It is hard to believe that Christmas Break is upon us. The unusual circumstance that affected school start up now seems to be in our distant memory. We are completely immersed into activities and events that make DW Poppy Secondary an awesome school.
This past week, Mr. Allen said to me “ You know I was sitting at home and reflecting about all of the things this school does for a population of roughly 800 students and I was amazed. “ Mr. Allen’s words are absolutely correct. From an active Student Government, Global Voices and Grad Council that support school spirit, to a highly competitive and inclusive intramurals program and every athletic team in winter sports that a school can offer, DW Poppy really does offer it all.
The clubs and sports are only part of what makes DW Poppy great. We have a strong focus on teaching and learning which is essential for preparing our students for our future. Every Department is working on ways to improve student learning. One such example of this is listed below:
“In Science 8, teachers have used a lab that asks students to follow a carefully scripted procedure to determine the effect of temperature on the dissolving rate of crystals of potassium permanganate. With the relaxed timeline of the new curriculum, the teachers can explain to students what materials and equipment are available for them to use, discuss any safety concerns and restrictions, and then ask them to design a lab that does show that hotter liquids are simply those with faster moving particles. The students will have to find a way to quantify their observations and display their data appropriately.”
The extension for learning extends out of the classroom through field trips such as those to the “Holocaust Symposium”, the Law Courts and fabulous international travel opportunities such as trips to Europe and our sister school “Gionkita High School “ in Hiroshima. This year, ten percent of our students are International students. Students from Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and Brazil grace the halls of DW Poppy and enrich our school culture. We are also proud of the diversity of students within our schools. DW Poppy has 6 rooms dedicated to supporting students with Special Needs and/or learning difficulties. We also have Advanced Placement opportunities for students in Psychology, Calculus, Physics, English, and European History. Mr. Janzen has vastly increased our Technology courses for students and he is working with our PAC to create a 21st Century computer lab for our students.
Schools that have a rich Arts program are “soul rich” places. Visual Arts, Theatre, Band, Choir and a new Musical Theatre Academy truly enrich our school. We are the first High School in the Fraser Valley to have Musical Theatre Academy status. The quality of our winter music concerts was outstanding. We also merge Departments as our high quality Wood, Automotive, Metal Work and Electronic Departments work with Musical Theatre to form a high quality Stage Craft Program. Ms. Fast’s Food’s 12 students made outstanding desserts and Hors d’oeuvres for our Music Nights.
One of the themes that consistently emerge when I talk to students about DW Poppy is School Safety. As a school community, we are vigilant about harassment, bullying and school related violence. In three years, there have been roughly three incidences of school related fights. We are the only high school that has Noon Hour Supervisors who patrol the halls and work with the administration to keep our students safe. More importantly, students understand that we have high expectations for a peaceful community and we have the statistics to show it. We understand that students must feel safe in order to learn effectively.
A successful school is made up of a healthy community of dedicated students, staff, parents and our surrounding community. This Christmas we celebrate all of you for making DW Poppy Secondary a great place to be.
Warm wishes for a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday,
This past week, Mr. Allen said to me “ You know I was sitting at home and reflecting about all of the things this school does for a population of roughly 800 students and I was amazed. “ Mr. Allen’s words are absolutely correct. From an active Student Government, Global Voices and Grad Council that support school spirit, to a highly competitive and inclusive intramurals program and every athletic team in winter sports that a school can offer, DW Poppy really does offer it all.
The clubs and sports are only part of what makes DW Poppy great. We have a strong focus on teaching and learning which is essential for preparing our students for our future. Every Department is working on ways to improve student learning. One such example of this is listed below:
“In Science 8, teachers have used a lab that asks students to follow a carefully scripted procedure to determine the effect of temperature on the dissolving rate of crystals of potassium permanganate. With the relaxed timeline of the new curriculum, the teachers can explain to students what materials and equipment are available for them to use, discuss any safety concerns and restrictions, and then ask them to design a lab that does show that hotter liquids are simply those with faster moving particles. The students will have to find a way to quantify their observations and display their data appropriately.”
The extension for learning extends out of the classroom through field trips such as those to the “Holocaust Symposium”, the Law Courts and fabulous international travel opportunities such as trips to Europe and our sister school “Gionkita High School “ in Hiroshima. This year, ten percent of our students are International students. Students from Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and Brazil grace the halls of DW Poppy and enrich our school culture. We are also proud of the diversity of students within our schools. DW Poppy has 6 rooms dedicated to supporting students with Special Needs and/or learning difficulties. We also have Advanced Placement opportunities for students in Psychology, Calculus, Physics, English, and European History. Mr. Janzen has vastly increased our Technology courses for students and he is working with our PAC to create a 21st Century computer lab for our students.
Schools that have a rich Arts program are “soul rich” places. Visual Arts, Theatre, Band, Choir and a new Musical Theatre Academy truly enrich our school. We are the first High School in the Fraser Valley to have Musical Theatre Academy status. The quality of our winter music concerts was outstanding. We also merge Departments as our high quality Wood, Automotive, Metal Work and Electronic Departments work with Musical Theatre to form a high quality Stage Craft Program. Ms. Fast’s Food’s 12 students made outstanding desserts and Hors d’oeuvres for our Music Nights.
One of the themes that consistently emerge when I talk to students about DW Poppy is School Safety. As a school community, we are vigilant about harassment, bullying and school related violence. In three years, there have been roughly three incidences of school related fights. We are the only high school that has Noon Hour Supervisors who patrol the halls and work with the administration to keep our students safe. More importantly, students understand that we have high expectations for a peaceful community and we have the statistics to show it. We understand that students must feel safe in order to learn effectively.
A successful school is made up of a healthy community of dedicated students, staff, parents and our surrounding community. This Christmas we celebrate all of you for making DW Poppy Secondary a great place to be.
Warm wishes for a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday,