Welcome

to Kamloops,

British Columbia

NorKam Secondary SchoolNorKam Secondary SchoolNorKam Secondary SchoolNorKam Secondary School

SaSaSaSa----Hali Secondary SchoolHali Secondary SchoolHali Secondary SchoolHali Secondary School

South Kamloops Secondary SchoolSouth Kamloops Secondary SchoolSouth Kamloops Secondary SchoolSouth Kamloops Secondary School

Valleyview Secondary SchoolValleyview Secondary SchoolValleyview Secondary SchoolValleyview Secondary School

Westsyde Secondary SchoolWestsyde Secondary SchoolWestsyde Secondary SchoolWestsyde Secondary School

ADJUSTING TO A NEW CADJUSTING TO A NEW CADJUSTING TO A NEW CADJUSTING TO A NEW CULTUREULTUREULTUREULTURE

There are several stages you may experience while adjusting to your new There are several stages you may experience while adjusting to your new There are several stages you may experience while adjusting to your new There are several stages you may experience while adjusting to your new life in Canada.life in Canada.life in Canada.life in Canada.

1.1.1.1. Honeymoon PeriodHoneymoon PeriodHoneymoon PeriodHoneymoon Period

You will probably be fascinated and excited by everything new in

your surroundings. International students are usually elated to be

in a new culture at first.

2.2.2.2. Culture ShockCulture ShockCulture ShockCulture Shock

You are immersed in new problems: housing/home-stay,

transportation, food, language barriers, and new friends. Fatigue

may result from continuously trying to comprehend and use a new

language. You may ask yourself, “Why did I come here?”

3.3.3.3. Initial AdjustmentInitial AdjustmentInitial AdjustmentInitial Adjustment

You find problems such as housing and settling into classes are now

manageable. Although you may not be perfectly fluent in the new

language, basic ideas and feelings can be expressed.

4.4.4.4. MentalMentalMentalMental IsolationIsolationIsolationIsolation

After you have been away from your family and friends for a long

period you may begin to feel lonely. Many international students

still feel they cannot express themselves as well as they can in their

native language. Frustration and sometimes a loss of confidence

can result.

5.5.5.5. Acceptance and IntegrationAcceptance and IntegrationAcceptance and IntegrationAcceptance and Integration

You have established a routine. You have a good level of comfort

with the habits, customs, food, and behaviours of people in the

new culture.

6.6.6.6. Return Anxiety, ReReturn Anxiety, ReReturn Anxiety, ReReturn Anxiety, Re----entry Shock, Reintegrationentry Shock, Reintegrationentry Shock, Reintegrationentry Shock, Reintegration

After having adjusted to and lived in the new culture for a long

period of time, you must prepare to return home. Re-entry shock

can be more difficult than the initial culture shock you

experienced upon first arriving.

HelpfuHelpfuHelpfuHelpful Hintsl Hintsl Hintsl Hints

� Give yourself lots of time to accomplish everything you need to

do. It is too stressful to do things in a hurry.

� Make sure you get enough sleep.

� Experiment with food slowly.

� Drink lots of water.

� Ask questions.

� Get involved and meet people.

� Get a bus pass so that you can explore the city.

� Join a sports team or a special interest group.

� Remember that your school counsellor is ready to listen to your story and help you adjust.

THE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMTHE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMTHE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMTHE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

You may find some differences between the educational value/system in

your home country and that of Canada. It is essential for you to

understand the appropriate and accepted roles for students in the

Canadian educational system. Here are some of the general

characteristics of the Canadian educational system:

• Students are encouraged to ask questions for clarification, to

challenge information, or to extend thinking. The philosophy of

education in Canada includes the ideal that students should be

involved in an interactive learning process; that is, they should not

sit passively and accept or memorize what the teacher says.

• Teacher –student relationships tend to be relatively informal

compared to those in other countries. It is important, however, to

always be respectful and polite to teachers.

• Group work is an important part of school learning; it values

cooperation, tolerance, and compromise.

