June 17, 2009
Results from MusicFest
Congratulations to Ms. Barber Kahro, Ms. Devenish, Mr. Marijanovic, and Mr.
Mootrey for all of their efforts on behalf of our wonderful music students.
Once again they have returned from compteition with fabulous results.
Bronze
Concert Choir Nationals
Silver
Chamber Strings Nationals
Intermediate Concert Band Nationals
Senior Jazz Band Nationals
Gold
Wind Ensemble Regional and Nationals
Intermediate Concert Band Regionals
Senior Jazz Band Regionals
Senior Concert Band Regionals and Nationals
Grad Update - Hurray for Johnny Canuck
Submitted by Karina P.
Several Woodlands alumnae have been in the process of starting up an
independent not-for-profit theatre company. After months and months of hard
work and fundraising, we are mounting our very first production!
It's called Hurray for Johnny Canuck, and it's written by Ken Gass (a
contemporary Canadian playwright). It takes place this July 10th and 11th. I
am acting in it in addition to managing fundraising and costumes. You can
visit www.thepeoplesstudio.ca to read up on our company and our upcoming
production, as well as reserve tickets.
June 5, 2009
Good News from Geography
Congratulations to Sukvir S. and Waleed B. , placing 3rd and 5th
respectively in the Canadian National Parks poster contest and to their
staff sponsor, Ms. Miller.
ECCO Computing Competition
Thanks to go to the staff sponsors Ms Quan and Mr. Heathfield as we report
that two teams of Woodlands students tied for second place in Peel.
Team A: Andrew D., Zheng W., and Tian X.
Team B: Ahson K., Alex K., and Ke L.
OFSAA Badminton Championships: Gold and Silver for The Woodlands
Staff Sponsors Ms. Quan, Mr. Tinson and Ms. Yuen
Heartiest congratulations to :
Clayton L. who placed 2nd in the province in Flight A of Men's Singles
Ryan L. and Stephanie L. who placed 1st in in the province Flight A in
Mixed Doubles
Wenzhangzhi G. who placed 5th in the Ladies' Singles at ROPSSAA
Michelle L. has a Stellar Golf Season
Congratulations, Michelle on all of your outstanding accomplishments!
• Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) Mizunao Junior Nationals -
1st place (Barrie)
• Canadian Junior Golf Association Nike National - 3rd place (Oakville)
• Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) Junior Girls Match Play - 1st place
(Owen Sound)
• Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) Ontario Junior Girls (provincial
Juvenile team) - tied for 7th (Goderich)
• Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) Women's Amateur - tied for 8th (Bay
of Quinte)
• OFSAA Women's Golf(Oakville)- Gold Medalist
• Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) Canadian Junior Girls - tied
for 13th (Winnipeg)
• Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) CN Futures Links Prairie - 1st
place (Saskatoon)
• Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) CN Futures Links Prairie - 1st
place (Saskatoon)
June 4, 2009
DOC CAMP - Hot DOCS has just launched a new summer initiative for youth
Submitted by Ms. Alexander
Open to youth aged 14 -18, DOC CAMP is a week long documentary filmmaking day
program that will be hosted at the School of Design Campus at George Brown
College, August 17 – 22.
The 5 days will be filled with ideas, inspiration and filmmaking. Each day
will include guest speakers from the world of documentary filmmaking. No
filmmaking experience is necessary. The camp is free for those accepted…
maximum number of participants will be 12.
This is going to be a great week and a wonderful opportunity for youth
interested in documentary films and filmmaking. Turnaround time for
submissions is quite short, June 15, so submit your application ASAP.
http://www.hotdocs.ca/index.php/audience/youth/doc_camp/
The Scribe is Here
If you haven't had a chance to peruse The Scribe, an annual collection of
student creative writing, you have missed a real gem. Congratulations to Ms.
Andre-Barrett and her team.
Editors-in-Chief: Lauren V., and Forest L.
Managing Editor: Rachel W.
Layout Design: Frankie K., and Debbie K.
Network Support: Cathy T.
Copy Editors: Meghan L., Wendy L., Shivani S., Marjam K., Nirvana S., and
Imbisaught K.
Grade 11 and 12 Ontario Accounting Contest
Congratulations to Ms. Hopwood Jones and the business department and all of
the participating business students!
Grade 11 Results: all Woodlands Students score in the top 8%
Tahir Z. – 2nd place
Tiffany L. – tied for 3rd place
Timo S. – tied for 3rd place
Urja M. – tied for 4th place
Palash A. - tied for 4th place
Grade 12 results: all Woodlands Students score in the top 10%
Andrew D. – 3rd place
Zheng W. – 4th place
Ke L. – 5th place
Other top 20 winners: Raghav G., Kate L., Kenny Y., Ken W., and Dantong W.
Notes:
In May, we welcomed next year's grade 9's in our annual intake IPRC process
and added many new names to our distribution list. We extend a hearty
welcome, if this is your first visit to our Newsflash Page! Should you ever
wish to contact the program coordinators, the sidebar has a convenient E-Mail
tab.
Exciting results have started to pour in because our students have been
making their mark in provincial and national competitions. As we started to
report the good news, it became apparent that there was just too much to
digest in a single "newsflash". Over the next few weeks, your can expect
several more newsflashes with equally impressive results
New Items
1. Update from the Math Contests
News from ROPSSAA Championship for Badminton
2. The University of Waterloo Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest
3. Ontario Association of Physics Teachers - Grade 11 Physics Contest
4. Guelph Science Olympics
Grad Updates
5. University of Toronto National Biology Competition
Michael Smith Challenge
6. Graduate Update: Gifted Education Comes Full Circle
June 3, 2009
Update from the Math Contests
Our thanks go out to Mr. Heathfield and the math department for the following
terrific results from the many Math contests.
University of Waterloo Fryer Math Contest
Zion L. Gold Standard
Andy L Gold Standard
Freid T Gold Standard
University of Waterloo Galois Math Contest
Daniel T. Gold Standard
Mian W. Gold Standard
Gordan Y. Gold Standard
Cheng Z. Gold Standard
University of Waterloo Hypatia Math Contest
Tian X. Gold Standard
University of Waterloo Pascal Math Contest
Iyer G. Honour Roll
Jonathan M. Honour Roll
University of Waterloo Cayley Math Contest
Joel T. Honour Roll
University of Waterloo Euclid Math Contest
Andrew D. Honour Roll
University of Waterloo Fermat Math Contest
Ryan K. Honour Roll
News from ROPSSAA Championship for Badminton
Our thanks to Ms Yuen and the Junior badminton team for the following
impressive results!
Regional Bronze Medal Winners
Helen Z.
Regional Silver Medal Winners
Benjamin H.
Amy X.
Hank X.
Daniel T.
Regional Gold Medal Winners
Kitty C
Victor H.
Michael L.
Janet L.
Special congratulations to Andrew L. for placing in the top 16 in national
Competition in Edmonton, advancing to the quarter final round in the
provincial championships in Barrie, winning gold in the High performance
Circuit in Kitchener and achieving an 6th place ranking in the National Men's
under 19 category.
The University of Waterloo Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest
Great news from Mr. Shaikh:
The Woodlands Physics Team placed 4th nation-
wide!
Placing in the top 20%ile: Ke. L., Lun L., and Kurtis. M.
Placing in the top 10%ile:
92.68%ile Alex Y.
94.74%ile Andrew D.
97.08%ile Ragav G.
97.08%ile Nicholas Z.
99.38%ile Will. W.
99.35%ile Tian X.
Ontario Association of Physics Teachers - Grade 11 Physics Contest:
Out of 1116 students writing province- wide, Tian X. placed 7th
overall!
Congratulations!
Guelph Science Olympics
On May 28, more than 30 high schools from Ontario competed in a variety of
science challenges and The Woodlands brought home 2 gold medals, a silver and
a bronze!
Gold Medal - Circuit Sleuths - Adam M., Ahson K., Vishaal P., Raghav G.
Silver Medal - Math Gladiatorials - Ahson K., Ke L. Andrew D., Zheng W.
Bronze Medal- Survivor Biology - Marcus H., Roshan D, Jeremy H., Beini W.
P.S. Congratulations also go to Mr. Rosenblood who came first in the teacher
competition!
Grad Updates
2008 Graduate, Thanh N. reports on his summer job after first year at U of
T...
I work for Dr. Steven Narod, who is Canada's Breast Cancer Research Chair and
the most cited researcher on breast cancer. The lab is at Women's College
Hospital in downtown Toronto and is basically a genetics lab. We investigate
the mutations that are associated with breast cancer, mainly the BRCA1 and
BRCA2 mutations, and do studies to find the frequency of the mutations in
different populations. The lab is more of a genome lab, so unfortunately, we
do not investigate ways to overcome the mutation. However, students in the
lab learn to extract DNA from blood and saliva samples, use the PCR technique
to amplify the DNA, and run gel electrophoresis to get DNA fingerprints.
Women with the mutation are heterozygous at the locus of interest. So far, I
haven't seen a patient homozygous for the mutation yet. On another note, I
noticed that the techniques used in the lab were all taught in the
biotechnology unit in Grade 12 biology.
2007 Graduate, Saurabh G. reports on all the importance of international
experience...
... oh - you remember that Africa trip?! I've had to say no on that ...
Ah well...I am still going to Dominican next February to work at an
Orphanage though! :)
So many times I feel like coming down to the school and just talking about
the importance of stretching what they learn out to an international
level...it really is an eye-opener. Whether it be living in the jungles of
Ecuador or running a medical clinic in villages of Costa Rica or working at
an orphanage in Dominican...you soon realize that your education means
something.... And so many times when I feel confused and unsure if medicine
is what I truly want to do...I look at my pics from Costa Rica, from Ecuador,
and soon from Dominican...and I look at the work done by Doctors without
Borders...and I realize - of course it is - I wouldn't have it any other
way :) Plus...how can one truly learn about International Relations or
Health by sitting in the classrooms of a developed nation?! I've made it a
goal now - every year - visit someplace and volunteer there...
