November 02, 2020

Nursing is hosting two upcoming information sessions via Webex:

November 3rd at 7:00 PM- Link for session: https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=m4df98a3a60b57d8b5553d218ea8a3079

November 12th at 7:00 PM: Link for session: https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=m3ec2e1638f9e60cb045bf12289edd5a5

These sessions will discuss reasons for entering the field of nursing as well as the admission requirements for the BN program at Memorial. If you could please pass this information along to interested students, I would greatly appreciate it.

Other important information:

• Our admissions website has recently been updated. Our goal is to make the information clear and easy to follow for applicants, advisors, and guidance counsellors. Please see our updated webpage for high school applicants, found here: https://www.mun.ca/nursingadmissions/AdmissionInformation/HighSchoolApplicants/

• NEW requirement for 2021: all nursing applicants must complete the CASPer test as part of the admissions process. This is an online test that will assess applicants’ non-academic attributes. To read about CASPer and available testing dates for Memorial University’s Undergraduate Nursing, please see here: www.takecasper.com

• The application for nursing will open November 4th, 2020 and will close February 1st, 2021. All required documents must be submitted by February 1, except for the mid-year grade report for NL high school applicants, which must be submitted by March 1. These deadlines are strict—applications that are missing documents will result in an automatic rejection from the competition.

• Students with questions should email nursingadmissions@mun.ca

September 08, 2020

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 the 2020 - 2021 school year begins at Gander Collegiate

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On behalf of Mr. Snook, our Assistant Principal, and our entire Staff, I would like to welcome our Level I's to our school and welcome back our Level II and Level III students. Finally, a warm welcome to our transfer students. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and successful year.

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I know that starting a new school year is an anxious time for everyone. This year adds a little more of a challenge. Our school and how we typically do things will look a little different, as we try to follow the current COVID 19 health guidelines. However, there are things that I know for certain and I take great solace and strength from them. First, we have done some fantastic things at GC and COVID-19 is just something else for us to meet head on. Secondly, we have some of the best students, staff and parents in the province, who are all here to support one another. In that, we can help make our way through this unprecedented situation in a very familiar GC fashion - Successfully!

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So, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and being able to say: WAY TO GO, GC!

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Sincerely,

Mr. Drover

Principal

September 08, 2020

Hey Concordes!

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Here is our Back to School Entrance Plan, in Alphabetical Order by Last Name:

Ms. Snook's Entrance (Back of Building) - Aiden Abbott to Katelin Ford

Main Entrance - Brayden Foster to Kendra Pittman

Mr. Butt's Entrance (Side Adjacent to CNA) - Lisa Pittman to Jane Zelcer

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Upon arrival tomorrow, you will attend your advisee session in the Homeroom of your advisor. To determine who your advisor is, check your schedule on Powerschool. Your homeroom is listed on Day 7, Period 7!

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See you all tomorrow!

September 02, 2020

What to Expect on the First Day

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- Before arrival, students must use the Screening Questionnaire to decide if they should attend school.  This must be completed on a daily basis.

- Upon arrival, students will enter the building via one of the three designated entrances based on surname. Masks must be worn upon entering the building. Students will sanitize their hands and go directly to their Academic Advisor’s Classroom. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

- The morning session will involve discussions around living with Covid-19 at GC. Such topics will include expectations, behaviours, routines, and new norms as we prepare to establish a safe environment for everyone at GC.

- Students will remain in their Academic Advisor’s Classroom during Recess and Lunch.  Students are asked to bring their own lunch, as there will be no cafeteria services or microwaves.

- The afternoon session will involve students working with their Academic Advisors. They will ask questions about the courses they are currently registered for, how to request a Drop & Add Form, etc.  Students will also create their 3 year plans ensuring they are fulfilling the Graduation Requirements as outlined by the Department of Education.

- At the end of the day, students will exit the building via the same doors as their assigned entrances, with staggered dismissal times.

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Daily Routine at GC

- Upon arrival, students will enter the building via one of the three designated entrances based on surname. Students will sanitize their hands and will be directed to their lockers to remove coats, outdoor footwear, etc., grab all materials required for the first two (2) classes and head directly to their first classroom, in a timely fashion. There will not be any congregating in the hallways or other common areas of the school.

- Students will return to their lockers at recess to get materials required for period 3 in a timely fashion and then proceed immediately to their period 3 class where they will eat recess. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

- At lunchtime students will go to their lockers to get their lunch and supplies for period 4 and 5. They will then immediately proceed to their period 4 class to eat lunch. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

- Students who wish to leave the building at recess and lunch may do so, but must only use the main/front entrance for exiting and re-entering the building.  Students will hand santitize upon exiting and re-entering the building. 

- Students will be dismissed at staggered times at the end of the day. One group will be dismissed at 2:05, while the second will be dismissed at 2:12. Groups will alternate week by week. Students will sanitize their hands and will exit the building via the same doors as their assigned entrances. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

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Flow of Traffic Within the Building

- A loop system for movement upstairs and downstairs will be implemented.

