Principal's Message - June 2013

June 2013

To the Proud Parents of our Sullivan Heights STARS,

Sullivan Heights is having a very busy, but successful year end.  Students are working hard to complete their coursework and prepare for exams.  If your child is in grades 10, 11 or 12 and they have a provincial exam; please see the schedule on our website.

Our talented Drama / Theatre classes performed three one-act plays in the Bell Centre on May 22 and 23.  Also on May 23 our student council put on a hugely successful school carnival for our community.  There was cotton candy, pizza, games, a bouncy castle and student performances.  A good time was had by all!  On June 11 the Fine Arts department presented an extravaganza of entertainment—dancing, music and dramatic performances.   It was wonderfully entertaining.

Sullivan Heights hosted 90 visiting students from Japan on May 30.  Our student ambassadors met with their Japanese “buddy”, took them on a tour of the school, took them to their period 2 class and ate lunch with them.  It was nice to see the students exchanging e-mail addresses.

Our graduating class of 2013 attended their grad dinner / dance on June 7 at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.  This was followed by the parent-run dry grad activity at the Shannon Hall in Cloverdale.  Thank you, dry grad parents, for all your hard work!  On June 12 they attended their commencement at the Bell Centre.  We wish our grads a wonderful, fulfilling and exciting future.

Yearbooks were distributed on June 11.  Students were given time, space and cookies so they could get signatures from their friends and classmates. 

Locker cleanout happened on June 14.  Parents please ask your child to check the lost and found for shoes, clothing etc. that belongs to them.

Awards evening is on June 24 at 7:00 pm in the Bell Centre. 

Report cards will be handed out on June 27 at 10:00 am in Discovery class.  Please remind your child to come and pick it up.  If you have questions please contact your child’s teacher on June 27th or 28th (before the start of summer break.)

We have some changes for next year.  The bell schedule is slightly changed.  Please see the new schedule on this website.

On behalf of the staff at Sullivan Heights Secondary School I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your child/children a healthy, happy summer break.

Sincerely,

Sue Knox
Acting Principal

 

Principal's Message - March 2013

To the our STAR parents and Guardians:

 We are now well into our second semester at Sullivan Heights. Our students have settled into their classes and we’re all looking forward to many more great learning opportunities this semester.

 As we start our second semester, I would like to formally welcome a few new STARS to our teaching staff. Welcome to Mr. Lo who has joined our Science and Planning Departments, to Mr. Maretz to our Math and Science Departments, to Ms. Kim to our English and LST Departments, and to Ms. Quenneville to our Drama Department.  On the administrative front, as you have probably already heard, we now have a new vice principal, Ms. Sue Beyer.  We are very fortunate to have Ms. Beyer join our Sullivan Family.  She comes to us from Maple Ridge where she worked as school counselor.  She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise.  She is replacing Mr. Ranu who left us to continue his good work at Kwantlan Park Secondary.  We wish Mr. Ranu well and continued success in his new position.

 As you should already know, we are well into our course selection process for next year.  Our counselors thank you for playing such an active role in helping your children navigate the decision-making process of course selection for graduation and post-secondary entrance.  If you should have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s course selection or graduation plan, please contact your child’s counselor.

 Interim Reports, Honour Roll certificates and Super “G” awards went home on March 6^th.  Congratulations to all the students who made the Honor Roll and or earned a Super “G” award.  You can access our Honour Roll and Super “G” lists on our website at http://goo.gl/KkPD4 If you didn’t receive an interim or if you have concerns about your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teacher. 

 In recognition of some of the great work and activities taking place at Sullivan Heights, I have put together a brief summary of events from the past few months that can be viewed at http://goo.gl/ykf7R.  As you can see we are a busy place full of many activities and learning experiences. I am proud to say that our enthusiastic and engaging staff maintain a high standard of professionalism and make Sullivan Heights a great place for learning.  What goes with this of course is the integrity and character of all our students.  Every day I am flooded with smiles, positive enthusiasm and energized students who actively engage in their learning.

 On the parent advisory front, our PAC meetings have been well attended and are taking place on the last Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in our Library.  I encourage all parents to come get involved. Join our PAC meetings and you’ll get information updates and get a feel for the pulse of the school.  Information about our PAC can be found at http://goo.gl/dDPCD.

 As we all move into our two-week spring vacation, from all of us at Sullivan Heights, we wish you and yours a very safe and restful Spring Break.  To all of our parents and guardians, we thank you for playing such an active role in your child’s education.  Your commitment to actively engaging in our school community and ensuring your children get to school on time goes long way in helping all our students be successful. 

