TRANSITIONS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BROOKS SECONDARY

1. TRANSITIONS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BROOKS SECONDARY Brooks Secondary School 5400 Marine Avenue Powell River, BC V8A 2L6 PH: 604.483.3171 FX: 604.483.3127 www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks

2. WELCOME TO BROOKS SECONDARY

3. Introduction • The transition from elementary school to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their parents/guardians. • There is a lot to look forward to: • a new school • new friends • new opportunities • It’s also normal to be a nervous about the switch to a secondary school. • Many students say they are excited AND anxious about entering secondary school. • There are many people/resources at Brooks to help students and parents/guardians each step of the way.

4. About Brooks Secondary School • Brooks Secondary School is a school of approximately 800 students (Grade 8-12)with a teaching staff of approximately 60 teachers. • It is a vibrant, diverse learning community which supports and encourages excellence in all aspects of school life.

5. How is High School Different? • the school is bigger • more than one teacher during the day (4 classes a day) • different timetable • move to different classrooms and areas of the school over the course of the day • classes are longer—lasting approximately 80 minutes per block...teachers use multiple teaching strategies during this time • homework and workload expectations may increase from elementary school • more courses to choose from and more opportunities to tailor school program to individual interests and goals • more extracurricular activities • more independence and responsibility • different activities and events (social events, games, dances, etc.) ...to name a few

6. Curriculum • Grade 8 students are expected to take a wide range of academic and elective courses. • All Grade 8 students take the following courses: □English 8 □ Social Studies 8 □ Math 8 □ Science 8 □ PE 8 □ Health and Careers 8 □ Language 8 (French 8 or Klah ah men 8) • Students also have the opportunity to participate in Band 8 if they wish.

7. Other electives • Students will also try several courses in the fine arts/ applied skills area. • All students will rotate through a series of the same electives that may include • art, drama, environmental education, computers, foods, metalwork, robotics, textiles, and woodwork.

8. Day 2 Sample Timetable Day 1

9. Extra Curricular Activities • Joining an extracurricular club, team or group is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and gain and improve skills. • Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of extracurricular activities, meeting a variety of student interests. • Extracurricular groups meet at various times in the day (before school, at lunch, after school) • sports teams • badminton, basketball, curling, golf, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, track & field, volleyball, etc. • groups and clubs • book club, Compassion Project, Interact, mountain biking, music, robotics, student council, Students for Environmental Action, yearbook, and yoga, etc. • Information about extracurricular activities can be found in the school agenda and through the school announcements throughout the year.

10. Where Do I Keep My Things? • All students will be assigned a locker for their own use. • Students must bring their own locks. • Keep your combination a secret and your valuables at home.

11. Cell Phones • Cell phones are permitted at school; however, they are not to be used during instructional time. • Please do not call or text your son/daughter during instructional time...this can be disruptive to students and teachers. • Inappropriate cell phone use may result in the cell phone being taken away by teachers and administrators.

12. First Day of School • On the first day of school Grade 8 students will go to the gym for introductions. • Students will then move to an assigned homeroom where they will be given their timetables, locker number, and textbooks. • Students will participate in a number of welcoming/transition activities. • a BBQ for all of our Grade 8 students is provided. • Dismissal is 1:00 pm.

13. Know Your Resources • There are many people, services and resources available at Brooks to help make the secondary school experience a positive and successful one for all of our students. • There are teachers, administrators, librarians, coaches, school counsellors, secretaries, and tutors, to name a few, all here to help students have the best secondary school experience possible. • If you have a question, concern, or problem, talk to the appropriate person. If you’re unsure of who to talk to, contact a school counsellor. He/she will help connect you with the right people, information, and resources.

14. School Counsellors • Mr. Marciniak • alpha counsellor for students with the last names A – L • tmarciniak@sd47.bc.ca • Mrs. Burt • alpha counsellor for students with the last names M- Z • aburt@sd47.bc.ca • Mr. Brach • school counsellor for International Students, Safe Schools Coordinator, First Nations Leadership Coordinator • gbrach@sd47.bc.ca • Mr. Palm • career coordinator • jpalm@sd47.bc.ca

15. Tips for Parents • Talk to your child before Grade 8 starts about the differences between elementary and secondary school and what to expect. • Attend orientation activities with your child. Our OPEN HOUSE takes place on Thursday, May 29th(@ 6:30 pm). Students and parents/guardians will learn more about the Grade 8 program and tour the school. • Volunteer, join the PAC, meet teachers, attend school conferences or events and read school newsletters. • Keep up to date about school activities and opportunities. Our website is updated regularly for students and parents/guardians. www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks • Encourage your child to be involved in school activities. There are many activities during lunch and before/ after school (extra-curricular). • Encourage the use of agendas for homework and check them regularly for assignments, projects and tests. • Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations. • Encourage and model time management strategies. Help your child balance school work with their outside activities and interests. • Work together with the school. If you have a question or concern about a class, make a phone call or send an email to the teacher. For other concerns, contact your child’s school counsellor or administrator.

16. Keeping in Touch • Counsellors Mr. Marciniak (A – L) Mrs. Burt (M-Z) Mr. Brach (International Students) • Teachers -teachers can be reached by phone or email -phone the main office (604) 483.3171 and the office staff will notify the teacher with who you wish to consult -email addresses are listed in the agenda • Administration Principal: Ms. Rothwell Vice Principal: Mr. Perrault Vice Principal: Ms. Behan • Class Progress Interims Report Cards Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences Informal/Formal Meetings • Newsletters • Website www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks

17. OPEN HOUSE • Thursday, May 29th@ Brooks Secondary School at 6:30 pm • Information • Meet the administrators and school counsellors. • Meet the Grade 8 team • Tour