Training Week Oct 2 - 3, 2023

MONDAY, Oct 2 - OPTIONAL TRAINING NIGHT

We are excited to resume optional training! We are currently offering three optional training opportunities:

  1. Biathlon

  2. Band

  3. Drill Team

Effective speaking and other optional training opportunities will be announced at a later date.

BIATHLON

  • Time: 1900-2000, 1 hr practice

  • Where: LHQ - Sheperd Community Hall

  • What: . Biathlon is a sport that combines physical fitness with marksmanship skills through a combination of two activities. physical fitness and marksmanship using an air rifle.

  • Who: All interested cadets are invited to attend! A team of the top 12 cadets will be submitted as a team to compete regionally with other squadrons.

BAND

  • Time: 1900-2100, 2 hr practice

  • Where: LHQ - Sheperd Community Hall

  • Who: Current band members. A future announcement will be made to invite new cadets who play instruments to join.

DRILL TEAM

  • Time: 2000-2100, 1 hr practice

  • Where: LHQ - Sheperd Community Hall

  • Who: All interested cadets are invited to attend! We will be conducting drill team tryouts for a future competition.

TUESDAY, Oct 3 - MANDATORY TRAINING

Regular training. Parents are not permitted to stay at the LHQ unless you are an executive screened member of the SSC or are attending a meeting. Parents are welcome to join us for closing annoucements at 2100 hrs in the gym.

  • Time: 1815 - 2100 HRS

  • Dress: C1 - Ceremonial Dress (New Cadets will get these soon, please be patient, do not email supply asking for them) Cadets with no uniform; Dress to impress ; ie: white dress shirt, black pants - this is a special parade (not a regular parade event)

STACK TEAM APP

Over the next few weeks, 83 Juno Beach will be migrating our communication channels to Stack Team App. This is a private portal for only parents and cadets in the squadron. This is where we will post ALL announcements and important updates. Please ensure both parents and cadets register to this app to receive all the latest updates. We will no longer be posting announcements on Instagram or Facebook to preserve the integrity and privacy of our activities.

Please be patient as we make our transition to this app.

OGS - Online Ground School

Air Cadet Online Ground School (OGS)

Air Cadets who intend to apply for the Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) or Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC) must complete the Air Cadet Online Ground School (OGS). This program ensures an effective and equitable approach to ground-school training for all Air Cadets across Canada.

What is Online Ground School?

The OGS program is part of the Air Cadet National Selection Process and is comprised of approximately 45 hours of self-paced learning. This includes course content, quizzes, tests, a practice exam and a proctored GPTC or PPTC Qualifying Exam. To participate, cadets must have an active Cadet365 account, and will require access to a personal computer or mobile device and a broadband internet connection. Throughout the OGS course, participating Air Cadets will have access to a Transport Canada Civil Aviation approved instructor to help with course material, answer questions, and provide support for challenging topics.

In past years, the Qualifying Exam was completed on your own time. This year, the exam will go back to a proctored format and will be conducted during the week of 14 to 24 Jan 24 under supervision. More information to follow separately.

How do I apply for Online Ground School?

Air Cadets who meet eligibility criteria for either GPTC or PPTC can be registered by squadron staff in Fortress. You can only register for one of the courses, either GPTC or GPTC.

Eligibility Criteria are as follows:

·         Minimum Age for PPTC: 17 by 1 Sep 24 for PPTC, 16 by 1 Sep 24 for GPTC

·         Proficiency Level: Level 4 Qualified by 30 Jun 24 for PPTC, Level 3 Qualified by 30 Jun 2024 for GPTC

·         Minimum Grade Completed: Grade 10 (Jun 2024) for PPTC, Grade 9 (Jun 2024) for GPTC

·         Maximum Weight for PPTC:        111 kg

·         Minimum Height and Weight for GPTC:  152 cm, 41 kg

·         Maximum Height and Weight for GPTC: 191 cm. 91 kg

All information about the OGS will be relayed through Cadet365. Therefore, you must have an active Cadet365 account. If your password has expired, please follow the reset instructions at  Cadet365 - Canada.ca.  If you are in Level 4 or Level 5 and have not yet set up your Cadet365 account, contact your Level Officer for your Username and Temporary Password. More information of the OGS can be found here: Air Cadet Online Ground School (OGS) (sharepoint.com)

If you meet the Eligibility Criteria and would like to register for the OGS, please contact Capt Pritchard at david.pritchard@cadets.gc.ca.

Important Dates:

8 Sep 2023: Applications open in Fortress.

15 Nov 23: Application deadline.

1 Oct 23 to 13 Jan 24: The OGS training syllabus and mandatory practical exam is open to students.

13 Jan 24: All course content, including the practice exam, must be completed by 2359hrs Pacific Standard Time or cadet will be ineligible to complete the Qualifying Exam.

14 Jan 24 to 20 Jan 24: Cadets write the GPTC or PPTC Qualifying Exam, supervised by Squadron staff. It will not be completed during any other time period or without supervision. While most cadets will complete the Qualifying Exam through Cadet365, there will be an allowance to complete it on paper if there are computer or internet issues at the Squadron training location. That said, every effort should be made do complete the exam digitally.