Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Thornlea</strong> Secondary School<br />
E-Bulletin<br />
Principal: S. Epstein<br />
Vice-Principals: J. Foti, J. Atkinson <strong>Sept</strong>ember <strong>14</strong>, <strong>2012</strong><br />
F.I.T. DAY <strong>2012</strong><br />
See story page 11
2<br />
<br />
<br />
Message from the Principal 3<br />
School Information 4<br />
Guiding <strong>Thornlea</strong> 5-10<br />
Grade 9 F.I.T. Day 11-13<br />
Terry Fox Run <strong>14</strong><br />
For Parents/Guardians 15-17<br />
Calendar of Events 18
3<br />
<br />
Dear Families and Community Members:<br />
Welcome to the start of the <strong>2012</strong> – 2013 school year! We are really looking forward to a<br />
successful year at <strong>Thornlea</strong> Secondary School. We know that our students will once again<br />
be busy pursuing their academic goals while getting the full school experience on our<br />
teams, in our clubs, at our dances and while enjoying all that <strong>Thornlea</strong> has to offer. Our<br />
staff members are excited to work with the students to ensure that all the classes and cocurricular<br />
activities are exciting and engaging.<br />
The past few weeks have been very busy at <strong>Thornlea</strong> and have been characterized by the<br />
registration of many new students and student program changes. I would like to thank you<br />
for your patience and support while our Guidance Department has worked tirelessly over<br />
the past two weeks meeting with students and making timetable changes where possible. I<br />
am so proud of the hard work of everyone. We are now all settled and raring to go!<br />
During this week and next, each of our grades will be attending an assembly led by our<br />
Guidance department ensuring that each grade has all of the information that they need to<br />
plan for their futures. As well, the administration team will also be presenting at the assembly<br />
to review the Safe Schools legislation, and the rights and responsibilities of all members<br />
of our school community as outlined in the student agenda. I would encourage you to<br />
take the time to sit with your child and review our rules and policies and assist us, in an<br />
effort to make the learning environment as conducive to success as possible, academically<br />
and socially.<br />
Our first School Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, <strong>Sept</strong>ember 24 th at 7:15 pm in<br />
our Library. Our School Council is made up of a wonderful group of dynamic individuals<br />
who realize that coming out to our monthly meetings and realize that these meetings are a<br />
great way to find out the “inside scoop” on what is happening in our school. As well, we<br />
often have great guest speakers, from our school, who share with the parents interesting,<br />
information and very helpful information on a wide-range of topics. We would really like<br />
you to join us at our School Council meetings! We hope to see you on <strong>Sept</strong>ember 24 th .<br />
I would like you to know that as a collaborative and consultative team leader, I strongly believe<br />
in and value the community school concept, where the school is an integral part of<br />
the community and serves students and their families by providing opportunities for lifelong<br />
learning. I truly believe a school is a place where parents, students and staff can<br />
work in partnership to improve student achievement.<br />
Please feel free to contact me at sheri.epstein@yrdsb.edu.on.ca as I welcome your comments<br />
or questions. Thank you again for your patience and support; together we can truly<br />
make a difference for our children.<br />
Sheri Epstein<br />
Principal
4<br />
Attendance Accuracy<br />
For student absences, illnesses, appointments, late arrivals, early leaves please….<br />
Call attendance 905-889-9696 x 172 or email thornlea.ss@yrdsb.edu.on.ca prior to<br />
8am if possible. Be sure to speak clearly and spell the student’s name.<br />
Students should ALWAYS sign in and out at the office when arriving late or leaving<br />
early. Even if they have permission, this is for the safety of the student.<br />
If you receive an attendance call that you feel is in error, please have the student<br />
approach their teacher for attendance corrections.<br />
Upcoming School Council Meetings<br />
7:15 pm-Library<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 24<br />
October 15<br />
November 19<br />
January 21<br />
February 19<br />
April 15<br />
May 21<br />
Address/Phone number changes<br />
Please notify the school if your address or phone number changes.<br />
We have a form for students to complete in the main office.<br />
Any questions<br />
Just email us at thornlea.ss@yrdsb.edu.on.ca We will be happy to<br />
answer any of your questions.0
5<br />
<br />
Salutations from the Guidance Department! Our team<br />
has been very busy since registration day in August.<br />
We would like to thank you for your patience in our efforts<br />
