The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Teachers and staff are taking things to the next level in the Flin Flon schools this year as new technology is welcomed into classrooms. Teachers are using equipment like the Apple iPad in their elementary classrooms this school year as well as new Chromebooks at the high school level. Classrooms do not have a full supply of iPads and Chromebooks for each student, but there are roughly two sets of each throughout the schools. 'When I started we didn't even have computers,' said Flin Flon School Division Superintendent Blaine Veitch. He says he would have never thought classrooms would have their own computers or handheld devices when he first started in the school system. '...but it doesn't surprise me now, as the technology evolves,' he said. 'Everyone has their own devices,' he said, referring to cell phones, laptops, and tablets. 'I don't think we're far away from having almost instant access to the internet when they need it.' Teachers are able to use the new technology to support their curriculum, said Veitch. 'It's a tool for literacy and numeracy in the primary grades and then science and social studies in the junior high and high school levels.' Though it's still early in the school year, Veitch says the upgrades to their technology is a big improvement already. 'One of the newer staff members has been given time to mentor other teachers and work with them,' said Veitch, hoping to get everyone on the same screen. New Experiences New technology isn't the only thing added to the school system this year. The Flin Flon School Division has seen the hiring of roughly 12 new teachers and support staff for this year and Veitch says they are coming in with new and fresh ideas. 'Having new personnel means some new ideas and strengths,' said the superintendent. The new staff and teachers in the Flin Flon schools come to the area with a wide range of experience and past locations. 'We've hired several people who have come from other areas _ some remote and some international,' said Veitch. 'They are bringing a broadened perspective into our community.' Veitch says there are opportunities to explore Aboriginal Culture further for students, and staff _ which he referred to as the 'global citizen view.' 'There are areas in the curriculum that teachers with those experiences can push the curriculum further,' he said. 'It can broaden our students understanding and learning.' Technology and new experiences aren't the only ways to create new educational paths and some elementary level students have an opportunity to find out what really interests them. The Flin Flon School Division has created an enrichment program for the school year for selected students. 'We use different test results to identify students who could use more of a challenge,' Veitch said, noting that the schools have a full time staff member working on the program. 'Our hope is that the program will take the students who are finding the normal classroom work less challenging, or easy, and have them get into programs of their interest that they find more challenging.' Veitch says he hopes through the new program the students will be 'engaging their minds and keeping...interested in school.' Students at Hapnot Collegiate also have the opportunity to challenge themselves as the school will offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The AP courses will give students a chance to take more challenging classes and further their education with internationally recognized programs. The AP programs will be offered in Math, English, and Biology. The new-to-Hapnot program does not give students university credits, but Veitch says the courses are recognized at the post-secondary level. 'It recognizes that the students are performing above the average (level),' he said. See 'Book' on pg. Continued from pg. 'I think it's great and exciting,' Veitch said. 'I think with the enrichment and the (AP) it allows us to focus some attention to high achieving students. I think some of the other things we're doing in literacy, numeracy, and writing is really targeted to struggling students.' Classrooms will also see a new writing continuum this year. 'This outlines what levels students should be at,' he said, 'where they are and where they can improve.' For the Staff School isn't all about the students and the Flin Flon School Division is ensuring the staff and teachers are able to continue their education as well. This marks the third year for the Division's Book Club and encourages teachers and staff to join in. 'We select a series of four or five books and people come and gather a couple times a month to discuss what they are reading and learning,' said Veitch. 'It helps us keep ourselves current and motivated in our profession.' Veitch says the Book Club can often lead to lessons inside a classroom. 'I think it's had an impact,' he said. The Book Club is open to all staff and teachers throughout the Flin Flon schools. Bon Voyage! The French Immersion group at Hapnot Collegiate will be putting their lessons to the test this school year. Eighteen students from Hapnot and 18 students from Swan River, along with chaperones, will be traveling together to France over Spring Break. 'I think it's an excellent opportunity for students to experience the world,' said Veitch. 'They are going to be able to use the language they've been using for 10 or 12 years (in the classroom). And to be in an environment where it is the first language,' he said. The students will have plenty of time to sight see, and will tour historic sites like Vimy Ridge. 'Things like the trip to Vimy Ridge will give them perspective on Canada and the contributions that Canadians have made to make the world a better place.' Veitch says he hopes the students 'come home with a deeper understanding about what Remembrance Day is about.' The trip will take place in March. See 'Hapnot' on pg. Continued from pg. What's Your Grade? In the past, Manitoba school systems have had the option to upgrade their report cards to a percentage report card. This year, schools don't have the option. It is mandatory. 'This is new for parents and students at the junior high level to put percentage grades (on report cards),' said Veitch. The superintendent explained there are comment sections available where improvements are necessary. 'It's a more in-depth reporting process,' he said. Teachers at Hapnot Collegiate used the report cards last year, as it was optional, but this year all the local schools will be on the same system. Veitch says the new report cards are a positive addition to the school system _ though everything comes with a learning curve. 'There are some differences (where) I think it will make it better,' he said. Bio Budget The Flin Flon School Division has earmarked $500,000 for a new biology lab at Hapnot Collegiate. 'This is hopefully going to be tendered shortly and contruction in December,' he said. The new lab will replace the existing lab with new equipment, a fresh look, new mechanical air exchange, and new counters and desks. Veitch says the botany area will also be redone. 'Basically we're going to empty out the room and start over again. It will look a lot better.' Students at Hapnot Collegiate are required to take a science course and can choose from biology, chemistry, general science, and physics _ though many students choose more than one course to keep their options open after graduation.
