ccrsb.ca

Bringing life to learning.SUPER’S REPORT

Happy Holidays!It’s already December 13th and beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas! With that we also realize that 2017 is almost over and our minds will soon turn to a new year and the resolutions that brings.

For those of us in the education system the holiday season and year end come quickly. In the daily work within our schools, offices and sites, supporting the vibrant young learners in our system, we fully appreciate how quickly time can fly. Our heads go down in September and before we know it, we are here!

Our schools are busy helping students to find success in achieving outcomes while hustling with holiday excitement and spirit through activities, events and concerts.

On November 20th and 30th Regional Leadership meetings took place with school-based and regional leaders coming together for a full day of in-depth work on important topics, including the strategic direction of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. Following up on the discussions and feedback gathered over the past 18 months, participants explored how we will define and communicate student success as we build upon the belief statements that were generated through our recent Thoughtexchange and regional consultations. In the new year, this work will continue and will inform future budget decisions of the governing board.

This time of year includes celebrations and festivities for many, in a multitude of ways. As you begin your joyful season, it is my wish that you take time to relax, rejuvenate, spend quality time with your loved ones and enjoy yourself this time of year in your own special way.

Gary Adams, Superintendent, Chignecto-Central Regional School Board

December 2017

www.ccrsb.caWhat's Up? ` December 22 - January 2 Christmas Break ` January 17 Regular Public Board Meeting

` January 10 Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting

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Chignecto Family NewsThe Grade 6 Français Intensif Class at Oxford Regional Education Centre worked diligently to learn the song Si peu de temps (A pittance of Time), by Canadian musical artist, Terry Kelly. During their assembly, the class was awestruck when Terry Kelly joined them in the performance. Afterwards, the Grade 4-9s, as well as their staff and teachers, were inspired and enlightened Mr. Kelly’s music and motivational words to never give up and follow their dreams. A presentation well worth having!

River Hebert District School hosted Dr. Lindsey Carmichael, an award winning scientist and author, who has published 21 works of non-fiction. Students in Grades 6-12 engaged in presentations that included the writing process, scientific method, and specific information on forensics and DNA. Students were led through two experiments - one teaching them how to obtain a fingerprint sample and the other on how to isolate DNA from a plant sample. Thanks to Dr. Carmichael! #STEAM #Nonfiction #Science

West End Memorial and Junction Road Elementary School had an amazing WE Day!

Springhill elementary students, staff and volunteers had the opportunity to listen to inspirational speakers and

talented musicians, as well as learn about making change in our world at WE Day Atlantic on Thursday, November 30th. Students returned home with the inspiration to continue their WE Act efforts, globally and in our local community.

Celtic Family NewsIn November, students at A.G. Baillie were treated to presentations via Writers in the Schools (WITS) program. Visiting author, Geraldine Tuck, discussed the Halifax Explosion with Grades 5 and 6 students and described how she, as a writer of historical fiction, researched her subject and used artifacts and newspaper clippings to plot a story. Over 1600 new books have been recently catalogued and Geraldine's four titles (Mystery Marauder Series for readers 8-14) are also now available for borrowing from the A.G. Baillie Library.

SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

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The Durham Community Centre, (the "old" Durham school, Pictou County) was a perfect location for the Northumberland Regional High School’s Wellness Retreat on Friday October 20th. This was a teacher-led initiative that was paid for by the NSTU Mental Health and Wellness Grant. Students participated in short workshop sessions on stress-reduction with yoga, creative expression through art and mandala making, a nature walk, and a mindful eating and vegetarian cooking session.

Writing on Fire is a program aimed directly at inspiring students ages 12-17 to share their voices through various genres and provides the teens the opportunity to meet and work with some of the best writers/artists in the Maritimes. This program is a wonderful opportunity for schools to encourage, support and enhance the great work that is already happening in our classrooms.