I wish I could come ..(and make) sure that when they get to Undergrad...they
don't just make it about a degree...but about an experience. After all, that
is what education should be - not something to be achieved...but an
experience to be learned and lived, right?
OH! Also - my Cell Bio professor asked me to work in his lab with him this
coming school year. So, I will be helping him do research work in...cell-cell
signaling events that pattern the developing central nervous system (CNS) and
the model that he uses is the zebrafish (Danio rerio). His specific areas of
interest include genes of the protein 4.1 superfamily and G-proteins. I am
extremely excited :)
June 1, 2009
University of Toronto National Biology Competition
Once again The Woodlands is in the list of top schools internationally, but
with a depth of field that shows the strength of our students and our
program. Woodlands Students in the top 20% of 5463 contestants are:
Tina B.
Hao Chun L.
Daniel K.
Hannah M.
Bieni W.
Sally K.
Perry G.
Jungho R.
Joanna X.
In the top 10 % are:
Alex Y. 91.3%ile
Yi Fan L. 92.9%ile
Andrew D. 94.2%ile
Aileen L. 94.8%ile
…and leading the team, having written from the DECA competition in
California, in the 95.1%ile, Adam M. Special thanks to the DECA sponsors
for hosting a sattelite contest for Woodlands students and students from
other schoools as well.
May 21, 2009
Michael Smith Challenge
876 students from across the country wrote this contest.
Cheng Z - 2nd Place in Canada, 1st Place in Ontario
Charlie G. - 2nd Place in Ontario
Claire D. - top 10 %
Jim C. - top 10 %
Dickson W. - top 10 %
Helen S. - top 10 %
Steven L. - top 25 %
Shannon W. - top 25 %
Thanks to Mr. Rosenblood for organizing this opportunity and allowing our
students to
highlight their skills.
May 8, 2009
Graduate Update: Gifted Education Comes Full Circle
Tania Lim, a Woodlands graduate has passed along information about the Johns
Hopkins
University, Center for Talented Youth summer programs. Tania will be teaching
the Zoology course in Rhode Island.
http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/catalogs/caa/caascience.html
Tyler Buckingham, another Woodlands graduate, has just completed teachers
college with
a specific interest in special education: gifted. He has been volunteering at
The Woodlands with Ms. Andre-Barrett, Mr. Miller, and Ms. Payne.
May 5, 2009
THE SPIRIT OF HOPE BENEFIT, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2009
ROY THOMSON HALL - 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
7:00 PM, doors open 7:30 PM event begins
Dress code - school uniform or business casual
Complimentary tickets (regular price $150 each)
for up to 50 high school students (chaperones must attend with the students)
RSVP to: Susan Kendal, skendal@fswc.ca 416.864.9735 ext. 32
Book your tickets today. Limited availability.
Distinguished speakers will be Secretary of Homeland Security Michael
Chertoff; the
Honourable John Howard, former P.M. of Australia; Ambassador John Bolton and
Rabbi
Marvin Hier, Dean and Founder, Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Issues expected to be discussed include:
The financial crisis
How President Obama will "change"the world and his proposal to dialogue with
rogue states
Iran bent on acquiring nuclear weapons
Instability in Pakistan
Possibilities for peace in the Middle East
Strained relations with Russia
China's rise to power
Decline in international standing of western democracies as terrorism
threatens their fragility
April 24, 2008
The Woodlands Math Contest
There were 47 students who participated in the 2008 Canadian Open
Mathematical
Olympiad. Out of these 47 participants, we had 17 successfully earn an award
of
distinction (top 25% of all contest writers)and one student qualify for the
Canadian
Mathematical Olympiad. Congratulations to all the participants!
Senior 2009 Canadian Computing Competition
A heart felt congratulations to Zheng W. who placed 15th in Canada and was the
highest ranking student in Peel Region.
Peel Robotics Competition
The Woodlands Junior Robotics Team travelled to Aurora to Robofest. Team 2
captured the "Artistic Drawing" Silver Medal with Sachary L. and Jonathan M.
drawing a very precise and fun loving stick figure which the judges loved for
its
precision. Other members of Team 2 were: Bryce W., Vinh K., Nguyen H., Damien
P. and
Calvin J.
Team 1 was successful in securing a position in the quarter finals of
the "Performance
Challenge" with the programming skills of Steven L., Charlie G. and Hank X.
Their
trouble shooting was evident right down to the very end, modifying both
hardware and
software. Complementing the team were Brian H., Richard M., John S. on the
Artistic
drawings.
The Senior Robotics team competed for the Bronze Medal at the Peel
Technological
Skills Competition. Purussoth S. and Chen G. represented our school with
theirtennis
ball Connect 4 robot. They were commended for their "Keep It Simple"
design, but due to technical difficulties were unable to secure a place in
the Ontario
Skills competition.
Best of Class!
Jason L., one of our grade 9 music students, won a Gold and Best of Class
with a mark
of 94 in the Open Piano Romantic Composer Class. He was competing mostly with
university students,some of whom were music majors!
Speaker Series: Money Management for Teens and their Families
Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm
This engaging and entertaining seminar will feature two presentations geared
to the
needs of our students and their parents. An informal question and answer
session will
follow.
Discussion Topics
Students will be introduced to money management concepts and strategies. A
variety of
topics will be covered, including:
- distinguishing between wants and needs;
- budgeting for weekly and special expenses or to track progress toward
a goal;
- saving for college/university expenses;
- the transition from grade 12 to university residency
- co-op vs non co-op university programmes
- what to look for in a post-secondary institution
- making your money work for you - an introduction to Savings Bonds,
GICS, Mutual
Complimentary tickets (regular price $150 each)
for up to 50 high school students (chaperones must attend with the students)
RSVP to: Susan Kendal, skendal@fswc.ca 416.864.9735 ext. 32
Book your tickets today. Limited availability.
Distinguished speakers will be Secretary of Homeland Security Michael
Chertoff; the
Honourable John Howard, former P.M. of Australia; Ambassador John Bolton and
Rabbi
Marvin Hier, Dean and Founder, Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Issues expected to be discussed include:
The financial crisis
How President Obama will "change"the world and his proposal to dialogue with
rogue states
Iran bent on acquiring nuclear weapons
Instability in Pakistan
Possibilities for peace in the Middle East
Strained relations with Russia
China's rise to power
Decline in international standing of western democracies as terrorism
threatens their fragility
April 24, 2008
The Woodlands Math Contest
There were 47 students who participated in the 2008 Canadian Open
Mathematical
Olympiad. Out of these 47 participants, we had 17 successfully earn an award
of
distinction (top 25% of all contest writers)and one student qualify for the
Canadian
Mathematical Olympiad. Congratulations to all the participants!
Senior 2009 Canadian Computing Competition
A heart felt congratulations to Zheng W. who placed 15th in Canada and was the
highest ranking student in Peel Region.
Peel Robotics Competition
The Woodlands Junior Robotics Team travelled to Aurora to Robofest. Team 2
captured the "Artistic Drawing" Silver Medal with Sachary L. and Jonathan M.
drawing a very precise and fun loving stick figure which the judges loved for
its
precision. Other members of Team 2 were: Bryce W., Vinh K., Nguyen H., Damien
P. and
Calvin J.
Team 1 was successful in securing a position in the quarter finals of
the "Performance
Challenge" with the programming skills of Steven L., Charlie G. and Hank X.
Their
trouble shooting was evident right down to the very end, modifying both
hardware and
software. Complementing the team were Brian H., Richard M., John S. on the
Artistic
drawings.
The Senior Robotics team competed for the Bronze Medal at the Peel
Technological
Skills Competition. Purussoth S. and Chen G. represented our school with
theirtennis
ball Connect 4 robot. They were commended for their "Keep It Simple"
design, but due to technical difficulties were unable to secure a place in
the Ontario
Skills competition.
Best of Class!
Jason L., one of our grade 9 music students, won a Gold and Best of Class
with a mark
of 94 in the Open Piano Romantic Composer Class. He was competing mostly with
university students,some of whom were music majors!
Speaker Series: Money Management for Teens and their Families
Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm
This engaging and entertaining seminar will feature two presentations geared
to the
needs of our students and their parents. An informal question and answer
session will
follow.
Discussion Topics
Students will be introduced to money management concepts and strategies. A
variety of
topics will be covered, including:
- distinguishing between wants and needs;
- budgeting for weekly and special expenses or to track progress toward
a goal;
- saving for college/university expenses;
- the transition from grade 12 to university residency
- co-op vs non co-op university programmes
- what to look for in a post-secondary institution
- making your money work for you - an introduction to Savings Bonds,
GICS, Mutual
Funds and Stocks and the benefits/risks of each
- understanding financial mumbo-jumbo - diversification, risk,
liquidity,
rates of return, etc.
In the parent presentation, we will address:
- taking advantage of Registered Educational Savings Plans (RESPs) and
the new Tax
Free Savings account
- the real cost of going to university
- filing tax returns for minors / transfer of educational deductions
- analysis of the current economic climate and prospects for recovery
Speakers: Thomas Gaylor, Neil Gaylor
For more information and to sign up
http://woodlandscouncil.com/events/2009-05-14/money_management
April 23, 2009
Note: The Summer Programs, Enrichment, and Contest Pages Have been updated
with new
information.
Volunteer Opportunity for Community Service Hours
Saturday, April 25, 2009, 1- 3 pm
Two student volunteers are needed for the following event: Animation and
Digital
Video Production through ABC Peel and
Children's Technology Workshop at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre.
If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Barb Cyr at
bcyr@abcpeel.org
ASAP.
April 20, 2009
The Annual Library Book Swap!!! Thursday May 14 at 8:05!
Fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, international language books, dictionaries
and
children books - any book that is useful is up for Swapping!
Each year The Woodlands School Library organizes a Book Swap. Students
and staff bring in books or magazines (maximum of 2) they want to swap.
For two weeks before the event staff and students turn in their books
and are then given Swap Coupons.