- Everyone will go upstairs using the stairwell adjacent to Mr. Butt’s room (Room 103)  and come downstairs using the stairwell by the Computer Lab (Room 210).  These stairwells will be one-way traffic only. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

- Two way traffic will be allowed in the corridors, with students walking on the right hand side in a single line. Social distancing will be promoted in the corridors.

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The Use of Masks

- The wearing of masks is mandatory in all common areas of the building  (e.g.,corridors, exits/entrances, washrooms)

- Because cohorting at Senior High is not achievable, the wearing of masks in the classroom will be mandatory in classrooms where one (1) metre face-to-face distancing cannot be maintained.

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Washroom Use

- For social distancing reasons, no more than two (2) occupants are permitted in the washrooms at any given time. 

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Water Bottle Use

- Students will use and be able to refill their personal water bottles throughout the day.  Drinking directly from the water fountains is prohibited.

August 31, 2020

Good morning Concordes!!!!

We hope you all are as exited as we are to be back at GC! We are currently finalizing our Safe Return to School Reopening Plan, based on the most current recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer, NLESD, and the Dept. of Education. We are planning to release the plan on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd. We will post the plan on Facebook, Twitter, and our School Website. Stay tuned!

May 01, 2020

Virtual Learning - A Guide for 10-12 Students Learning at Home

We are living through an unprecedented event - school is closed, in-school classes are suspended and teachers are working from home.  Students are not able to come to school and learn with their friends in classrooms where teachers can provide direct instruction and help.  People have many questions and here are some of the common Q and A’s to help: 

Frequently asked questions:

I received a report with a final grade, the school year is over right?

No, the school year will continue on virtual platforms and students will now have the opportunity to demonstrate their continued learning. Teachers will be taking the remainder of the school year to fill gaps in student learning and prepare them to meet curriculum needs at future levels. So they will be going ahead with some new material and in doing that, will review some previously learned concepts. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and receive individual feedback from their teachers. This feedback will help guide the teachers’ professional judgement in determining a final mark in June. So this is your opportunity to improve your final grade. Remember, that opportunity does not equate a guaranteed improved mark, that depends upon the quality of your work.

How will learning take place from home?

Teachers have Google Classrooms and different social media platforms for their courses. They will be posting activities and school work for students.  Students can interact with teachers and classmates on these platforms throughout the school week. We are currently in the process of providing families with access to devices that will allow everyone the opportunity to learn from home. Also, teachers will also let their students know what “office hours” they will be available online to answer questions and provide feedback. 

My work is going to be graded right?

Grading will not be like it was while in school. The focus of assessment at this time will be providing feedback on the most recent evidence of learning, after such time teachers will use their professional judgment to determine if a student’s grade in June.

What does professional judgement mean?

Teachers have been trained to determine a student’s level of achievement using a variety of methods that go beyond number grades used to calculate an average.  These include:

• • Individual course work (ie. traditional methods - worksheets, case studies, article analysis, etc.)

  • Projects and group work

  • Written responses

  • Games and problem solving

  • Google Forms

  • Demonstration of understanding through various means (conversations, replies to feedback, videos, audio calls, activities, etc.)

Teachers will be able to assess student progress and performance and subsequently determine a level of achievement that could be reflected on the final report card in June.

What if I decide not to complete any of the assigned work?

Although participation is encouraged, it is also voluntary.  We understand that each student, probably due to a variety of circumstances, will not have the same opportunity to participate in a virtual learning environment.  Your current grade will not drop due to incomplete work during the suspension of classes.

What’s the point of completing school work if I am not going to get a mark?

Teachers will be taking the remainder of the school year to fill gaps in student learning and prepare them to meet curriculum needs at future levels.  

Learning from home is very stressful and I don’t understand all of the work.  What should I do?

The physical and mental well-being of our students and their families is the priority at this time, and completing school work should not compromise health. The completion of work is voluntary.  Students are encouraged to reach out to teachers with questions regarding classwork as they are available to provide help with the curriculum that is posted. Staying connected to education, teachers and classmates is important during this extended absence from the physical classroom.  However,if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you can also reach out to the school administration and

March 20, 2020

For Mental Health concerns:

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Emergency Medical Services 911

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Newfoundland Health Line 811

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Kids Help Phone 1 800 668 6868

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Mental Health Crisis Line 1 888 737 4668   or text Talk to 686868

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Warm Line Peer Support 1 855 753 2560

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www.bridgethe gapp.ca

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https://breathingroom.me/

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DOORWAYS WALK-IN CLINIC –   James Paton Memorial Health Centre

Hours: Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (last registration at 3:00 p.m.) 

Doorways provides rapid access to mental health and addictions counselling services ‘one session at a time’. Walk-in counselling services are available without an appointment or referral.

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January 24, 2020

Good morning all,

In the event that our Gander schools are closed for the morning and reopen for the afternoon session here are our pick up times.

Gander Collegiate / St Paul’s

Pick up begins  11:35 am

Gander Academy

Pick up begins  12:10 pm

Gander Elementary

Pick up begins 12:15 pm

Please note that pick up for Gander Academy and Gander Elementary Benton students will be 12:15 pm.