SPOTLIGHT - SSC Blog
Goodbye September, Hello October!
We are into the second month of the 24/25 race … How are you making out?
Did you set your eyes on the finish line and sprint as fast as you could - but are already running out of steam? Or did you set your eyes on the finish line - sooooo far away - and decide to leisurely stroll - but are now feeling a little bit of pressure?
Did you set your eyes on the finish line, and acknowledge that this long trek requires a relay of sorts - and add supporting members to your team?
If not, let us remind you that the SSC team is here to support you!
And you have lots to choose from:
Book a 1:1 session with an SSC EA. We are here to answer your questions, point you in the right direction, keep you accountable, dive into your coursework, or help you set up a schedule and plan that works. Book Now
Watch last year’s Grad Week presentations about Creating a Plan for a Successful Year (6th one down) and the Ins & Outs of the Student Success Centre (2nd from the bottom).
Attend or Watch a Workshop Recording:
Acing the Provincial Assessments – preparing Grade 10 and 12 students for Assessment Day
Advocate & Communicate – learn how you can best share your thoughts and needs with your parents and teachers
Creating Killer Notes - you can’t escape them, so come learn how to make the process easier and more effective
Get it Done! - strategies on how to get your schoolwork done in half the time
Ready, Set, Go! – tactics to help ensure you’re headed in the right direction and on the right path (focus on setting goals, creating a schedule, identifying weekly priorities, and making a plan)
Tips for Success - a condensed version of the Creating a Plan for a Successful Year
* Workshop Schedule & Info * Workshop Recordings & Slide Decks
** If you are in grades 10 or 12 and will be writing a provincial assessment in November, we strongly encourage you to prepare beforehand. Attending the Acing the Provincial Assessments workshop (or watching the recording) will provide insights into what to expect and tips for success. Visiting the BC Provincial Assessments website and doing some practice test runs will definitely be worth your time and effort! Reach out if you have any questions: Taryn McPherson.
You Heard it Here First:
October and November are both months that encourage us to pause …. to focus on our blessings over Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day. What are you most thankful for?
The SSC team has full, grateful hearts ….
As a team, we celebrate as over 100 students (many new!) visited the SSC in September! We also ran 150 sessions and four different workshops for students and parents. Wow - what a superb start to the school year!
Individually, we are counting our blessings ….
“The past year has arguably been one of the hardest - moving countries, being away from close friends and family, going through health scares, and losing loved ones. But one thing I can attest to is God’s faithfulness. He has been the solid rock when everything else was shaking. He has been my healer, my friend who is closer than a brother, my comforter and my help in times of need. I am so thankful for the people God sent into my life -, for every relationship. I am so thankful I am back with HCOS, and for every opportunity I was given to grow throughout the past year. I am so thankful for God’s grace - I never had to earn it, and I don’t deserve it, but He has freely given it to me. I am so thankful for my family’s love and my church surrounding me. I am so thankful for the favour God gave me with people, time and time again, and for gifting me the opportunity of impacting people’s lives and being there for them throughout some of the lowest seasons of their lives.” (Lucinda, Math & Science EA)
“I am blessed as one season ends and transitions into the next, enabling me to witness another of God’s masterpieces. As much as I love summer when it is summer, I am grateful that fall has come. I love the brisk mornings, the earthy smell, the geese honking as they make their way south, and the beauty of the golden, burgundy and bright red foliage. I look forward to every taste of pumpkin! My blessings continue to overflow with so many amazing people in my life - friends, family, SSC team members, and the new and returning HCOS students and families I get to run this race with. So many of my smiles result from a job that brings me so much joy! I hope you are blessed in 24/25!” (Taryn, Literacy & Executive Functioning EA)
“I honestly don’t know where to start. I feel very blessed with the life that I get to live - from the job I get to work in, to my family and the fun things that we get to experience together. Having been with HCOS for 18 years now has provided me the opportunity to not only be an educator, but allow me the ability to be present for my kids. I love what I get to do, the teachers and Grad Advisors I get to work with, the challenges we work through and the celebrations we are a part of. I love that I get to travel the world, be there for my kids at their dance shows and baseball games - and I am so very grateful for each and every moment of this wonderful life we live!” (Chelsea, Director of Grad)
