ECOLESIRGEORGESIMPSONSCHOOL
St. Albert Protestant Schools
OPEN HOUSE
APRIL 14, 2011
WELCOME TO SIR GEORGE SIMPSON!
The uniqueness and strength of our school lies in the programs offered. Our school houses English, French Immersion and Late French Immersion, Knowledge & Employability, Learning Assistance, Opportunity, Academic Challenge, and Behaviour Improvement. While learning in their different programs, all students rally around our school motto “Spirit, Growth, Success”.
Spirit
Courage, determination, enthusiasm, sharing, appreciation of self and others; this is SGS spirit. At SirGeorgeSimpsonSchool, spirit is celebrated and promoted as an important component of our character education program.
Growth
Growth is the process of becoming the very best you can be. At Sir George Simpson, we provide growth through a wide range of educational and recreational activities.
Success
At Sir George Simpson, we recognize that all students can experience success. Every single student is talented in his or her own way. We celebrate personal and collective success in all areas: academic, sports, extra-curricular, literacy and music.
Our Programs of Education
We are proud of our tradition of excellence in the academics, fine arts, career and technology studies, and athletics. Our strength is in the multiplicity of programs which include English, French Immersion, Late French Immersion, and Special Education. A very important part of each student’s timetable is devoted to instruction in all core subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and, for the French Immersion students, French Language Arts. In an effort to provide a well rounded education and to build on student interest, we also offer a broad and diverse selection of options from which our students may choose.
Physical Education Program Overview
The aim of the physical education program is to enable individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Using a variety of activities and learning experiences, physical education strives to develop the whole being and promote personal development through four general outcomes:
- Activity: Acquire skills through a variety of developmentally appropriate movement activities, dance, games, types of gymnastics, individual activities and activities in an alternative environment; e.g., aquatics, and outdoor pursuits.
- Benefits Health: Understand experience and appreciate the health benefits that result from physical activity.
- Cooperation: Interact positively with others.
- Do it Daily … for Life: Assume responsibility to lead an active way of life.
Some activities may include: Cross Country Running, Fitness, Volleyball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Flag Football, Stuntnastics, Dance, Basketball, Badminton, Indoor Games, Track & Field, Wall Climbing, Archery, Outdoor Games, and Swimming.
Assessment: Students will be evaluated on attitude, effort, participation, skills, preparedness for class and knowledge.
Pierre Rousseau - Principal Marg Hansen – CounselorRandy Roszell – Assistant Principal
Homeroom Teachers by Grade
Homeroom Teacher / Program / Room
Grade 7:
Brian Samuel / 7/8/9 Behavioral Improvement / 120
Cindy Andrews / 7English / 119
Sue Turnbull / 7English / 209
Michelle Keenan / 7Late French Immersion / 208
Kevin Pansegrau / 7/8 Opportunity / 201
Michelle Jean (Justin Pysar) / 7French Immersion / 213
Coral Ferrari / 7French Immersion / 104
Matt Wilson / 7Learning Assistance Class / 131
Ellen Snaith / 7Academic Challenge / 203
Grade 8:
Doug Eglinski / 8English / 103
Marie Jahner / 8English / 129
Erin Gudmundson / 8French Immersion / 132
Nadia Grenier / 8Late French Immersion / 130
Caitlin Johnson / 8French Immersion / 214
Ellen Snaith / 8Academic Challenge / 203
Martin Balog / 8/9Knowledge & Employability / IA Lab
Grant Kolodychuk / 8Learning Assistance Class / 106
Grade 9:
Francis Blais / 9French Immersion / 101
Andrea Robitaille / 9Late French Immersion / 215
Ellen Snaith / 9Academic Challenge / 203
Diana Magee / 9Learning Assistance Class / 105
Amber Ruffell / 8/9Opportunity / 114
Brandyn LaRose / 9English / 212
Joe Reid / 9English / 216
Nancy O’Shea / 9French Immersion / 202
Additional Teaching Staff
Brad Wolter / PE / Large Gym
Darryl Kari / Art/Advanced Art/Animation / Art Studio
Bonnie Bosworth / PE / Small Gym
Fiona Hermanutz / Fit for Life / Fitness Facility
Martin Balog / Industrial Arts/Science LAC/HIAC / I.A. Lab 004
Marcia Kulak / Drama/Performing Arts/Language Arts / Drama Room
Tony Rafaat / Radio & TV Computers / 140
Amber Ruffell / Foods and Fashion / 242
Dianne Worthington / Band / 246
Academic Coaching
The primary focus of this option is to assist students with their core subjects, particularly in Language Arts and Mathematics. This course is intended to allow students to effectively complete assignments and receive small group and individual assistance. Along with this portion of the course, students will develop skills such as time management, organization of their school materials, binders, and lockers, as well as test writing and note taking skills.
