We often see that transitions to holidays are tough for kids, because they give up the regularity of school. This letter gives some great guidance, so I'm happy to pass it along. Hope everyone has a great holidays!

​I've had a few families ask me about how Honour Roll will work, so I wanted to put up a post. This year Van Tech and most high schools in Vancouver are having honour roll calculated by the district. The requirements are pretty strict, but it does certainly mean that getting on is quite the acomplishment! Here's how it breaks down.

Honour roll - An average of 86% in your best 7 classes. If you are taking 8 classes then you drop your worst mark. If you're taking off timetable classes (choir or strings) then it's your best 7 of 9 or 10 classes instead. Remember, this doesn't mean getting 86% in each class, but that it needs to be your average. Good math lesson... Take your 7 best marks, add them together, divide by 7. If that numer is 86 or above you made it!

Honour Roll with Distinction (if they keep this name) - A's in every class.

Honour rolls will be announced after the winter break. By the looks of report cards, we'll be having lots of students to celebrate! Great work 8s.

Screen addiction is a real concern among our students, but also, increasingly, with all of us. I've attached an article I liked reading about the topic.

​Link to article: http://blog.ctrinstitute.com/teens-and-technology/

Here's a few tips for helping support healthy use of cell phones, which I particularly like...
1. Recognize that cell phones are filling a void for connection. Engaging our kids in shared and enjoyable activities is important.
2. Collaborate to build guidelines and rules for cell phone use. Kids can be very reasonable people, but we don't always engage them to be a part of the decision making process.
3. Take an interest in what your kids are interested in. Not sure what Snapchat is about? Or why someone would want to use it? Ask them. Get a sense of what value it is giving them.

It's a fantastic tradition here at Van Tech to have a Grade 8 Santa's Breakfast once per year. It's an opportunity for students to be served by their teachers, enjoy some great food, maybe win a door prize, and eat some pancakes! The cafeteria will be decorated for the ocassion.

When: Friday, December 9th - Arrive by 8am
Where: VT Cafeteria
Who: All grade 8s who signed up and have a ticket
What: Pancakes, whipped cream, turkey sausages, mandarin oranges, orange juice, hot chocolate, etc.
Remember: Bring your ticket and $2 if you can

If you're looking for information on Fentanyl the Justice Institute has come out with a great resource.

Check it here: https://www.fentanylsafety.com/