ASTRAL DRIVE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
MAY-JUNE 2014 NEWSLETTER
Phone #: 462-8700
Safe Arrival #: 462-8700 ext. 1
School E-mail: adjh@hrsb.ca
School Website: http://astraldrivejunior.ednet.ns.ca
It is hard to believe that June is here!
Students and staff continue to work hard as we approach the end of our school year. It is important for
parents and students to remember that there is still a lot of work to complete; for some students this is a
critical time as final assessments and evaluations are on-going. With the exception of June 27th, students
are expected to attend all classes and continue working towards their program outcomes. It will be a
parent/guardian decision for students to be absent the last weeks of school. Up to and including June 26th
grade and outcomes related work will be provided for attending students.
At this time, I would like to thank students for making this a great year at ADJH. Astral students are very
accomplished – we expect a lot from them and they consistently meet and exceed our expectations each
and every year.
I would also like to thank parents/guardians for their support and involvement in the school and their
child’s learning. Parents/guardians are our most important partners in learning, and I appreciate all of
your contributions – large and small – during the past year.
Finally, thank you to the incredible staff of ADJH who, each and every day, demonstrates their
commitment to our school, our students’ well-being and their learning. It is a pleasure to work with a
team that is so caring and professional.
Everyone at ADJH would like to wish all of our grade 9 students’ academic success and happiness next
year at their new high school – Auburn High. As our Grade 9’s move on, we look forward to welcoming
our returning students and our new grade 7’s for another great year at Astral Drive Junior High.
Things to look for next year:
 Our continuous focus on learning and important questions: How are our students doing? How do
we know? What can we do to improve? What will we do if a student is not learning?
 Implementing our year 3 Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSI) for next year. Our CSI
plan is posted on our school web site.
 Our goals are
a. Goal 1:
To improve student achievement in problem solving and communication.
b. Goal 2:
To improve student achievement in reading comprehension with a focus on critical
thinking.
c. Goal 3:
To positively impact student learning through use of effective assessment practices.
 Developing and implementation of The RTI at Work™ . A model that builds on the foundation of
the Professional Learning Communities at Work process by using team structures and a focus on
learning, collaboration, and results to drive successful outcomes. The model emphasize that all
students must have access at Tier 1 to essential grade-level curriculum and highly effective
instructional practices to prevent most learning struggles. In addition, a school must provide
increasing targeted supplemental (Tier 2) and intensive (Tier 3) interventions for all students
needing additional support to master the academic skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to
succeed in school and beyond. This model will answer the question “What we will do if students
are not learning?”
 Planning / Implementation of RTI & “homework club”.
 Communication to school community of ADJH assessment for student learning
 Revision to our PEBS program in recognition of positive choices in learning, respect for self,
others, environment and school spirit.
 Our continuous efforts to develop positive partnerships with parents to enhance our focus on
teaching and student learning. Parents/Guardians are the most valuable partners in achieving the
highest results for student learning.
 Continued efforts to fundraise for school sports, technology and donations to those in need.
From all staff at ADJH have a safe and exciting summer break. See you September 3, 2014.
Ms. D. Fitzgerald – Principal
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Important Dates – June 2014
Day
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday-Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Date
June 5
June 12
June 13
June 18-20
June 24
June 26
June 27
June 30
Event
Band Awards Night Concert – ADJH gym 6:00pm
Upper Clements Park – Select Band
Athletic Awards 10:45-11:45am; Talent Show 1:00-2:30pm
Grade 9 Exams