“I blinked and October arrived! Over here it has been a season of change, not just in my yard with the leaves changing color, but also in my work life as I have shifted into the position as a Learning Support EA with the Student Success Cente. What a blessing this has been! My favorite part of this new role is connecting with families and supporting so many of you as you start off strong this new school year. It has been such a joy to meet many of you, and I look forward to meeting more of you soon! As I anticipate this Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of Psalms 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise: give thanks to him and praise his name.” I am so thankful to be part of HCOS and to play a role in your homeschooling this year. I pray that you and your family will find time to rest in God’s goodness this Thanksgiving season and that you will be reminded of all we have to be thankful for!” (Andrea, Literacy, Numeracy & Executive Functioning EA)
“As the excitement of summer fades and students and teachers settle into the year, I find quiet moments of time to harvest the last of the season’s summer fruit and vegetables. This reminds me of Psalm 85:12: The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. The jars of tomatoes are stacked high, and the apple sauce sits ready to enjoy in the cold months ahead. The scent of basil lingers faintly, while the home-grown pumpkins wait by the door. The last of the lettuce adds freshness to daily meals and the carrots brighten up our salads. Even the unrelenting zucchini finds a place on the table. God is good. Thanksgiving serves as a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on our blessings, and express gratitude for the abundance in our lives—both in what we have and the people we share it with. I am so grateful.” (Allison, SSC Manager)
The 24/25 School Year Has Started!
If you are a newcomer … Welcome!
And if you are a returning student … Welcome Back!
Just as a recap, the SSC team had a huge win last year with over 225 students (grades 5-12) supported and over 2000 sessions booked! Impressive, right!?
But we’re boosting the ante this year and dreaming even bigger! To make this happen, we’ve been working hard to prepare for the 24/25 school year. And we did it - we are ready and SO excited to join your academic team!
SSC Favourites - Not to be Missed!
Here’s just a friendly reminder that the SSC offers more than one-to-one sessions with an EA. Don’t forget to take advantage of our:
Free Resources - If you missed out on a workshop from last year, recordings and slide decks are available. You can also take a look through our goal setting and scheduling templates, and Math & Science resources.
Fall Workshops - Maybe you need something a little more engaging. If so, why not consider sitting in on a workshop to learn more about how to boost your productivity, manage your time, communicate your needs, take more effective notes, and improve your grades through more effective studying and test taking skills.
SPOTLIGHT Blog - It probably seems silly to have this on the list because you’re reading this from the SPOTLIGHT Blog … but don’t forget to come back regularly as we are often sharing updates and tips to help you succeed.
Feedback Corner - We always want to be improving and supporting students with their growing and diversified list of needs. But that also means we need your help knowing where gaps exist, so please consider sharing your feedback. You can do this anonymously (if you’re shy) or if you want to take the credit for your great ideas, you can include your name and email.
Notice Anything Different?
If you answered yes, you’re right! We have the joy of introducing you to two new EAs - Lucinda Beshay and Andrea Heidema!
Welcome, Lucinda!
Lucinda, an HCOS grad and Masters of Psychology student, will be joining our team as the new Math & Science EA. Her love and wonder of Science started at an early age as she marvelled at how God intricately designed every aspect of our world with precision and detail. Her wide range of Biology, Life Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Pre-calculus skills will blow you away! Lucinda is eager to work alongside HCOS students - contributing to the very environment that played a crucial role in her education - adding to the mix her passion for student wellness and personal growth.
Here are a few fun facts about Lucinda: Outside of work and studying, she enjoys playing the piano, going to the gym, and serving her church's youth group. When alone, she can often be found with her headphones on, reading a book. As for foods, she’s a fan of seafood pasta and an occasional midnight shawarma snack.
Please help us in welcoming, Lucinda!
Lucinda Beshay SSC
Welcome, Andrea!
