1. TRANSITION TO BROOKS SECONDARY SCHOOL Brooks Secondary School 5400 Marine Avenue Powell River, BC V8A 2L6 PH: 604.483.3171 FX: 604.483.3127 www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks

2. WELCOME TO BROOKS SECONDARY

3. □ The transition from elementary school to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their parents/guardians. □ There is a lot to look forward to:  a new school  new friends  new opportunities □ It’s also normal to be nervous about the switch to a secondary school. □ Many students say they are excited AND nervous about entering secondary school. □ There are many people/resources at Brooks to help students and parents/guardians each step of the way.

4. ABOUT BROOKS SECONDARY □ Brooks Secondary School is a school of approximately 800 students (Grade 8-12). □ It is a vibrant, diverse learning community which supports and encourages excellence in all aspects of school life.

5. WHAT TO EXPECT IN HIGH SCHOOL □ More courses to choose from as you advance through secondary school. □ New teachers and classmates. □ More extracurricular activities. □ More independence and responsibility. □ Continued emphasis on academic achievement. □ Variety of social events. □ Greater need for time management and organization.

6. CURRICULUM Grade 8 students are expected to take a wide range of academic and elective courses. All Grade 8 students take the following courses: □ Humanities 8 (English 8 & Social Studies 8) □ STEM 8 (Math 8 & Science 8) □ Physical & Health Education 8 □ Language 8 (French 8 or Klah ah men 8) □ Electives 8 Students also have the opportunity to participate in Band 8 if they wish.

7. ELECTIVES 8 Students will try several courses in the fine arts/ applied skills area. All students will rotate through a series of the same electives that may include □ art □ metalwork □ drama □ robotics □ computers □ textiles □ foods □ woodwork

8. TIMETABLE

9. X BLOCKS □ X blocks for Grade 8s will start with curriculum related to skills and behaviours needed for success in high school. □ organizational skills □ study skills □ critical thinking skills □ problem solving skills □ academic support □ students will then be able to choose high-interest courses that may involve cross-grade groupings (possible X block offerings include: mountain biking; cake decorating; natural disasters; social justice, to name a few)

10. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL □ On the first day of school Grade 8 students will go to the gym for a welcome assembly. □ Students will meet some of the staff and the LINK crew. □ Students will participate in a number of welcoming/transition activities. □ a BBQ for all of our Grade 8 students is provided.

11. WHERE DO I KEEP MY THINGS? All students will be assigned a locker for their own use. Students must bring their own locks. Keep your combination a secret and your valuables at home.

12. TIPS FOR NEW STUDENTS Be yourself! Keep an open mind and smile at people you don’t know. This is how you’ll meet new friends. Stay organized right from the beginning. Pay attention in class and work during class time. Ask questions and talk to your teachers if you having trouble. Develop basic study habits. Set goals for yourself and review them regularly. Join an extracurricular club, team or group. It’s a great way to have fun and meet new people.

13. TIPS FOR PARENTS Talk to your child before Grade 8 starts about the differences between elementary and secondary school and what to expect. Remain active in their schooling. Volunteer, join the PAC, meet teachers, attend school conferences or events and read school newsletters. Keep up to date about school activities and opportunities. Our website is updated regularly for students and parents/guardians. www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks Encourage your child to be involved in school activities. There are many activities during lunch and before/ after school (extra-curricular). Encourage the use of agendas for homework and check them regularly for assignments, projects and tests. Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations. Encourage and model time management strategies. Help your child balance school work with their outside activities and interests. Work together with the school. If you have a question or concern about a class, make a phone call or send an email to the teacher. For other concerns, contact your child’s school counsellor or administrator.

14. KNOW YOUR RESOURCES There are many people, services and resources available at Brooks to help make the secondary school experience a positive and successful one for all of our students. There are teachers, administrators, librarians, coaches, school counsellors, secretaries, and tutors, to name a few, all here to help students have the best secondary school experience possible. If you have a question, concern, or problem, talk to the appropriate person. If you’re unsure of who to talk to, contact a school counsellor. He/she will help connect you with the right people, information, and resources.

15. KEEPING IN TOUCH  Counsellors A - K Mrs. Williams L - Z Mrs. Burt  Teachers -teachers can be reached by phone or email -phone the main office (604) 483.3171 and the office staff will notify the teacher with who you wish to consult -email addresses are listed in the agenda  Administration Principal: Mr. Burt Vice Principal: Mr. Perrault Vice Principal: Mr. Rice  Class Progress Interims Report Cards Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences Informal/Formal Meetings  Newsletters  Website www.sd47.bc.ca/school/brooks

16. OPEN HOUSE: JUNE 15 TH 6:00 PM Please join us for an Open House and Tour with all of our incoming new students. You will have an opportunity to hear more about Brooks and high school, meet some of the staff, meet your new classmates, and tour the school. We look forward to meeting you!