River East Collegiate

Music

River East Collegiate music program is headed by Jeff Kula.

Percussion Ensemble

The River East Collegiate Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Jeff Kula, rehearses once a week after school, and participation in the ensemble is strictly voluntary. The ensemble performs numerous times throughout the year, and annually does collaborative work with the Brandon University Percussion Ensemble.

Contemporary Music Ensemble

The REC Contemporary Music Ensemble, under the direction of Jeff Kula, performs at one concert at the very end of the school year, performing pieces from such contemporary composers as John Cage and Steve Reich.

Jazz Band

The River East Collegiate Jazz Band (under the direction of Jeff Kula) is an anomaly amongst high school jazz bands. The REC Jazz Band is a no-cut ensemble (except for rhythm section, which is one to a part. However, auxiliary percussion parts are available to those who audition for a rhythm section instrument and don't get the top spot). Roughly 50 students are part of this band, performing pieces by such jazz composers as Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Miles Davis at bi-annual school jazz concerts (which are separate from concert band) and the Brandon Jazz Festival. Throughout the year, students are not forced to play solos, or have tests. However, they are required to fill out eight listening assignments throughout the two semesters. Enrollment in Jazz Band is worth one credit.

Jazz Orchestra

The River East Collegiate Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Jeff Kula, meets for rehearsal four times a week after school. Unlike the school's Jazz Band, Jazz Orchestra is an auditioned group that is strictly one to a part. The acceptance of the students really only comes down to experience. While the band takes part in numerous festivals every year, the band is best known for its participation in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, which takes place each year at Lincoln Center in New York City. The band has been invited to play at the festival five times since 2003 (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2011). Furthermore, it is the only Canadian band to ever be invited to the festival. The Jazz Orchestra has been invited many times to play before the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. This course is worth 1 full credit.

Choir

REC has two audition vocal jazz groups, Vocaleas and Jazzmyn. Jazzmyn is a vocal group that rehearses twice a week. Vocalese also rehearses twice a week but is an program for elite singers only.

In choral, from time to time, guests artists such as Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra have worked with the choral group. Students can audition to be solo. The style of music in choir uses modern and traditional. The choral group also has winter and spring concerts, and also participates in the Winnipeg Music festival.

Grade 10, 11 and 12 choir is called choral. The course is aimed at vocal technique and style for performance. Performance music includes popular and traditional styles. Students must attend all the concerts. Performances include winter and spring concerts and Winnipeg Music festival.

Extracurricular choir programs

There are three choral performing ensembles at River East Collegiate: Vocal Jazz (Jazzmyn), Chamber Choir, and Vocalease. All courses are run by Ms. Ens. The Vocal Jazz 20G course is worth 1 credit. This course gives gifted and talented vocalists an opportunity to sing advanced four-part music together in a vocal jazz style. Enrollment is limited to 16 students (four students per vocal part). Performances include winter and spring concerts, Choral fest Jazz, and the Brandon Jazz Festival. Students are selected in September by audition only. Vocal Jazz 30S is worth 1 credit and is a continuation of Vocal Jazz 20. Vocal Jazz 40S is worth 1 credit and is a continuation of Vocal Jazz 20G and 30S. The other two courses are Chamber Choir and Vocalease is an audition only group. These courses meet outside of classes to practice for performances. These groups give performances at school concerts as well as the Brandon Jazz Festival.

Drama program

River East is also well known for putting on great annual performances. For the 2010-2011 school year, River east put on a remake of the 1998 musical Footloose, the first musical in fifteen years. Auditions were held in October, and the three performances started 12 April 2011.

Business education

Business Education includes the courses Retailing 20S, Career Development 20S, Accounting Principles 30S, Promotions 30S, Law 40S, Management 40S and Accounting Systems 40S.

Retailing 20S

A Grade 10 class, that is a basic introduction to retailing merchandising principles, skills and practices, doing "hands on" activities, also the opportunity to work on computers researching current topics.

Career Development 20S

A Grade 10 course, that is designed to connect school learning with labour and workplace realities. This class will help students acquire knowledge and skills on how to make appropriate decisions in life, work and post-secondary education.

Accounting Principles 30S:

A Grade 11 course, which is made to help students who wish to develop skills required to meet challenges they will face in the world of accounting. The students will be given the opportunity to learn the basic concepts of accounting and the accounting process.

Promotions 30S:

A Grade 11 class, where students will be introduced to practices and principles of effective promotions and marketing. This class will focus on all major aspects of marketing in today's business world. The students studying marketing will gain knowledge of the marketplace and become more perceptive consumers.

