February 25, 2011 - Thornlea

Thornlea Secondary School
E-Bulletin
Principal: S. Epstein
Vice-Principals: H. Henricks, D. Smith February 25, 2011
Inside this issue…….
VICE-PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 2
HONOUR ROLL 3
THORNLEA SCHOOL COUNCIL—FUNDRAISING MADE SIMPLE 4
THORNLEA WRESTLING TEAM 5
BOOK DRIVE 6
BIOLOGY CLUB 7-8
FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS 9-12
SCHOOL INFORMATION 13
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14

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As February draws to a close, there is much to celebrate at Thornlea. In terms of
Athletics, the Junior and Senior Girls’ Volleyball teams have just completed successful
seasons and our swimmers continue to race in York Region competitions.
Our Rock Climbing, Dragon Boating, Ultimate Frisbee, and Rugby teams are working
out in preparation for the beginning of the spring season. Through the Ski and
Snowboard Club’s Friday night trips to Blue Mountain and our developmental Boys’
Basketball program, many more Thornlea students have had the opportunity to participate
in sporting activities. One of the highlights of the winter athletic season has
been the success of our Boys’ and Girls’ wrestling teams. Last week they competed
in the York Region Championships, and both Hannah Peach and Layah
Glassman qualified for the provincial championships being held in Sudbury next
week.
In other extra-curricular news, both the Drama and Music Departments have been
busy. Our music students are preparing for a March 9 th evening performance at
Heintzman House. Auditions have wrapped up and rehearsals for the Drama Department’s
15 th annual Student One Act Play (SOAP) Festival in mid-April.
Thornlea’s Student Council has had a successful February. Spirit Week wrapped
up on the 18 th and more than 150 students attended last night’s Semi Formal. We
hosted a lively Black History Month celebration in room 213 this week. Students
were treated to displays, food, and a live drumming performance and workshop.
March Break is fast approaching; however, there are a couple of important dates to
take note of in the two weeks leading up to the break. On Monday, February 28 th ,
there is a School Council Meeting. The meeting begins at 7:15 and is held in the
library. The main agenda item is Thornlea’s Advanced Placement (AP) program
and all parents are invited to attend. On March 10 th , all students will receive interim
report cards for their semester two courses.
Please feel free to contact the school if you have questions about these items or
anything else happening at the school.
Warm regards,
Heather Henricks
Vice-Principal

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Congratulations
Honour Roll Students!
Thornlea is proud of all its students and
how well they have done academically
during the first semester of this
school year.
We would like to give special congratulations to
those students who had averages of 79.5% or
higher and qualified for the distinction of being
on the honour roll. In total we had 432 students
make the honour for the first semester.
This represents approximately 40% of the
school’s population – Wow! That is Awesome!
Way to Go Thornlea!!! Keep Reaching for the
Stars!!!

THORNLEA SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNCIL
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Dear Thornlea Families: 2011
Thornleas’ School Council is dedicated to supporting the success of our students. As the Thornlea School
Council, we aim to raise money to support student learning, with particular emphasis on improved technology
and equipment. Your help will allow us to purchase items that the School Board does not fund.
Our students are fortunate to be attending a school with an unparalleled commitment to their academic and
social success. We all know of Thornlea’s reputation for excellence to deliver top quality education to our children;
however we also know that regular funding allocations are never quite enough to meet the needs of our
children in order to achieve that success.
Specifically, we are looking to purchase two technology items. ‘Airliners’ are small, laptop size portable “smart
boards” that promote collaboration by allowing students to interact wirelessly with computers. Document Cameras
allow teachers to present sample student work to the class, helping students improve their marks by making
better use of feedback. Teachers can also “capture work” and post the work electronically. Absent students
can see the class they missed. These technologies will create interactive classrooms that will help our students
keep pace with the ever-changing world of technology and help prepare them for their future careers and
for the challenges of the 21 st century.
One hundred percent of the donated funds will be used for items benefiting the students. We are asking each
Thornlea family to make a tax-deductible donation to the school. We also invite you to share your thoughts
on the direction of the funds through our School Council meetings. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please support our school; please support our students. Thank you, in advance, for your donation.
Sincerely,
Thornlea School Council
Charitable Tax Receipt Information:
PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHEQUE PAYABLE TO
“THORNLEA SECONDARY SCHOOL”
Name (as shown on cheque):___________________________________________________
Address (in full):_____________________________________________________________
Telephone:______________________________
Amount of donation enclosed: $100_____ $50_____ $25_____ Other_____
Charitable tax donation receipts will be issued for donations of $25 and over
Please send cheques to the school office with your child or mail to Thornlea S.S.
8075 Bayview Ave., Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 4N4 (Do not send cash in the mail).

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Thornlea's Global Citizenship Committee is facilitating a
book drive to re-stock the shelves of Haiti's libraries.
If you have gently used books appropriate for children
and/or young adults please send them into school.
We will be collecting until Thursday, March 3rd, 2011.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Help make a difference in the lives of so many people.

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HIGH CONFLICT DIVORCE- A workshop for parents wanting to develop strategies
and techniques to deal with a High Conflict situation and help to lessen the impact of
that conflict on their children. This workshop requires active participation and is not
for individuals in an abusive situation. Thursday March 10/11 at 4600 Bathurst St-
Lipa Green Centre from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
EFFECTIVE PARENTING- A four session group to help parents learn what they can
do to raise a happy, motivated and well behaved child. For parents of children ages 2
to 11 years. Topics include: how to; nurture self esteem, encourage problem solving,
increase communication and setting limits. Thursday March 24/11 from 7- 9 p.m. at
The Promenade Mall- suite #313.
ONE FAMILY, TWO HOMES- A six session series for families experiencing separation
and divorce. Children participate in separate age appropriate groups which will
help them to: feel better, deal with some of the myths and know where to get support.
Topics for parents include: tips for keeping the kids out of the conflict, trends in family
law and the impact of separation and divorce on children. Thursday March 31/11 at
4600 Bathurst St- The Lipa Green Centre from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Our groups and workshops are open to all members of the community regardless
of cultural, religious and/or racial background. Registration is required. For
more information or to register please call Shawna Sidney at 416-638-7800
X #6215 or go to our website at www.jfandcs.com

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Reporting a Student Absence
905-889-9696 Extension 172 or via email
thornlea.ss@yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Please make sure to call or email the school to report your child’s
absence. Please clearly state the last name, first name and grade of the
student. We will be sending our automated attendance caller “synrevoice”
daily for students that are absent from class without permission. So please
make sure you let us know if your child will be absent so our records are upto-date
and correct.
Thank you
Upcoming School Council Meetings
7:15 pm-Library
February 28
April 18
May 16
Address/Phone number changes
Please notify the school if your address or phone number changes.
We have a form for students to complete in the main office.
Any questions?
Just email us at thornlea.ss@yrdsb.edu.on.ca We will be happy to
answer any of your questions.

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