November Newsletter (2018)
January 7th, 2019
Click each article below to read this month’s newsletter or read the PDF version.
Learning Without Limits
We’re already entering the third month of the school year–where has the time gone? Hopefully, you are working hard on your assignments, are interacting with your teachers, and are enjoying your classes so far. We are here to assist you, so if you have any challenges, please contact your teacher(s). For students writing diploma exams (and other exams) in November, good luck! And don’t forget about time change on November 4 (fall back an hour).
Sincerely,
` Mike Loitz, Treena Bradbury, Frank McCallum,
` Principal Associate Principal Associate Principal
Did you Know?
The Vista Virtual School newsletter is now available as an online page.
Previously it was only accessible as a PDF; now you can search for past article topics, or select the information that is of most interest for you right on the website.
Each month you will still be emailed a link to the newsletter with the important Vista Virtual School information at your disposal.
Note: Awards applications and other important items are now posted on the Vista Virtual School website, whereas, the newsletter focuses on activities and events related to the school each month.
Minister's Youth Council
Congratulations Vista Virtual School student Tahir Natha on being named to the Alberta Education Minister’s Youth Council!
“It is an honour to be a part of the council and I look forward to working with the Minister of Education to help students across the province,” says Tahir.
As one of the 33 junior and senior high students, Tahir looks forward to the opportunity to provide input on education initiatives and engage with the ministry as a partner, as well as learning from the other students that are also part of the program.
“Students today do not feel they have a voice in their education, so I wanted to take a stand and be the voice for students who cannot speak up,” he says. “Being a part of the Minister’s Youth Council allows me to express the problems we see in the education system and how we can address those problems to better suit students today.”
Please share your feedback on distance education and education in Alberta. We would like your views—see the Vista Virtual School website for more information and the form to provide your input.
Vista Virtual School Awards - Thank You!
Important Dates in November
Reminder - Diploma Exam Dates Posted
See the Alberta Education diploma exam schedule for the exam dates. If you have any questions, please contact your teacher.
Adult Learning at Vista Virtual School
Are you considering taking classes as an adult, but have questions or need more information?
Please see the Vista Virtual School website under Adult Upgrading to learn more and see answers to common questions, or email us at vvsadults@phrd.ab.ca.
Recent News Posts on the VVS Website
Monthly Events Calendar
Check out our monthly events on the vvschool.ca website. This calendar is updated as events are added.
Meet your Teachers
Shelley Rizzo
How long have you been a teacher?
Starting as a primary/junior high teacher in 1989, I obtained my intermediate science and senior math levels over the next two summers so I could teach high school. I taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Northern Ontario for grades 5-8 in my first year, moving on to a larger high school where I taught everything from small engine repair, art and computer programming, to math, sciences and special education. I moved to Alberta to teach in 1997. I teach mainly science courses at Vista Virtual School and have been a marker for math and science since 2011. And I have coached badminton, volleyball and basketball!
Interesting fact?
I have two adult children, an accountant with Ernst and Young in Calgary and a Certified Chef who is completing her Bachelor of Hospitality Management and Wine Sommelier certifications this year through Vancouver Island University. I enjoy travelling outside of Canada and seeing the world and all it has to offer.
What excites you each day?
Getting those emails, texts and phone calls that say “Thanks so much, I get it now!”—the light bulb goes on for the student and it excites me too.
Teacher’s Pet - Bailey
Meet Bailey! Each month we’re featuring some of the pets that are part of the staff families at Vista Virtual School.
Bailey, Associate Principal Treena Bradbury’s very happy and energetic Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees cross, enjoys her daily walks regardless of weather. On her travels, she especially pays close attention to smaller, swift-moving critters such as squirrels, pheasants, and prairie dogs.
Tips to Succeed at Distance Education
Set a schedule (and adhere to it):
- Plan your time accordingly and make sure to set all your due dates and exams.
- Plan when to start working on each project.
Complete all your assignments:
- The best way to learn the required course materials is to complete all assignments in order.
- Progress as directed by your teacher (as jumping ahead may cause challenges in your understanding later in the course).
VVS on the Road
- Medicine Hat – November 8 and December 6
- Lethbridge – November 15 and December 20
- Red Deer – November 22 and December 20
Contacts