• Discussion is often used as a means of teaching. Students are

expected to be able to discuss in order to develop their ideas and

opinions and to present them for reactions. One of the main

objectives of a discussion is to arrive at a mutually satisfactory

understanding or a solution to a problem.

• Students learn not just information, but how to arrive at

conclusions, to solve problems, and to analyze. As part of this

process, students are often asked how they got an answer, not just

what the answer is.

• Plagiarism (submitting the work of another person as your

own/copying the work and presenting it as your own) is a serious

offence. This includes copying from the Internet.

SCHOOL TIMES AND SCHEDULESSCHOOL TIMES AND SCHEDULESSCHOOL TIMES AND SCHEDULESSCHOOL TIMES AND SCHEDULES

� The school year is divided into two semesters. The first semester is from September until January and the second is from February

until June.

� Each semester, a student takes four (4) courses eight (8) in total

during the year.

� Lunchtime is about one hour. Most students bring a lunch with

them, but there is a small snack bar in school to buy sandwiches,

soup, juice, and snacks.

� Meetings for sports and groups often happen at lunchtime.

Usually, students take their lunch with them to the meeting.

� If a student is late, he/she should go to the office to get a late slip

before going to class. It is expected that students will have notes

to explain why they are late or absent, or a host family can phone

the school to explain. If a student is frequently late or absent

without an explanation, the vice-principal will phone home to find

out what the reason is, and the student may expect a detention.

� If a student is leaving the school for any reason before the end of

the day, they should check out at the office first.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONSCLASSROOM EXPECTATIONSCLASSROOM EXPECTATIONSCLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. Be on time for your classes. If you cannot arrive on time, or if you

must be away, notify the school in advance to explain the reason.

If you miss classes, see the teacher the next day to find out what

you missed.

2. Hats are not allowed inside the school.

3. Swearing is not permitted at school.

4. Do not talk during class if the teacher is talking or presenting

information.

5. It is expected that you will speak English during class time.

6. Use your agenda each day to stay organized.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand. If you are

quiet, it will be assumed that you have understood.

8. Make sure assignments and homework are completed on time. If

you cannot do this, make sure you talk to your teachers to explain

your situation.

9. Many teachers, including E.S.L. teachers, are available before and

after school (or at lunch) to provide extra help for students who

cannot understand.

10. Do not take expensive electronic equipment or large sums of

money to school. If you must, make sure they are placed in your

locker.

11. If you choose to complete extra class projects, there may be a

cost. In woodwork, for example, if you choose a very expensive

type of wood, you may be asked to pay it.

� Helpful Hint – the monthly newsletter that you receive will list all the upcoming

events and holidays. It is useful to make note of these days in your agenda.

GENERAL SCHOOLGENERAL SCHOOLGENERAL SCHOOLGENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATIONINFORMATIONINFORMATIONINFORMATION

Personal PropertyPersonal PropertyPersonal PropertyPersonal Property Schools cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged personal

property. The following is recommended:

Students should

� Not bring large amounts of money to school

� Not allow anyone to know your locker combination

� Leave stereo cassette recorders or technology devices at home

� If they require safekeeping services, check at the office

� If they lose something, check at the office Lost and Found

Lunch FacilitiesLunch FacilitiesLunch FacilitiesLunch Facilities Most students bring a lunch; however, the school provides a lunch and a

snack service for the convenience of students.

LockersLockersLockersLockers Homeroom teachers will assign lockers on the first day of school. You will

be given a lock to use for the duration of your stay. Please keep the

locker combination sticker on the back of the lock in a safe place so that

you can replace it when you return the lock. Lockers may be checked by

the administration from time to time.

PersPersPersPersonal Technology Devices onal Technology Devices onal Technology Devices onal Technology Devices (School District Policy # (School District Policy # (School District Policy # (School District Policy # 208208208208----4444))))

The use of all telecommunication and audio or video recording devices,

including cellular phones, pagers/beepers and cameras, at school and

school sponsored or school-related activities on or off school

property, is prohibited during the school day except where

expressly authorized. Students shall be allowed to possess such

devices; however, such devices must not be visible and must

remain turned off during the school day. Rules for use are as

follows:

• Lunch hour - phones outside only

• Listening devices - breaks and lunch acceptable

• Cameras - only with authorization

• Recording devices - only with authorization

All filming on school property, and all footage on tapes used for school

projects, must be approved by the Administration and/or Teacher.

