UPDATES
Every Monday, until we return, guidelines will be posted to help students' maintain, consolidate and advance their learning. On average 1-1.5 hours per subject will be assigned per week. The objective of the work assigned will be specifically to prepare students for the next scholastic year. The current recommended resources are listed below and a newsletter will be published every Monday with the specific work assigned for each course the students are completing.
VMC Uniform Order 2020 - Order Now!
Hi VMC Families,
Due to the current pandemic situation our uniform supplier will be giving free delivery service and return service to parents who place their orders by June 30th. A 25% deposit is required when ordering and full payment is required upon delivery.
Please review the attached documents and complete your orders prior to June 30, 2020.
Vincent Massey Order Form Package - 2020.pdf
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
Due to the current pandemic situation our uniform supplier will be giving free delivery service and return service to parents who place their orders by June 30th. A 25% deposit is required when ordering and full payment is required upon delivery.
Please review the attached documents and complete your orders prior to June 30, 2020.
Vincent Massey Order Form Package - 2020.pdf
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
Online classes may 19-29
VMC Newsletter May 15th, 2020 & Virtual Classes
Dear Parents & Students,
A new online class schedule is attached and will cover the next two weeks of classes. Students will automatically have the information updated in their MS Teams classes. The schedule should be used to help your child plan out their time during the week.
Last week, you received information from the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement Supérieur (MEES) related to final evaluations in the report card. MEES mandated Quebec schools to provide opportunities for students to consolidate their learning that was covered in the first two terms of the school year. The Ministry has asked teachers to use their professional judgment to base their final mark for the year. This final mark will be comprised of the first two terms, all the evaluations that occurred before March 13 (term 3) and any work submitted during the school closure.
According to the MEES guidelines, students in Secondary I to III will receive a report card indicating a Pass or Fail. Students in Secondary IV and Secondary V will be given marks as percentages. How do these directives apply to VMC? Some clarifications need to be made regarding our specific school mandate and our accelerated programming, which do not fit into the general parameters provided by the Ministry.
VMC will follow the Ministry guidelines with the following accommodations due to our programming:
1. Where required, we will be teaching new content and continuing the curriculum plan for the year. Our goal is to introduce and review content that is required for academic success next year. There will be further consolidation at the beginning of next year for the content covered.
2. Semestered courses, which began February 3rd do not have a term 1 or 2 mark as a reference point, therefore requiring evaluations in order to determine a final grade. Teachers will be evaluating students’ work throughout this period in addition to work already submitted. The program will not be completed but teachers have identified essential skills and knowledge that must be acquired before the next academic year. Students must submit all their work for these classes. Teachers will give students an opportunity to submit assignments that were due prior to closure.
3. Students in secondary 3 will receive marks (%) for classes that are accelerated (POP, Visual Arts 4, & Math 426). These courses and their final marks will appear on the Attestation of Marks which is used to determine CEGEP admission since they are part of the Secondary 4 program of study.
4. Students who are failing English, Math and French based on term 1 and 2 marks have been identified as “at-risk”. Information was sent by email directly to these parents.
We realize that you may still have several questions regarding the end of the current school year. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. Please be assured that our school team is working diligently to ensure that our responsibilities towards our students are being met despite these difficult and unstable times.
What can students do now?
1. Attend classes and complete the work. For regular classes, students have an opportunity to improve their marks, while semestered class teachers are following a more standard evaluation process.
2. Students who have questions need to email their teachers, ideally before the start of class because the teachers can then clarify for the entire class.
Teachers are available between 8:30 and 3:00, Monday to Friday, and will answer questions pertaining to content outside of their scheduled class sessions. They are also able to virtually meet with students during the school day when such a meeting is requested. Be patient when waiting for a response, as they may be helping someone or teaching a class when questions are being asked.
Teachers will inform you if your child has missed a class. No further action is required from the parent when you receive these notices. Teachers will also notify you if your child has not submitted work or if the quality of the work has not shown proficiency. This communication is necessary in order to keep you informed of your child’s progress. We have also established a common homeroom period to facilitate checking in with our students and it is the ideal time for them to voice concerns or issues. It is our hope that you will be a partner in keeping your child engaged in active learning during this period.
On behalf of the entire school team, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for continued health and well-being.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
A new online class schedule is attached and will cover the next two weeks of classes. Students will automatically have the information updated in their MS Teams classes. The schedule should be used to help your child plan out their time during the week.
Last week, you received information from the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement Supérieur (MEES) related to final evaluations in the report card. MEES mandated Quebec schools to provide opportunities for students to consolidate their learning that was covered in the first two terms of the school year. The Ministry has asked teachers to use their professional judgment to base their final mark for the year. This final mark will be comprised of the first two terms, all the evaluations that occurred before March 13 (term 3) and any work submitted during the school closure.
According to the MEES guidelines, students in Secondary I to III will receive a report card indicating a Pass or Fail. Students in Secondary IV and Secondary V will be given marks as percentages. How do these directives apply to VMC? Some clarifications need to be made regarding our specific school mandate and our accelerated programming, which do not fit into the general parameters provided by the Ministry.
VMC will follow the Ministry guidelines with the following accommodations due to our programming:
1. Where required, we will be teaching new content and continuing the curriculum plan for the year. Our goal is to introduce and review content that is required for academic success next year. There will be further consolidation at the beginning of next year for the content covered.
2. Semestered courses, which began February 3rd do not have a term 1 or 2 mark as a reference point, therefore requiring evaluations in order to determine a final grade. Teachers will be evaluating students’ work throughout this period in addition to work already submitted. The program will not be completed but teachers have identified essential skills and knowledge that must be acquired before the next academic year. Students must submit all their work for these classes. Teachers will give students an opportunity to submit assignments that were due prior to closure.
3. Students in secondary 3 will receive marks (%) for classes that are accelerated (POP, Visual Arts 4, & Math 426). These courses and their final marks will appear on the Attestation of Marks which is used to determine CEGEP admission since they are part of the Secondary 4 program of study.
4. Students who are failing English, Math and French based on term 1 and 2 marks have been identified as “at-risk”. Information was sent by email directly to these parents.
We realize that you may still have several questions regarding the end of the current school year. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. Please be assured that our school team is working diligently to ensure that our responsibilities towards our students are being met despite these difficult and unstable times.
What can students do now?
1. Attend classes and complete the work. For regular classes, students have an opportunity to improve their marks, while semestered class teachers are following a more standard evaluation process.
2. Students who have questions need to email their teachers, ideally before the start of class because the teachers can then clarify for the entire class.
Teachers are available between 8:30 and 3:00, Monday to Friday, and will answer questions pertaining to content outside of their scheduled class sessions. They are also able to virtually meet with students during the school day when such a meeting is requested. Be patient when waiting for a response, as they may be helping someone or teaching a class when questions are being asked.
Teachers will inform you if your child has missed a class. No further action is required from the parent when you receive these notices. Teachers will also notify you if your child has not submitted work or if the quality of the work has not shown proficiency. This communication is necessary in order to keep you informed of your child’s progress. We have also established a common homeroom period to facilitate checking in with our students and it is the ideal time for them to voice concerns or issues. It is our hope that you will be a partner in keeping your child engaged in active learning during this period.
On behalf of the entire school team, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for continued health and well-being.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
VMC Newsletter 5.4
Dear Parents and Students,
If there is a conflict between a class and your scheduled locker clean-up then no action is required. Please follow your assigned pick-up appointment.
