Port Hardy Secondary is bustling this time of year. Our senior grades recently took a University trip down to Victoria, Nanaimo, and Courtenay, to inspire us in deciding where we want to go after graduation.
The trip to the University of Victoria showed us all the advantages they have to help students, such as their extensive library facilities and academic counseling centre. As well, our bubbly tour guide told us about their wicked Quidditch team, which is doing very well in its national matches.
We climbed the mountain that is Vancouver Island University to learn about its great community feel, wonderful nursing program, and the many other courses and programs it provides.
To finish off our trip we visited North Island College to learn about its advantages, offering smaller classroom sizes to ensure each student can access the help they need. In addition we also learned that they have dual-credit courses which students in grade 12 can take that count for both high school and university credits. This is an amazing opportunity for students to get a head start on their post-secondary education. It was a fantastic trip filled with information and fun!
At PHSS our grade on grade competition is in full swing, including our scavenger hunt and school spirit week. We have pajama day, candy cane day, elf day, Santa hat day, and a surprise mystery day! Students who participate in the spirit days win points for their grade. By the end of the year whichever grade has the most points wins a prize for students in that grade like a picnic day at the beach! Our school is participating in collecting goods for the Gazette Hamper fund; if we are able to collect a certain number of items the teachers have promised to do fun and somewhat crazy stunts such as “drinking a mystery smoothie” and "chugging a litre of maple syrup!" Yum!
A new addition to our school clubs is the yearbook club, currently working on the 2012/2013 edition. Our basketball and wrestling teams are preparing for their matches and games in the coming weeks.
The students here are ecstatic with Christmas break being just days away. It’s hard to believe the school year is nearly half over! We are hoping for a bright and amazing holiday season, along with a wonderful end to the semester. Have a happy, healthy holiday!