news

Welcome Back

August 22, 2022

Welcome Back  Parents and Students:

All information below is available in one PDF at the bottom of the page (Parent Welcome Back). 

Welcome to WJ Mouat Secondary.  I am sure you are excited about starting a new “normal” school year and dealing with feelings of anxiety and anticipation.  On behalf of the entire staff, I am happy to welcome everyone back to WJ Mouat Secondary School. We are looking forward to September 6, 2022, and the official start of another year.  I want to assure you that we are continuously working to create a safe environment for your return.  Please read the enclosed information closely.

I would like to send a special welcome to our new Grade 9 students, the class of 2026.  Our school has much to offer and we are excited to have you join our family.  We know that you will add to our traditions of excellence and Hawk Nation. 

I would like to also recognize this year’s incoming Grade 12 students, our graduating class of 2023.  This will be a very special and important year for our senior students.  As the graduating class, you will provide leadership, and hold our traditions in all aspects of student life.  Your role as leaders within our community is a significant responsibility and directly contributes to Mouat’s outstanding level of excellence.  We are confident you will meet our expectations as student leaders and we know that with hard work and dedication you will enjoy a year of success and reward while building many life-long memories. 

All students are encouraged to become involved in school life and become a part of our Hawk Nation that has made Mouat an amazing place to learn and work.  There are many ways to enrich your life in our community through academics, electives, extra-curriculars like clubs, and athletics. 

Parents, we invite you to become an active partner in all aspects of the school. The first Parent Advisory Committee meets the third Monday of each month starting with September 19, 2022, at 7pm in our Library Learning Commons.  This is wonderful opportunity for parents to become involved in the school and all parents/ guardians are highly encouraged to join us. 

Communication - How do I know what’s happening at school?

We are hopeful that parents and students will utilize all our communication tools to stay informed about news at Mouat, and the school district.  Updates are provided by the following platforms:

  • https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/
    • Check out Announcements, Calendar, and News
  • https://www.abbyschools.ca/
  • https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/app/  (for parents and students – it’s a mobile version of our website)
    • Download and follow along on your mobile device
  • Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook - @WJMouat
  • My school Day app (for students)
  • News from the Nest
    • emailed every Sunday night to Parents, if you’ve included an email in your contact information and available on our website under News

MyEDBC Portal

Grade 10-12 students, on August 26 (that is when the program will be completely updated with this year’s information by the Ministry), please ensure that you and your parents can log in to the  MyEDBC family portal. Grade 9’s and their parents have not been attached to the MyED Portal.  Grade 9’s you will be walked through this process in the first few weeks of school (don’t worry). 

The portal can be accessed at:  https://myeducation.gov.bc.ca/aspen/logon.do
Instructions can be found at: https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/parent/report-card-timetable

  • Click the pdf at the bottom of the page 

I Forgot My Password Instructions at:    ­­­­https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/MyED/password

  • Click the pdf at the bottom of the page 

We will no longer be using CheckMyProgress for the 2022-23 school year.  The MyED BC family portal will replace CheckMyProgress and the portal will include the following information:

  • Student schedules (timetable)
  • School information
  • Contact information (ensure your email address is correct)
  • Some classroom assessment information
  • 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)

If you would like to update your contact information (address, phone, email) or you have any issues with the portal, please send an email to sherri.draayers@abbyschools.ca  In the subject line, please include MyEd Portal and your request (example, cannot access or update email).

If you have forgotten your account or password, check the website under announcement “Help, I Forgot My Password.”  Please note students your email is always your learn34 email, then hit I forgot my password and answer your security questions – see PDF bottom of page  for more directions.

Grade 9 students will receive a paper copy of their timetable at our August Orientation.

Student Timetables

Students must check their schedule for any errors or missing courses.  If you’d like to request a change, please book an appointment using the link corresponding to your grade.  There will be limited options for change as most courses are full.  If you are unable to change, you will be added to the waitlist and should attend the courses on your schedule. 

