Two 17-year-old students from Rivers Collegiate (RCI) have been selected to attend the 35th Annual Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) in Sydney, Australia. From July 12 to 25, 2009, Cassandra Pryzner and Josie Paddock will attend “Genes to Galaxies”; a 2-week program operated by the Science Foundation for Physics at the University of Sydney. Since 1974, the ISS has hosted seminars for exceptional grade 11 and 12 students from across the globe. Until this year, no Canadian students have ever been invited to attend.
There is an interesting personal connection as well. Born in tiny Levine Siding, MB, in 1922, Professor Messel completed his public school in Rivers before attending Queen’s University and serving in the Second World War. After moving to Australia in 1951, he was appointed as Head of the School of Physics at the University of Sydney in 1952, retiring in 1987. Still busy in his late 80s, Professor Messel was personally responsible for ensuring the first two Canadians to ever attend the ISS were from his home town. The opportunity for Ms. Paddock and Ms. Pryzner to attend developed after Professor Messel was contacted by Donna Morken of Rivers.
In conjunction with Rivers Collegiate, plans are underway for the two grade 12 students to attend ISS 2009. While the program in Australia is paid for, scholarship winners and chaperones are responsible for return transportation to Australia. A budget of $10,000 has been set to cover travel costs. Municipal, Provincial, and Federal levels of government have been contacted for their support. RCI is confident that the significant financial expense can be met through government support as well as contributions from the business community. Marlin Travel in Brandon has agreed to organize travel arrangements for the Rivers Collegiate students and chaperones.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Energy Drinks: NOT like Coffee!
I’d like to spend some time this month talking about the prevalence of so-called “Energy Drinks” that I’ve seen at RCI. In accordance with our school’s nutrition policy, no energy drinks are sold at school. That of course does not stop students from getting their hands on them. Kids argue that drinks such as Red Devil, Monster, and Amp are “no different than a cup of coffee”. Don’t believe this statement! Some energy drinks have the same caffeine content as 2 espressos or as much as 6 cans of Coca-Cola!
The other issue is that a teenager’s body is NOTHING like that of an adult. Hormonal levels are different, the required nutritional intake is different, and all credible research states that teens’ minds are still developing. By ingesting a significant amount of a stimulant such as caffeine to a still-developing teen, what are the long-term effects? We simply don’t know, as these items have been on the market for less than a decade, and teens have only been an acknowledged target for advertising in recent years.
RCI will not enforce a “ban” on energy drinks. They are not sold on-site; and so it is up to parents and students to make healthy choices themselves. It is quite a different situation when someone in their 20s, 30s, or 40s (or older) has a can of Red Bull to help them last through a long day, than it is for a 15 year old to have one for breakfast. That isn’t hypocrisy, that’s reality. “Just cause mom and dad do it”, isn’t the right reason for a teenager to follow suit.
If parent have any additional questions around the content of energy drinks, lots of information is available online. Just Google “Energy Drinks”!
Mr. SheppardPrincipal
The other issue is that a teenager’s body is NOTHING like that of an adult. Hormonal levels are different, the required nutritional intake is different, and all credible research states that teens’ minds are still developing. By ingesting a significant amount of a stimulant such as caffeine to a still-developing teen, what are the long-term effects? We simply don’t know, as these items have been on the market for less than a decade, and teens have only been an acknowledged target for advertising in recent years.
RCI will not enforce a “ban” on energy drinks. They are not sold on-site; and so it is up to parents and students to make healthy choices themselves. It is quite a different situation when someone in their 20s, 30s, or 40s (or older) has a can of Red Bull to help them last through a long day, than it is for a 15 year old to have one for breakfast. That isn’t hypocrisy, that’s reality. “Just cause mom and dad do it”, isn’t the right reason for a teenager to follow suit.
If parent have any additional questions around the content of energy drinks, lots of information is available online. Just Google “Energy Drinks”!
Mr. SheppardPrincipal
Monday, November 10, 2008
RCI Ramblings: Nov. 10, 2008
It seems as if we just blinked and half a term has passed us by. The days are getting colder, the snow is falling, Remembrance Day has come and gone, and mid-term exams are just around the corner.
Parents, please be advised that mid-term exams are scheduled for Nov. 13 and 14 for our grade 9-12 students. An exam schedule went home weeks ago, including a permission form for parents to sign, allowing students to leave after they have completed their exams. Grade 7 and 8 students will have “classes as usual” during the high school exam period. Our goal is to have report cards sent home on Nov. 18 or 19. Either way, if your kid comes home next week without a report card, ask!
Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Nov. 20 (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Nov. 21 (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It takes school, parent, and student commitment to ensure our young people succeed. On a special note, remember that a fundraising bake sale will be held to raise money for new curtains for the RCI gym stage. If you would like to donate baking or treats for this cause, please either drop the baking off anytime on Nov. 19 or 20 at the school, or call Heather Gray at 328-5254 to make arrangements.
