Category Archives: Uncategorized
Science at the Academy
Bringing the subject of science to life for students is exactly what Mr. Davidoff did when he prepared our Alexander Academy students to challenge themselves by entering our first science fair.
Everyone was engaged and interested! Inquiries were made and considered. Does the environment influence human behaviour? Will corn survive global warming? What type of music causes plants to grow faster? We even found out about herbal anti-bacterials! It was a morning full of scientific discoveries.
Theatre contributes to the development of students and is both an academic discipline and a performing art. At the Academy, the study of theatre in English 11 motivated our students to develop ideas, insights and values. Through the study of MacBeth, our students were involved in a theatre– dialogue– which provided them with a uniquely effective method for studying the communicative functions of human language.
Such a creative experience allowed our students to develop the ability to communicate through the art form.
The showing of MacBeth truly provided students with the opportunity to practice the skills learned, both in the classroom and in public performance. The performance was an inspiration for us all!
The entire school celebrated the work of our student artists by attending our first annual year-end art show.
The walls showcased student’s work, giving students recognition and exposure for their work.
June 30th – Report cards distributed at 2pm
Report cards can be picked up at the school office, or contact the school for other distribution options.
Arts at the Academy
Month of May
Our next endeavor is to raise funds for the Red Cross and help those families who have been forced to evacuate from their homes in Fort Mc Murray. Giving back is at the heart of who our students are.
Shakespeare at the Academy
Scholorships
At Alexander Academy, we endeavor to promote life-long learning. This year, Alexander Academy is proud to announce the start of our Alexander Academy Aspiring Leaders Scholarships.
The purpose of these scholarships is to reward students who make a significant contribution to the school and community. The scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strength of character and leadership
- Athletic accomplishments
- Artistic accomplishments
- Community participation and contributions
To be considered, candidates must submit the following:
Contact us scholarship@alexanderacademy.ca for submission information. Submission Deadline is May 31st, 2016.
To find out more about the scholarship click on this link:
Alexander Academy’s Aspiring Leaders Scholarships
Below is a list of Provincial Scholarships that are designed to recognize achievement and encourage students to pursue post-secondary education. See HERE for the Provincial Awards Program Review Report.
Upcoming 2016/17 graduates can pursue the following scholarships:
55 BC Excellence Scholarships to recognize well-rounded BC graduates. Winners will have demonstrated community service and show aptitude and commitment to their chosen career paths. They will receive $5,000 in scholarship vouchers. Students must be nominated for this scholarship by their school. School applications will be accepted in January.
3000 BC Achievement Scholarships for the highest cumulative average based on grades 10, 11, 12 courses required for graduation will receive a $1250 scholarship voucher.
Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship (PTES) is awarded to 20 outstanding high school graduates who have demonstrated a commitment and aptitude for a career path in K-12 teaching. Winners receive a $5000 scholarship voucher towards their teaching program.
Upcoming grads for the 2016/17 year can see Ms. Lewis for any further information on these scholarships opportunities.
Random Acts of Kindness
Over the past few years, the media has highlighted bullying. As a result schools and our ministry have spent significant time developing successful strategies to remove bullying from schools and ultimately society. Every year in late February Canada’s Pink Shirt Bully-Awareness Day brings the topic of bullying to centre stage. This year’s Pink Shirt Day is February 24th, and as it approaches, I would like to address what the Academy is doing to address bullying concerns.
In June 2012, the Ministry of Education launched the ERASE (Expect Respect and A Safe Education) Bullying: www.erasebullying.ca.
The ERASE program defines bullying as “a pattern of unwelcome or aggressive behaviour, often with the goal of making others uncomfortable, scared or hurt. Bullying is a way of having control or power over their target, and it is often based on another person’s appearance, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The ERASE Program outlines the importance of being connected. Research shows that students who feel connected to their school are less likely to engage in risky behaviours like smoking, drinking, drug use, gang involvement, and the like. They are also more likely to have better academic achievement, school attendance, and to stay in school longer than those who don’t feel connected.
The Academy faculty recognizes the importance of school connectedness. Just recently, four of our teachers attended the level 1 and level 2 of erase bullying and threat assessment training programs. This term the focus will be on “Random Acts of Kindness”. We have several activities planned to promote kindness! It is from kindness that people become connected. The first event will be “Random Acts of Kindness Week” from February 22-26. During the week, we will also celebrate Pink Day on February 24th. We are looking forward to connecting!
On January 15th, we had our first opportunity of the year to volunteer at the Metro Vancouver Dream Centre. We had so many students who wanted to volunteer that we had to turn them away! It was heart warming to see our Academy student’s enthusiasm to lend a helping hand.
Our goal is for every student who would like to participate to have one day at the soup kitchen.
Things we have been up to!
Back Again
Happy 2016!
I spent some time over the break musing about how wonderful it is to be part of the Academy team and to be surrounded by this wonderful group of teachers and students. A lot of “fabulous” has happened at the Academy over the past few months. I am thrilled to share a few examples!
First, I hope today’s blog finds you healthy and happy! Here we are at the beginning of a very new year with so much to reflect upon and so much to look forward to.
What sets Alexander Academy Leaders apart?
At the Academy we offer a strong leadership program allowing our students to engage in service learning and leadership opportunities. From their committed efforts, our student leaders are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life—in other words, model candidates for higher learning! Below are examples of some of the projects our student leaders led this semester:
Zero Waste
Throughout the term, student leaders set up a Zero Waste program at the Academy. They researched best zero waste practice, set up zero waste and recycling stations throughout the school and led a zero waste information initiative for the student body. From their efforts, they have set up a zero waste work station allowing other students to take part in developing the initiative further.
Check out our Zero Wast Presentation:
https://prezi.com/o6ec5ssen3vx/zero-waste/
School Beautification
The student leaders took responsibility in the planning and conduct of the “school beautification project”. Through their participation, they instilled a sense of pride and ownership for the school in the students. Working with peers and being involved in group decision-making also provides personal development opportunities. Our students spent the term decorating the halls and stairwells. They also involved the entire school in the process by making a “Wall of Dream Birds”.
Peer Tutoring Club
Under the direction of Leadership 12, the Peer Tutoring Club was formed. Our students leaders recognized a need to help their fellow students improve their learning in academic classes by starting a peer tutoring club. As leaders, the students have had the opportunity to develop many of their own skills such as communication, leadership, organization, interpersonal, oral, and writing and decision- making skills while helping other students achieve success in their studies.
Community Involvement
Not only were our student leaders involved in the school community, they also reached out to the local community by volunteering at Loving Spoonful. They made sweet candy pizzas. A wonderful way to support others in need.
Talent Show
As a wrap up to our year, the student leaders organized a Talent Show for us. We had a wonderful line up of amazing performers who inspired us with their talent. The Academy certainly has got talent!
As a school community we have been inspired. Our student leaders are making things happen by leading through example as they model the way for others and enabling them to act as well!