If you miss an online class, the teacher will simply email you and you and your child to inform you all that they were not present. We hope that we will be seeing everyone next week (online or in person) and that this transition to online learning is successful.
Class schedules will be also posted on our web page.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend. Happy Mother's Day
If there is a conflict between a class and your scheduled locker clean-up then no action is required. Please follow your assigned pick-up appointment.
If you miss an online class, the teacher will simply email you and you and your child to inform you all that they were not present. We hope that we will be seeing everyone next week (online or in person) and that this transition to online learning is successful.
Class schedules will be also posted on our web page.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend. Happy Mother's Day
letter for at risk kids which can be applied even with the new info we just received
Dear Parents,
The VMC Administration is currently reviewing all students’ academic standings, especially those who are at-risk*(see explanation below).
During the course of the year, your child was identified to be struggling in one or several subject areas and you received a notice from the administration related to their “at risk” status. We must still assess and make a decision regarding your child’s status at the end of this school year based on what they have produced in term 3 and will produce over the next six weeks, to determine whether they will pass or fail.
VMC is providing online classes as of Monday, May 11th to help us get a better picture of students’ academic standing. At-risk students must attend the classes and complete all assigned work and assessments. If your child continues to struggle or does not register for the online classes, they will not be promoted. Please note that attendance and completion of all work does not automatically guarantee that the student will obtain a passing grade. The teachers will use their professional judgement to determine how much progress your child has made through the online learning to assess promotion.
We strongly recommend that your child be ready for their online courses as of Monday, May 11, 2020. If your child is experiencing difficulties, they must communicate with the teacher. If your child needs time to submit an assignment to a teacher and cannot meet the deadlines, again they must email the teacher and make arrangements as to when they can be submitted.
We hope that your child takes distance learning seriously, which may give them the opportunity to improve their grades.
Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal, Sec V
Vince Timpano, Vice-Principal, Sec III-IV
Peter McKelvie, Vice-Principal, Sec I-II
*An at-risk student is someone that has failed some or all competencies in a subject domain, in Terms 1 & 2 and is in academic jeopardy of failing the course. According to VMC’s Academic Criteria, to stay at the Collegiate, a student must:
a. Maintain an overall weighted average of at least 65% on their June results
b. Pass Math, English and French
If the average is above 65% but the student failed Math, English and/or French, they will be withdrawn from the Collegiate.
The VMC Administration is currently reviewing all students’ academic standings, especially those who are at-risk*(see explanation below).
During the course of the year, your child was identified to be struggling in one or several subject areas and you received a notice from the administration related to their “at risk” status. We must still assess and make a decision regarding your child’s status at the end of this school year based on what they have produced in term 3 and will produce over the next six weeks, to determine whether they will pass or fail.
VMC is providing online classes as of Monday, May 11th to help us get a better picture of students’ academic standing. At-risk students must attend the classes and complete all assigned work and assessments. If your child continues to struggle or does not register for the online classes, they will not be promoted. Please note that attendance and completion of all work does not automatically guarantee that the student will obtain a passing grade. The teachers will use their professional judgement to determine how much progress your child has made through the online learning to assess promotion.
We strongly recommend that your child be ready for their online courses as of Monday, May 11, 2020. If your child is experiencing difficulties, they must communicate with the teacher. If your child needs time to submit an assignment to a teacher and cannot meet the deadlines, again they must email the teacher and make arrangements as to when they can be submitted.
We hope that your child takes distance learning seriously, which may give them the opportunity to improve their grades.
Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal, Sec V
Vince Timpano, Vice-Principal, Sec III-IV
Peter McKelvie, Vice-Principal, Sec I-II
*An at-risk student is someone that has failed some or all competencies in a subject domain, in Terms 1 & 2 and is in academic jeopardy of failing the course. According to VMC’s Academic Criteria, to stay at the Collegiate, a student must:
a. Maintain an overall weighted average of at least 65% on their June results
b. Pass Math, English and French
If the average is above 65% but the student failed Math, English and/or French, they will be withdrawn from the Collegiate.
VMC Newsletter May 7th, 2020 - Virtual Classes
Dear Parents and Students,
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Vincent Massey Collegiate is about to begin online distance learning classes through Microsoft Teams and Google Classrooms. By now, all of your children should have been in communication with their teachers and may have attended virtual homerooms at some point this week. As of Monday, May 11th, students are expected to attend all classes and complete all work and assessments. Attendance will be taken and the subject teachers will contact the parents of students who are absent by email. Please continue to check for messages on a daily basis.
Attached you will find a copy of your child’s online learning schedule for the next two weeks (May 11 – May 22). Please note that Monday, May 18th is a holiday and therefore no classes have been scheduled. Also, note that scheduled Ped days have been cancelled as per MEES directives.
Students should communicate with their subject teachers if they have any questions or concerns.
NETIQUETTE FOR ONLINE CLASSES – See attachment. Very important for students to review prior to online classes.
VMC's Netiquette.pdf
MS TEAMS GLITCH: CORRECT YOUR TIME ZONE IN OUTLOOK
In learning to use the software, we’ve found a time zone glitch, which if not corrected will send you the wrong time for the scheduled class. This glitch, which is easily corrected, may make you wonder why the teacher wants to meet you at 5am. Many students rushed through their settings when entering their EMSB account for the very first time and may not have accurately put in the time zone.
Verify that your time zone is set to Eastern Standard Time. That means going into the EMSB outlook (e-mail) and verifying the time zone. The class schedules are included to make sure that if there is a glitch, you know what time class actually starts.
CLASS SCHEDULES
Each schedule will have the SUBJECT - GROUP - TEACHER and if the class does not start at the beginning of the period then, for example, it will be indicated as @ 9:00am. Most classes will meet twice a week. Although we have sent you the week two schedule, it may change and an update will be sent next week if needed.
We wish you all well,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Vincent Massey Collegiate is about to begin online distance learning classes through Microsoft Teams and Google Classrooms. By now, all of your children should have been in communication with their teachers and may have attended virtual homerooms at some point this week. As of Monday, May 11th, students are expected to attend all classes and complete all work and assessments. Attendance will be taken and the subject teachers will contact the parents of students who are absent by email. Please continue to check for messages on a daily basis.
Attached you will find a copy of your child’s online learning schedule for the next two weeks (May 11 – May 22). Please note that Monday, May 18th is a holiday and therefore no classes have been scheduled. Also, note that scheduled Ped days have been cancelled as per MEES directives.
Students should communicate with their subject teachers if they have any questions or concerns.
NETIQUETTE FOR ONLINE CLASSES – See attachment. Very important for students to review prior to online classes.
VMC's Netiquette.pdf
MS TEAMS GLITCH: CORRECT YOUR TIME ZONE IN OUTLOOK
In learning to use the software, we’ve found a time zone glitch, which if not corrected will send you the wrong time for the scheduled class. This glitch, which is easily corrected, may make you wonder why the teacher wants to meet you at 5am. Many students rushed through their settings when entering their EMSB account for the very first time and may not have accurately put in the time zone.
Verify that your time zone is set to Eastern Standard Time. That means going into the EMSB outlook (e-mail) and verifying the time zone. The class schedules are included to make sure that if there is a glitch, you know what time class actually starts.
CLASS SCHEDULES
Each schedule will have the SUBJECT - GROUP - TEACHER and if the class does not start at the beginning of the period then, for example, it will be indicated as @ 9:00am. Most classes will meet twice a week. Although we have sent you the week two schedule, it may change and an update will be sent next week if needed.
