Middle School Matters: Recent Episodes
Vancouver Christian School
Welcome to the Middle School Matters podcast, where Principal Mary De Boer and Vice Principal Tim Cavey discuss the latest news and information from the VCS Middle School.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the retired VCS Middle School principal
We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it’s on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play.
Here were some highlights from our last two weeks of the school year:
- Grade 6 Class Trip to Stanley Park
- Grade 8 Class Trip to Centennial Beach
- Wednesday, June 22: Last half day for K-8, MS final assembly
- Wednesday, June 29: MS teachers sharing circle (affirmations of Mary, highlights of the year, plans for summer)
- All-staff praise and worship, devotional from Jeremy about sabbath
Upcoming Dates for Parents:
- Tuesday, September 6th: First (Half) Day of School for Students
Extended Interview with Mary
- Let’s start by looking back on this final school year. How would you summarize it?
- Now let’s look back on your entire career. What do you think was one of the hardest challenges or experiences you faced, and how did you overcome it?
- If you could go back and talk to rookie-teacher-Mary, what would be one piece of advice you would give yourself?
- Zooming back to 2022, what is one piece of advice you would give rookie teachers today?
- What is one piece of advice that you would give to rookie administrators and developing leaders?
- Looking back on your career, what have been some of the biggest changes in education that you’ve observed over those years?
- Following that up, how is teaching and learning today better than it was three decades ago?
- You’ve been committed to the philosophy of Christian education for your whole career, and Canadian society has evolved a lot during those years. Do you think the mission of Christian education looks different in 2022? If so, how?
- Shifting gears back to the present, what’s your early verdict on the retired life so far? Do you feel like you’ve fully recovered yet?
- How will you remain connected with VCS in the coming year?
- How can listeners get a hold of you going forward?
Final Words
- Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
- We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
- Contact us at any time at mdavis@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show.
- We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
- Talk to ya later, parents.
For Friday, June 17, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it’s on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play.
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday: Bump competition for Grade 7 boys
- Wednesday: Grade 7 class trip to Cates Park
- Thursday's House Team Winner Event
- In the gym: The Purple Barneys spent an hour of fun on two inflatable obstacle courses: The 2-lane Bungee Obstacle Course and the Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course. Even Ms. Cheng and Mr. Tang got in on the fun after the students were dismissed back to their classes.
- On Friday we celebrated our soon-to-be-married teachers and YOU (Mary) with some game shows, fun videos
Upcoming Dates:
- June 21: Grade 6 Class Trip to Stanley Park + Grade 8 Class Trip to Centennial Beach
- June 22: Last half day for K-8, MS students to be dismissed to the back field
- Grade 8 parents are organizing a lunch at Boston Pizza for Grade 8 students. This is not an official school event and VCS staff will not be present, but we encourage parents to consider allowing their child to take part.
INTERVIEW with Mr. Wes Liu, Our HS Vice-Principal
Our next scheduled staff interview will be with Vanessa Neufeld, our K-8 Educational Support Service Coordinator.
Spinning the Wheel: One Lucky Listener WINS Our Summer Prize Pack!
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack is going to happen right now! .
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Friday, June 10, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it’s on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play.
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday: Tim’s devotional message: Let’s finish our race WELL.
- Grade 8 boys bump competition - E. won
- Tuesday: Grade 7 ultimate team competed in a tournament at Empire Field
- In the gym: Relay Races with the Grade 7s! Then the final ANNOUNCEMENT. Purple Barneys WIN!
- Thursday night: band concert
- Friday: Beach Day
- Chapel: Mary
- Reading with Grade 7s and 1s
Upcoming Dates:
- June 22: Last half day for K-8
- Grade 8 parents are organizing a lunch at Boston Pizza for Grade 8 students. This is not an official school event and VCS staff will not be present, but we encourage parents to consider allowing their child to take part.
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Our next scheduled staff interview will be with Wes Liu, our HS VP.
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later, parents.
Tim: Good-bye!
*This episode was originally recorded on May 27, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it’s on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play.
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Tuesday: Grade 6-7 immunizations
- House Team Games of the Week
- In the gym: Relay Races with the Grade 6s! Basketball, wheelbarrow, hula hoop, shoe scramble.
- In the classroom: Wikipedia Race
- Chapel: Ms. Chou, strings performance
House Team Scoring Update
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
- June 22: Last half day for K-8
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
Interview: Mr. Joel Wedemire, Director of Technology
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday: Grade 7 girls bump competition
- Thursday: Walkathon
- Chapel: Mrs. Voo (Thank You, I’m Sorry, Tell Me More)
- Friday: House Team Carnival Competition
- Major thanks to all our parent volunteers!