Art
This course is designed to allow students to be creative and express themselves with various art materials in a variety of art media. Projects are designed so that every student may feel successful regardless of the artistic ability he or she may have. Students will be introduced to the following art media: drawing (including pencil, charcoal, and oil pastel); painting (watercolour, tempera); sculpture (various construction materials including wire and plaster); clay (hand built and pottery); collage, animation and printmaking.
Guitar– Grade 7, 8 & 9
Students begin by learning to read simple melodies and chords and progress to power chords, 1st position chords bar chords and more complicated melodies. Performances will include concerts at Christmas and June, as well as the SGS Fine Arts Night and our Open House. Advanced students are encouraged to work on music reading skills, and pursue musical projects to enhance their skills.The course fee is $25.00. This fee covers instrument rental and supplies.
Band
Be part of an exciting team; learn to play an instrument and read music – JOIN THE BAND! At the Grade Seven level you will choose an instrument – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba or Percussion and begin the experience. At grade eight and nine you continue to build on the skills learned in the previous grade and become the showcase band of the music program. In the year we perform twelve to fourteen concerts which may include:
- Our annual Christmas Concert in December, St. Albert Rotary Festival in April, and Spring Concert in June,
- Performances at various elementary audiences in St. Albert in March
- National Anthem Performance at Rexall Place for Oil King’s Hockey
- Festival of Trees at the Shaw Conference Centre in November
- Open House at Sir George Simpson in April
- Fine Arts Night at Sir George Simpson in the spring
Other events include:
- Music Camp – a two day camp at LakeNakamun for all grades
- Our annual Music Tour, which alternates every year between a four day trip in Alberta and a five day trip in British Columbia at the beginning of May. This event is reserved for Gr. 8 and 9 students but Gr. 7’s can audition to join the tour group as well.
Girl Power - Grade 9
This option will examine current topics to teenage girls. This year’s course may include the following: self-esteem and empowerment, health awareness and body image. Eating disorders, personality tests, media images of women, friendships, depression, anxiety, suicide, careers for women, teen pregnancy and the use of the Baby Think It Over Doll as well as any topics that are of interest and issues with which students are concerned.
Foods and Fashion Studies
Students will complete two foods studies modules and one fashion (sewing) module. Students are responsible for purchasing supplies for sewing projects that will beavailable through the school.Students will take all projects home upon completion. Students will enjoy preparing gourmet delights while learning the basics of successful cooking and the benefits of healthy food choices. During the fashion (sewing) portion of the program, the students will familiarize themselves with basic sewing skills, as well as sewing and pressing equipment.
Industrial Arts
The Industrial Arts option gives students the opportunity to choose from three modules. Metals: Students will use basic tools, materials and processes to fabricate projects from metal, specifically sheet metal and bar stock.Plastics: Students will layout, cut, shape, form, and assemble projects made of plastic. Woods: Students will design, layout, cut, assemble, and finish projects using a variety of hand and power tools. Each student is assessed to see what level they should start at.
French As A Second Language
Learn French in a relaxed and pleasant environment. While learning French vocabulary, students will be challenged to engage in conversation any many other fun endeavours. Bienvenue!
Leadership Grade 8 & 9
Students will engage in service opportunities within the school and the community. Both curricular and extra-curricular activities will encourage student initiative, goal setting, communication and cooperation. Aspects of leadership include:School dances, bulletin board communication, Volunteering tutorials with a focus on both the school and the community environments, organizing fundraisers, and ambassadors of the school.
Drama
The objectives of the drama program are to develop basic skills such as concentration, imagination, emotional expression, self-confidence and the ability to articulate ideas, reflect on one’s own work, and appreciate others’ work and theatre in general. In order to achieve these goals, the drama classes will complete several units that are based on seven disciplines. Units include some or all of orientation, movement speech, improvisation/ acting, technical theatre, and theory of theatre.
