May Newsletter
Astral Drive Junior High School
238 Astral Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2V 1B8
Telephone: 462-8700 Fax: 462-6047
http://astraldrivejunior.ednet.ns.ca
Principal's Message
This year Astral Drive Junior High began the first phase of the Department of Education’s Accreditation
process. Year One of this initiative involved having the school do a self-assessment using 27 indicators identified
through years of research about effective schools. These indicators included, for example, such items as curriculum
implementation, inviting school success, extra-curricular activities, and school leadership. We examined various
data – classroom assessments, HRSB Parent/Teacher/Student survey results, provincial and board assessment
results, to name a few. We used guiding questions for each indicator, and over time identified the strengths and
areas needing attention in the school. After looking at trends in our school, we developed the following two
curriculum goals that we felt would make the most difference to student achievement:
Students will demonstrate improvements in non-fiction writing in the areas of ideas, organization and matters
of correctness.
Students will improve in the areas of fraction operations and fraction number sense
On May 2nd and 5th, we went through the Peer Review process which involved having four school board
employees, from both the school and board level, examining our data and looking critically at our goals. The team
interviewed approximately half of our teaching staff, a few members of our SAC, and six students from various
grades and programs in our school. They spent time with our literacy and numeracy teams and supported us in fine
tuning our goals. They wanted to get a sense of the culture of our school and will return on May 27 th to present a
report to staff.
We are confident that we are on the right track with our literacy and numeracy goals. We have strategies in
place for teachers and students to address these goals and we will begin implementation during the 2008-09 school
year. Once we get a report from the Peer Review team, we will post more detailed information on our school’s web
site. If you have any questions about this accreditation process, please do not hesitate to contact me.
H. Beaton
Principal
Grade 9 Exams
With only six 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. Grade 9 students will begin their June exams in the four core subjects on June 18th according to
the following schedule:
8:35–
10:35
June 18
June 19
June 20
June 23
June 24
Language
Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Make-Up Day
*907- 908 will write French Language Arts, not English Language Arts.
Teachers are preparing 90 minute exams although students will be given two hours to write. All exams will
be written in the homeroom class during first and second period in the morning. If necessary, students will be
allotted a few extra minutes. Students are to remain in the exam room for the full two hours until our break at
10:35. At that time students may go home (with the exception of June 19th – see below) as they will not be having
regular classes. They will, however, have the option of going to study halls if they choose to remain in school.
On Thursday, June 19th, students are asked to stay at school after their exam for a Grade 9 Closing
rehearsal and barbeque. Grade 9s will be rehearsing the processional and recessional for the June 26th
ceremonies, so we ask that all grade 9s attend and enjoy a barbequed lunch afterwards. Following lunch, students
may go home.
It is imperative that all students participate in these assessments. If for extenuating circumstances your
child is not going to be in school for any of the exam dates, please contact the school as soon as possible. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
Grade Nine Dance
The grade nine dance will take place on Tuesday, June 24th from 7:30 pm until 10:00 pm. Grade nine students
only are welcome unless a student from another grade or school is accompanying a grade nine student from
ADJH. In this case, all guests must be signed in. Forms will be available in the office early in June, and they must
be returned by Thursday, June 20th. We encourage all students to attend this final junior high dance. Formal
wear is not required or encouraged. The usual dance regulations apply for this function. Students may want to
check their agendas. As with all school dances admission to this function is $6.00 per person.
706 & 707 Université Ste. Ann
The grade 7 Late French Immersion students made a trip to Université Ste. Ann, May 7th to May 9th. The students
enjoyed the trip and were in a total French environment for the whole 3 days. Our school won a plaque for showing
the best attitude toward their new language, and best overall spirit and participation in the various activities.
Monsieur Sangster and Mademoiselle Campbell would like to thank the chaperones, Mrs. Doucet and Mrs.
Cameron, for their time and effort which made the trip possible. We would also like to thank the students for their
positive participation, and for representing our school so well.
907& 908 Trip to Quebec City
Another year is quickly slipping away and thus our annual Grade 9 French Immersion Quebec Trip has come and
gone. On May 7th at 6am sharp (6:05 for M. Briand), with 40 students, 3 teachers and Mrs. Marr, a gracious parent
volunteer, we boarded our bus and were off for 4 days of historical adventure. Our time in Québec was busy with
trips to Old Quebec City, Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham, Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, Montmorency Falls Park,
Sainte-Anne Falls, Huron Wendat Village and many, many others. The students, while on the bus and in Québec,
once again proved why Astral Drive Junior High has an excellent reputation when it comes to respect of self, of school
and of community. Thank you to all the teachers involved, the school and parents’ support and certainly not least of
all to the dedicated Grade 9 French Immersion students who have made this year’s trip another success for our
school and community. A detailed résumé of our adventures will be given to Grade 9 French Immersion students at a
later date.
C. Tetford
Math Olympiad 2008 On April 15, Astral Drive hosted one of 4 local zones of the 3rd annual Math Olympiad. It is a
math competition that pits skill, accuracy and speed together in one race where teams of two students compete to see
who can answer five questions in the least amount of tries in the shortest time possible. Coming to this event were
teams from Caledonia, Ellenvale, Eric Graves, Graham Creighton and Prince Arthur. Although Astral Drive placed 5 th
overall, our team of Enze Yang and Michael Adderson placed first in the grade 7 competition. Prince Arthur was the
school winner of our zone and they went on to win the overall regional championship held at DalTech on May 3 rd.
