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Stephen Lewis Secondary School Email: [email protected] Website: stephenlewis.ss.yrdsb.ca
Phone: 905-326-7994, 647-123-4567 555 Autumn Hill Boulevard, Thornhill, ON L4J 8X2
March 20, 2017 This is an information update from Stephen Lewis Secondary School.
Message from our Trustee With spring approaching and the hours of daylight increasing, now is a good time to enjoy the outdoors and our natural environment. Did you know that our Board has five outdoor education centres, and students have opportunities to visit them and other outdoor learning spaces throughout their schooling? This is part of our commitment to giving students an opportunity to learn in and about the natural world. This learning supports students in gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental sustainability.
“Modelling continuous environmental sustainability” is one of the goals outlined in our Board of Trustees’ Multi-Year Plan. We believe that we all have a role to play in reducing waste and protecting our environment. Our students, staff members and families continue to show leadership when it comes to supporting student learning and initiatives to reduce our ecological footprint.
Spending time outside as a family also provides a great opportunity to support and enhance your child’s learning outside of school. Whether visiting a park or museum, reading with your child in your home language or asking questions about their day at school - know that there are many ways you can support their education and that you are making a difference.
I hope you all have a happy and safe March Break and enjoy the warmer weather ahead.
Linda Aversa, Trustee York Region District School Board School Climate Survey for Students Students in Grades 5 to 12 at the York Region District School Board will be invited to participate in a survey between March 20 and April 28, 2017. The survey is voluntary, anonymous and confidential, and will take place at school.
The YRDSB survey fulfills the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirement for schools to conduct
student surveys and is aligned with the YRDSB’s Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-Being. Survey questions will address topics related to Math, Modern Learning, Mental Health and Well-Being, Equity, and School Safety.
This survey provides an opportunity to hear directly from students and the results will be used to identify student needs and plan strategies to support student achievement and well-being. If you have questions, please contact the school office.
If you do not wish your child(ren) to participate in the survey, please contact the school by April 1, 2017.
Course Selection Verification
This week students will receive a verification of the courses that they have chosen for the 2017- 2018 school year. Students wishing to make a change to these courses should cross out the course they no longer want and write the name of the course that they do want, have a parent/guardian sign the form and submit it directly the Guidance Office no later than April 3, 2017
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) Successful completion of the OSSLT is a mandatory Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirement. Grade 10 students, along with any senior students who have not yet completed the test, will be writing on March 30. This is the ONLY day the test is offered by EQAO, so punctuality and attendance are crucial. Our staff have been working with students to prepare them for the test. Please encourage your student to listen attentively in the assembly and to come to school rested and ready to do their best. Students who have any questions or concerns should see Ms. Santorelli in Room 114. A letter and schedule were distributed earlier this semester. On March 30, students writing the OSSLT will come to school as per their normal start time and complete the test. Students not writing the OSSLT will begin their school day with Period 4 at 12:50 PM, which coincides with the conclusion of the OSSLT. Students
requiring accommodation will continue to write their test during an extended test -taking period. School will finish for all students at the normal time. Please note students in Self-Contained Special Education Classes will follow their normal schedule. Student Transportation Services has been advised of these arrangements and will adjust bus schedules accordingly. To summarize:
Students who are writing the OSSLT and are eligiblefor school bus transportation will be picked up in themorning at their regular service time. Students whoare writing the OSSLT and are not eligible for bustransportation must be at school at 8:20 AM.
Students are not writing the OSSLT test and who areeligible for transportation will be picked up 3 ½ hourslater than their regular service time. Students whoare not writing the OSSLT and are not eligible for bustransportation are to be at school at 12:50 PM.
All students eligible for transportation will betransported home at regular service times. Allstudents will be dismissed at 3:00 PM.
Students in Self-Contained Special Education Classeswill follow their normal schedule.
School Council Parent Presentation Join us for a free, informative seminar to learn important techniques on how to keep your teenager stay safe on the Internet: Facebook, Instagram and other social networks. Thursday April 27, 2017 7:00PM – 9:00PM Please see the flyer for more details
All parents are welcome to attend our next meeting on Monday May 15, 2017 at 7:15 p.m. in the Library. The special topic will be on study skills and preparing for exams.
Run for It!
This program is a 6 week mental health workshop and running group for female students. Female students will meet as a group 2x/week on after school. They will be training to participate in the Shoppers Run for Women 5km run/walk on Sunday April 30th in Unionville. The promotion of mental health and wellness are the foci of the running program. Female police officers, as well as other guest speakers, will be presenting and will be joining the students on their runs/walks.
Workshops/Running groups will commence when the good weather arrives. If you would like additional information, please contact Ms. Foster.
Summer School
The list of courses that students can register for is available at: http://www.yrdsb.ca/Programs/ConEd/Pages/Secondary-School-Summer.aspx. Registration opens on April 3. Once the student has registered online through Career Cruising, they should print off the registration and bring it to the Guidance Office for verification.
New Summer Course Pilot – “Youth Innovation by Design” – This course will focus on ways in which innovators identify problems, see them as opportunities, generate ideas, and organize resources to develop and take successful solutions forward into the world. The course will take place at, and in collaboration with, York University’s Markham Innovation Centre and Innovation York, in the Hwy 407 & Kennedy Road area of Markham (transportation is NOT provided for this course). Interested students should come to Guidance for the full information flyer. Only one class of 30 students will be selected. Applications to the program can be submitted at http://bit.ly/pilotinnovationcourse beginning April 3.
Become a Host Family
YRDSB operates a robust homestay program where hundreds of international visa students are placed each semester. These students are interested in a full immersion experience where they can improve their English skills and experience Canadian culture first hand. Our board is looking for families who wish to host an international student. Can you provide:
caring, comfortable accommodation for a student
an English speaking environment
opportunities for the student to participate in familylife and local activities
integration of an international student into yourfamily
a private room, 3 meals per day plus snacks (it isrecommended that Canada's Food Guide is followedto ensure that nutritious and well-balanced meals areprovided)
easy access to a public school in York Region on footor by public transit
Families are compensated $900/month to cover the cost of hosting
SHSM Programs Attention Grade 10 students! If you are interested in a career in the Health and Wellness, Hospitality or the Business field, you may wish to apply for the Specialist High Skills Major Program! We are currently accepting applications from current grade 10 students for the next school year. Please review the SHSM Pathways flyers available in Guidance for program information. Interested students are invited to apply online
Army Reserve Co-op Students who are interested in taking the 4 credit Army Reserve Co-op should speak to Mrs. Boehm in the Co-op Office, room 129, as soon as possible. This experience is a joint undertaking of the various Southern Ontario school boards and 32 Canadian Brigade Group. This experience is open to grade 11s and 12s and it runs only during second semester. The primary location for the Co-op placement is at the Honourable John Graves Simcoe Armoury, 215 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, Ontario. This is a paid Co-op experience and students can expect to earn anywhere between $9,000 - $12,000 for the semester.
International Summer Opportunity for Students Summer 2017 Teach Abroad Student Volunteer Program - The YRDSB is looking for 20 Grades 10 and 11 students holding Canadian passports, who would be interested in assisting the ESL teachers in a high school in Taipei, Taiwan from July 21 to August 21, 2017.
The students will be accompanied by teachers from YRDSB who will be going to Taiwan to deliver an English Summer Camp program for Grade 7-8 students at the Wesley Girls’ High School located in a beautiful campus adjacent to Taiwan’s National Palace Museum in the city of Taipei. The selected students will assist the YRDSB teachers in ESL classrooms on weekdays for 3 weeks and participate in a 1-week student exchange program with students from the New Taipei City Education Bureau. On weekends, the students will participate in specially designed sessions on Taiwanese/Chinese Culture, excursions, and seminars on global issues.