Check out the Course change information on the website under Announcement or Calendar (a link will be provided after August 26) -  https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/announcement/course-change-information-0

If you would like to request a course change, book an appointment using the online link (available in the Calendar and the Announcement portion of our website after August 26).  Please note – we will not be conducting course changes during the first week of school.  All course changes must be completed before September 6, 2022.

  • Grade 12 course changes by appointment– August 29
  • Grade 11 course changes by appointment – August 30
  • Grade 10 course changes by appointment  - August 31
  • International and New Students Registration  - September 1
  • Grade 9 course change by lineup and form – September 6

Why didn’t I get all the courses I requested?

Your timetable was built based on our course selections in March of 2022.  Where If one of your selections conflicted with another course, we used your alternates to the best of our ability to provide a replacement course  Every effort will be made to honour your request working within class size and composition requirements.  An updated timetable will be available in your homeroom on the first day of school.   Please look over your timetable to ensure that you have 8 courses plus any outside the timetable classes.

Which priority is your course request?

PRIORITY 1 - You have less than 8 courses scheduled for the year OR missing a graduation requirement OR been put into an incorrect grade level core course.
PRIORITY 2 - You have a course in your timetable that you've already completed and received credit for OR are a grade 10/11 student who requires a course to meet post-secondary program requirements.
PRIORITY 3 - You've changed your mind (from original request, would like to change elective, balance timetable, etc.).

Counsellors have received your summer school course completion and marks and will be making changes to your timetable on Monday, August 29, 2022.  We will make every effort to adjust your timetable accordingly.  Only coursecourses that are fully complete will be considered; as summer school. AVS courses which are in progress are not considered complete.

Students are assigned a counsellor and administrator based on their surname as follows:

Ms. Thompson and Mrs. Bell        – A-F
Ms. McAleese and Mr. Gill            – G-N
Mrs. Nyberg and Mrs. Rajabally   – O-Z

Please see our website for a direct link to staff emails:  https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/contact/staff/wjmouat

Grade 9 Orientation

This year’s grade 9 orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 @ 10am at W.J. Mouat Secondary. This is a great opportunity for students to get a tour of the building while meeting some of our best grade 11 and 12 students.  Students can pick up their timetable at the end of the orientation.  Timetables will not be available before or after the orientation, if you are unable to attend, you will receive your timetable in your Homeroom on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Connect 10-12

Students who are new to Mouat in Grade 10-12 will have their Orientation on Thursday, September 1 from 8:30am to 9:30am.  International students complete their course planning from 9:30 to noon and new registrations complete their course planning from noon to 3pm.

Opening Week for Students

Tuesday, September 6 ONLY Grade 9’s will attend.  We have restructured our entire first week to better support the transition of our newest Hawks.  Grade 9 students will begin in their homeroom, participate in a welcome activity, and then rotate through their schedule without the normal hustle of the schools 1050 other students.  Attendance is mandatory.  Please bring  paper and a pen but otherwise travel light.  Homeroom lists will be posted outside the main entrance and staff will be there to help you find your name on the alphabetical lists.  Grade 9’s please arrive by 8am.  Homeroom begins at 8:10am.

Wednesday to Friday, September 7-9 All Students will attend.

Students will attend their homeroom where attendance will be taken and reported to the School Board office.  Failure to be in homeroom may result in your child losing their course selections as we unenroll based on homeroom attendance throughout the week. Homeroom lists will be posted outside the main entrance and staff will be there to help you find your name on the alphabetical lists.

From homeroom, students will rotate through each of their four classes.  Each day we will have a BBQ for a specific grade class – listen to announcements or check the website calendar.

  • Grade 9-10’s arrive 8am and in-class no later than 8:15.  End of School is 2.28
  • Grade 11-12’s arrive 8:15 and in-class no later than 8:25. End of School is 2.28.

Bell Schedule is at the bottom of the page in a PDF. 

