I wanted to share a post with information about how to access resources on the Student/Parent portal page. Many people are getting pretty familiar with it, but here are some resources for those who want some more assistance. And a reminder, summer school asks that you bring in a printed copy of this report card to them on the first day of class.

Resources:
1. Link to PDF Instructions for MyEd Student/Parent Portal Page:
https://www.sd61.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2017/02/Student_Portal_User_Guide.pdf
2. Link to video outlining a login from the start is available here:
https://videos.sd61.bc.ca/it/Portal/Student_Portal/Student_Portal.html

Contact Person:
Mr. Godfrey (one of our Vice-Principals) is the contact person for having your account reset if you're getting the message about your account being disabled then you want to email him at [email protected]

Tips:
1. Please choose a password with your child that BOTH you and they know, so that people aren't reseting it on each other, or locking each other of the account.
2. Use the MyEd portal page to see student schedule in mid-late August (around the 20th).
​3. Remember to save any copies of report cards you want to keep as new ones wipe out old ones.

Full disclosure... both of these links were made in the Victoria School District, but they use the same software as us in VSB, and I know the guy who made them, so I don't think we'll get sued :)

Youth Skills is back!
 
Registration is now open for the summer 2017 intake. Applications are due Tuesday, July 4th at 5PM.
 
This is a leadership development program for all youth in Grades 8 to 12 who need volunteer hours and are looking for a meaningful summer gaining experience in community service delivery. All youths will commit to participating from 6PM-8PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting on July 11th to August 10th 2017.

To Apply:
1. Download the application form at: http://www.froghollow.bc.ca/programs-services/youth/
2. Complete and submit the completed form by Tuesday, July 4th at 5PM:
a) via email to [email protected]
b) OR, drop it off at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, 2131 Renfrew St., Vancouver
 
We welcome all youths to apply. All youths, regardless of their skill level, identity, and experiences, can expect a safe and respectful mentorship environment at Youth Skills. Youth workers, please encourage your youths to participate, thank you!

While the Americans will be celebrating their independence on July 4th, VSB is offering a 2 hour seminar on ADHD background, information, and strategies. It doesn't hurt it's not happening too far from Van Tech either. No cost. I hope this proves to be helpful for some parents who are working with kids who meet the ADHD criteria.

No signup or cost.

Anxiety is on the rise; youth anxiety even more so. One of the most significant reasons for this rise is linked to our always on/always available lifestyles. Breathr (a new app I've been playing with) uses technology to improve people's Mindfulness - the practice of focusing on the moment and letting things go - so that student's (or anyone) can rejoin after a period of panic or anxiety.

I do recommend checking it out and exploring with your kids if anxious thoughts or focusing on the moment are a challenge. As always, let me know if you're looking for more support.

Downloads and more info from Kelty Mental Health here: ​keltymentalhealth.ca/breathr

I was approached by Mary Connolly, who is doing her PhD. She's looking at what grade 8 students know about money and finances. It's part of an effort to give recommendations to teachers for what to focus on when teaching the topic. I thought it sounded great and am passing along the opportunity for the kids to be a part of it. In exchange for a 45-50 minute interview they get $10 cash. She comes to the school and meets them outside of class time.

I've attached the form, and I have more of them printed in my office. We've got room for about 5 more kids! They can turn them into me.

Some great opportunities have come up for summer programming and for jobs (both paid and volunteering). Albeit, many of the paid jobs the grade 8s are too young for, but there are things they can do in both of these attachments. Check it out for some additional summer programming.

​Less than a month away :)