We wish you all well,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
Google classroom access
Google Classroom link: http://www.classroom.google.com/
Course codes by level:
Course codes by level:
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VMC Getting Ready for Online Classes
Do these issues apply to your situation?
INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU:
Attending scheduled online classes: YES students must attend!
The objective next week is to get everyone learning, answering questions and establishing a routine with students. We expect ALL students to be present for class, BUT there will be flexibility. We are counting on parents to take the lead at home. Teachers will inform parents when a student misses class. As the parent, your role is to inform the teacher about what is causing an attendance issue and work with them to solve the problem. If the problem cannot be solved through collaboration between the home and school environments, then rest assured, your child will not be penalized for not attending. We are cognizant that not everyone is as well prepared for online learning.
Assessment during online class.
During our first week of online classes, there will likely be an assessment. If the assessment next week takes place during the online class and your child experiences difficulties they will need to communicate with teacher. Teachers will provide an alternative when possible.
We need time to make sure everyone can connect. As per usual, students will be able to submit their assignments, work, etc… virtually by the due date the teacher assigns. Again, for week one, flexibility will be applied and you will receive an email from the teacher informing you if your child has not submitted their work.
Schoolwork in the evenings.
For now, with the exception of online classes that have a fixed schedule, the work assigned by teachers can be done at any time of day. Most classwork will start Monday and end Friday with new lessons assigned at the beginning of each week. There is plenty of flexibility for your teenager to get the work done. Help them by setting up a schedule (day and evening) where they will have dedicated time for schoolwork.
Technological devices I may not have thought to use.
TV – Many homes have one TV unit with the ability to access the Internet, whether through a gaming console or Internet USB stick. Although they may be unable to participate through video, they can still type into the chats to ask questions, see the teacher, classmates and any visuals the teacher displays while participating through audio. If your children use the TV with a gaming console, then they already know what it can do!
Mobile devices like phones – MS Teams offers a free App that can be downloaded onto your phone. It is easy to use. Once downloaded onto any mobile device, it will prompt the student for their EMSB email and password and then they can connect to their scheduled classes. It is a fantastic way to join your class, learn from your teacher and ask questions.
We hope this information is useful! The VMC staff, who have a variety of tech abilities, are working hard to make this an easy transition for your children. Our teachers, in a short time, have learned to use these tools and we are therefore confident that your children will be able to get onboard and be productive for the next six weeks of school.
Those of you that made requests through the technology survey, we hope to meet your needs next week. We will be contacting you when the school board communicates your requests to us.
Class schedules and online etiquette guidelines will be sent to everyone tomorrow! Have a great day and stay safe.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
- I am worried that I do not have enough technological devices for everyone in my household to use when online requests are made from the school.
- I have several school age children and I am worried about simultaneous requests for online sessions that I will be unable to accommodate.
- I am working online from home and this may conflict with my child’s online class attendance.
INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU:
Attending scheduled online classes: YES students must attend!
The objective next week is to get everyone learning, answering questions and establishing a routine with students. We expect ALL students to be present for class, BUT there will be flexibility. We are counting on parents to take the lead at home. Teachers will inform parents when a student misses class. As the parent, your role is to inform the teacher about what is causing an attendance issue and work with them to solve the problem. If the problem cannot be solved through collaboration between the home and school environments, then rest assured, your child will not be penalized for not attending. We are cognizant that not everyone is as well prepared for online learning.
Assessment during online class.
During our first week of online classes, there will likely be an assessment. If the assessment next week takes place during the online class and your child experiences difficulties they will need to communicate with teacher. Teachers will provide an alternative when possible.
We need time to make sure everyone can connect. As per usual, students will be able to submit their assignments, work, etc… virtually by the due date the teacher assigns. Again, for week one, flexibility will be applied and you will receive an email from the teacher informing you if your child has not submitted their work.
Schoolwork in the evenings.
For now, with the exception of online classes that have a fixed schedule, the work assigned by teachers can be done at any time of day. Most classwork will start Monday and end Friday with new lessons assigned at the beginning of each week. There is plenty of flexibility for your teenager to get the work done. Help them by setting up a schedule (day and evening) where they will have dedicated time for schoolwork.
Technological devices I may not have thought to use.
TV – Many homes have one TV unit with the ability to access the Internet, whether through a gaming console or Internet USB stick. Although they may be unable to participate through video, they can still type into the chats to ask questions, see the teacher, classmates and any visuals the teacher displays while participating through audio. If your children use the TV with a gaming console, then they already know what it can do!
Mobile devices like phones – MS Teams offers a free App that can be downloaded onto your phone. It is easy to use. Once downloaded onto any mobile device, it will prompt the student for their EMSB email and password and then they can connect to their scheduled classes. It is a fantastic way to join your class, learn from your teacher and ask questions.
We hope this information is useful! The VMC staff, who have a variety of tech abilities, are working hard to make this an easy transition for your children. Our teachers, in a short time, have learned to use these tools and we are therefore confident that your children will be able to get onboard and be productive for the next six weeks of school.
Those of you that made requests through the technology survey, we hope to meet your needs next week. We will be contacting you when the school board communicates your requests to us.
Class schedules and online etiquette guidelines will be sent to everyone tomorrow! Have a great day and stay safe.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
VMC NEWSLETTER MAY 6TH, 2020
Dear VMC Families,
We are looking forward to seeing you over the next few days. If you have not booked your locker retrieval appointment, please do so as there are a few remaining spots for next week.
Please note that students must keep their textbooks and calculators until June. The collection of these items will be done after online classes end.
For our students:
Starting May 11th, VMC online classes will begin through Microsoft Teams. This will be considered our testing week to make sure that we can resolve any glitches. If you do not attend class, your parents will be notified by the teacher. This is simply to keep them informed about your participation. Since next week will be a learning experience for all of us, we will be applying flexibility with any attendance issues. The goal is to get everyone onboard by the end of the week and resolve any outstanding issues while we learn how to use Microsoft Teams for online learning.
Microsoft Teams is accessible through your EMSB assigned email. You will receive invites for your classes but in the meantime, please complete the following checklist:
1. Use Chrome as your browser. Chrome allows you to access all the features of this tool.
2. Do not use Gmail to access your EMSB email because it will be refused. Make sure you are accessing the e-portal through the EMSB home page or through www.webmail.emsb.qc.ca
3. Once you sign in, you will find Microsoft TEAMS in the waffle (top left-hand corner). Or download the app on any smart device - it's easy.
Use the short videos below to help familiarize yourselves with MS Teams:
https://youtu.be/qx8xHpRMFHU
https://youtu.be/PasT3Q1ZR_I
https://youtu.be/5yT1K34RJo4
https://youtu.be/knOp1wT84x8
We hope this information is useful and answers some of your questions. A schedule of classes will be sent to you this Friday. You will be following your regular school timetable but with fewer classes. For most subjects, you will meet twice weekly. We are all prepared for next week being an adjustment period, so please do not worry. There are six weeks of learning and classes ahead of us that will help you master content and continue to develop your skills. It will also be an opportunity for all of you to improve your marks.
Regarding final marks, we are still waiting for the MEES to give us directives. We kindly ask that you be patient as no new information is available. We have been assured it is coming and we will share it with you as soon as we can.
Survey to Parents: Technology Needs
All parents have received an email survey directly from the EMSB regarding technological needs.