Have a great two-weeks and we’ll see you on Tuesday April 2^nd.

Rex Hayes

Principal

 

 

March 2013 - Sullivan Highlights

Global Issues – Mr. Jaggernathsingh, Ms. Garr & Ms. Stevens

Anti-Bullying Pink Shirt Day and Critter Care:

  

Our Global Issues Club encouraged students and staff to wear pink to show their support for Canada's Anti-Bullying initiative, Pink Shirt Day on February 27th. In support of this message, Discovery students were able to view spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan's anti-bullying poem "To This Day". Koyczan's poem provides a moving and emotional account of the lasting impact of bullying, and the power of words.

Stop Bullying Video:  Two of our very own Sullivan Heights Secondary students made a stop bullying video as part of the 2013 Stop Bullying Film Contest in Surrey.  Tashi & Keziah made a movie for the City of surrey and earned a top 3 finalist for the Grade 11 & 12 category.  Check out the video at:  http://goo.gl/zxvIC  Show you’re appreciation  by clicking LIKE the video on YOUTUBE.

Sullivan Critter Care:  As well, our club encouraged period 4 classes to raise funds in support of Critter Care Wildlife Society, an organization that specializes in the treatment, care and release of sick, injured and orphaned Native Mammal species of British Columbia's Southern and Lower Mainland. In total, Sullivan Heights raised an incredible $339.89.

  

Free the Children presentation - Ms. Stevens

On February 26th 2013, Sullivan Heights Secondary enthusiastically welcomed presenters Alex Atkinson and Andrew Martin from the Free the Children and TELUS “Give Where You Live” Speaking Tour. With the mission to empower and inspire youth to create positive and powerful social change, Free the Children presenters shared their own stories and personal experiences of giving back to their communities and contributing to philanthropic initiatives both locally and globally. Their enthusiasm and positivity was infectious and they provided Sullivan students with many concrete and creative ideas to explore their own passions, and to transform these passions into initiatives for positive change. This motivational and empowering message continued into an interactive workshop in the afternoon for 16 fortunate Sullivan Heights’ students. The workshop consisted of an active planning session that provided resources and support networks for our socially minded student leaders. A big thank-you to Ms. Stevens and the Global Issues Club for organizing this amazing presentation.

Newspaper Club – Ms. Painchaud

Keep posted for the new Sullivan Heights  newspaper… coming soon as an electronic version.

Congratulations to Bernice D. for winning gold in "Design Category"for the Skills Canada Surrey competition. A big thank you to Ms. Painchaud for organizing the Skills Canada competition here at Sullivan Heights.   

Homework Club – Mr. Bloom

Meets every Tuesdays and Wednesdays during 5th period in Room B110.  Anyone interested in getting help with their homework is welcome to attend.

Student Council - Ms. Becker
Student Council ran another successful pancake breakfast on Valentine's Day - serving over 300 students pancakes.  As well we sold and delivered a record number of flowergrams - 350 roses went out that day. 

Active Living and Leadership – Physical Education Department

Recent activities include Snowshoeing, Taekwondo, Senior PE classes mentoring feeder schools, Broomball, YMCA cycle fit, Skating, Blogging reflections and authentic, transparent assessment. We are so lucky to have such an amazing Active Learning Department.  They do a great job of promoting and encouraging healthy living.

Jr. Girls Basketball – Coach Mark De La Cruz

Well done to our very own Sullivan Heights Jr Girls Basketball Team for winning the Surrey Tier 2 Banner!  Tremendous efforts were put in by all members of the team.  Way to go Stars!      

Science – Ms. Leonard and Mr. Edwards

Who says blowing bubbles with bubble gum is not scientific? Science 8 classes tested out various bubble gum brands.  In some cases the bubble was hands down far superior then its competition. Ask this science 8 student which gum she may buy next time at the store?

BASES – Mr. Yoo & Ms. Casalis

The school store is up and running thanks to our BASES students.  The intent of our school store is to provide valuable work experience for our BASES students who are unable to leave campus.  Currently we have 6 seniors working in the store.  Five more seniors will join the original six next weeks for a total of 11 students.  We currently have three Bases students working off campus for work experience.

English Department Updates - Ms. Nielsen

Student-led Conferences - On March 7^th, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Garr, and Ms. Nielsen took on the new initiative of student-led conferences during parent-teacher night.  Students were able to take parents to their classrooms and demonstrate their learning by sharing their achievements and their goals with their parents.   This was an extremely successful venture, which we are looking forward to repeating on future parent nights.