House Team Scoring Update
- Blue Cheese: 459
- Green Zombies: 392
- Purple Barneys: 537
- Red Dragons: 403
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school)
- Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
- June 22: Last half day for K-8
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. We are also looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
From 7B Science: A couple of video posts showed simple motors, connections between magnetism and electricity
Mina Chan Interview
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Bits & Bytes: Catch a few moments from Mrs. Voo's chapel talk.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Last Week was Teacher Appreciation Week - thanks to the Mok family for making it special
- Tuesday: Congratulations to our Grade 8 badminton players for winning their tournament at Deer Lake last week!
- Outdoor Trips: Grade 7s went to Stave Falls, Grade 8s went to Lynn Canyon
- House Team Game of the Week: Dodgeball with Basketball Rescue for Gr. 7s
- Chapel: Mr. Cavey: Finding Faith in the Face of Fear (David and Goliath, personal stories)
House Team Scoring Update
- Blue Cheese: 418
- Green Zombies: 363
- Purple Barneys: 502
- Red Dragons: 344
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, May 18: Annual Walk-A-Thon
- Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team Carnival Competition. We have 27 parents who have already signed up as volunteers to help us with our Carnival event. That is so exciting!!
- Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school)
- Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
- June 22: Last half day for K-8
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. We are also looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
6Ta Science: Egg Drop Experiment
Debbie Harvey Interview (our next staff interview will feature Miss Mina Chan).
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Bits & Bytes from the Middle School
Featuring Grade 6 Science and clips from our strings concerts.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
Here were some highlights from the week:
- House Team Game of the Week: Scattergories + Grade 6 Dodgeball in the Gym
- Today was Holiday Day!
- Chapel - featuring a VCS parent
- Grade 8 badminton players won third place in their badminton tournament.
House Team Scoring Update
- Blue Cheese: 291
- Green Zombies: 287
- Purple Barneys: 373
- Red Dragons: 262
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6: Teacher Appreciation Week
- Thursday, May 5: MS/HS Strings Concert in the Lower Gym begins at 7 pm
- Wednesday, May 18: Annual Walk-A-Thon
- Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team Carnival Competition. We have 24 parents who have already signed up as volunteers to help us with our Carnival event. That is so exciting!!
- Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school)
- Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. As well, we are looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
From 6L in French: Le bistro des animaux
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Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Karen Kwong!
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Bits & Bytes from our students
For Monday, April 25th, 2022
We are a little bit out of our normal schedule for this episode because you and I were at a principals retreat last week. It was a wonderful time of learning and building relationships with other visionary leaders from our schools across BC.
Here were some highlights from the week:
From Mr. Tse: “Congratulations to all the players who represented VCS to combine for winning the CESS Grade 6/7 Badminton Championships - Overall Team Champions Award! A great showing yesterday from everyone.”
House Team Game of the Week: Charades
House Team Scoring Update
- Blue Cheese: 230
- Green Zombies: 226
- Purple Barneys: 294
- Red Dragons: 240
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6: Teacher Appreciation Week
- Thursday, May 5: MS/HS Strings Concert in the Lower Gym begins at 7 pm
- Wednesday, May 18: Annual Walk-A-Thon
- Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team Carnival Competition. We will be looking for parent volunteers to help our staff run the carnival stations so be on the lookout for an email and a SignUp Genius. If you haven't already submitted a parent volunteer application, please connect with Rachel Jeal in our MS office and get the process started as soon as possible.
- Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school)
- Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
7T: 🎙️Record your two Poetry Cafe poems
Interview: Miss Tana Wilkins
Mary: That was such a great conversation with Tana. I loved hearing her surprising love for teaching English! I'm sure her enthusiasm spills out to her students. As well, it warms my heart to hear how she has been welcomed and loved by our staff community!
Tim: Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Ed Kwong!
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Thursday, April 14th, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom):
- Lightning Strike and Thunder Boom
- House Team games: Pictionary
- Easter chapel - Mary’s story
- The start of cross-stitching club
House Team Scoring Update
- Blue Cheese: 98
- Green Zombies: 108
- Red Dragons: 142
- Purple Barneys: 112
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, April 21: Parent Education Series: The Tech-Wise Family from 7:00-8:00 pm
- Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes)
- Thursday, May 5: MS/HS Strings Concert in the Lower Gym begins at 7 pm
- Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team event in the afternoon
- Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm
Other Items
- We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
- We are also looking for parent volunteers at our upcoming May 20th middle school House Team Carnival Competition.
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
- From 7T: The Most Dangerous Writing App: Fiction Composition Under Pressure (5 minute maximum)
- 🎯 Learning Target: I can … explore language and text as a source of creativity and joy.
Mary: Up next on the show, it’s time to hear from one of the all-time VCS greats, Mrs. Ellen Freestone!
Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Tana Wilkins.
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom):
- House Teams Winner for Jan-Feb were the Red Dragons who get ice cream treats next week
- It's Ultimate season and practices and games are on
- Hosted a Badminton Scrimmage with Maple Ridge Christian today
Upcoming Dates:
- Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school
- Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school
- Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes)
- Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team event in the afternoon
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). The job description can also be found here: https://vancs.org/downloads/sb_vancs/MSHumanitiesTeacher1.pdf
4 Tips for Parents from Common Sense Media: How to Embrace Your Child’s Screen Time
- Show interest in what they're doing online.
- Help them recognize their screen time habits.
- Talk about their emotional health.
- Talk about what to do when they have negative feelings or want to set new screen time habits.
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
From 7C: In this unit in science, students have been learning about how climate change impacts people around the world, and how people are responding to climate change (i.e. mitigation, adaptation). Students were given a climate change profile of a real person around the world, and learned how to think like them and speak like them. Students interviewed and were interviewed by 6 other students, to learn about how climate change impacts people differently. Students then compared and contrasted these profiles with this graphic organizer. (Previously featured: 8P, 8C)
Mary: Up next on the show, it’s time to hear a little bit more from one of our awesome Grade 8 teachers, Mrs. Karen Prinsloo!
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
- Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school
- Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school
- Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes)
- Friday, May 20th: Sports Day
Other Items
We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab).
Here's a link to the position description: https://vancs.org/downloads/sb_vancs/MSHumanitiesTeacher1.pdf
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Tim: Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Karen Prinsloo on April 1st.
Mary: Thank you again to YOU, our dear listeners, for your constant encouragement and feedback! As always, your emailed feedback earns you a spot on the prize wheel, so please continue to let us know what you are enjoying about the show and how we can improve.
Final Words
Mary: Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
Tim: We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Highlights from this week included THEME WEEK: Life in the 1800s! Our students had so many fun workshops to experience and learn from.
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
- Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school
- Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
March 10th - from 8C: Theme Week Reflections
1️⃣ What is one thing that you LEARNED today?
2️⃣ What is one thing that you LIKED about your learning activities today?
3️⃣ What is one QUESTION that you have about the day's learning?
🎯 Learning Target: I can ... use inquiry to ask questions, gather ideas, and communicate findings.
Up next on the show: let’s get to know our incoming Principal, Mrs. Michelle Davis
Tim: Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … MARY on Thursday, March 24th.
Mary: Congratulations again to Joanne, our last winner of the listener prize pack! When she reached out to us this week she shared even more wonderful encouragement. Thank you so much, Joanne.
As a reminder, we’ll be sharing one more great prize pack at the end of the year for YOU, our faithful listeners! As always, your emailed feedback earns you a spot on the prize wheel, so please continue to let us know what you are enjoying about the show and how we can improve.
Final Words
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Thursday, March 3rd, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Before we get rolling, we just want to take a moment to say that we are watching the situation in Ukraine unfold each day and like all of you our hearts are heavy for our friends and relatives there. We pray for peace in Ukraine.
It's Mary's Birthday on Friday, March 4th! Happy birthday, Mary.
Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom):
- Monday: Inside Out for students in the morning followed by a personal reflection on social-emotional health, managing our emotions
- Thursday house teams: Grade 8s in cross-court basketball
- Friday: Twin Day
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week
- Workshops on topics like The Pony Express, The Invention of the Automobile, 1800s Handiwork, Indoor and Outdoor Games of the 1800s and many other relevant topics
- We will have a chance to connect via video with Inspiration Republic, as we watch a presentation called "You, Me, Us." This powerful virtual presentation takes a look at Historical African Canadian figures who have made substantial contributions in the Black community and Canadian Culture.
- Friday will be Western Wear Day so you'll find us in cowboy/girl hats and boots, bandannas, jeans, and possibly some big buckle belts!
- Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
- Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school
- Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school
Mr. Cavey’s Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately?
- March 3rd - from 8P: Genius Hour Projects
- Dog training
- Video creation and animation
- Craft making and sales
- Wood carving
- Research on the healthy properties of green tea
- Necklace design
- Piano performance
- Pixel art
- Cake baking
Up next on the show: let’s get to know one of our amazing Grade 8 teachers, Miss Michaela Mulder!
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Our next staff interview will be with … Mrs. Michelle Davis on Thursday, March 10th. We are going to get to know our next middle school principal … very exciting!
It’s now time for our prize pack draw. One lucky listener who shared their feedback with us is about to win a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and SET, the family fun game of visual perception.
And our winner is ... Joanne Ng! Congratulations, Joanne. Thanks for supporting the podcast.
