Junior Middle School

Junior Middle School

To TEACH is to TOUCH LIVES forever

Love my child, care for him Praise him when he tries his best Guide when he errs Encourage so he develops his potential

Parent’s

Love my child, teach her well Show she can reach for the stars Inspire her to change the world Coach so she excels beyond her dreams

heart

Love my child, keep him safe Though I can’t be there When he needs his parents near I trust you’ll be there

TOTAL CARE EDUCATION SYSTEM® Serving the Needs of International Students Since 1979

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Columbia International College has 30 years experience in providing its unique Total Care Education® to international high school students. Our unique style and atmosphere are appreciated by our parents who confidently choose our school. We are a community that values academic excellence and the achievement of personal best. We are therefore pleased to offer our world-renowned Total Care Education System® to students at an early age through our Junior Middle School Program. The mandate of our Total Care Education System® is to nurture the academic, physical, social and emotional areas of each student to enable them to become confident, capable and responsible young adults.

TOTAL LEARNING® Quality education is always a top priority for parents. Parents want their children to be taught by teachers who are patient, caring, motivating and inspiring. Parents want teachers who make learning an enjoyable process for their children.

Columbia’s aim is to encourage and support every student to achieve academic excellence. To do this, our students: Are taught by highly qualified and experienced teaching staff Receive ample attention in our small classes Get extra support to ensure their academic success

Differentiated Instruction Columbia recognizes that students have unique learning styles and intellectual abilities. The teachers at Columbia’s Junior Middle School are specially trained to teach students in the Grade 7 and 8 streams. To ensure that each student understands their lessons and are progressing in each subject:

We provide a warm, happy, supportive and enriching environment that will allow your child to maximize his/her personal strengths and abilities and further develop into a well-rounded student with confidence.

Ms. Denice Garell-Teti Junior School Department Head

Teachers seek to understand the learning style of each student and employ different teaching methodologies accordingly Teachers assess their students’ progress and make modifications to their teaching methods

The Curriculum A Wide Variety of Courses to Stimulate Students’ Interests REQUIRED SUBJECTS Language Arts English Social Studies History Geography Mathematics & Science Mathematics Science & Technology Computer Science Computer Studies

Arts Music Dramatic Arts Visual Arts Physical Education Health and Physical Education Other Language French Support Classes ESL Support Programs Learning Support

The curriculum is designed to: Improve student’s English – reading, writing, comprehension, speaking and listening skills Promote group discussions that encourage students to confidently communicate their ideas Develop in students an appreciation for each subject through exposure to real-life examples Stimulate and challenge the intellectual curiosity of our students Familiarize our students with new technology Teach students independent learning techniques

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Academic Support Extra help to ensure success

Columbia understands that students differ in their learning styles. Therefore we have developed a system to support students who require additional help. Students who are identified to be in need of help are assisted by the Academic Support Program which is offered during and after school. The Academic Support Program is delivered as follows:

(A) Identification Process

Methods used to examine the academic strengths and weaknesses of students • Teachers regularly and constantly assess students’ performance based on in-class marks • Students who obtain either a failing mark or marks below class average are enlisted in the Academic Support Program immediately

(B) Additional Support and Assistance

Students identified as requiring extra-help by subject teachers: • Receive extra-help in the classroom • Attend Mandatory Homework Club after school

(C) Continuous Assessment

Subject teachers continuously monitor the progress of students and meet regularly to discuss new and better ways to help students meet their learning needs.

Customized Academic Support Plans are developed for students who show insignificant or no improvement after receiving additional help

Familiarize our students with new technology

Balanced Evaluation System Students achieve the best results when they learn time management, develop their creative skills and apply what they have learned in class. As a result, Columbia uses 3 different methods to give a fair assessment of each student’s progress in each of their subjects.

Traditional Assessment: Evaluation is based on test marks, quizzes and mastery of subjects Portfolio Assessment: A progressive assessment based on learning, goal-setting and reflection Performance Assessment: Evaluation based on ability to apply academic knowledge to the real-world

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Course Description Language Arts

The program is designed to engage students in oral communication, reading, writing and media literacy tasks that will enable them to apply their language, knowledge, skills and strategies to learning in all subject areas.

Mathematics

The mathematics program is designed to help students build solid foundations in essential areas of mathematics such as measurement, geometry, patterning and algebra and data management. The program also integrates the use of current technologies in relation to the study of mathematics.

