POWER FAMILIARIZATION FLYING – SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2023
AMATEUR RADIO COURSE
This course will set you on the path to obtain your Amateur Radio license, opening the door to a whole new world. As a radio operator, you’ll be able to communicate with people all over the continent, across the ocean, or even in space! You will learn in depth about radio and electronics, and with some extra study at home you can pass the license exam.
The course is for cadets who are comfortable with physics and interested in getting their HAM radio license. While there will be some practical demonstrations, the content is primarily theoretical and covers the entire curriculum for the exam.
Sessions will take place on Mondays from 7 to 9 PM, starting on January 22, 2024 at Maurice Lapointe H.S. Cadets are to arrive in civilian clothes and with a pair of indoor shoes.
Signup at the link below; deadline is 15 January.
DRONES INTRODUCTION COURSE
This course will familiarise you with drones and their applications, teach you how to fly a drone safely and legally, and help you prepare for getting a drone pilot license (certificate of basic operations). The course is for cadets at Level 3 or higher who are interested in flying drones as a hobby or professionally; classes mix theory and practice while covering multiple areas, and rely extensively on simulator practice at home due to limited flight time.
IMPORTANT: Students must bring their own mobile device (smartphone or tablet, Android
recommended), and must download at their own cost the recommended software for practising at home (free for Android). Selected applicants who do not have access to a mobile device is encouraged to approach 872’s SSC to help them find a loaner.
Sessions will take place on Fridays from 7 to 9 PM, starting on January 26, 2024 at Maurice Lapointe H.S. Cadets are to arrive in civilian clothes and with a pair of indoor shoes.
Signup at the link below; deadline is 2 January.
SUPPLY NIGHT
We will be running a Supply Night next Tuesday, Dec 12, from 6:30-8:30pm, for new cadets or returning cadets to get their uniform or exchange/get any part. You will get what is available in stock, or we will order it.
DRILL TEAM
Until further notice, drill team practice will be held at Maurice Lapointe school from 1900-2100 on Fridays. Glen Cairn school’s gym is in need of repairs. Once they are complete, we will return to the usual time and location (and start other activities on Fridays).
CADET SAFETY
As a reminder, cadet safety is paramount. With the darkness at this time of year, less than ideal road conditions, and the dark colour of the uniforms, cadets are not easily visible when outside. Therefore, we ask that cadets ensure they practice situational awareness and safe practices when crossing the road when being picked up/dropped off, and that parents and guardians keep an eye out for cadets, vehicles, and other obstacles when dropping off and picking up cadets. The parking lot is a busy place with a tricky entrance and exit, and we have had notifications of hit-and-run damage to parents’ vehicles – so we understand wanting to park on the street, but we are concerned that with cadets focusing on getting to the vehicles, someone may be hurt if we are not more careful.
STEWARDSHIP OR OUR SHARED SPACES
It was regrettably brought to the staff’s attention that some cadets have vandalized our training location, AY Jackson SS, on Wednesday, 18 October. This was a repeated issue last training year, and it is extremely disappointing to hear that this behaviour has begun again.
Cadets are reminded that they have signed and agreed to a Cadet Code of Conduct, including ‘Set a positive example by your conduct and be kind and considerate of your actions and behaviour on others’; ‘be respectful of the environment and your surroundings’; and ‘…report any wrongdoing to an adult staff member as soon as possible.’. Breaches of this code of conduct will be tracked and handled in an escalating manner:
- Verbal warning
- Cautionary Notice
- Written Warning
- Administrative actions up to and including removal from the cadet program. Any of the above disciplinary actions may be accompanied by a suspension of privileges.
In addition to the code of conduct, we are also bound to the lease agreement on AY Jackson. Our Squadron Sponsor Committee works hard to secure training locations for us and to raise funds to pay for them. Aside from the extreme disrespect shown by disregarding this effort by vandalizing the property, it places the whole squadron at risk: if our lease is terminated, we do not have a training location. As it is, we struggle to find adequate space to accommodate such a large squadron, so we cannot afford to risk losing such a precious commodity by allowing this misconduct to stand. You have agreed to behave in a way that aligns with the values of the CJCR and abide by the laws of Canada. You will be held to that standard.
We all share stewardship of our shared spaces. Never pass a fault. Make good decisions, and practice bystander intervention when warranted.
PICKING UP CADETS FROM ACTIVITIES
A reminder that parents and guardians must pick cadets up from activities on time, or make alternate arrangements. Staff members may not leave until all cadets are picked up, and cannot drive cadets home. As winter approaches, lateness becomes more of a concern as we are not allowed to stay inside the rented facilities past the end of the rental time, so cadets and staff must wait outside.
CADET365 LOGINS
As we were reminded last week, 99% of the squadron has CADET365 accounts. Lt Kelly sent out the login credentials to all cadets again this week. They were sent to the email addresses on the cadets’ registration forms. 20% of cadets have never logged into CADET365, so they and their parents should check their email inboxes and spam folders for the login credentials.
For any difficulties with CADET365, cadets should contact their flight commanders, who will either assist or seek assistance from the IT NCM, WO2 Brown, and/or Lt Kelly.
COMMUNICATIONS
Most new cadets will see credentials for their CADET365 accounts arrive in the email address provided on their registration forms starting this week. It may go to junk mail, so keep an eye out.
A reminder that these credentials may not be shared: they belong to the cadets to whom they are assigned. Parents may ask questions on the Facebook group or by emailing the staff or sponsor committee. Further, staff members may only contact cadets via telephone or on CADET365 (email or Teams), and adults who are not staff members should only contact cadets via the Commanding Officer.
Flight Commanders are working hard to ensure that their flights are kept informed, and tracking which cadets have not yet been granted CADET365 access and who therefore need to be contacted personally each week.
DESIGNATED PRAYER SPACE
For cadets practicing the Muslim faith, who wish to do their evening prayers, we have a designated the use of classroom 213 during ‘long break’ each week. Cadets may use that space without needing to seek approval, but are reminded to ensure it is left in the state it is found.
On other cadets exercises and activities, they are always welcome to excuse themselves to pray, but may wish to indicate to an officer the need for a designated space.
During religious festivals where fasting is practices. all cadets are welcome to bring food to break their fast, rather then needing to stay home to do so.
Published 7 Dec 2023 2245hrs