On Thursday, May 14 at 8:05 the library doors swing open and the rampage
of staff and students sweep over the tables, loaded with books, and
exchange each of their coupons for a book!
The Swap achieves many goals: is fun, staff and students together celebrate
their love
of reading, students with few resources get their hands on books, and staff
and
students learn a little more about each other….Mr Miller, Ms Price, Mr
Crane, Mr Walker
and Ms A-B are still some of the fastest Swappers around!
Gold Medal at the Peel Science Fair
Geoff E. and Andrew P. won top honours at the Peel Science Fair a gold
medal, an
invitation to National Competition in Winnipeg in May, an $80 cash prize, as
well as a
$1000 entrance scholarship to the University of Ottawa in Engineering. Both
recipients
are hoping to pursue a degree in engineering.
Their project, called Quantum Eraser, was set up to demonstrate the working
nature of
light. It involves shining a laser at a wire to create an interference
pattern and
using polarizing filters to manipulate it. This experiment demonstrates the
ability
for photons to pass around the wire in both directions simultaneously, and
they will
quickly refer you to Schroedinger's cat!
Unfortunately, due to a lack of corporate sponsorship, Peel is unable to take
them to
the National Competition.
"My Grade 10 enhanced science class truly amazed me at the Ontario Science
Centre"
They did the special school program "Quest for Water: Ecological Challenge"
where the
scenario was that the community needed water and they must accept the
challenge of
selecting a water supply for human use by testing different water and soil
samples for
oxygen, salinity, pH, nitrates and phosphorus, and then build a device that
will
acquire groundwater from a well by a barrier 3 m by 3 m and filter out the
impurities
in approximately 20 minutes.
In 20 minutes, using their "enhanced" inquiry and design skills, we had
groups that
built a pulley system and the most impressive part, a group that built a
funnel that
literally mechanically pumped and filtered litres of water. The instructor at
the
science even commented that out of the 30 years that he has been there, there
has never
been any group (and this program is usually attended by Grade 12 students)
that have
built a pump system. Therefore, I thought that we should use this impressive
feat to
further advertise our gifted program on either our school website or
newsletter/brochure.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lee
April 15,2009
Waterloo Unlimited: Grade 10 Program at the University of Waterloo: May 10 -
15
Students will consider the perspectives of scientists, engineers,writers,
philosophers and others as they examine the theme of Vision. From eyesight
to imagination and fine art to flight, they ar excited
about giving students the opportunity to see Vision in a whole new light.
Details: http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca/
Provincial German Contest, North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
Submitted by Ms. Irvine
I'm happy to announce that we had a great day at the Provincial German
Contest
yesterday. The contest was held at North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
We were awarded a Cup for the "Best Beginners' German Programme" by the
German
Consulate. Of course, all the credit goes to Frau Holl and her first
semester's grade
10 German students. Three of them were able to join us for the awards
ceremony. Also
within the same contest, one of our students came in first for individual
prizes and
two tied for second (the names for those three students still have to be
confirmed)
The senior students who competed against all schools from all over Ontario
also had
fabulous results:
2nd place: Cecilia T., grade 12
4th place: Sarah H., grade 12
5th place: Sally K., grade 12
6th place: Rachel W., grade 12
7th place: Tina X., grade 11
11th place: Ryan K., grade 11
12th place: Jessica Z., grade 11
13th place: Walker H., grade 11
14th place: Eva M., grade 11
16th place: Tiffany M., grade 11
20th place: Roshan D., grade 11
22nd place: Nicholas Z., grade 11
The students worked hard to prepare and they represented our school well. We
had a
fabulous day and everybody came back with even more enthusiasm for what we
do. The
representatives from the German consulate including the German Consul, Mr.
Raasch, were
very interested in finding out what we do at the Woodlands.
Get Outside Your World!, Engineers Without Borders
Building on Engineers Without Borders' award-winning School Outreach program,
EWB,
Honda Canada Foundation and Mountain Equipment Co-op are proud to announce
Get Outside
Your World, a national contest for youth. Get Outside Your World challenges
students to
do just that - tell us their vision for a better world.
They want to know what students, grade 6-12 (including CEGEP), envision for a
better
world and how we can get there. Submissions can take the form of photo
essays, videos
and essays. Prizes for winning submissions include a visit from an EWB
overseas
volunteer, a $1,500 scholarship for post-secondary education, and more. The
contest
closes on April 30th, 2009
http://www.ewb.ca/en/whatwedo/canada/projects/hso/getoutsideyourworld.html
Grade 11 Guest Speaker: Nadja Halilbegovich
Nadja Halilbegovich was born on July 29, 1979. She was twelve when the war
broke out
in her native country Bosnia. Throughout the next three and a half years, she
and all
the citizens of the capital Sarajevo suffered from continuous shelling and
the
deprivation of basic needs. In 1992, Nadja was wounded by a bombshell. She
still has
seven pieces of shrapnel in her legs. During the war, Nadja began sharing her
poetry
and diary entries on the National Radio. Soon, she had her own radio show
called “The
Music Box. In 1993, four of her poems were featured in a book Mom, I Don't
Want to Go
to the Basement. A year later, at fourteen, Nadja's diary Sarajevo Childhood
Wounded
by War was printed in Bosnia. She became known as the Bosnian Anne Frank, and
the
National Dutch Television created a documentary about her life.
Here are some of the reflections of our students:
... anybody can lead (even children) ... follow your dreams and just keep
walking
... even though she had to go through hard times, she found a way of
expressing herself
... leadership is about taking initiative and making a difference where you
believe one needs to be made
... two points about leadeship 1. Generosity - Nadja's brother brought food
to an entire community
... persistence - Nadja's mom attempting to get the permits 4 times
... 2.5 millon bombs were dropped - that is 8 bombs per person!
... I didn't know about this war and people need to think about the children
duringwartimes
... I learned about the importance of unity during tough times
... You can emerge from horrific experiences as a better person
... Do what it takes to succeed even if you are nervous or scared
... I neeed to make things happen
... Inspiring others in times of distress means having the courage to stand
up and do something
productive
... When placed in a position of leadership, I will ensure that the group
works well together and
everyone's opinions are heard
The Dominion Institute: Essay Contest
http://www.greatquestions.com/e/bulletin.html
The Dominion Institute is challenging young Canadians across the country to
express
their views on some important issues facing Canadians today. Using the book
Great
Questions of Canada, students are asked to write an essay on one of the six
Great
Questions debate topics. The winning entry will receive a $2000 cash prize,
have their
essay published on the website and win a trip to Ottawa for the award
ceremonies in
November 2009. Additional prizes will also be awarded for classrooms who
participate!
Topics
1. Founding Concepts
Some commentators have taken to calling Canada a nation of institutions not
ideas. Are
there a set of principles upon which Canada was founded and Confederation
built? How
have these principles evolved? Are they relevant to understand and animating
today's
political culture and values?
2.Identity Revolution
In the last century women have been enfranchised, attitudes towards First
Nations
people have changed and the ethnic composition of Canada has shifted
markedly. How have
personal and official conceptions of identity changed over time? What
political and
cultural changes will Canada's identity revolution bring next?
3. After Unity
The threat of Quebec separation has dominated Canada's political discourse
for the
better part of the last half-century. If the unity issue could somehow be
brought to a
successful resolution, what pre-existing or entirely new national
preoccupations would
claim Canada's political centre stage?
4. Canada and the World
During the cold war, Canada enjoyed considerable influence as a middle power.
What are
the defining characteristics of the post-cold war would and how do they
affect Canadian
interests abroad? What steps can Canada take to ensure a prominent voice in
world
affairs into the next century?
5. Heroes and Symbols
Canadians are largely ambivalent about their heroes, particularly when
compared to the
mythology-rich United States. What are the origins of this predisposition?
Has Canada
suffered from its unwillingness to create national heroes? Or, is our
aversion to
celebrating heroes and heroism quintessentially Canadian?
6. Does History Matter?
Research abroad and in Canada has questioned the existence of a common public
memory.
Is this a new trend? Does it matter in an increasingly technologically
oriented
present? And if something is to be done what dangers and challenges lie in
invigorating
a common History?
March 10, 2009
Teen Poetry Slam: Thursday, April 17, 2009 - 7 p.m.
Mississauga Central Library
Noel Ryan Auditorium
Fee: Free
Participants Ages: 13 years to 19 years
Signup to participate at: poetry.slam@mississauga.ca
1. Each poem must be maximum 3 minutes. There's a 10-second grace period,
after which the poet will
suffer a .5 point penalty for every 10 seconds over 3:10. There is no
minimum time.
2. No props, costumes, or musical instruments. Otherwise you lose a point.
Overtly dramatic use of
clothing included.
3. Reading from the page is allowed. So is memorizing.
4. No covers allowed. Each poem must be of the poet's own creation.
5. Respect for others. No swearing, no disrespectful, derogatory language.
6. Judging regime to be announced.
All styles are welcome and encouraged: a cappella, hip-hop, theatrical
monologues,
literary poetry, sound poetry, dub poetry, rants, haikus, power raps, etc.
Whatever you
like! Remember you'll be judged on delivery as well as content. While
competition is a main feature of the slam, remember the points are not the
point; the
poetry is the point.
This is not your ordinary literary reading. Slams are all about energy and
the rapport
between poet and listener! Audience participation encouraged!
February 23, 2009
MusicFest Announcement
Intermediate Concert Band - Gold and Invitation to Nationals
Senior Concert Band - Gold and Invitation to Nationals
Wind Ensemble - Gold and Invitation to Nationals
Senior Jazz Band - Gold and Invitation to Nationals
Intermediate Jazz Band - Silver
Chamber Strings - Gold and Invitation to Nationals
Hours of intensive rehearsal and commitment have paid huge dividends for the
members of
our
instrumental ensembles at this year’s MusicFest regional competition held
this year
in
Ancaster,
ON. For 2 days the Intermediate and Senior Concert Bands, Wind Ensemble,
Intermediate and
Senior Jazz Bands and Chamber Strings performed with very successful
results. The
groups picked
up 5 gold standings and a silver standing as well as 5 invitations to perform
at the
Music Fest
Canada’s National Festival to be held in May.
