Grad. Both the $135 Grad Fee and the $25 Dry Grad Fee are due by Monday, April 18 2016. Grads who have not paid their Grad Fee by this time will not be part of the “official grad list” and will not participate in the Grad Ceremony. If you have not paid your $30.00 Student Fee, it is now due.

The Cinderella Program

Grads in need of financial assistance or support should contact Ms. Glinsbockel or Mrs. Smith for further information on the district Cinderella program. Grads not wishing or able to purchase grad attire should contact the counsellors to see the numerous new and gently used dresses and suits that have been donated.

February TBD Applications for early entrance to BC Post Secondary Institutions are due

1 Monthly Grad Parent Meeting 7:00 pm – Library

11 Semester 1 Report Cards Released

16 Grade 12 recognition assembly for Semester 1

23 Grad Photo Re-Takes

25 Fashion Show 7:00 pm in the Theatre

25 Grads meet with Ms. Glinsbockel at 11:30 am in room 177 to discuss process for local and commu- nity Scholarships. All parents are welcome

Grad 2016 February - April Calendar of Events

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Due dates for applications for early entrance to BC Post Secondary Institutions vary depending on institutions

1 7:00 pm Monthly Grad Parent Meeting in Library

11 Semester 1 Report Cards Released

16 Grade 12 Recognition Assembly for Semester 1

23 Grad Photo Re-Takes

25 11:30 am Grads meet with Ms. Glinsbockel in Room 177 to discuss process for local and community Scholarships. All parents are welcome

25 7:00 pm Fashion Show in the Theatre

February

April

4 7:00 pm Monthly Grad Parent Meeting in Library

6 Parent Teacher Interviews

12 11:30 am Student Grad Executive Meeting

19 Grad List Confirmed (All fees now due)

TBD Mothers Day Flowers Fundraiser

23 Drive through Breakfast

27 Term 3 Report Cards Released

27/28 District Scholarship at the Vernon Rec Centre

1 BC Excellence Scholarship Applications to Ms. Glinsbockel

2 9:00 am Applications OPEN on line for Local and Community Scholarships

7 7:00 pm Monthly Grad Parent Meeting in Library

8 11:30 am Student Grad Executive Meeting

11 *3:00 pm Applications CLOSE for Local and Community Scholarships

*Please note that this deadline cannot be extended for any circumstance

12 10:00 am Superstore Bagging Fundraiser

March

Grad 2016 May - June Calendar of Events

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2 REHEARSAL DAY Block Order CCBB

All Day Set Up at KAL Tire Place

DO NOT BE LATE! ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE BUSES!

12:10 pm Grads meet in Theatre for instructions, gown distribution, and loading of buses

12:45 pm Rehearsal at KAL Tire Place

2:00 pm Court House Picture

2:30 pm Bussed Back to VSS

3:30 pm Dry Grad Decorating at VSS

3 GRADUATION DAY NO SCHOOOL FOR GRADS

See Page 6 for complete details of Grad

Day

7 Final Grad Executive Meeting

15 Student Loans Available at www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentservices

15 Final Grad Transition Day

22/23 School Exam Days

24 English 12 Provincial Exam

27 Communications 12 Provincial Exam

28 7:00 pm Awards Night

29 Report Card Pick Up Day

May

June

2 7:00 pm Monthly Grad Parent Meeting in Library

10 11:30 am Student Grad Executive Meeting

TBD Dry Grad Guest Tickets on go on sale for $10 at the Office

TBD Mothers’ Day Flower Fundraiser

26 Aboriginal Students’ Grad Luncheon

30 10:45 am Grad Assembly in theatre to Review the Week

30 Deadline to Buy Dry Grad Tickets

30 7:00 pm Monthly Grad Parent Meeting in Library

Here is a brief overview of Graduation Day and events leading up to this gala event. We must remind you that District and School Policies regarding behaviour and use of drugs and alcohol govern all activities. Enjoy a safe, dry grad celebration. You owe it to yourself, your family and your community.

June 3, 2016 - The Big Day

8:00 am

Last minute Set Up & decorating at VSS 8:30 am

Ceremony Set up @ Kal Tire Place

12:00 Noon

Grads meet @ VSS in Formal Dress 12:15 pm

Formal Grad Picture in Front of School

12:30 pm

Grad Promenade thoughout VSS and recognized by student body 12:30 pm — 2:30 pm

Informal Family Photo Time 3:00 pm

Doors Open to KAL Tire Place

Grads meet in Kal Tire Place change rooms and put on robes

Formal Dress Only - pants, dress shoes, shirts, dresses

Caps need not be worn, but can be kept as a souvenir (no other hats) 4:00 pm

Ceremony begins - staff, presenters seated on arena floor

Procession of Grads!