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom):
- Grade 7s took part in their Poetry Cafe and some of our Grade 8s presented their TED Talks
- Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day
- House Teams: Purple Barneys had a great day (Gr. 6 basketball AND Trivia Plaza points)
- This morning our Middle School Chapel was back in person
- We heard from Immanuel Chicanot, a former VCS student
Upcoming Dates:
- Friday, March 4th: Twin Day
- Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week
- Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
- Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school
- Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school
Other Items
- Mary: yesterday we did some speed dating with some teacher candidates from TWU
- Tim: I was hoping to interview YOU (Mary) today but we will postpone that conversation to a later date.
- Tim: Our next staff interview will be with … Miss Michaela Mulder on March 4th. We
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen on Friday, March 4th will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Friday, February 18th, 2022
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
Looking ahead to lightened restrictions:
- All MS chapel in the lower gym
- Grade level house team games in the main gym
- Students moving to classrooms rather than teachers moving from class to class
- Students can move amongst their grade level pods on Green Flag (rainy) days
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week
- Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
- Other Items
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Mary: Now we’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners! This week’s shoutout goes to one of our fabulous Grade 7 students who we’ll call M. She writes: Hi Mr. Cavey and Mrs. Deboer! I hope your week is going well. I just wanted to say that I appreciate the effort that you are putting into the Middle School Matters Podcast. Our family loves listening to it, me included, and we look forward to it every single week. I think it is such a wonderful way to get to know our teachers, and what has been going on at school. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us.
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items.
For Friday, February 11th, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Love is Like … a fun compilation of student similes. See the VCS app for the link to this fun video!
Upcoming Dates:
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
- Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes)
- Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week
- Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 28th: Back to School
Other Items
- Monday, February 14th - Grade 8 boys vs staff basketball game
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Mary: That was such a great conversation with Tim. One thing I appreciate about Tim is his dedication to our democratic right to vote. Every time we have a federal or provincial election, Tim takes on the task of organizing the Middle School student vote. Our students are becoming well-informed about the election process in the hopes that they will take on their civic responsibilities when they become eligible voters.
Tim: We are taking a couple of weeks off on the staff interview line-up as our teachers focus all of their energy on completing the next reporting period. Our next staff interview will be with … Miss Michaela Mulder on March 4th.
Mary: Now we’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners! This week’s shoutout goes to Dian Moon who works in our VCS business office. She told us in person how much she appreciates the podcast and especially the interviews with our MS staff. We'll be adding your name to the "spin it to win it" wheel, Dian!
Final Words
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Friday, February 4th, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Sunshine is coming back … maybe? Monday and Tuesday
- Lunar New Year was Tuesday (lion dance, teachers had dim sum)
- Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences were yesterday
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
- Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes)
Other Items
Social media trends (read parts of letter to Grade 6 parents)
Staff Interview: Miss Anika Brandt
Final Words
Bits & Bytes
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom):
- The week of Fog (in more ways than one)
- Today was Culture Day
- Chapel Speaker: Jenny Shantz from Inner Hope Youth Ministries
Upcoming Dates:
- Ongoing: Your child should make a date with you to walk you through their presentation of learning (Google Slides or Sites)
- Thursday, February 3rd: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences 1 - 8 pm
- Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
- Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes)
Our next staff interview will be with … Anika Brandt
Mary: Now we’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners! This week’s shoutout goes to Laura Campa, who wrote “Hi Mary, Just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed the middle school matters podcasts. It’s great being able to hear from the teachers, through interviews, as we haven’t had the opportunity to do that in person (thanks Covid). Thanks for making the time and effort to bridge this gap!”
Final Words
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items. By the way, if you are a student listening in to our podcast, we'd love to hear from you as well. Let us know what you are enjoying about the pod!
For Friday, January 21st, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Wikipedia Races in House Team games
- Joel Reimer spoke in chapel today
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, January 24th: Regular classes (professional learning day canceled)
- Thursday, February 3rd: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences 1 - 8 pm
- Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
- Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes)
Other Items
Students are invited to sign up for the Vancouver Sun Run
Interview with Mrs. Maureen Tran
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, (*read back cover of book) and some other fun family items.
For Friday, January 14th, 2022
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- First week back, some tightened protocols but nothing too intense
- Welcoming two new students
- New stairs in progress
- Michelle Davis as new principal
- Red Dragons won the pizza party for house team
- Mr. Tinsley spoke today in our all-school chapel
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, January 20th: Growing Towards Graduation (for Grade 8s) 7pm on Zoom
- Monday, January 24th: Regular classes (professional learning day canceled)
- Thursday, February 3rd: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences 1 - 8 pm
- Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Other Items: Off-campus privileges for Grade 8s will is a GO next week
Staff Profile: let’s get to know one of our amazing Grade 6 teachers, Miss Jennifer Tang!
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye!
