May 21, 2010 - Thornlea - SharpSchool

http://thornlea.sharpschool.com
thornlea.ss@yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Principal: S. Epstein
Vice- Principals: H. Henricks, D. Smi th MAY 21, 2010
Mr. Robertson, Mr. Swailes, Mr. Murray Story page 6-7
Inside this issue…….
VICE-PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 2
THORNLEA’S DAY OF PINK 3-5
ALT ED NEWS…….PAINT FOR THE CURE 6-7
FASHION FUMES: CLOTHING SWAP! 8
CONSERVE YOUR WATER 9
RESPITE TRAINING 10-13
WELL-BEING IN VAUGHAN 14
2ND ANNUAL SLAM-DUNK CAREER & MENTORSHIP CONFERENCE 15
2009-2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16

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Dear Families and Community Members,
As the summer season approaches, Thornlea students and staff are very busy excelling
in a variety of activities. The Outdoor Ed. trip is enjoying a sunny week
outdoors. Yesterday’s Thornstock was a huge success . Students and staff enjoyed
the entertainment and the wonderful activities planned by our Student
Council.
Next week on May 27th Thornlea will have it’s annual Prom. The Arts Banquet will
be held June 1st and the Athletic Banquet on June 2nd. The Arts Open House will
be on Tuesday, June 1 - during the day, taking place in the hall in front of the office
as well as the art, drama and music rooms. Everyone is invited to drop in and
see what the ART department students have been up to.
Our grade 9 students have been busy preparing for the Math EQAO test that will
take place the week of June 9-10. June will continue to be a busy month with our
Grade 12 Drama production the week of June 8-11, Graduation rehearsal on June
10th, Graduation June 28th.
Locker Clean-out will take place on June 11th. Please remind your child to make
sure they take any personal belongings from their locker and to check our Lost
and Found just outside of room 107. We also want to make sure that all textbooks
are returned as per their classroom teachers’ instructions.
Exams are June 21-25th, with Exam Review Day June 28th.
Have a safe and happy Victoria Day weekend.
Heather Henricks,
Vice-Principal

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What do baby girls, bubble gum, and high school hallways have in common? Pink of
course, well at least at Thornlea on Thursday April 15th, 2010. A sea of pink shirts in
varying shades flooded the school on Thornlea‟s Day of Pink as students took a stand
against bullying, discrimination and homophobia.
Thornlea senior, Alia Assani was sporting a hot pink sweater and bright smile that day.
“I support the people who are being bullied and those who are hiding because they‟re
gay. No matter who you are, you should not be ashamed of it,” she proclaimed. “I‟m
wearing pink today to let them know we are all standing up for them.”
The Day of Pink originated in a Nova Scotia high school after a grade 9 boy was
taunted and harassed for wearing a pink shirt. Two seniors, stood up for him and after
school they ventured forth, buying 50 pink shirts and e-mailing friends and classmates
to inform them of the mission. Overnight, the plans spread like wild fire, and the next
day a mass of students came to school in pink clothing, uniting the school in what the
two boys aptly named the „Sea of Pink campaign‟. Now, the event has spread across
the globe, and is known as the International Day of Pink.