Speakers from School, District and City of Vernon

Introduction of Grads - short biography, diploma, presentation of awards Mountain West Studios to take Complimentary Grad Photo

Grad Awards

Valedictorian Speech

Recessional - Grad Theme Song

Grads return robes to change rooms 6:30 pm - Grads and Families are on their own for Dinner 8:45 pm - Doors open to VSS 9:15 pm - Presentation of Grads in Gym 9:30 pm - Speeches 10:15 pm - First Dance with Parents - Prom begins 11:00 pm - Dry Grad Check-in & Security Check in Theatre 4:30 am - Dry Grad Ends

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Here is the schedule...be early, we can’t wait for you!

The Dry Grad Food Committee is looking for volunteers to serve food and beverages. We are looking for donations of food and drinks or grocery certificates. Please contact Cindy Marshall 250-

545-2615

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Food Committee

Graduation night will have a variety of entertainment. We will be sending an email requesting 22 volunteers for 2 hours each for Grad Night from 11:00 pm—4:30 am. We will need volunteers to work the casino as well. Contact

Tracey Cooper at 250.542.2243 or email

t-rcooper@shaw.ca for questions or to sign up to volun-teer. Thank you in advance for al the support.

School/Parent Contact Phone Committee E-mail

Malcolm Reid 250-545-0701 Principal mhreid@sd22.bc.a

Kulwinder Smith 250-545-0701 Dry Grad Staff Rep kulwindersmith@sd22.bc.ca

Elcita Young 250-260-8980 Dry Grad Parent Chair elcita@telus.net

Tracey Cooper 250-542-2243 Entertainment t-rcooper@shaw.ca

Johie Tomiak 250-542-1684 Fashion Show jltomiak@gmail.com

Cindy Marshall 250-545-2615 Food cindylm00@shaw.ca

Debi Sewell 250-541-0544 Decorating 4xsewell@gmail.com

Lindsay Lapp 250-309-5684 Prizes haleymom@hotmail.com

Dave Duke 250-545-0701 Security dduke@sd22.bc.ca

The Theme of this year’s grad ceremony is “50’s Diner” The planning continues and we would invite anyone interested in helping, to join us at the next grad meeting on March 7 at 7:00 pm in the school library.

If you are not able to attend the Grad Meeting but would like to help in some way, we will need extra hands after school and evening of June 2 to decorate at VSS.

We would also appreciate any help in providing decorating materials. If you are able to lend or donate decorations, here are some items we can use: 50’s Diner memorabilia, a sofa, futon, cushions, and white, aqua, red, or black paint. All items can be dropped off at the school office or call to arrange to have them picked up.

Decorating Committee Security Committee

The Security Committee is looking for grade 12 parents to volunteer to help out on the evening of Friday June 3 for Dry Grad. Grade 11 par-ents will be contacted to “pay it forward” to cover the early shifts until 11:00 pm so parents of grads can be with their Grads. Groups of Grad parents will be needed to rotate through the dif-ferent zones and it is hoped to have a fairly event split between males and females to cover off washrooms and dressing rooms. It is also hoped that some parents who will be picking up their Grad will come early (4am) to help with the clean up.

This is a fun and easy way for Grad parents to be involved and help out at Grad. To volunteer, please contact Dave Duke dduke@sd22.bc.ca and he will get back to you with a package that covers off everything you need to know. See you there!

Entertainment Committee

Dry Grad Committee

Sean Morgan & Cailee Bauml

GRAD 2016 Valedictorians

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Fundraising News

Our Fundraising committee has several fundraisers planned to help offset the cost of the dry grad. Everyone is encouraged to participate in our upcoming fundraising events!

Here is what is in store for future fundraisers:

March 12th 10 am—12 Noon Bagging Groceries at Superstore.

April 23 We will be hosting a Drive-Thru Breakfast on at the Wholesale Club parking lot. We will be needing a lot of help for this event so please watch for the sign up sheet.

TBA Mother’s Day Flowers - Once again Bloom Thyme is supplying our school with beautiful hanging baskets and plants. Order forms will be available in the office in the near future.

For these fundraisers to be a success we need the support of all Grads. If you have any ques-tions, please feel free to contact Kulwinder Smith at kulwindersmith@sd22.bc.ca

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2016 VSS Grad Fashion Show Fundraiser

Thursday Feb. 25 7:00-9:00 pm. at the VSS Theatre

This year 2016 is an important year for the students of Vernon Secondary. The funds raised from the Fashion Show, as well as other fundraising activi-ties, will go towards providing fun, safe activities for our grads including events such as Dry Grad. The Fashion Show will be about having fun. Vol-unteer Graduates will be modeling . Refreshments supplied by parent volun-teers. Tickets are on sale at the VSS office for $10 per person or $12.00 at the door. Seats are limited in the Theatre and this event sells out FAST, so get your tickets early! We invite everyone to join us in taking a break from winter and celebrating the creativeness and talents of our grads.