Accounting Systems 40S:

A Grade 12 course, which will include an indepth study of computerized accounting by using the latest version of Simply Accounting for Windows. When students complete this course, they will be able to work in a computerized environment to set up, maintain and close a small business accounting system.

Law 40S:

A Grade 12 class, which provides an introduction to principles, practices and consequences of the Canadian legal system. This class will explore criminal law, civil law, contract law, labor law and consumer law. Also this is an excellent course for students who are interested in obtaining working knowledge of the law. The students in this class will include guest speakers and a trip to law courts.

Management 40S

A Grade 12 course, where students will learn the techniques, concepts and ethics involved in management. Also they will develop critical thinking skills as they apply the learned concepts to practical projects. The students in the class will also manage various events such as grad, photo shoots and sporting events.

Technology courses

River East Collegiate offers a wide variety of technology courses, varying from game development to Computer Science, Photography, and Desktop Publishing. These courses are teaching River East students how to use new technology in this world to help them with schooling and everyday life. Many students enjoy these courses since they are able to use the computers while learning new things. All of River East Collegiate Technology courses are listed below.

Multimedia

Basic Design 20S

(Game Development and Animation)

Students create animations and games using Flash and Photoshop or Fireworks. Design principles, design elements, storyboards, storytelling, and cartooning techniques are explored throughout this course.

Application Software 30S

This course is designed to give students hands-on experience in multi-media applications. Professional software or industry standard software such as Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro and Adobe after Effects are used to develop multi-media projects. Students learn how to digitally edit color images for print and internet use, digitally edit short movie clips, and develop web sites. Student evaluation will be based on in class assignments, large projects, and hands-on tests.

Multi-Media 40S

The gaming industry has great career opportunities. This course is an invaluable starting point for competitive post-secondary career development. Students use advanced multi-media software to produce professional projects. Gaming concepts using Flash, Action Script as well as JavaScript is used to enhance websites. Students also learn the basic concepts of three-dimensional virtual modeling and 3D animation.

Animation 40S

(formerly Interactive Design 40S)

Students learn how to use interactive technologies including animation using Flash, design in Photoshop, Podcasting using Garageband, and Web 2.0 skills.br />

Video Production 31G

Video Production is a hands-on course in film making. Students begin with an in-depth look at the art, Language and technical aspects of making film through viewing, discussing and writing about film. Students then apply the skills they have learned by planning, filming and editing their own short films. Students who are creative thinkers and good storytellers and who have an interest in film, drama and computer technology may be interested in this course. This course is open to both grade 11 and grade 12 students.

Video Production 41G

The second level of Video Production allows students to continue their understanding of film as an art form and develop further skills in the film production process. Students study and analyze films from a variety of genres including foreign films, the documentary film and experimental films. Students learn about and use crew positions as they form groups to create their own films. This course introduces students to intermediate and advanced shooting and editing techniques, the use of studio lighting, scripting voice overs, as well as acting and directing for the screen. Students have the opportunity to create their own films including newscasts, experimental films, documentary films and short fiction films.

Graphic Design

Composition & Design 20S

(Formerly Digital Communications 20S)

This course provides students with the experience in global learning and digital connectivity using Web 2.0. Students use a variety of communication tools such as blogs, wikis, Google, Ning, and Skype to connect with students in various parts of the world. Animation using Windows Movie Maker and photo editing using Photoshop provides students with dynamic technology skills.

E-Media Presentation Technology 30S

Students acquire skills to design for the web using Web 2.0 applications including blogs and wikis. Office2010 (Word and Publisher) will be used for document and PowerPoint for advanced effects with presentations. Ever wonder how Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are built? Students learn about interactive databases used in these programs in this course.

Desktop Publishing

(Photography, Print Design and Publications)

The art of photography is explored through a variety of photo shoots. Students learn to enhance their photographs using Photoshop. Design principles and elements are studied and incorporated throughout the course using InDesign. Students create a large array of print publications such as greeting cards, bookmarks, calendars and magazines.

Technical Courses

Exploring Industry Hardware 20S

This course is an introduction to computer hardware, repair and configuration. Students also are required to disassemble and successfully reassemble computer equipment as well as troubleshoot and correct operating errors. Students successfully completing this course will have gained some valuable microcomputer technician skills. Students may choose to write the CISCO IT Essentials I exam.