Science and Technology 7

Through scientific inquiry, experimentation, research and technological problem-solving, students will consider both the knowledge and skills that will help them to understand and analyze the impact of developments in science and technology on modern society and the environment.

Computer and Information Technology

The computer and information technology course combines information technology with information literacy. The course content includes keyboarding, the exploration of word processing and desktop publishing, the use of graphics and multi-media and instruction in Internet research skills and proper Internet etiquette.

History

In grade 7, the study of history focuses on the development of Canada from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth century. In grade 8, students develop an understanding of events in Canada from the 1850s to1914 and the events leading up to the beginning of the First World War.

Dramatic Arts

The drama program (which includes dance) is intended to help students to develop an understanding and appreciation of drama and dance, as well as the ability to create works using the forms, elements, and techniques of these two discplines.

At Columbia, arts and music are an integral part of our curriculum which allows students to discover their creativity and build their self-confindence.

Mr. Jim Lawlis Music teacher

Visual Arts

The visual arts program is intended to help students develop creativity as well as the ability to communicate with other people through visual images.

Music

The music program is intended to help students develop practical playing skills, encourage creative expression and foster an overall appreciation of music.

Health and Physical Education

The health and physical education program is focused on a combination of physical activity and appropriate lifestyle choices.

French

The Core French program is designed to help students develop basic communication skills in French as well as an understanding of French culture in Canada and in other parts of the world.

Geography

In grade 7, the study of geography focuses on geographic inquiry and research skills as well as an exploration of natural resources and the environment. In grade 8, students focus on patterns in human geography, economic systems and migration.

TOTAL LIVING® Parents want the assurance that their children living away from home, have a safe and healthy environment where they receive the attention they need and the care to grow in confidence.

Columbia recognizes that a healthy environment promotes a healthy mind. Our residence facilities and services are designed to cater to the physical, social, emotional and nutritional needs of our students. We believe that meeting these needs ensure that our students adjust to their new environment smoothly and are optimistic about the future.

Safe and Secure Residence Management Residence

• Designated house mother to ensure well-being of students • Computer-controlled residences permit entry to students with proper access cards • 24-hour monitored security system (Closed-circuit TV) in all residences • Centrally-controlled smoke and heat detector in every bedroom • Nightly curfew and room check enforced by house mother in all residences

Quality Living Conditions • Furnished, comfortable and modern bedrooms • Brand-new comforter and pillows provided to new students upon arrival • Air-conditioned rooms and heated buildings • Carpets vacuumed weekly and fresh linen provided every two weeks • Internet connections in every bedroom • Door to door school bus from residence to school We provide a lifestyle of homely comfort for young students. They receive pastoral love and care from our dedicated house mothers.

Our students also receive consistent coaching and nurturing, support and attention for personal growth from our experienced staff.

This thoughtfully designed caring system prepares the young student well for the Senior High School.

Ms. Priscilla Tamaklo Residence Program Coordinator

Make Friends from all over the world • Students from 11 countries represented in Columbia’s Junior Middle School • Students have opportunities to develop lifetime friendships and learn new cultures or languages

Mexico Venezuela Nigeria Ukraine Russia Thailand China Japan Guinea Zambia Indonesia

Pine Hall, Boy’s residence

Linden Hall, Girl’s residence

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Features of the lifestyle include:

Residential Living Columbia has the well-being of the student at heart. We therefore provide a positive and supportive environment where students can learn essential life skills through structured and interactive residential programs. This makes their boarding experience purposeful, safe and fun.

Week Day Schedule

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Monday to Friday 6:30am-7:15am 7:15am-7:30am 7:45am-8:30am 8:45am-9:05am 9:05am -11:50am 11:50am -12:20pm 12:20pm-12:50pm 12:50pm-3:20pm 3:30pm- 4:30pm 4:30pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-5:30pm 5:30pm-6:15pm 6:30pm-8:00pm 8:00pm-9:30pm 10:00pm

Activity Wake Up and Shower Time Board Bus to School Breakfast Morning Assembly Academic Classes Lunch Activity Period Academic Classes Homework Club and Activities Board Bus to Residences Social Time with Friends & Siblings (E-mails, Phone Calls) Dinner Supervised Homework Time Snack Time, Preparations for next day Bedtime

