LOOKING AHEAD

Thornhill Secondary School

PAW PRINTS

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 November 2015

INSIDE Page(s)

Information from Guidance 2

TSS Dramatic Arts 3

History 3

Geography Department 4

Physics & Astronomy Night 4

English Department 5

Mathematics Corner 5

ESL 6

DECA Provincials 6

Vimy 2017 Trip 7

Shoe Drive 8

November 25 Cdn Math Competition November 26 Semi-Formal November 27 PA Day November 30 Full Disclosure December 3 Gr 8 Open House December 15 1Music Night December 17 Last Day Drop Courses Dec 21-Jan 1 Christmas Break January 4 Classes Resume

Thornhill Secondary School 167 Dudley Avenue

Thornhill, ON L3T 2E5

Telephone: 905.889.5453 Fax: 905.889.0360

Website: http://thornhill.ss.yrdsb.ca

Administration David McAdam, Principal

Sandy Kofalvi, Vice-Principal Michelle Randall, Vice-Principal

Superintendent of Schools Rashmi Swarup

Trustee Susan Geller

School Council Co-Chairs Susan Eaton and Shirley Porjes Gupta

Principal’s Message Greetings! This is the first of four newsletters for the current

academic year. To all members of our school community, belated

welcome (back)!

Thornhill S.S. is a terrific learning center with a committed staff,

caring parents, and talented students. Term One has been marked by

several annual events: the Terry Fox Run and Carnival, the Awards

Ceremony for 2014-2015, the Post-Secondary Fair, Remembrance

Day Assemblies and Anti-Bullying Week. Other examples are noted

throughout this newsletter. Kudos to one and all for your

contributions!

As we know, families play a vital role in the well-being and

development of children. Students tend to fare better in school when

parents show interest in their experiences, help set appropriate

expectations, cultivate a home environment that is conducive to

learning, and stay in touch with their teachers. Indeed, there are

immense benefits to a strong home-school partnership. To our parent

community, thanks for your ongoing involvement as valued partners

at T.S.S.

This issue of the newsletter coincides with the distribution of the Mid-

Semester Report Card and Response Form. The report card reflects

the level of achievement for each child in their courses at this time.

We commend our students on all their successes! It is very likely that

in some situations a more focused effort will improve student

outcomes. With this in mind, we welcome parents and students to

review course results and to discuss improvement strategies,

including the academic supports provided by the school. Our staff

members are pleased to assist you accordingly. The completed

Response Forms are due by November 30.

The 2015-2016 school year represents another great opportunity in

our journey of continuous improvement. We persist in our goal to

offer innovative and engaging programs in academics, the arts, sports,

and technological studies in an inclusive, respectful and safe

environment. In alignment with our School Improvement Plan, we

strive to hone students’ critical literacy skills and learning skills in all

pathways.

On behalf of the Administration Team, I extend thanks to community

partners, parents/guardians, peer-leaders, students, support-staff

members and teachers for your ongoing efforts in the betterment of

TSS.

With best wishes,

David A. McAdam

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 TSS PAW PRINTS PAGE 2

Information from TSS Guidance

Reminder of Full-time Student Status Students who maintain a full timetable tend to be our most successful students.

In accordance with York Region District School Board and Thornhill Secondary School policy, all students must take four courses

per semester in their day school until they have 24 credits.

When students have earned 24 credits, they may take three courses per semester.

Full-time student status is defined as: Eight courses per year for Grade 9 and 10 students

Eight courses for Grade 11 students, with fewer than 24 credits

A minimum of seven credits for Grade 11 students, with 24 credits or more

A minimum of six credits for Grade 12 students with 24 credits or more (3 each semester)

Students are expected to maintain full-time status at Thornhill Secondary School in order to graduate from TSS and to be eligible for

school/graduation awards. If you have questions please contact Guidance.

Thirty Four Credits Most students will complete 30 credits in 4 years to meet the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements; however, if needed,

students may earn up to 34 credits within 5 years. Please see Guidance for more details about the 34 credit threshold or visit

www.yrdsb.ca/students

The Online Course Selection Process for 2016/2017

Students are able to view our online course calendar and begin the process of requesting courses for next year using Career Cruising.

You can use this program to choose courses, explore career and education options, and develop a career plan. Students, with their

parents/guardians, are responsible for ensuring that their course selections meet diploma and post-secondary requirements.

Important Reminder: The courses students submit in February 2016 are used to build the school schedule for September 2016.

If you are planning on taking a course in summer school or outside of the York Region District School Board please do not select

that course for your 2016/2017 Thornhill SS schedule.