Good luck as well to our Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball team who have qualified for provincials this year! A big thanks goes out to Brett Nohr, who is coaching the girls.
Stay warm!
It seems as if we just blinked and half a term has passed us by. The days are getting colder, the snow is falling, Remembrance Day has come and gone, and mid-term exams are just around the corner.
Parents, please be advised that mid-term exams are scheduled for Nov. 13 and 14 for our grade 9-12 students. An exam schedule went home weeks ago, including a permission form for parents to sign, allowing students to leave after they have completed their exams. Grade 7 and 8 students will have “classes as usual” during the high school exam period. Our goal is to have report cards sent home on Nov. 18 or 19. Either way, if your kid comes home next week without a report card, ask!
Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Nov. 20 (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Nov. 21 (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It takes school, parent, and student commitment to ensure our young people succeed. On a special note, remember that a fundraising bake sale will be held to raise money for new curtains for the RCI gym stage. If you would like to donate baking or treats for this cause, please either drop the baking off anytime on Nov. 19 or 20 at the school, or call Heather Gray at 328-5254 to make arrangements.
Good luck as well to our Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball team who have qualified for provincials this year! A big thanks goes out to Brett Nohr, who is coaching the girls.
Stay warm!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
November approaches with the promise of another busy month at RCI. We are rapidly approaching the midway point of Semester I, so that means Mid-Term exams, and parent-teacher interviews. Aside from that, there are also many other activities to be aware of.
Nov. 5: Grads/Parents Information Session – 7 p.m. in the Library
Nov. 7: School Remembrance Day Ceremony – 10:30 a.m. in the gym
Nov. 10: High School Inservice Day – no classes for students
Nov. 11: Remembrance Day – no classes for students
Nov. 13 and 14: Mid-Term Exams for grades 9-12 students
Nov. 20: Parent-Teacher Interviews from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Interviews from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 28: Provincial Teacher Inservice – no classes for students
A correction: please be aware that the last Ramblings had a typo that was totally my fault – baked goods will be sold as a fundraiser on Nov. 20, during the Thursday evening Parent-Teacher Interviews. Again, the funds raised from this activity will go towards the purchase and installation of new curtains for the RCI gym.
Nov. 5: Grads/Parents Information Session – 7 p.m. in the Library
Nov. 7: School Remembrance Day Ceremony – 10:30 a.m. in the gym
Nov. 10: High School Inservice Day – no classes for students
Nov. 11: Remembrance Day – no classes for students
Nov. 13 and 14: Mid-Term Exams for grades 9-12 students
Nov. 20: Parent-Teacher Interviews from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Interviews from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 28: Provincial Teacher Inservice – no classes for students
A correction: please be aware that the last Ramblings had a typo that was totally my fault – baked goods will be sold as a fundraiser on Nov. 20, during the Thursday evening Parent-Teacher Interviews. Again, the funds raised from this activity will go towards the purchase and installation of new curtains for the RCI gym.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 14, 2008
Principal’s Report:
As usual, the fall months are flying by. Being busy is good, but soon winter will be upon us, with the cold weather and poor roads. At least by then the garter snakes that frequent RCI in the mornings will have gone to hibernate. To date we have 5 confirmed captures. Of course, each snake is released back into the wild, and none are harmed in any way!
By now all parents should have received progress reports from teachers who have concerns about student progress. The next formal reporting period is the mid-term reports cards. These follow mid-term exams for our grade 9 to grade 12 students, and parents can expect them to be sent home with students during the week of November 17 to 21. That week is also notable in that a Parent Advisory Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday the 18th (7 p.m. in the library), and that Parent-Teacher Interviews are held on the 20th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 21st, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A special treat this year is that baking will be available for sale at the school on October the 20th. Funds raised from this activity will go towards the purchase of new curtains for our stage in the gym. Parents Heather Gray and Betty MacDonald are spearheading this activity, so a big “thanks” goes out to their efforts!
Some other dates to remember in November:
Nov. 5: Take your Kid to Work Day (grade 9 students only)
Nov. 7: Remembrance Day Service (10:30 am in the gym)
Nov. 10: High School Inservice – no school for students
Nov. 11: Remembrance Day (observed) – no school
Nov. 13 and 14: Mid-Term Exams – grade 9 to 12 students
Nov. 18: PAC Meeting (7 p.m. in the library)
Nov. 20: Parent-Teacher Interviews (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Interviews (9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 28: Provincial Teacher Inservice – no school
As usual, the fall months are flying by. Being busy is good, but soon winter will be upon us, with the cold weather and poor roads. At least by then the garter snakes that frequent RCI in the mornings will have gone to hibernate. To date we have 5 confirmed captures. Of course, each snake is released back into the wild, and none are harmed in any way!