For the concert bands special mention goes to the expressive solo playing by
Tina B. on
piccolo,
Amy W. and Calvin Z. on flute, Phoenix Z. on oboe and several outstanding
oboe solos by
Marcus
H., Li L. on clarinet, various trumpet solos by Alex K., Emily L. and Yun Sik
H., Ben
C. on
horn, Omar M. on trombone and Jonathan W. on baritone. The adjudicators also
made
several
comments about the exceptional work of the percussion section of the Senior
Concert
Band and
Wind Ensemble.
Stellar solos were performed by various members of the jazz bands including
Cheng Z.
and Forest
L. on alto sax, Meghan L., Rachel W. and Ji Sang H. on tenor sax and a
demanding solo
on bari
sax by Natasha C.. Omar M. played a featured trombone solo and Alex K. on
trumpet as
well as
Lydia X. on piano were noted for their outstanding solo work.
The adjudicators also applauded the terrific work of Tappy H. on cello and
Megan K. on
harp.
We are fortunate to be able to celebrate such an outstanding level of
musicianship and
teamwork
here at The Woodlands School and congratulations go to all.
New Items
0.4 Engineering Opportunity
0.5 Shadow Day at Waterloo
1. Sears Festival
2. Guelph Wind Eng
3. CAP – Canadian Association of Physicists High School Exam
4. UBC – Michael Smith grade 10 contest
5. OAPT grade 11 Physics Contest
6. The International Summer School for Young Physicists
7. Outstanding DECA results
8. A.S.G. Bursary
9. Marion Drysdale Results
10. Pacific Swimming Championships in Guam
11. Table Tennis Team
February 18, 2009
Engineering Opportunity
Are you considering engineering as a career?
Do you want to help the environment?
Have you considered working overseas for a humanitarian organization like
engineers
without
borders?
If the answers to these questions is yes, you might enjoy speaking with a
former
Woodlands
graduate. She has recently come back from a volunteer experience in Africa
with
Engineers
without Borders. She will be discussing her transition from high school to
engineering, her
coop work placements and her experience in Africa to a small group of senior
students
on
February 27.
If you are interested, please sign up with Mrs. Quinn in the ELP office today
February 17, 2009
Shadow Day at Waterloo Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How would you like to be a university student for a day? Attending REAL
lectures,
checking out
the high-tech equipment that UW has to offer, and getting a taste of
university life...
Here's
your opportunity, because the Engineering Society is once again organizing
the High
School
Shadow Day. Shadow Day is an opportunity for high school students to
experience a day
at
university. Participating students will receive hands-on appreciation of
Waterloo
Engineering by
attending real lectures and spending time with current undergraduate
engineers. For
more
information: http://engsoc.uwaterloo.ca/www/evn_shadowday.php
The Woodlands at the Sears Festival
We have two Woodlands entries in the Sears Drama Festival this year and two
venues. In
both
cases, tickets for the 7 pm performance cost $5 in advance and $8 at the door.
February 19 @ Cawthra Park
The Show Can't Go On by Cameron McDowell
An absurdest drama dealing with the aftermath of canceled
play.
February 27@ The Woodlands
Asclepius by Sam Forrest
The myth of Asclepius describe the endeavors of the Greek god of
medicine
to grant
immortality to humans, although he was eventually stopped and
punished he
could
succeed. This play details teh exploits of a surgeon as he
attmpte to save
the life
of his patient.
February 11, 2009
Guelph WindEng
The competition task consists of constructing an energy generating wind
turbine that
uses a DC
motor as the generator. Following the design criteria and constraints the
competition
teams
will be required to construct their wind turbine and have it ready to be
tested for the
date of
the competition: Wednesday, April 22, 2009. On this day, competition teams
from across
the
province will arrive at the University of Guelph’s School of Engineering.
Harnessing wind energy is an exciting prospect for providing solutions to our
province's energy
needs. The government’s recent decision to open net metering to the public
helps
make
clean
renewable energy more accessible to all. The objective of this competition
is to
promote
interest for environmentally sound alternative energy solutions and foster
engineering
design
skills. Sign up with Mr. Rosenblood on the ELP office door.
CAP – Canadian Association of Physicists High School Exam
The CAP High School Exam is based upon an internationally recognized syllabus
of
Physics
Curriculum. The CAP Exam examines only sections of the syllabus covering
mechanics,
Optics and
Electricity and Magnetism. Since all provinces in Canada have different
curricula and
the level
of physics taught varies widely, the exam uses a broad based core curriculum,
which is
widely
recognized and used throughout the world.
This exam has prizes available to national winner and provincial winners
alike. The
national
winners are chosen to represent Canada at the International Physics Olympiad,
which
will be held
in the Yucatan Peninsula this year.
This high level test will challenge all grade 12 students. Sign up with Mr.
Rosenblood
on the
ELP office door.
UBC – Michael Smith grade 10 contest
The Michael Smith Science Challenge is a national competition written by
students in
Grade 10
Science or lower. It emphasizes logical thinking, and covers material in the
science
curriculum
common to all provinces. It is named in honour of UBC's Nobel Prize Winner
Dr. Michael
Smith,
and is sponsored by the UBC faculty of Science and NSERC PromoScience.
Prizes are
awarded to
the top students (and their teachers) in each province and nationally.
Sign up with Mr. Rosenblood on the ELP office door.
OAPT grade 11 Physics Contest
The OAPT Grade 11 Physics Contest is drawn from the Ontario SPH3U Grade 11
physics
curriculum,
plus one question from current events in physics, and one question on the
current Nobel
Prize in
physics, for a total of 30 multiple-choice questions. It is all done on line
and
prizes are
awarded to those who finish in the top 25.
Sign up with Mr. Rosenblood on the ELP office door.
The International Summer School for Young Physicists
The ISSYP is an exciting and challenging two-week program for Canadian and
international
students with a keen interest in theoretical physics and who intend to pursue
a degree
in
physics at the university level. This is a 2-week summer experience at the
prestigious
PI
Institute in Waterloo ON. Rumour has it, this will be Stephen Hawkins first
full
summer on
staff there.
For anyone interested in this opportunity, please see Mr. Rosenblood in the
ELP office
for an
application form.
February 9, 2009
Announcement from DECA
97 Woodlands students competed Friday and Saturday at the 2009 provincial
DECA
conference.
The competition was a phenomenal success for our school. 86 medals were
earned for top
placement in orals, multiple choice, and overall testing. 24 students move on
to
international
competition in Anaheim, California in April. Congratulations to all
participants and
winners –
you performed to your best abilities and we are all proud of your efforts.
Special
mention must
be made of the trophy winners:
First place
Joanna X. and May Z.
Nasheen K. and Anna Z.
Second place
Siddhant M., Alana C., Andrew D., Adam M.
Akbar K. and Zheng W.
Timo S. and Parker L.
Jessica L. and Cindy W.
Third Place
Kate L. and Dantong W.
Shyam B. and Jinesh D.
Feroz Q. and Harsh D.
Angela Q. and Jessica W.
Fourth Place
Jennifer K.
Fifth Place
Kenny Y. and Varun B.
Priscilla M.
Ryan K. and Jonathan T.
Go DECA.
A.S.G. Bursary
The Administrative Staff Group, representing technical and mid-management
employees
within the
Board, has established two Bursaries of $1,500.00 each. These bursaries will
be
awarded to two
graduating students in our school system, who have been accepted in a
Business/Commerce
degree
program at a Canadian University. The A.S.G., although a very small group of
business
professionals, established this generous financial award in 1987 to
demonstrate that
their
commitment to education in Peel went beyond the service and support they
provide in
their day-to-
day responsibilities.
A bursary recognizes financial need as well as scholastic achievement. This
award that
requires
a nomination from the school, so if you are interested please inquire at
student
services.
Congratulations to...
Tappy for receiving Honourable Mention for her art work entitled "My Home
Next Door".
Tappy, along with Ms. Whittingham, were on hand to receive this award at the
recent
Student
Achievement Awards in honour of Marion Drysdale held at OSSTF District 19.
Bogdan K. for finishing third in mens 4 x 100 freestyle at the Junior Pacific
Swimming
Championships in Guam. Guam, a U.S. territory, is an island in the western
Pacific
Ocean
Mr. Ghadially and the members of the Table Tennis Team for their Silver Place
finish in
the
Region of Peel Championships
New Items
January 30th - Update
1. Greenbelt Youth Forum - grades 10 and 11
2. Projects Abroad
January 29th - Update
1. Spirit of Mandela Poster contest - due February 20
2. Summer School Education Assistants - grade 12/university students
$11.82/hr +
vacation pay
3. ylinc.ca - Prizes $300 cash, Square One gift certificates - Immediate
Action Required
4. Boyd Archaeological Field School
5. Peel Summer Academy
6. Scientifically Yours
January 27th - Update
1. Timetable for Jan. 30
2. New "social entrepreneurship" Leadership Course
3. A Prisoner of Image?
Greenbelt Youth Forum.
"4-H Ontario and Me to We, a division of Free the Children, are seeking rural
and urban
high
school students in grades 10 and 11 for the second annual Greenbelt Youth
Forum.
The Forum, to be held at the YMCA Camp Cedar Glen near Bolton from April 16-
20th,
brings
together rural and urban students from high schools within the Greenbelt.
Through
facilitated
discussions, group work, workshops, guest speakers and tours, the students
work
together to
explore a variety of issues such as environmental stewardship, resource
preservation,
land use
planning, and local food.
Applications are available on the 4-H Ontario website at http://www.4-
hontario.ca/greenbelt.aspx
or by calling (519) 824-0101. Applications are due March 1, 2009. A $75 fee
applies and
covers
costs of rooms, food, resources and bus tours."