If you have not received the survey, please do the following:
1. Check your Junk Email for a message from ‘itsbatch2@emsb.qc.ca’ . Please complete the survey by the May 7th deadline.
2. If you do not find it, then communicate with the EMSB. Kindly contact schoolorg@emsb.qc.ca and they will assist you.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
We are looking forward to seeing you over the next few days. If you have not booked your locker retrieval appointment, please do so as there are a few remaining spots for next week.
Please note that students must keep their textbooks and calculators until June. The collection of these items will be done after online classes end.
For our students:
Starting May 11th, VMC online classes will begin through Microsoft Teams. This will be considered our testing week to make sure that we can resolve any glitches. If you do not attend class, your parents will be notified by the teacher. This is simply to keep them informed about your participation. Since next week will be a learning experience for all of us, we will be applying flexibility with any attendance issues. The goal is to get everyone onboard by the end of the week and resolve any outstanding issues while we learn how to use Microsoft Teams for online learning.
Microsoft Teams is accessible through your EMSB assigned email. You will receive invites for your classes but in the meantime, please complete the following checklist:
1. Use Chrome as your browser. Chrome allows you to access all the features of this tool.
2. Do not use Gmail to access your EMSB email because it will be refused. Make sure you are accessing the e-portal through the EMSB home page or through www.webmail.emsb.qc.ca
3. Once you sign in, you will find Microsoft TEAMS in the waffle (top left-hand corner). Or download the app on any smart device - it's easy.
Use the short videos below to help familiarize yourselves with MS Teams:
https://youtu.be/qx8xHpRMFHU
https://youtu.be/PasT3Q1ZR_I
https://youtu.be/5yT1K34RJo4
https://youtu.be/knOp1wT84x8
We hope this information is useful and answers some of your questions. A schedule of classes will be sent to you this Friday. You will be following your regular school timetable but with fewer classes. For most subjects, you will meet twice weekly. We are all prepared for next week being an adjustment period, so please do not worry. There are six weeks of learning and classes ahead of us that will help you master content and continue to develop your skills. It will also be an opportunity for all of you to improve your marks.
Regarding final marks, we are still waiting for the MEES to give us directives. We kindly ask that you be patient as no new information is available. We have been assured it is coming and we will share it with you as soon as we can.
Survey to Parents: Technology Needs
All parents have received an email survey directly from the EMSB regarding technological needs.
If you have not received the survey, please do the following:
1. Check your Junk Email for a message from ‘itsbatch2@emsb.qc.ca’ . Please complete the survey by the May 7th deadline.
2. If you do not find it, then communicate with the EMSB. Kindly contact schoolorg@emsb.qc.ca and they will assist you.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
VMC NEWSLETTER may 5TH, 2020
Dear VMC Families,
We are ready to begin the retrieval of student items. There will be strict procedures in place to ensure the safety of staff and students as the retrieval process begins.
In order to respect Santé Publique guidelines, students without appointments and anyone showing signs of illness (coughing, fever, etc.) will be refused entry into the school. Please note that parents will not be permitted to enter the building.
Students should bring the following items with them for their appointment:
Below are the steps you will need to follow in order to book an appointment.
School Appointments-Parent Instructions
1. Go to our school appointments web site.
www.vmc.schoolappointments.com
2. Register for an account by clicking the "REGISTER" menu tab and filling in the on-line form. Choose a user id and password for yourself and then click the "Register Now" button.
3. Add your children into the system by clicking the "Add a Student" button. Click "Insert New" button to add more children.
4. Click the "date" icon beside each child's name to schedule appointments. Select any chaperone you wish and book your appointment. Next, use the "View Calendars" button. Click on available time slots to book your appointments.
5. Verify your bookings by clicking on “Print Appointment”. A pdf document will be download to your computer.
A more detailed set of student scheduling instructions has been attached to this email.
Detailed Parent Instructions.pdf
More info….
There will be no more than 7 students in the school at a time and they will have 15 minutes to get their items and exit the building. Parents are asked to drop their children off at the main door (27th Avenue) and then they should wait, in their cars, in the staff parking lot near the new gym. Please be on time for your appointment - late students may be refused access to their lockers. Note: Students will only be allowed to empty their own lockers.
Staff members, “chaperones”, will accompany students at all times.
The chaperones will:
We look forward to seeing your children over the next few days.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
We are ready to begin the retrieval of student items. There will be strict procedures in place to ensure the safety of staff and students as the retrieval process begins.
In order to respect Santé Publique guidelines, students without appointments and anyone showing signs of illness (coughing, fever, etc.) will be refused entry into the school. Please note that parents will not be permitted to enter the building.
Students should bring the following items with them for their appointment:
- A sharpie or dark pen in order to write their lock combinations down
- Any school sport teams' uniforms (soccer, basketball, etc.)
- Library books
Below are the steps you will need to follow in order to book an appointment.
School Appointments-Parent Instructions
1. Go to our school appointments web site.
www.vmc.schoolappointments.com
2. Register for an account by clicking the "REGISTER" menu tab and filling in the on-line form. Choose a user id and password for yourself and then click the "Register Now" button.
3. Add your children into the system by clicking the "Add a Student" button. Click "Insert New" button to add more children.
4. Click the "date" icon beside each child's name to schedule appointments. Select any chaperone you wish and book your appointment. Next, use the "View Calendars" button. Click on available time slots to book your appointments.
5. Verify your bookings by clicking on “Print Appointment”. A pdf document will be download to your computer.
A more detailed set of student scheduling instructions has been attached to this email.
Detailed Parent Instructions.pdf
More info….
There will be no more than 7 students in the school at a time and they will have 15 minutes to get their items and exit the building. Parents are asked to drop their children off at the main door (27th Avenue) and then they should wait, in their cars, in the staff parking lot near the new gym. Please be on time for your appointment - late students may be refused access to their lockers. Note: Students will only be allowed to empty their own lockers.
Staff members, “chaperones”, will accompany students at all times.
The chaperones will:
- Escort students to their lockers from the front lobby;
- Supervise the emptying of the locker into a garbage bag (provided by the school); Please note that sorting of the items must be done at home.
- Supervise the dropping off of library books, and if the shared locker is empty, dropping off the locks with combination indicated on the back;
- Escort the student to the new gym exit and ensure the student exits the new gym door (27th Avenue).
We look forward to seeing your children over the next few days.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
VMC Newsletter April 29th - Update
Dear VMC Families,
As per the MEES directives, on May 11th students will be resuming pedagogical activities through distance learning. Until this week, student learning activities were optional, however we have received new instructions from the Ministry. The VMC staff will be preparing, between now and May 11th, for the transition to a more regular school program. More information about work, evaluation and reporting will be forthcoming. In the meantime, you will soon receive information about collecting school materials from lockers along with instructions about how to access new tools, which will facilitate learning. That said, we need your collaboration in making sure this message is transmitted to students, especially those who have not been working on assignments posted in the Google classrooms. As of May 11th, there will be an evaluation component to the work assigned and students will need to be prepared to resume working more regularly. More information and clarifications will be coming. We thank you for your patience.
What can parents do right now?
1. Verify that your children are accessing Google classroom regularly and doing their best to complete all the assigned work. Note: Evaluations will not be retroactive to activities assigned between April 6th and May 4th, 2020.
2. Students must access their EMSB email account at eportal.emsb.qc.ca or the eportal tab at www.emsb.qc.ca . The tools for online learning are all accessible through the waffle in the top left hand corner of the student’s EMSB account. Again, students should check their email at least once daily as they will receive notifications from the school, their teachers and Google classroom.