Parent and Student General Information:

SLO and Tutorial Time on Friday

SLO

Once again, this year, we will have SLO (Structured Learning Opportunities) days for Mouat staff.  On an SLO day, staff will be participating in learning opportunities to continuously refine our teaching practices.  SLO’s happening on Fridays from 8:10-9:30am and there are ten (10) SLO days throughout the school year.  During SLO Friday’s the school is open and non-teaching staff will be available for supervision of students in our Cafeteria.  Bus students will be transported at their regularly scheduled pick up times. 

Tutorial Time

We are excited to introduce Tutorial Time on Friday because of both parent and student request (formerly known as Flex).  Tutorial time is a chance for every student to take advantage of extra time with one of their four teachers every Friday (except SLO Fridays).  Tutorial time is an opportunity for students who: 

Are behind in their work OR who need to catch up on learning, assignments, or assessments (think NHI work)
Need extra help with their learning from one of their teachers (think one on one time bonus time)
Are excelling and are ready for additional learning or challenges

Some students will be required to attend Tutorial Time and will have been spoken to by their teachers.  Attendance is not optional for students who are required to attend. Teachers also will notify families of these students by either email or phone call. For students who are up to date in their classes and who are performing well in their learning, regular classes begin at 9:30am on Friday. 

Please note: every teacher will be available every Friday (expect SLO) from 8:10 to 9:30 for learning support, one on one time or extending learning opportunities.

BYOD

We are excited to begin our transition to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school.  Students who have a device (Chromebook, PC, MAC, or iPad) may bring their device to school.  Please complete the BYOD Consent Form (see attached bottom of page) and bring your form and device to Ms. Mangat in the Library Learning Commons.  Ms. Mangat will take down your devices information (computer IP address) and add you to our closed Wi-Fi system.  Within 72 hours you will be able to use your device within the school and across any site within the district.  Students can have one BYOD registered device only.  

Parents there are several options for a BYOD device.  We recommend a Chromebook as it is cost effective and works well.  You can purchase new or better yet, used. We do NOT recommend an iPad (it does not interface well with apps that teachers use) or an expensive MAC book (it is too expensive for school purpose).  All grade 9’s will need to have a BYOD device and if you used a BYOD device in middle school, this would do just fine at Mouat.  Grade 10-12 students may bring a BYOD device at their discretion  and are encouraged to do so. Check out more details at: https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/parents/byod

School Supplies

As we transition to BYOD, we have kept our request for school supplies to a minimum.  A simple three ring binder, some lined paper, a  pen and pencil.  Math teachers will have specific information on calculators.

Lockers

Students will be able to go through locker selection this year using our online locker selection program.  Bookings for the 2022-23 school year will begin Monday, September 12.  Please pay your student fees prior to booking your locker.  Please see the document attached to this newsletter (Appendix 4) for more information and instructions.

Closed Campus

Just a reminder, that W.J. Mouat Secondary is a closed campus which means all visitors must report to/ sign into the office. 

Attendance and Lates

A reliable indicator of student success is consistent attendance at school.  Students who attend all  their classes all the time experience greater success in school.   We input daily attendance as required by law and track student attendance as it relates to student progress.  We ask for your help and cooperation in the following ways:

Students are expected to be at school and in class on time.  It is the student’s responsibility to be punctual to class.

In accordance with the school district, WJ Mouat uses the Safe Arrival App to report student absences.  If your child will be late or absent, please use the app to excuse.  Parents, please see the attached document (Appendix 5)  to set up your account using the email address the school has on file.  Do not share this account with your child.  You can call your child absences in using the following toll-free number 1-844-487-3701.

School Fees

In accordance with District Policy AP 317, the student activity fee for secondary school is $25 which covers the student agenda, guest speakers, student ID cards, school events, student recognition, student leadership, locks, and locker rental.   If you have not done so already, it’s recommended parents sign up and create an account on SCHOOL CASH ONLINE  https://abbotsford.schoolcashonline.com/  Check out the attached document (PDF bottom of page) for complete information.   Most school fees can be paid online and we appreciate your attention to this responsibility as soon as possible.  Some courses  will have workbook and supply fees – teachers will discuss this at the start of your class.  Yearbook sales will be ongoing, and we do encourage students to purchase early.   

