West End Alternative SchoolADDRESS: 777 Bloor St W, Floor 3, Toronto, ON

M6G 1L6PHONE NUMBER: (416) 393-0660EMAIL ADDRESS: WestEnd@tdsb.on.caGRADE RANGE: 10 to 12

West Enders,SweatShop andReel LitEnrol in one of ourexciting new-fourcredit packageprograms.  The WestEnders is a book writing,illustrating, andpublishing program.  It isdesigned for studentswith grade 11 Englishand with an interest inwiting and thearts. SweatShop is afashion businessprogram. Studentswill make originalfashion products andrun a business. ReelLitis a film studies andproduction program forstudents who want tostudy and make films. Participants in eachprogram will earnfour senior level credits. 

Curriculum Leader: Eleonora Ferrari  West End Alternative Secondary School offers a variety ofcompulsory and elective credits for students in Grades 10, 11,and 12. Prospective students must have completed Grade 9English, Science, Mathematics, and Geography at either theApplied or Academic level.  Students are offered opportunities to participate in thedecision-making processes shaping their school community; thisparticipation is vital to the effectiveness of West End Alternative.Students participate in the operation of their school life throughwhole-school meetings; they learn to express their concerns,carry out projects, and take responsibility for their decisions andactions. 

West End FeaturesA small school environment andwhole school community events.  Full timetables available for grade 10,11 & 12 college or university boundstudents. Staff meet bi-weekly to discuss eachstudent's attendance and academicprogress. A nutrition program available to all students.A full time YouthCounsellor who offers social-emotional, academic and personalcounselling.

More Information about West End Alternative School

Speakers and EventsEvery month we invite various community organizations to theschool to discuss issues with students.  Students help organize theevents during whole school meetings and student councilmeetings.  Examples of past speakers include MADD, BereavedFamilies of Ontario, Narcotics Anonymous, Toronto Public Health,and Youth Employment Services.  

Heathly Eating, Healthy LivingWe want students to build healthy eating habits for life.  We offerstudents breakfast as well as a healthy mid-morning snack andlunches.  West End students have access to our nutrition programat no cost thanks to funds provided by the Toronto Foundation forStudent Success.

Monitor for SuccessEvery other week we meet to discuss students' progress.  Ifstudents are struggling we brainstorm to find a solution.  We have aguidance counsellor and a full-time youth counsellor to help supportstudents. 

TTC ProgramApproved students have access to TTC tickets to help them travel toand from school.  These subsidies allow students to attend schoolon a regular basis, thereby increasing their chances of success.

Additional Features● 9:30 am start time● Co-operative Education● Full time youth counsellor● Recognition Certificates

● Open Houses for parents/guardians● Peer-led writing workshops● Gay Straight Alliance● Ping-pong table

For a list of all programs that are also offered visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Findyour/Schools.aspx?schno=5569&schoolId=1411

Student Life - Where You Belong

After your first period class, which begins at 9:30, you canenjoy a healthy snack and a chat with your peers beforecontinuing on to your next period. Lunch offers you anopportunity to play ping-pong or go with friends and enjoyone of the many restaurants in the Bloor/Christieneighbourhood. Afternoon snack is available between thirdand fourth periods. You may find, like many of our students, that West End is aplace that challenges your normal boundaries. You will callteachers by their first names and develop friendships withstudents who you might never have spoken to in your homeschool. Our staff and students are fiercely committed toWest End and want you to become a part of our community.

What Sets Us Apart

West End Alternative staff and students work together tocreate and enjoy a strong community.  Our whole-schoolevents offer students opportunities to engage outside of  theclassroom. Together we enjoy our spring and fall picnics,a holiday feast, fall and spring activity days, whole schoolmeetings and monthly guest speakers. Student art workis showcased at the annual Alternative Tentacle School ArtShow at Xpace Gallery.  Students who participate in one of our four-credit packageswill enjoy project-based learning with rich culminating taskswhose products will have a life beyond our classrooms.  

Parent and Community Engagement

We host Parent Open Houses twice a year. We are involved with:School Action TeamToronto Public Health Department Toronto Foundation for Student SuccessSt. Stephen's Employment CenterYouth Employment ServicesChristie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre14th Division School Watch Toronto Police ServicesOur school frequently hosts a variety of community speakers. We offer Field trips to: the AGO, ROM, and galleries in theneighbourhood; Kensington Market; and a variety of other placesand events.  We nurture positive parent/teacher partnerships with opencommunication between school and home.

TDSB - Better Schools. Brighter Futures

Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They arecommunity-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety ofopportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices. Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice,access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financialstability.

Contact Information

SCHOOL NAME: West End Alternative SchoolADDRESS: 777 Bloor St W, Floor 3, Toronto, ON

M6G 1L6TELEPHONE: (416) 393-0660EMAIL: WestEnd@tdsb.on.ca

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Findyour/Schools.aspx?schno=5569&schoolId=1411