3. If you think you have missed an email check our website.
4. Over the next 5 days, emails related to the retrieval of materials and technology needs will be sent. Please be vigilant and check our website if you think you’ve missed something.
VMC teachers, support staff and the administrators are at your disposal (by email) to assist you over the coming weeks and months as we enter the next phase. Below you will find a letter addressed to parents from Minister Roberge describing the changes that will be taking place, as well as, two other useful documents.
Stay safe and reach out to us if there are any issues. We will do our best to help.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
As per the MEES directives, on May 11th students will be resuming pedagogical activities through distance learning. Until this week, student learning activities were optional, however we have received new instructions from the Ministry. The VMC staff will be preparing, between now and May 11th, for the transition to a more regular school program. More information about work, evaluation and reporting will be forthcoming. In the meantime, you will soon receive information about collecting school materials from lockers along with instructions about how to access new tools, which will facilitate learning. That said, we need your collaboration in making sure this message is transmitted to students, especially those who have not been working on assignments posted in the Google classrooms. As of May 11th, there will be an evaluation component to the work assigned and students will need to be prepared to resume working more regularly. More information and clarifications will be coming. We thank you for your patience.
What can parents do right now?
1. Verify that your children are accessing Google classroom regularly and doing their best to complete all the assigned work. Note: Evaluations will not be retroactive to activities assigned between April 6th and May 4th, 2020.
2. Students must access their EMSB email account at eportal.emsb.qc.ca or the eportal tab at www.emsb.qc.ca . The tools for online learning are all accessible through the waffle in the top left hand corner of the student’s EMSB account. Again, students should check their email at least once daily as they will receive notifications from the school, their teachers and Google classroom.
3. If you think you have missed an email check our website.
4. Over the next 5 days, emails related to the retrieval of materials and technology needs will be sent. Please be vigilant and check our website if you think you’ve missed something.
VMC teachers, support staff and the administrators are at your disposal (by email) to assist you over the coming weeks and months as we enter the next phase. Below you will find a letter addressed to parents from Minister Roberge describing the changes that will be taking place, as well as, two other useful documents.
Stay safe and reach out to us if there are any issues. We will do our best to help.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
VMC Newsletter April 27th, 2020
Dear VMC Families,
As the plan for VMC students develops based on the announcements that will come forward this afternoon, the EMSB and VMC will keep you informed of how our students will be impacted.
For now, teachers will continue updating weekly assignments and giving feedback to those students who submit their work. If your child is having difficulty accessing their EMSB email please have them go to www.webmail.emsb.qc.ca, this route should remove any obstacles they have faced thus far. Please remind your children to check their email at least once daily as they will receive notifications from the school, their teachers and Google classroom.
Teachers, support staff and admin are at your disposal by email and to assist in resolving any technical issues as we journey towards an online teaching platform over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, attached is a message from our Yearbook team. While we’ve been away from the building, they are still working on recording the memories that are uniquely VMC. Please take the time to read the attachment and submit to our team of dedicated Yearbook students. They are committed to immortalizing a year no one will ever forget!
Yearbook letter.pdf
Stay safe and reach out to us if there are any issues. We will do our best to help.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
As the plan for VMC students develops based on the announcements that will come forward this afternoon, the EMSB and VMC will keep you informed of how our students will be impacted.
For now, teachers will continue updating weekly assignments and giving feedback to those students who submit their work. If your child is having difficulty accessing their EMSB email please have them go to www.webmail.emsb.qc.ca, this route should remove any obstacles they have faced thus far. Please remind your children to check their email at least once daily as they will receive notifications from the school, their teachers and Google classroom.
Teachers, support staff and admin are at your disposal by email and to assist in resolving any technical issues as we journey towards an online teaching platform over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, attached is a message from our Yearbook team. While we’ve been away from the building, they are still working on recording the memories that are uniquely VMC. Please take the time to read the attachment and submit to our team of dedicated Yearbook students. They are committed to immortalizing a year no one will ever forget!
Yearbook letter.pdf
Stay safe and reach out to us if there are any issues. We will do our best to help.
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano
Principal
VMC NEWSLETTER April 20, 2020
Priority for this week - We are asking parents to take a few minutes and review with their child if they have signed up to all the available Google classes and if they are experiencing any difficulties. It is important that they keep up with their academic studies especially if they struggled in certain subjects. Teachers are available daily to answer questions and follow up with students.
We are counting on you to assist us by verifying that your child is receiving the information. Until now, we have only had positive feedback and therefore believe your child should not be experiencing any technical difficulties.
Please feel free to communicate by email at any time during the week if you have questions after reading the newsletter.
TO DO LIST and INFO:
1. All students should check their EMSB email account once per day. This is our only means of communication even if it is not the students' preferred tool to use. Please have them plan their check-ins daily to facilitate the timely transfer of information.
2. Google classroom – Every Monday, the recommended activities per subject are updated and by Thursday follow-ups are posted by the various subject specialists. The classroom codes are available on our website under the “UPDATES” tab where all VMC communications by email will be stored to facilitate retrieval by parents and students.
3. Phone calls home – expect homeroom teachers to communicate with you this week and a phone call from them next week to check in with students and families. If there are any needs: food, socio-emotional, technology, please let us know during these calls or by email. We can help! If students miss the call from their homeroom teachers, please ask them to email their teacher and let them know how they are doing.
4. Sec V Graduating students, we are beginning our traditional planning. Check in by email to see what we need from you to help plan your grad celebration. News regarding grad photos, grad video, prom and more will come through your EMSB email. Please be vigilant!
5. If you or your child have any questions, whether academic or related to emotional-psychological state, please contact the school team using the following online form. The form and any requests will remain confidential and will go directly to the guidance counsellors, Mr. Critchley and Ms. Zappitelli.
Click here to access the form: Form
6. Final Evaluations: How marks will be determined is being discussion at the MEES level. To date the only information received states that marks will be based on term 1 and 2 marks, as well as, teacher’s professional judgement. No further information is available at the moment. Rest assured the EMSB has asked MEES for clarification as this model of evaluation requires adjustments for certain subjects. More info will follow when it becomes available.
7. Information about trip refunds and procedures will be sent to the respective grade levels this week. Thank you for waiting so patiently.
7. All staff members’ emails can be found on our website at www.vmc.qc.ca , click on “About VMC” and then “Staff Directory” or just follow this link http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html .
Thank you in advance for your cooperation throughout this period. We will keep you posted if we receive any new details. Stay safe!
On behalf of VMC,
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
We are counting on you to assist us by verifying that your child is receiving the information. Until now, we have only had positive feedback and therefore believe your child should not be experiencing any technical difficulties.
Please feel free to communicate by email at any time during the week if you have questions after reading the newsletter.
TO DO LIST and INFO:
1. All students should check their EMSB email account once per day. This is our only means of communication even if it is not the students' preferred tool to use. Please have them plan their check-ins daily to facilitate the timely transfer of information.
2. Google classroom – Every Monday, the recommended activities per subject are updated and by Thursday follow-ups are posted by the various subject specialists. The classroom codes are available on our website under the “UPDATES” tab where all VMC communications by email will be stored to facilitate retrieval by parents and students.
3. Phone calls home – expect homeroom teachers to communicate with you this week and a phone call from them next week to check in with students and families. If there are any needs: food, socio-emotional, technology, please let us know during these calls or by email. We can help! If students miss the call from their homeroom teachers, please ask them to email their teacher and let them know how they are doing.
