THE CHRONICLE

Wednesday October 16, 2024

 

¬ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NEW – Student Vote

Students across the province will get a chance to vote in the upcoming Provincial election to show what would happen if students chose the next Provincial government.
 

WHEN: Thursday and Friday during block 2.
WHERE: Student Lounge

Check with your block 2 teacher for voting availability.

 

NEW - School Photos

If you have not yet picked up your photos, please come to the office.  You must pick up your Student ID card which is with your photo package.  Students must bring their original picture package to the retakes.

 

NEW - New System of School Bells

As a result of continued staff discussions since the start of the school year, we are choosing to add in four new bells (one at the end of every block) to ensure students are staying to the bell and leaving classes at the correct times. To this point we have only been using two warning bells, (one before school begins and one to signal the end of lunchtime) which we will keep, but to make things a bit easier/clearer for all, we will now also have a bell to signify the end of each block, including at the end of the school day!

 

NEW - Parent Volunteers for Screamfest Needed

Many student groups & staff have already signed up to help out with our upcoming Screamfest Event on Oct 28th/29th/30th, but we still have room available for any/all parents/guardians who could sign up to help out in the zones listed on the following Google SIGN UP SHEET.  Feel free to add your full name directly into this document and thank you in advance for your support/help with this community event!

 

NEW - Literacy & Numeracy Assessments

Our first provincial assessment sessions will be occurring on TUESDAY October 29 and WEDNESDAY October 30 as per the copernican style (long block) schedule shown below, which will be two blocks per day:

 

	TUES OCT 29TH	WED OCT 30TH
9:00am - 11:48am	BLOCK 1	BLOCK 2
12:28pm - 3:12pm	BLOCK 3	BLOCK 4

 

These assessments will include Math 10 classes (with the exception of Workplace 10) writing Numeracy 10, all English 12 classes writing Literacy 12, and any senior students who may have missed writing either Literacy 10 or Numeracy 10 last year.  More info on these assessments can be found using the following links: Literacy 10, Numeracy 10, and Literacy 12, and any senior students who need to sign-up for an assessment they have previously missed (see the sign board in the school foyer) need to do so through Mrs. Watson in our Career Centre Rm. 217.

 

Theme Day

This FRIDAY is our next school-wide theme day.  It’s FUZZY FRIDAY so wear your cozies and fuzziest fleece or flannel!

 

IBPOC

The next IBPOC meeting will be TUESDAY, October 29 at lunch in Rm. 201. This group is a space for students who identify as indigenous, black, and people of colour, as well as active allies, to connect and build community.  IBPOC is used (rather than BIPOC, an acronym originating in the USA around 2010) in efforts to recognize ‘First Peoples first’ because of the unique history and context of colonization, displacement, and cultural genocide enacted upon Indigenous peoples in Canada and the ongoing national conversation about reconciliation.

 

Peer Tutoring

If you are interested in being a Peer Tutor for Foundations Math 11 and are available at lunch once a week, please see Ms. Giese in the counselling area.

 

SCREAMFEST - The Biggest Halloween Party in Town – Oct. 28, 29 & 30

Claremont is hosting the 15th Annual "SCREAMFEST" Halloween event Oct. 28, 29 & 30 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm each night.  Tickets are on sale now at the accounting office (cash or debit only for pre-event tickets). Tickets are $10 per person.  Each ticket includes event entry, a chance to win contests, great prizes, plus 5 coupons for access to the famous Haunted Walk, for use at the midway games, or for food at the BBQ/concession.  Extra coupons will be available for purchase at the event.

 

For planning your visit to the Haunted Walk:

 

6:00-7:00 is ‘SPOOKY’ for the younger visitors

7:30-9:00 is ‘SCARY’ for the braver visitors

 

Europe Trip

Do you want to go to Europe in July 2025?  Stop by and see Ms. Wells in Rm. 312 for more information!

 

Wolf Pack Trip 2026!!!!  Save the Date: Spring Break 2026 in Costa Rica!

Pack your sense of adventure because Spring Break 2026 is going to be epic!  🌴 The Wolf Pack is planning to head to Costa Rica with Gardner and Turnbull for a thrill-packed journey you won’t want to miss.

