VCHS Open House and Information Night

VCHS Open House and Information Night

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville Composite High School (VCHS) held an Open House and Information Night on February 12 to show what Grades 10 to 12 looks like, and what to expect when students enter high school. It also showed the structure and taste of high school.

In the school’s library, there was a slide show and presentation from Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS). It was emphasized throughout the evening that Grade 9 is a critical year to prepare students for the programs and courses they will need to take in high school.

VCHS Principal Mr. Leatherdale started the presentation by walking parents and students through the three different types of high school diplomas students can earn. These diplomas are Alberta High School Diploma, Certificate of High School Achievement, and Alberta Certificate of High School Completion. He explained what courses and requirements were needed to earn each type of diploma.

Leatherdale went on to say The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is an excellent program as it is done under the supervision of a journey person and students can earn up to 40 credits (1,000 hours of work) and hours in the ‘Blue Book’ towards an apprenticeship program. He talked about dual credit programs which allow students to get their high school diploma as well as a post-secondary credential or course credits towards their chosen career or trade path.

Mr. Leatherdale, Principal of VCHS, speaks to parents about the school.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

VCHS Guidance Counsellor Mrs. Hansen explained what marks students need to earn to obtain the Rutherford Scholarship. Hansen also spoke about how she can help students sign-up for the Off Campus Education Green Certificate, which is a program for students who live on or have access to a farm. Students will have a mentor provide training on a farm or recreational equestrian center to gain experience, earn up to 16 credits, and receive an Agricultural Technician Certificate from Alberta Agriculture.

Mrs. Miller, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Food Studies teacher, spoke about Career and Technology Studies which is a program that enables schools to design unique programs that meet the needs of students, draw on community resources and allow for career exploration.

Band teacher Mr. Barkwell said being in the music program gives students one of the best opportunities they can get as there is a tremendous amount of research which shows playing instruments and music has a significant impact on students’ cognitive and social development.

As well, Assistant Principal Mrs. Warawa explained about the levels of mathematics courses students could take and the prerequisites students needed to get into each course.

Mr. Warawa, Chemistry, Science, Sports Acceleration teacher described the Fine Arts programs the school offers.

Following each of their presentations, they fielded questions from the parents. Students and parents were invited to take a tour of the school.