Operating Systems 1 30S

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic theory and structure of a computer operating system. Students learn how to prepare a computer system for the installation of one or more operating systems, how to maintain, utilize and troubleshoot the operating system and any installed components. Students also learn how to implement and administer a simple LAN (Local Area Network using peer to peer).

Network Technology 40S

This course introduces students to the basic theory of networking including topologies, protocols, cabling, and network devices, network addressing and sub netting. Students learn how to configure workstations and servers to interact in a domain-server configuration as well as connect to the Internet. Network operating systems may include: Linux, Windows 2003 Server and XP PRO with a mixture of client workstations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive their CISCO “Networking for Small Business” certification. This is a natural progression from Operating Systems 1 30S.

River East also offers a great Computer Science Program

Computer Science 30S

This entry level Computer Science course offers an introduction to programming with a heavy emphasis on problem solving. Programs will be written in the Visual Basic programming language. Topics include: IFTHEN statements, loops and procedures, arrays, animation and simple game creation.

Computer Science A - AP 42S

This Advanced Placement course is the equivalent to a first year university level computer science course. It offers the study of advanced data structures and algorithms. Topics include: sets, maps, linked lists and different sorting and searching algorithms

Computer Science Honours 40S AP

Students learn the Java programming language. Topics include: arrays, functions, character strings, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Computer Science 40S

This Computer Science course studies the Java programming language. A strong emphasis is placed on programming style. Students learn object-oriented programming (OOP) using classes.

Computer Science Honours 20S AP

This entry-level course is designed for students interested in computer science. Students should have strong problem-solving skills. Programming will be taught using the Scheme and Alice programming languages.

Industrial Technology

The automotive program at REC is dynamic and hands on. Student will gain appreciation for the many complex systems on modern vehicles. Those planning a career in the transportation industry will benefit from their experience in these courses. Industrial safety is emphasized at all levels. Skills gained are transferable to many areas of study. Shop projects are balanced with classroom activities to enhance understanding.

Power mechanics Technology 20G

The grade 10 power Mechanics program provides students with an introduction to tools and basic automotive repair and maintenance. Students do not need any previous experience with tools or automobiles. The content of this course is presented with a variety of classroom and shop projects.

Power Mechanics Technology 20G (Girls Only)

This program is the same as the Power Mechanics technology 20G described above, but for girls only. This course will run if numbers are sufficient. Girl Power!

Power Mechanics Technology 30S

This course will build upon the knowledge gained in Power Mechanics Technology 20G. There is a focus on small engine theory and rebuilding. Many major systems of the automobile will be covered.

Applied Technology 40S

In this course students will continue to develop automotive skills. There is a focus on automotive electrical. In the latter portion of the course students will be able to apply their skills on a wide variety of automobile repairs. Access to an automobile would be an asset. .

The Advanced Placement Program

River East Collegiate, along with many other schools, offers the Advanced Placement program (A.P.). "If you feel that regular courses are not enough of a challenge, then AP may be a good choice for you." AP is a program designed for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 that are willing to learn at a higher level. Students get ready for university by learning about time management and receive an amount of work a university student would get. Teachers recommend that you have a 75% or higher in regular courses if you choose to enroll in AP courses. Many courses are offered at this level. Some of these courses are math, English, geography, French, biology, chemistry and others. Environmental Science was offered for the first time in 2014. Some students that take Advanced Placement courses can even get their first year university credit - saving time and money.

Also to make up for the fact that normal courses are not as difficult, AP students receive an additional 5% to their final mark in their AP course.

CIP

CIP (Career Internship Program) is a high school to work transition program. Students involved with the program are offered on-the-job experience and classroom study to help them make the post grad transition. Although students are not paid for their work with cooperating employers, each student earns credit towards their high school diploma.

Peer Tutoring Program

The Peer Tutoring Program is a service "run by the students, for the students". Students with an average of 80% or higher in a course offer their talents by signing up for this program in hopes of helping other students meet their goals. This service is available to all grades for both tutoring and being tutored. Once a tutor and a tutee are matched up they simply choose a specific time to meet and then they are all ready to go. The program is monitored by the River East Collegiate resource teacher. Students who volunteer to be a tutor are awarded by the school at the end of the year.

Exchange Programs

The Exchange Program is something River East specializes in. "It gives opportunity to students worldwide, so they have the chance to experience a new lifestyle and culture. The amount of time they spend in their exchange home may vary depending on what it is that their school provides. Regardless, we have many different students coming from many different countries! Such as Nina Bestmann from Germany, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Korea and Quebec".