Picture this:

• White water rafting through Costa Rica’s breathtaking rivers.
• Ziplining through the lush jungle canopy for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
• Snorkelling the beautiful beaches and catching some epic waves.

We’re teaming up with EF Tours to make this an unforgettable experience.  Mark your calendars, start dreaming of the tropics, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 🌊 🌞

 

Exciting News! Wolf Pack’s Second Seattle Adventure is Coming!

Get ready for an epic journey! This May or June, the Wolf Pack is heading back to Seattle for an unforgettable adventure. We’ll be staying at the awesome Great Wolf Lodge again, but this year’s trip is packed with new and thrilling experiences!  Here’s our tentative plan:

• A fresh exploration of the lava tubes at Mt. Saint Helens.
• An underground Seattle tour that’ll take you beneath the streets of this fascinating city.
• A day at a baseball game, cheering loud and proud!
• Immersing ourselves in the world of pop culture at the museum.
• Soaring to the top of the Space Needle for breathtaking views.
• Wandering through the vibrant Pike Place Market.

Mark your calendars and get ready to dive into a whole new side of Seattle. Let’s make this trip even more amazing than last year!

 

School Photos

Photo Retake Day will be held on the morning of THURSDAY October 24.  This is for all students who wish to have their photo redone or for those who missed photo day in early September.  All students in every grade need to have a photo for identification purposes; purchasing a photo package is optional and can be done online through www.lifetouch.ca.  Students must bring their original picture package to the retakes.

 

Parent Volunteers/Drivers

Reminder that all volunteers for School District 63 are required to complete a Criminal Record Check every three years. Sports and trips will start up quickly, so we encourage parents to be proactive and do this NOW, if you might be interested in driving; the process can take a few weeks at rush time.  The LINK to information can be found on the Claremont Secondary home page, under the Parents tab, Volunteer Information.

 

If a Student is Absent or Late

Parents are asked to please email your student’s teacher AND the Attendance Line if your student will be absent or late for class. The Link for the Claremont Attendance Line is always quick to find on the Quick Links on the Claremont website’s home page: claremont_attendance@saanichschools.ca  or by phone by calling our main phone line at 250-658-5221 and selecting Option 1 for Attendance.

 

 

¬ FINE ARTS

No news today.

 

 

¬ ATHLETICS

NEW – Sr. Girls Volleyball

Congrats to the Senior Girls volleyball team who finished off league play tonight sweeping SMUS, Belmont and #2 ranked Royal Bay to end the night 6-0.  The girls finished the regular season with 28 wins and 0 losses!  The team travels to North Vancouver this weekend for the North Shore Invitational, a tournament loaded with the top teams in the province.

 

NEW – Cross Country

It is essential that Matteo, Nagore, Aylia, Lucas and Noah from the cross-country team come and see Ms. Simmonds in Rm. 321 at LUNCHTIME TODAY.

 

 

¬ CLUBS

No news today.

 

 

¬ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

NEW – There will be a meeting at LUNCHTIME TODAY in the Learning Commons for the International Student Trip to Seattle.

 

 

¬ GRAD 2025

NEW - Online Grad Parent Meeting

For all Grad Parents/Guardians that are available to join, we will be hosting our first official Grad Parent meeting of the year online on TUESDAY October 22 @ 7:00 pm (virtual only through TEAMs).  Those who attend will have a chance to meet our Grad Parent Exec (and possibly volunteer for a few spots still remaining 🙂), listen to an overview of events being planned, discuss fundraising goals and opportunities, and ensure they are in the know for ‘all things Grad 2025’!  Please find the link to the upcoming Grad Parent Meeting HERE.

 

 

¬ INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

Indigenous Bulletin for October

On behalf of our District Indigenous Education Team, we are pleased to share the “ĆENQOLEW̱ - The Dog Salmon Return to the Earth” edition of the SD63 Indigenous Education Bulletin with you.  Please find a link to the publication HERE that includes ways we can continue to advance Truth and Reconciliation, some recommended reads, and a variety of other resources to help extend our learning!

 

 

¬ FUNDRAISING

Bottle drive

Save those empty bottles because the Claremont Model United Nations is holding a bottle drive on SATURDAY October 19!  Drop off will be in the student parking lot from 10am to 3pm.

