February's Bus Pass

The February's bus passes have arrived! Please come by my office some time during the day to pick yours up.

Because I have mini school interviews in the morning, you would only be able to find me during lunch and after school. I will remain in my office after school until around 3:45 p.m.

Thank you very much!

Away Notice

I will be helping out with the mini school interviews tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 31) morning and will not be in my office during the first two classes.

For assistance, please see another counsellor (Mr. Mark, Ms. Radic, or Ms. Foster), or one of the administrators (Mrs. Roberts, Mr. Mesich, Mrs. Duncan). I will be back at my office following lunch.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Canucks Kids Fund launches mindcheck.ca

The Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) in conjunction with Fraser Health and Provincial Health Services Authority, and BC Children’s Hospital are proud to announce the launch of Mindcheck.ca, a resource website designed for BC youth and young adults, as well as family members and friends, to recognize symptoms and better understand the challenges of mental illness. Vancouver Canuck defenceman Kevin Bieksa lends his voice to the site to share his experiences with a close friend and teammate, Rick Rypien, who suffered from depression.
This is a very resourceful website that can educate you on various issues surrounding mental health and mental illness. Of course, only a medical professional can accurately diagnose a person suffering from mental illness, and only such professionals can offer the appropriate help. If you have questions about yourself, your family member, or your friends, please don't hesitate to seek the help that may be needed.

Block Rotation Reminder

Just a reminder to all of you that we will have our next block rotation Monday, January 23.

For Day 1, the blocks would go from B-A-D-C (i.e. 1.2, 1.1, 1.4, 1.3)
For Day 2, the blocks would go from F-E-H-G (i.e. 2.2, 2.1, 2.4, 2.3)

Please make sure you go to the proper classes in the morning! If you are not 100% certain what courses you should be going to, please don't hesitate to come and see me.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Youth Outreach Academy

Are you interested in a career of firefighting? The Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services if currently accepting application for its 2012 Youth Outreach Academy.

The five day non-residential program covers hose operations, self contained breathing apparatus use, search and rescue and firefighting operations. In addition to the fire related skills the students are also taught life saving CPR skills and the safe use of portable fire extinguishers - skills which they will take with them to the workforce and the home environment. Days typically run from 7:30am to 5pm and those attending are expected to arrive on time and ready to begin the days activities.

For more information, including the application form, please go to Youth Outreach Academy's website (click here).

Application deadline is February 29, 2012. Spaces are limited, so hurry up if you are interested!

Public Safety Announcement regarding Ecstasy

The following is a public safety announcement made by Vancouver Coastal Health. This announcement was made in response to several deaths recently related to the use of the illicit drug ecstasy. It is a very serious issue and a very alarming one.

The full document can be viewed by clicking the following link:
Should I worry about Ecstasy? Yes! Here's the latest on "E" in B.C.

As the document warns: the best idea is not to do "E," especially right now. You never know what you are taking, and what you are taking can kill you.

Also, keep a watchful eye on your friends. If a friend is taking a drug and is starting to feel sick or overheat, he/she must go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY.

Be safe.

The Vancouver Sun and CBC Student Video Awards

The Vancouver Sun/CBC Student Video Award is open to all grades 8 to 12 students interested in film. The top films in each one of the seven categories are eligible to win one of seven $1000 gift price from Best Buy.

The categories include: documentary, public service announcement, animation, music video, feature - drama, feature - comedy, and fan favourite.

Contest rules and details of the contest can be viewed under the Vancouver Sun's website (click here). Contest deadline is March 9, 2012.