Consent must be obtained before filming any individual. Students must

obey all copyright laws. Violation of copyright laws is not acceptable.

Telephones and MessagesTelephones and MessagesTelephones and MessagesTelephones and Messages A telephone is available to students (at the main office) and should be

used in case of emergencies or for school business. Messages for

students from homestay parents can be left at the main office. Notices

of messages will be announced over the PA during the last few minutes

of class, both for the morning and afternoon classes. In an emergency,

homestay parents may call the office and the staff will do their best to

locate your student.

Students with Medical Alert ConditionsStudents with Medical Alert ConditionsStudents with Medical Alert ConditionsStudents with Medical Alert Conditions Parents must notify the school if their child is likely to require emergency

care by the school staff. These are conditions that are diagnosed by a

physician as potentially life threatening. Life threatening conditions

include:

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy/Seizure disorder

• Anaphylaxis and/or history of severe allergic reactions

• Severe asthma

• Blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia

• Other conditions which may require emergency care

• Medic Alert planning forms are available

Helpful SuggestionsHelpful SuggestionsHelpful SuggestionsHelpful Suggestions

� Try to take advantage of opportunities in class to get to know

others. Do this by having conversations with people, especially

during group or partner activities.

� Communicate with your teachers. If you don’t understand

something, stay after class for a few minutes to get help. It may be

easier for the teacher to explain something to you when the other

students are gone.

� Listen carefully to the announcements that are read at your school

each morning. These announcements have valuable information

about special events, groups, and sports meetings.

� Do not bring large amounts of money or expensive items to school.

If you do, make sure they are kept in your locker.

� You will be given an agenda book to keep track of your homework and activities. Studies have shown that students who use an

agenda will do better in school, so try it.

� Take part in at least one school sport or group. This will help you

to meet more people and practise your English skills.

�Get a bus pass. This will give you some freedom to move around and

get to know the community.

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SCHOOL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIESSCHOOL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIESSCHOOL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIESSCHOOL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

The existence of school sports teams is dependent on student interest,

and the availability of coaches and a teacher sponsor. All students

participating in extra-curricular athletic activities must

complete a Medical Form and have an athletic contract for

each sport they participate in. International students must be attending

classes for a minimum of one semester to represent the school on a team.

There are other regulations related to city and Provincial teams

regarding international students. Students who participate on school teams will incur additional expenses. Athletic TeamsAthletic TeamsAthletic TeamsAthletic Teams

FallFallFallFall WinWinWinWinterterterter SpringSpringSpringSpring

Gr. 8 Boys & Girls Volleyball Gr. 8 Boys & Girls Basketball RugbyJr. Boys & Girls

Volleyball Jr. Boys & Girls Basketball Girls Soccer

Senior Boys & Girls Volleyball Senior Boys & Girls Basketball Tennis

Field Hockey Wrestling Track & Field

Boys Soccer Curling Golf

Swimming Grade 8 Rugby Badminton

Sportsmanship and AcademicsSportsmanship and AcademicsSportsmanship and AcademicsSportsmanship and Academics “It is your sportsmanship and attitude that are remembered after the game is over – not who won.”

� All students who participate on teams are expected to do their

best both as a team member and in their schoolwork. All students

are expected:

i. To maintain a minimum standard of “satisfactory” in classroom

efforts.

ii. To keep all classroom assignments and projects up to date.

iii. To show a co-operative attitude towards their teachers.

iv. To display a responsible attitude in personal conduct.

v. To show a responsible attitude towards their peers.

vi. To show courtesy and honesty towards others.

vii. To display a positive attitude towards learning and good work

habits.

