New Data Cameras in Use

Miss Mullins set up her new data cam this morning and has already started using it. The new data cams have the ability to take pictures or videos. Look for some of these in upcomingg blogs.

Back at PHSS Today

After spending all of yesterday at the SD 46 Office, as part of the Bargaining Team for the local teachers' contract, I was happy to be back at school, working with our students and teachers. I have posted a couple of pictures taken in Mr. Wall's Carpentry class. The students are doing a variety of interesting projects.

Indoor Soccer

Mr. Mocellin had his PE class working on indoor soccer skills when I stopped by this morning. The students seemed to enjoying the activity which included a game the latter part of class.

Pro-D Day Today

With power being knocked out throughout the Coast school employees have been engaged in Pro-D activities today. After spending time at PHSS I have worked my way down to Sechelt for a workshop on "Netcentron," an Internet Security Server. School will be back in session tomorrow. Have a good day.

Interview Time

Juana is preparing for an interview in Ms. MacInnes' English 9 class. The class has been studying "The Pearl" and students are interviewing characters of the book.

Yearbook Webinar & Junior Rugby Practice

It was busy after school today with the yearbook crew involved with a webinar, while the junior boys' rugby team had their first practice of the year.

Art with Mrs. Sametz

I stopped by Mrs. Sametz Art class this afternoon and took a few pictures. The students were engaged in their work and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Terry Fox Run Volunteers

Thanks to our Grade 10 volunteers who are working with the students of MPES in preparation of the Terry Fox Run next week. Thank you girls!

Filtration System Almost Complete

SD46 maintenance workers have been working here today to get the last phase of the new filtration system complete. Once they are done, we will be getting our water tested. Once we get the green light from the from Vancouver Health we will have fountains installed and we will be able to drink the water. It has been a long time coming!

Music to my ears

I stopped by Ms. MacInnes' Band class and took a few pictures which I have included here.

Carpentry Projects

When I stopped by Mr. Wall's Carpentry class today students were engaged doing a variety of projects. I have posted a few pictures of some of the students here.

Shop Students in Action

I was really impressed with the work that students were doing in Mr. Walls Metal Shop class this morning. I have posted some pictures of students using the metal lathe-- students are making screw drivers or wrenches. Good job boys! I am off to a meeting in Sechelt. Until tomorrow. Mr H

Fresco, Shading & All About Me

I stopped by Mrs. Sametz Art class and took a few pictures of some of the students work. There is a picture of a fresco (a tree, which will be painted later), some shading work and some Grade 7 projects, "All About Me." I will continue to post pictures of students art work throughout the semester.

PAC Meeting Update

Our PAC Meeting last night was well attended and a new executive is now in place. It was great getting a chance to meet some of the parents and I look forward to having a positive year with our PAC. I hope to get a PAC Blog up and running soon so the information from the PAC can be accessed by parents and guardians.

Presentation on Social Media

Jesse Miller's presentation on Social Media, this morning, was excellent. He pointed out that privacy, on Facebook, is not really private at all. His presentation was compelling and provided our staff and students a lot of food for thought. I strongly suggest that parents have a conversation about the presentation with their children-- it will be enlightening. Until later. Mr. H

Hot Breakfast

Our Hot Breakfast Program has begun. Kim Foster is facilitating this on behalf of our Community School. Hot breakfast will be served on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00- 9:00 am. It is the great way to start the day if one hasn't had breakfast at home before the start of the school day. For your information the Hot Lunch Program will run on Wednesdays-- the cost is $4.

Grade 10 Science Experiment

Ms. Mullins' Grade 10 Science class did their first experiment today. When I stopped by the students were really engaged in the experiment, which was great to see.

Girls 7/8 Volleyball Practice

The grade 7/8 girls' volleyball team had their first practice, at lunch today, with Mr. Moecellin. The girls seemed to be enjoying themselves. Until later. Mr. H

Band 7

The multi-talented Ms. MacInnes had students demonstrate the proper technique in Band 7 today. The students did well overall. A comment that she did make for students that were struggling was, "You'll have to work at it."

Until later. Mr. H

The Great Weather Continues

We have continued to be blessed with great weather. I took advantage of it this past weekend, going to the beach on Saturday and Sunday. I know that many of our students did the same. I have been pleased with the students transition to school work after the summer holiday. I am making connections with the students as I try to get into classes daily. The pictures here were taken in Mrs. Sametz Visual Arts Class. From what I have seen to date, our teachers are doing a great job inspiring our students. We want to challenge our students academically and hope that they respond to the rigor. I look forward to seeing many of you this Wednesday evening at our first PAC Meeting of the year-- start time is 7:00 pm. Until later. Mr. H

Shop Safety

Mr. Walls was reviewing some safety procedures in the Metal Shop when I stopped by this morning. The students seemed to be really engaged. Until later. Mr. H

Outdoor Education: A Bowknot

Mr. Lewis was teaching his outdoor education students to tie a bowknot when I stopped by today. Our Superintendent, Patrick Bocking, stopped by for a visit so he was able to see the students in action. Until later. Mr. H

Safety Issues

It is important that students practice common sense when coming to school and going home at the end of the school day. The above sign (the picture which was taken in a small Italy village) reminded me that we must speak to our kids about safety. I am particularly concerned with students riding long boards without helmets. If you child rides a board I would appreciate it if you would have a chat about the reasons for wearing a helmet. Don't get me wrong, there are many kids that do wear proper gear and I do appreciate that, but I mention it because I have seen some of our students off school grounds riding down the highway without helmets. Hopefully we will have a safe and productive year. As you can see from the webpage, our sign has changed and the Wednesday, September 14th PAC Meeting reminder has been added to the board. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Have a great evening. Mr. H

Skateboard Parking & iCal Training

Thanks to our Site Maintenance Man (Dave) we have parking for students skateboards. Thanks Dave!

Photogenic Students and Staff

Ms. Sametz took a few pictures yesterday and passed them on to me. I have included a picture of some grade 9 students, our SETAs (Ursula Dornbierer, Barb Johnston & Jen Campbell) and our Special Ed. Teacher, Marian deJong.

First Day @ PHSS

Today was our first day of the new academic year. It was nice to meet the students and to get a chance to speak with them.
We had a broken window, in Mr. Walls Socials portable, to clean up to start the day. Things did get better after that.

After our introductory assembly students went to home rooms and then we ran through a Day One and Day Two.

We will get into our regular routine tomorrow-- Wednesday is a Day 3 (BADC).

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Getting ready for our start up tomorrow.

What a beautiful Labour Day weekend. I stopped by the school today to get a few last minute things organized.

I look forward to meeting our students tomorrow!

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Mr.H