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.