From everyone on the Math Olympic Committee, thanks for participating and we’ll see you again next year. Math on!
Band News
The annual Jazz Café was held this past Monday and was a huge success! Thanks to all those who
participated and a special thanks to the guest performers. Alexa Kanchuk, a former ADJH student did a duet with Mr.
MacKay and Kayla Brace performed a piano duet with Jennifer Melissa Brace. Some members of the Auburn
Drive High School Tech Crew returned to help out. A guitar duet was performed by ADJH students, Jordan Ginn and
Cameron Irvine and the ADJH Percussion Ensemble performed, as well.
The annual Awards Concert is coming up on Monday, June 2nd.
Junior High Literacy Assessment
May 26th to May 29th.
Grade 9 students will be writing the Junior High Literacy Assessment from
Grade 9 Annual Active Life Activities
Grade 9 students have been fundraising all year long for the 3rd Annual Active Life Activities Day which will take
place on the morning of Friday, May 30th. The main goal of this annual event is to foster physically active lifestyles
that students can achieve right here in the local community. The morning will begin with a presentation by HRSB
Facilitator of Health Promotion, Diana Dibblee, followed by a performance by two break dancers – Roger and Shaun.
Students then head off to nearby activities at Cole Harbour Place for swimming, Bulldog Interactive Fitness, bowling
at Beazley’s, or skating at the Halifax Forum. A healthy lunch will be served upon the students’ return. Permission
slips will be distributed in the near future. Volunteers and drivers are welcome.
S. McPherson
Girls Lacrosse
Ms. Jones and Ms. Rushton would like to thank all the girls this year for a wonderful season. The
team finished round robin play with a 4-1 record. Each game the team continued to improve on their
skills of passing, receiving, and shooting. The team entered the play-offs hoping to advance to the
finals and play Ellenvale the team that went undefeated in the regular season. The girls
unfortunately lost 13-12 to Graham Creighton in an exciting and very close finish and were unable
to advance. Both coaches would like to thank Rose Brown for organizing all the drives and of
course a special thank you to the parents who came out to support the girls. Thanks to the entire
team for making this year a lot of fun. 1-2-3 MUSTANGS……..
Field Trip
Ms. Joudry, Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal Support Worker, accompanied four students on a trip to the Museum of Natural
History on Tuesday of this week. Ryan Mabe, Luke Smiley, Alyssa Boudreau & Willow Brooks joined students
from other schools on this trip.
903-906 Classes
Mrs. Elms-Wood held an Open House during her classes on Thursday of last week. Parents were invited to hear
students present pieces of writing from their portfolios. Parents were put on the hot seat to engage in writing
themselves, and to get an appreciation of the writing process that their children experience each day. We were very
pleased with the number of parents who were able to visit to get a glimpse of what happens in an English Language
Arts classroom.
Grade 9 CAT3 Mathematics Assessment Results
In January 2008, Grade 9 students in English and French Immersion classes participated in a two-day mathematics
assessment. A Parent Report will be going home tomorrow indicating each student’s achievement on this
assessment. Note that, while it will not be counted as part of the overall evaluation for students in grade 9 math,
information gained through this assessment will help determine the next steps in improving mathematics
achievement.
School Policies
With warm weather on the horizon, we once again 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, back, or chests is considered inappropriate for school. A detailed description of the Dress Code
can be found on page 6 of the agenda or you can check out our web site at http://astraldrivejunior.ednet.ns.ca
We also remind students that headphones are not to be worn in school. Students are to keep these items
in their lockers. This also applies to cell phones. A pay telephone is available in the main foyer for students’ use
and the office phone is available for emergencies.
NSSAF Celebrations
On April 25th two Astral Drive students were among those school athletes honoured at the Nova Scotia
School Athletic Federation banquet at the World Trade and Convention Center. Kristen Jorgensen, 907 and Ian
McShane 906 were among hundreds of junior and senior high athletes recognized from across the province for their
sense of fair play, good sportspersonship, and skill. Kristen and Ian were accompanied to the banquet by Mr. Beaton
and teacher/coach, Mr. Zelios. On behalf of the students and staff, we extend our congratulations to Kristen and Ian.
Calendar of Events
Monday, May 19
Victoria Day – school closed
May 26 to May 29
Grade 9 Literacy Assessment
Monday, June 2
Awards Concert
Tuesday, June 17
Award Ceremony – Clubs & Athletics
Wednesday, June 18
Grade 9 English or French Language Arts exam
Thursday, June 19
Grade 9 Math exam
Thursday, June 19
Grade 9 Rehearsal and BBQ
Friday, June 20
Grade 9 Science exam
Monday, June 23
Grade 9 Social Studies exam
Tuesday, June 24
Grade 9 Exam Make-Up Day
Tuesday, June 24
Grade 9 Closing Dance – 7:30 – 10 pm
Thursday, June 26
Assessment & Evaluation – no classes
Thursday, June 26
Grade 9 Closing Ceremony – 10:30 am
Friday, June 27
Last Day of School