THE CHRONICLE
Monday April 4, 2022
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Revised Class Schedule
The class schedule has been revised slightly, starting TODAY, for the remainder of the year. Morning classes are the same, lunch is 10 minutes longer, and afternoon classes now end at 3:12.
Block 1 9:00 - 10:18
Block 2 10:24 - 11:45
Lunch 11:45 - 12:30
Block 3 12:30 - 1:48
Block 4 1:54 - 3:12
Donations to Support Ukraine
We have an update to the donations collected to support the humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Some donations came in after the original total was announced before Spring Break. The school community raised $2,580.40 and the Key Club donated another $500 to bring the total donations to $3,080.40. These funds have been sent to the Red Cross to provide support to the countless people devastated in the war. Spartans, you are amazing!!
Changes to Mask Regulations
As indicated by the Public Health Orders, the use of masks is now optional in schools. We must all respect the decision and physical space of others whether they choose to wear a mask or not. Regardless of mask use, please continue to monitor your childrens’ health and have them remain home if they are unwell.
Exception to mask regulations: If you have travelled internationally (for instance during Spring Break), you and your children are still required to follow all Federal COVID-19 Regulations. This states that all adults and children (aged 5 and older) who travelled internationally over Spring Break must wear a well-constructed and well-fitting mask at all indoor and outdoor public spaces, including K–12 schools, for the first 14 days after entry to Canada. This means that wearing a mask at school is not a personal choice for 14 days after entry into Canada if you have travelled internationally.
Antigen Tests for Students
Reminder to students that if you didn’t pick up your box of 5 antigen tests yet, they are available in the office. Students are allowed to receive one box each.
Absences and Illness
A reminder that parents/guardians notify the school office every day that a student will be absent from school. PLEASE indicate if the reason for absence is for illness; the Ministry of Education requires that schools specifically track how many student absences are due to illness. Please notify either the Attendance email: claremont_attendance@saanichschools.ca or by phone message: 250-658-6666. Please perform BC’s K-12 daily health check before arriving at school by clicking HERE .
Career Programs - Sign up for next year!
Applications for Saanich Career Programs are now being accepted for next year! Learn your trade to gain skills, start your own business, or start working directly after high school. See Mr. Bussoli if you are interested in signing up for any of the following programs:
-Hairstyling
-Education Assistant & Community Support
-TASK (Skills, Training, Apprenticeship, Carpentry)
-TEX (Trades Exploration)
-(MST) Marine Services Technician.
Are you interested in Technology and Engineering????
Are you curious about Mechanical, Civil, Computer and Electronic engineering? This is the DUAL CREDIT course for you! The course takes place on 13 Friday afternoons from 3-6 pm at Camosun Interurban. Best part...tuition is FREE, the course counts for credits, you can do this in grade 10-12, and it is all hands-on!! But you need to plan and see Mr. Bussoli now!!
How to Submit Your 30 Hours Work Experience or Volunteering
Reminder to students in Grades 10-12.... ESPECIALLY UPCOMING GRADS:
One component of Career Life Connections is to complete 30 hours of work experience or volunteering. You can provide proof of your 30 hours by:
1) Providing digital or paper pay stubs showing at least 30 hours of work, or
2) Forwarding an email from your employer/volunteer coordinator, confirming your 30 hours.
If you complete WEX12 and/or TEX (possibly a few other programs), you have automatically completed your 30 hours. If you're unsure how to accrue your hours before graduation, see your Careers teacher or ask Mrs. Watson for options. (Grade 9 Students - You can start accruing hours in the summer before Grade 10.)
See Mrs. Watson in Office 222 or email her at cwatson@saanichschools.ca to submit your work/volunteering information, or if you have questions.
ATHLETIC
Badminton Team
All badminton TEAM members (only): there is a brief meeting TODAY after school at 3.15 in the big gym to discuss this week’s game schedule, rides, uniforms etc.
Tennis Team
For all players on the tennis team: there is a mandatory meeting TODAY at lunch in room 327.
CLUBS
No news today.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
No news today.
GRAD 2022
Yearbook Write-ups Due April 8
Grads, it is time to write your Grad write-up for the yearbook. All instructions and guidelines for submitting your words into a Google Doc are listed on the Grad 2022 page of the Claremont website. There are even a few write-up samples to get you started! Deadline for submissions is THIS FRIDAY April 8.
Scholarships
Grads! Apply for Scholarships today! Claremont will be giving out $58,250 in scholarships this year. You can't win if you don't apply! The application portal is now open. All applications are online through Claremont's website. Check out the scholarships page. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 22. Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity!!!
UVic + Camosun Indigenous Education Fair – April 14
Join Indigenous recruiters from the University of Victoria and Camosun College at UVic's First Peoples House. Learn about Indigenous supports and programs, tour the First Peoples House, find out about entrance requirements and win prizes.
THURSDAY, April 14, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ First Peoples House, University of Victoria. If you're interested in attending, please see Mrs. Watson (room 222) or email her: cwatson@saanichschools.ca
Grad 2022 Fundraiser – Bottle Drive April 9
Grad 2022 is having a bottle drive fundraiser THIS SATURDAY April 9 at Claremont. Hours and details to be announced shortly.