For Friday, January 7th, 2022
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Catching up on our Christmas Breaks
Here were some highlights from this unusual week:
- Omicron headlines
- A few big dumps of snow over the break, including one on Wednesday that gave us a snow day
- Lots of small adjustments to our middle school program in light of increased spread
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, January 10th: First day of classes
- Monday, January 24th: Regular classes (professional learning day cancelled)
- Thursday, February 3rd: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences
- Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Other Items
- Off-campus privileges for Grade 8s will be a GO in 2022 - watch for letter
- Clubs that have been suspended for January: Suspended: French, band, chess, yearbook, homework, worship, A/V tech team, destination imagination; continuing: spirit council, choir- happen during the day
- Grade 8 parents, please note that I shared three documents with you regarding the MDI survey which we have tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 8th. No action is required on your part.
Thanks, Tim. Coming up next on the show: let’s get to know one of our amazing Grade 6 teachers, Mrs. Annie Lean!
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Friday, December 10th, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Collecting food for the GVFB:
- Steal the Bacon with Grade 8s, Breakout games with the 6s and 7s
- Winning class 7C collected 119 kgs
- Total weight collected across the MS 498 kg
- Running club race
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, December 15 - Christmas activity day (Rotating stations for the middle school, Creating cards for our community)
- Thursday, December 16 - Last Day of School, Christmas celebrations
- January 4, 2022 - Professional Learning Day
- January 5, 2022 - First Day Back to School
Other Items
Coming up in 2022: Teacher Interviews Have Been Scheduled!
We’re looking at off-campus privileges for Grade 8s in 2022
Mary: We’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Tina Chiao.
She writes “Dear Mary and Tim, I enjoyed another MS Podcast - listened to it this afternoon while I was working. Great to hear the athletics teams are having fun, the food drive is going well and that the school is gearing up for all the excitement of the Christmas holidays. Always fun to hear your voices! Please enter me for the fun prize draw! Thank you.”
Today is the day for out second "spin to win" Christmas themed prize pack which includes:
- A large container of caramel popcorn
- Family Charades card game
- Scrabble, the chocolate edition so you can eat the pieces after you play the game.
- Christmas Trivia game, to make it a Christmas themed gift pack.
Don't forget that your feedback about the show qualifies you for entry to the next draw which will include a $50 gift card donated by Boston Pizza, so keep those comments coming.
Final Words
Bits & Bytes This Week: pre-race comments, reactions to our snowy Monday
For Friday, December 3rd, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Collecting food for the GVFB: total so far 132 kg
- Classroom Door Decorating Contest
Upcoming Dates:
- December 1-10 - MS Food Drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- Details about the food drive will be sent in an email this week
- We are challenging the students to make it their own by using their own funds to purchase items such as:
- Dried goods like pasta and rice
- Canned low sodium salmon
- Canned hearty soups and stews
- Wednesday, December 15 - Christmas activity day
- Rotating stations for the middle school
- Creating cards for our community
- Thursday, December 16 - Last Day of School, Christmas celebrations
- January 4, 2022 - Professional Learning Day
- January 5, 2022 - First Day Back to School
Other Items:We’re looking at off-campus privileges for Grade 8s in 2022
Mary: We’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Winnie Yip.
She writes “Hi Mary and Tim, Praise the lord for such a beautiful morning. Hope you both are well! Just want to say that our family continues to enjoy the podcast. We are fans and my grade 7 and grade 5 look forward to it every weekend. They enjoy listening to the different content and also guessing who the students are in the bits and bytes. My grade 5 is wishing he will be interviewed by Mr. Cavey some day 😊. I also want to thank you for the links to the video series on social media. The videos are practical with helpful suggestions. I have learned quite a bit from it! Thanks Mary and Tim for all you do, not just the podcast, but for everything you are doing for middle school.. I just want to let you both know that I truly appreciate what you do! Stay warm and enjoy the beautiful day!
Blessings,
Winnie”
Stay tuned for our next spin the wheel draw for a Christmas-themed family fun pack which will happen on December 10th. Your feedback about the show qualifies you for entry, so keep those comments coming.
Final Words
Bits & Bytes
For Friday, November 26th, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday: Staff vs Grade 8 girls volleyball
- Thursday House Games: Steal the Bacon
- Thursday night: AGM over Zoom for parents (Mary gave a devotional)
- Our Grade 7 boys also helped to transport a load of food donations from VCS to the Abbotsford food bank, realizing part of our school’s mission of service to others
Upcoming Dates:
- December 1-10 - MS Food Drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- Details about the food drive will be sent in an email this week
- We are challenging the students to make it their own by using their own funds to purchase items such as: dried goods like pasta and rice, canned low sodium salmon, canned hearty soups and stews
- This Thursday we will do some Christmas-themed house activities
- Thursday, December 16 - Last Day of School, Christmas celebrations
Other Items
- Report cards: how to think about Developing proficiency
- MDI: What is it and why? “The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) is a self-report questionnaire that asks children in Grades 4 through 8 about their thoughts, feelings and experiences in school and in the community.”