ExtrExtrExtrExtraaaa----Curricular ActivitiesCurricular ActivitiesCurricular ActivitiesCurricular Activities Valuable experience and personal growth related to career aspirations

can be obtained by getting involved in school clubs, teams and other

activities. Students are encouraged to ask school personnel for

information and also listen to morning announcements. Some activities

that may be at your school: Astronomy Club, Peer Helpers, Drama

Productions, Grad Committee, Intramural Games, Mathematic Contests,

Music Productions, Water Project, Christian Club, Global Awareness,

Canadian-International Alliance (CIA), Peer Tutoring, Reading is

Rewarding, Scorekeeping, Senior Book Club, Sports Teams, S.T.A.A.R.

(Students Taking Action Against Racism), Students’ Council, Talent

Shows, Environmental Group, Yearbook, Young Authors’ Conference,

First Nations Centre, and Chess Club.

Intramural ProgramIntramural ProgramIntramural ProgramIntramural Program In order to help promote active living and provide alternative activities

for students at lunch hour, we provide an extensive intramural program.

Activities such as indoor soccer, three on three basketball, floor hockey,

dodgeball, softball and many others provide enjoyment for players and

spectators alike. Students are encouraged to participate.

STUDENT SERVICESSTUDENT SERVICESSTUDENT SERVICESSTUDENT SERVICES

CounsellingCounsellingCounsellingCounselling School counsellors are available to deal with personal, educational or

career issues. We encourage students to take advantage of our

counselling services in order to obtain confidential assistance with

personal issues, to plan their courses, set up peer tutoring, and to

investigate their post-secondary plans. Parents and/or host-parents can

make appointments by phoning the school and asking for Student

Services.

Course SelectionCourse SelectionCourse SelectionCourse Selection Through the counselling department, course selections are made for

international students once an assessment of English skills has been

completed. Course selection booklets and forms can be previewed prior

to arrival, but classes cannot be guaranteed due to space limitations

and/or the English level of students.

Changing or Dropping CoursesChanging or Dropping CoursesChanging or Dropping CoursesChanging or Dropping Courses Course changes may be made for appropriate reasons. If a student needs

a course changed, he/she should make an appointment to see the

International Student Counsellor.

Peer TutoringPeer TutoringPeer TutoringPeer Tutoring Grade 10 students have an opportunity to apply to tutor students from

Grades 8 – 10. One week of training is given to selected tutors. These

peer tutors find the experience as valuable as do the tutees. Tutors also

earn credit for their graduation volunteer hours. Tutoring occurs daily

during IRA period for about 20 minutes. Students who experience

difficulty in any course can request assistance from a peer tutor.

Learning Assistance CenterLearning Assistance CenterLearning Assistance CenterLearning Assistance Center A school’s Learning Assistance Department is a support system designed

to help those students who have difficulties in certain areas of study.

Students may receive assistance in studying certain topics or alternate

materials may be provided with teacher input.

LibraryLibraryLibraryLibrary School libraries are open and available for students before and after

school and at lunch hour. We expect proper Library etiquette to be

observed during these times. You may read for pleasure, work on

assignments, complete homework, or utilize any of the computer

terminals available.

Textbook UseTextbook UseTextbook UseTextbook Use There is no rental charge for textbooks during the school year; however,

books are on loan and they are the responsibility of the student. At the

end of the semester, books must be returned in good condition. Damages

and losses will be assessed. If a student loses a book it should be

reported to their class teacher. The student is expected to pay for the

original and a replacement will be issued. If the lost book is found, the

student will receive a refund.

The Student Council or Student Leadership GroupThe Student Council or Student Leadership GroupThe Student Council or Student Leadership GroupThe Student Council or Student Leadership Group The Student Council consists of an elected Executive body (selected in

June) and an appointed Grade Representative body (selected in

September). The Executive is open to senior students who have been

involved in leadership roles in past years. The Grade Representative body

has 3 spaces for each grade level and past experience is not required.

GRADING AND ASSESSMENTGRADING AND ASSESSMENTGRADING AND ASSESSMENTGRADING AND ASSESSMENT

Course outlines, grading criteria and expectations are provided to the

students at the beginning of each course. Students should also be aware

of the objectives of the assignment, essay, quiz, or test assigned and the

criteria for marking. For each major objective of a course, marks are

recorded, using an appropriate instrument for obtaining marks in

sufficient numbers to be able to identify a valid letter grade.

