The Report Card Blues

Hi Grade 9's!

I've had the opportunity to meet with all students who had 2 or more failing subjects in the hope of helping you improve for next term. Don't despair - the best lessons are learned from our biggest mistakes. The best news is that you have two more terms to make up your marks for the courses you failed in first term. Learn from those friends of yours that did well this term. Ask them how they study, how much time they spend on homework and what motivates them to do well. Better yet, study together and take advantage of the Home Work Club and Math Tutor Club. Anything worth having is worth working for. Can you honestly say that you have given your best effort this term? What can you do to improve?

If you've given your best effort and you're are still doing poorly on your courses, ask your teachers what they recommend or come by and chat with me. Maybe we can come up with a solution.

Remember, consistent effort will bring you to success!

Congratulations to those of you who made Honour Roll, Effort Honour Roll and the Prinicpal's List! Stop by my office for a treat. Let's celebrate . . .

Interim Reports

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to meet with all of you who got N's on your interim report cards. Maybe we can come up with a plan to improve these marks. Congrats to those of you with G's! I've noticed and am proud of your efforts.

Unfortunately, with the added blocks some timetables will be changed. Sorry about this - everyone is frustrated with this process but it will all work out in the end. Come and see me if you need anything or just to chat!

Almost Done!

Well, I'm almost done completing student timetables. If your timetable is incomplete, please remember to come to the Counselling office during your missing block. Some students have asked to change courses. Unfortunately, this cannot be done at this time. Most electives are full but you can check back with me from time to time.

Time Table Conflicts

There are still a number of you that need to make an appointment to see me if you have timetable conflicts. Check my door for the schedule and please sign up. Remember I work only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, so please come on those days. You can email me if you have a concern. Email: aalvares@vsb.bc.ca

Looking forward to meeting each of you soon!

Hot Stones and Funny Bones

I recently read an excellent book that I highly recommend to all teenagers, just like you! It's titled Hot Stones and Funny Bones by Brian Luke Seaward. This authour interviewed hundreds of teenagers to get their perspective on issues facing teens today. In this book, teens offer advice to other teens about how to cope with teenage issues: stress, friendships, depression, faith, self-esteem, etc. This book is so good, I'm recommending it to parents as well!

Self-Esteem

Well, I just finished reading an excellent book on self-esteem, so I thought I would share it with you. It's Nathaniel Branden's A Woman's Self-Esteem. Don't be fooled by the title because it's relevant for both guys and gals. Here's a quote from his book:
"Self-Esteem is a reflection of how we live, how we meet the challenges of life, not what we have or how we look, or how popular we might be."

What do you think of this statement?

I've included a link on an article he wrote if you want to read more.

My plan is to explore this topic more fully with you in the school year.

Just Learning . . .

Hi students,

I am excited to work with all of you, but I am very new to this blog stuff so please be patient with me. Some of you know me from Sexsmith Elementary and four of you I actually taught when you were in Grade 5 - you know who you are. It's amazing how paths cross in one's life. I am here for all of you, so let me know how I can help. Find me here or in my office - second floor. Looking forward to a great year.