- A thorough CSM review for parents on Discord is available
- Advent focus in morning devotions including the advent project put on by Biola University
We’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Stephanie Lueck.
Stay tuned for our next spin the wheel draw for a Christmas-themed family fun pack which will happen on December 10th. Your feedback about the show qualifies you for entry, so keep those comments coming.
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
For Friday, November 19th, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Monday: Not a highlight, but the our province was hit by floods
- Wednesday: Grade 7 girls volleyball tournament, Grade 8 boys postponed due to Abbotsford flooding
- Friday: Miss Wilkins did her first chapel talk this morning
- Friday: Grade 8 students have begun working on a Grade 8 yearbook
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, November 22-Tuesday, November 23 - K-12 Food Drive for Flood Relief for the Abbotsford Food Bank (The most needed items include rice, hearty soups, canned meats, size 4/5/6 diapers, and feminine hygiene products.)
- Thursday, November 25 - End of MS Term 1
- Thursday, November 25 - VCS AGM via Zoom beginning at 7:30 pm
- Friday, November 26 - Professional Learning Day
- December 1-10 - MS Food Drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- Thursday, December 16 - Last Day of School, Christmas celebrations
We’d like to share a shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Erin Goheen Glanville. She writes “Thanks for the podcast. I just caught up on the episodes and am wishing I had caught up earlier. So helpful! Now I understand better some of the things I've been hearing from my daughter. She is loving it at VCS lately.”
Stay tuned for announcements about our Christmas-themed family fun pack in early December. Your feedback about the show qualifies you for entry, so keep those comments coming.
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later!
For Friday, November 12th, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- K-8 Remembrance Day Ceremony (on Wednesday)
- Remembrance Day (Thursday) - a break for all families
- Friday’s professional learning: focusing part of our time on report cards and the new proficiency language
Reviewing the new proficiency language terms and their descriptors
- We are ALL developing in different areas! Normalize developing.
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, November 18 - Parent education series: Building Resilience for the Holidays
- Thursday, November 25 - End of MS Term 1
- Thursday, November 25 - VCS AGM via Zoom beginning at 7:30 pm
- Friday, November 26 - Professional Learning Day
- Thursday, December 16 - Last Day of School
Mary: We’d like share to shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Jessica, Hailey and Kristen Chow!
Stay tuned for announcements about our Christmas-themed family fun pack in early December. Your feedback about the show qualifies you for entry, so keep those comments coming.
Final Words
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend!
Bits & Bytes: In Flanders Fields (sung by 5D for our K-8 Remembrance Day ceremony)
For Friday, November 5th, 2021
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- Staff vs Grade 8 boys volleyball game (on Monday)
- Hosted the MS open house
- Chapel: Pastor Willemina (created in the image of God, we are designed to shine God's light and the more we do this, the more we are image-bearers)
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, November 10 - Remembrance Day service
- Thursday, November 11 - Remembrance Day (no school)
- Friday, November 12 - Professional Learning Day
- We will focus on our updated report cards
- Thursday, November 18 - Parent education series: Building Resilience for the Holidays
- Thursday, November 25 - End of MS Term 1
- Thursday, November 25 - VCS AGM via Zoom beginning at 7:30 pm
- Friday, November 26 - Professional Learning Day
A great note from a parent: What are your kids watching?
- We know that Squid Game is incredibly popular … but is it appropriate for our middle schoolers? Something to think about.
- Other items on our radar in middle school: umbrellas, phones, Chromebook use.
Mary: We’d like share to shoutout to our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to … Tina Chiao: “Always appreciate the effort and energy that goes into recording the podcasts for our MS families. I, like most parents, have subscribed to ensure I don't miss any episodes. The synergy between the two of you is great... always entertaining. Also really helpful to have a heads-up on school events and highlights, especially now that we are less connected because of Covid. Thanks for all that you do to keep parents and caregivers engaged in the school community with this technology! - Tina “
Final Words
Bits & Bytes: Checking in with Mr. Lee, saying hi to Mrs. Prinsloo, Grade 8 boys, worship practice, strings practice
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
- My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
- My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
- FSAs for Grade 7s
- First MS Spirit Day: Character Day
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, November 4 - Virtual Open House for MS and HS
- Thursday, November 11 - Remembrance Day (no school)
- Friday, November 12 - Professional Learning Day
- We will focus on our updated report cards
- Thursday, November 18 - Parent education series: Building Resilience for the Holidays
- Thursday, November 25 - End of MS Term 1
- Friday, November 26 - Professional Learning Day
Last week our Grade 6-7 students enjoyed a cross-country competition at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. For more on the day, let’s go to Mrs. Vanessa Neufeld with the track report.
