This Week February 11th to 14th

Happy Family Day to all of you. I am updating all the course pages for the week, if you want to preview our topics.

I am hoping that all of your parents have received the following letter from EMCS. If not, I am attaching it. EMCS Counsellors will be visiting tomorrow to go over this information with you. Please pass it to your parents. Today's word is: "Nine".

Hello Parents/Guardians,

At EMCS we are busy preparing for the 2014-2015 school year and we are looking forward to welcoming students from Journey Middle School into Grade 9 at EMCS.  Course selection will take place in February and March so we can start building the school’s timetable and generate student schedules.  EMCS School Counsellors will visit Grade 8 classes on February 11 and 12 to begin the transition process.

Edward Milne Community School is excited to announce that we are moving forward with an online course selection and high school planning resource called Career Cruising. Career Cruising is a web-based program that allows students and parents to access EMCS course information online. Using Career Cruising, every student will create an online 4-year high school plan that lists completed courses, current courses, and courses planned for future years. Based on the courses in the student’s high school plan, Career Cruising provides a personalized list of post-secondary education options the student may wish to explore. Career Cruising offers a wealth of up-to-date information regarding post-secondary programs and careers. 

Career Cruising will help students see the connections among course selection, a well thought out 4 year high school plan, post-secondary education, and career planning. We hope that this valuable resource will make it easier for parents/guardians to assist students explore education and career options. By using Career Cruising, taking Planning 10, and discussing plans with parents and Counsellors, students should ensure that the courses in their plan will lead to high school graduation and meet admission requirements for post-secondary programs of interest.

School Counsellors will introduce the Career Cruising program to students and teach them how to enter courses in their high school plan and select courses for next school year. We have worked with Career Cruising to create a user account for all students.  Please visit the EMCS website (Course Selection under the Student Resources tab) for instructions for logging on to Career Cruising.

Please keep in mind that before students submit their course requests, we encourage them to attend the EMCS Open House with their parents/guardians.  The Open House takes place on February 20 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  At the Open House, we will be showcasing the many courses, programs, and extra-curricular activities available at EMCS.  The Open House provides an opportunity to talk with staff, see samples of student work, and gather information that will help parents and students make informed decisions about course selection for 2014-2015. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the EMCS Open House, course selection, or Career Cruising.

Allan Phipps

School Counsellor

Edward Milne Community School

(250) 642-5211 ext. 1183