Phipps / Ellis Watercolour Art on PhotoPeach

Prokopec / Gerkema Watercolour Art on PhotoPeach

Simcoe County District School Board students in Grades 7 to 10 now have access to live, interactive online math help.

The website https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org is a free online tool where students can find real-time mathematics tutoring, delivered by qualified Ontario math teachers.

“This is an excellent resource for our students,” says Kathy Bailey, Superintendent of Education. “‘Homework Help’ gives students the opportunity to gain math skills in an appealing, online environment.”

Students can register for the program by completing the online registration form at the Homework Help website.  Please note that students require their Ontario Education Number (OEN) to register. This number is located on all report cards.

Click here for more information on Homework Help, including instructions for registration, a short presentation on how it works and answers to frequently asked questions.

The kindergartens were thrilled to learn all about Kwanzaa from Ginelle Skerritt. The 7 days of Kwanzaa are celebrated from December 26 to January 1. We learned that hand-made gifts are exchanged, because of the importance of creativity. The last picture shows the little mkeka mat that we made. Weaving is very important to show the interconnectedness of people.

Starting in Grade 5, the Simcoe County District School Board offers an Extended French as a Second Language (EFSL) Program at specific host schools throughout the county. Hillcrest Public School happens to be one of those schools.

In the EFSL elementary program (Grades 5 through 8), students are taught French as a Second Language and French serves as a language of instruction in at least one other subject area. Our aim is to provide 50% of instruction in French in each grade. All Grade 4 students and their parents are invited to learn more about the EFSL program and registration procedures. Information sessions will be held at Hillcrest P.S. on January 19th 2012 at 7:00 p.m..

It’s almost the time of year for our grade eight students to begin the transition process to Secondary School. The ever important Secondary school course selection process for students is about to begin. We are excited about the programs offered to our students in our Secondary schools, and Ms. Larsen, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Levasseur and our administration team look forward to assisting in making your child’s transition a successful one. Below is a link to help support the process; further information will be coming home in the near future and communicated to our grade eights by the Barrie Central Collegiate staff. If you have any questions feel free to contact Hillcrest P.S. (705-728-5246) or Barrie Central Collegiate (705-726-1846) to answer any question or issue about the transition process. http://scdsb.on.ca/student-street/option-sheets/

On Wednesday, we held a school assembly to recognize our Star Students of the Month and to promote our character trait of the month – COURAGE. Many of our spirited Tigers participated in Twin Day. See the slide show below for the highlights!

Twin Day on PhotoPeach

The male staff at Hillcrest put aside their razers this past month to raise awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.

These gentlemen effectively became walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words, they raise awareness by prompting conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

Movember on PhotoPeach

Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, high-energy packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggae, cumbia and more. Zumbatomic increases student focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. The grades four and fives are currently participating in an eight week Zumbatomic session, combining their dance and physical education studies. They are lead by certified instructor Tara Price of Core Wellness.

Our primary aged students were treated to a high energy performance. Students learned Math concepts through music, dance and drama! See the video for highlights!

Students from Hillcrest will be selling Northland Gardens of Gilford Pointsettia plants and floral arrangements. Pictured is the Ivy Centrepiece that sells for $18. Sales need to be placed by December 6th. The school will be open until 6 p.m. on December 13th for pick-up of your purchase(s).