Performing Arts (Drama) Grade 8 & 9
Performing Arts grades8 & 9 (only) are classes designed for highly motivated, mature, self-disciplined students who want to continue exploring acting in-depth, while learning how to produce a large-scale Theatre Production. Students will learn many parts of theatre, including choreography, stage fighting, singing, prop/set building, and costume making. P.A. 8performs a non musical play and P.A. 9usually performs a full-scale musical at the Arden Theatre. Each student will have (a) technical job(s), as well as playing his/her character in the play. If your dream is to be an actor these are the classes for you.
Multi Media Studies (Formerly TV and Radio)
Multimedia is an exciting, technology rich option that exposes students to a variety of media applications. Students are taught concepts related to media awareness, animation, photography, video production, editing and podcasting. Multimedia takes advantage of a wide array of equipment in order to reinforce concepts through hands on group projects. Currently, Multimedia students have access to the following: 4 IMac computers running OS 10.6.3, 5 digital video cameras, 3 digital still cameras, a green screen, tripods, wireless mics and a sound mixing board. Multimedia students often create short video productions for various events in the school. Creativity, experimentation and cooperation are strongly encouraged.
Science Enrichment- Grade 8
If you enjoy shows such as CSI, Mythbusters and Discovery then Science Enrichment is for you!! Science Enrichment is an academic option which investigates a variety of fascinating and exciting scientific concepts. Forensic science, optics, rocketry, robotics and the ongoing SABLE projects are all topics which will be studied in Science Enrichment. Students will work through a number of hands on activities to further their understanding of these areas. The year will conclude with students launching a high altitude SABLE balloon project and recovering the payload!!
Marine Biology: Science Enrichment – Grade 9
Marine Biology is an academic option that studies organisms and their ocean environments. Students will be introduced to various life forms including coral, fish, sharks, whales and other marine animals and plants. There will be an emphasis on marine conservation for each topic. Students will be involved in discussions, research projects, and dissections.
Fit for Life
The goal of this option is to encourage students to develop a lifelong interest and active involvement in creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The course involves a high level of activity and theory. Students will participate in running, muscular endurance training, circuits, aerobic activity, swimming, golf, rugby, football, ultimate Frisbee, broomball, and snow activities. Students will also develop an understanding of numerous fitness concepts, anatomy, spinal cord awareness, and first aid. Other activities MAY include scuba diving, boarding/skiing, and martial arts. This will depend on scheduling and availability of the activities. Additional fees will occur for special activities.
Sport Climbing
If you have ever felt as though you were climbing the walls at school, this option is for you! Sport Climbing is a chance to develop skill and confidence in a most challenging environment! Course content will cover safety procedures, gear instruction and low wall bouldering. Belay techniques and procedures for top rope climbing will be covered as well. Depending on student numbers, a few extra day trips will be planned to other sport climbing facilities in our area.
School Fees
School fees are mailed at the end of September or early in October once the students are set in the options.
Learning Resources / $65.00Lunch Supervision / $60.00
Student Agenda / $7.00
Option Costs
Art/Advanced ArtAnimation / $30.00 / Girl Power / No Charge
Academic Coaching / No Charge / Guitar / $24.00
Band
Own instrument
Instrument Required / $24.00
$50.00 / HIAC / $25.00
Drama / No Charge / Industrial Arts / $36.00
Fit for Life / $175.00 approx. / Leadership / No Charge
Foods & Fashion / $36.00 / Marine Biology / No Charge
Forensic Science / No Charge / Multi Media Studies / $20.00
French / No Charge / Performing Arts / No Charge
Sport Climbing / $25.00
BELL SCHEDULES
Regular Day Bell Schedule
8:21……………Warning Bell8:25 - 8:30…....Registration
8:33 - 9:20…....Period One
9:23 - 10:10…..Period Two
10:10 - 10:15….5.Min. BREAK
10:15 - 11:02….Period Three
11:05 - 11:52….Period Four
11:52 - 12:42….LUNCH / 12:42…………Warning Bell
12:45-12:48….Registration/Homeroom
12:51 - 1:38….Period Five
1:41 - 2:28……Period Six
2:30 – 2:58…...DEVOIR
2:58……………Dismissal
Early Dismissal Bell Schedule(First Wednesday of Each Month)
8:21……………Warning Bell8:26……………Registration
8:31 - 9:04…….Period One
9:06 - 9:39…….Period Two
9:41 - 10:11…...Period Three
10:11 - 10:16…..5 Min. BREAK / 10:16 - 10:49……Period Four
10:51 - 11:24……Period Five
11:26 - 11:59……Period Six
11:59……………..Dismissal
SIR GEORGE SIMPSON CLUB ACTIVITIES OFFERED
ArtBadmintonBoxing
ChessClimbingDrama Tech
FitnessGames ClubIntramural Sports
Outdoor Adventure RunningSGS Players
Social Justice TeamTV/RadioYearbook
YES, COMPLEMENTARY COURSES COUNT:
Complementary courses are an integral part of the student's education at Simpson. Many elective topics are regulated by Department of Education curriculums. Teacher evaluation procedures may involve both assignments and exams. Grades awarded in these electives are part of the weighted average when considering each term average.