Each department has developed grading criteria so that there is

consistency in determining final letter grades. Such grading criteria shall

focus on work habits, the format assignments are to take, and the

relative weighting of class assignments, quizzes, tests and final

examinations.

Achievement IndicatorsAchievement IndicatorsAchievement IndicatorsAchievement Indicators This is subject to change by The Ministry of Education. The letter

grades below indicate a pupil’s achievement in relation to the standard of

performance widely expected for that course.

AAAA Excellent achievement 86868686----100%100%100%100%

BBBB Very Good achievement 73737373----85%85%85%85%

C+C+C+C+ Good achievement 67676767----72%72%72%72%

CCCC Satisfactory achievement 60606060----66%66%66%66%

CCCC---- Low level Achievement 50505050----59%59%59%59%

IIII Incomplete – student has the opportunity to change this grade

based on requirements of subject teacher

FFFF Failure – students not attaining course objectives 0000----40%40%40%40%

AuditAuditAuditAudit: students may audit (no letter/mark/credit); however, full

participation in class is still expected, including completion of

assignments to the best of the student’s ability.

Effort symbols are:Effort symbols are:Effort symbols are:Effort symbols are:

GGGG = Good S =S =S =S = Satisfactory N = N = N = N = Needs Improvement

SAMPLE OF AN “EFFORT” ACHIEVEMENT GRIDSAMPLE OF AN “EFFORT” ACHIEVEMENT GRIDSAMPLE OF AN “EFFORT” ACHIEVEMENT GRIDSAMPLE OF AN “EFFORT” ACHIEVEMENT GRID � All decisions are made at the teacher’s discretion and are based on classroom

performance.

CriteriaCriteriaCriteriaCriteria G = GoodG = GoodG = GoodG = Good S = SatisfactoryS = SatisfactoryS = SatisfactoryS = Satisfactory N = Needs ImprovementN = Needs ImprovementN = Needs ImprovementN = Needs Improvement

Attendance:Attendance:Attendance:Attendance:

AttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendance

PunctualityPunctualityPunctualityPunctuality

Excellent attendance

record

Absences are excused

Rarely, if ever, late

(provides note)

Rarely finds cause to

leave class

Some classes missed with no

note of explanation

Occasional late, but no

discernable pattern exists

Unexcused absences

Misses scheduled tests/due dates

Attendance is unreliable

Frequently late to class

Finds excuses to leave class

Assignments:Assignments:Assignments:Assignments:

Submission of Submission of Submission of Submission of

workworkworkwork

AccuracyAccuracyAccuracyAccuracy

QualityQualityQualityQuality

Work completed &

submitted on time

Work reflects students

ability

Student strives for

quality

Some gaps in assigned work

Doesn’t exert him/herself

beyond completion of work

Quality of work is

occasionally inconsistent

with student ability level

Work often submitted late

Work often not submitted

Completed work often shows

little care or effort

Behaviour:Behaviour:Behaviour:Behaviour:

Attitude Attitude Attitude Attitude

FocusFocusFocusFocus

AttentionAttentionAttentionAttention

Exhibits a positive

attitude

Models expected

classroom behaviour

Maintains focus & is on-

task

Is respectful of others

rights

Seeks assistance when

necessary

Generally meets behavioural

expectations

Although needed,

infrequently seeks assistance

Occasionally lacks focus in

class

Exhibits a negative attitude

Lacks focus in class

Frequently off-task

Often uninterested

Chooses not to participate

Rarely, if ever, seeks assistance

Displays inappropriate behaviour

Citizenship:Citizenship:Citizenship:Citizenship:

Cooperation Cooperation Cooperation Cooperation

InvolvementInvolvementInvolvementInvolvement

Cooperates with

teacher

Cooperates with peers

Contributes positively

to the learning

environment

Makes limited contribution

Is generally cooperative

Periodically disengages from

class business

Argumentative or uncooperative

with teacher/peers

Undermines teacher authority

Detracts from the learning

environment

Organization:Organization:Organization:Organization:

PreparatPreparatPreparatPreparationionionion

UpUpUpUp----totototo----datedatedatedate

ResponsibilityResponsibilityResponsibilityResponsibility

Arrives in class with

appropriate materials

Demonstrates good

organizational skills

Conscientious in

obtaining/ submitting

missed work

Occasionally needs reminding

of missing and late

assignments

Sometimes arrives in class

unprepared (missing

materials, missing homework,

etc)

Frequently comes to class

unprepared or without the

appropriate materials

Lacks organization

Student is not meeting teacher

expectations

Makes little effort to keep up

with missed work

SCHOOL POLICIESSCHOOL POLICIESSCHOOL POLICIESSCHOOL POLICIES

School Dress PolicySchool Dress PolicySchool Dress PolicySchool Dress Policy Students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects purpose and

propriety. Students wearing inappropriate attire will be asked to cover

up, change, or go home.

• Clothing is expected to be appropriate to a working and learning

environment.

• Students must refrain from wearing clothes that promote drugs

and alcohol, or portray sexual, violent or racist themes.

• Students must refrain from wearing clothing that is derogatory

regarding a person’s ethnic background, national origin, religious

belief, sexual orientation or disability.

• Clothing must cover underwear, cleavage, bottoms, and midriffs.

Skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh.

• Hats and head apparel must not be worn other than for religious

reasons.

Smoking PoSmoking PoSmoking PoSmoking Policylicylicylicy The Board of School Trustees of School District No. 73

(Kamloops/Thompson) encourages all efforts to eliminate and prevent the

use of tobacco products by students and employees of the District. The

Board's goal is to assist in the creation of a smoke free society by

ensuring that all School District facilities, vehicles and grounds are

smoke free.

Drug and Alcohol PolicyDrug and Alcohol PolicyDrug and Alcohol PolicyDrug and Alcohol Policy Any student using, possessing or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

during any time while under the jurisdiction of the School District,

including extra-curricular activities sponsored by the school, or at a

school other than that attended by the student, will be dismissed by the

Principal, and may be suspended by the Board of Trustees from attending

any school in the District for a determined period.

School Dance PolicySchool Dance PolicySchool Dance PolicySchool Dance Policy 1. Dances are for students only. Tickets are by pre-sales only, no

tickets at the door. Administration/Teachers have the right of

refusal.

2. All rules apply at school dances.

• Time: 7:00 – 10:00 pm – usually held mid-week

• Doors: Students may enter from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

•The door is a one-way door… once you have decided to enter,

you must remain. If you choose to go out, you are not

allowed to return.

•

• Lates: Anyone arriving after 8:00 pm must have received a

late pass ahead of time from the Vice-Principal.

• Access to lockers is not allowed. Coats and backpacks must

be checked into the coatroom and the coat check is one

way. Once you have checked your property in, you can only

check it out when you leave the school.

If a student has an unexcused absence the day of the dance they

will not be permitted to attend.

HomeworkHomeworkHomeworkHomework PolicyPolicyPolicyPolicy As a general guideline, students are advised to establish a study plan at

the beginning of the year. This plan should permit time for both assigned

(homework) and review (study work). Following is a guideline:

Grade 8: Half hour to one hour daily

Grade 9/10: One hour to one-and-a-half hours daily

Grade 11/12: Two to two-and-a-half hours daily

The following statements summarize the reasons for the necessity and

importance of homework in assisting a student’s educational progress.

• Homework reinforces material presented in the classroom,

supplementing and building on classroom experience.

• Homework creates readiness for learning by providing background

knowledge.

• Homework provides practice drill in specific skills areas.

• Homework provides follow up to classroom activities.

• Homework provides students with activities for individualized

learning.

• Homework is an evaluative tool.

Student’s role: Student’s role: Student’s role: Student’s role: Students are expected to complete homework

assignments on time in order to develop self-discipline and time

management skills and to enhance their knowledge of each subject.