Sports

River East Collegiate has many teams at both the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. They have male and female teams in Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Golf, Hockey and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field and a male-only Football team. They compete in the Kildonan Peguis Athletic Conference (KPAC). The school football team won the first annual Peguis Bowl in 2007 when they defeated their rival Miles Macdonell Collegiate Buckeyes by a score of 28-0. The school has a tradition of athletic success and hundreds of KPAC championship banners hang in the gym (some dating back to the 1960s).

Varsity Football

River East had previously been in the first division (Potter Division) until 2009 when they moved down to the second division (Vidryk Division); where they made it to a semi-finals with only their second loss and a 7 - 2 final record with the coaching staff winning the Coaching Staff of the Year in their division. They moved back up to first division the next year later; but after only winning one game that year and losing in the first round of the play-offs they moved back down to the second Division and have remained there in the 2011 & 2012 seasons. Their last varsity championship was 1997. In the 2012 season the Kodiaks finished 3rd, being eliminated in the semi-finals by the Kelvin Klippers. They played a good season with a final record of 6 and 3.

Varsity Girls' Volleyball

River East has always had a very strong varsity girls' volleyball team". The season is from September till mid November. They were provincial champions 4 times in a row from 1997-2001. Every year they have played very strong against one of the strongest teams which is Lord Selkirk. This year the 2010-11 team was KPAC champions and beat Lord Selkirk in provincial finals.

Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball

River East has a very successful reputation for sports, one of them being basketball. The JV teams participate in KPAC, with the season starting in December, and ending in March. As well with these games, they participate in many tournaments. Throughout the years they have won many KPAC banners and they sometimes participate in the provincials.

In the past, the JV girls' basketball team have won the KPAC conference in these years (There were many back-to-back wins):

1970-71, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79,1979-80, 1984–85, 1998–99, 1999-00, 2001–02, 2002–03,2003-04, 2007–08, 2008–09

Girls' hockey

The River east Kodiaks girls’ hockey team runs from October till about March. They have a team of 11 players and 1 goalie. They are led by the coaching staff of Mr. Akerstream, Mr. Valiquette, Pat and Karey. Last year the Kodiak girls were placed on the B side, and were in the finals, but lost with only a few seconds left. It was a close series. This year for season 2012- 2013 the girls were placed on the B side, and so far they are succeeding with wins, and no loses. They continue to succeed throughout the year and hope to win a championship. The girls work well as a team, never individual play. On the ice the girls all have great chemistry. The new rookies on board this year are doing very well and continue to succeed along with the grade 11’s and 12’s. In conclusion all the players and coaches get along very well. The grade 12 girls did a very good job of making the rookies feel comfortable around the team. They showed very good leadership.

Boys' hockey

This year the River East Kodiaks boys' hockey team is made up of 15- to 18-year-old boys. The team’s record is 3-7 and the team is ranked 9th in the ‘A’ division. The team will be participating in several tournaments in Winnipeg and late November the team will be visiting Ontario Canada. Also this year we are pleased to be hosting the High School Provincials in our territory. The head coach for the boys' hockey team is Mr.Zajac. The team is made up of several grades - 10, 11 and also 12. This year the boys and coaches are hoping for the best and aiming to win City Champs or Provincials.

Girls' soccer

River East girls' soccer team has been very successful the last 15 years. The outdoor soccer team has won 9 out of the last 15 KPAC championships. They won in the 1995- 1996 school year, as well as 1997-1998, 2002–2003, 2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2008–2009 and 2009-2010. The team also won the Manitoba Provincial Championships in 2005 beating Glenlawn in the Finals. The River East soccer team has girls from all 3 grades 10, 11 and 12. To make the team you to attend the open tryouts before the soccer season, they usually carry a roster anywhere from 14 -18 girls depending on numbers. Besides just outdoor soccer River East is one of the few schools in the KPAC division to field an indoor team as well.

Junior varsity football

The junior varsity (JV) league was first introduced in 2009 and was made for grade 9 and grade 10 players only. River East joined this league in 2009 and went on to win the championship that same year. The Kodiaks did not have a JV team in the 2010 league due to lack of grade 10 players and loss of coaching staff. The few grade 10 players in 2010 played with the varsity Kodiak football team. In 2011, they once again had enough enrolment to form a team and went on to win the Junior Varsity Division with a school record of 11–0 perfect season with the coaching staff winning the Coaching Staff of the Year in their division.