Andrea will be joining our team as the new Learning Support (LS) EA. She comes with years of experience working with kids and teens - within her community, at christian summer camps, and in both public and private schools (K-12) where she worked as an EA. Having spent some time homeschooling her son, she understands the challenges and rewards that come from home learning and is hopeful she can enrich your HCOS experience!
Please help us in welcoming, Andrea! 😃
Here are a few fun facts about Andrea: When Andrea isn’t working, you will likely find her in the kitchen baking treats for her kids, or roaming the beach for marine life and interesting rocks. She loves being in nature, spending time with family, and dancing.
Andrea Video.MOV
Ready, Set, Go!
And just like that, the race has started! Are you ready?
Maybe these are things you will need to remind yourself of as you get started and throughout the year …
I am the key player in this race … I will need to work hard, but I don’t need to be perfect.
I can do difficult things, and my mistakes will help me learn.
Having a positive attitude will go a long way - I can do this!
Though the race is long, I will focus on one step at a time - using SMART goals to guide me and taking breaks to refuel as needed.
Asking for help when I need it is a sign of strength, and will help me reach the finish line.
Can I leave you with one final suggestion?
Don’t wait until you’ve shed lots of sweat and tears before reaching out for help! Instead, let us - the SSC team - help you kickstart the new school year and ensure your year is filled with many successes!
Good luck!
Just for Kicks:
Would you rather have no more tests or no more homework?
Would you rather paint an art project or learn to play the clarinet?
Would you rather read a novel or do a science experiment?
Would you rather be the school’s spelling bee champion or math wizard?
Would you rather play a prank on your teacher and never get caught or be the top student in your class?
Would you rather have a teacher with four arms or two heads?
June is Here!
Riding the Coaster of 2023-2024 …
In some ways, it’s hard to believe that June is here, and yet it also feels like September was a lifetime ago. I don’t know about you, but since then, I feel like I was on a roller coaster or two … or make that one hundred! As this school year comes to a wrap, instead of focusing on the lows, I want to think about the high points – those times I was at the top of the roller coaster!
As a part of the SSC Team, I am excited to share that this year we have supported over 220 students with over 2000 visits; we also added to the mix over 10 workshops for students and parents!
We have joyfully helped students (in their own words): “complete more courses than last year,” “get set up well and caught up around big trips,” “meet deadlines,” “create amazing projects,” “learn new strategies to tackle Math questions,” “get motivated to do the work,” and “cross the finish line - even when it didn’t seem possible."
How about you?
We would love to hear what you’ve appreciated most about the SSC Team this year and any suggestions you have on how we can enable more “top of the roller coaster” moments next year. Share your Feedback
List of Workshops:
Acing the Provincial Assessments
Advocate & Communicate
Becoming a Test-Taking Pro
Creating Killer Notes
Debunking Common High School Myths
Get it Done!
New Year: New You
Parents: How to Set Your Child Up for Success
Ready, Set, Go!
Tips for Success
June Workshops
Though no new workshops will run in the month of June, students and parents can revisit past workshops using one of these three options:
Watch recordings and use the slide decks that are available on our Resources page.
Email Taryn McPherson to schedule a time to go through a workshop together.
Book a session with Taryn McPherson, making reference to the workshop you would like to go through.
Final Round of Provincial Assessments
From June 3rd -14th, students will have one final opportunity to write their BC Provincial Assessments. If this happens to be you, here are three options that could help you get the results you’re looking for:
Watch the “Acing the Provincial Assessments” recording for tips and tricks beforehand.
Email Taryn McPherson to schedule a time to go through the workshop highlights together.
Book a session with Taryn McPherson, making reference to the “Acing the Provincial Assessments” workshop.
NEW For the Summer of 2024 …
The SSC will be OPEN for most of the summer – woohoo! Though availability will be reduced, students and parents will have an opportunity to connect with Taryn McPherson through email and booked sessions. Squeezing a little school into the summer months is a great way to tie up some loose ends or get a head start on next year’s courses!
Please also take advantage of the Resources we have available …. Recorded Workshops with Slide Decks and Goal Setting and Planning Samples & Templates! These resources can help set you/your child up well for the Fall of 2024!