4. Sec V Graduating students, we are beginning our traditional planning. Check in by email to see what we need from you to help plan your grad celebration. News regarding grad photos, grad video, prom and more will come through your EMSB email. Please be vigilant!
5. If you or your child have any questions, whether academic or related to emotional-psychological state, please contact the school team using the following online form. The form and any requests will remain confidential and will go directly to the guidance counsellors, Mr. Critchley and Ms. Zappitelli.
Click here to access the form: Form
6. Final Evaluations: How marks will be determined is being discussion at the MEES level. To date the only information received states that marks will be based on term 1 and 2 marks, as well as, teacher’s professional judgement. No further information is available at the moment. Rest assured the EMSB has asked MEES for clarification as this model of evaluation requires adjustments for certain subjects. More info will follow when it becomes available.
7. Information about trip refunds and procedures will be sent to the respective grade levels this week. Thank you for waiting so patiently.
7. All staff members’ emails can be found on our website at www.vmc.qc.ca , click on “About VMC” and then “Staff Directory” or just follow this link http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html .
Thank you in advance for your cooperation throughout this period. We will keep you posted if we receive any new details. Stay safe!
On behalf of VMC,
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
VMC NEWSLETTER April 13, 2020
We hope that you are all healthy and safe during this unprecedented time. We are gearing up for the new week of our Google classroom initiative. The Google classrooms were all updated this morning with activities to give our students the best opportunity to refine their skills and knowledge by actively participating in learning.
This newsletter will address 4 topics:
1. VMC mental health resources
2. Google classroom
3. Phone calls home
4. Course selection 2020-21
VMC Mental Health Resources
At this time of year, we are in full swing with next year’s academic planning. During normal circumstances, students have access to our Student Services Department daily for academic and mental health help. This access is still available during the school closure although not as instantaneous.
We’ve set up a form that students and parents can use to contact the Student Services team. This form is not for emergencies but expect a response to your requests, Monday to Friday, within 36 hours. Students can also make requests on behalf of other students if they are concerned with someone’s mental health.
It is very important that you share the link with your children and have an open discussion of what they may be feeling and experiencing during this time. Your child is also receiving this email through their EMSB account.
If you or your child have any questions, academic or related to their emotional-psychological state, please contact the school team using the following on-line form. The form and any requests will remain confidential and will go directly to the guidance counsellors, Mr. Critchley and Ms. Zappitelli.
Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3I4qaDU1e0SMeoQxodjRtZtjjWd5zR5AmAc2RNkhLAxUQTRPVE1NRkhENDRTSUtOWDdFV0tIUlZFSi4u
Google Classroom
Please assist us in making sure that your children have signed up to the available Google classrooms. We strongly recommend that students participate fully in the assigned work that is designed to consolidate knowledge and skills. The classroom codes are available on our website under the “UPDATES” tab where all VMC communications by email will be stored to facilitate retrieval by parents and students. Remember that these practice activities will not be used for evaluation purposes, but will prepare students for their return to school by maintaining their skills. If Quebec schools do remain closed, these activities will help students transition to the new academic year. Teachers have selected activities that have a high impact and last 1-1.5 hours per subject per week. The teachers are working as a team and therefore the same activity is assigned per level and subject.
You may be dealing with unmotivated teens at home who sleep until lunch time, are uninterested because the work is not being evaluated and are telling you that you are the only parent forcing them to work. We’ve heard the latter in many of our conversations with you ;)
Depending on your home situation, it may be difficult to access technology or monitor your child’s participation. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
1. Negotiate a schedule with your child. Remember that their lives were governed by routine at school. A schedule will add normalcy and is also a way to ensure good mental health while away from the regular school routine. This schedule could be weekly or daily. Remember: There is possibly 10 hours of work if they are completing all the work assigned by level.
2. If they are unmotivated, try to schedule that academic time when someone is available to keep them on track. Some children are independent and self-motivated learners. If that is not the case, what keeps them motivated at school and at home may be adult intervention. Teachers constantly redirect students’ attention in class during the day and your child may need that help at home.
What could this look like? It could mean that if you are working from home, they are working along-side you at the kitchen table or in the home office. If it’s better for you to have them work when you are free, encourage them to stay engaged and on task for short periods of time.
3. If your child is resistant and has not been doing any work thus far, pick your battles. Be selective while establishing a new routine of academic work. Choose subjects which they have been struggling with and really need to do some work OR maybe start with what they love. Maybe try suggesting what they find easy first because it will motivate them. Think about what works best and discuss it with your child. Make the academics non-negotiable but the “how it gets done” something that they have a say in deciding. Do what works best.
4. Teachers are not using the work for grading purposes, but they are giving students feedback. The work is meant to be productive and not ‘busy work’. Teachers have been communicating with students regularly during the school day. If your child has questions, all they need to do is reach out through the Google Classroom or email the teachers.
These are just suggestions - as every family situation is different. Figure out what works best for your family based on your circumstances. Know that if online access is an issue we can provide paper copies of work weekly. Just contact the administrative team, Mr. McKelvie (Secondary 1 and 2), Mr. Timpano (Secondary 3 and 4) or Ms. Cristiano (Secondary 5) to organize it. We hope that students can participate but understand that it may not be always possible.
Phone calls home
Have you received a call from your child’s homeroom teacher yet?
Expect a call from a member of the school staff if you haven’t already received one.
Although we are very fortunate to be able to offer many on-line services to our student population, we will be reaching out periodically to you by phone in order to stay in touch. If you noticed an increase in “blocked number” indications on your home or cell phone lines over the last 5 days, it is likely a VMC staff member trying to reach you. These are unprecedented times and we hope that you are not finding our communications intrusive as it is being done with the best of intentions.
Many of you have been inundated with emails and, for those of you where technology is limited, this time can be challenging. This is why we are varying our communication; in hopes of meeting everyone’s needs.
What to expect from VMC communications during the closure:
1. Weekly email and website communications. Check the VMC website weekly, under the UPDATES tab you will find each communication sent out to the school community by email saved for your immediate review.
2. Phone call campaign to stay in touch. These calls will be made periodically to the entire school population. We are using the phone numbers currently in our system. If there has been a change since the beginning of the school year and the school was not advised, please communicate directly with the School Organization Technician, Ms. Taddio: gtaddio@emsb.qc.ca
3. Google classroom. Students’ academic platform gives them daily access to teachers, Monday through Friday. If parents have academic questions, please communicate with teachers by email and not through Google Classroom.
4. Administration and our Student Services Team are available throughout this period. Email is the fastest means of communication. The online Guidance form will also be available on our website permanently under the “Contact Us” tab.
5. All staff members’ emails can be found on our website at www.vmc.qc.ca , click on “About VMC” and then “Staff Directory” or just follow this link http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html .
Course selection 2020-21
For Secondary 1 and 3 parents, no action is required at this time.
For Secondary 2 and 4 parents, you received course selection documents that were due March 13th. As school closure began on this date and the teachers were unable to collect all the forms, you will receive an online form to complete. This will simplify the process and allow us to obtain the information required to plan next year’s academic classes.
Please complete the form you will receive shortly through ‘schoolmessenger’. We hope to receive your response by Wednesday morning. Thank you to all our Secondary 4 parents for their responses received in March regarding the selection of Secondary 5 Option Courses.
For Secondary 5 parents, we will reach out to you in the next few weeks to gather information related to post-secondary applications. Our guidance counsellors normally go to secondary 5 classes to obtain the information directly from students once the first round of acceptance letters is completed. This process occurs the first weeks of May. If the reopening of schools is delayed beyond May 4th, we will gather this information through an online form. In the meantime, if you do have post-secondary questions, please use the link provided in the Mental Health Resources section of this email to reach out to a guidance counsellor.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
On behalf of the entire staff, we hope to see all of our students in person on May 4th. This date continues to be the official date given to all school boards by the government. We will adjust accordingly if the date changes and we will keep you updated weekly until we see you all again in person. Stay safe everyone!
On behalf of VMC,
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
This newsletter will address 4 topics:
1. VMC mental health resources
2. Google classroom
3. Phone calls home
4. Course selection 2020-21
VMC Mental Health Resources
At this time of year, we are in full swing with next year’s academic planning. During normal circumstances, students have access to our Student Services Department daily for academic and mental health help. This access is still available during the school closure although not as instantaneous.
We’ve set up a form that students and parents can use to contact the Student Services team. This form is not for emergencies but expect a response to your requests, Monday to Friday, within 36 hours. Students can also make requests on behalf of other students if they are concerned with someone’s mental health.
It is very important that you share the link with your children and have an open discussion of what they may be feeling and experiencing during this time. Your child is also receiving this email through their EMSB account.
If you or your child have any questions, academic or related to their emotional-psychological state, please contact the school team using the following on-line form. The form and any requests will remain confidential and will go directly to the guidance counsellors, Mr. Critchley and Ms. Zappitelli.
Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3I4qaDU1e0SMeoQxodjRtZtjjWd5zR5AmAc2RNkhLAxUQTRPVE1NRkhENDRTSUtOWDdFV0tIUlZFSi4u
Google Classroom
Please assist us in making sure that your children have signed up to the available Google classrooms. We strongly recommend that students participate fully in the assigned work that is designed to consolidate knowledge and skills. The classroom codes are available on our website under the “UPDATES” tab where all VMC communications by email will be stored to facilitate retrieval by parents and students. Remember that these practice activities will not be used for evaluation purposes, but will prepare students for their return to school by maintaining their skills. If Quebec schools do remain closed, these activities will help students transition to the new academic year. Teachers have selected activities that have a high impact and last 1-1.5 hours per subject per week. The teachers are working as a team and therefore the same activity is assigned per level and subject.
You may be dealing with unmotivated teens at home who sleep until lunch time, are uninterested because the work is not being evaluated and are telling you that you are the only parent forcing them to work. We’ve heard the latter in many of our conversations with you ;)
Depending on your home situation, it may be difficult to access technology or monitor your child’s participation. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
1. Negotiate a schedule with your child. Remember that their lives were governed by routine at school. A schedule will add normalcy and is also a way to ensure good mental health while away from the regular school routine. This schedule could be weekly or daily. Remember: There is possibly 10 hours of work if they are completing all the work assigned by level.
2. If they are unmotivated, try to schedule that academic time when someone is available to keep them on track. Some children are independent and self-motivated learners. If that is not the case, what keeps them motivated at school and at home may be adult intervention. Teachers constantly redirect students’ attention in class during the day and your child may need that help at home.
What could this look like? It could mean that if you are working from home, they are working along-side you at the kitchen table or in the home office. If it’s better for you to have them work when you are free, encourage them to stay engaged and on task for short periods of time.
3. If your child is resistant and has not been doing any work thus far, pick your battles. Be selective while establishing a new routine of academic work. Choose subjects which they have been struggling with and really need to do some work OR maybe start with what they love. Maybe try suggesting what they find easy first because it will motivate them. Think about what works best and discuss it with your child. Make the academics non-negotiable but the “how it gets done” something that they have a say in deciding. Do what works best.
4. Teachers are not using the work for grading purposes, but they are giving students feedback. The work is meant to be productive and not ‘busy work’. Teachers have been communicating with students regularly during the school day. If your child has questions, all they need to do is reach out through the Google Classroom or email the teachers.
These are just suggestions - as every family situation is different. Figure out what works best for your family based on your circumstances. Know that if online access is an issue we can provide paper copies of work weekly. Just contact the administrative team, Mr. McKelvie (Secondary 1 and 2), Mr. Timpano (Secondary 3 and 4) or Ms. Cristiano (Secondary 5) to organize it. We hope that students can participate but understand that it may not be always possible.
Phone calls home
Have you received a call from your child’s homeroom teacher yet?
Expect a call from a member of the school staff if you haven’t already received one.
Although we are very fortunate to be able to offer many on-line services to our student population, we will be reaching out periodically to you by phone in order to stay in touch. If you noticed an increase in “blocked number” indications on your home or cell phone lines over the last 5 days, it is likely a VMC staff member trying to reach you. These are unprecedented times and we hope that you are not finding our communications intrusive as it is being done with the best of intentions.
Many of you have been inundated with emails and, for those of you where technology is limited, this time can be challenging. This is why we are varying our communication; in hopes of meeting everyone’s needs.
What to expect from VMC communications during the closure:
1. Weekly email and website communications. Check the VMC website weekly, under the UPDATES tab you will find each communication sent out to the school community by email saved for your immediate review.
2. Phone call campaign to stay in touch. These calls will be made periodically to the entire school population. We are using the phone numbers currently in our system. If there has been a change since the beginning of the school year and the school was not advised, please communicate directly with the School Organization Technician, Ms. Taddio: gtaddio@emsb.qc.ca
3. Google classroom. Students’ academic platform gives them daily access to teachers, Monday through Friday. If parents have academic questions, please communicate with teachers by email and not through Google Classroom.
4. Administration and our Student Services Team are available throughout this period. Email is the fastest means of communication. The online Guidance form will also be available on our website permanently under the “Contact Us” tab.
5. All staff members’ emails can be found on our website at www.vmc.qc.ca , click on “About VMC” and then “Staff Directory” or just follow this link http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html .
Course selection 2020-21
For Secondary 1 and 3 parents, no action is required at this time.
For Secondary 2 and 4 parents, you received course selection documents that were due March 13th. As school closure began on this date and the teachers were unable to collect all the forms, you will receive an online form to complete. This will simplify the process and allow us to obtain the information required to plan next year’s academic classes.
Please complete the form you will receive shortly through ‘schoolmessenger’. We hope to receive your response by Wednesday morning. Thank you to all our Secondary 4 parents for their responses received in March regarding the selection of Secondary 5 Option Courses.
For Secondary 5 parents, we will reach out to you in the next few weeks to gather information related to post-secondary applications. Our guidance counsellors normally go to secondary 5 classes to obtain the information directly from students once the first round of acceptance letters is completed. This process occurs the first weeks of May. If the reopening of schools is delayed beyond May 4th, we will gather this information through an online form. In the meantime, if you do have post-secondary questions, please use the link provided in the Mental Health Resources section of this email to reach out to a guidance counsellor.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
On behalf of the entire staff, we hope to see all of our students in person on May 4th. This date continues to be the official date given to all school boards by the government. We will adjust accordingly if the date changes and we will keep you updated weekly until we see you all again in person. Stay safe everyone!
On behalf of VMC,
Sincerest Regards,
Franca Cristiano, Principal
VMC NEWSLETTER April 6,2020
VMC staff has been working diligently to set up a cohesive learning plan for students that respects the Minister’s directives and our school objective - that students have the best opportunity to refine the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the next academic year.