* Tuesdays & Thursdays , YMCA Gymnasium , 7:00pm-8:00pm

Weekend Schedule Saturdays 8:30am 9:30am 10:00am-11:00am 11:00am-11:45am 12:00pm-1:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm-6:45pm 7:00pm-10:00pm 10:30pm

Wake Up Time Bus leaves for Music practice Music Lessons Brunch Library & Homework Weekend Activities (Swimming / Dance / Rock Climbing) Return to Residences Dinner Social Time in Common Room Bedtime

• A lifestyle of healthy living in a warm and comfortable setting • A specially designated house mother provides the young students with pastoral love and guidance • Our experienced and professional staff provides the young students with on-going coaching and nurturing, support and attention for personal growth • Our dedicated house mother supervises and supports the young students during homework time • The house mother takes special care to plan and supervise all weekend and monthly highlights

Special Care for Sick Students

• Columbia has a Registered Nurse stationed at the medical clinic in the school • A nurse also makes rounds in the residences to check on students who are sick • Wellness rooms – places where students can rest, relax, and have their condition monitored by a medical professional – are available in each residence.

• Special meals for sick students Sundays 10:00am 11:00am-12:45pm 1:00pm- 4:00pm 4:00pm-6:00pm 6:00pm-6:45pm 7:00pm-10:00pm 10:00pm

Wake Up Time Brunch Laundry Time YMCA Gymnasium Dinner Preparations for School Bedtime

Bruce McLeish

Certified Chef de Cuisine Executive Chef for Columbia

Oversees all aspects of food production: • Recipe Development • Menu Creation • Cooks’ Training

Sodexo- Quality Food Service Guaranteed

Sodexo is the leading food and facilities management in North America. Sodexo provides food and hospitality management services to companies like Hewlett-Packard, Glaxo Smithkline, Nokia and Microsoft. Sodexo serves educational institutions such as Queen’s, York and Brock Universities.

Delicious & Nutritious Meals • All residences and the school have on-site kitchens managed and operated by close to 100 staff of Sodexo • Eighty different types of soups, main entrées and desserts originating from every continent are served • For lunch, students have the option of having a: 1. Hot Western Entrée 2. Hot Oriental Entrée 3. Pizza with Salad 4. Japanese Sushi 5. Cold-cut Sandwich • Special Meals menu is designed by a qualified dietician on staff Special Meals are provided to vegetarian students or students with religious or special dietary needs Special Meals are provided to sick students

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Brunch and Dinners All-you-can-eat

Brunch

All-you-can-eat 7 Dinners B: Breakfast 7:30am - 8:45am L: Lunch Service 11:00am - 2:00pm S: Night snack 9:00pm - 10:00pm

All-you-can-eat

• Dinner: 5:00pm - 6:45pm • Brunch: 11:00am - 12:45pm

TOTAL DEVELOPMENT® Communication Session

Discover Leadership Series The Discover Leadership Series is designed to take students through a journey of self-discovery and learning. It offers opportunities for students to plan and implement a variety of projects through which they learn to be responsible and work effectively with others. All sessions are taught through activities enriched with interactive games that capture students’ attention. The program has six progressive blocks of workshops: • Discover Self • Goal Setting • Communication

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• Teambuilding • Group Work • Event Planning

Through this session, students develop lifelong skills of effective and professional communication. They also learn tools for effective speaking and listening and ultimately conflict resolution.

Team Building Session

Students learn group dynamics through trust building exercises. They then work through a series of problem solving exercises which helps them to develop a small community based project such as a food drive, and how to implement it.

Group Work Session

Discover Self Session

The session begins with exploring the unique qualities of each student such as their likes and dislikes. Subsequently, we look into how students who feel isolated actually share their ideas and fears with others. At the end of the session, students learn what their strengths and weaknesses are and develop a confidence in what they have to offer.

Goal Setting Session

This session is designed to allow students to initially dream about what they want to do in the future. Afterward, they are assisted and guided in developing realistic and timely plans to achieve their set goals.

The session focuses on group decision making. Students will research on various charitable causes and decide as a team which charity they will assist. Afterward, they will develop a project that will help their chosen charity, such as a bake sale to raise funds.

International Café Fundraiser

The series culminates with the International Café Fundraiser. In this session, students explore and learn the diversity and multiculturalism represented in the school community. They then develop a large scale community based project such as an International Café Fundraiser, which they will oversee from start to finish. Through the planning and implementation of the project, they will learn skills specifically related to event planning and research.