Third Annual Poetry Slam - On March 8, 2013 Sullivan Heights held its third annual poetry slam.  Thanks to the generous contribution of our PAC, we were able to bring in three young poets from the Vancouver Poetry House, who presented their spoken word poetry in front of an audience of over 500 Sullivan students.  In the afternoon, several budding Sullivan poets had the opportunity to write their own spoken word poetry during a workshop in the library.

Sullivan Students Compete in National Poetry Competition - Three Sullivan students, Eiram C., Twinkle B., and Jaime K. will be submitting their entries to the National Poetry in Voice Competition (www.poetryinvoice.com).  This competition has slowly spread across the country, finally reaching B.C. this year.   Sullivan Heights is the only Surrey school participating.  Sullivan students had the opportunity to hear the talents of these three gifted orators at the opening of the poetry slam on March 8^th.  Good luck girls!

Sullivan Students to Compete in Surrey School District Speech Meet - On March 13^th, ten Sullivan students ranging from grade 8 to grade 12 will be representing Sullivan at the Wayne Houston Memorial Speech Meet held at Tamanawis Secondary.  These students will present a three to five minute speech on a topic of their choice, and then will compose an impromptu speech based on a famous quote, when they arrive on Wednesday.   Students compete in two rounds before dinner, and finals are held in the evening.  

Mark your calendars!  Shakespeare is coming to Sullivan! - On April 15^th, Sullivan students will have the opportunity to see a one-man Shakespeare production in the theatre.  A Mirror up to Nature is a 60 minute, one-man show about the world Shakespeare wrote about. It includes strolls through London, a ranting minister, a diseased monarch, two trips to the Globe and one to the bear-baiting Gardens, a day in the life of Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a gruesome triple execution and four Shakespearean speeches.  It is packed with trivia, gore, fun and words. It is a mirror held up to the world Shakespeare wrote about.  It also encourages young people to practice their oral communication skills.

Grad Transitions Interviews – Ms. Pacheco and Ms. Rogerson

Our Grads came to their GTP interviews dressed to impress! Thank you to all of our guests who interviewed our grads and for making it such a success, for both our grads and school as a whole.

Dance News – Ms. Law

The Sullivan dance program and teams have had a very busy season so far and are looking forward to many more exciting events and performances!

  

In January, the all boys crew, E.N.T.I attended the "Shamrock" dance competition at St. Patrick's Secondary in Vancouver and placed 2nd overall in their category! Next up, the teams attended Outbreak 2013 and the ENTI boys placed 3rd in their division while our Junior team placed 1st overall. Coach and choreographer Cire Perena also received a special recognition award for his terrific choreography. Next up, all teams attended the tough footloose competition in Richmond and our Juniors took 3rd place and E.N.T.I 4th against some very tough competition!

Recently, the teams competed at the Notorious competition and both the Junior team and E.N.T took 1st place in their divisions while our senior large team placed 4th!

Coming up, teams will be travelling to Kelowna to perform with and compete against teams from all over the province!

  

**Workshop Opportunities**

Keep an eye out for exciting workshop opportunities for dancers of all ages and levels! Sullivan Advanced and Jazz team dancers will be working on a large group showcase Jazz routine while Chantal Kumar will be leading a large group Polynesion routine!

On Thursday March 14th, ENTI and members of our senior team will be hosting and all-ages, all-levels workshop for any interested students, parents, siblings and prospective future team members! Come join the fun and see Ms. Law or any senior dance team member for details!

  

Grad 2013

A very impressive GRAD legacy...Over 30 grads spent the evening the night before Anti-Bullying day at the school writing motivational messages on various coloured post-it-notes and then placed them on each and every locker throughout the school.  With over 1180 lockers and over 1180 messages, it was an inspirational display of school spirit that was both uplifting and heartfelt. I can't thank you enough for this tremendous show of generosity and kindness.

   

Science 8 – Ms. Leonard

Learning science made fun with edible and pillowed cells! Grade 8 student’s Nimrit B, Gagan D and Miki S. showcasing their outstanding work and effort.  Would anyone like some mitochondria?  Well done girls!

Course Selection Starts This Week

Course selection for students going into Grades 9/10 will start with an assembly on Feb. 12th . Students will be given their sheets to review with families and then students will enter their choices into the computer at school in the following weeks.  Students going into Grades 11/12 will have their assembly on Feb 13th and will be instructed to enter their course selection on-line at home Feb. 13 – Feb 18.  

Parent Workshop Jan 24: Drug Active Teens

The district will be holding a two-hour workshop at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School developed to offer parents of drug-active teens a better understanding of how to respond to substance use issues affecting your teen and family. Read More