to support your child for this school year. The<br />
Guidance Team this year consists of Mr. Paul Stephenson<br />
(Student Success), Ms. Ellen Philp (Counsellor A to G), Mrs. Georgia Vatousis<br />
(Counsellor H to L), Mr. Nizam Alkins, Head of Guidance (Counsellor M to Z) and Mrs.<br />
Gail Burdett (Guidance Secretary).<br />
The team has been trying its best to support every student that “requests” a timetable<br />
change this school year. To date, we have seen approximately 200 grade 12 students,<br />
30 new international visa students, 30 new registrations, 85 grade 11 students, 80<br />
grade 10 students and 25 grade 9 students.<br />
We plan to complete this process by this Friday at 3:30. We thank you for your patience.<br />
We also would like to announce a new process for making guidance appointments. If<br />
any student would like to make an appointment with their “Alpha” identified counsellor,<br />
they should come to the Guidance Office before school starts (8:30 to 8:55), during<br />
their lunch, or after school (3:00 to 3:30).<br />
We will be speaking to each grade level with respect to what Guidance Services, the<br />
Post-Secondary application process, course selections and community service hour<br />
requirements on:<br />
Wednesday <strong>Sept</strong>ember 20 th Grade 12 Assembly<br />
Thursday <strong>Sept</strong>ember 21 st Grade 11 Assembly<br />
Monday <strong>Sept</strong>ember 24 th Grade 10 Assembly<br />
Tuesday <strong>Sept</strong>ember 25 th Grade 9 Assembly<br />
Many Post-Secondary Institutions (Universities and Colleges) will be coming to<br />
<strong>Thornlea</strong> to speak to our senior students in the first semester. We have scheduled Ryerson,<br />
Queen’s, York, Waterloo, McMaster, Wilfrid Laurier, U of T, Ryerson, Western,<br />
Seneca, Humber and Centennial, just to name a few. The dates and times of these<br />
information sessions will be announced in advance by the Guidance Department.<br />
We would also like to remind our learning community that there is a new process in<br />
place for Community Service Hours. All students must complete 40 community hours<br />
to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Guidance department must<br />
approve your community service opportunity before you start your hours. Please see<br />
your counsellor for approval.
Our Guidance Department will only enter a maximum of<br />
40 hours. If the student achieves more than 40 hours,<br />
we highly recommend that they keep a record in a personal<br />
portfolio of any community service above and beyond<br />
those 40 hours. They may want to research<br />
scholarships related to community service or they may<br />
want to include these in their Post-secondary supplementary<br />
application form in their grade 12 year.<br />
We also would like to announce a new initiative to all our grade 9 students. Grade 9<br />
students that complete their 40 community service hours in their grade 9 year will receive<br />
a special certificate of completion. Also, as an added incentive, when the school<br />
has special events, such as dances, or buy-ins, they will get into one event for free!<br />
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please come down to the Guidance<br />
Office and pick up a Community Service Hours form and please take a look at our<br />
“Volunteer Bulletin Board” for opportunities to fulfill this Ministry of Education requirement.<br />
I would also like to take a moment to personally welcome our learning community to a<br />
new school year and supporting all our students towards success.<br />
6<br />
Mr. Nizam Alkins, Head of Guidance and Career Education
11<br />
<br />
This year <strong>Thornlea</strong>’s annual Friends In <strong>Thornlea</strong> (F.I.T.) day was held at Camp Green<br />
Acres on <strong>Sept</strong>ember 7. The purpose of the day is for the new students at <strong>Thornlea</strong> to<br />
meet their peers, and have an opportunity to make some new friends that will hopefully<br />
last a lifetime.<br />
Unlike past years, the activities really focused on team building skills with their new fellow<br />
classmates. All ten teams were assigned a superhero and all the team members<br />
dressed in their superhero’s colour and were taught a team cheer. The groups had two<br />
to three group leaders that are all members of <strong>Thornlea</strong>’s Student Association Council<br />
(T.S.A.C.). Thorough out the day teams were given tickets for their spirit, enthusiasm,<br />
and ability to work as a team. It was a huge success because all of the grade nines<br />
brought all their school spirit, an open mind, and wanted to make new friends. The day<br />
came to a close with one final cheer off.<br />
Congratulations to team Wolverine for coming out on top! Special thanks to Ms. Epstein,<br />
Mr. Foti, Ms. Atkinson, Mr. Stone, Mr. Keval, Mr. Capilongo, Student Council,<br />
Darren Greenspoon, and all the staff at Camp Green Acres for making this incredible<br />
day possible!
