Pink Day Assembly: Diversity Film Festival Presentation

We had  a Diversity Film Festival Presentation today to conclude our Pink Day.  April Struthers presented some interesting information about some trends on the Sunshine Coast and presented three short films which dealt with topics of diversity.  The information presented provided some excellent food for thought.

Pink Day Dancing

Students are seen enjoying the dance unit today.  All staff and students were given a pink shirt to commemorate Pink Day, or Anti-Bullying Day.  As part of the day we have a diversity film festival presentation the  last block of the day.

PSL Action

The Indoor Soccer intramural program, an annual traditional at Pender Harbour Secondary School, has started. I have posted a few pictures from today's PSL action.

Science 10: Chemistry Experiment

Ms. Mullin's had her students doing a chemistry experiment in Science 10 today. The students were enjoying the hands on aspect of learning chemistry.  Good job!!

Anti-Bullying Day

I just wanted to remind everyone that this Wednesday is Anti-Bullying Day, also known as Pink Shirt Day.  All of our staff and students will receive a pink shirt to mark this day.  We will also be have a Diversity Film Festival, the last block of the day on Wednesday, which coincides nicely with this.  I hope to get a picture of everyone in the school donning their pink shirts!

Jean Pierre Makosso Visits Pender

Story-teller, Jean Pierre Makosso, warmed up Mr. Stoddart's Grade 10 English class as part of his workshop with our students this afternoon. His workshop winds up our Literacy Week activities.

If you are interested in learning more about Jean Pierre Makosso go his his website at:  http://www.makossovillage.com/acting.html

Many thanks to Kim Foster, Literacy Program Coordinator (Pender Harbour Community School), for facilitating the Literacy Week and bringing in our guest presenters this week!

Clay Projects

Mr. Shaw showed me some of the clay projects that his students are working on.  He is pleased with their efforts and indicated that his students are really enjoying the medium. I look forward to seeing the projects once they are fired with glaze.

Students Perform at PHSS Coffee House

Our Coffee House went well and the talent was awesome.  We had poetry, prose, slam poetry, songs, and a variety of music.  Great job everyone!

Coffee House

Financial Literacy Presentation

As part of Literacy Week, Mrs Dimond brought in guest speakers from our local Credit Union to do a presentation on Financial Literacy.  The grad class had the opportunity to hear about budgeting, savings strategies, investing, and other important issues that graduating HS students face.  Thank you to our local Credit Union for providing this worthwhile workshop!

Gambling and Other Addictive Behaviours

Mrs. Dimond had a guest speaker for Planning 10 today.  Issues around gambling and other addicting behaviours were discussed.  The students seemed really engaged in the information that was presented. It's great to get outside specialists in to address some of these critical issues.

Songwriting Workshop Today

As part of  PHSS Literacy Week Lowry Olafson presented a songwriting workshop for our students. The song titled, "Only If" is available to download via Lowry's website.

Fresh produce!!!

As part of the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Program we receive fresh produce every two weeks.  We currently have a variety of fresh organic apples-- they are a big hit with our students.

Just a reminder that we have a PAC Meeting tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm.  All parents and guardians are welcome to attend our PAC Meetings.  I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Video Blog Today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqjIymo6FXE

Valentine's Day Fun

Our leadership group put on the annual Valentine's Day Assembly, which provided a lot of laughter for our staff and students. Thanks to our student leaders for doing an awesome job!  Thanks to Mr. Mocellin for his support as well.

Pro-D Day Today

Our staff is at Chatelech Secondary School for a District Professional Development Day.  Our staff is engaged in a variety of activities, including looking at inquiry questions, and participating in a variety of   subject area groups.

I have also worked with some teachers working on adding Flickr to their blogs.

Overall it has been a good day of learning and sharing.

Remember, Monday is BC Family Day and school is not in session.  Have a great long weekend!

Biology 12

Oil, water and soap......that's right, add the soap to breakdown the oil!

 Ms. Mullins Biology 12 students were learning some valuable information that they may need to know when doing dishes and wanting to get oil off of dishes.  I missed them making snow earlier in class.  The students are definitely enjoying the practical applications of science.

Storyteller Ivan Coyote Brings Laughter and Reality to Pender

Award-winning author of six collections of short stories, one novel, three CD's, four short films and renowned performer, Ivan Coyote humoured the PHSS staff and students and shared some harsh realities that  adversely affect students and others years after graduation.  Her performance was hilarious at times, and thought provoking at other times.  She ended with a question and answer time and was able to share some heart breaking realities, along with her thoughts on how to pursuit your dreams.

She will be performing at Chatelech SS and Elphinstone SS tomorrow, as well as the Sechelt Art Gallery tomorrow evening.

Junior Boys' Basketball Team Win Thriller

Our junior boys' basketball team played Chatelech Secondary School, in Sechelt, this afternoon and returned home with a thrilling 31-30 victory!  Angus V. scored a free throw with less than a minute to go in the contest and our boys played with discipline and ran out the clock for the win. Jordan H. had a strong game for Pender with 14 points.

There is a rematch at PHSS this Thursday after school.  Stop by the gym at 3:30 pm if you want to see an exciting game!

Semester Two Begins Today

With the start of a new semester, some students got some new classes.  The grade 8 students had their first shop elective today and they were tasked to do some drafting.  It is a new skill for most students, but they seemed to have done well with their first assignment.

If you are planning ahead, this Friday is a District Pro-D Day and classes not in session, as well as on Monday, Feb. 11th, as it is a civic holiday-- BC Family Day.