Leadership - $0 - Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

Course Description: The Junior High Leadership complimentary course aims to empower students to become effective leaders by enhancing their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The focus of this class will be to provide opportunities to ‘lead’ the school during morning announcements, assemblies, our cantina, and to further our school goals of ‘Belong, Believe, Become’. 

New Media - $0 - Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

Course Description: In this dynamic course, students will explore the exciting world of New Media, focusing on media creation and investigation. Through hands-on projects and engaging activities, students will develop essential skills in various forms of media production. From crafting compelling videos to analyzing media content, this course empowers students to become savvy creators and critical thinkers.

In the digital realm, students will explore cutting-edge tools and techniques for media creation. Here are some key areas of focus:

• Video Production: Students will learn the art of video storytelling. From scripting and storyboarding to shooting and editing, they’ll master the technical and creative aspects of producing compelling videos. Whether it’s a short film, our Dragon News cast, or a promotional clip, students will gain hands-on experience.

• Graphic Design and Animation: Understanding visual communication is crucial. Students will dive into graphic design principles, exploring software like Adobe Creative Suite. They’ll create eye-catching visuals, logos, and animations that resonate with their audience.

• Web and Social Media Content: In today’s interconnected world, students will explore web design, user experience (UX), and social media strategies. They’ll learn how to optimize content for different platforms, engage audiences, and build an online presence.

• Digital Storytelling: Beyond technical skills, students will understand the power of storytelling in the digital age. They’ll explore narrative structures, multimedia elements, and how to evoke emotions through digital content.

Drama - $25 -Offered in Semester 1

Course Description: Students will gain appreciation for and learn the basics of performance theatre and technical theatre through a variety of areas such as movement(choreography, stage fighting, dance, etc.), speech(choral speech, storytelling, etc.), acting(Improvisation, monologues, musical theatre, scripted work, etc.), theatre studies(theatre history, performance analysis, etc.) and tech theatre(lighting, sound, stage makeup, set design and construction, etc.). There will be several opportunities to be part of school wide performances(with roles on stage and back stage) and there will be a final show at the end of the semester(with roles on stage and back stage). Drama gives students the opportunity to be creative and to develop skills that last a lifetime as well as a love of theatre arts!

Cosmetology & Design - $25 - Offered in Semester 2

Course Description: Students will gain skill and knowledge in the art of design and parts of the cosmetology industry, including hair styling and nail art. The design part of the course will focus on the skill and detail that goes into design for fashion, hair and makeup, looking at historical trends and how they help form current trends. Students will learn and practice different elements and learn how to create meaningful designs for various parts of the industry. The cosmetology part of the course will focus on skill based practice for hair styling, looking at historical and current trends, wig styling, up dos, etc. Students will also design and practice nail art with a variety of techniques and tools.

Gr. 8/9 Band Option - $70 - Full Year - Only for grade 8 and 9 students as band is mandatory for grade seven.

Program Overview: In the third and fourth years of band, students build upon their foundational skills and delve deeper into musical concepts. These years are crucial for honing technique, ensemble playing, and performance experience.

1. Winter Concert:

   • Students prepare a repertoire of music for the winter concert, which typically takes place in December.

   • The concert showcases their progress and allows them to perform for family, friends, and the school community.

   • It’s an opportunity to demonstrate their musical growth and teamwork.

2. Spring Concert:

   • The spring concert, held in June, is another significant event.

   • Students continue refining their musical abilities, working on dynamics, phrasing, and expression.

   • This performance often includes more challenging music, allowing them to demonstrate their artistic development.

3. Band Camp Retreat at Camp Caroline (March):

   • The band camp retreat is an immersive experience where students spend two and a half days at Camp Caroline, Alberta.

   • Activities include intensive rehearsals, sectionals, team-building exercises, and recreational activities.

   • Students bond with their peers, improve ensemble skills, and deepen their musical understanding.

4. Trip to the Alberta Festival of Bands, Red Deer Polytechnic (May):

   • The Alberta Festival of Bands is a prestigious event that brings together school bands from across the province.

   • Students participate in adjudicated performances, receiving feedback from professional musicians.

   • It’s a chance to showcase their hard work, compete with other bands, and celebrate their achievements.

Overall, the third//fourth-year band option provides a well-rounded experience, combining regular rehearsals, performances, and special events. Students develop not only as musicians but also as collaborative team members, gaining confidence and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Foods - $40 - Offered twice in both Semester #1 and #2

The Foods Complementary Course explores the fundamentals of food preparation and food safety.   This course is ideal for beginners who are eager to learn how to prepare easy and quick snacks and meals, while learning proper knife skills and sanitation protocols.

The course begins with an introduction to the principles of food safety and sanitation. Students will learn about the importance of maintaining a clean kitchen, proper handwashing techniques, and the correct methods for storing and handling food to prevent contamination. Key topics include understanding cross-contamination, the danger zone for bacterial growth, and how to safely thaw, cook, and store various types of food.