Parent Warning of Non-Sanctioned Grad Events

In the Vernon area Grad traditions have unfortunately included non-school sponsored events like kidnapping of students and bush parties. These activities, while sounding relatively harm-less, have resulted in serious harm to Grads in the past.

Grad kidnapping originally started as an early morning breakfast session and now has be-come a midnight event with an all night party, usually with drinking involved. Bush parties regularly involve drinking and driving, vandalism, fighting and even confrontations with the police. Pranks at these parties have caused thousands of dollars in damage to schools and some community businesses. It is also known that these events involve young adults who have graduated already or who are not attending school.

Most of our grade 12 students are responsible and mature young adults. However, they are kids and as kids are subject to peer pressure. As educators and parents we need to help them make responsible and safe decisions. The aforementioned activities can be very unsafe and are not condoned by the school. These events can cast a shadow on the entire Grad class and most importantly put our students in danger. Please help the school and our Grads by discouraging your sons and daughters from partaking in unsafe activities in the name of graduation.

BC Achievement Scholarships

For the 2015/16 school year, 3000 top B.C. graduates with the highest cumulative average based on courses required for graduation (both required and elective) are eligible to receive a $1250 scholarship voucher to use towards their post-secondary tuition. The Ministry will determine recipients based on students’ achievement in Grades 10, 11, and 12 courses that satisfy 2004 Graduation Program requirements (including elective courses). Grad Transitions will not be included. A cumulative average percentage will be calculated and form the basis for awarding the BC Achievement Scholarship.

BC Excellence Scholarships

There are 55 BC Excellence Scholarships available to recognize well-rounded B.C. graduates. Winners will have demon-strated community/School service and shows aptitude and commitment to their chosen career paths. Students will receive a $5000 scholarship voucher to use for post-secondary tuition. Students must be nominated for this scholarship by VSS. If nominated, the student must submit the application (PDF) to Ms Glinsbockel, who will forward it to their school district.

Students must have their request for nomination complete and turned into Ms Glinsbockel by March 1, 2016

Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarships (PTES)

The Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship (PTES) is awarded to 20 outstanding high school graduates who have demonstrated a commitment and aptitude for a career path in K-12 teaching. Each recipient will receive a $5000 scholar-ship voucher to use towards tuition in their teaching program at a designated BC post-secondary institution.

Applications and all required documents are due to the Ministry by March 31, 2016.

For More information on the application process for these scholarships please speak to Ms Glinsbockel or Mrs

Smith or go to http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/provincial-scholarships

Scholarships and Bursaries

Local Bursaries - March 1 - 11

The Local Bursary program for will open on March 1st. Ms. Glinsbockel and Mrs. Smith will meet with grade 12 students at lunch on Feb 25 in room 177 to go over the application process. The application and all information as to available scholarships will be posted electronically on the school district website - www.sd22.bc.ca. From the home page select the FORMS tab found on the left hand side under DISTRICT. The form is located under the SCHOLARSHIP category. The application must be filled out on the computer and printed off. Students will need to go over this with their parents, as many scholarships are affiliation scholarships based on community connections of parents and/or grandparents. Completed applications MUST BE TURNED IN TO MS. GLINS-

BOCKEL 3:00 pm ON MARCH 11th. This deadline is set by the School District and cannot be altered.

Post Secondary Institutions

In order to have your transcripts available for any Post Secondary Institution next year (college, university or technical school) you MUST complete a PSI form. This form is available electronically at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams. Please complete this form regardless of your Post Secondary intentions.

*select student secure web and create an account (if you have not done so previously) or sign in with your password

*select Post Secondary Institution Selections

*read the information and go to Select PSI’s

*you will now be able to indicate which institutions you want to receive your final grades in August

*check your selections and make sure you check the box giving permission to release grades.

*before you leave the site you will see which institutions you have selected and you should print a copy of that information

If you have any problems with doing this you can see Ms. Glinsbockel or Mrs. Smith for more detailed instructions and assistance

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SD 22 Vernon Aboriginal Education

Vernon Secondary School

Aboriginal Students Grad Luncheon

May 26th 2016 11:30 ~ 1:30

Room 150

Open Prayer Drumming

Guest Speaker Award Presentations

Lunch

For More Info, please contact me

way’ limlǝmt

Respectfully,

Bonnie Miller

Aboriginal Support Worker ~ VSS 250-545-0701

bonniemiller@sd22.bc.ca