Skip to main content
February 26

Daily Chronicle - Monday February 26, 2024

THE CHRONICLE

Monday, February 26, 2024

 

¬ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW – Course Selection Help From Counsellors & Administrators

For all Gr 9-11 students: there will be counsellors and administrators available TODAY at lunch in the Student Lounge for anyone who may have questions about course selection and filling out their course selection forms.  Feel free to stop in to check with us then, without having to make an appointment!

 

2024-2025 Course Selection Forms

Reminder that completed course selection forms for next year are due back in the office THIS FRIDAY March 1. We encourage families to have thoughtful conversations about course choices before making selections.  Please be sure about your choices before submitting your form.

Application Forms for Programs of Choice (Claremont Sports Institute) and Specialty Programs (Pursuit of Excellence, Institute for Global Solutions, Pursuit of Excellence, Linear Dance and Basketball Performance) are available on the Claremont website on the Registration page (click on the Registration Quick Link). Applications for Programs of Choice/Specialty Programs) are also due by THIS FRIDAY March 1 (attached to a Course Selection Form).

 

Pink Shirt Day – Feb.28

Pink Shirt Day is THIS WEDNESDAY Feb 28. Please support Claremont's commitment to a bully-free environment by wearing and ‘thinking’ pink. Let’s join together and visibly show our support for a more inclusive, accepting and compassionate society. Practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.

 

After School Homework Club

For all students who would like extra help in academic classes, help from Education Assistants is available four days a week (MONDAY-THURSDAY) for one hour after school in room 235. All academic subjects are welcome, but especially if you are struggling in Math & Science. This is open to all students in all grades.

 

Regional South Island Skills Canada Competitions

Registration for this year's Regional South Island Skills Canada Competitions will be open soon!  Online or face-to-face competitions will be held, covering areas like automotive, baking, hairstyling, welding, electronics, pipe trades, job search, photography, and more...  Competitions will be in March, with the deadline for registration mid-February. See Mr. Bussoli in the Career Centre (Room 217) if you are interested in competing.

 

¬ FINE ARTS

No news today.

 

¬ ATHLETICS

NEW – Girls Soccer

For all girl soccer players: team tryouts are this week on TUESDAY and THURSDAY after school at Claremont, on the lower grass field.

 

NEW – Jr and Sr Boys Rugby

For all Boys rugby players.  There is a mandatory practice TODAY after school to prepare for our junior and senior games tomorrow.  We need all players to attend TODAY, in order to set our line-ups and discuss game flow for TUESDAY.

 

NEW – Rugby

For all Senior and Junior Boys Rugby players: there is an important Rugby meeting TOMORROW (TUESDAY) in Mr Belvedere's room at lunch (room 134 in the math wing).  There are very important details for TUESDAY’S games to discuss.  Team meetings are not optional.

 

¬ CLUBS

NEW - Debate Club

Spartans! Did you know that many of your peers have sharp thinking skills? Did you also know these students excel in problem-solving and academics? Well, you can gain these skills for yourself! The Debate Club is starting TOMORROW and will run on TUESDAYS at lunch in room 300. See you there!

 

NEW - YCI Club

THIS WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, The YCI Club will be handing out bracelets in the student lounge at lunch to bring awareness for Eating Disorder Awareness Week. No money needed; just bring your Spartan spirit!

 

NEW - Best Buddies

Best Buddies is starting up again! Best Buddies helps to create friendships between individuals with or without intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our goal is to promote inclusion, acceptance, and friendship. We are looking for kind students who have an interest in spending each MONDAY at lunch having fun, gaining volunteer hours, and making memories. Contact Ms. Gordon-Cooper in room 320 before the end of this week if you would like to participate.

 

¬ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

No news today.

 

¬ GRAD 2024

Grad Fundraiser – Victoria Royals Tickets (March 15 Game)

Help support the 2024 grads with purchasing tickets to the Victoria Royals game on March 15 vs. Prince George (at the Save On Foods Arena). Tickets are $20 each. Please contact Miki Speirs at miki.speirs@gmail.com or Paige Mashford at paigemashford@gmail.com to get your tickets.

 

Grad Fundraiser – Easter Chocolate – Deadline Feb.27

Who likes chocolate?? The grad class of 2024 is fundraising for grad events with a Purdy’s Chocolates campaign.  Place your Purdy’s Chocolates order by TOMORROW (TUESDAY) February 27, 2024. Use Account Code 73963. The LINK to the flyer and order form is HERE.  For more information, please contact Kendra using the email address noted on the flyer. Thank you for your support!