Grade 9 Year End Dance – Grade 9 students Only - 6:30-9:00pm
Grade 9 Awards Ceremony 10:30-11:30am
Assessment & Evaluation Day (no classes)
Last Day of School
Grade 9 Exams
With only four weeks left in the school year, we are proceeding with year-end preparations. Students in
grade 9 are to write cumulative assessments at the end of the final term as outlined in the HRSB
Assessment and Evaluation policy.
Please note:
 All grade 9 students are asked to bring a book to their exam, for they will be asked to stay for the
duration of the allotted time. If extra time is needed they may stay at the lunch hour following the
exam for extended time for that scheduled exam.
 Students will write their exams each day (times below) in their home room class.
 All make-up exams must be approved by administration and/or a doctor’s note
Grade 9 Exam schedule for both English and French immersion program students will begin on June 18th
according to the following schedule:
Wednesday,
June 18th
Thursday,
June 19th
Language Arts
9:30-11:45am
Math
9:30-11:45am
Friday,
June 20th
Science
9:30-11:45am
Social Studies
12:30-2:30pm
Monday,
June 23rd
Make-up day in the morning
(9:30-11:45am)
Students are to remain in the exam room for the full time. It is imperative that all students participate
in these assessments. If for extenuating circumstances your child is not going to be in school for an
exam, please contact the school as soon as possible; all make up exams must be approved by
administration and/or a doctor’s note, your cooperation is appreciated.
Please note: grade 7 and 8 students will have regular scheduled classes during this time.
School Policy Reminder – Dress Code
With the warm weather here, we would like to remind students to dress appropriately and in good
taste. “Message” shirts should be appropriate to the school environment. Wearing clothing that reveals
underwear or bare stomachs, backs, or chests is considered inappropriate for school. Shorts should be
under the extended finger tips when arms and hand are to the students’ side leg for length. A
description of the Dress Code can be found in the student agenda and on our school website.
705-706 Université Ste. Anne
At the end of April, two of our classes, 705 and 706, participated in a three day Late French Immersion
experience at Université Ste-Anne. Our students represented our school and themselves very well. They
spoke French during all activities and participated enthusiastically. Mme Arseneau and Mlle Jones would
like to thank the chaperones: M. Bonin and Mme Russell-McGrath, for helping to make the trip possible.
End of the Year Awards - Grade 9 Students
On Thursday - June 26th, we will be holding a ceremony to celebrate the grade 9’s finishing their three
years at Astral Drive Junior High. This will begin at 10:30am and last approximately 60 minutes. The
event will consist of presentations of subject awards and major academic awards. We, at Astral, are
proud of our students and can think of no better way than to celebrate it with our year-end ceremony. We
do caution you that seating is limited, so please limit the number of family and friends that will be
attending to two or three.
Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) Policy - In compliance with the requirements from the
HRSB closing for grade 9’s should not be graduations.
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Book Club
ADJH's 7th Book Club group is wrapping up the year after covering 5 titles. They are sharing, over
yummy treats, what books are recommended for the summer. We met each Friday at lunch and have had
a wonderful series of talks and questions about all things literary! To the group members, please
remember:
“A book is made from a tree. It is an assemblage of flat, flexible parts (still called "leaves")
imprinted with dark pigmented squiggles. One glance at it and you hear the voice of another
person, perhaps someone dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, the author is speaking,
clearly and silently, inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human
inventions, binding together people, citizens of distant epochs, who never knew one another. Books
break the shackles of time ― proof that humans can work magic.” C.S.
Free the Children
Our Free the Children group was very active this year. We collected food, bottles, money and sold lots of
baked goods! The students developed an international shopping list goal that involved fundraising for a
