Gonzaga Memo to Families

The Department of Education and NLSchools released its Responsible Use of Personal Electronic

Device Policy this week. As part of the consultation process, we are seeking feedback from various stakeholders including parents and guardians, students (from grade 7 to level 4) and teachers to inform the final Responsible Use of Personal Electronic Device Policy. Please see the following memo to voice your opinions.

It has become more and more prevalent that students are arriving late to their classes. Please be aware that classes begin at 9:00am; 10:15am; 12:30pm; and 1:45pm. Students should be in their classes ready to begin learning at those times. Instructional time is being lost and interrupted by numerous students who are coming in late unexcused and being signed out at various times of the day. Please speak with your children to ensure that they are aware that they need to be in their classrooms at the bell.

Education Accord NL is inviting everyone connected to our education system—parents, caregivers, educators, support staff, and others—to share their thoughts on the future of education in Newfoundland and Labrador. From early childhood to lifelong learning, your input matters.

If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the anonymous online survey: educationaccordnl.ca/survey. Your input will make a meaningful difference in guiding education reform in our province.

Together, we can help create an education system that supports all learners and their success.

St. John's Northwest Rotary Club have agreed to support one short term and one long term exchange student for the 2025-2026 Rotary year if we find 2 exemplary students!

We require the following:

• A student 15 to 18.5 years old at the time of travelling
• Short Term Student will be matched with a family somewhere in the world with a youth of same gender/age/interest for 2-4 weeks and a student will return here for 2-4 weeks. This will occur between July/August 2025.
• Long Term Exchange Student will be matched with country usually within top 1-2 choice if they apply early. They will travel August/September 2025 to June 2026 to attend high school and live for an academic year with 2-3 host families. They will often learn a new language and will definitely experience another culture.

We need students who will be the following:

• Good Ambassadors for their community and country;
• Are outgoing, involved, and ready to face a challenge;
• Have above average academic standards;
• Will follow rules;
• Are committed to the program; and
• Have parents who fully support the student going on exchange.

We have funding available at the district level to support students who might not be able to pay for visa, flight, insurance, etc. This program can be life changing for a student so please help us spread the message to your students. Some go in gap year, after high school, before college/Universities. Not all countries accept students this age and student must still attend high school in new country. Please see the following poster for more details. Deadline to apply is December 2, 2024.

Please see the following poster regrading the Youth 2 Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Acadia University.

Have you heard about the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology’s (IET) RISE Awards?

It is an award program that offers Level II high school students with interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) an opportunity of a lifetime.

IET and the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation recognizes there are incredibly talented and intelligent youth across Newfoundland and Labrador. We want to encourage high school students to pursue research-related education and career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The RISE Awards expose Level II high school student recipients to research activities at an early stage in their education, with an opportunity to attend one of three research-related enrichment programs in Canada and the United States.

How does it work?

Students must submit an application package by 11:59PM December 2nd, 2024 and meet the academic qualifications. A maximum of 20 awards will be given under this program.

Academic Qualification Requirements:

· Must be a current Level II student with:

o Minimum 90% in each course completed in Level I

o Minimum of 8 credits in science and mathematics courses to be completed by the end of Level II

o Additional requirement for Research Science Institute (RSI): Minimum of 12 credits in science and mathematics be completed by the end of Level II

RISE Award winners will attend one of three prestigious research-inspired enrichment programs during the summer of 2023:

· RSI based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

· Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto

· Boston Leadership Institute (BLI) in Wellesley, Massachusetts

How can I help students apply?

Students must complete an application form, submit a written essay, and provide verification of academic qualifications, as noted in the guidelines.

Application form and guidelines are available online: https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/sector-diversification-division/innovation-supports/youth-innovation/

Who can I contact?

Angeli Jarvis

Email: angelijarvis@gov.nl.ca

Tel: 709.729.7112

We would like to thank you for your continued support and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the administrative team.

Have a great weekend,

Andrew, Gillian & Peter