Sept. 14, 2012 - Thornlea

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Dear Families and Community Members:
Welcome to the start of the 2012 – 2013 school year! We are really looking forward to a
successful year at Thornlea Secondary School. We know that our students will once again
be busy pursuing their academic goals while getting the full school experience on our
teams, in our clubs, at our dances and while enjoying all that Thornlea has to offer. Our
staff members are excited to work with the students to ensure that all the classes and cocurricular
activities are exciting and engaging.
The past few weeks have been very busy at Thornlea and have been characterized by the
registration of many new students and student program changes. I would like to thank you
for your patience and support while our Guidance Department has worked tirelessly over
the past two weeks meeting with students and making timetable changes where possible. I
am so proud of the hard work of everyone. We are now all settled and raring to go!
During this week and next, each of our grades will be attending an assembly led by our
Guidance department ensuring that each grade has all of the information that they need to
plan for their futures. As well, the administration team will also be presenting at the assembly
to review the Safe Schools legislation, and the rights and responsibilities of all members
of our school community as outlined in the student agenda. I would encourage you to
take the time to sit with your child and review our rules and policies and assist us, in an
effort to make the learning environment as conducive to success as possible, academically
and socially.
Our first School Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 24 th at 7:15 pm in
our Library. Our School Council is made up of a wonderful group of dynamic individuals
who realize that coming out to our monthly meetings and realize that these meetings are a
great way to find out the “inside scoop” on what is happening in our school. As well, we
often have great guest speakers, from our school, who share with the parents interesting,
information and very helpful information on a wide-range of topics. We would really like
you to join us at our School Council meetings! We hope to see you on September 24 th .
I would like you to know that as a collaborative and consultative team leader, I strongly believe
in and value the community school concept, where the school is an integral part of
the community and serves students and their families by providing opportunities for lifelong
learning. I truly believe a school is a place where parents, students and staff can
work in partnership to improve student achievement.
Please feel free to contact me at sheri.epstein@yrdsb.edu.on.ca as I welcome your comments
or questions. Thank you again for your patience and support; together we can truly
make a difference for our children.
Sheri Epstein
Principal