Grad 2022 Fundraiser – Purdy’s Chocolates
If you ordered Purdy’s Chocolates, GREAT NEWS! The chocolates have arrived ahead of schedule and will be ready for pick up THIS SATURDAY April 9 between 9-11 at the Claremont student parking lot. Drop off your empties at the Grad bottle drive and pick up your Easter chocolates at the same time. Chocolates will also be available for pick-up April 13th and 14th from 3:30-4:30 at Claremont.
Grad 2022 Fundraiser – Flower Baskets & Planters
The last day to order Hilltop Greenhouse flower baskets is THIS WEDNESDAY, April 6.
These are beautiful, high quality, locally grown hanging baskets or planters from Hilltop Greenhouses. The quality of these plants is amazing and they are long lasting! For the list of this year’s selection click HERE. Orders and payments can be made through Claremont’s student cash portal . Please contact Belinda Waller at 250-658-6672 if you have any questions or issues accessing your student cash account. If you would prefer a paper order form please see Belinda Waller at the accounting office for a copy.
Baskets and planters will be delivered directly to the school and available for pick up on TUESDAY April 26th from 2-5:30 pm in the staff parking lot behind the gym. Please ensure you pick up your orders, as the school has generously donated this space for us to use and does not have capacity to store plants overnight. Funds generated from this fundraiser will be used towards celebrating the hard working and well deserved students of Claremont's 2022 graduating class. Thank you as always for your generous support.
Grad 2022 Fundraiser - Silent Auction
The grad committee is actively seeking silent auction donations for their upcoming online auction in May. If you have a donation you would like to contribute (monetary, service item, gift certificate etc) we would love to include it in our auction. Money raised will go towards offsetting graduation celebration costs for this year's graduates. Thank you in advance for your support! For questions, please email drestell@gmail.com or christylmann@hotmail.com
Grad Parent Planning Committee
For all parents/guardians of the Grads of 2022: the Claremont Grad Parent Planning Committee 2022 is busy making plans for our students’ fun graduation events. Please stay in the loop by joining our Facebook Group! This is the link to join the Facebook Group: Claremont Dry Grad 2022.
Magic Wand Project
Magic Wand Project is a non-profit organization that offers an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to grad outfits for both girls and boys. This is a chance to borrow, rather than buy, a dress, suit or tux, (a small fee for cleaning is the only charge). All outfits are new or like-new, and all accessories are included. Any student is eligible. To book an appointment to view the selection of available clothes, email Elizabeth: esurerus@telus.net or Joy: jandtharrison@shaw.ca Website: www.themagicwandproject.ca
CAREER CENTRE
For LOTS of information about Post-Secondary and other Career Education links, check out our District site: https://careered.sd63.bc.ca/ Info is updated regularly.
Firefighter/First Responder Training Academy – April 11
Firefighter/First Responder Training Academy will be visiting Claremont on MONDAY, April 11 at lunch time in the Student Lounge. Training Division accepts applicants throughout the year and offers a small bursary for students who decide to continue their education within the same calendar year as graduation. This is a great info opportunity! For more information, check out Trainingdivision.com or information on their Facebook: INFO.
Women in Trades & Technology Exploration Day - April 21
Camosun College & the South Island Partnership present: Women in Trades & Technology Exploration Day! Get an introduction to eight trades and technology areas through fun, hands-on activities:
Trades Opportunities in: Electrical, Fine Furniture, Sheet Metal, & Automotive.
Tech Opportunities in: Computer Science, Camosun Innovates, Mechanical Engineering, & Electronics.
THURSDAY April 21, 9:30am—2:00pm @ Camosun College, Interurban Campus.
See Mr. Bussoli in Room 217 to sign up!
Job Opportunities
School District 63 is looking for grade 12 students (or graduates) to work full-time as custodians; this is a union position from the end of June until end of August (with the opportunity for continuing employment). Earn competitive wages. Must have your own transportation. For more information, see Mrs. Watson in office 222, or email her at cwatson@saanichschools.ca.
NEWS FROM CLAREMONT PAC
Congratulations to Mr. Westhaver on his new appointment position with the school board on August 1, 2022. Details coming soon to source some feedback from parents that will help influence recruitment of the new Claremont Secondary Principal with the District.
PAC Fundraiser: Country Grocer Receipts
Here is an easy way to support your PAC year-round. Save your Country Grocer receipts and bring them to the school front office. We appreciate your participation in this fundraiser which will benefit our school community with up to $2000 in grocery gift cards.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Peninsula Youth Clinic
The Peninsula Youth Clinic is located at 2379 Bevan Avenue in Sidney and is open every THURSDAY from 5:30-7:30pm for help with any medical concern (physical, mental, and sexual health). Call 250-656-4143 to make an appointment with a physician or counsellor. Services are 100% free, confidential, and explicitly inclusive of all genders and sexualities!
A copy of the announcements is posted on the wall outside of the main office door.