The 2009/2010 school year is rapidly
coming to a close. At this time, I would like to thank the
many teacher, parent, and student volunteers who do so much
to support the healthy spirit and operation of Semiahmoo
Secondary School. I am grateful for your dedication and
effort in coaching, service, clubs, PAC, School Planning
Council, Dry Grad and more. You are appreciated!
As Grade
8 - 11 students leave for the summer and graduates adjust to
a post-secondary world, several staff members, too, will be
experiencing important life changes. Some long-time Semi
teachers will be retiring at year end. Congratulations and
best wishes to: Mr. Connal (PE, English), Mr. Ritchie (SS,
Law), Ms. Korst (French), Ms. Clark (ESL), Mrs. Drescher
(Home Ec), and Ms. Rein (Careers). Farewell, also, to Mrs.
Davis (receptionist) who has served as the "Voice of
Semiahmoo" for over 10 years!
For
2010-2011, as well, sadly, I will be losing a key member of
my administrative team as Mr. Tait leaves Semiahmoo to take
a new position as Vice Principal at Enver Creek Secondary.
He will be missed by teachers, students, and their families
for his fairness, hard work, and kind approach. His role
will be filled by Mr. McLeod who will join us from his
current job as Vice Principal at Sullivan Heights Secondary.
This
will be our final school newsletter for the year. The next
one will be mailed home to families the week of August 23.
Please check the current newsletter for important June exam
schedules, the 2010-2011 school calendar, a school fee list,
and the new bell schedule.
I sent
home a letter to all parents on June 1 to confirm that the
Surrey School Board had adopted a local calendar proposal
for the 2010-2011 school year. For schools, this means 5
closure days (March 28-April 1, 2011) and 6 common
non-instructional (Pro D) days (September 27, October 22,
November 12, February 11, May 6, and May 30) across the
District. I have adjusted the bell schedule at Semiahmoo to
accommodate required instructional time to make up for 5
fewer days of classes. Please see the new schedule on page
3. I believe it is very "user friendly" and respects
programs and values in this building.
On June
2, Semiahmoo hosted the traditional Commencement Ceremony
for the Class of 2010 at the Chandos-Pattison Theatre.
Nearly 300 grads walked the stage in front of a packed
audience of proud families and friends, winning well over
$300,000 in scholarships and awards. Congratulations! We are
very grateful to all local scholarship donors who
consistently support the post-secondary educational plans of
Semi students. To the Class of 2010 - go out and conquer the
world!
Upcoming
highlight events include the Athletic Awards evening on June
8, the final Music Concert on June 9, and the School Awards
Night on June 28. Be sure to mark your calendars.
I am
proud to report that our Girls' Rugby Team placed third in
the Provincial Playoffs. Well done team members and coaches
Brine, Kaye, and Ellstad! Our Track and Field Team also
ended the year with several impressive gold medals: Senior
Boys 4X400 team (Jack Williams, Dylan Weichel, Lucas
Ference, and Adam Paul-Morris); Grades 8/9 800m (Alison
Williams); and Grades 8/9 4X400 (Alison Williams, Meghan
Palesch, Breanna Parks, and Tiffany Berry). Bravo!
Be sure
to watch for student timetables and a newsletter mailed home
the week of August 23. Please check all schedules thoroughly
and follow directions in the accompanying newsletter
regarding counsellor appointments. All students should have
reviewed draft schedules distributed in homeroom on June 4.
Please ensure selections are appropriate now as there will
be little opportunity for change in
September.
Congratulations to all Grade 12's. All the best in your life
journey!
Thank
you for another great year at the home of the Totems.
Bea Hadikin
Principal
New Calendar