Mary: We’d like share a shoutout for our listeners!
This week’s shoutout goes to Connie and Jason Leong. They wrote: “Our family listens to the podcasts together and really enjoy getting to know the both of you in this way. We get good laughs! Appreciate the audio updates on middle school as my eyes get really tired by the end of the day! Appreciate the summary page within the podcast too. As a suggestion, we would love to get to know the middle school staff through informal interviews ! Praying for VCS always.”
It’s finally TIME - time for us to spin the wheel for the Family Fun Pack! Mary, let the listeners know what’s inside!
- Gourmet Microwave Popcorn Maker
- Orville Redenbacher popcorn
- White cheddar popcorn seasoning
- Gourmet Village hot chocolate mix
- Marshmallows
- Wizard card game
Shoutout to our student listeners in 8M! You know who you are and we appreciate you!
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later! Goodbye!
For Friday, October 22nd
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
Here were some highlights from the week:
Just a 3-day week ... it kind of went by in a flash!
Bear Creek Cross-Country Run: Thanks to Vanessa Neufeld and our track coaches for preparing our students for a full day of competition. Our students performed well and I believe one of our Grade 7 girls took a prize for first overall! We’ll try to bring you more on this event next week.
Parent Teacher Conferences: so many good reports from teachers about the positive conversations and connections they shared with parents! Thank you for participating and investing in your child’s growth and learning.
Friday: we started professional learning book studies that we’re really excited about!
- Building Thinking Classrooms in Math
- Softening the Edges (assessment)
- Hacking Discipline (empathy, relationships, and restorative practices)
Issue of the Week: Navigating the Wonderful World of Social Media with your middle schoolers
- A few observations
- An interview with Mr. Daniel Cloake, Middle School Counselling Liaison
- Four suggestions for parents to consider
Listener shoutouts: Stephanie Lueck, Erin Goheen Glanville, Jessica, Hailey, and Kristen Chow, Tina Chiao, and Connie and Jason Leong
Parents, in our next episode we will be giving away a family fun pack handpicked by Mary. Anyone who has shared feedback by email will be entered in the draw, so send us your comments at mdeboer@vancouverchristian.org and tcavey@vancouverchristian.org.
Shoutout to our student listeners in 8M! You know who you are and we appreciate you!
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
We’d encourage you to subscribe so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye.
Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later!
For Friday, October 15th
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
My name is Mary DeBoer, and I’m the VCS Middle School principal
It was great to have you back this week, Mary! How did it feel to jump back in the saddle?
Here were some highlights from the week:
Thanksgiving Monday - we hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend with family
Chapel: speaker Felix Chan - Power to Change
House Teams: Grade 6s had their first games in the gym
Destination Imagination is getting underway with their second meeting
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, October 18 - Missing or Retake Photos
Thursday, October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Check your email for information and registration from Mrs. De Boer. Please ensure you have indicated virtual or in-person. It's helpful to include your child's name.
Friday, October 22 - Professional Development Day for K-12
Thursday, November 4 - Virtual Open House for MS and HS
Thursday, November 11 - Remembrance Day (no school)
Friday, November 12 - Professional Learning Day (InspirEd Convention)
We will focus on our updated report cards
Mary: We’d like to give a couple of quick shoutouts to some parent listeners! (if applicable)
Final Words
Mary: Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
Tim: We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye.
Mary: (If applicable) Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later!
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
My name is Tim Cavey, and I’m the VCS Middle School vice-principal
Highlights from the week
Our first house team games in the gym on Thursday!
Friday was a professional learning day for MS teachers. We learned more about:
Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports
VCS Student Support Services with a close look at anxiety in students
Going deeper with Christian education
New reporting frameworks and assessment practices
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, October 18 - Missing or Retake Photos
Thursday, October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Check your email for information and registration from Mrs. De Boer
Friday, October 22 - Professional Development Day for K-12
Thursday, November 4 - Virtual Open House for MS and HS
Thursday, November 11 - Remembrance Day (no school)
Friday, November 12 - Professional Learning Day (InspirEd Convention)
Mary: We’d like to give a couple of quick shoutouts to some parent listeners! (Thank you to Joanne + Winnie)
Mr. Cavey reads an article from the VCS newsletter: It’s All About the Learning: Moving to Proficiency Language in Our Assessment and Reporting Practices
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
Land acknowledgment: We would like to begin today by acknowledging that we are gathering on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, and it’s on this land that we live, work, and play.