Projects Abroad from http://www.projects-
abroad.org/projects/
"In the early 1990s, some students wanted a break from study - a "gap year,"
although
the term
wasn't yet in common use. They approached their geography professor about
traveling and
working
in Eastern Europe. The professor, Dr. Peter Slowe, had difficulty finding any
opportunities for
this kind of travel combined with work experience, so he set about arranging
for his
students to
go and teach English in Romania where he knew some fellow academics. This was
how
Projects
Abroad began in 1992.
Projects Abroad today
Until 1997, Projects Abroad was a small organization with just two part time
staff
sending
university students to teach English in Eastern Europe. But with more and
more people
taking
time out on academic and work-related breaks, and with many developing
countries in
need of self-
funded volunteers, our organized volunteer programs started to mushroom
around the
world. Our
volunteers can still teach English in Eastern Europe, but can also do many
other types
of work
in many other places.
We now have two North American offices located in New York City and Toronto.
With more
than 250
trained staff in our destinations, and offering over 100 generic projects, we
are one
of the
leading international volunteer organizations.
Projects Abroad in the Global Economy
We help to create local employment wherever we send volunteers. We employ
many people
directly
and provide plenty of work indirectly through the services we provide for
volunteers.
We have
also devolved various "Head Office" functions, such as management
accountancy, which is
done in
Mongolia and design work in Mexico. Because we work with local colleagues at
all
levels, our
extensive network of local knowledge enables us to channel the skills of our
volunteers
to
places they are really needed.
Cultural exchange and freedom of choice
Volunteers learn from their chosen projects and the people they meet -- and
vice versa.
Mutual
learning and respect is what cultural exchange is all about.Now we are taking
this
theme
of "respect" further than ever. We are truly global in our outlook. We
welcome
approaches from
potential partners – schools, orphanages, hospitals and so on – from
across the
developing
world; wherever they are or whatever they do, we will try to meet their
needs. And we
welcome
ideas from potential volunteers too; if a volunteer has an idea for a new
program or
destination, we will do everything we can to enable them to work in their own
way. We
will
cherish their ideas and meet their requirements. We believe that flexibility
on our
part is a
necessary consequence of our respect for our partners and our respect for
volunteers."
Spirit of Mandela Poster contest - due February 20
http://www.spiritofmandela.ca/Resource-Center/-Poster-Contest.html
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada) is proud to present our first
poster
contest. This
is an opportunity for students to put their creative talents to work in
developing a
poster
which visualizes the Spirit of Mandela program.
The winner of the Spirit of Mandela Poster Contest will be announced at the
official
launch of
the Spirit of Mandela Week. The poster will be the official poster for the
Spirit of
Mandela
Week 2009 and will be distributed in thousands of schools across Canada. The
winner
will also
receive a year’s subscription to Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for
Kids Magazine
and
a Kayak
T-shirt, sponsored by Canada’s National History Society, a T-Shirt of the
Spirit of
Mandela
Program and a copy of the poster will also be sent to the Nelson Mandela
Children’s
Fund office
in South Africa.
You are invited to design a poster that will be used for NMCF (Canada) 2009
Spirit of
Mandela
Week – Changing the Way Society Treats its Children and Youth using the
following
themes: South
Africa, Social Justice, Human Rights, Nelson Mandela, Children and Youth,
and/or the
Millennium
Development Goals.
Summer School Education Assistants $11.82/hr + vacation pay
Preferred Candidates would be grade 12 students who excel in English and
Mathematics,
have
experience working with students (coaching, tutoring, etc) and are interested
in
gaining
classroom teaching experience or are interested in working with students in a
supportive role.
Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2009, 400 p.m.
Application forms available from Ms. Haire or Mrs. Quinn
Ylinc Newcomer Video Series - Immediate action required!
This is an opportunity for grade 11 and 12 students who were not born in
Canada. Ylinc
is
producing a video through the Centre for Education and Training to focus on
the
achievements,
challenges and successes of newcomer youth to serve as an inspiration for
others who
may be in
similar circumstances. Contact ylinc@tcet TODAY if you are interested.
Boyd Archaeological Field School
http://www.boydfieldschool.org/about.html
Over a three week period, students develop and master interdisciplinary
knowledge and
skills
through the exploration of Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian histories. The course
includes
lectures
and hands-on work at an archaeological site under the instruction of
certified teachers
and
archaeologists. The Boyd Archaeological Field School, recipient of the 2005
Peggy
Armstrong
Public Archaeology Award, is entering its 33rd year of operation under the
sponsorship
of the
Continuing Education Department of the York Region Board of Education with
assistance
from a
number of partners.
This summer course includes accommodation for a range of abilities and needs.
Students
will earn
a Grade 12 University Prep Credit in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDC4U).
The course instructors include Ontario teachers, licensed archaeologists,
Aboriginal
educators
and respected professionals in a variety of specialties.
Course components:
an introduction to archaeological theory
archaeological excavation field work
analysis of artifacts
study of past Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian histories
introduction to modern Aboriginal philosophies, worldview and
contemporary
social issues
analysis of the environment of the culture
flintknapping and other lost arts
Have you ever considered attending the 2009 Peel Summer Academy??
www.peelsummeracademy.com
Grade 7 & 8: Program 1: University of Toronto at Mississauga
This two-week program at the University of Toronto at Mississauga offers
students an
opportunity
to live in residence on the university campus. Our partnership with the
University of
Toronto
was established 25 years ago and thousands of gifted young people have
cherished their
special
time there each year.
Grades 9 & 10 - Program 2: Northern Ontario Leadership Experience
The Northern Ontario Leadership Experience (NOLE) is for grade 7, 8 and 9
students who
enjoy the
outdoors and are looking for a challenge. It offers a unique experience where
students
will
spend their time at 3 different locations in Northern Ontario where the
students will
utilize
their leadership skills they learn throughout in a 4-day adventure in
Algonquin park.
Grade 10 - Program 4: Sir William Grenfell College at Corner Brook
This program has become the culmination of Peel Summer Academy for many
students. It provides students with a wonderful opportunity to visit a
different part
of
Newfoundland, to experience the special hospitality of our hosts at Sir
Wilfred
Grenfell College
in Corner Brook, and to travel up the west coast to one of Newfoundland's
special
treasures,
Gros Morne National Park. As a bonus, the leadership program provides
valuable personal
development, particularly for those who might want to become counsellors at
PSA in
future years.
Grades 11 & 12 - Program 5: Far North in Churchill, Manitoba
A program for senior high school students, held at the Churchill Northern
Studies
Centre (CNSC)
focused on global climate change. The students will work towards obtaining
a "U"-level Interdisciplinary credit (IDC4U) while on their expedition in
Northern
Manitoba.
Mark your calendars for March 8th, 2009 from 1-4pm!! Open House 2009 will be
held in the CCT Atrium and Lecture Hall at the University of Toronto at
Mississauga,
Erindale
Campus located at 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario. This is
a great
opportunity for parents and students to visit with some of our instructors,
see the
courses
available for Program One: UTM, and attend a formal presentation pertaining
to all 5 of
the Peel
Summer Academy Programs for 2009. For more information on the program,
please feel
free to
contact Marnie Beaver.
Centre for Education & Training
190 Robert Speck Parkway
Mississauga, ON. L4Z 3K3
P:905.949.0049
Scientifically Yours: May 5 -6, 2009
This is an opportunity for grade 11 girls who have talent in science and math
but are
selecting
other grade 12 courses without fully exploring their science options. This
is an in-
school
recommendation process, but if your daughter might benefit from a 2 day
overnight
conference at
Brock University, please let me know and I will bring her name forward for
consideration.
January 27 2009
*** Happy Lunar New Year! *** Welcome to Semester Two!***
Schedule for Friday, January 30
Timetable Distribution
8:20 - 8:30 Semester 1 Home Room (OF1 distributed in the caf)
Semester 2 Classes
8:40 - 9:32 Semester 2, Period 1
9:32 - 10:24 Semester 2, Period 2
10:24 - 11:16 Semester 2, Period 3
11:16 - 12:09 Semester 2, Period 4
12:09 - 1:01 Semester 2, Period 5
Semester 1 Exam Review
1:12 - 1:31 Semester 1, Period 1
1:31 - 1:50 Semester 1, Period 1
1:50 - 2:09 Semester 1, Period 1
2:09 - 2:28 Semester 1, Period 1
2:28 - 2:47 Semester 1, Period 1
Leadership GPP 300
If you are in grade 10 or 11 and have had "leadership opportunities" listed
in your
needs
column on your IEP, this new course is being designed with you in mind.
The course will run for the first time in 2009 -2010. See Ms. Adzievski for
more
details.
Course Highlights
- leadership theories
- leadership growth plan
- peer tutoring/mentoring/helping
- school wide intiatives
- social entrepreneurship
- community-based activities like Project for Public Spaces
- field trips and excursions
A Prisoner of Image? from “The Essential Guide to
Talking with
Gifted Teensâ€,
Jean Sunde Peterson, Free Spirit
Press, 2008
“Gifted teens often speak negatively of hypocrites. They are quick to
judge others as
insincere. They are disgusted by fake smiles, and they
gossip about others’ status-seeking behavior. … Yet, in spite of their
judging they
probably
wear a façade of some kind themselves. We all do. They might act their way
into the
right
social circle or feign interest in a topic to impress a teacher. A no-worry
demeanor
might hide
anxiety. Smiles and congeniality might hide sadness, anger, and important
needs
because they
know that displaying those feelings would not draw people to them. With a
blank, cold
negative
façade, they may say , “Leave me alone†or “Don’t mess with me.â€
Regardless of whether he or she is perceived accurately, a teen who is seen
as a rebel,
risk-
taker, joker or member of the popular crowd may feel stuck in the role. A
bubbly,
energetic
student may feel constrained form expressing sadness. A nice guy may be
tired of being
nice. Learner
Aspects of Creativity
Grade 11
Leadership Survey
Happiness: What is it?
The class comedian may yearn to be taken seriously. A bad reputation can be
difficult
to
escape. The “brainy†student may not feel able to ask a “stupidâ€
question. It is
possible to be
a prisoner of image. Both stellar gifted achievers and rebellious gifted
underachievers may be
reluctant to take risks with their respective images.