13
<strong>14</strong><br />
Terry Fox Run<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 10, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Dear Parents:<br />
Once again, <strong>Thornlea</strong> SS is pleased to be hosting its annual Terry Fox Run/Walk on<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 27, <strong>2012</strong>. All monies raised through our event will be forwarded to the Terry<br />
Fox Foundation to further the cause of cancer research.<br />
Our walk/jog/run route will be entirely on school grounds and will consist of a 5 km<br />
circular course. Teachers, students, and parents will be on hand to supervise and assist<br />
participants along the way.<br />
All students will be taking part in this worthwhile event. A pledge sheet is provided and<br />
we ask that you sign the sheet as permission for your son/daughter to participate. We also<br />
invite you to participate by walking, jogging, or cheering for your children as they<br />
complete the course. If required, extra pledge sheets will be available in the Phys. Ed.<br />
office.<br />
We are very proud to be associated with the Terry Fox Foundation and believe that our<br />
involvement will launch a successful, positive, and meaningful school year. We are very<br />
proud of our contribution to cancer research; to date, almost $121,200.00 has been raised<br />
by the pupils in this school community for cancer research since 1989. You will be<br />
interested to note that the Foundation works very hard to continue the downward trend in<br />
overall expenses, boasting a 13% operating cost (fundraising and administration).<br />
We would appreciate the involvement of the School Council and the parent community<br />
for our event. If you would like to volunteer and help out at the event, please contact<br />
Wayne Tsujiuchi (Phys. Ed. Dept.) at 905-889-9696 ext 302 Voicemail 516 prior to the<br />
day of the event to allow for the assignment of responsibilities.<br />
Thank you in advance<br />
Sheri Epstein<br />
Principal, <strong>Thornlea</strong> SS
15<br />
October <strong>2012</strong><br />
Please note the groups that will be starting up in the month of October.<br />
EFFECTIVE PARENTING- A four session group to help parents learn what they can do to raise a<br />
happy, motivated and well behaved child. For parents of children ages 2 to 11 years. Topics include:<br />
how to; nurture self esteem, encourage problem solving, increase communication and setting limits.<br />
Thursdays October 4/12 at The Promenade Mall- suite # 313.<br />
SUCCESSFUL STEP PARENTING - A four session group for couples living in blended families<br />
wanting to discuss building a solid couple relationship, the myths and realities of step-families, and helping<br />
kids to adjust to step-family life. Wednesday October 10/12 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at The Promenade<br />
Mall- suite # 313.<br />
MIND, BODY, CONNECTION for Women: Join us in an 8 session group for women who want to<br />
learn mindfulness and meditation in a safe and supportive group setting. Topics will include: stress and<br />
anxiety reduction, connecting with your mind and body, enhancing your self worth and self esteem, and<br />
learning about general relaxation and happiness. Wednesday October 17/12 at 35 Madison Ave from<br />
3 to 4:30 p.m. OR Thursday October 25/12 at 4600 Bathurst St.- Lipa Green Centre from 7 to 8:30<br />
p.m.<br />
YOUNGER WIDOW/WIDOWER BEREAVEMENT GROUP- A six session discussion series for<br />
individuals 60 and under who have recently lost a spouse. Topics include: coping with grief, living with<br />
