Commonwealth Essay Competition - DOC

							                      University Hill Secondary School


                                                                                                                 January 19, 2009

POST SECONDARY
     Attention: All Grade 12s Applying to Canadian Post-Secondary
                               Institutions
This is a very important reminder that you will need to complete the Post-Secondary Institutions
(PSI) Choices Form on-line at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/transcript/transcript_psi.htm. This on-line
form will be available in the near future. Completion of this form authorizes the Ministry of
Education to send your interim grades electronically to post-secondary institutions in BC and
Ontario in May, 2009 and your final grades to all post-secondary institutions in Canada. Failure
to complete this form will result in the Ministry not transferring your marks to the post-
secondary institutions to which you have applied, which could result in offers of
admission being withdrawn in the summer! So it is imperative that you fill out this form
before April 30, 2009!

Updates from University of Victoria:

1. Language 11 no longer required for admission to Social Sciences
   Students can now be admitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences with the following courses:
         - English 11                         - Social Studies 11
         - Principles of Math 11              - English 12
         - Approved Science 11 course         - Three additional approved academic 12 courses

2. New Social Justice Minor and Diploma
   The first of its kind in Western Canada, the Social Justice Minor or free-standing diploma provides students with a strong
   foundation for understanding and researching social justice issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.

3. Apply for Scholarships by March 31, 2009
    In order to be considered for scholarships based on grades alone, you must self-report your Interim Grade 12 marks between
    January 2 and March 31, 2009. No separate application is required and the self-reported marks will be reviewed for scholarship
    eligibility. To be considered for scholarships based on grades and other criteria (such as community service, leadership, etc.),
    students must self-report their marks between January 2 and March 31, 2009 and submit an online UVic Entrance Scholarship
    application by March 31, 2009. Details are available at www.uvic.ca/safa.

4. Department of Theatre Open House – January 24, 2009
   Prospective theatre students are invited to attend an open house hosted by UVic’s Department of Theatre on Saturday, January
   24, 2009. Event details will be available in January.

Looking for a Creative Career?
Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers professional degree programs in Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Journalism and
Public Relations. An information session to learn more about these programs will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from
4:300pm – 6:00pm at the Richmond Campus, Conference Centre, Rooms 2550 A & B, 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond
kwntlen.ca/design
                                                                                                                     January 19, 2009
Free VSB Seminar on Paying for Post-Secondary Education: An Insider’s Guide – Saturday, February
7, 2009
Come get the information and resources you need so you and your family can avoid common problems in financing post-secondary
education. The cost of attending colleges, universities and polytechnic institutions has increased past the rate of inflation. With the
right information and good planning, higher education can be one of the best investments you make. Held at John Oliver Secondary,
530 East 41st Ave, from 9:00am to 12:00noon. The seminar is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 604.713.4550 or
on-line at www.continuinged.ca. Course code: OD23295. The facilitator of this seminar has over 20 years of experience as a financial
aid advisor.

Emergency and Security Services Career Fair – February 10th and 11th from 9am to 5pm
The following agencies will have booths set up: BC Ambulance, BC Sheriffs Services, Canadian Border Services Agency, Canadian
Forces, Coast Guard, Fire and Rescue, Greater Vancouver Transit Authority (GVTA) Transit Police, RCMP, and the Vancouver
Police. Find out about career opportunities and speak to people who work for these agencies. Held at the Seaforth Armoury, 1650
Burrard St. Vancouver (by the south end of the Burrard Street bridge).

UVIC Computer Science and Engineering Tours for High School Students
    For Students in grades 10, 11 or 12: Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm
    For Students in grades 7, 8 and 9: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 9:30am to 12:00pm OR 12:30pm to 3:00pm
    Students, counselors, teachers and parents are invited to UVIC for a guided tour of the Faculty of Engineering. See presentations
    of exciting research projects and participate in interactive demonstrations. Meet students, staff and faculty and learn more about
    all the departments and programs, including Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
    and Software Engineering. You must register to attend before February 12, 2009 by contacting Erin Sebastian at
    engradmn@uvic.a.

University Application Deadlines
Application deadlines are fast approaching. If you haven’t already applied anywhere, please note that the deadline to apply to UBC,
SFU and UVIC is February 28, 2009. The deadline to apply to Queen’s, McGill and some programs at University of Toronto
(Applied Science & Engineering, Music, Nursing and all Concurrent Teacher Education programs) is February 1, 2009.