Common stereotypes may prevent gifted achievers from being affirmed for their
intellect, and
stereotypes may also narrow others’ perceptions
of high achievers …â€
Things to think about:
What is your social façade? What purpose does it serve?
Does it ever cause problems for you or the people around you?
Where can you take off your façade? Are people who know the real you
more or less
respectful than those who don’t?
Is there part of your image you would like to erase? What would you put
in it’s
place?
How could you begin to make this change?
"Being perfect was hard work, and the hell of it was, the rules of it
changed. So that
while I
arrived at college in 1970 with a trunk full of perfect pleated kilts and
perfect
monogrammed
sweaters, by Christmas vacation I had another perfect uniform: overalls,
turtlenecks,
Doc
Martens, and the perfect New York City Barnard College affect--part
hyperintellectual,
part
ennui. This was very hard work indeed. I had read neither Sartre nor Sappho,
and the
closest I
ever came to being bored and above it all was falling asleep. Finally, it was
harder to
become
perfect because I realized, at Barnard, that I was not the smartest girl in
the world.
Eventually being perfect day after day, year after year, became like always
carrying a
backpack
filled with bricks on my back. And oh, how I secretly longed to lay my burden
down."
... from Anna Quindlen's Commencement Speech
Grade Level Seminars
Just before the winter break Ms. Ahmad, Mr. Rosenblood and I visited every
enhanced
section to
provide special education support according to the Gifted Plan. The seminars
are
student-focused
with plenty of time for discussion and debate. - M. Quinn
Grade 9
A Survey of Personal Study Habits
Effective Study Skills
The Wisdon of the Crows: Effective Presentation Skills
Social and Peer Interaction
Managing Your Time
Grade 10
Creativity: Campaign Craze and Mobile
Perfectionsim and Underachieving
Mazlow and Self-Advocacy
High Achiever/ Gifted
How to Mangage your Boss
Trickle-up Leadership
Signature Strength
Grade 12
Unlocking the secrets of Self-Sabotage
Dealing with Bias in Society: Case Study
Supporing your own Learning Needs when you get to Post-secondary
Education
Analyzing Problem-Solving Techniques
Bias and Stereotypes
December 3
Discover Diversity Program
Some of our ELP Students will soon be participating in a Discover Diversity
workshop. Its aim
is to eliminate bigotry and discrimination by
opening hearts and minds. By helping students find common ground and common
purpose, by
bringing into focus the fascinating stories of
each individual, and by educating students about the value of empathy
students are encouraged to
consider the various perspectives from
around the world and the various lived experiences in different cultures and
countries.
Among many questions that will be addressed are: how is each of us different -
and the same? Why
do our individual stories matter? And why is
it important to understand people from other cultures instead of just
existing alongside them?
Students will probe the nature of diversity,
challenge their own assumptions, and discover more about others - and
themselves. - B. Miller
December 1
Action Research ELP Library Project begins!
In an effort to pack our library with books that ELP students want to read an
ELP Student
Library Advisory Council is being struck!
Tuesday, December 2 before or after school ELP students grade 9-12 who are
avid readers are
invited to join the Library Advisory Council. The kick off will be brief and
purposeful!
We will meet to organize and complete a survey and get things rolling.
Students will be
independently choosing books they want to be purchased for them to read and
review! From this
point on most of our communication will be conducted via blogging. Our goal
is to meet gifted
students recreational reading needs! This project will run from December to
mid May.
- S. Alexander
November 27
For Parents: Woodlands Co-operative Education; a winning combination for
businesses and students
Have you ever considered "hiring" a co-operative education student for your
business? Would your
child consider participating in a co-operative education program? Co-op
students are
enthusiastic, hard workers and can make a great impact on a workplace, at no
cost to the
employer. That's right - they don't get paid, but earn high school credits,
valuable experience,
and make contacts in the workplace that will assist them upon graduation.
The Woodlands co-operative education program is seeking businesses that can
offer placements to
our high school students. Placements are flexible, and can run part time,
full time, during the
school year or through the summer. Any workplace is suitable - students are
seeking placements
in retail, service industries, trades and apprenticeships, office work,
nursing and healthcare,
research labs... you name it.
If you're interested in learning more, take a look at
http://www.peelschools.org/student/learning/co-op.htm or contact Janice
Farrow at the Woodlands
School: 905-279-0575 x310
November 26
Have you ever considered attending the 2009 Peel Summer Academy??
-
www.peelsummeracademy.com
Grade 7 & 8: Program 1: University of Toronto at Mississauga
This two-week program at the University of Toronto at Mississauga offers
students an opportunity
to live in residence on the university campus. Our partnership with the
University of Toronto
was established 25 years ago and thousands of gifted young people have
cherished their special
time there each year.
Grades 9 & 10 - Program 2: Northern Ontario Leadership Experience
The Northern Ontario Leadership Experience (NOLE) is for grade 7, 8 and 9
students who enjoy the
outdoors and are looking for a challenge. It offers a unique experience where
students will
spend their time at 3 different locations in Northern Ontario where the
students will utilize
their leadership skills they learn throughout in a 4-day adventure in
Algonquin park.
Grade 10 - Program 4: Sir William Grenfell College at Corner Brook
This program has become the culmination of Peel Summer Academy for many
students. It provides
students with a wonderful opportunity to visit a different part of
Newfoundland, to experience
the special hospitality of our hosts at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in
Corner Brook, and to
travel up the west coast to one of Newfoundland's special treasures, Gros
Morne National Park.
As a bonus, the leadership program provides valuable personal development,
particularly for
those who might want to become counsellors at PSA in future years.
Grades 11 & 12 - Program 5: Far North in Churchill, Manitoba
A program for senior high school students, held at the Churchill Northern
Studies Centre (CNSC)
focused on global climate change. The students will work towards obtaining
a "U"-level
Interdisciplinary credit (IDC4U) while on their expedition in Northern
Manitoba.
Mark your calendars for March 8th, 2009 from 1-4pm!! Open House 2009 will be
held in the CCT
Atrium and Lecture Hall at the University of Toronto at Mississauga, Erindale
Campus located at
3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario. This is a great
opportunity for parents and
students to visit with some of our instructors, see the courses available for
Program One: UTM,
and attend a formal presentation pertaining to all 5 of the Peel Summer
Academy Programs for
2009. For more information on the program, please feel free to contact
Marnie Beaver.
Centre for Education & Training
190 Robert Speck Parkway
Mississauga, ON. L4Z 3K3
P:905.949.0049
UTEK '09: The Koolest Kompetition Ever!, Saturday January 9, 2009
UTEK, the Universtity of Toronto Engineering Kompetitions, is an exciting one
day event filled
with design challenges, novel ideas, and eloquent
presentations. Hosted by the Engineering Society, UTEK is your chance to
showcase the brilliant
talent of your team. This year's Kompetition
takes place on January 17, 2009 at the Bahen Centre for Information
Technology.
1st place prize - $100/person
2nd place prize - $50/person
3rd place prize - $25/person
See Mr. Rosenblood if you are interested.
Grade 9 Grade Level Seminar and Grade 11 Physics Guest Speaker: Phil Ferguson
Once a year, at each grade level, The Woodlands ELP brings in a speaker to
highlight the grade
level goals. Monday's seminar with Dr. Phil Ferguson with the grade nines
focused on the goal
of positive group work. Dr. Ferguson made it very clear that in his place of
work, building
micorsattelites, teamwork and collaboration were the norm.
The accompanying seminar included a high energy hands-on task that
highlighted the errors
commonly made in group work as well as an introduction to and discussion of
positive group work
skills.
Dr. Ferguson was then whisked off to a grade 11 physics class to describe
some of the ways in
which concepts taught in grade 11 physics apply directly to engineering
challenges in satellite
technology.
"Dr. Phil Ferguson's presentation was very informative and really tied into
our course
material. It taught me a lot about spaceflight and satellites without
confusing me too much.
In addition, he really appealed to us as he tried not to use too much jargon.
Overall his
presentation was awesome!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Phil Ferguson's message the other day. At first, I
was unclear about
how qualified he was, but then he showed us his degrees from MIT. His
research regarding the
forces that astronauts experience in zero gravity and the "vomit comet" was
interesting. He
stimulated my interest in aerodynamics when he was describing and explaining
the way the parts
of the satellite worked and when he walked us through angular momentum."
******************************************************************************
******************
November 13
2008 Grad Survey
Early Results: What I enjoyed most about the Enhanced Learning Program was...
Being able to do group projects with other students who were focused on doing
well.
I enjoyed the opportunities to engage in creative projects with fewer
boundaries and less
restrictions. I enjoyed being given more freedom when it came to topic
selection.
I enjoyed the greater focus the teachers seemed to have on letting me work on
developing my
talents and think my way through problems. In most of the open, academic,
etc. classes I was in,
the majority of the assignments were very straightforward and had little room
for creativity and
experimentation, however, this was not the case in most of my enhanced
classes and I really
enjoyed the opportunity to experiment and discover what I was truly capable
of.
... the fact that our teachers understood that we had other commitments than
their classes and
let us do our jobs.
Being placed in a group of students to whom I can relate... an intelligent
level of
communication.
Being able to learn with others just like me.
The smart teachers and being around like-minded peers.
The fact that I was able to interact with peers who were so focussed on their
future and on
learning. It was a competitive environment, but it made me want to do my best.
The sense of community and seemingly closer connection between the students
and even the
teachers. It's a friendly place. That, and everyone is strange just like you,
so it's easy to
just be yourself and make it so that you enjoy learning.
Meeting life-long friends
***************
Library Action Research Project Funds Granted for Enhanced Learning Program!
If your child loves to read, please encourage him/her to get involved in
this exciting project!
One thousand dollars has been granted by Peel District to create a Library
Advisory Group of
students who love to read! The Woodlands School Library's Action Research
goal is to meet the
needs of our ELP students and thereby increase their readership.
The Action Research Funds funds will be used to pay for student book
selections, support their
reviews, and promote their books. "Teens who are selecting and promoting
books...attract other
teens to reading and library usage. Youth participation perpetuates youth
participation"
(Tuccillor 2004 ).
The Action Research period will run from November until the beginning of May.
Ms Alexander and
staff committee members will track student reading to determine if reading
patterns are
improving in eight Semester One ELP home forms: Mr Dewar, Mr Donaghey, Mr
Heathfield, Mr Panwar,
Ms Price, Ms Raybould, Mr Shaikh, Ms Sajan. The research will continue into
Semester 2; classes
will be determined based on ELP home forms.
*****************
November 12, 2008
Health Research Under the Microscope (HRUM).
St. Joseph¡¯s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University
Thursday, April 2, 2009 - Grade 10 -12 students
"Set in a large conference-like atmosphere, participating youth are seated at
one of twenty-
eight round tables. Each table is directed by a teacher chaperone, who acts
as the table
facilitator, and by one rotating mentor. Mentors are experts in a specialized
field; and as a
group, they represent a wide range of science and technology, as well as
health-related
professional careers. HRUM strives to provide students, as well as teacher
chaperones, with
invaluable hands-on experience in the fields of science and technology in
various specialties.
To view the 2008 HRUM Program, Evaluation Summary and Photo Gallery, please
visit the HRUM
webpage at www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/research, then select ¡°Health
Research Under the
Microscope¡±.
If you want to go, please let Mrs. Quinn know immediately.
******************
Dr. Davis Earle, Subury Neutrino Sbservatory
Guest Speaker
November 7, 2008
submitted by Steven L.
On Friday, November 7, 2008, our school received a prestigious guest speaker,
nuclear physicist
Dr. Davis Earle, from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in Sudbury, Ontario.
The observatory is
constructed beneath the infrastructure of a nickel mine, 2 km underground.
The reason for its
low elevation is that the amount of radiation from various different sources
on the Earth's
surface will overshadow the radiation that is actually produced by solar
neutrinos. The
observatory itself consists of a 12 m-in-diameter sphere of acrylic vessel, a
type
of glass, which allows radiation to pass through. The sphere contains 1000
metric tonnes of
heavy water and is surrounded by a complex array of photomultipliers, devices
that can detect
Lilliputian amounts of radiation based of the photoelectric effect. A cavity
of light water
surrounding the sphere provides radioactive shielding.
In order to understand the method of neutrino detection, we must understand
what neutrinos are.
Before the discovery of neutrinos, the world was made up of just electrons
and quarks,
fundamental particles that form neutrons and protons. However, from detailed
examination of the
beta decay, scientists realized when a neutron decays into a proton and an
electron there is a
clear difference between the reaction's energy and momentum. Later, an
Italian scientist, Fermi,
presented a solution to this problem - three particles are produced during
beta decay: an
electron, a proton, and a neutrino, a particle that is so small that it
cannot be detected
easily like an electron or a proton.
The theory behind neutrino detection is that, when a neutrino impacts the
heavy water molecule
in the sphere, an electron is produced in the form of Cherenkov radiation,
which is a particle
that travels faster than the luminal speed of the medium. The electron loses
energy in the water
and a cone of photons is produced. These photons are detected by the
photomultipliers lining on
the outside of the sphere. With precise calculation, the direction which each
neutrino came
from can be determined. This direction of neutrino is crucial because only
solar neutrinos are
wanted.
The purpose of SNO is to solve a physics question. The standard model of the
sun states that the
sun should produce three times of the amount of electron neutrinos than that
was
observed. Due to the fact that SNO is the only observatory up until then that
was able to detect
the other kinds of neutrinos - tau and muon neutrinos, it was ably to prove
two facts - the
standard model of the sun is correct, and a theory called neutrino
oscillation is correct. The
theory states that when electron neutrinos are released form the sun, they
can oscillate between
the three different kinds of neutrinos. When they reach Earth, only electron
neutrinos are
detected by previous detectors. Only SNO was able to detect all three
neutrinos, therefore
proving the total number of neutrinos landed on Earth is the same as amount
predicted by the
model.
As Dr. Earle informed us that the project was curiosity-driven, the results
have no immediate
practical applications. However, they do provide incite on future scientific
research and
development. The presentation we received was fascinating and enlightening,
and I'm sure that
all of the students went enjoyed it.
******************************************************************************
******************
October 28, 2008
This edition has student reflections about various enrichment opportunities.
Please do not allow
your time at The Woodlands to fly by without taking part of at least some of
the opportunities
available through this website and others. If you have participated in an
event, please submit
a reflection, so other students can be inspired to participate as well.
Gairdner Lectures
Hart House, University of Toronto
October 24, 2008
submitted by various students
It was a tremendous honour to be able to take one hundred Woodlands biology
students were to
hear three of the most influential scientists on the planet in the area of
biomedical
research. One of our recent graduates, Thanh Nguyen, had been invited to
attend the Gairdner
Gala Award Ceremony and sat with the awardees during the lectures. He met
us, tired but
beaming, afterwards. - M. Quinn
Harald zur Hausen, Chairman and Scientific Director, German Cancer Research
Centre
2008 Nobel Laureate for Physiology or Medicine
2008 Gairdner International Awardee
"for the discovery of the causative role of papilloma viruses in
cancer of
the cervix which led to the development of a successful HPV
vaccine"
Alan Bernstein, Executive Director, Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, New York,
N.Y.
2008 Gairdner International Awardee
2008 Wightman Awardee
McLaughlin Medal of the Royal Society of Canada
Genetics Society of Canada Award of Excellence
2001 Australian Society for Medical Research Medal
Order of Canada.
"for his outstanding contribution to Canadian health research as a
scientist,
research institute director and as the inaugural President of the
Canadian
Institutes of Health Research"
Samuel Weiss, Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Pharmacology &
Therapeutics,
University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
2008 Gairdner International Awardee
Fondation IPSEN (France) prize in Neuronal Plasticity
2004 Canadian Federation of Biological Societies Presidents'
Award
in Life Sciences Research.
"for his seminal discovery of adult neural stem cells in the
mammalian brain
and its importance in nerve cell regeneration"
" I was inspired by Dr. Weiss' student because here was a graduate student
who saw beyond what
he had always been taught and dared to break the rules. He spoke up,
defending his unlikely
hypothesis that brain cells could in fact divide to regenerate any injured
part.."
" ... I was amazed by the videos that were taken during the lab, which allows
the audience
visualize
themselves at the lab making observations..."
"... I was also slightly intimidated by their knowledge and vocabulary and I
understand that it
comes with years of study... I admired the creativity coupled with theory
which led them to
their hypotheses and the methods to test them..."
"... I am also fascinated by the fact that the motor ability of a rat that
suffered from a
stroke
is restored when the the brain repaired itself after injections of EPO. this
research, when
applied to humans, can revolutionize the field of medical science and save
the suffering of many
from post-stroke trauma"
"I was inspired by the determination and the perseverance of the scientists
who presented. Each
was able to isolate and focus on one global issue in order to develop a
viable solution to
enhance and prolong life. I was not surprised by their humble nature, but
was content to know
that the rest of the group, who worked on the projects with them, was
recognized and
acknowledged as well."
Student Reflections: IDEA Laurier
Dare to think Differently
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Submitted by Natasha C.
IDEA Laurier was a day filled with discussions, presentations, and lectures
about food
sustainability. In the morning, the 32 students attending the workshop
participated in three
academic lectures presented by Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer, Dr. Barry Colbert, and
Dr. Ken Maly.
Dr. Blay-Palmer focused on geographic and environmental aspects of
sustainable food systems
while Dr. Colbert's session was about the business and economic effects of
food sustainability.
Dr. Maly talked about his research in the area of new organic materials.
All of these lectures were interesting because they provided us with a better
insight into the
various aspects of food sustainability and how it affects all facets of
life. They entire day
was a simulation of what a day at the university would be like so not only
was it informational
in nature but also a good overview of what to expect once we are in the
university environment.
After lunch, we were divided into groups of four, and we were given two hours
to prepare a
presentation based on the lectures as well as additional research. The
groups were either for
or against bio-fuels and each group presented their arguments in front of a
panel of judges.
Even though my group was against, it was interesting to hear and appreciate
other positions and
supporting arguments.
I felt that the entire day was beneficial for me because it not only gave me
an opportunity to
get a sneak preview into the university life but also afforded me a chance to
enhance some of
the basic skills like presentation development and delivery, working under
pressure with a tight
deadline and teamwork. I found that this parallel to a real-life university
situation helped me
not only learn the theory but put what I had learned into practice
immediately.
With students from all across Ontario attending the workshop, we were able to
share our ideas
and different perspectives.
Student Reflection:ROPES
Research Opportunity Program in Engineering and Science
Department of Mathematics, Ryerson University
Submitted by Tina B.
It was orientation day, and the bright, sunlit hall of the George Vari
Engineering building
teemed with nervous students waiting to begin their first day of work. Upon
entering the
presentation room, they were lectured on the importance of safety in the
workplace. This speech
was somewhat intimidating and perhaps even a little frightening to the group
of newcomers, yet
it roused them to their surrounding environment. Suddenly, everything seemed
darker, and much
more ominous (if that was possible) until the handsome, florid woman by the
name of Frankie
Stewart proposed a few ice-breakers to loosen the tense atmosphere. As the
students were broken
up into groups, they began to share stories and ideas, and a few laughs even
foiled the
previously silent hall. But, predictably, the brief reprieve was over as
quickly as it had come
as the students were split up and individually assigned to their coworkers. I
was one of those
students.
Though our nonchalant facade hid our true feelings, none of us had any reason
to be afraid. I
learned this upon my first conversation with my professor, Dr. Katrin Rohlf.
She was an amazing,
intelligent, and charming young woman with incredible insight and a helping
hand. As I grew more
comfortable to my new workplace, she helped me understand the true essence of
our project for
the next six weeks. I was to research the biological effects of constrictions
in blood vessels
from a mathematical point of view. Using a particle method, I would write
code for the computer
in order to perform simulations that reflect the true nature of blood flow in
the human body.