From the entire SSC Team, we pray your summer is a time of reconnection, refreshment, and lots of joy and laughter! And if we don’t see you in the summer, we look forward to reconnecting in the Fall! ❤️
Let’s Kick off the Summer with a Little Fun …
Would you rather have a beach ball that can never pop or a never-ending ice cream cone?
Would you rather spend your summer in the wilderness or in a luxury hotel?
Would you rather have a super soaker water gun fight or a water balloon fight?
Would you rather eat a slushie that tastes like ketchup or a hamburger that tastes like strawberries?
Would you rather have a summer without music or without TV?
More “New” Around the Corner!
First and foremost: Welcome, Calise Stankoven!
For most of May, we’ll have a new SCC team member: Calise Stankoven! As a Bachelor of Education student, Calise was inspired by her passion for writing and her belief that having teachers who deeply care about what they teach makes a huge difference for students. She is excited to wear many hats as a teacher - writing, performing, exploring, doing experiments, you name it! She joins our team willing and able to provide students with literacy and executive functioning support!
Fun Facts: When Calise isn’t deep into her studies, she loves cooking - spicy curries and homemade ramen. And recently, she has had fun learning about science and fermentation in the kitchen by making sourdough and kombucha! Outside of school and the kitchen, Calise loves going for hikes and bicycle rides as she explores the amazing Okanagan Valley landscape.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Calise to the SSC Team!
Hi Everybody! My name is Calise.
AND …
As a new month is about to start, be on the lookout for another lineup of workshops … including a couple of new ones.
Debunking Common High School Myths - adding some clarity, before you dive in!
Parents: How to Set Your Child up for Success - what you need to know to support them
Visit our Upcoming Events page to get all the details!
Take Time for Mental Health Awareness
Every day, but especially in May, we need to make mental health a priority.
If you are a youth struggling with your mental health …. You are not alone! Please be courageous and share your thoughts and feelings.
If you are a parent of a child who is struggling with their mental health … You are not alone! Please be observant, ask questions, listen wholeheartedly, and seek support.
Here are some excellent sources of information to get your started:
HealthyChildren.org https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx,
SOPHIE: Anxiety and Mental Health Resources for Families https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/anxiety-and-mental-health-resources-for-families
Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/q-and-a/where-can-i-find-child-and-youth-mental-health-services
Children and teens can also call the Kids Help Phone to speak to a counselor at 1-800-668-6868 or visit Kids Help Phone for information on the resources and support available. For more places to get help, visit Crisis Centre – Get Help. If you are in an emergency, call 9-1-1
Like me, you might be excited that a month that has a two-week-long break and acts as a reset button for the rest of the school year - and a stepping stone to next year - is almost here!
In my excitement, I can almost hear the robins chirping and see the buds on the trees. Each Spring, we witness new beginnings and fresh starts … which is what you might need as you prepare for the final quarter of the school year. If that’s you, let me provide a few tips to help get you through this final leg of the race …
Get into a good routine that keeps you healthy but also productive;
be deliberate about fitting school in.
Set smaller goals that are less intimidating, so you won’t be tempted to quit.
Let someone know if you’re struggling so that you can get through the tough parts faster; this will save time.
Reflect on your wins – big and small – as a reminder of how far you’ve come.
Make time for recharging and self-care, as they will provide the energy and the focus you need to reach the end.
Set the tone by going in with a positive attitude - and positive self-talk – that accepts that hard times might come, but you will get through.
Focus on the end goal - crossing the finish line – because you’re so close to having another school year under your belt!
Who doesn’t like a break!?
March Break (March 16-31) might be the perfect opportunity for you to slow down and enjoy time with friends, family, and the things you love. Or maybe it’s a chance to get outside and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the start of Spring. If your coursework has piled up, you might want to block off some time to catch up.
The SSC will be closed during the first week of the break;
it’ll reopen on Monday, March 25.
Book Your Next Session Here:
Academic Stepping Stones ….
The 2024 Orientation Week (March 4-8) is a stepping stone for grades 8 and 9 students, in preparation for grade 10. There is so much valuable information that is shared to help students prepare early for their next race!