If you have questions please speak with Guidance.

In February 2016, Guidance will review the course selection process in Grade Assemblies.

How to access Career Cruising to start exploring: Go to http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/thornhill.ss then select on the lower right hand side of the page; or access this program from the

York Region District School Board homepage, or by going to www.yrdsb.ca/guidance.services.

Message to Grade 12 Graduating Students:

Congratulations!

This is the year when you will be making choices about continuing your education at a post-secondary institution, staying in high

school, starting an apprenticeship or going directly into the workforce. It is your responsibility as a graduating student to make sure

that you have all the necessary credits and community involvement hours to graduate high school and meet the expectations for post-

secondary options and opportunities.

Staying informed is also your responsibility. Here’s how you can keep in the loop….

Our School Website: http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/thornhill.ss (follow the links to Guidance Department)

Facebook: Thornhill Guidance Info

Weekly School Bulletins

Morning Announcements Bulletin Boards: inside and outside the Guidance Office (including one on Community Involvement)

Guidance Counsellors: make an appointment with your alpha counsellor

Mr.Belman, A to D; Ms.Schuur, E to N; Ms.Fremont, O to Z.

Thank you.

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 TSS PAW PRINTS PAGE 3

ON-LINE DONATION AND PAYMENT

Did you know that payments or donations to the school (e.g. for field trips, sports teams, school council

fundraising) can now be made on-line? The process is simple. For more information, visit School Cash Online at

https://www.SchoolCashOnline.com

Thornhill Dramatic Arts Wednesday, October 28th saw the Grade 12 Drama students visiting the Factory Theatre to

see the Canadian play “Age of Arousal” by Linda Griffiths.

“Griffiths is one of Canada’s ‘originals’ known not only for the quality of

her work, but for the sheer range of her career.” (Maclean’s Magazine)

The play, set in 1880’s London in the midst of turbulent times, deals with

friendship, romance, sex and suffrage. The characters are dealing with

the struggles of the suffragettes for equality and all struggle for a life

without repression in this arena of political unrest.

“Everyone in this play is on the brink of tumultuous change” L.Griffiths

In December, the Grade 11’s will take a trip to see “Kim’s Convenience” at the Bluma Appel

Theatre in Toronto.

The 2015/16 school year is off to a busy start. The History Department is excited to offer a field trip in the Grade 11 Introduction to Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology class as well as Grade 12 Philosophy and Grade 12 World History classes. On November 25, 2015 these classes will be heading to the Aga Khan museum in Toronto. The Aga Khan is a new museum offering students an in depth look at Islamic and Arabic culture and history. At the museum students will be given a guided tour of the exhibits and

participate in a workshop. As well, students will have the option to visit the brand new Ismaili Centre.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge the History Department along with

the YRDSB is planing a school trip to Europe. The 7-night trip will be fully guided and include hotel,

transportation, breakfast, dinner, sightseeing tours, and entrance to major historic sights such as Juno Beach

Centre and Vimy Ridge Memorial. We will also be

visiting London, Normandy, Vimy and Paris. The tour

dates are from April 3-11, 2017. More information

is available, please feel free to contact Ms. Retsos at

the school (905-889-5453). ext 656.

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 TSS PAW PRINTS PAGE 4

York University Faculty of Science Physics and Astronomy Night: On October 14, some TSS Physics students, along with Mr. Body, Mr. Thomson and Ms. Meema, attended a showing of the movie “The Martian” at the Colossus Vaughan Cinemas hosted by York University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. After the movie, York faculty members gave short presentations about some of the science behind The Martian followed by a Q&A session. One of the special guests was Alan Carswell, Professor Emeritus, founder of Optech Inc. and Co-Investigator with the Phoenix Mars Lander (the first to discover falling snow on Mars). Students and Physics teachers from across the GTA were in attendance. Is travel to Mars really feasible? How realistic were some of the scenes in the movie? Does Mars have enough atmosphere for the wind storms shown in the movie? Students asked some really thoughtful questions. Free dinner and a free movie followed by stimulating intellectual discussion – what could be more fun?! The Science Dept. would like to thank Marshall McCall, Chair of York’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, and father of a recent TSS grad, for hosting the event.

“What is where? Why there? Why care?”

Welcome Geographers to another school year! The questions of “what is where, why there, and

why care” are used throughout our Geography program to encourage students to investigate the world

around them and to critically think about their role in it!