number of helpful items for many different countries in our world. Some of these items included clean
water straws, school supplies, livestock and bricks towards building a school. Finally we are working
with Adsum house for our local initiative. Our students this year were responsible, passionate and give us
lots of hope for the world. We are registered for next years' We Day and Free the Children group-new
members are always welcome!
Last Day of School/Report Cards
As you know the last day of school is Monday, June 30th. At the bell, students will go to their homerooms
then be called down to the gym for our Academic Awards ceremony. We will also be drawing gotcha’s
from the collections of students who received a gotcha during the year for positive recognition in the area
of learning, respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment. Any parent who would
like to donate prizes or gift certificates in the $5 to $10 range it would be greatly appreciated.
Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) Policy - Report cards are not to be issued until June
30th for all students.
At the end of the presentation, students will receive their report cards from their homeroom teacher and
then be dismissed. If your child is unable to attend the morning event, and you would like to pick up your
child’s report card, you may do so after 11:00am or if you would like us to mail it to you, please provide
a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Chadwick – Cafeteria
Important Notice: The last day to buy food at the Cafeteria is Thursday, June 26th. Please visit our
website for information about our Cafeteria services our click the following link:
http://astraldrivejunior.ednet.ns.ca/canteen.htm
Grade 8 Charity Fair
Our grade eight Charity Fair takes place on Tuesday, June 17th from 8:30-10:30am and from 12:302:30pm. Parents and guardians are welcome. Please check in at the office before heading to the fair.
Duke of Edinburgh
Not all those who wander are lost” most people say, but the Astral Drive Duke students proved that
sometimes it’s not that hard to get lost in the woods. Despite a few wrong turns, 33 grade 9 students
successfully completed the expedition requirements for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at
Kejimkujik National Park on May 31- June 1st. They proved that they can use a map and a compass to
find their way and that it’s no problem for them to cook their own meals on the stoves. This couldn’t have
happened without the guidance of our dedicated staff members, Heather Aucoin, Ian McKergow, Jenn
Jones, Heidi Lemire, and Ashley Morgan who willingly gave up their time to make this adventure
possible. It was a weekend full of learning new skills and fun, but most importantly it was a weekend of
friendship. Students are now busy completing online record books and will be challenging for this high
school credit in the weeks ahead. Successful applicants will be receiving their awards at the Grade 9
closing ceremonies.
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Math News
Congratulations to the over 80 ADJH students who competed this year in the Caribou Cup created by the
Brock University. Our top place grade 9 finisher was EJ Raiche-Tanner who earned a second place finish
for the province. Our top place 7- 8 finisher was Harley McCluskey who earned a 6th place finish overall
for the province.
Congratulations to EJ Raiche-Tanner and Tyler Frizzell who tied for first place in the Pascal Math
Competition from University of Waterloo. Both of these students, along with Gabrielle Torrealba, placed
in the top 20% of all 58 000 contestants competing across Canada. Congratulations to Michelle Yee
(grade 7) and Seth Tunner (grade 8) for their first place finishes in the Gauss math competition from
University of Waterloo.
Math on to all!
Athletic Awards
On Friday, June 13th students will attend our Club & Athletic Awards Ceremony in the gym starting at
10:45am-11:45am. During this assembly, students are recognized for their contributions to the many
facets of extra-curricular activities including athletics. Parents/Guardians are welcome to attend!
Grade Nine Year-End Dance
Important Details:
Grade 9 Year-End Dance Date: Tuesday, June 24th.
Time: 6:30-9:00pm
Purchase Tickets/Guest Sign-Up: June 10th and 11th during lunch break in the front foyer – by
office. All students who do not attend ADJH must be signed in on these dates.
Cost of Admission: $10.00
GRADE 9 DANCE REGULATIONS