Student fees which are unpaid carry-forward to the next school year.  All school fees must be paid to graduate.

Photo Day

Vibrant Photos will be here on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.  All students must have their photo taken and there is no obligation to purchase photo packages.  These photos are used for student ID cards and our school yearbook.  Students will be called down by grade. 

Grad Photos

Vibrant Photos will be at Mouat January 3 to 12th, 2023.  Check out the website under ”Calendar” or “Announcement” feature  closer to the date for a link to book your appointment. The link will also be available in the Grad 2023 Classroom.  All Grade 12 students must have their photo taken and sitting fee will only apply to grads who would like a copy (proofs) of the photos taken during their session.  Purchasing grad photos is not mandatory, and we do use the photos for the yearbook (with grad quote), grad composite (framed in the school), and the grad photo slides at Grad Convocations in June. 

MySchool Day App for Students

Students are encouraged to download the My School Day app from the App Store or Google Play.  Check out the attached document (see PDF bottom of page) for Key Features and Information.

Medical Alert

A medical alert condition is defined as a physician diagnosed, potentially life-threatening condition such as:  diabetes, epilepsy, severe asthma, serious heart condition(s), blood clotting disorder(s), anaphylaxis (history of severe allergic response). 

Parents / guardians are responsible to complete the medical alert form and/ or update this form each September.  These forms will be kept in student files, on a master list in the office, as well as be provided to staff members who work with these students.  In emergency situations, a parent/ guardian (or emergency contact) shall be contacted and the student taken to a hospital if necessary. 

Student Parking

Students who would like to drive to school and park within the Mouat campus are required to have  a Parking Pass, see the attached document (PDF bottom of page).  Student parking is in the designated student area only (behind the double yellow line).  Students are expected to drive respectfully and responsible to/ from school and on our campus lot.  Students cannot park in visitor or staff parking.  Parking illegally (not within a parking stall or without a parking decal) may result in the student’s car being towed at the owners’ expense.  Parking at school is a privilege.  Unsafe driving practices will result in this privilege being revoked. 

Student Agenda

Parents and students can find an electronic copy of our Student Handbook/ Agenda (formerly Planner) on the school website under the Student top tab then Student Agenda - https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/student-agenda  The agenda includes our school Code of Conduct (expectations for students) and the district’s Fair Notice Letters.

Grad Handbook

Grads and their parents can find an electronic copy of our Grad Handbook on the school website under the student top Tab, then Grad - https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/students/grads .  Please take a moment to download and read.  We encourage all grade 12’s to join our Grad Google Classroom where we will post updates throughout the year.  Check your learn34 account and accept the invite.

Parents, please book your calendar for our Grad Parent Meeting on September 14 from 6:30 to 7:30.

Grads, please book your calendar for the first grad event of the 2022-23 school year – Grad Cruise – September 27, 2022, from 4pm to midnight.

School Plan

Parents, you can find our updated School Plan at https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/school-plan which outlines the work, we as educators, plan to engage in this school year.  You will also find exemplars (pictures and stories) of our journey.

Covid Updates

We are predicting a regular return to school under the guidelines of the Ministry of Education.  Should we need to pivot, or switch to alternate plans or a different course we will use our school Messenger system to update you on changes that may impact your  child.  Please ensure that the school as your regular email address.  Reminder, masks are a personal choice and please stay home if ill.

Parental Involvement

As your child gets older,  we encourage parents to become more involved in your child’s education and school activities.  We love to have you involved in our school and see how your child spends their day.  We welcome your involvement in the ebb and flow of W.J. Mouat Secondary. We have developed a tradition of parent helpers with our exceptional Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), It Takes a Village, and Parent Ambassadors

Lastly, join their PAC Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wjmouatpac/

The best way to stay on top of things that are happening at our school is using our W.J. Mouat website and download our AppPP  in Google Play or the AppPP store.  You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter but you’ll find excellent information, regularly updated on our website https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/

We are excited to share your child’s learning journey next year. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pollastretti,  Principal