Mrs. Wallace, Guidance Councillor and teacher involved with Thornlea‟s Empowered
Student Partnership (ESP) Committee, was the one who got the ball rolling at
Thornlea. She remembers, “a number of teachers came to me with an article about the
Day of Pink”. The idea of Thornlea going pink for a day to promote acceptance and
unity was enthusiastically approved by staff and the torch was then passed to the students.
Thornlea‟s ESP Committee commenced everything for the day, from spreading the
word to planning the „stand on the line‟ activity and group photo. But they couldn‟t have
pulled it off alone. After teaming up with the zealous Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and
members of Global Citizenship, the group began advertising the event by visiting
classes and making announcements. The message was clear. Don‟t watch in silence -
speak out against bullying and homophobia and act out against it by wearing pink.
“The people who came to our class gave a very motivating speech.” recalls Assani, inspired.
“I had never heard the story [about the Day of Pink] before.” Other methods the
three clubs used to raise awareness were a bulletin board, display case, bubble gum
count, „stand on the line‟ activity, selling pink T-shirts and a group photo of all participants
taken from the roof.
The „stand on the line‟ activity further showed the impact of bullying, discrimination and
homophobia on students‟ lives. The idea was to stand on the line in front of you if the
presenter said something that was true for you. Each question, beginning with “Have
you ever” drew many to stand on the line. This was carried out over the half dozen pink
lines throughout the school second period on the Thursday. Taylor Schopp, who asked
questions with her partner at one line, was pleased with the effect. “People in our line
were enthusiastic; even the janitors joined in,” she exclaimed, grinning at the memory.
Overall, Thornlea‟s first Day of Pink “was a success,” said Mrs. Wallace. “I had only
positive feedback from teachers.” As for the students, about 1 out of every 3 was wearing
pink on Thursday. “Both staff and students have said that there has never been as
much involvement in a „day‟ at Thornlea before.” Wallace adds with subtle pride.
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“People shouldn‟t be afraid of getting judged for who they are.” affirmed Schopp, arms
crossed over her pink striped T-shirt. The huge involvement of students and staff illustrates
the joint goal to stop bullying, discrimination and homophobia. The Day of Pink
united us with the belief that Thornlea should be safe and supportive environment
where teens are free to be themselves.
Written by Grade 12 Journalism Student and ESP member: Shannon Gilliland
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The Alternative Education program (T.I.P.) is extremely proud to have spearheaded
the fundraising efforts for National Cancer Awareness Week. A combination of Ms.
Von‟s Business class and Ms. Walker‟s Cosmetology class started off the week‟s fundraising
events. The students in the Business class organized, promoted and ran many
successful fundraising ventures. The culmination of all this hard work occurred on National
Denim Day, organized by Ms. Styles on Tuesday, May 11. After weeks of perfecting
their craft, Ms. Walker‟s T.I.P. Cosmetology students presented their „Paint for a
Cure‟ to the school. Along with henna tattoos, staff and students were treated to manicures
and nail art, with all proceeds going to the cancer fundraiser. Alongside this,
three very brave male teachers had their heads shaved on the cafeteria stage by our
very own principal, Ms. Epstein. We would like to extend a very big thank you to Mr.
Swailes, Mr. Murray and Mr. Robertson. The T.I.P. department challenged the school
body to raise $500 towards the head shaving each of these three male staff members.
This $1500 was easily achieved as staff and students demonstrated unparalleled generosity.
In addition, Mr. Swailes organized a „Run for Life‟ on Thursday, May 13. For a $2 donation,
staff and students took part in a walk around the school grounds. Lining the
route were placards filled with names of people the student body were walking for,
along with positive messages. Finally, the T.I.P. department would also like to thank
the members of Mr. Jirik‟s rugby team, who, after raising $600 dollars, watched their
coach shave not only his head but his eyebrows as well!
This week of fundraising for cancer was the perfect embodiment of Thornlea‟s generosity
and compassion.
Thank you to all support staff, teachers and students who ensured its great success.
Together we raised $2600 in the fight to cure cancer.

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Fashion Fumes: Clothing Swap!
Who knew you could shop at school, and help the planet
at the same time?
Come to the Cafeteria stage
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Period 3A, B, C
Bring in your used clothed and swap them for something

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As global warming is becoming more of a prominent issue in our society by drying out
our crop lands and decreasing water levels drastically, people need to start conserving
our water supply. In Mrs. Salsberg‟s grade 12 World Issues class, we chose to spread
awareness about limiting daily water use in attempt to conserve water for the future.
Although we cannot act globally, the first step is starting within our community;
Thornlea Secondary School.
In order to analyze our school population‟s water usage, we created a survey to determine
how much water students in Thornlea use. The results showed that students, on
average, used an excessive amount of water by showering, washing hands, dishes,
and clothes, and also by using plastic water bottles, too often. Although water is a necessity,
people need to start conserving their water because global warming is limiting
our easy access to water.
We are trying to create awareness by surely, but simply spreading the word of water
over usage. By putting up posters, speaking to class‟s of students, and promoting limited
water use in the school and home environment (i.e.: turning off the tap and doing
less laundry), we hope for people to think twice about how often they use unnecessary
water.
By: Nikki Feinstein, Elana Wishnefsky, Evelyn Stuart, and Nicole Todes.

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Title: Nonviolent Crisis Prevention/Intervention Certification Program
Presenter: Certified CPI Instructor
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Date: Wednesday June 2, 2010
Location: Simcoe Community Services - 39 Fraser Court, Barrie, L4N 5J5
Only light refreshments will be provided. Please be sure to bring your own lunch
or be prepared to purchase something close by.
Workshop Description: Since 1980, over 5 million human service providers
worldwide have been trained through the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention program
to provide for the care, welfare, safety and security of everyone involved in a crisis
situation. The workshop will provide an introduction to crisis prevention that
emphasizes early intervention and non physical methods for preventing or managing
disruptive behaviour. As well, an introduction to the study and practice of personal
safety techniques will occur followed by a review of methods to re-establish
rapport after a crisis has occurred. This is open to REGISTERED SIMCOE
COUNTY CHAP WORKERS only.
Registration: online at www.kerrysplace.org/respitetraining
FREE training workshops covering a variety of topics designed
specifically for Respite Workers, parents, family & friends and
agency staff. Click onthe link below to access the full calendar:
www.kerrysplaceautismservices.org/respitetraining