Following the foundation in food safety, the course transitions to practical cooking skills. Students will engage in hands-on activities to prepare a variety of quick and nutritious snacks and meals. These recipes are designed to be simple yet versatile, allowing students to build confidence in the kitchen. The course covers essential skills such as chopping, sautéing, boiling, and frying, with a focus on efficiency and ease of preparation.

Most weeks, we begin by studying a new recipe, followed by a supervised cooking session where students can practice their skills.  Students are also expected to create one 3-course meal at home for their families and to reflect on the process.  By the end of the course, students will have a repertoire of easy-to-make recipes and the knowledge to keep their kitchen environment safe and sanitary.

Spanish - $10 - Offered in Semester #1

The Spanish class in junior high offers an engaging introduction to the Spanish language and the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. This course focuses on developing foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish, providing students with a comprehensive language learning experience.

The curriculum is designed to be interactive and student-centered, incorporating a variety of activities such as dialogues, role-playing, group work, and multimedia resources like music, videos, and educational games. These methods make learning Spanish both fun and effective, helping students to absorb the language naturally.

Cultural immersion is a vital part of the class, with lessons on the traditions, holidays, cuisine, and notable historical and contemporary figures from Spanish-speaking countries. This not only enhances language skills but also broadens students' global perspectives and cultural awareness.

By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations, understand simple texts, and write about familiar topics in Spanish. This class lays a solid foundation for further Spanish studies and helps students develop valuable communication skills that will benefit them in an increasingly globalized world.

French - $10 - Offered in Semester #2

French class in junior high is an exciting and immersive experience designed to introduce students to the French language and francophone cultures. The course focuses on developing basic communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Through a variety of engaging activities, students will build a strong foundation in vocabulary and grammar.

The curriculum includes interactive lessons where students practice everyday conversations, role-play scenarios, and participate in group discussions. Multimedia resources such as songs, videos, and online tools are integrated to make learning dynamic and enjoyable. Cultural exploration is a key component, with lessons highlighting French customs, traditions, cuisine, and important historical and contemporary figures.

By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple conversations, understand basic texts, and express themselves in writing on familiar topics. The class prepares students for further French studies and fosters an appreciation for linguistic diversity and global cultures, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.

Physical Education Enrichment - $100 - Offered in Semester #1 and Semester #2

Phys Ed Enrichment is a class set up to experience some of the games and activities that are only possible in smaller groups.  Workout programs, competitive activities, and some off campus activities are planned to give the participants as much opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy being active.  The course fee will go to providing trips and trying activities that are off campus.  

Robotics and Engineering - $5 - Offered in Semester #1 and Semester #2

Students with design, test and complete challenges in both courses. Engineering will focus more on the creation of the design to meet specific task goals. Students will build their machines/devices in class using everyday materials. All materials will be provided except for Rocketry in which students will need two empty 2L pop bottles and materials for a parachute. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students or work independently. In Robotics students will learn coding (Make Code) and apply these skills to have their K8 robots complete certain tasks. 

Baking - $40 - Offered in Semester #1 and Semester #2

In this class, we will learn both the science and art of baking. What makes bread rise? What makes pie crust flaky? We will learn to bake simple quick breads, muffins, loafs, pie crust, breads, brownies, basic cake batter recipes and cookies. This class will be using wheat flour and gluten-based products. Students must bring their own full apron and rolling pin. Some items will be sent home in their ‘raw’ frozen state to be baked at home as our oven space is limited. However, where possible, we will bake and consume at school. Please note that this is not a decorating class.

Vocal Ensemble - $25 - Offered in Semester #1 and Semester #2

In this class, we will learn basic choral warm-ups, vocal production strategies, and sing both unison and 2 and 3 part songs (repertoire). We will focus on soprano/alto voices but if participants dictate, we can include tenor and baritone voices as well. This is a performance class. Our goal will be to learn repertoire that we can share with an audience.

Sewing - $30 - Offered in Semester #1 and Semester #2

This course is designed for young learners eager to develop their sewing skills, express their creativity, and complete unique projects tailored to their interests and abilities.

In this hands-on class, students will begin by learning the essentials of sewing machine operation, including threading the machine, selecting appropriate stitches, and understanding the basics of fabric handling. Emphasis will be placed on safety, proper machine maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues.

Skills Development:

Students will progress from simple exercises to more complex techniques, gaining confidence and competence with their sewing machines. Key skills covered will include:

• Basic stitching techniques (straight, zigzag)

• Seam construction and finishing

• Installing zippers and buttons

• Following patterns

Student-Led Projects:

A unique aspect of this course is the focus on student-led projects. After mastering foundational skills, students will have the opportunity to select projects that align with their personal interests and skill levels.