All students will be staying at the student residence on the campus of Wesley Girls’ High School which has a fully equipped canteen and activity areas. Students will be responsible for the cost of their own round-trip airfare and travel/medical insurance, which will amount to a total cost of approximately $2,000.00 per student. Student will pay $500.00CAD for the program. Accommodation, meals, Chinese/Taiwanese culture
sessions and 2 cultural excursions during the program will be covered by our partner in Taiwan.
Upon successful completion of this 4-week program, students will receive 100 community service hours. o The Program looks for candidates who are: Excellent leaders; Independent; Creative; Good communicators; Good role models; Flexible; Team players; Good ambassadors for Canada and the YRDSB
Interested students should speak to their Principal or Vice Principal. Selected candidates will be notified by their school administration to submit the application documents to International Education Services by
March 31, 2017.
Attendance Reminder Please call the school to let us know if your child is or will be absent, whether it is for the entire day or for part of the school day. Please continue to keep our telephone number handy, (905)326-7994 ext 101. You may call 24 hours/day, or you can email us at [email protected] Please provide the following information:
-your child’s name, -the dates of the absence, -the reason for absence, -how to contact the parent/guardian if we have
questions. If a student has to leave during the day, he/she needs to have a written note AND is required to sign out at the attendance office.
Information Flyers Various information flyers for community involvement, community events and workshops are posted on our website.
Online Payments are being accepted We accept online payments for field trips, fundraisers, sports teams, yearbook, graduation, prom, Student Activity Fee, etc. Please use the following link to register. https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com
More information is available on our website We update our school website frequently. Please visit it at stephenlewis.ss.yrdsb.ca You can e-mail us any time at: [email protected]
The School Council at Stephen Lewis Secondary School Presents
A Free Parenting Seminar on
Social Networking Safety
Guest Speaker: Paul Davis Paul Davis has 25+ years of IT knowledge and expertise, which he brings to his speaking engagements. He has presented to over 335 000 students from grades 4-12 across North America and 40 000 parents. Relating to kids as a father himself, and to parents as a professional, his presentations are targeted so that each audience leaves with a wealth of knowledge and empowerment for their age level.
Date and Time: Thursday April 27, 2017 7:00PM – 9:00PM Light refreshments will be served
Location: Stephen Lewis Secondary School
555 Autumn Hill Boulevard, Thornhill, L4J 8X2
Please RSVP by April 18 at https://goo.gl/forms/8Gavuz2V3goqstJD2
Image from pixabay
Join us for a free, informative seminar to learn important techniques on how to keep your teenager stay safe on the Internet: Facebook, Instagram and other social networks.
^ — R egi on
STEPHEN LEWIS SECONDARY SCHOOLDISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
tep/reLearning/Vaughan, Ontario
14} 8X 2
555 Autumn Hill Blvd. T e l: 905326 .7994
F a x : 905.326.8136
February 23, 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Re: Upcoming Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
On March 30, 2017, Grade 10 students across the province will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). It will also be written by students who were previously eligible but have not yet written the test or who were unsuccessful on their first attempt. The OSSLT is administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office
(EQAO), an independent agency of the Government of Ontario, in order to determine whether
students have acquired the minimum literacy (reading and writing) skills expected by The
Ontario Curriculum across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9.
Please note that this date is the only opportunity for students to write the 2017 OSSLT. Students who are absent will have to wait until the spring of 2018 to write it.
The test consists of two booklets, each containing multiple-choice and open-response
questions. The test is given on one day in two 75-minute blocks. All of the questions are based
directly on the expectations set out in The Ontario Curriculum, which is what teachers teach in
the classroom every day. Students can prepare as they would for any other secondary school
test.
In June, EQAO will send our school a report for each student who writes the OSSLT, and we
will send it home at that time. The results are private and will give you an indication of how well
your child is mastering the required literacy skills, which are the foundation for success in all
subjects and in life beyond school. The OSSLT is a minimum-competency test. Achievement is
therefore reported as “successful” or “unsuccessful.”