Google classrooms have been set-up to facilitate the transfer of information and resources to students. They have been set-up by level and subject. Students can sign up using their EMSB email. All subject areas will assign 1-1.5 hours of work per week and it will be updated every Monday. There will be a variety of activities including evaluations. These activities are all voluntary and the evaluations will not be used for grading purposes. We strongly recommend that students participate fully in the assigned work that is designed to consolidate knowledge and skills.
These Google classrooms, specifically designed for the shutdown period, will remain open until the start of the new academic year so that students can refer back to the information throughout the summer. Specifically during the shutdown period teachers will be available during regular school hours (8:30 to 3:00) to support students’ learning through this platform. Please be conscious of the fact that responses to queries won’t be instantaneous as teachers have the same technology restrictions and family constraints in their households that many of you also have. Parents can also join these classrooms using the same codes. We do ask parents not to use this platform to ask questions as it is reserved for students. If you have questions, please use email. All staff emails are available on our website under the tab "About VMC": http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html
What we do know as of April 6th?
https://youtu.be/9B-2ACUttIs (Specifically, the link provided here, can be viewed on your mobile phone.)
Please use the following codes to access your Google classrooms:
Google classrooms have been set-up to facilitate the transfer of information and resources to students. They have been set-up by level and subject. Students can sign up using their EMSB email. All subject areas will assign 1-1.5 hours of work per week and it will be updated every Monday. There will be a variety of activities including evaluations. These activities are all voluntary and the evaluations will not be used for grading purposes. We strongly recommend that students participate fully in the assigned work that is designed to consolidate knowledge and skills.
These Google classrooms, specifically designed for the shutdown period, will remain open until the start of the new academic year so that students can refer back to the information throughout the summer. Specifically during the shutdown period teachers will be available during regular school hours (8:30 to 3:00) to support students’ learning through this platform. Please be conscious of the fact that responses to queries won’t be instantaneous as teachers have the same technology restrictions and family constraints in their households that many of you also have. Parents can also join these classrooms using the same codes. We do ask parents not to use this platform to ask questions as it is reserved for students. If you have questions, please use email. All staff emails are available on our website under the tab "About VMC": http://www.vmc.qc.ca/staff-directory.html
What we do know as of April 6th?
- Access to school premises has been denied to staff and students unless medically related.
- First day of classes is scheduled for May 4th. If this changes we will extend the Google classroom learning activities to the new date.
- All field trips, competitions/tournaments and sports activities (GMAA-RSEQ) are cancelled until June 30th.
- June exam period: ministerial exams are all cancelled.
- Cancelled overnight trips: refunds are being determined by the various travel agencies. Accurate information will be sent by grade level when they become available.
https://youtu.be/9B-2ACUttIs (Specifically, the link provided here, can be viewed on your mobile phone.)
Please use the following codes to access your Google classrooms:
How to access the VMC Google ClassrooM and join various classes
Please click on the double arrow at the bottom right corner of the video to expand it.
You can also view the video here: VMC YouTube Channel
You can also view the video here: VMC YouTube Channel
Recommended Resources
Math Sec 1-5 Summary Notes:
BB Tutorials has been offering tutorials in the Spring to VMC students for the last several years. They are offering FREE summary notes. If you are interested email joe@bbtutorials.com and mention your name, child's name, school and grade.
Math Help Services (MHS) for Math 206, 306, 426 and 506.
Due to the current situation, MHS is kindly providing VMC students access to their online services which can be used at home while schools are closed. MHS provides a set of detailed video lessons aligned with the curriculum. Each video lesson contains: introductory video instruction, walked-through examples, a set of questions with detailed video solutions and self-testing features.
Short MHS Overview / Training Video about how it works: https://youtu.be/tj1EbQH0Tfg
A fact sheet is also attached to this email.
You should have received an email with the access information. If you did not receive an email then contact the representative for assistance at:
jon.dambrosio@teaching-solutions-software.com
Allo Prof http://www.alloprof.qc.ca/
Si votre enfant est au secondaire….
Comment inciter votre ado à lire à la maison?
Des jeux et applis pour réviser ses verbes en français (Conjugo) et en anglais (Irregular Verbs Challenge)
Imagine les nouveaux forums d’Alloprof, un mini sondage qui permettra à votre enfant de nous aider à développer un outil à son image.
Top 5 des outils de révision d’Alloprof
Learn Quebec
Subject areas https://learnquebec.ca/subject-help
Social Sciences (History), Math, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry
Life skills https://learnquebec.ca/qlwg-skills-for-life-modules
How To https://learnquebec.ca/how-to-new
EMSB Resources Accessible to all students through the EMSB Portal:
Virtual Library http://virtuallibrary.emsb.qc.ca/secondary.html ; see attachment
CVE – Connection Videos to Education https://cve.grics.ca/en?destination=/
Science http://www.edumedia-sciences.com/en/
Other resources:
Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
Breakout EDU (educational games) https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome
IXL Learning ($) https://ca.ixl.com/membership/
NEW LINKS:
MEES – https://ecoleouverte.ca/en/resources/browse/13
EMSB - https://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb/community/education/secondary
We hope these tools will be helpful in filling the days ahead and keeping everyone occupied while they are home.
Attachments:
Bibliothèque virtuelle accès externe.pdf
Virtual Library Off-Site Access.pdf
MHS FACT SHEET.pdf
BB Tutorials has been offering tutorials in the Spring to VMC students for the last several years. They are offering FREE summary notes. If you are interested email joe@bbtutorials.com and mention your name, child's name, school and grade.
Math Help Services (MHS) for Math 206, 306, 426 and 506.
Due to the current situation, MHS is kindly providing VMC students access to their online services which can be used at home while schools are closed. MHS provides a set of detailed video lessons aligned with the curriculum. Each video lesson contains: introductory video instruction, walked-through examples, a set of questions with detailed video solutions and self-testing features.
Short MHS Overview / Training Video about how it works: https://youtu.be/tj1EbQH0Tfg
A fact sheet is also attached to this email.
You should have received an email with the access information. If you did not receive an email then contact the representative for assistance at:
jon.dambrosio@teaching-solutions-software.com
Allo Prof http://www.alloprof.qc.ca/
Si votre enfant est au secondaire….
Comment inciter votre ado à lire à la maison?
Des jeux et applis pour réviser ses verbes en français (Conjugo) et en anglais (Irregular Verbs Challenge)
Imagine les nouveaux forums d’Alloprof, un mini sondage qui permettra à votre enfant de nous aider à développer un outil à son image.
Top 5 des outils de révision d’Alloprof
Learn Quebec
Subject areas https://learnquebec.ca/subject-help
Social Sciences (History), Math, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry
Life skills https://learnquebec.ca/qlwg-skills-for-life-modules
How To https://learnquebec.ca/how-to-new
EMSB Resources Accessible to all students through the EMSB Portal:
Virtual Library http://virtuallibrary.emsb.qc.ca/secondary.html ; see attachment
CVE – Connection Videos to Education https://cve.grics.ca/en?destination=/
Science http://www.edumedia-sciences.com/en/
Other resources:
Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
Breakout EDU (educational games) https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome
IXL Learning ($) https://ca.ixl.com/membership/
NEW LINKS:
MEES – https://ecoleouverte.ca/en/resources/browse/13
EMSB - https://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb/community/education/secondary
We hope these tools will be helpful in filling the days ahead and keeping everyone occupied while they are home.
Attachments:
Bibliothèque virtuelle accès externe.pdf
Virtual Library Off-Site Access.pdf
MHS FACT SHEET.pdf