Grade 9 Geographers started the course using their mapping skills to locate places in Canada and geotechnologies to examine

Canada’s landscape – how it was formed, how it changes, and how we use it. In October, the students had an opportunity to

participate in a field work excursion to the Kortright Centre. They practiced their orienteering skills with GPS units and explored

first-hand the physical environment of the moraine. We have now shifted our focus to Canada’s industries and resource

management by analyzing and discussing issues ranging from trade to energy to climate change. Throughout the units, students

have been using the Google Classroom and digital tools such as Google “My Maps” to organize, access, and communicate their

learning.

Students in the Grade 11 Travel and Tourism course have been analyzing visitor patterns and trends, exploring tourist

attractions, and discussing how travel issues and events impact various regions in the world. Some of our “virtual travels” have

taken us to Europe, the Caribbean and to eco-tourism destination of Costa Rica. Students will also be examining changes and

future planning of Toronto’s tourism industry with a planned excursion to Billy Bishop Airport and Union Station. Our next

destinations? Get ready for take-off to the African savanna, Brazil for the upcoming Olympics, and to emerging destinations in

Asia. Throughout the units, students have been using the Google Classroom and digital tools such as Google “My Maps” and

“Google Earth” to organize, access, and communicate their learning.

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 TSS PAW PRINTS PAGE 5

English Department:

The English Department is committed to providing students with quality instruction that encourages them to

become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. Our focus is on student-centered learning and other

differentiated learning strategies. In addition, we strive to develop and maximize student learning skills and

work habits by emphasizing process and awareness of learning through metacognitive assessment.

Writing Contests: Do you want to get published? Do you want the world to read your words? Did you know that writing

competitions can jumpstart a career? Would you like to win a cash prize? For creative writing opportunities

and contests see postings in Room 201 or ask your English teacher .

Coming Up: Grade 9 students will be off to a see a production of Romeo and Juliet performed by The Classical Theatre

Project in Toronto on Tuesday, December 1st.

Grade 10 students will be supported by the Literacy Team and explicit in class instruction to prepare for the

OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) through the month of November.

Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are involved in the process work leading up to the submission of their ISU

essays and projects throughout the months of November and December.

This year the Mathematics Department is looking forward to a successful year again with its math contests. Many contests will

be taking place in the months to come so please get your kids involved in writing these contests. As well, the junior and senior

math club takes place every Wednesday after school in Room 120. Come and have fun doing math!

Canadian Intermediate and Senior Math Club – Wednesday Nov 25, 2015

Pascal (grade 9), Cayley (grade 10), Fermat (grade 11) – Wednesday Feb 24, 2016

Euclid (grade 12) – Tuesday April 12, 2016

Fryer (grade 9), Galois (grade 10), Hypatia (grade 11) –

Wednesday April 13, 2016

PAGE 6 TSS PAW PRINTS VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

Congratulations to our 106 competitors in the recent DECA Regionals on November 7th at Pierre

Elliott Trudeau. Our chapter had an outstanding performance and enjoyed a day of intense

competition from over 2000 York Region students.

We thank all the competitors and our teachers for supporting us: Ms. DelBianco, Mr. Thomson,

Ms. Wister-Smith, Ms. Lengyell, Mr. Catapano and Mr. Moscaritolo.

The Thornhill ESL Department is continuing to grow! As we continue to welcome Newcomers and VISA students, the cultural diversity, as well as academic excellence, of TSS is enhanced. In addition, the Hand in Hand Club plays an important role at TSS as it organizes educational events, celebrations and orientations to welcome new students.

The Hand in Hand Club will host a Winter Celebration in December. We look forward to celebrating the coming holidays with staff and students in Room 138 as we participate in winter celebrations, games, and food.

Good luck to everyone in the second half of semester 1 – work hard and stay healthy!

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 TSS PAW PRINTS PAGE 7

PAGE 8 TSS PAW PRINTS VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

Children Learn What They Live

By Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism,

They learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,

They learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,

They learn to be shy.

If children live with shame,

They learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement,

They learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance,

They learn to be patient.

If children live with praise,

They learn to appreciate.

If children live with acceptance,

They learn to love.

If children live with approval,

They learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty,

They learn truthfulness.

If children live with security,

They learn to have faith in themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness,

They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

YORK REGION HOMESTAY PROGRAM Have you ever thought about hosting an international student? Join hundreds of local York Region families who have participated in the wonderful Homestay Program. Host families have the opportunity to enjoy a culturally enriching experience. They receive $900 per month to cover the cost of hosting a visa student. Please contact Homestay@yrdsb.ca for more information and a link to the Homestay Host application. Community & International Education Services Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning 905.884.2046