Highlights from the week
For Teachers: An after-school book-tasting (learning about middle school philosophy, assessment, Math instruction, and restorative relationships)
National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Thursday
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, October 6 - online new parent orientation
Friday, October 8 - Professional Development day for K-12
Monday, October 11 - Thanksgiving Day (no school)
Monday, October 18 - Missing or Retake Photos
Thursday, October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 22 - Professional Development Day for K-12
Thursday, November 4 - Virtual Open House for MS and HS
Last week our middle school classes were privileged to attend three days of outdoor adventuring. Our Grade 6s visited Camp Summit, our Grade 7s went rafting in Squamish, and our Grade 8s did some sailing at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. For their short reflections on these adventures, let’s go to Miss Tang in Grade 6, Miss Brandt in Grade 7, and Mrs. Prinsloo in Grade 8.
Some really great thoughts there from Miss Brandt about the meaning and significance of truth and reconciliation. We know we’ve got a lot more to do, but we’re learning.
Mary: We’d also like to give a couple of quick shoutouts to some parent listeners! We’ve received some kind encouragement from parents and that is super encouraging. (Connie and Jason Leong, Tina Chiao)
Special giveaway to listeners who give us feedback in the coming weeks
Final Words
Mary: Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
Tim: We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye.
Mary: Talk to ya later!
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast!
Tim: Fun news! We’re now on Apple Podcasts.
Interview with Mr. Tinsley
Highlights from the week
Election Day and Student Vote
Grade 6 Trip: Camp Summit
Grade 7 Trip: Rafting
Grade 8 Trip: Sailing Day (today)
Picture Day
Seesaw: Thank you to all the parents who are now connected with their child’s account.
Upcoming Dates:
September 30 - No school - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
October 1 - Orange Shirt Day at VCS
October 6 - online new parent orientation
October 8 - Professional Development day for K-12
October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences
We had a national election this week! For more on that story, let’s go to this short conversation with Mr. Tang.
Short Interview with Mr. Tang
Final Words
Mary: Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
Tim: We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
Tim: We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we’ll talk to you again next weekend! Good-bye.
Mary: Good-bye!
For Friday, September 17th
Welcome back to our MS podcast!
Highlights from the first full week:
House Teams rally, assignment of new students, team cheers
Our first all-MS chapel
Mary: Grade 8 Sailing Day … rained out!
Related: communication via the VCS app. Teachers are asked to try to send parent communication this way. Also a good way to access the school calendar, etc.
VCS Newsletter Notes
Meet the MS Staff (slide deck)
MS Student Handbook
Link to the student absence reporting form
Seesaw
Upcoming Dates:
September 20 - Election Day
September 21 - Grade 7 Rafting Day
September 22 - Grade 6 Camp Summit Day
September 23 - picture day
September 30 - No school - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
October 1 - Orange Shirt Day at VCS
October 6 - online new parent orientation
October 8 - Professional Development day for K-12
Election Day + Student Vote
Grade 6s voted today, Grade 7-8 will vote on Monday
Final Words
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support.
We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same!
Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
Welcome to the Middle School Matters podcast, where Principal Mary De Boer and Vice-Principal Tim Cavey discuss the latest news and information from the VCS Middle School.
Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast
First week of school is in the books!
How are you feeling, Mary?
Tim: Visits to classrooms make me so proud of the good things going on
Highlights from the week
Pom pom entry
Kids rebuilding friendships with classmates and teachers
Kids having more space and freedom outside
First chapel - even though this one was online
Seeing kids checking out our We Are All Learners bulletin board
Remember our grade-level adventures - coming up soon!
Grade 8 - September 17th - Sailing Day
Grade 7 - September 21st - Rafting
Grade 6 - September 22nd - Camp Summit
Other Upcoming Dates:
September 23 - picture day
September 30, 2021 - No school - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
October 1, 2021 Orange Shirt Day at VCS
October 6 - online new parent orientation
New VCS Attendance procedures: Fill in Google Form on the VCS website homepage
Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We’d encourage you to SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org.
Welcome to the Middle School Matters podcast, where Principal Mary De Boer and Vice-Principal Tim Cavey discuss the latest news and information from the VCS Middle School.
For Friday, September 3rd
Welcome to our MS podcast
What we’ve been doing this week
Big staff breakfast on Monday
MS staff retreat at Camp Capilano on Wednesday
Lots of team planning and meetings!
We Are All Learners bulletin board - will share with parents soon
Excited to welcome our new Grade 6 students
Mrs. DeBoer, what is one tip you would like to share with Grade 6 parents? Buckle up and get ready for the ride of adolescence! :)
Some amazing grade-level adventures are coming up soon!
Grade 8 - September 17th - Sailing Day
Grade 7 - September 21st - Rafting
Grade 6 - September 22nd - Camp Summit
Upcoming Dates:
September 7: First day of the 2021-22 school year!
September 30, 2021 - No school - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
October 1, 2021 Orange Shirt Day at VCS
We can’t wait to welcome students back to school on Tuesday!