By now all parents should have received progress reports from teachers who have concerns about student progress. The next formal reporting period is the mid-term reports cards. These follow mid-term exams for our grade 9 to grade 12 students, and parents can expect them to be sent home with students during the week of November 17 to 21. That week is also notable in that a Parent Advisory Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday the 18th (7 p.m. in the library), and that Parent-Teacher Interviews are held on the 20th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 21st, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A special treat this year is that baking will be available for sale at the school on October the 20th. Funds raised from this activity will go towards the purchase of new curtains for our stage in the gym. Parents Heather Gray and Betty MacDonald are spearheading this activity, so a big “thanks” goes out to their efforts!
Some other dates to remember in November:
Nov. 5: Take your Kid to Work Day (grade 9 students only)
Nov. 7: Remembrance Day Service (10:30 am in the gym)
Nov. 10: High School Inservice – no school for students
Nov. 11: Remembrance Day (observed) – no school
Nov. 13 and 14: Mid-Term Exams – grade 9 to 12 students
Nov. 18: PAC Meeting (7 p.m. in the library)
Nov. 20: Parent-Teacher Interviews (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Interviews (9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 28: Provincial Teacher Inservice – no school
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
One month over already!
RCI Ramblings
It’s hard to believe that the month of September is nearly over. As always, the first month of every school year speeds by, and October is upon us already.
Progress reports will be mailed home shortly. These are mainly for students who are experiencing some difficulty with their courses. However, teachers may also send reports home outlining course progress, upcoming activities, and anecdotal comments and observations. As always, if parents are seeking information about their child(ren)’s progress, please contact the teacher(s) at school directly.
October is a busy month; our magazine sales campaign kicks off on October 3rd. You can expect students from the school coming around with subscription offers once again. Our Junior High soccer teams play in the divisional tournament in Rivers on October 4th. The Varsity Volleyball teams begin league play on October 2nd and continue throughout the month. A reminder that October 13th is Thanksgiving, and so there is no school that day. Finally, School Bus Safety Week runs from October 20th to 24th.
A big “THANKS!” goes out to Jim Boles and the Rivers Lion’s Club who once again supported our annual Open House by preparing burgers and hot dogs for parents and families who came by the school to meet the teachers on Sept. 23rd. We had a better turn out this year (despite, or because of the weather), and look forward to meeting all of our parents throughout the school year. We here at RCI are very fortunate for the support we receive from the Lion’s Club in our various school activities.
Our school’s “Pay it Forward” weblog is now up and running. You can check it out at http://payitforwardatrci.blogspot.com/ . Please feel free to access the “Comments” tab after each entry – we’d love to hear from you!
James Sheppard
It’s hard to believe that the month of September is nearly over. As always, the first month of every school year speeds by, and October is upon us already.
Progress reports will be mailed home shortly. These are mainly for students who are experiencing some difficulty with their courses. However, teachers may also send reports home outlining course progress, upcoming activities, and anecdotal comments and observations. As always, if parents are seeking information about their child(ren)’s progress, please contact the teacher(s) at school directly.
October is a busy month; our magazine sales campaign kicks off on October 3rd. You can expect students from the school coming around with subscription offers once again. Our Junior High soccer teams play in the divisional tournament in Rivers on October 4th. The Varsity Volleyball teams begin league play on October 2nd and continue throughout the month. A reminder that October 13th is Thanksgiving, and so there is no school that day. Finally, School Bus Safety Week runs from October 20th to 24th.
A big “THANKS!” goes out to Jim Boles and the Rivers Lion’s Club who once again supported our annual Open House by preparing burgers and hot dogs for parents and families who came by the school to meet the teachers on Sept. 23rd. We had a better turn out this year (despite, or because of the weather), and look forward to meeting all of our parents throughout the school year. We here at RCI are very fortunate for the support we receive from the Lion’s Club in our various school activities.
Our school’s “Pay it Forward” weblog is now up and running. You can check it out at http://payitforwardatrci.blogspot.com/ . Please feel free to access the “Comments” tab after each entry – we’d love to hear from you!
James Sheppard
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
RCI Ramblings
We at RCI would like to invite all parents and students to our annual Open House on September 23rd. It starts at 5 p.m., and goes until 7 p.m. Even if you can only pop in for a short visit that night, please do so! It is a great chance to meet the teachers at RCI. As well, we will be offering free burgers and drinks… if you are “food motivated”, here is your chance to grab some free grub.
Parents should also be aware that RCI will shortly be conducting school safety drills. Both fire drills and lockdown drills will occur in the coming days and weeks, all to ensure that we have plans in place to account for potential issues that may arise at the school.
Finally, be sure to send your kids to school with a big smile on September 26th, as Lifetouch will be at RCI for the annual school photos. Purchasing package information will be forthcoming, so families can decide which photo package is best for them.
For those parents interested in getting involved in the RCI Parent Advisory Council, meetings are held quarterly at the school. More information on meetings can be found online at this address:
http://www.rrsd.mb.ca/schools/rivers_collegiate/pages/parent_info.html
As well, you can follow the links to the site via the RRSD webpage (click on RCI, under “schools”).
James Sheppard
We at RCI would like to invite all parents and students to our annual Open House on September 23rd. It starts at 5 p.m., and goes until 7 p.m. Even if you can only pop in for a short visit that night, please do so! It is a great chance to meet the teachers at RCI. As well, we will be offering free burgers and drinks… if you are “food motivated”, here is your chance to grab some free grub.
Parents should also be aware that RCI will shortly be conducting school safety drills. Both fire drills and lockdown drills will occur in the coming days and weeks, all to ensure that we have plans in place to account for potential issues that may arise at the school.
Finally, be sure to send your kids to school with a big smile on September 26th, as Lifetouch will be at RCI for the annual school photos. Purchasing package information will be forthcoming, so families can decide which photo package is best for them.
For those parents interested in getting involved in the RCI Parent Advisory Council, meetings are held quarterly at the school. More information on meetings can be found online at this address:
http://www.rrsd.mb.ca/schools/rivers_collegiate/pages/parent_info.html
As well, you can follow the links to the site via the RRSD webpage (click on RCI, under “schools”).
James Sheppard
A swtich
From here on in, this Blog will mainly feature my RCI Ramblings submissions that normally appear in the Rivers Banner. Here's the first for 2008:
RCI Ramblings: Sept 8, 2008
Welcome back to school! The 2008-09 school year at Rivers Collegiate got underway on Wednesday the 3rd. As usual, we are already busy with activities, sports, and of course, education!
The Rams Invitational Volleyball tournament was held on the 5th and 6th of September, at the Rivers Rink. Hopefully some of you were able to come down and support our Boys’ and Girls’ teams in early season play. A big “thanks” goes out to our corporate tournament sponsors, and the staff, parent, and student volunteers. An event such as this would not be possible without your support.
A reminder that student information forms, student fees (for all students), and student caution fees (for new students) need to be turned in as soon as possible. All of this information can be turned into the office. Receipts will be issued, so be sure your child returns them to you.
Upcoming events for Sept:
Sept. 12: Teacher Inservice – No School
Sept. 15: Zone Golf Tournament
Sept. 16: PAC Meeting (7 pm in the library)
Sept. 17: Vision and Hearing Screening
Sept. 23: Back to School Barbeque/Parent Night (FOOD PROVIDED!) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: School Photo Day
Progress Reports will be sent home in early October!
RCI Ramblings: Sept 8, 2008
Welcome back to school! The 2008-09 school year at Rivers Collegiate got underway on Wednesday the 3rd. As usual, we are already busy with activities, sports, and of course, education!
The Rams Invitational Volleyball tournament was held on the 5th and 6th of September, at the Rivers Rink. Hopefully some of you were able to come down and support our Boys’ and Girls’ teams in early season play. A big “thanks” goes out to our corporate tournament sponsors, and the staff, parent, and student volunteers. An event such as this would not be possible without your support.
A reminder that student information forms, student fees (for all students), and student caution fees (for new students) need to be turned in as soon as possible. All of this information can be turned into the office. Receipts will be issued, so be sure your child returns them to you.
Upcoming events for Sept:
Sept. 12: Teacher Inservice – No School
Sept. 15: Zone Golf Tournament
Sept. 16: PAC Meeting (7 pm in the library)
Sept. 17: Vision and Hearing Screening
Sept. 23: Back to School Barbeque/Parent Night (FOOD PROVIDED!) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: School Photo Day
Progress Reports will be sent home in early October!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Nearly there
In the month since my last post, the amount of student involvement in the construction has declined. While a few students were willing to put a coat of dope on the bare structure, when it came to skinning the fuselage and wings with tissure paper, the kids really didn't want to participate, for fear of "wrecking it". Despite my encouragement, confidence, as well as impending exams, has me doing most of the finishing. The students were pretty impressed with the effect of atomized water on tissue paper (it shrinks!), and how a nice coat of dope strengthens the structure even moreso...
As of today, there are only 2 more classes left. I've resigned myself to the fact that I will be finishing the plane in the time remaining (and perhaps later), and making a test flight in the spring.
As of today, there are only 2 more classes left. I've resigned myself to the fact that I will be finishing the plane in the time remaining (and perhaps later), and making a test flight in the spring.
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