 

 

¬ CAREER CENTRE

NEW – Lochside Elementary Hoot ‘n Howl Volunteers Needed

Lochside Elementary is having their annual Hoot 'n Howl on October 26th!  Volunteers are needed from 4:45pm-7:45pm to help with the following:

• Running the games station
• Helping in the gym with pizza and recycling station
• Giving out the prize bags when the kids finish the activities
• Set up and clean up 

See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Rm 217) or email her for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.

 

Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is visiting the Career Centre, FRIDAY October 18 at LUNCH!  Jordan will be presenting info about VIU programs and the application process, with Q & A.

 

Queen’s University

Queen's University is visiting Claremont!  MONDAY, October 21 BEFORE FIRST BLOCK, in the foyer (near front of school): 8:30-9:00am.  Come with your curiosity and questions about their programs, admissions, and student life.

 

EducationPlannerBC

EducationPlannerBC is hosting a Virtual Live Learning Session!  Join in on TUESDAY, October 29, 2024, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Explore their website, search thousands of programs, get to know trades, and discover career paths.  Find helpful resources, including financial aid options, admission requirements, FAQs, and the Glossary.  Learn how to create an account, save programs, paths, and careers to My List, and apply to post-secondary in B.C.   This free session is open to anyone interested in learning about post-secondary education and career planning. It is especially helpful for high school students in grades 10-12, parents and student supporters, adult learners, high school counsellors, teachers, and career advisors.  Register here!  Or email Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre, for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.  For more information from EdPlanner Support, please email support@educationplannerbc.ca.

 

Volunteer Fair

Interested in Volunteering?  The Volunteer FAIR is happening again this year, on THURSDAY, October 17 in the Learning Commons - 9:30-11:30.  If your class is not attending, individual students may attend (with teacher permission), for 15-20 minutes, during Block 1 or 2.  Many volunteer agencies will be in attendance, presenting a variety of ways to volunteer in the Victoria area. 

 

Sailor for A Day Event!

Spend the day with the Navy in Esquimalt, during the Sailor for a Day event!  Meet sailors, try activities and watch live demonstrations.  All day Friday, October 25 (Non-Instructional Day).  See Mr. Bussoli in the Career Centre (Rm. 217), if you're interested in attending.  Deadline for sign up: FRIDAY, October 18, 2024.

 

Heads up if you're interested in the field of Health Information Science!

UVic is hosting an Open House on THURSDAY Oct 17 from 4:30-6:30. This is an excellent chance to explore the dynamic field of health informatics, which integrates health care, project management, and technology. You will meet UVic faculty, discover the department's educational and research initiatives, and visit UVic's advanced labs. And of course, enjoy some complimentary pizza while you're at it! See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Room 217), or email her for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.

 

Volunteer Opportunities at Saanich Peninsula Youth Clinic in Sidney!

There are many volunteer opportunities available at the clinic, including fundraising, health promotion and peer education and support.  See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Rm. 217) or email her for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.

 

Yard Help

One of our neighbours is looking for a student to help with yard work on Saturday mornings through the fall.  Hours are flexible but between 10am and 1pm would work best.  See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Rm. 217) or email her for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.

 

Greater Victoria Green Team – Volunteer Opportunities for October and Early November – Green Team volunteering activities are a great opportunity for youth and community to spend time together outside, meet new people, learn new skills, and make a real difference in the community by taking care of nature.  All ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels are welcome!  Educational instruction and demonstrations are provided, as well as tools and gloves for volunteers.  There will also be delicious snacks!  See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Rm. 217) or email her for more info: cwatson@saanichschools.ca.

 

 

¬ CLAREMONT PAC

PAC Fundraiser: Country Grocer Receipts

Here is an easy way to support your PAC year-round. Save your Country Grocer receipts and bring them to the school front office.  We appreciate your participation in this fundraiser, which will benefit our school community with up to $2000 in grocery gift cards.

 

 

¬ COMMUNITY NEWS

Peninsula Youth Clinic

The Peninsula Youth Clinic is located at 2379 Bevan Avenue in Sidney and is open every THURSDAY from 5:30-7:30pm for help with any medical concern (physical, mental, and sexual health). Call 250-656-4143 to make an appointment with a physician or counsellor.  Services are 100% free, confidential, and explicitly inclusive of all genders and sexualities!

 

 

A copy of the announcements is posted on the wall outside of the main office door.