And just like that … It’s out with February and in with March! 🎉
Welcome, Gohar Zakaryan!
There’s a new, smiling face on our SCC team: Gohar Zakaryan! As a fourth-year McMaster University student from Ontario, Gohar joins us as a Math & Science EA. (Math was her favourite subject in high school, and she lives and breathes science every day through her university courses.)
Gohar also has a variety of tutoring experience, is a StudyForgecurriculum development intern, and loves trying new things. Fun Fact: She volunteered as a curling coach for the Special Olympics in Hamilton, Ontario. When Gohar’s not deep into her studies, she loves rock climbing, hiking, and watching movies.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Gohar to the SSC Team!
How to Wrap up 2023 and Kick-Start 2024
The Christmas break is just days away .... There are only a handful of Xs to place on the calendar before December 25th!
As it approaches, I’m guessing you’re feeling a mix of excitement for all the fun ahead (and the opportunity to sleep in!), but also heaviness and exhaustion as the journey has been tough and you haven’t crossed the finish line yet.
Here are My Top 6 Tips for You:
1) Push Through. I know you’re already SO ready to sign off for the holidays, but these next few days are a great opportunity to get closer to your goals and finish a unit, assignment, or project. These wins will help put you in a better position for January, and help you tie up loose ends that won’t distract you over the break.
2) Make a List – and Check it Twice. ;) With all the Christmas hype, it’ll be even harder to stay organized, so create a to-do list to help keep you on track.
3) Plan for Distraction. It’s only natural to be distracted (and a bit less productive) right before Christmas break. Just make sure to create space in your calendar for those tough and not-so-fun assignments beforehand.
4) Reward Yourself. With all the excitement, giving yourself some incentives or rewards might be helpful to keep you motivated and on task. Maybe it’s a few more breaks, an extra Christmas cookie, or a Christmas movie with a friend.
5) See the Future. January might seem far away, but it’ll be here before you know it! Spend a little time creating a snapshot of what January will hold, as it’ll help with the transition back. With this in mind, also do some reflecting on the past few months to see what pieces you need to add to ensure you have a great start to 2024.
6) Make it Fun. Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle in some holiday fun! Plus, use the break to refuel, recharge, and fill up your tank with all the things and people you love most.
From the SSC Team, we wish you a holiday filled with God’s love and joy as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, with those closest to you.
October'23 Highlights
When asked to share their start-of-the-year highlights and what they are most looking forward to in November, here’s what the SSC Team said …
Photo: My wife and I all decked out for the wedding.
Benjamin: “My September highlight was moving into a new house and beginning reno’s. In October, I attended my brother-in-law's wedding in Michigan. Something I'm looking forward to in November is continuing to meet new students and helping them with math!”
Photo: I am stopping to ask some friendly strangers for directions in Oregon.
Carlee: “My September highlight was meeting so many new students and working with them on so many interesting problems and assignments! In October, I went road-tripping to Portland with my best friend Amanda! Something I'm looking forward to in November is my mom coming to Victoria to visit for a week!”
Taryn: “In September, I was excited to dive back into work and reconnect with past students and meet new ones! I also enjoyed a couple of weekend trips with my sisters; my favourite was visiting the small town of Blue Mountain. Celebrating Thanksgiving with nearly my entire family – for the first time in many years! – was my October highlight. As for November, I am most looking forward to doing everything Christmas with my mom!”
Photo: Here I am with my sister and niece, on the Blue Mountain coaster!
Photo: Me and my niece on her second birthday.
Chelsea: “My September highlight was attending my brother-in-law's wedding and celebrating my niece's second birthday. In October, I enjoyed some baseball in the beautiful fall weather, and I am looking forward to some great HCOS team-building opportunities in November.”
Photo: My daughter Olivia and I at Coastal Black Pumpkin Fest, in Black Creek, BC.
Allison: “In September, I enjoyed meeting new HCOS students/families and getting back to routine. Celebrating and supporting our new HCOS Student Council and gathering for Thanksgiving with my family were two October highlights. As for November, I am looking forward to volunteering at the local food bank with the international students who live with us.”