 

¬ CAREER CENTRE

Pacific Design Academy – Feb.27

Pacific Design Academy will be visiting Claremont for an info session, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) February 27 @ lunch time in the Career Centre (Room 217).  This is a great opportunity to learn about schooling and careers in Interior, Fashion, Architectural, and Graphic Design; Photography, Website Development, Motion Picture Production, and more!

 

BCIT Info Night – Feb.28

Have you considered moving to the mainland after graduation to attend BCIT?

There's an online "Big Info Night" coming up, where you have the chance to learn all about the 300 programs offered at BCIT.  Mark your calendars for THIS WEDNESDAY, February 28th to hear from Program Advisors, Student Services and Indigenous Initiatives.  Questions? Email: events@BCIT.ca or HERE to register.

 

NEW - UVic English and Professional Communications Programs – Info Feb.29

UVic will be visiting Claremont for an info session about their English and Professional Communications Programs THIS THURSDAY, February 29 at lunch in the Career Centre (Room 217).  These programs cover essential topics such as writing for business and government sectors, persuasive communication, technical writing, web design, social media, and fashion communication. Additionally, students can explore internships, co-op placements, and practical projects, allowing them to apply their communication skills in real-world scenarios. Don't miss this important information!

 

Volunteer Opportunity - Inspire Cup International Gymnastics Competition

The Inspire Cup International Gymnastics Competition is looking for volunteers.  This event will be at the Victoria Convention Centre March 1-3.  Volunteer positions are available in the following areas: athlete registration, volunteer check-in, and/or being access monitors.  Each volunteer gets free admission to the competition for the entire day that they volunteer. 

If you would like to get your volunteer hours by helping people your own age, see Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre, or email her at cwatson@saanichschools.ca for info on how to apply.

 

Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization (PEMO) – Field Trip March 5

PEMO is hosting an open house at the Sidney Fire Hall on TUESDAY, March 5th. It will be a day of learning what life is like working in emergency response and what career and volunteer opportunities are available. If you're interested, sign up with Mr. Bussoli in the Career Centre (Room 217), as soon as possible!

 

¬ NEWS FROM CLAREMONT PAC

Planning for New PAC Exec

As we plan ahead - the AGM to vote for the new CPAC Exec for the 2024/25 school year will take place in May. This year we have 3 Exec members leaving with students in grade 12 graduating. We have begun our recruitment early!

 

See the link below for the CPAC Constitution which details high-level the different roles. Please reach out to claremontpacsd63@gmail.com if you’re interested. The team is open to discussing any details to help fulfill these roles. Please note that the time commitment is significantly less vs. Elementary or Middle School PACS, which will help with parent busy schedules.

Nominees needed:

President/2 Co-Presidents

Vice-President

Treasurer - key role we need to recruit

Secretary

COPACS Rep

CPAC Lead Event Planner (Winter Holidays Staff Event & End of Year Staff Appreciation) with additional support from parent volunteers

Members at Large

All roles are open, as some existing Exec members may consider other roles/or become Members at Large.  We look forward to hearing from you! Please share with any parents in your network with new students entering Gr. 9 at Claremont.

 

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

Support & Education for Families with Gender Diverse Children.

(1) Gender Diverse Support and Education for Family Members: In Person February 26, 2024 at The Foundry Victoria -

Emily is a registered nurse working with Foundry Victoria to help manage their gender affirming care cases and is one of the first 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurses having created the position in Island Health. She has provided gender diverse education to health professionals for the past 5 years. She comes from the perspective of having the living experience of navigating the medical system herself and is a member of the queer community. She is excited to hold space for families and parents to improve their understanding of the needs of their gender diverse loved ones.

Date & Time: TODAY February 26, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Address:  Foundry Victoria - 546 Yates Street

RSVP: Lisa.Tate@FamilySmart.ca

 

 

(2)  FamilySmart has a very informative video giving the perspective of a youth, clinicians and parents, called Supporting the Mental Health of Our Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Youth. (47 minutes long)

Speakers:

Tor Broughton - Transgender Youth

Constance Carrière-Prill - Parent of gender diverse children and Gender Diversity advocate.

Dr. Daniel Metzger - Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinologist at BC Children's Hospital.

Melanie Oliveira - Registered Psychologist and Co-founder of Chilliwack Trans Care Committee

Victoria Keddis - Parent of transgender youth and Manager, Facilitator with FamilySmart

 

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ozinM5Ixf4

 

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.