A short and good little article came from CTRI this morning. I thought it worth a share, as I've been talking to a number of families who are supporting their kids with increased anxiety. Whether it's mild or clinical, these are great simple strategies for parents.

1. Manage your own anxiety and stress first.
2. Create emotional safety with your kid.
3. Give anxiety a language to understand feelings.
4. Acknowledge the realness of your child.
5. Practice strategies and coping with your kid.

Let me know if you've got questions or would appreciate additional support. And enjoy the sunshine! Exercise and the outdoors have been found to lower anxiety.

Full article and explanations here: blog.ctrinstitute.com/5-tips-supporting-anxious-children/

This will take us pretty much through the rest of the year! Lots of students are getting great support out of these. Can't recommend them enough.

Summer school registration is coming up fast - starting May 5th. Some classes fill up quickly, so it's often best to act sooner rather than later. This is particularly important with preview courses.

​Students in grade 8 generally have two options: Remedial & Preview. Remedial classes are for students who didn't quite get to 50%, or got barely over it and want to improve their mark. Preview courses are for students who want to see what some of next year's more difficult units have to offer.
A couple examples:

1. Student A gets a final mark in Science of 39%. They can take the Remedial Science 8 class and get it above 50%, so that they don't need to repeat the course again.
2. Student B wants to do better in Math next year, so they sign up to do a Preview course and be prepared for September.

List of classes & signup starts here: https://summer.vsb.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx#secondary

There is no cost for summer school, but there is a Textbook Deposit of $100 returned at the end. In situations of financial hardship, please email me and I'll support waiving the textbook fee (nvaniersel@vsb.bc.ca). In these circumstances we need to do a signup in person, rather than online.

Should I sign up if I'm not sure whether the student will pass or fail? The district has said that there is a $30 cancelation fee for students/families that sign up and then decide not to go. So if the $30 isn't that large of a deterrent, then I'd error on the side of caution and get the spot. Not having to go sure might feel worth more than $30!

Student PEN numbers: These are 9 digits and on report cards. If you can't find it email me and I'll fire it over.

Signup Page: https://penverifier.vsb.bc.ca/

Please contact me if you have questions. Otherwise, feel free to sign up!

Women in Science... Get on this great opportunity! I've already talked to at least two families giving it a go :)