OSSLT results do not count toward students’ grades, but successful completion of the test is a requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. There are supports for students who do not pass, including an opportunity to rewrite the test or to take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course. ,
You can use your child’s results on the OSSLT to understand his or her strengths and areas for
improvement, and to monitor and celebrate his or her progress. The results can also help you in
discussions with teachers. As a school community, we use these results, along with other
information, to guide our school improvement initiatives. This benefits not only your child but all
the students in our school. The results are also used by our school board and the Ministry of
Education to direct attention and resources where they are needed.
For more information about EQAO and to view a sample of its assessments, visit
www.egao.com.
Sincerely
Vice Principal
IDC4U (Grade 12, University Preparation)
With selected expectations from:•Business BOH4M•Law CLN4U•Philosophy HZT4U•Technological Design TDJ3MPrerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies.
IDC4O (Grade 12, Open)
With selected expectations from:• Business BDV4C• Law CLN4C• Philosophy HZB30• Technological Design TDJ3M
Prerequisite: none
DescriptionYouth Innovation By Design focuses on ways in which innovators identify problems, see them as opportunities, generate ideas, and organize resources to develop and take successful solutions forward into the world, both for-profit and not-for-profit. Students will be encouraged to use a variety of design thinking techniques, including the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Toolkit to develop and grow their ideas. They will consider the ethical and legal implications of decisions, the breadth of roles in innovation culture as well as sustainability models. In support of both group and individualized projects, students will be introduced to, and taught how to connect with, local and global ecosystems. Student learning throughout the course will be supported by guest speakers and mentors provided through a collaboration with York University’s Markham Innovation Centre (YU-MIC) and Innovation York.
This pilot is being offered with two different credit options from Interdisciplinary Studies:
Dates and Location• Summer school programs will be held from July 5-28, 2017 between 8:45 a.m. to 3:33 p.m.• This pilot involves a collaboration with York University and will be offered at York University’s Markham
Innovation Centre - 169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham (third floor)Note: Completion of this site is scheduled for May. Should delays in its completion arise, the course will be held at Milliken Mills Secondary School, 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham.
Summer Learning Pilot Innovation Course
OR
Moving Student Ideas ForwardThrough Design Thinking Processes
See Reverse Side for Important Application Details
Developing Empathy As Integral to Finding Solutions
BEFORE YOU COMPLETE THE APPLICATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:
that you have a transportation plan for getting to the two possible delivery sites
which credit you are applying for: IDC4U or IDC4O
that you do not already have a grade 12 IDC/IDP (Interdisciplinary Course) on your transcript
that you have not selected to take a grade 12 IDC/IDP (Interdisciplinary Course) for next yearyour student number
the number of credits you will have by the end of the current school year
parent/guardian contact information, including email address (if under 18)
your response for why you think you are a good candidate for this pilot opportunity
a plan for two references - must include one teacher, but can also include employer, coach, community leaders etc.
Questions? See Guidance
Deep Thinking About Authentic And Relevant Problems
Considering Ethical and Legal Implications Of Decision Making In For-profit
and Not-for-profit Ideas
Youth Innovation By DesignApplication Process:
As a pilot, only one section of this course can be offered. The application process will close when 50 of these applications have been received or on April 28th, whichever comes first. The form can be found at: bit.ly/pilotinnovationcourse (opens April 3rd) Indicate that you are applying for the course by selecting it on career cruising - Summer Innovation Pilot Applicants will have until April 28th to also submit their parent signatures and reference forms, provided through the on-line applicationApplications will be screened for eligibility based on:
no conflicts with taking the selected grade 12 IDC credit; references that provide strong support; strong student rationale for being a good candidate for this pilot
Eligible students will then be randomly chosen and all applicants will be informed via e-mail.
OSSLT LITERACY TEST SCHEDULE - MARCH 30, 2017
All students writing the OSSLT should be in their writing room by 8:30 a.m. sharp!
