news

News from the Nest - Oct.3-7

September 30, 2022

Spotlight on Learning:  Making Connections in Science 10

School can seem pointless for students sometimes...  A common complaint of students of all ages is “why do we have to learn this?” followed by “this won’t ever help me in real life”.   

With his lesson on chemical naming for science 10, Mr. Gait sought to help his students make personal connections to the science content in order to increase student engagement and performance in the chemistry section of the course.  He used what is called a lesson “hook” in the form of an interesting, provocative question to get students thinking and create some excitement about the learning to come.   

The lesson begins with a discussion of chemical naming, where students are asked what they remember about naming from previous science classes, followed by a short lesson on different types of chemical names. A short narrative about Mr. Gait’s fictional friend John comes next.  

This friend has a bad diet of mostly processed foods and is currently experiencing the symptoms of inflammation and high blood pressure issues.  Mr. Gait then shows students a selection of junk food that he “took from John’s apartment”, telling them that their job is to collect a list of chemical names, research them and propose to John a change in diet based on the evidence they find. 

During this process students work in groups to categorize chemical names they find and use computers to research the various chemicals found in food, often finding ones ending in “-ate” and “-ite” - known as polyatomic ions.  These types of chemicals can sometimes be harmless, though some can lead to bad side effects when consumed in large amounts.  The lesson closes with letters titled “Dear John” where students summarize the results of their group research, will be delivered to John so that he might improve his health.  Keen students will have discovered that nitrates are the problematic chemical group, which contributes to John's ailments.

The next time you’re looking at a food label, check what’s in it.  You might be surprised :) 

Art Studio Collaboration with UFV

With the support of Ms. White and Mr. Turner, Extended Day Art students are collaborating with UFV to create artwork in response to the flood last fall. Lead by Dr. Michelle Superle, Aidan van Deft, a UFV Visual Arts student spoke with the Extended Day Art group about this initiative. Students from all over the Fraser Valley have been invited to create written, spoken, performative or visual art that responds to the complexity of the impact of this flood. Their art may celebrate how our community came together in this time of need; lament the losses of livestock, crops, property; draw attention to the historical and ongoing draining of the Sumas Lake, climate change, or to nature’s powerful ability to transform our lives. The selected art works will be featured at UFV in November.

Grade 12 Art student Cyrus Siew recently began his District Scholarship Project. He is creating a large storyboard/comic strip and is inviting anyone and everyone from the school to direct the outcome of the story. Please be sure to encourage our imaginative students to contribute to this project. See photos for more details!

Photo – How to Order, How to Schedule a Retake or Missed Photo

See the attachment for the instructions on how to order your student's photos.

Vibrant Photo Ordering Online.pdf (bottom of the page)

Vibrant Photo has introduced, new this year, anyone needing their photo redone will pay a $5 fee at the time they register on the online sign up.  This fee will then be deducted when they go to buy their package.  All students that were absent on the first photo day do not need to pay.

Vibrant Photo would like to try enforcing that anyone who wants a redo on the final photo day MUST sign up …. This will avoid students coming down to the camera unnecessarily and this list allows them not to miss anyone.  If an absent person from the first day does not sign up, they still are aware due to the camera cards being used.  Vibrant Photo of course want to be flexible but fair but hoping your staff can help in making this final photo day successful for everyone.

Here is your sign-up link.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/2022WJM_Final_Photo_Day_Sign-up

Self-Care Monday – Compassion

This week’s self-care tip is about: COMPASSION 

We often talk about being kind and compassionate to others which is very important, but you must also practice self-compassion and being kind to yourself. For some, this comes easily, but for others it takes work. Just know that you’re worth the effort! Take the time today to say one kind thing about yourself or do something kind for yourself. YOU ARE WORTH IT! 

October – Vitamins for Vitality

You probably know that the food you eat affects your body. Many studies have shown the connection between your food choices and your overall health. Proper nutrition Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy, supports muscles, boosts immunity, strengthens bones and helps reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. New research finds that your food choices may also affect your mood and mental health. You should eat foods that contain vitamins and minerals. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and a source of protein.  It’s not easy for everyone to eat healthy but you CAN make better choices for yourself! 

Grad Cruise

Our Grad 2023 cruise was a great success. Beautiful weather, beautiful scenery and beautiful WJ Mouat grads made for a fantastic evening of fun.

Post-Secondary Night – Save the Date

October 19 is our Post-Secondary Evening at Mouat from 6-8:30pm with 16 different institutions presenting.  The event is open to any grade 11 or 12 student and their parent! 

Truth and Reconciliation Week Reflection

Thank you to our Thrive Leadership team and the mentorship of Ms. Dyck and Ms. Daraska, for an educational and fun week of activities, for the orange hue on Wednesday and for helping us to learn more, understand and demonstrate compassion.

CHARACTER WORD OF THE Week:  INTEGRITY

Integrity is one of the most character-defining attributes a person can have.

It defines who you are and what you stand up for, and whether you can brave through conflict and hardship while sticking to your guns.

People with integrity all share a specific set of positive character traits. 

CheckMyProgress is NOW MyGradebook

Parent and students, we have moved our gradebook from CheckMyProgress to MyGradebook in MyED BC Family Portal. The portal will include the following information:

  • Student schedules (timetable)
  • School information
  • Contact information (ensure your email address is correct)
  • Some classroom assessment information
  • [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] Published report cards
  • Class attendance information (updated at 3pm daily)
  • Student course request for next year
  • Teacher assignments and grades (if your teacher is using the Gradebook)

Parent you can access the portal with your child’s pupil number (on their school ID, if they “forgot”) which is their user ID and then your child’s password – every child created their own password. If they have forgotten their password, please us this link for supporting documents:  https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/MyED/password

In order to support parents and students in understanding the new layout and a wealth of different functions available to see how your child is doing in their classes we’ve included a video – please check it out at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkiGmnsCmo8

Calendar

  • Monday, October 3
    • ABCD
    • Fr 11/12 Vancouver Film Festival Field Trip 9-3pm
    • Self-Care Monday – Sunsets
    • Sr. Girls Volleyball
  • Tuesday, October 4
    • CDBA
    • Sr. Girls Volleyball T1
    • Student Voice Presentation to SBO 7pm
  • Wednesday, October 5
    • BADC
    • Photo Retake Day
    • Scholarship Meeting @ Lunch
    • Gr 9 G Volleyball
    • Juniors @ Home
    • Jr. Football @ Holy Cross
    • Sr. Girls T1 @ San Diego (to Oct. 10)
  • Thursday, October 6
    • DCAB
    • Cross Country Meet @ Island 22
    • Jr. Football in Kelowna
  • Friday, October 7
    • DCAB
    • SLO School Open at 8am Classes Begin @ 9:24
    • Grad Council Meeting @ Lunch
    • Sr. Football @ Home 4pm