loneliness and new beginnings. Tuesday October 23/12 at 4600 Bathurst St- Lipa Green Centre<br />
from 7:30 to 9 p.m.<br />
New- Understanding Anxieties and Learning Disabilities in Children- A one session introductory<br />
workshop for parents and/or professionals wanting to gain an understanding of the different types of<br />
anxiety, approaches to treatment and the relationship between anxiety and learning disabilities. Wednesday<br />
October 24/12 at 4600 Bathurst St.- Lipa Green Centre from 7 to 9 p.m.<br />
WHEN YOU’RE ABOUT TO SEPARATE: WHAT TO TELL THE KIDS- A workshop for parents<br />
about to separate or in the early stages of separation. How and when to tell the children as well as ideas<br />
and strategies to best meet your child’s needs will be discussed. Thursday October 25/12 at 4600<br />
Bathurst St- Lipa Green Ctre. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.<br />
ADULT CHILDREN LOSING A PARENT- A six session group for adult children who have recently<br />
lost a parent. Topics include: coping with grief, loss and legacy and resolving unfinished business. Tuesday<br />
October 30/12 at 4600 Bathurst St.- Lipa Green Centre. from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.<br />
WIDOW/WIDOWERS 65+ BEREAVEMENT- A six session daytime group for men and women<br />
over 65 years who have recently lost a partner or spouse. Topics to be discussed may include: coping<br />
with grief, living with loneliness, changing relationships, and new beginnings. Wednesday October<br />
31/12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 4600 Bathurst St- Lipa Green Centre.<br />
As with all of our programs, registration is required. Our groups and workshops are open to all<br />
members of the community regardless of cultural, religious and/or racial background and fee reductions<br />
are available. For more information or to register please call Shawna Sidney at 416-638-<br />
7800 X # 6215 or go to our website at www.jfandcs.com
@YRDSB Now Up and Tweeting!<br />
17<br />
The York Region District School Board recently entered the social media universe as part of its ongoing<br />
effort to enhance parent, family and community engagement in public education.<br />
Parents and students who are interested in learning more about what is going on in York Region public<br />
schools are invited to follow the York Region District School Board’s newly established Twitter account.<br />
Followers of @YRDSB can expect to receive information about:<br />
Opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys<br />
Busing and transportation<br />
Student programs and events<br />
Board policy information<br />
Board meetings and agendas<br />
New content on the YRDSB website<br />
Board events and photos<br />
Media releases<br />
Visit www.twitter.com/yrdsb to follow the York Region District School Board.
18<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 24<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 27<br />
<strong>Sept</strong>ember 28<br />
October 1<br />
October 4<br />
October 4<br />
October 5<br />
October 8<br />
<br />
<br />
School Council Mtg. 7:15pm<br />
Terry Fox Run—Morning<br />
Staff PD Day<br />
No school for students<br />
Autism Assembly—GYM<br />
Club Fair<br />
Awards Assembly<br />
Photo Re-take Day<br />
Thanksgiving Holiday<br />
No school today<br />
October 15-19<br />
19 SPIRIT Week<br />
October 15 SPIRIT Week Assembly Per 1<br />
October 15<br />
October 18<br />
October 18<br />
October 22<br />
October 25<br />
School Council Mtg 7:15pm<br />
Interim Reports Home<br />
IMPROV International<br />
PD Day—No School for students<br />
Parents Night
Change language