Teacher’s role: Teacher’s role: Teacher’s role: Teacher’s role: Teachers will assign meaningful homework that will be

promptly evaluated.

Host Parent’s role: Host Parent’s role: Host Parent’s role: Host Parent’s role: Host parents are expected to provide students with

an environment that promotes good study habits and to enrich the

student’s learning through their support and encouragement. Host

parents have an opportunity to be informed about the materials students

are studying by direct contact with the teacher.

BRITISH COLUMBIA GRADUATION PROGRAMBRITISH COLUMBIA GRADUATION PROGRAMBRITISH COLUMBIA GRADUATION PROGRAMBRITISH COLUMBIA GRADUATION PROGRAM

(* = mandatory government examination)(* = mandatory government examination)(* = mandatory government examination)(* = mandatory government examination)

Language Arts (English) 10* 4 credits

Language Arts (English) 11 4 credit

Language Arts (English) 12* 4 credits

Social Studies 10 4 credits

Social Studies 11, BC First Nations, 4 credits

Or Canadian Civics 11*

Science 10* 4 credits

Science 11 or 12 4 credits

Mathematics 10* 4 credits

Mathematics 11 or 12 4 credits

Physical Education 10 4 credits

Planning 10 4 credits

Fine Arts and/or Applied Skill 10, 11, or 12 4 credits = 48

Elective Courses – students must earn at least 28 elective credits for Grade 10 – 12 courses.

Graduation Transitions 4 credits

OVERALL TOTAL = OVERALL TOTAL = OVERALL TOTAL = OVERALL TOTAL = 80 credits80 credits80 credits80 credits

SummarySummarySummarySummary: To graduate, you need at least 48 credits from required courses, a minimum of 28 elective credits, and 4 credits for Graduation Transitions. A minimum of 16 credits must be at the Grade 12 level, including Language Arts 12 courses and other 12 course credits. These may be from required courses or electives. If you are planning to continue your education beyond secondary school graduation, make sure you have all the courses and prerequisites you need. Some universities require grade 12 students to write optional government exams.

� For information about the graduation program

www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/grad2004.htm

� For information about scholarships go to

www.bcawardsonline.sd61.bc.ca

� To learn more about post-secondary options and careers

www.educationplanner.bc.ca

www.bced.gov.bc.ca/careers

� Although the International Counsellor may assist, university

applications are the responsibility of the student and family. To

apply to a Canadian university, visit the university website for

current information

MEETING PEOPLEMEETING PEOPLEMEETING PEOPLEMEETING PEOPLE

•A common greeting practice for Canadians is “hand shaking.” People

shake hands when meeting an adult for the first time. They don’t

bow.

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•If people already know each other, they will generally just say “Hi” or

“Hello” the next time they meet.

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•A person leaving others in informal situations will say “Bye” or “See

you later.” Sometimes, they will say something like, “Talk to you

soon” or “I’ll talk to you later.”

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•An adult may invite you to use their first name after you meet them,

which is common. Otherwise, use Mr. Ms. or Mrs. as appropriate

and the person’s last name (for example, Mr. Smith).

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•Canadians maintain eye contact when conversing.

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• Generally people stand two or three feet apart from each other

when conversing.

ETIQUETTE IN PUBLIC PLACESETIQUETTE IN PUBLIC PLACESETIQUETTE IN PUBLIC PLACESETIQUETTE IN PUBLIC PLACES

� People are generally uncomfortable with touching in public places.

If you bump into somebody, say “sorry” or “excuse me.”

� Walk on the right side.

� It is not acceptable to spit in public.

� Hold swinging or heavy doors for people who are following you in

and out of rooms.

� You may have to adjust your voice level to ensure it’s not too loud.

Take your cue from the tones of other people.

� It is acceptable to ask people to speak more slowly or repeat words.

� If you’re the first person on an elevator, it’s common to hold the

door for others, either physically, or by pressing the appropriate

button on the control panel.

DIFFICULTDIFFICULTDIFFICULTDIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPS

� If you want to stop a friendship, be very clear that you don’t want

to see the person anymore. If they continue to bother you, tell a

teacher or friend about the situation.

