Upload
lamcong
View
218
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THORNHILL
SECONDARY SCHOOL
About Thornhill SS Welcome to Thornhill Secondary
School (TSS), home of the Tigers!
Founded in 1954, the school has a
long-standing tradition of excellent
programs and outstanding student
achievement. Our students are
community-oriented, civic-minded,
and socially conscientious.
Educating your child is a tremendous
responsibility. Our staff members
constantly strive to ensure that each
student experiences a challenging,
engaging learning program in a safe,
i n c l u s i v e a n d s u p p o r t i v e
environment. We aim to address the
social, emotional and academic needs
of each learner, as we develop literate
students of character.
This pamphlet is designed to
familiarize parents and students with
expectations, process and supports
for moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9.
We are delighted that you are joining
us, and look forward to partnering
with, and serving you. Please do not
hesitate to contact any of the listed
staff members if you have questions.
Administration
Principal: Mr. D. McAdam
Vice Principals: Mr. L. Lim
Ms. S. Smullen
Superintendent: Ms. J. Young
Trustee: Ms. S. Geller
Guidance Department
Counsellor Alpha
Mr. H. Belman A-H
Ms. K. Schuur I-Le
Ms. E. Blicker Li-Z
SUBJECT / PROGRAM DEPARTMENT/
PROGRAM LEAD
EXT.
Advanced Placement Program Mark Gatti 704
Alternative Education Maria Lingeman 157
Art Vanessa Herman-Landau 629
Business Studies Monica DelBianco 688
Co-operative Education Heather Patterson 316
Drama Christine Clark 604
English Paula Borges 608
ESL Martha Bazos 627
Family Studies Ilana Kaczmarek 640
Geography Kim Earle 633
Gifted Program Karen Schuur 312
Guidance Elyse Blicker 310
Physical Education Cynthia Therrien 603
High Performance Athlete Program Heather Patterson 316
History Marina Retsos 656
Library Mary Mitchell 698
Mathematics Mark Gatti 704
Modern Languages Cristina Cassata 621
Music Marianne Spilberg 662
Science Ian Thomson 669
Special Education Mary DiLorenzo 652
Specialist High Skills Major Tammie Waller 158
Student Success Cheryl Shepherd 661
Technological Studies Lou D’Angela 610
The Mission of Our School
Thornhill S.S. is committed to providing students with a quality education that considers the past, prepares for the future and expects the best from each student.
School Improvement Plan (SIP)
At T.S.S., we strive for continuous improvement in our journey from great to excellent. Our SIP includes three main foci:
1. Literacy and Academic Achievement 2. Well-being, Safe and Caring
Environment 3. Pathways and Partnerships.
167 Dudley Avenue Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 2E5
Phone: 905-889-5453 Fax: 905-889-0360
www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca www.thornhillss.ca
www.thornhill.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Page 2 THORNHILL SECONDARY SCHOOL
COURSE PATHWAYS
FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 9 AND 10 PATHWAY ABILITY/STRENGTHS BENEFITS
OPEN Available to students working
at all levels Opportunities to explore personal interests
ESSENTIAL/LOCALLY
DEVELOPED
Working below grade level in
Math, English and Science Guided approach to learning
Practical examples and concrete objects
APPLIED Working at or above grade
level Highly structured
Learning by doing and some theoretical work
Chunking of learning in smaller packages
ACADEMIC Working at or above grade
level Independent learning
Learning by doing along with extensive theoretical work
Enrichment opportunities
Compulsory Courses
English (Academic, Applied, Locally Developed, Gifted, English as a Second Language)
Mathematics (Academic, Applied, Locally Developed, Gifted)
Science (Academic, Applied, Locally Developed, Gifted, ESL)
Geography (Academic, Applied, Gifted, ESL)
Health and Physical Education (Female or Male)
French (Introduction, Academic, Applied, Gifted)
ELL students identified at the ESL A, B or C level will take two ESL courses (one per semester). Students at the ESL D level will take ESL D plus Grade 9 English.
Elective Courses
Arts (Drama, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Keyboard Music, Guitar, Visual Arts)
Business Studies (Information and Communication Technology in Business)
Social Science (Individual and Family Living)
Technology Studies (Exploring Technologies)
Computer Studies
Learning Strategies (only if determined through IPRC)
Additional After School Music Courses
Instrumental Repertoire
Vocal Repertoire
Grade 9 Compulsory and Elective Courses
Grade 9 Sample Timetable (four courses per semester)
Semester 1 Semester 2
Time Class Time Class
Period 1 8:50 – 10:05
English (ENG1D1)
Period 1 8:50 – 10:05
Math (MFM1P1)
Opening Exercises 10:05 – 10:10
Opening Exercises Opening Exercises 10:05 – 10:10
Opening Exercises
Period 2 10:15 – 11:30
French (FSF1P1)
Period 2 10:15 – 11:30
Phys Ed (PPL1O8)
Period 3A 11:30 – 12:10
LUNCH Period 3A 11:30 – 12:10
LUNCH
Period 3B 12:10 – 12:50
Science (SNC1D1)
Period 3B 12:10 – 12:50
Art (AVI1O1)
Period 3C 12:50 – 1:30
Science (SNC1D1)
Period 3C 12:50 – 1:30
Art (AVI1O1)
Period 4 1:30 – 2:45
Drama (ADA1O1)
Period 4 1:30 – 2:45
Geography (CGC1D1)
Gifted Program
Formal identification is required through IPRC to be eligible for gifted programming.