New Dual Degree Program – Ivey HBA and Global Studies BA
Huron University College (at the University of Western Ontario) and the Richard Ivey School of Business are offering a 5-year dual
degree program, Ivey HBA and Global Studies BA. The new combined degree program will contain both an international experience
and a second language requirement. Coursework will include the evaluation of global and international issues to situate business
studies in different global contexts. Issues will be reviewed in the framework of social, political, cultural, economic and environmental
connections within communities. Students interested in this program should apply to Social Sciences at Huron for their first year
(EHO). Students with AEO status (Advanced Entry Opportunity at Ivey) may also apply for this combined degree. www.huronuc.ca

Reporting Distance Education (VLN) or Continuing Education (CE) Course Marks to UBC
A reminder to grade 12 students who are currently taking a VLN or CE course and have applied to UBC: students are no longer able
to self-report interim grades on the UBC website.

If you are nearing completion of the course, your final course mark must be in PW’s records by Spring Break in order for this mark to
be included in the electronic transmission of grades from the Ministry of Education to UBC in May.

If your course will be continuing past spring break, you will need to arrange for VLN or the Adult Ed Centre to send interim marks
directly to the Ministry of Education, who will then forward then UBC. There are no exceptions. If you have any questions, please
speak to Mrs. Kartsonas or Ms. Paoluzzi.

Supplementary Applications for Competitive Entry Programs
A reminder to students that Ms. Paoluzzi is available to review and critique your essays for supplementary applications (as well as
scholarship essays). You can email or drop off your written work and we can set up an appointment to review it together in person.


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
The Federal Government hires secondary and post-secondary students every year for positions in various departments. See the
website for job descriptions and a list of agencies hiring. While most departments are looking for post-secondary students, the
following three departments/agencies also hire secondary students: Parks Canada, Employment Equity Student Internship Program-
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                                                                                                      January 19, 2009
Department of Human Resources and Social Development, and Employment Equity Student Employment-Department of Natural
Resources. Fill out the on-line application form. http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm

Canadian Heritage Hires Youth Between the Ages of 16 and 30 for Summer Employment
There are approximately 2,700 summer job opportunities in different regions of the country offered by the “Young Canada Works”
(YCW) program. For students who travel more than 125 km from their residence to their summer job, YCW will offer a housing
allowance and will cover the travel costs for one round trip between the student’s residence and the job location. All you have to do is
choose the program(s) that work(s) best for you according to your age, skills and interests…and apply! Visit the website at
www.pch.gc.ca/ycw-jct/index-eng.cfm.

    YCW in Both Official Languages: acquire work experience related to your studies and explore career opportunities while
    improving your second language skills. Must have a working knowledge of both English and French and be willing to work in
    another region of Canada for 6 to 16 weeks.

    YCW in Heritage Organizations: improve your skills while acquiring practical knowledge in the areas of research, new media,
    exhibitions, conservation and more, as you work at various tasks related to saving, preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
    Must meet general student eligibility criteria (see website for details).

    YCW for Aboriginal Urban Youth
    Acquire experience working with young people by organizing cultural, sports or recreational projects in an Aboriginal friendship
    centre. Must be a Canadian Aboriginal student, graduate or unemployed youth intending to return to school.



ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Career Awareness in Biotechnology Program for Grade 10 – 12 Students
This one-week program will give participating students in grades 10 to 12 the unique opportunity to learn biotech principles from
teaching staff at either UBC or BCIT, conduct experiments in working biotech labs and participate in an industry tour of a local
biotech company to understand how the science transfers to career potential. Three workshop dates have been scheduled for Feb 16-
20 at UBC, Mar 9-13 at BCIT and April 27-May 1 at BCIT. Applications must be in by January 30, 2009. Any student who is
considering applying should speak to Ms. Paoluzzi in the Career Centre or email her at ppaoluzzi@vsb.bc.ca as soon as possible.

Science World’s Exploring Careers in Science and Technology – February 17, 2009
Science World is once again offering a half-day program (12noon to 3:45pm) for grade 11 and 12 students to expand their knowledge
of career opportunities in the sciences and technology. Students will engage in a panel discussion with local science and technology
professionals, learn and practice networking skills and speak with representatives from various faculties and institutions regarding post-
secondary programs. Ms. Paoluzzi has reserved 10 spots and will accompany students to this event. Please speak to her as soon as
possible if you are interested in attending.



CONTESTS
2009 CAIAC/Precarn Intelligent Systems Challenge
The Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association and Precarn Incorporated run a series of annual competitions among university,
college and high school students. The students work on computationally challenging, real world problems faced by Canadian
companies, organizations and the society as a whole. Students will work in teams (which may also include faculty and/or industry
advisors) and substantial cash prizes will be awarded to the best solutions produced by the winning ream in each category of
participants, i.e. high school, undergraduate and graduate. For more information on the competition, the challenge problem and to
register, visit www.intelligent-systems-challenge.ca. Registration deadline: February 15, 2009.

