This is why I love English and Socials

As we're getting into the guts of our courses I'm so impressed with the work you all are doing. It's a joy to be teaching and learning with you, and I am reminded that I could never be a Math teacher :)

Test Your Brain

Hi ladies and gents, for any of you who were curious about your brain and various abilities the brain science link has been remedied. It connects you to the Cambridge Brain Science Tests page, and for those of you wondering, it's the spatial reasoning category where I have the capacity of a monkey :)

Garden of Your Mind

Remember what we're here for:

I know this is a bit creepy, and yet hilarious, but Mr. Rogers (even remixed) sings it true. Lets Grow Your Mind! Be Creative! Be Curious!

WELCOME!

I am so excited to meet and work with you! We will be diving into so many opportunities and experiences, through stories, poetry, art, history, debate, creation, and of course challenges worthy of you all.

I look forward to learning and laughing with you as we embark on a wonderful semester together.

Class sites are listed in the top right corner. Use it for weekly agendas, important information, tools, practices, assignment help and enrichment of everything we do in our classes. I know we're going to have a powerful, successful semester, so lets get started!

Farewell

I once again wanted to extend my sincerest thanks to all of you for the wonderful semester. I can't believe our time together in class is at an end. I have loved and learned every minute working with you all. Your humour, creativity, insight and kindness has made each day a joy, truly. And I sincerely hope I have the opportunity to work with you again. Thank you for all of your hard work.

I wish each and every one of you fulfillment and wild peculiar joy as you set out on your next journey, your next bright, bright horizon.

p.s. remember back to your own Kindergarten years; see how far you've come!

Final Exams Fast Approaching: Tools and Supports to Help You

Your Final Exams are coming up and they are your responsibility.

English 12 Crossgrade Exam is in the library Wed. Jan 16th: 8:30am-11:45am

English 12 Provincial Exam (worth 40%) of your grade is on Monday. Jan 28th in the small gym

English 11 Final Exam: Wed. Jan. 23rd & Thurs. Jan. 24th

English 10 Provincial Exam: Tuesday Jan. 29th, 8:30am-11:30am in the small gym

It is required that you complete practice reads, writes, and use ALL the resources available to you to be expertly prepared for these important final evaluations.

1.) Complete at least one practice exam (including written) each week
2.) Use the answer keys and samples of excellence and failure
3.) Study your literary and poetic devices. Not just memorize the terms, but be able to identify and  analyze them
4.) Switch practice written pieces with friends and edit, revise. Compare your writing pieces to the samples and answer keys provided
5.) Go back through all of your work, all of the feedback, remedy your personal areas for improvement and bring those improved skills into your final evaluations.

Use the following links for practice and preparation:
* The Ultimate Exam Preparation Site: https://www.surreyschools.ca/StudentServices/ExamHelp/Pages/default.aspx

* Provincial Exam Writing Samples Minimal to Excellence: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/exemplars/english12.htm

* English 12 Provincial Exam Site: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/search/searchResults.php

* Rasul Group: Great Multiple Choice and Written Practice and Help: http://rasullearning.ca/category/blog/exam-preparation/

* Question Bank: The Biggest Practice Provincial Bank of Questions and Written:
http://www.questionbank.ca/

* Poetic and Literary Devices Glossary: http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/

* Provincial Exam Flash Cards: http://quizlet.com/5165830/leamy-english-10-provincial-exam-terms-flash-cards/

Looking to the Future

Starting the second week of January counselors will be coming to your classes to help you select your classes for the future. It may seem early, but the decisions you make will greatly affect your experiences and opportunities next year and beyond.

Talk to your teachers, your counselors and your parents and seriously contemplate what you want to try next year, what you want to experience, practice and grow in.

See the Career Centre website for a host of opportunities you may not have considered, such as Co-op Programs and District Programs

To see all of the courses and programs available to you explore the L.A. Matheson Course Selection Guide: 

2012-2013 Grade 9 Course Selection Guide

2012-2013 Grade 10-12 Course Selection Guide