The TSS Gifted Program strives to broaden and deepen the learning experience of the student.
Students must choose a minimum of four courses at the Gifted level in grade 9 and four more in grade 10.
Courses Available in Grades 9 and 10: English, Mathematics, Science, French, Gr. 9 Geography, Grade 10 History
For further information contact Karen Schuur ext 312.
THORNHILL SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Advanced Placement Program
Thornhill Secondary School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students take university destination courses at a more rigorous level in high school. This international program is administered by the College Board and allows stu-dents to receive credit, advanced placement or both from participating colleges and universities.
AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. However, the AP experience offers numerous benefits, including developing the intellectual skills and the self-discipline needed for university.
For more information go to: www.collegeboard.com
Grade 11 Pre-AP: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Mathematics
Grade 12 AP: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Advanced Functions, Calculus
For further information contact Mark Gatti ext 704.
Specialist High Skil ls Major:
Health and Wellness
What is a Specialist High Skills Major?
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program is a Minis-try of Education initiative helping students develop special-ized skills in various careers while in high school.
Students earn extra recognition among high school gradu-ates, with a RED SEAL certification on their diploma.
Who is it for?
Grade 11 & 12 students in any pathway (apprenticeship, college, university or workplace) who are interested in ex-ploring a field of study related to the Health and Wellness Sector A second Sector in Sport is being p l a n n e d f o r September 2014.
F o r f u r t h e r information contact Tammie Waller ext 158.
High Performance Athlete Program—
Summary
The High Performance Athlete (HPA) Program is designed to meet the needs of those students actively pursuing athletic training for higher-level competitions.
Criteria for entry
a minimum of 15 hours training per week for 6 months
a coach’s recommendation
an application, teacher references, and an interview
Advantages
flexible timetable to supporttraining schedules
accommodation by staff for missed time due to competition
preparation towards post-secondary education
Credits
Students may earn up to 8 Co-operative Education elective credits
For further information contact Heather Patterson ext 316.
Page 3
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS At TSS we offer diverse learning opportunities to align with the needs, interests and abilities of our students. Our staff members work in collaboration with parents and community partners to support each student’s well-being, growth and achievement. We welcome and encourage respectful and responsible use of digital technology tools in our programs to enrich learning.
THORNHILL SECONDARY SCHOOL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How can I best support my child’s learning and development as a high school student? A. Show interest and stay involved in your child’s school-life. Stay in touch with your child’s teachers. Attend school
events and participate in the School Council. Stay informed about issues that teenagers face. Encourage your child’s involvement in extra-curricular activities. Celebrate your child’s successes.
Q. How can I keep up to date on special events, dates and trips? A. There are several ways in which information is communicated: weekly e-bulletin to parents, school website, Guidance
website and Facebook page. The Student Agenda Book also outlines all important dates in the “School Activity Calendar”.
Q. How will my child find out about joining clubs and teams in the school? A. There will be a Clubs Fair during the first month of school. The T.S.S. website also lists all the clubs currently running
in the school. Students should follow our Students’ Council, the T.S.S. Board of Student Senators (B.O.S.S) on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on clubs and club-related events.
Q. How can I obtain assistance with course selection or get more information about certain programs? A. Information regarding courses, course selection process and programs can be found on the school website. Click on
Departments, then Guidance. If you are unable to find answers to your questions, you may speak with one of the Guidance Counsellors.
Q. When does school registration take place? A. School registration occurs at the end of August for all grades. Students will have the opportunity to pick up their time-
tables and to purchase items such as: yearbook; student activity card and physical education uniform.
Q. Does my child need to take all courses at one pathway (i.e. academic or applied)? A. No. Students can mix and match course pathways depending on strengths and needs. Follow the recommendations of
your child’s Grade 8 teacher. You can also refer to course pathway charts found in the course calendar on the YRDSB website.
Q: What is the transfer process if our family does not live within Thornhill S.S. boundaries? A. The school’s status in accepting transfers is determined at the start of each calendar year. If you attend a YRDSB
school and would like to apply for a transfer to TSS, please submit a completed transfer request form (available at your elementary school) and submit it with your registration form to your home secondary school by February 3rd, 2014.
Q: What if my child has applied to another school for a specialized program but is unsure of acceptance? Should I still register at T.S.S. if it is my home school? A. Yes, please register at T.S.S.. If your application is granted, then the course selections can be transferred to your new
YRDSB school.
Page 4 THORNHILL SECONDARY
THORNHILL SECONDARY SCHOOL
COURSE SELECTION 2014/2015
Students and parents should speak to Grade 8 teachers about pathway options when selecting courses.
Complete your course selection on Career Cruising. Lock-in window will occur in mid-February (date to be announced)
To Access Career Cruising and select your courses: Go to www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca Scroll down to and click on:
Login by entering your username York-xxxxxxxxx, where xxxxxxxxx is your 9-digit student number. When logging in for the first time, the password is the student’s birth date using the format mmddyyyy. The system will prompt the student for a new password and their email address.
To enter your course selections, click on from the list of options in the menu on the left hand side of the screen.
Click on the blue book icon at the top right of your planner to see a full course directory for Thornhill Secondary School.