The dance begins at 6:30pm. The dance ends at 9:00pm. Please make sure you have a ride home pre-arranged.

Parents/Guardians/Family members are invited between 6:30 and 7:30pm to take photos.

Students may enter from both main entrances.

Tickets must be pre-purchased for $10 on June 10th and 11th during lunch break in the front foyer – by office.

Jackets must be placed in the coat room – room 142; students are not permitted to “hang-out” in this room.

Parents will be called if we suspect any student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs; disciplinary action will
result.

Once students enter the dance, they are to remain in the building; if you leave the school without permission, you will
not be permitted to re-enter.

Guests names must be submitted by June 13th

Guest must be presently attending school and in good standing.

Guests must be in a grade ranging from grade 7 to 10. Students in grades higher than 10 will not be permitted.

ADJH reserves the right to deny any guest admittance into the dance.

Students who sign in guests must enter the dance with their guests.

Students are expected to dress respectfully and in good taste.
Band Notes
The Jazz Café
Our bands have been busy the last couple of months. April was Jazz Appreciation month, so prior
to the Easter break our Jazz bands held the 16TH Annual Jazz Café. Singers and instrumentalists
entertained while the audience sipped on Tim Horton’s coffee/juice/water and enjoyed sweets made
by the Band Parents.
Truro Music Festival
On April 25th the Jazz Band attended the Truro Music festival 9the third oldest music festival in
North America. Our band received a Gold standing, the only junior high band to receive one, and
one of only 3 of 27 bands participating to achieve Gold. Great job everyone!
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Music Monday
May 5 was Music Monday an annual event that brings together thousands of students, musicians,
parents and community members across the country to celebrate the gift of music in our lives, on
the same day at the same time. Originally planned as an outdoor event, due to the weather we had
over 100 young musicians participate in our school.
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Nova Scotia Kiwanis Festival
The NS Kiwanis Music Festival was held at Mount Saint Vincent University for bands on May 7th.
Our Grade 7 band performed and was presented with another Gold standing. Professor Mark
Hopkins of Acadia University was impressed with our bands performance and their close attention
to detail. Great job Grade 7’s!
Astral Sings- Girls Take Over
The last installment of Astral Sings, “Girls Take Over” featured vocalists Hermione Davis, Laura
McDevitt, Taylor Oake, Natasha Bowyer, Grace LeBlanc, Victoria Muise and Emma Hurley. Great
job girls….Girls Rule!
ADJH Bands Awards Concert
Our final concert for all Bands is the Spring Awards Concert. On this evening, we will recognize
students in our Instrumental Music program that show commitment and dedication. Performing
will be grade 7 Band, grade 8 & 9 Band, the Select Band. Over 50 awards will be given to our band
students.
Band Trip to Upper Clements
The Select Band and Vocalists will be going to Upper Clements Park on Thursday, June 12th for a
performance in the park as a part of the School-Days program. Our performance is scheduled for
11:00am.
Mr. MacKay would like to thank the band students (and parents), the staff, and administration for
making this a great year at Astral. More to come next year!
GUIDANCE
Five Ways to Stay Sharp Over Summer Vacation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Read - You don’t have to read textbooks to keep your mind engaged. There are many options for you to
explore.
Volunteer - Donate your time to a cause that you love. Whatever cause or organization you choose to
volunteer for, be sure to ask questions, try new things, and enjoy it. Not only will you be doing something
good for others, but you will also have the chance to make some great connections. Sometimes volunteer
work allows you to gain experience that will one day be invaluable when you enter the professional world.
Exercise - Exercise reduces stress and helps you feel better overall.
Rest - As a culture we have almost lost the ability to just sit and relax. Rest does not necessarily mean
sleeping. Taking a break helps us focus better. Even sitting down to relax for a half-hour break will
improve your ability to concentrate on other tasks throughout your day. Lastly, make sure to get into a
positive sleep routine.
Set Goals - This might be the most important of all five tips. Set attainable goals. Here are a few examples:
a.
Read at least 1 book for fun over the summer
b.
Be active four times a week
c.
Help someone, family, friends or community members
d.
Allow ‘me time’, unplug and spend time alone.
Mustang Sport Results 2013-14
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Girls’ Soccer
The girls’ soccer team continued their domination going undefeated for two straight years and in the
process capturing their second consecutive Regional Championship. Congratulations Girls!
Boys’ Soccer
The boys’ soccer team had a successful year finishing second after a tough loss to Ellenvale in the
Akerley finals. The boys’ were looking to make it two straight appearances in the Regional
championships but came up just short. Great work Boys!
Cross-Country
The Junior Girls and Intermediate Boys’ had great seasons both winning the 2013-2014 Akerley
Championship banner! Great work!
Boys’ Volleyball
The boys’ volleyball team had another great season going undefeated in the regular season, and winning
the Akerley Zone Championship. The Boys’ tried to make it back-to-back Regional Championships but
failed to beat Ecole Summet in the finals. Great Season Boys!
Girls’ Volleyball
It was a good year for our girls’ volleyball team. The teams’ quest to win back-to-back championships fell
short as they lost in the Akerley Zone finals. The team still qualified and participated at Regionals. Good
job girls!
Girls’ Basketball
