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News from the Nest - Feb. 6-10

February 3, 2023

Spotlight on Learning:  Math 9 Deeper Learning – How can I to afford a large purchase?

During this Deeper Learning time, math 9 students took a field trip as part of their Finance unit. They had an opportunity to sticker shop in the lot at Magnuson Ford before heading into the sales floor where Celia, the Financial Service Manager, and John, a Sales and Lease Representative, walked them through the math of buying a car. Students learned what they need to qualify for financing or leasing of a vehicle. Credit scores and the debt-to-income ratio were clearly explained and perhaps had a few students rethinking their choice of the $95,000 Mustang Mach-E that initially caught their attention. Layne Magnuson took the time to stop by and meet the students and commented that he wished he had the opportunity to do something similar when he was in school. Thank you, Magnuson Ford, for welcoming our grade nines!

At Canadian Tire, students had to source a minimum of 5 products that require regular maintenance and replacement on a vehicle (air filters, tires, batteries, windshield wipers, oil, etc.). They needed to price these products and consider how often they would need to make this purchase. If students were not capable of maintaining their own vehicles, they had to check the hourly cost of the Canadian Tire mechanic. 

Car insurance, gas prices and debunking the "too good to be true" promises from Money Mart rounded out the excursion. 

While our grade nines may be a few years from making these types of big financial commitments and decisions, they can make small choices and decisions, even now, that will equip them for success in the future.

Affordability Fund

Families/ students who are in need a support – we can help cover costs associated with school fees, clothing, school supplies and transportation – email linda.pollastretti@abbyschools.ca

Grads

Grad Parents - Friendly reminder that Monday (Feb 6th) is the final day to purchase a ticket for Mouat's "Night to Remember" dry grad on Feb 17th. The night includes a buffet dinner and tons of entertainment including a magician, DJ, casino, caricature artist, LED lounge, photo booth, hypnotist and more! There are lots of high value prizes to be won and everyone gets a swag bag at the end of the night.

Tickets are available on School Cash Online.

If funds are holding you back from purchasing a ticket, the school has an Affordability Fund available to help families / students who are in need a support– email linda.pollastretti@abbyschools.ca

 Semester 2 – Students Check your TIMETABLE.

On Monday, we will begin Semester 2.  All students were sent via their learn34 account a reminder to check their myed account for their updated Semester 2 timetable (see graphic for help).  We will NOT be printing timetables. If you are having trouble logging in see Ms. Mangat in the LC, a counsellor, or admin for support to reset your password (we also sent directions to student’s learn34).

Report cards will be available on February 9, 2023 at 3pm.  Teachers will be updating and posting into MyEd. Marks posted are not complete until the 9th. Parents you will notice a couple of changes in how we (the school) are reporting information to you.  

Congrats Ms. White

Ms. Susie White has been selected to participate in a BC-wide juried competition and exhibition. It's a LIVE portrait-drawing competition being held this Sunday, February 5th between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre. Anyone wanting FREE tickets to the event can access them at this link (https://www.langleyarts.ca/events/bc-wide-portrait-competition---click-on-the-poster-for-more-information)

NEW Student Emails and NEW WIFI access:

As of Tuesday, Feb. 7 students will be issued a NEW Microsoft email address – so check your learn34 email for your NEW credentials.  These new credentials will be used to log into any school district device AND the students BYOD devices.  On Tuesday, students with BYOD devices will need to forget the network and relaunch their computer.  Tech support will be available in the Library all day so bring your devices to school on Tuesday.  See specific instructions below:

Character Word of the Week – Respect

Students believe that the well-being and dignity of all people is important simply because they are fellow human beings and they treat every individual with respect, judging them on their character and ability without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, political ideology, gender, age, or other physical or personal characteristics.

Key Beliefs:

  • I will be a better student if I act on the following beliefs:
  • I will treat others the way I want to be treated.
  • It is important to treat everyone with respect, even if I feel they don’t deserve it.
  • I need to treat everyone the same by accepting their differences, whether they are my friends or people I don’t know very well.
  • I must respect the personal space of others and keep my hands to myself.
  • It is important for people to be included.

Self-Care Monday 

FEBRUARY: THE BENEFITS OF BRAIN BREAKS 

Taking brain breaks is very important for positive mental health and improving focus. Brain breaks allow you to revitalize your mind and unblock regions in your brain that aren't functioning correctly due to stress and high-intensity work.  Breaking away from a tedious routine of work for even just 5 minutes can revitalize and recharge you and help improve your performance in school, at work and even as an athlete.  

This week’s self-care tip is about: Word searches as a brain break!!! 

Several studies have shown that regular brain-breaks across the school day enhance students' cognitive functioning and ability to sustain focus. While these brain breaks take only a little amount of time in the classroom, the benefits of increased engagement and cognitive functioning have been shown to increase school performance significantly. All that to say, BRAIN BREAKS HELP WITH LEARNING! 

So, on that note, try a Word Search as a brain break today! 

Information: 

https://www.edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/what-are-brain-breaks-why-is-it-necessary-for-students/ 

Learning to Lead – Open to Girls Gr 10-12

Minerva BC is now accepting applications for the Spring 2023 cohort of Learning to LeadTM! This program is a unique opportunity for self-identified girls in Grades 10 – 12 to increase their confidence and realize their leadership potential while creating a network who will support them along their educational and career journeys.

Participants develop their confidence through workshops that identify their key strengths and core values. They leave the program with greater self-awareness, and the inspiration to take on new challenges and opportunities.

Learning to Lead™ focuses on:

·       Being Authentic: embrace and accept your unique self.

·       Self-Knowledge: identify your values and how to leverage your strengths.

·       Increasing Confidence: practice sharing your ideas and taking risks

·       Being a Leader: learn what it means to be a leader and inspire others

·       Creating Connections: build relationships with peers and mentors

2023 Program Dates:

GROUP 1: TUESDAYS, 3:30-5:30PM (APRIL 4, 11, 18, 25)

GROUP 2: WEDNESDAYS, 6-8PM (APRIL 5, 12, 19, 26)

Students are welcome to apply to any of the program groups. There is an increased chance of being selected if they can attend either program group.   Please note that to participate, students must be able to attend all four sessions of the program. This is an invitation to fully devote four evenings to learning, growth, and fun!

There is no cost to participants. All program costs are covered by donors and sponsors who believe in the leadership potential of youth.

Calendar:

  • Monday, February 6
    • Semester 2
      • No Homeroom
      • Go Directly to Blk A
    • ABCD
    • Self-Care Monday
    • Basketball League Playoffs
      • 5:30 Junior Girls
      • 7:00 Junior Girls
  • Tuesday, February 7
    • CDBA
    • SBT Team
  • Wednesday, February 8
    • BADC
    • Basketball League Playoffs
      • 5:30 Junior Boys
      • 7:00 Junior Boys
  • Thursday, February 9
    • DCAB
    • Earthquake Drill
  • Friday, February 10
    • ABCD
    • SLO
      • School Open All Students
      • 1st class at 9:30
    • Basketball League Playoffs
      • 4:30 Junior Girls
      • 6:00 Junior Girls