� If someone is bothering you, tell him or her to stop. For example,

you say “GO AWAY” or “STOP BOTHERING ME.” Do not worry

about hurting their feelings or being nice. If you are not clear, they

might not stop. If they continue to bother you, then tell someone

nearby.

•Assault is illegal in Canada. A husband cannot hit his wife, a

boyfriend cannot hit his girlfriend, and a roommate cannot hit you.

•If you are having difficulties with a relationship in your life and are

uncertain about what to do, make an appointment to see your

school counsellor. When you talk to a counsellor at school your

conversation is confidential unless you threaten to hurt yourself or

someone else.

LLLL

CANADIAN HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYSCANADIAN HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYSCANADIAN HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYSCANADIAN HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS

As a nation, Canada recognizes and celebrates a number of statutory holidays. On these days, most places of business – such as banks and grocery stores - are closed, including Universities and colleges.

Labour DayLabour DayLabour DayLabour Day – First Monday in September, last holiday weekend of

summer. Honouring working men and women.

Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving DayThanksgiving DayThanksgiving Day – Second Monday in October. Celebration of harvest.

Remembrance DayRemembrance DayRemembrance DayRemembrance Day – November 11. Memorial services are held for those

who served their country in the Armed Forces.

Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day – December 25 (Christian Celebration)

Boxing DayBoxing DayBoxing DayBoxing Day – December 26

New Year’s DayNew Year’s DayNew Year’s DayNew Year’s Day – January 1. Most celebrations occur on the evening of

the 31st day of December, as Canadians celebrate the end of the old year

and the beginning of the New Year.

Good FridayGood FridayGood FridayGood Friday – Late March or early April (Christian Celebration)

Easter SundayEaster SundayEaster SundayEaster Sunday – Late March or early April (Christian Celebration)

Victoria DayVictoria DayVictoria DayVictoria Day – Third Monday in May. First holiday of summer;

commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria

Canada DayCanada DayCanada DayCanada Day – July 1, Canada’s birthday.

� Other Celebrated Days in CanadaOther Celebrated Days in CanadaOther Celebrated Days in CanadaOther Celebrated Days in Canada

Valentine’s DayValentine’s DayValentine’s DayValentine’s Day – February 14th

St. Patrick’s DaySt. Patrick’s DaySt. Patrick’s DaySt. Patrick’s Day – March 17th

Mother’s DayMother’s DayMother’s DayMother’s Day – May 14th

Father’s DayFather’s DayFather’s DayFather’s Day – June 17th

Hallowe’enHallowe’enHallowe’enHallowe’en – October 31

USEFUL COMMUNITY CONTACTSUSEFUL COMMUNITY CONTACTSUSEFUL COMMUNITY CONTACTSUSEFUL COMMUNITY CONTACTS

TransportationTransportationTransportationTransportation

•Airport Shuttle – 250-314-4803

•Greyhound Bus – 250-374-1212

• Kamloops Transit (city bus) – 250-376-1216

• Taxi Services – Kami Cabs 250-374-5151 / Yellow Cabs 250-374-3333

Recreation CentresRecreation CentresRecreation CentresRecreation Centres

• YMCA-YWCA – 250-372-7725

• Tournament Capital Centre – 250-828-3655

• Bowlertime – 250-554-1610

• Falcon Lanes Bowling – 250-372-7933

• Sun Peaks Resort – 250-578-5484

• Kamloops Recreation Department – 250-828-3500 (City Sports)

• Public Skating Information – 250-828-3387

� Library Library Library Library (has internet access) – 465 Seymour Street

� City HallCity HallCity HallCity Hall – 250-828-3311

ChurchesChurchesChurchesChurches

• See page 97/98 in the phone book

Emergency NumbersEmergency NumbersEmergency NumbersEmergency Numbers

• Police – 250-828-3000

• Fire – 250-372-5131

• Hospital – 250-374-5111

• Summit Medical Centre – 250-374-9800

• KIDS Helpline – 1-800-668-6868