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Title: The Challenges of Constant Change - Assisting Individuals on the Spectrum
with Transitions
Presenter: Margaret Hildebrandt B.A., B. Ed., Autism Consultant, Building Bridges
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Date: Monday June 7, 2010
Location: Durham Association for Family Respite Services - 20-850 King St. W. Oshawa
Light refreshments will be provided.
Workshop Description: Many individuals with ASD find transitions challenging
whether it is a minor transition such as from one activity to another, or a major
transition such as moving to a new school or home. We will explore types of transitions,
why transitions are often an issue for this population and strategies and
resources to reduce the anxiety associated with these transitions. This workshop
applies to all ability levels and age ranges of individuals with Autism Spectrum
Disorders.
Registration: online at www.kerrysplace.org/respitetraining
FREE training workshops covering a variety of topics
designed specifically for Respite Workers, parents, family
& friends and agency staff. Click onthe link below to access
the full calendar:
www.kerrysplaceautismservices.org/respitetraining

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Title: Nonviolent Crisis Prevention/Intervention NON-Certification Program
Presenter: Kimberly Thorn and Tim Savage
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Date: Monday June 14, 2010
Location: Elgin West Community Centre - 11099 Bathurst Street, Richmond Hill
Only light refreshments will be provided. Please be sure to bring your own lunch
or be prepared to purchase something close by.
Workshop Description: Since 1980, over 5 million human service providers
worldwide have been trained through the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention program
to provide for the care, welfare, safety and security of everyone involved in a crisis
situation. The workshop will provide an introduction to crisis prevention that
emphasizes early intervention and non physical methods for preventing or managing
disruptive behaviour. As well, an introduction to the study and practice of personal
safety techniques will occur followed by a review of methods to re-establish
rapport after a crisis has occurred. This is open to PARENTS and FAMILY MEM-
BERS only. NO CERTIFICATION is provided.
Registration: online at www.kerrysplace.org/respitetraining
FREE training workshops covering a variety of
topics designed specifically for Respite Workers,
parents, family & friends and agency staff. Click
onthe link below to access the full calendar:
www.kerrysplaceautismservices.org/respitetraining

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Title: Marriage Success Principles
Presenter: Roxanne Christie and Robert Christie - Life Coaches, Inner Strength for Life
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2010
Location: Simcoe Community Services - 39 Fraser Court, Barrie, L4N 5J5
Light refreshments will be provided
Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on successful strategies to improve
your interpersonal relationship with your spouse/significant other. Parents
will learn tools and techniques to enhance their marriage. Topics covered in the
workshop include: communication, conflict resolution, stress management, and
love maps.
Registration: online at www.kerrysplace.org/respitetraining
FREE training workshops covering a variety of topics
designed specifically for Respite Workers, parents, family
& friends and agency staff. Click onthe link below to access
the full calendar:
www.kerrysplaceautismservices.org/respitetraining

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Please Join in an important forum sponsored by Vaughan Social Action Council
(VSAC) to help capture the current picture of the mental health and well-being of families
in our Community.
Forum Purpose:
To qualify and quantify the current state of family mental health in Vaughan so that issues
and opportunities may be prioritized for actions, and/or coordinated effectively by
a coalition of community partners.
Who is invited? Any person or organization with a keen interest in children, youth and
family mental health issues/opportunities in Vaughan.
When? Tuesday June 15th, 2010
Time? 8:45- 9:15 a.m. Registration, Working Sessions 9:15-10:30 a.m. and 10:45 -
12:00 noon. Light lunch, Reporting and Next Steps 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Location: New Hope United Church, 9100 Jane St., Bldg E. Concord, On. Canada
Cost: Suggested $10/person to offset refreshment costs, but not required.
RSVP: Advance registration is requested for planning purposes by June 5, 2010.
Sponsored by: Vaughan Social Action Council - A newly formed community organization
with a mission to connect people, communities, governments, academia, and social
service providers together to reach collaborative solutions to complex social issues
in Vaughan. Its primary goal is to create a caring, prosperous, and inclusive community
where all people are able to realize healthy and successful lives.
Vaughan Social Action Council's steering committee has members and support from
Public and Catholic school Boards, local faith and cultural communities, seniors' organizations,
Vaughan residents, York University, Vaughan Community Health Centre,
and social service professionals. The organization is in the process of incorporating as
a non-profit corporation in Canada.
To RSVP for this important forum, or for more information, contact VSAC by email at
socialactioncouncilvaughan@gmail.com or call Rev. Jim Keenan at 905-751-5335,
Anna DeBartolo at 905-850-5038 or Anna Bortolus 905-893-3539.
P.S. More detailed information on the forum agenda topics will be made available in
late May to all community forum partners.
P.S.S. We are open to suggestions and ideas to make our forum the most effective it
can be. Your creative ideas are most welcome!

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May 24
May 27
June 1
June 2
June 9-10
June 8 –11
June 10
June 11
June 21-25
June 28
June 28
June 29-30
Victoria Day (No school
today)
Prom
Arts Banquet
Athletic Banquet
Math EQAO
Grade 12 Drama
Grad Rehearsal
Locker Clean Out
Exams
Exam Review Day
Graduation
PA Days