Alternative Schools Advisory Committee (Ottawa)ASAC Newsletter
February 2005
Welcome
Welcome to the new ASAC Newsletter. You may be wondering what ASAC is. ASAC is the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee, a school board committee that co-ordinates, supports and promotes the Alternative Program in Ottawa. Essentially, we are a group of parents and principals from the six Alternative schools in Ottawa who get together to share ideas and develop plans to strengthen the program and support our teachers.
Last year, ASAC was responsible for co-ordinating the development of the new Letter of Understanding that now goes out to all families every year, as well as working with councils to develop council-led Alternative Practices Improvement Plans. Currently we are looking at updates to the Alternative Program flyer, as well as possible expansions of the Alternative program. As part of our goal of improving communication and bringing the schools together, ASAC will be putting out these newsletters several times a year.
Last year, ASAC was responsible for co-ordinating the development of the new Letter of Understanding that now goes out to all families every year, as well as working with councils to develop council-led Alternative Practices Improvement Plans. Currently we are looking at updates to the Alternative Program flyer, as well as possible expansions of the Alternative program. As part of our goal of improving communication and bringing the schools together, ASAC will be putting out these newsletters several times a year.
Schools News
Grant is planning a Science Event in April, during education week. In June they will be holding a Music Fest.
Lady Evelyn recently held a workshop on Helping Children make Friends with their Feelings, led by Bob and Marlene Neufeld. A second session is being considered for the spring. As well, this spring sees the return of Blues-in-the-School, Flying Phil as well as another ArtsSmart grant, like the one last year that led to the art show at the National Arts Centre.
Lady Evelyn recently held a workshop on Helping Children make Friends with their Feelings, led by Bob and Marlene Neufeld. A second session is being considered for the spring. As well, this spring sees the return of Blues-in-the-School, Flying Phil as well as another ArtsSmart grant, like the one last year that led to the art show at the National Arts Centre.
Alternative Spotlight
Why not competition? One of the core tenets of the Alternative philosophy is the emphasis of co-operation and teamwork over competition. This doesn't mean excellence isn't valued -- it is. Excellence does not require competition. Studies have shown that children are more internally motivated when exploring and learning don't carry the risk of failure or comparison against their classmates.
The world works in teams, and successful students are those that love learning and do it because they want to, not to win some prize.
The world works in teams, and successful students are those that love learning and do it because they want to, not to win some prize.
Upcoming Events
Manor Park is planning an Alternative Jamboree in the spring for all Alternative Schools in Ottawa. The emphasis will be on fun and community, with some Alternative seminars and videos thrown in. The Jamboree is still in the planning stages. If you'd like to get involved, please get in touch with Kim Nelson, VP at Manor Park.
Find Out More
Do you want to find out more about ASAC or the Alternative Program? Why not visit us at http://www.asac-ottawa.org or join our mailing list by sending and email to asac-subscribe@asac-ottawa.org. The web site contains links to useful resource material, as well as information about past and future meetings. Feel free to attend our next meeting in March.