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JUNE 2016MAPLE LEAF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Maple Leaf International School is a

private co-educational, independent

day school offering classes from

Kindergarten to Grade 12. Established

in 1994, and located in Alyce Heights,

Petit Valley, Maple Leaf is registered

with both the Ministry of Education in

Trinidad & Tobago and Ontario, Canada.

Graduates earn an Ontario Secondary

School Diploma, in compliance with the

curriculum requirements of the Ontario

Ministry of Education. The school places

a balanced emphasis on academics,

service achievements, leadership

opprtunities, as well as athletics and

the arts. Maple Leaf offers a seamless

transition from elementary to secondary

school with a supportive and close-knit

community of students, parents, staff

and alumni.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

Message from Our PrincipalDear Parents & Guardians,

It has been my pleasure to be the Principal at Maple Leaf International School this year. We have a fine school which continues to attract positive attention in many areas. I have been proud of our progress.

Our 2016 inspection with the Ontario Ministry of Education has been thorough and rigorous. Not only has all of our secondary curriculum been thoroughly reviewed, but two teachers, as well as Mrs Riley and myself were interviewed for hours. Our Ministry inspector commented that she had no recommendations and how “rare” that it was to have such a school. We will have the opportunity for the inspector to visit the school next year.

It is with regret that we will be having some staff leave the school. Ms. Booker, Mr. Zin, and Ms. Smallwood will be returning to the greater Toronto area schools. Mrs. Prentice will be joining her husband in Peterborough. Ms. Mason and Mr. Carrington will be heading to a school in Bangladesh. Ms. Valerie, a secondary educational assistant, will be enjoying some time off. In the Elementary school, we will be missing Mrs. Kuffour, a kindergarten teacher and Mrs. Costelloe, an educational assistant in grade 5. We would like to thank Ms. Hobday, Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Parkinson for so efficiently filling in for teachers during the year. These ladies were a wonderful addition to our school. We wish everyone well and want to extend an open invitation to visit us again anytime.

We would also like to thank our PTA. Through their generous donations over the years, we have been able to upgrade all of our classrooms with interactive projectors and document cameras. Every term they have shown how much they have appreciated the staff by surprising us with treats or gifts. This is something I have not seen in a very long time in my other schools. The staff certainly appreciates the PTA’s support!

I am excited to let you know that planning for next year is well underway and the final details are just being sorted.

In closing, thank you for your continued support. May you have a relaxing and safe summer holiday. See you all on September 1st.

Debora JonesPrincipal

IMPORTANT DATES

JULY• Summer Camp 4- 15• Eid PUBLIC HOLIDAY 6

AUGUST

• Emancipation PUBLIC HOLIDAY 1• Textbook Distribution begins (Grades 7-12) 15• New Elementary Student Orientation 25• New Secondary Student Orientation 30 • Independence PUBLIC HOLIDAY 31

SEPTEMBER

• School reopens 1• MLIS AGM 7

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STUDENTS COOP WORK FAIR 2016

The students had a successful work fair, by displaying their information and talking about the job intern they chose. We would like to thank the companies that allowed the students this great opportunity- Meta Spa; St Clair Medical Centre; Winsys Ltd and St Joseph Montessori School. The students got first-hand knowledge and training in the work place. They also had the responsibility of attending classes to help them prepare for the workplace and to evaluate their experience. They all enjoyed their experiences and two students will continue to work with their respective companies.

COOP WORK FAIR

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2016 GRADUATESOn June 29, 2016, 44 students (20 girls, 24 boys) graduated from Maple Leaf International School with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Of these 44 successful graduates, 19 were Ontario Scholars. Ontario Scholars are graduates who have achieved an average of 80% or higher in six grade 12 courses.

The post secondary plans of these students include University, College, Gap Year, Work and continuing secondary studies. The information is illustrated below with 66% of our students heading to University, 16% to College, 14% taking a gap year and 4% for other.

POST SECONDARY PLANS

There are 34 students who will be beginning their tertiary education in September this year and they are headed off to different Universities and Colleges in various countries as illustrated below.

TERTIARY EDUCATION DESTINATION

65%

17%

12% 6%

Canada

UK

USA

T&T

At our 2016 Graduation Ceremony, the graduates were recognised for their achievements in the various disciplines and we are proud to share them with you. Congratulations to all 2016 graduates!

SUBJECT AWARDS 2015-2016

Subject awards are presented to the graduate with the highest mark in the grade 12 courses. A minimum of 80% must have been achieved. TT $1000 is awarded to each recipient.

Business Studies - The average of any two of the following courses: Accounting, International Business, Business or Business Leadership. Awarded to Ben Foster.

Canadian and World Studies - The average of any two of the following courses: World History, World Geography, Law. Awarded to Nausicaa Wit.

Co-operative Education – Two credits earned in Co-operative Education. Awarded to Jayna Rezende.