The Global Stewardship Program at Capilano U is Offering $1,000 in prizes…
For the best video, audio podcast or power point presentation on the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. Winners
will have their entries showcased at the You Too Conference in May 2009. For contest details, visit
www.capilanou.ca/globalstewardship. Deadline: February 20, 2009.




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                                                                                                                      January 19, 2009
Commonwealth Essay Competition – Write Around the World
This Competition has been running for over 100 years and involves young people writing from all Commonwealth countries and
territories. The Competition has four different age bands or “classes.” Each Class offers 5 topics, plus the Commonwealth
Question and the Charlton Athletic Community Trust Question. All questions can be answered by writing an essay or a story which
explores the topic in an interesting and relevant way. The age bands are 16-18, 14-15, 12-13 and under 12. You can submit your
entry via email or by post. Entrants MUST read the rules and notes for guidance found on the website and include their teacher
contact information. Entries are limits to 4 students per age band. Please let Ms. Paoluzzi know if you are planning to entry the
contest. For more information, visit www.rcsint.org/essay. All essays must be received by: March 1, 2009


SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS
Young Agents for Change Award
Are you or do you know someone between the ages of 13 and 18 who is an Agent for Change? Eight outstanding BC youth will be
recognized for their leadership in developing a project in their local community or abroad. These young leaders will receive financial
and mentorship support for their projects. There are 2 categories of awards: Youth Acting Globally Award and Youth Acting Locally
Award. You may nominate yourself or be nominated. Pick up an application form from Ms. Paoluzzi or visit www.globalafc.org.
Application deadline: February 15, 2009.

Do Something Awards for Youth
The Do Something Award is the premier award for young people who are changing the world! Five winners will receive a minimum
of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships (if applicable). Of those five winners, one will be selected as the grand prize Do
Something Award winner, who would then receive a total of $100,000 towards their cause or organization. Applicants must be 25
or under and U.S. or Canadian citizens. Judging criteria: the applicant has demonstrated great awareness about his/her issue or
cause and has been a leader and change-maker in tangibly improving the community in which they work. They have best identified
a problem in their community and ways to combat it and has a long term vision for the growth and sustainability of their work. For
more information, visit www.dosomething.org/programs/awards_guidelines. Application deadline: March 1, 2009

Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario – National Scholarship
Huron awards nine (9) National Scholarships ($20,000 over four years) to entering students who display outstanding academic
achievement together with a strong record of extra-curricular activities. If you anticipate having a mid-year average of 90% or higher,
you are encouraged to apply for one of these scholarships. Priority is given to applications submitted before Friday, February
20, 2009. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit www.huronuc.ca.

2009 BCGEU Student Scholarships
Only members of the BCGEU (BC Government and Service Employees’ Union) or relatives of BCGEU members or staff, in good
standing, or relatives of deceased or retired members are eligible to apply. $2,000 awards for full-time students and $1,000 for part-
time students for a total of $36,000 available. Criteria: minimum of a C-average or better; essay on a selected topic; a bibliography/list
of resources, both written and web based; and letter describing goals and career plans. Application forms and scholarship information
are available on the BCGEU website www.bcgeu.ca or pick up a brochure from Ms. Paoluzzi. Application deadline: February 27,
2009.

The Canadian Association of Principals Student Leadership Award
Up to 21 awards of $500 each to graduating grade 12 students who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and is in the top 20% of
their class. Criteria for selection: 25% leadership in school activities, 25% leadership in the community, 20% academic achievement,
20% essay, and 10% recognition, awards, honours and scholarships. Each school may nominate ONE student. If you are interested
in seeking nomination, please speak to Mrs. Kartsonas by Friday, January 23, 2009. For more information and to download the
application form, visit www.cdnprincipals.org/AWARDS.htm. Application deadline: March 1, 2009.

Jack Farley Youth Sports Achievement Awards
$2,000 will be awarded to one outstanding female and one outstanding male amateur athlete graduating from a BC Secondary School
who is involved in either their community or school sports. The award must be used for post-secondary studies in BC. Minimum C+
average. For more information and to download the application, visit the website:
www.bcsportshalloffame.com/docs/aboutus/scholarship.html.




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                                                                                                                    January 19, 2009
RE/MAX of Western Canada "Quest of Excellence" 2009 School Bursary Program
Twenty-four, $500 awards to Grade 12 students who submit the best essays (1250 words maximum) in one of the following topics that
they are passionate about: Leadership, Sports, Performing Arts, Technology or Trades, Fine Arts and Community/Volunteer Service.
On-line entries will be accepted until March 6, 2009. Visit www.remax-western.ca and click on the Quest for Excellence logo.