Discover Self: All About Me

Goal Setting: Dream Session

Intro in Communication

Team Building: We’re A Team

Intro to Group Work

International Café FundraiserEvent Planning & Research

Discover Self: Am I the Only One?

How to Set Goals

Communication: SpeakingWho’s My Audience?

Team Building: Solving a Problem

Making Group Decisions: Who Can We Help?

International Café FundraiserEvent Organization & Planning

Discover Self: Where do I Fit In?

What Are Your Goals?

Communication: Listening- Do I Understand?

Team Building: Let’s Plan It

Develop Group Community Project

International Café FundraiserOrganization & Planning

Team Building: Let’s Do It!

Group Community Project Implementation

International Café FundraiserEvent Implementation

Discover Self: You Can Do It!

Communication: Develop Your Goal Conflict- Talk It Out Action Plan

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT At home, parents teach their children important values and life skills. Columbia understands the desire of parents to want their children to achieve academic excellence as well as develop the values and skills that will help them to mature into confident, caring and responsible young adults.

Columbia recognizes that young students will be spending years of studies and growing up away from home. We are therefore committed to providing a pastoral environment where these young students will build on the essential values and skills taught at home and also cultivate new ones. While they are studying with us, they will learn: Values • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Self-esteem • Honesty

Skills • Effective Communication • Positive decision-making • Creative Thinking • Goal-setting • Teamwork

Young students will develop these values and skills by: • Participating in an exceptional choice of activities, • Touring cultural and educational sites within Canada • Visiting our very own Bark Lake Leadership Training Centre.

BARK LAKE – Outdoor Leadership Training Centre

At Bark Lake, we offer a range of activities designed to stretch and challenge these young students’ capabilities and talents. While they are at Bark Lake, they will take part in a broad range of exciting team and leadership activities including: Winter • Cross-country skiing • Ice-fishing • Snowshoeing • High Ropes • Low Ropes • Igloo building • Winter Survival Skills

Summer and Fall • Archery • Canoeing • Low Ropes • Kayaking • Beach Volleyball • High Ropes • Swimming • Indoor Bouldering Cave

Altogether, participating in these activities will instil in these young students the important values and skills that will help them live life to the fullest as confident and responsible young adults.

Modern and Comfortable year–round Facilities at Bark Lake • 700 acres of pristine wilderness • 4 year-round cabins sleep 124 persons • 9 seasonal cabins sleep 204 persons • Certified high ropes course • Well-equipped cafeteria prepares and serves fresh and healthy meals • Indoor and Outdoor Meeting areas for group training

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TOTAL COMMUNICATION® Involving Parents in Their Child’s Development Parents, miles away from their children, desire reassurance about their safety and well-being. They need to receive regular updates on their children as they grow and learn.

Parents also want to stay in touch with their children conveniently at all times.

Columbia prides itself in giving parents the peace of mind and assurance that their children are involved in meaningful and healthy activities through Total Communication®. Our unique ezReport Card regularly updates parents on their child’s academic performance, conduct and social involvement in the school community.

The ezReport Card also informs parents of the school’s events.

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“At Columbia, we keep parents informed every step of the way” Online ezReport Card ANYTIME, ANYWHERE The ezReport card is designed to inform parents about their child’s: • Conduct and activities in residence • Extra-curricular activities • Academic performance and conduct at school through Progress Reports All Unit Test marks Mid-Year report Final Reports Daily class attendance reports www.cic-totalcare.com/Parents/ezReportCard Month Reports

Sep Oct

Nov Dec

1 Progress

Jan

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Parents and School Working Together We understand the need for parents to be able to communicate with their children at their convenience.

To meet this need: • Our dedicated and experienced support staff made up of the guidance counsellors, liaison officers, and residence staff work together to keep parents constantly informed of their child’s progress • Absence and late reports are sent to parents whenever necessary • Parents are phoned whenever needed • Multilingual staff are available to help parents communicate with other staff in school and residence • Students have a personal telephone extension and voicemail system in their room • Students have internet connection and access at school and in the residence

Mar Apr May June

2 Mid-Year 3 Progress

4 Final

To TEACH is to TOUCH LIVES forever

For a brighter future, start the journey with Columbia’s Total Care Education System®

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE 1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4P3 Tel: +1 (905) 572 7883 ext 2801 Fax: +1 (905) 572 9332 columbia@cic-totalcare.com

www.cic-TotalCare.com