Computer Technology - The average of Computer Science and Communication Technology. Awarded to Tristan Sabeeney.

English - University level. Awarded to Cristiano Chelotti.

English - College level. Awarded to Alyssa Chandler.

Humanities - The average of any two of the following: Challenge and Change in Society, Food and Nutrition, Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society. Awarded to Silvia Spinn.

Mathematics - The average of any two of the following courses: Advanced Functions, Calculus, Data Management, Math for College Technology, Foundations for College Math. Awarded to Ana Ferreira.

Science - The average of any two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science. Awarded to Ana Ferreira.

Visual Arts - Mixed level Visual Art. Awarded to Zach Kelshall.

Music – Mixed level Music. Awarded to Maia Andrew.

Spanish – University level. Awarded to Nausicaa Wit.

66%

16%

14% 4%

University

College

Gap Year

Work/Study

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GRADUATING CLASS 2015-2016 AWARDS

Ontario Scholars are graduates who have achieved an average of 80% or higher in six grade 12 courses. The Ontario Scholars are Maia Andrew, Cavan Byrne, Cristiano Chelotti, Michael Church, Ana Ferreira, Benjamin Foster, Gabrielle Herai, Saskia Johnson, Zachary Kelshall, Lauren Lambie, Liane Maingot, Jonathan Miller, Ashley Pollonais, Michael Rahaman, Tristan Sabeeney, Silvia R. Spinn, Jordan Warner, Nausicaa Wit, Bianca Woo.

House League Award presented to the graduate who displays outstanding leadership and involvement, as determined by the achieving 2 Winits in each of the categories of Athletics, Academics and Arts and 3 Winits from Leadership. - Tristan Sabeeney

P.T.A Citizenship Award of TT $1000 presented to the graduate who has made significant contribution to the MLIS community, with a willingness to place the good of others ahead of personal interests. - Ana Ferreira P.T.A Academic Award of TT $2500 presented to the graduate with the highest average in six U or M level courses. - Cristiano Chelotti

Sagicor Bursary of TT $5000 presented to the graduate with the highest overall average and continuing to a post-secondary business program. – Adam Naime

Sports Leadership Award of TT $1000 each presented to the male and female graduates who have shown dedication and leadership in sports, both on and off the field. - Jordan Warner & Tyla Herrera

Students’ Council Award of TT $1000 presented to the graduate who has demonstrated commitment to MLIS and has been an active member of the Students’ Council.- Saskia Johnson

The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award and TT $1000 pays tribute to the graduate who not only completed the required number of volunteer hours to graduate, but went above and beyond. – Tyla Herrera

The Governor General’s Medal and Award of TT $2000 presented to the graduate with the highest average of all grade 11 and grade 12 courses. - Cristiano Chelotti

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CONGRATULATIONS!

University of Waterloo Mathematics Competition

Maple Leaf is proud to present this years participants for the University of Waterloo Mathematics Competition. Students from Grade 9 to 11 competed in several competitions which resulted in two students receiving a distinction in their respected categories. A certificate of Distinction is a ranking in the top 25 percentile globally.

Maple Leaf is proud to announce Adam Herrera as a Medal recipient for the Pascal Competition and Matthew De La Bastide as the recipient for the Galois competition.

Students are encouraged to sign up for next years competition as the aim is to increase enjoyment, confidence and ability in mathematics whilst testing their abilities globally. Great job to all who took part this year.

BLOOD DRIVE

Thank you to the blood donors who gave willingly to the voluntary blood drive at Maple Leaf International School on Friday 3 June. Twenty units of life saving blood were donated by the parents, students and staff of the school to the Friends of the Blood Bank Association.

FOOTBALL U19 - Maple Leaf vs ISPS

Congratulations to the Maple Leaf Under 19 football team who won their match against ISPS on May 17, 2016 with a 4:3 score. The goal scorers were Jordan Warner, Thomas Sorzano, Kevin Wharfe and Jorge Rodriguez. Spectacular goal keeping was executed by Timothy Brooks. Fantastic game team!

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INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR

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How parents of the ’80s can connect with their kidsBy Kristine Meldrum Denholm March 29, 2016The Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com My then-14-year-old and I were in the car, driving after one of those stifling hot travel baseball tournaments that drain the doubleheaders out of you.

A few minutes into our trek on I-95 north, as my son was attempting to de-baseball after roughly 12 hours of sun and grounders at shortstop, Journey came on the classic rock station, and this ’80s chick blasted it. “Steve Perry had the best voice of that era,” I remarked. Then Foreigner came on and I turned that higher. “Lou Gramm might’ve been the third best vocalist then. I’d put Dennis DeYoung of Styx at number two.”

“Mom,” he said, balking at my memories of Foreigner’s ‘4.’ “We always listen to your music. Can we listen to something from the last 30 years?”