The girls’ basketball team had a challenging year facing a lot of tough competition. The girls really came
together in the Sackville High tournament where they played some of their best ball, recording a victory.
The Girls look to build on this year to improve for next season. Good work Girls!
Girls’ Touch Football
The girls had a flawless season, dominating the field and going undefeated. The girls captured the
Akerley Championship banner. Congratulations girls!
Boys’ Touch Football
The boys played very well in their round robin games; going undefeated making it all the way to the
finals. The boys failed to defeat Ross Road in a very close one touchdown championship game. Nice job
boys!
Boys’ Basketball
This year's basketball team put together a fantastic effort. They were led by a solid core of players
including Adre Simmonds and Ife Chiekwe. The boys only suffered two losses, both to the two teams
who played off for the championship banner. The boys’ finished 3rd overall. Great job to all of the boys!
Hockey
The Hockey team had a dominant season, going undefeated through the regular season on route to
winning the Akerley Championship Banner. The team advanced to the Regional Championships, where
they lost to powerhouse Rocky Lake in the quarterfinals. Great Work boys!
Badminton
The badminton team had another successful season. Both the junior and intermediate groups were very
close, but finished second in the Akerley Championships. Both teams advanced to the Regional
Championships where they represented Astral very well. Bryce Mason advanced to the Provincials
placing 3rd. Great job team!
Girls’ Lacrosse
The girls’ lacrosse team had a tough season, but finished on a good note. The girls were very competitive
in each game, never losing by more than 2 goals. It all came together for the girls’ in their final game
when they handily defeated Prince Arthur to end the season. Even though they did not make it to the
playoffs, the girls have a lot to be proud about. Thank you to Mrs. Tagliapietra for her help in coaching
the team.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Our boys’ lacrosse team had a successful season this year in a very competitive league. The boys pushed
for a comeback win, but fell short to suffer a tough loss in the semi-finals. The team played hard all
season and deserved a better fate. Thank you to Mr. Morris and Mrs. Brown for their help in coaching the
team. Good work Boys!
Archery
The Archery team went to a competition at Eastern Passage Education Centre. All team members did
very well in the competition. Top male archer was Ryan Currie and top female archer was Victoria
Muise.
Track and Field
The track and field season has been very exciting so far. The practices after school proved to be very
effective and a lot of fun. At the County meet, Astral had 84 competitors. Our Intermediate boys’ team
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brought home the County Championship banner, defeating all high schools. The Junior boys finished 8
points shy of capturing their second straight County Championship, but redeemed themselves by winning
the Regional Championship banner one week later. 31 team members qualified to go on to the Regional
meet, and 14 of them have qualified for Provincials. Good-luck!
Boys’ Slo-Pitch
The boys’ slo-Pitch team had a good start to their tournament going undefeated in the round robin games.
The boys’ suffered a tough loss in the semi-final game where they fell short to SRB with a 7-6 loss. Great
job boys!
Girls Slo-Pitch
The girls had another great season capturing the County, and Akerley championship banners. The girls
advanced to the Regional Championships on the Halifax Commons where they went undefeated, until
suffering a heart-breaking loss in the championship game to place second. Congratulations girls!
Golf
Astral’s first golf team looks to have a good showing at their upcoming tournament at Lost Creek on June
13th. The team consists of Jack Gillis, Bryce Mason, Landon Campbell, Jake MacKinnon, and Abbie
Wisener. Good-luck!
Astral Drive would like to thank administration, staff, coaches, volunteers, and students for
another successful year for the Mustangs. The coaches and staff would like to thank all of the players for
representing the school and themselves in a positive manner. We look forward to the 2014- 2015 season
with plenty of talent returning to the roster. We would also like to thank all those athletes moving on for
their hard work, dedication, and commitment to school athletics and wish them the best of luck in the
future.
2014 FRENCH IMMERSION CAMP – CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH-NS
It’s French Camp time again! Registration is open for the 2014 camp season. Camp registrations may be completed
online!
Registering online is the quickest way to guarantee your campers’ spot and can be done from anywhere, any time of
day by following the Register Now link on our web site, ns.cpf.ca or visiting www.eSourceEvent.com/CPF2014
Payment may be made by major credit card or debit. Those wishing to pay by cash or cheque are welcome to submit
payment and a camp registration form in person and by mail.
Camp dates:
June 22-28, 2014 – Camp Breton Dean – Mira River, Cape Breton Grades 6-8 Core French/Immersion
July 4-9, 2014 - FrancoForum - Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Core French/Immersion
July 13-19, 2014 - Nautical Camp, Magdalen Islands French immersion
July 13-19, 2014 - Sea Kayak Adventure Camp, Magdalen Islands French immersion
August 4-8, 2014 - Camp Fran-tastique, Barton, Digby County Core French/Immersion
August 11-16, 2014 - Adolescent Camp: Université Sainte-Anne, Pointe-de-L'Eglise, Digby County Core
French/Immersion
August 18-23, 2014 - Camp Kadimah, Barss Corner, Lunenburg County Core French/Immersion
*Reminder: CPF Membership MUST be up to date. You can register online at http://cpf.ca/en/membership/.
For camp registration forms, more information about each French Camp or about Canadian Parents for French Nova
Scotia, please visit: http://ns.cpf.ca.
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