May 2019 Newsletter
May 1st, 2019
Click each article below to read this month’s newsletter or read the PDF version.
Learning Without Limits
Welcome to May!
Grad is May 31! Congratulations to all graduating students this year. If you received an invitation, but have not signed up to attend the graduation ceremony, the RSVP date is May 20.
Don’t forget to apply for Pembina Hills Public Schools’ Citizenship awards by May 10; all Vista Virtual School (VVS) awards have a deadline of June 30. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our events and activities, as well as important information such as exam periods and campus closures.
- VVS campuses are closed for Victoria Day on May 20.
- Current full-time VVS students can start registering for the new school year May 1.
- Reminder: Students registered in Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADLC) courses through VVS need to complete their courses before June 30 (or earlier). Affected students received an email reminder in April.
- VVS Event: The Tempest (May 1).
- VVS Event: High School Planning (May 14).
As always, we welcome your comments. If you have any questions or concerns, please phone us toll-free at 1-855-974-5333, and if you have any stories you’d like to share of your experiences with Vista Virtual School and how this is positively affecting your education experience and balancing with your diverse needs, contact Jay Zaal, our communications and marketing specialist.
Sincerely,
` Mike Loitz, Treena Bradbury, Frank McCallum,
Principal Associate Principal Associate Principal
Did you Know?
As of May 1, Vista Virtual School is using its own Student Information System (SIS) and Moodle. Please use vv-sis.phrd.ab.ca to log in to your courses. Your current login and password information will work, but you may have to reset your password.
If you are taking an ADLC course through Vista Virtual School, those courses have a June 30 completion deadline. You can still access your coursework through the current Moodle: accessed through sis-adlc.ca. However, after you have finished these courses, please update any bookmarks you have and log in through VVS SIS.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Recent News Posts on the VVS Website
Teacher’s Pet - Sabrina
Meet Oksana Plesowicz’s cat Sabrina! Each month we feature one of the pets that are part of the staff families at Vista Virtual School.
Sabrina is a 12-year-old Lilac point Birman cat. Birmans are also called the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” and legend has it this breed originated in Burma among the temples of ancient times. These cats are distinguished by a silky coat, deep blue eyes, and contrasting white “gloves” or “socks” on each paw.
“Sabrina is a very sweet cat,” says Oksana. “She has never scratched anyone in the family and just enjoys sleeping all day.”
Most of the time you will find Sabrina sleeping on her back, but she also likes to be snuggled like a baby, wrapped in a blanket.
“Although she is an indoor cat, she does enjoy going outside on the deck and watching the birds and rabbits in our back yard,” says Oksana. “Sabrina is the princess of our family and a true joy to have around!”
Monthly Events Calendar
Check out our monthly events on our website. This calendar is updated as events are added.
Important Dates in May
Helpful Steps when Submitting Information to VVS
Each month we feature tips to help ensure you submit your registration or information to VVS correctly and efficiently, or we highlight common mistakes when registering or submitting information. This month it’s:
Extra Time for Exams
If you need extra time for an exam, you can request up to double the time allocated (for example, if you are writing a three-hour exam, you can request up to six hours to complete it). Make sure to request any extra time when you are booking your exam time, as additional time can only be added if space and time are available.
Tips to Succeed at Distance Learning
Celebrate Successes
Every time you study, complete a milestone or even write an exam, it can end with a reward.
You don’t need to do anything elaborate, but intentionally celebrating your hard work helps with motivation, commitment and moving on to the next task. An example could be, I am going to watch that new television show after I have studied for two hours—a small reward for a job well done!
Reward yourself at the end of a big assignment, exam or end of a section or module. It gives you something to look forward to as you work through your coursework!
VVS on the Road
- Medicine Hat: May 9
- Lethbridge: May 16
- Red Deer: May 23 (LOCATION CHANGE: Red Deer Public Library)
Meet your Teachers
Eva Fung
How long have you been a teacher?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a major in math from the University of Alberta in 2004. I began my teaching career in adult education and have had the opportunities to teach at middle school, senior high and post-secondary levels.
Interesting fact?
I was born in Edmonton but lived in Hong Kong during the first 12 years of my life. I attended M. E. LaZerte High School in Edmonton and that is where I met my husband, Wilson. I enjoy watching Broadway shows and my favourites are “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Phantom of the Opera”.
What excites you each day?
My husband and I welcomed our first child, Aiden to the world in 2017. Watching my son grow up brings me joy and a different perspective when working with students.
Contacts