On November 3rd and 4th many of our students from North Nova Education Centre and North Colchester High had the memorable experience of meeting six creative Nova Scotian authors/mentors to learn from them through interactive presentations and workshops. The event culminated with a Literary Café on Saturday at North Colchester High School where students and adults were invited to read and perform their work.

Cobequid Family NewsOn November 30th, Bible Hill Junior High School held their 2nd bi-annual Career Fair. The Fair was a true success with Husky Spirit Crew inviting over 70 guests.

A broad range of occupations were represented, from physiotherapists, engineers, business, welding, and even a professional race car driver. In addition, Cobequid Educational Centre sent representatives from the Career Exploration Program (CEP), O2, IB, and French programs. All of the students explored the “trade show style” set-up with a student scavenger hunt.

The guests provided valuable information about their line of work and answered student questions.

After visiting the Fair, the Grade 8 students participated in Junior Achievement’s new program called It’s My Future. CEP provided our guests with an appreciation lunch, which was served by the students in our Discovering Opportunities program. In the afternoon, Grade 9 students rotated through a variety of 15-minute workshops to learn more about employability skills, resume writing and job hunting tips, as well as the wide range of careers involved in the construction and auto industries. The Fair was enjoyed by students, staff, parents, and guests!

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Tuesday, November 14 was an exciting day for the staff, students, and community of Bible Hill Consolidated as they welcomed Honourable Minister Zach Churchill, and other officials, to the official opening of the new school. Students beamed with excitement and pride as they modeled their new “Home of the Bulldogs” t-shirts for the special guests. Minister Churchill brought greetings from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and CCRSB Chair Trudy Thompson spoke on behalf of the Board. Grade four student, Kate Wyllie, read a poem to the audience about our new home.

Nova Family NewsOn October 6th the Grade 6 students at Hilden Elementary had the pleasure of interviewing the grandparents of students from their class. The questions generated by the students were centered on school culture at the time when the grandparents attended elementary school. The topic of “culture” is the primary theme of the Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum. Following the interviews, the information learned was shared among the entire class who found it an enjoyable learning experience.

WE Day is a celebration of young people making a difference in their local and global communities. Riverside Education Centre is fortunate to have 25 students who are committed to making a difference both locally and globally.

A coin drive fundraiser was held within the school from Nov. 6 to 10th. The initial goal was to raise enough money to buy seven goats at $50 each for a WE Village in Kenya. Each goat provides a family with food, milk, a steady family income, and can be the start of a farming operation. How exciting that REC students raised $2250 and surpassed their goal. A total of 43 goats will be purchased providing Kenyan families with the tools and resources they need to become self-sustaining.

The Youth Who Care Committee at Hants East Rural High is involved in many helpful projects in community and school. Last month the committee gathered food from across the Corridor area on Halloween night. A total of 1600 items were gathered, organized and distributed to the Shumilacke and Enfield Food Banks. Approximately 30 students participated in this event. Community members were extremely generous with their food bank donations and $40 cash was also donated. Thanks go out to the community organizations and businesses who helped with drop off locations. Together we our caring makes a difference.

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Pre-Primary in CCRSBOn August 1, 2017 the Pre-Primary Program was announced by the province. In September, CCRSB opened 8 sites and 9 classrooms across our board supporting over 160 children.

The Pre-Primary Program works on the philosophy that children are curious, competent, full of potential and born with an intrinsic desire and capacity to learn. It is a play based program that is rooted in relationships and being responsive to children. Learning through play allows children to construct, challenge and expand their own understanding. It gives them an opportunity to build language, reasoning, different styles of communication and build competencies in all areas of development.

The Pre-Primary Program sites have been creating environments that respond to the interests and abilities of each child through vibrant and flexible spaces. Creating spaces that allow for exploration, experimentation, investigation and risk-taking support the development of well-being and self-confidence. This child-centered, play based, developmentally appropriate experience for children prior to school entry facilitates the transition to school and provides experiences to give children the best start in school and life.

CCRSB continues to work in support of the province’s goal of offering Pre-Primary Program sites in all schools over the next 4 years. Potential sites for next year have been submitted to the province and we are looking forward to expanding the Pre-Primary Program.

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Headstrong SummitCCRSB Students are learning how to reduce Stigma related to mental health problems and mental illnesses.Students in Colchester, East Hants, and Cumberland County came together and attended a day-long Headstrong summit to learn how to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The summit took place on October 18th at the NSCC in Amherst, October 26th at the NSCC in Truro, and November 21st at Hants East Rural High in Milford. One hundred and eighty students and staff participated in the events. This is in addition to the 120 students and staff that participated in a Headstrong summit last year in Pictou County.

Headstrong is the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC) youth anti-stigma initiative. Bringing Headstrong to CCRSB has been a strong collaborative effort between MHCC and many school community partners, including the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial, SchoolsPlus, Mental Health and Addictions, Canadian Mental Health Association, Public Health Services, Nova Scotia Community College, and other supportive organizations in our community.

The stigma that often surrounds mental health and mental illnesses keeps many from seeking required help. In fact, most people living with a mental illness say that the stigma they experience is often worse than the illness itself.

The Headstrong Summits in CCRSB are some of the first in Nova Scotia. Students heard personal stories of hope and recovery from people who have lived experience with mental health problems or mental illness, and learned about the damaging effects of stigma. Participants also engaged in activities and action planning to assist in taking these messages back to their schools. Each summit speaker brings a unique and inspirational story of what is it is like to live with a mental illness with a strong message of hope and recovery.

The Headstrong summits were made possible by the generous financial contributions from the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation and the Cumberland Healthcare Foundation.

For more information on Headstrong, please visit: http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/initiatives/11876/headstrong

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Cheryl Rushton, Pensions and Benefits ManagerCheryl Rushton, CCRSB’s Pension and Benefits Manager has been an integral part of our system for 18 years. Beginning as a casual Finance Clerk, her experience broadened as she took on roles of Accounts Payable and Payroll Clerk. Her current role as Pensions and Benefits Manager started in 2005.

Cheryl’s warm, kind and helpful nature blends well with her knowledge and expertise in pensions and benefits. She works earnestly to bring non-teaching employees and their families the right information in the best way possible, when they need it. When asked what she would most like employees to know about pensions and benefits her response was, “They should confirm they have beneficiaries in place so when the unforeseen things happen, everything is as they want it to be.”

In addition to managing the pension and benefit programs for non-teaching employees, Cheryl provides pension, medical, dental, life insurance, death benefit, leave of absence (in relation to benefits) and overage dependent information to employees as it becomes available and upon request. Cheryl also organizes the annual two-day retirement seminar for employees to ensure they have the necessary facts and information they need before making their future retirement plans.

In a position that requires daily interaction with many employees, often times in very sensitive situations, it is Cheryl’s quote that sums up her perspective on why she enjoys her role, “It’s helping the people that I talk to each day.”

CHIGNECTO-CENTRAL

Winter Weather is Here!When winter weather is predicted, CCRSB staff consult with multiple weather forecasts and forecasters, and check on road conditions throughout the school board region via the RCMP and the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation, as well as our own staff members on the ground in each area, to help make the call to cancel school or for early dismissal.

Decisions regarding school cancellations, or early dismissals, are made by CCRSB’s Operational Services Department and happen in the early morning (before 6:30 am). It is important that our schools have the most up-to-date contact information for parents and guardians, and that parents and guardians have alternative arrangements in place for their children, before a cancellation or early dismissal takes place.

A full day cancellation or an early dismissal, due to weather conditions, will be announced in several ways:

• The “All Schools Open” button on the CCRSB home page changes to red for a full cancellation or orange for early dismissal. By clicking on the button, you can get closure information specific to your Family of Schools.

• A message regarding the cancellation or early dismissal is posted to the CCRSB home page under “News”, to the CCRSB Facebook page and to our Twitter feed.

• Information is sent to all local newspapers, radio and television stations within CCRSB, including CBC radio in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and CFCY radio in Charlottetown.

