Secondary Computer Program Prepares Students For The Future

We live in an information age and preparing students for life in a technological world is an essential part of their education at TIS. Mark Harrison plays a key role in that preparation as the school’s secondary computer teacher.

“Technology is a part of our lives and will just continue to grow. Learning about technology allows students to be active and participating members of the global community.”, he says.
The secondary computer program consists of two different curricula. Students in grades 7 to 9 participate in the ICT or “Information and Communication Technology” program, while students in grades 10 to 12 take the CTS or “Career and Technology Studies” program.
ICT classes teach students the basics about different technologies such as computers, cameras, projectors, interactive whiteboards, scanners, printers as well as different types of software. Students are assigned projects that not only require them to apply what they’ve learned, but that also support core subject areas. Last year for example, grade eight ICT students designed and produced a tri-fold travel brochure about Japan, a country they were also studying as part of a social studies unit.
The more advanced CTS classes enable students to further their knowledge of various technologies and software. They choose areas of study or “strands” from a range of topics including communication technologies, design studies, enterprise and innovation, financial management, information processing, and management and marketing. The program is self-guided and students take responsibility for their own learning under the guidance of Mr. Harrison. “This type of learning teaches students discipline. It also teaches them that if they want something, they have to work for it and do it for themselves.”, he says.

TIS To Host Canadian Student-Teachers

TIS will participate in a new pilot project aimed at providing international field experience to advanced practicum students from the University of Alberta in Canada. Five students from the Faculty of Education will travel to Macau in February and spend three months at TIS student-teaching in a variety of secondary classes, with current TIS teachers serving as their mentors. The student teachers are highly trained, having already completed at least three and a half years of university as well as experience with previous placements in Alberta schools.
The practicum is a required component of the education degree at the University of Alberta; however, the pilot project represents the first time it has been undertaken outside of the province of Alberta. TIS Principal Real Hryhirchuk says having the practicum at TIS makes perfect sense. “Since TIS teaches the Alberta curriculum, the student teachers will receive the same training as they would if they were in Alberta. They’ll also gain some off-shore teaching experience, which will serve them well in their future careers”. If deemed a success, the practicum program at TIS would become a regular offering to University of Alberta
students.

New Campus Improvements At TIS

A number of renovation projects aimed at improving the school's technical capabilities and facility offerings were completed this summer. Secondary students are now using brand new Mac computers, installed as part of a major upgrade to the secondary computer lab. Other technical improvements include new computer projectors in all grade 4 to 12 classrooms as well as 15 new interactive white boards located in various classrooms from grades 3 to 12.

Facility improvements were also a top priority. The student recreation area received a major facelift with the installation of a rubberized safety turf, which replaced the grass area that often became a big mud puddle during wet weather. Young TIS students will enjoy the new sandbox in the playground plus some kid-friendly basketball hoops located near the artificial turf. Other
facility enhancements include three new music practice rooms, elementary and secondary counselling centres on the second floor, an expanded drama room, central P.A. and bell system,
new PE equipment including gymnastics apparatus, new sidewalks and a larger grass field at the front of the school.

TIS Welcomes New Elementary Vice Principal

TIS has a new Elementary Vice Principal. Mrs. Maureen Atherton brings a wealth of knowledge to the position with 21 years of teaching and administrative experience. Prior to joining TIS, Mrs. Atherton spent four years as the Principal of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School in Ottawa, Canada. In her new role at TIS, Mrs. Atherton will be responsible for kindergarten and elementary programs, admissions, student discipline and resource orders.

Curriculum Night

A warm welcome to all of our TIS families! Whether you are returning after the summer holidays or are new to the school this year, we look forward to working with you to ensure your children have a successful year at TIS.
Parents are invited to meet with their child's teacher(s) to learn about the educational program at TIS and what parents can do to help support it. Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, September 11 from 6-8 p.m. Parents of elementary students (PK-Gr. 6) are asked to come to the MPR first for a short presentation at 6 p.m.

Second Place For TIS Futsol Team

TIS placed second in a "Say No To Drugs" Inter-School Futsol Tournament recently at Macau Stadium. The event was organized by the Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau (ARTM). TIS also won the "Best Cheering Squad" thanks to all of the students, friends and families who showed up to support the team.
As part of the ARTM's "Say No To Drugs" campaign, TIS students also participated in an art contest for the organization's annual calendar. Twelve TIS students had their art work featured in the 2008-2009 calendar!

Exam Week At TIS

Exam Week is June 19-20 & 23-25. Please click here for more information and to view the exam schedule.