It hit me like a line drive that I didn’t know what this Sweet Child O Mine’s favorite song was these days, as he’d always been on headphones. So, I handed over the DJ duties. He played a song from his phone, which I liked. “Arctic

Monkeys,” he said, before I could ask. And then he played “Imagine Dragons.” (“Imagine all the people,” I said.)

As we talked all the way home about our musical eras, I felt goose bumps that my middle child and I were relating, carving out our own space. Had I stumbled onto a way to connect with my son that didn’t involve school or sports?

I asked one of my best friends, Christine Barckhoff, a psychotherapist in Knoxville. (Full disclosure: we spent many Glory Days in college dancing to the “Born in the USA”, “Faith” and INXS’ “Kick” CDs.)

“The challenge during the teen years is to find connection with your adolescent. This is hard to do when their developmental task is to pull away,” she said. “Sharing music is a fantastic way to connect. It’s an opportunity to be accepting of your child while reminding them that you are a human with likes and dislikes of our own. It teaches an openness to others.”

I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slide into second, like the discarded remains of the Endless Summer Nights with my Richard Marx cassette. I approached him with an idea.

“How about I text you a classic each day, and you send me a new song you like?” I asked him. He nodded. (He was belted in so was forced to listen to my ideas.)

And so it went: I sent him Born to Run. I got back Drake and Kid Cudi.

Little by little, as only teenagers can do — when they want you around (but not really) — we texted more. They let you see their world line by line, lyric by lyric.

He said he liked my Hotel California clip after Glen Frey’s death. “He and Henley will go down in music history as one of the best songwriting teams of all time,” I say. He agreed, and then sent me David Bowie’s last video, Lazarus. Which led into a short discussion about life, death and art. Did we just have a round of true teenage communication?

On the anniversary of The Day the Music Died, I sent him American Pie. Which led me to tell him a story about a date I had in the ’90s to see “The Buddy Holly Story” with a guy with a dinosaur cling-on sticker on his car. He laughed, then sent back Heartless by Kanye West. I told him I liked the chorus, and asked him what he liked about it.

PARENTING CORNER

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Later I reached out to Kimberly Sena Moore, a music therapist at the University of Miami who blogs for Psychology Today. Is this a parenting tip, I asked? Up to now, I had just played my music. And he did the same. (With headphones, never the two shall meet.)

“Sharing your music with someone else can be a vulnerable experience. We have strong personal connections to our music and it can be emotionally risky to be open and share that with another. You are sharing a part of your identity,” she said.

She pointed to the unique relationship between teens, parents and music: Elvis in the ’50s, “hippie” music and Woodstock in the ’60s and ’70s, and Madonna in the ’80s. Papa Don’t Preach?

“Talk to any parent from any decade and you will hear how their parent could hardly stand the raucous noise his or her child blasted. For teenagers, though, musical preference is strongly associated to a budding sense of personal and social identity. The stage, then, is set for a potential conflict based on musical choice and preference.”

I contemplate the times I banned music that degrades women — or worse. And no explicit lyrics in their earphones. (I stand by my boundaries.)

“Sharing music can be a bridge,” says Sena Moore. “Particularly if parents maintain an open, non-judgmental mind. Sharing music together can help each generation share a part of them, if the recipient is open to listening and understanding.”

Until then, I’d been just turning up my music in the car — in what had become a one-way jam down I-95 —without hearing why he liked hip hop. In doing so, I had missed a chance to connect.

Now, he can’t escape my text every day. Don’t You Forget About Me, kid! But you know what? He always texts one back. And for now, a 16-year-old and I are speaking. When I run out of song ideas, I crowd-source from friends more classics for future YouTube texts.

We connect, if only for a moment, like a… Total Eclipse of the Heart?

“Mom, what’s this song again?” he said one recent evening, when I texted a friend’s suggestion, Rumble, from the ’50s. “It was one of the few instrumentals to actually be banned from the radio,” I said. He laughed. “Like when you ban songs, thinking they’re going to desensitize me?” And then we started talking about bans, generations…and other teen stuff.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This.)

Here are the top ten songs on the Billboard Charts, for the week of July 9. Start your conversation today...

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A BUSY YEAR FOR THE PTA

PTA Executive Committee2016-2017

President Richard Bradford

Vice President Giselle Thompson

Secretary Lisa Siu Chong

Assistant SecretaryRoxanne Ayoung

TreasurerNalini Seebaran-Ali

FundraiserKern Crosby

Assistant Fundraiser/TreasurerWendy Hosein

Communications OfficerJoanne Bell

Chairperson of Grade RepresentativesKeirstin Sorzano

Assistant Chairperson of Grade Reps.Jody Ann Herde

Maple Leaf International School welcomes our new Executive Committee and look forward to their

continued support in the new school year.

Pan on D’Bay 2

Teacher THANK YOU’s!

APPRECIATION

Donations

Supporting the arts

Recognising our students

Giving Back

Playground painting

Saying Farewell