Students requiring extra time will continue to write their test during an extended test-taking period.
Students receiving extra time are reminded to bring their lunch as they will not have access to the Cafeteria while the test is in progress. Please make sure that all cell phones, purses, backpacks, etc… are put in your lockers prior to arriving at the test room.
Time Schedule
8:25 – 98:30 Go to writing room
8:30 – 9:55 Instructions and Booklet 1
9:55 – 10:10 Break
10:10 – 11:35 Instructions and Booklet 2
11:35 – 11:45 Questionnaire
11:45 – 12:50 Lunch all students
12:55 – 1:55 Period 4 all students
2:00 – 3:00 Period 5 all students
Please note the Cafeteria will be closed
Location Information: Sir William Mulock Secondary School
705 Columbus Way
Newmarket, ON
L3X 2N7
The York Region District School Board presents a
Community Partners Fair For Parents, Guardians and Educators
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Sir William Mulock Secondary School
3:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
Connect with community partners about what services
they provide, who is eligible for their services, and how
to access their services.
Build relationships among people who support
both students and their families.
We wish to thank the following community partners for supporting this event:
360 Kids; Addiction Services York Region; Association for Bright Children;
Autism Ontario; Blue Hills; Canadian National Institute for the Blind;
Children’s Treatment Network; Community Living – Aurora/Newmarket;
Easter Seals; Kerry’s Place; Kinark; Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
– York Region; Mackenzie Health; Parents for Children’s Mental Health;
Public Health; Special Olympics; VOICE for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Children; York Support Services Network; Community Care Access Centre
Contact us:[email protected] | 905 884 2046 ext 239www.yrdsb.ca/homestay
Become ahost family
Why not host aninternational student?
Families are compensated $900/month to cover the cost of hosting.
School year and summer placements are available.
Can you offer ...• a caring and secure environment• an English speaking home• a private bedroom• three meals (and snacks) daily• a home within reasonable distance
to a YRSDB school
Homes with basement bedrooms and tenants will not be considered.The homestay residence must be within York Region.
© KEV Group Inc. 1 School Cash Online – Parent Registration
Stephen Lewis Secondary School is accepting online payments through
School Cash ONLINE!
School Cash Online provides the following benefits: • A convenient fee payment option that saves time • Reduces paper • No more need to send cash or cheques to school • A quick way to register. It takes less than 5 minutes to register.
Parents that opt to participate will receive notification via email of student fees owed (both required and optional), and can make secure online payments by credit card or Interac and receive a receipt.
To view a presentation about the program, go to http://www.kevsoftware.com/movies/ParentRegEnglish/.
Follow the easy steps on the next page to
register and get started!
© KEV Group Inc. 2 School Cash Online – Parent Registration
Step 1: Register
a) Click on the School Cash Online button on our school’s website at http://stephenlewis.ss.yrdsb.ca/ and select the “Get Started Today” button.
b) Complete each of the three Registration Steps
*For Security Reasons your password, requires 8 characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and a number.
Step 2: Confirmation Email
A registration confirmation email will be automatically forwarded to you. Click on the link provided inside the email to confirm your email and School Cash Online account. The confirmation link will open the School Cash Online site prompting you to sign into your account. Use your email address and password just created with your account.
Step 3: Find Student NOTE: A STUDENT NUMBER IS REQUIRED This step will connect your children to your account.
a) Enter the School Board Name b) Enter the School Name c) Enter Your Child’s Student # and Last Name d) Select Continue e) On the next page confirm that you are related to the child, check in the
Agree box and select Continue f) Your child has been added to your account
Step 4: View Items or Add Another Student
If you have more children, select “Add Another Student” option and repeat the steps above. 5 children can be added to one parent account. If you do not wish to add additional children, select “View Items For Students” option. A listing of available items for purchase will be displayed.
NEED HELP? If you require assistance, select the GET HELP option in the top right hand corner of the screen or contact School Cash Online – Parent Help Desk at 1-866-961-1803 or [email protected].