Students and parents should carefully read each of the elective descriptions before selecting a particular course. The student should choose the electives which best suits his/her interests and abilities as these two options will be taken throughout the year, from September to late June.
For various reasons (i.e. over-enrolment) some students may find that their final timetables do not contain their first choices. This is why they are asked to rank their choices among the electives in each group from first to last by marking 1 for most preferred, 2 for second choice, and 3 for third choice and so on. Therefore, students are encouraged to rank their electives very carefully.
Students will receive two options from their selected choices on alternate days, in the six day cycle.
FRENCH and Late French IMMERSION HIAC OPTION B
All grade 7, and 8 Late French and French Immersion students. This program is exploratory in nature and is based on one period in a six-day cycle, Offered for the full year. This includes Home Economics, Industrial Arts and Computer Literacy, Fit for Life, and Art. By the end of the year, all Grade 7 and 8 students will have experienced an introduction to one of these options. A fee of $25.00 per year will be charged to cover the cost of supplies or activities.
•Foods & Fashions - this will be a brief introduction to the foods module.
•Industrial Arts - includes a unit on safety, and working on projects in wood, metal and plastics.
•Computers - this unit includes review of keyboarding skills, and project work, word processing, database, spreadsheet and drawing programs.
•Fit for Life - this unit provides students with a practical and theoretical understanding of difficult fitness concepts, anatomy, nutrition and CPR.
Art - this unit introduces students to different art media. It is designed to teach the students the basics in art.
PLEASE NOTE:A REGISTRATION FORM MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE OPTION FORM FOR STUDENTS NEW TO THE SCHOOL.
COMPLEMENTARY COURSE REGISTRATION FORM
Select your choice by placing a 1, 2,3, 4, and 5 beside the courses in order of preference. Please give careful consideration to your choices, as the courses will be taken for the full year.
Academic Coaching / girl power 9Art - ($30) / guitar - ($24)
Band - ($50) / Industrial Arts - ($36)
intro. to band 8 ($24) / Marine Biology 9: Science Enrichment
Drama / Multi media studies ($20)
Fit for Life (Field Trip Fees $175) / performing arts 8 & 9
Foods and Fashions - ($36) / Sport Climbing - ($25)
Science Enrichment 8 / student leadership
8 & 9
french
Student Program:
English ___ Academic Challenge ___ LAC ___ Opportunity___
K & E ____ French Immersion___ Late French Immersion____
Student Name: ______
(print)
Next YearGrade(circle):7 8 9
Student Signature:______Parent Signature:______
School Presently Attending:______
Option availability depends on sufficient enrollment.Return this page with your course selection.
(Grade 7,8, 9 Late French Immersion/French Immersion students only, please fill out both sides.)
Grade 7, 8 & 9Late French/FrenchImmersion ONLY
Grade 7, 8, & 9Late French/French Immersion Students make 3 choices in order of preference for HIAC option B from the list below. These courses will be offered one period in a six day cycle(full year).
HIAC OPTION B (Grade 7,8 & 9 French Students Only)FULL YEAR COURSES offered one time in a six day cycle
Art
Computers
Fit For Life
Foods and Fashions
Industrial Arts
PLEASE NOTE: A REGISTRATION FORM MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE OPTION FORM FOR STUDENTS NEW TO THE SCHOOL.