International

Student Information

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Current Students

Student Success

Academic Policies

International student academic standard guidelines

  • Academic grades: International Students’ grades should be no lower than a “C” (ideally a “C+, B or A), or no lower than “3” on IB MYP report cards.
  • Work efforts: International Students’ work efforts should be an “S” (Satisfactory) or a “G” (Good). They must complete all homework on time, participate fully in class work, and ask for help when needed.  An “N” for “Needs Improvement” indicates that the student is not making the required effort.
  • Attendance: International Students must have excellent attendance. They must attend school every day, go to every class, and be on time.  Unexcused absences or a pattern of absences that could have been avoided will result in discipline.

Discipline levels for students not meeting requirements

  1. Verbal warning
  2. Performance Contract/Probation Contract (Natural parent, homestay parent, custodian, and school counsellors will be notified)
  3. Dismissal

International student courses
International students are required to have a full course load.  In general, this should be eight classes with ministry-approved or BAA course content. If there is an extraordinary reason for a partial timetable, permission must be sought from the Vice-Principal or District Administrator of International Programs as well as their counsellor. A permission form is to be signed.

Online courses or additional courses
International students are required to have permission from International Programs (Vice-Principal or District Administrator) to take an on-line course (in particular any course that will provide credit towards their high school graduation). A permission form is to be signed.

Tuition fees for additional courses
International students taking additional classes outside of class time (for example, AP or SAT) must first get permission from the Vice-Principal and their counsellor. Extra fees may apply and are the responsibility of the student.

 

Five things to do

1. Communication

  • Contact International office with any changes to email and cell phone. international.reception@wvschools.ca
  • If you are not staying in your own home (travel, sleep over), we need to know. homestay@wvschools.ca
  • Talk to your homestay family every day and let them know what you are doing! Be a part of the family. Let them know your preferences, ask questions, and share your culture with them.

2. School

  • Find and know your counsellor. See them for school, academic, emotional, and other issues.
  • Get involved! Join at least one club or team today. Ask your counsellor or VP for ideas.
  • Go to class and don’t be late. Complete all work and practice your English every chance you get!
  • Sick? Your homestay family must call the school to excuse you. Please don’t leave school early without checking out at the school office.

3. Planning and memories

  • Plan your activities and weekends right away. There are lots to do and your departure date will be here soon.
  • Take pictures; start a journal or a blog. Make it an experience to remember.

4. Be safe, be smart

  • Wear reflective (bright) clothing and cross streets carefully, at crosswalks.
  • Don’t go out alone at night. Always inform your homestay of your location.
  • Keep your emergency contacts, Guard.me card and MSP card with you at all times .
  • Keep your cell phone charged.
  • You must wear a helmet when skiing, biking, skateboarding, etc.
  • You are not to go into the backcountry (out of bounds skiing, etc.), without permission from our office.

5. Be Canadian for a while

  • Speak English every chance you can
  • Make an effort to be outgoing and make friends at school.
  • Ask your counsellor or homestay coordinator for help if you are feeling lonely.
  • Get involved in the community! Volunteer and come out to community events.

Most importantly, if there is a problem, we are here to help.  Contact the International Programs Office as soon as possible. Make this an experience of a lifetime with a positive attitude and desire to try new things!

Tips for success

  • Stay Organized. Make good use of your agenda. You need to have the ability to stay on top of all your activities. Use your agenda to stay organized and follow through with your plans. Also, use your agenda to set time limits.
  • School is your number one priority. Attend classes on time, use in-class time effectively, ask questions, and make an effort in group discussions, complete all homework, tests, quizzes and assignments.
  • School is important, but so is your social life. Balance is the key. Keep on top of your schoolwork but make sure to join a few clubs consistently throughout your high school years.
  • Have good study habits. Hand in all assignments on the day they are due. If you are not able to finish your assignment on time, talk to your teacher before it is due. If you miss any assignment or tests, see the teacher and ask if there is any way to make it up.
  • Make friends with everyone. Get into the habit of saying Hi to people and not being afraid to talk to new classmates, teachers, or school counselors. Be Social!
  • Stay healthy. Get enough sleep (8-10 hours), join sports, and eat healthy food.
  • Focus on yourself. Every day you should only be trying to get better. Focus on what you can do to make yourself better, and go for it.
  • Never give up. Learn to try and try again, and make friends along the way! Learn to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake, and learn from your mistake.
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