CCRSB thanks all parents, guardians and students for their patience and understanding as we move through the start of the winter season. Please know that all decisions regarding cancellations and early dismissals are made with great care for the safety of students and staff.

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FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMSCCRSB strives to provide rich learning opportunities that help students appreciate the diversity that surrounds us. Part of that diversity includes language and culture.

For Nova Scotian students, literacy learning is about acquiring, creating, connecting, and communicating meaning in a wide variety of contexts through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (NS Provincial Literacy Strategy)

In CCRSB, students have the opportunity to strengthen their literacy skills by acquiring an additional language as well as its associated culture, through the learning of French.

Core French is a compulsory course for all students in Nova Scotia from Grades 4 to 9, as per the Public School Program. Students develop their French oral, reading and writing skills by participating in a variety of French literacy-based learning opportunities for approximately 10% of their instruction.

Incorporated into the Core French Program, for approximately half days of French instruction for five months of a school year, is the Intensive French Program. This is the French language delivery model for grade 6 students at Uniacke District School and Oxford Regional Education Centre. It is based on the use of French for authentic communication in the classroom and the development of literacy skills in French.

In addition to the Core French Program, CCRSB also offers the following Optional French Programs for students who wish to spend more time learning in French. Approximately 14% of CCRSB students (Grades Primary to 12) are enrolled in Optional French Programs:

• Early Immersion - Grade Primary Entry Point (approx. 80% instructional time in French)

• Middle Immersion - Grade 4 Entry Point, Celtic Family of Schools only (approx. 70% instructional time in French)

• Late Immersion - Grade 7 Entry Point (approx. 70% instructional time in French)

• Integrated French - Grade 7 Entry Point (approx. 25-30% instructional time in French)

French immersion education in Canada has been very successful for thousands of children who have participated in the programs since it began

in St. Lambert, Québec, in 1965. The graduates of these programs have changed the face of Canada, increasing considerably the number of people who are able to live their lives in both official languages.

There are numerous benefits to learning French. It improves "cognition, executive function, critical thinking skills, conflict resolution skills and resilience; increases employment opportunities, gives Alzheimer-related health benefits; allows for full participation in Canadian public and cultural life; and it helps our students keep pace with competing students, like those in Finland, Singapore and beyond where being proficient in two languages is the norm.” (CPF Vol 3, Issue 1 2015)

CCRSB’s Optional French Programs are open to all who wish to enter and are prepared to make a long-term commitment. When discussing the best point of entry for French immersion, parent support is paramount. Parents must be happy with their decision for their children and encourage them in their second language development journey. According to Joan Netten (C.M, Ph.D. Memorial University 2007), ‘it is not really possible to determine an optimal entry point for French immersion programs which will apply to all children and their parents. The optimal entry point is really when both parent and child are ready to try the immersion experience.’

Registrations are currently underway for Early and Middle French Immersion, with application deadline, February 2, 2018.

Registrations for Late French Immersion and Integrated French will take place in January 2018, with application deadline, February 28, 2018.

Where are Optional French Programs offered?

• Early French Immersion: Truro Elementary School (Truro), Spring Street Academy (Amherst), Elmsdale District Elementary School (Elmsdale) and A.G. Baillie Memorial School (New Glasgow).

• Middle French Immersion: A.G. Baillie Memorial School (New Glasgow), and West Pictou Consolidated School (Pictou).

• Late French Immersion: Redcliff Middle School (Bible Hill-Valley).

• Integrated French Program: Dr. W. A. MacLeod Consolidated (Riverton), E.B. Chandler Junior High (Amherst), Springhill Junior/Senior High (Springhill), Redcliff Middle School (Bible Hill-Valley), Truro Junior High School (Truro), Central Colchester Junior High (Onslow), Riverside Education Centre (Milford), South Colchester Academy (Brookfield).

For more information, visit: http://www.ccrsb.ca/optional-french-programs

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