Miller Thomson Foundation National Scholarship Programme
200 scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded to graduating grade 12 students who will be attending a post-secondary institution in
September, 2009. Criteria: academic ability and contribution to school and community through involvement in extracurricular
activities. Also required: two reference letters, counsellor recommendation form, personal statement and transcript. Application
deadline: March 15, 2009 (packages post-marked March 15th are accepted). Download the application at www.millerthomson.com
and select the Miller Thomson Foundation link OR pick up a copy of the application form from Ms. Paoluzzi.

Talk About Canada!TM Scholarship Quiz
This is a contest for students who are Canadians or permanent residents of Canada who wish to earn scholarship money for tuition.
There are 61 prizes – one $5,000 prize, twenty $1,000 prizes, and forty $500 prizes. Every student who correctly answers 50 questions
on Canadian subjects will be included in the draw for scholarships. The on-line quiz is multiple-choice and students can get help from
friends, teachers and family. The on-line quiz opens January 19 to March 23, 2009. For more information and to access the quiz,
visit http://operation-dialogue.com/od1/talk-about-canada.htm.

Better Business Bureau Student Ethics Award
This award program recognizes high school students in grades 11 and 12 who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership,
community service and overall personal integrity and academic history. The award is $1,500 and can be used towards post-secondary
studies in Canada or the US. Criteria used to evaluate applicants: Leadership 20%, community service 20%, academic 30% and essay
30%. Pick up an application from the Career Centre or download from www.mbc.bbb.org/studentethicsaward. Entries must be
postmarked by March 23, 2009.

Kindness Foundation Nadine Marshall Scholarship/Project Fund
The intention of this scholarship/project fund is to empower high school graduating students with an opportunity to further their
education and receive funding for an ongoing project that has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to a neighbourhood,
community or group. If the project is completed or nearing completion, the funding can be used to help pay for travel expenses to
visit the neighbourhood, community or group that your project has benefited. The scholarship amount is $1,000 and the fund award is
between $500 and $1,500. Application deadline: March 27, 2009 (post-marked date). Interested students should pick up an
application package from Ms. Paoluzzi.

National Student Essay Competition for Student Entering Field of Life Sciences
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, a national law firm, is offering first year tuition up to $5,000 for the student who writes the best
1,500 word essay about Canada’s Top Biotechnology Story of 2008. The Winner will also receive free registration to a BioTalent
course: Making Sense of Biotechnology, their essay published in the fall issue of BIOTECanada’s Insights Magazine and recognition
during National Biotechnology Week as the contest winner. Contest closes March 31, 2009. For full contest details, visit
http://www.gowlings.com/industry/pharma.asp?lang=0, select “News & Events.”\

BC Hydro Power Pioneers
18 awards of $500 each are offered to BC students 18 years of age or under as of March 31, 2009 who have made outstanding
contributions in their community for a considerable amount of time, or a one time project that the individual initiated, organized and
contributed to significantly. Essay outlining the voluntary contributions made as well as 2 references are required. Application
deadline: March 31, 2009. For more information and to download the application, visit
www.powerpioneers.com/Community_Projects/youth_award.aspx.

Retail as a Career 2009 Scholarship Program
One $5,000 Interac Scholarship and 25 $1,000 industry-sponsored scholarships are available to students who will be enrolling in a
business, marketing or retail-related program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Applicants must be currently employed part-
time or full-time within the retail industry. Essay required as well as reference letter from current employer. For more information,
visit www.retaileducation.ca/cms/sitem.cfm/scholarship. Application deadline: April 3, 2009.

Mount Pleasant Elementary School PAC $100 Inspiration Award
Open to alumni of Mount Pleasant Elementary School who demonstrate not only academic achievement, but a history of participating
and contributing to their community. A written 300 word message of inspiration for Grade 7 students required. Application
deadline: 3:00pm on Monday, April 13, 2009. Pick up an application form from Ms. Paoluzzi.


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                                                                                                              January 19, 2009



Chief Raymond J. Canuel Memorial Scholarship
The Vancouver Police Museum awards three, $1,000 scholarships annually to exceptional grade 12 students who clearly demonstrate a
commitment to their community and plan to pursue a career in policing. Essay required. Application deadline: May 1, 2009. Pick
up an application form from Ms. Paoluzzi.


                                        To research additional scholarships, visit:

                                              www.bcawardsonline.sd61.bc.ca
                                               www.scholarshipscanada.com
                                                 www.studentawards.com

        An important reminder about requesting reference letters from Mrs. Kartsonas:

If you need a letter of reference for a scholarship or for a university application, Mrs. Kartsonas requires at
least three (3) weeks notice and that you submit a “High School Extra-Curricular and Academic Summary”
(last 2 pages of your Post-Secondary Information Booklet) along with a binder of documents (e.g. certificates,
volunteer letters, etc.) that verify your activities.




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