The next step was to become familiar with my new laboratory. Upon entering
the lab, I was blown
away by the sophisticated facilities with which I had been provided. I began
working with an
operating system that I had never before encountered. Fedora, one of the more
recent versions of
Linux held for me a new experience altogether. It was imperative for me to
learn how to work
quickly and efficiently with Fedora, since the field of Applied Mathematics
concerns various
programs that are compatible with the Linux systems. Such programs include
FORTRAN, Xfig, Maple,
and Gnuplot.
My experience as a research assistant can be divided into three parts:
reading and understanding
journals based on this project; learning to work with FORTRAN code and
preparing several
programs; and finalizing the overall program, simulations, and the
presentation board. A great
deal of stress was placed on the final project that we would be presenting on
the last day of
our journey, known to us as the "Open House." It wasn't a coincidence that
students had to stay
home from work to catch up on a much needed break during these intense work
periods. However,
two benevolent, young ladies who coordinated this program provided us with a
solution. Ayesha
Shaikh and Rameza Bacchus put together a fun-filled schedule for us
overworked and jaded 11th-
graders. Every Wednesday, we engaged in group activities including robot-
building competitions,
trips to the museum, and tours of the Ryerson laboratories! It was a really
great opportunity to
interact with other students in the program and find out about their new
experiences at Ryerson
University.
The big day is coming up, and people are putting the finishing touches on
their posters. Despite
my own nervousness at presenting, I am very excited to see the projects the
other students have
been working on up close. I would like to say thank you to all the ROPES
supervisors, and
especially my professor, Dr. Katrin Rohlf. I feel I speak for everyone when I
say we are
indebted to these wonderful people who put so much time and energy into
making this a memorable
summer for us all.
In short, the six weeks I spent in the ROPES program were mainly directed at
completing my final
project and fulfilling my role as a research assistant to my professor, Dr.
Katrin Rohlf. She
was a very helpful guide throughout the entire learning process ¨C always
patient despite my
numerous questions and working hard to help me overcome any obstacles. I feel
the experience I
gained during the ROPES program was a very valuable one since I discovered
new software while
working with a different operating system (Unix) as well as learning how to
write programs using
FORTRAN, despite my lack of experience in these areas. It also opened my eyes
to the depth of
the topic I was researching, which was the flow of particles through a
stenosed (constricted)
vessel, from a theoretical point of view as I was working in the Applied
Mathematics Department.
Though I had no graduate student as a supervisor, I was still given full
access to any
facilities or equipment I required.
This program is channelled towards students entering grade 12 after the
summer, with particular
emphasis on female students interested in engineering, as the coordinators
are part of the Women
in Engineering department at Ryerson University. In addition to the valuable
experience gained
from being a professor¡¯s research assistant, students who participate in the
ROPES program are
regarded as employees of Ryerson University and receive payment for the
number of hours they
commit. As such, ROPES employees are expected to be present at work every day
for at least 7
hours, depending on the department requirements.
The coordinators of the ROPES program planned weekly events in order to bring
us all closer as a
group and share our experiences with another. Some students were working in
very hands-on
environments where lab safety was an important issue, while others took
weekly trips to the
hospital to collect data for their projects. Everyone¡¯s experience was very
different, and for
some it did not look like it would end ¨C I was surprised to find that some
students were asked
by their professors to continue in their position for a few extra weeks after
the ROPES program
would end.
All in all, the ROPES program was a very enriching experience as I became
more aware of the
depth to which academic study is pursued in university, as well as the
overall environment of a
downtown university campus. I feel very lucky to have had such a dedicated
professor to lead me
in the right direction and teach me so many different things I would not have
otherwise learned
until perhaps my second or third year in university. I am thankful to Katrin
Rohlf, as well as
the ROPES coordinators for making it such a memorable summer.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________
Top School in Ontario - Most Medals
MacMaster Science and Engineering Olympics
Gold Medal Team - Physics Paper Triathlon
Ragav. G.
Keshav. G.
Majuratan S.
Silver Medal Team - Civil Canada Arm
Ragav. G.
Keshav. G.
Will C.
Rick H.
Silver Medal Team - Engineering Jeopardy
Andrew D.
Gorazd T.
Ragav. G.
Keshav. G.
First Place - OFSSAA Women's Golf
Cogratulations to grade 10 student Michelle L. ! She placed first out a
field of 131 golders
at Piper's Heath with a birdie on the 18th with a 74.
School of Engineering at the University of Guelph
The University of Guelph presents the 3rd annual High School Conference for
students created and
hosted by Guelph students. It focuses on prospective students entering the
field of Engineering
in a unique way. Come explore and experience the programs before you tackle
the tough task of
choosing your undergraduate degree. The weekend includes seminars on all of
our engineering
disciplines, design challenges, Guelph social life and lots of fun.
Details: Open to Canadian students in grade 11 and 12. Limited to 60 students.
Date: Thursday, November 6th ¨C Sunday, November 9th, 2008
Cost: $100 per person. Includes accommodations
October 6, 2008
Current Items
1. Last week for U of T Mentorship applications: Deadline October 10
2. Sanofi- Aventis Biotalent Challenge
3. Shad Valley
4. Marion Drysdale Competition
5. IEPs
6. Update: ELP Poster Contest
7. Fall Series: Stress Management
8. Supplemental Application and Scholarship Writing Seminars For Grade 12
Students
October 14, 15, 16
Sanofi-Aventis Biotalent Challenge (SABC)
Why not write a proposal? Students from the Woodlands have been finalists in
the past. Their
project involved the genetic transfer of a gene which fluoresces into a
plasmid with the
ultimate goal of producing a "safety grass". Imagine the value of glow-in-
the-dark grass as
edging for highways at night!
Feeling unsure? No need! You will have a biotechnology professional as your
mentor and
access to their high-tech facilities and expertise. All you need is a
creative idea which can
be safely achieved that has the prospect of profitability.
For more information about how to write a proposal go to:
http://sanofibiotalentchallenge.ca/about/
Shad Valley
"Shad Valley is a four week summer enrichment program. Students spend a month
living in
residence at one of our host university campuses across Canada. The program
is offered to
students currently completing grade 10, 11 or 12, Quebec secondaire IV, V or
CEGEP I, or the
international equivalent.
With a focus that includes the sciences, technology and entrepreneurship, the
program provides
an academically stimulating, mind expanding adventure for top well-rounded
students. Students
will also enjoy recreational activities and the opportunity to explore local
attractions."
Students from The Woodlands often take part in this amazing opportunity.
Don't let the price
throw you off - bursaries are available!
For more information: http://www.shad.ca/shad/myweb.php?hls=10142¡´=1
OSSTF Student Achievement Awards 2009 - In Honour of Marion Drysdale
Get your creativity flowing! Last year The Woodlands Students were regional
winners - first,
second and third place in different categories. The contest for theme for
this year has just
been announced!
BEYOND THE SCREEN
We check the morning weather and news on the television before
we leave our homes. We are entertained by our MP3 players during
our commute to school and work, selecting the appropriate play
list to match our moods. We word process and research at the
computer,
staring intently into the screen. Movies, television, music, and
information are presented to us from lit screens. But what is out
there
- beyond the screen?
Interpret the theme in poetry, prose or visual art. Produce a creative ¡°
original¡± piece of
work
that expresses originality - not merely something you see on a screen.
Please see Ms. Whittingham for more information.
IEPs
IEPs are currently being printed and you can expect to see them later this
week.
We are obligated by law to do a full printing so that you can see that the
document is correct
and in place for you and your parents. The skeleton of the document will be
the same as you
have seen in recent years. The gifted plan will appear as printed on the
needs form you saw and
returned in September. At the end of each semester, we will be printing only
the Gifted Plan
page with the teachers comments regarding progress with respect to the gifted
plan.
*** Please sign and return the parent consultation page to your home room
teacher next week.***
IEP Poster Contest - For Feeder School Promotions
We were looking to develop a glossy poster to advertise our program in the
feeder schools.
Unfortunately we had no entries for the poster contest and therefore have no
recipient for the
first $100 ELP Service Scholarship!!! If you had some interest, but didn't
get around to doing
it, please see Mrs. Quinn soon.
Required Components
Size: Ledger, 11 x 17
Theme : Create Your Own Future
Other Information: The Woodlands
School
Enhanced Learning Program
ELP web address
Judging Criterion
Inclusion of Required Components
Originality
Creativity
Exciting, Inviting, Eye-Catching
For ledger paper and more information, please drop by the IEP
office ASAP!
Fall Series: Stress Reduction Tips
From: The Gifted Kid's Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook, Galbraith and Delisle
Eight Stress Reduction Tips
1. Think back to other circumstances when you have successfully coped with a
difficult
situation, person or event. What did you say? What did you do? You may
be able to
recycle those winning strategies.
2. Learn to handle stress without alienating the people around you. Don't
take it out on
your family, friends or teachers even if you (erroneously) believe that
they "caused"
your stress.
3. Find a sounding board - someone who will listen and, if you want, offer
honest
respectful, and trustworthy advice.
4. If you don't know how to relax, learn how. Maintaining our physical and
mental health
requires that we spend at least part of each day slowing down.
5. Develop and maintain your sense of humour. Laughter is a terrific stress
reducer.
6. Compile a "library" of stress reduction techniques. If one doesn't work
for a particular
situation, you can always try another.
7. Don't give up. Handling stress is a learned skill and an on-going
endeavour. Few of us
are taught it at school; either we learn it on our own or we
find "teachers' at various
junctions in our lives.
8. Always remember that you don't have to go it alone. Even in your
darkest, most stressful
hour, there is bound to be someone you can turn to for help. Suggestions:
a supportive adult the public library
a friendly neighbour a stress management class
a teen clinic your favourite friend
a crisis intervention centre a counselor
an emergency hotline
Application and Scholarship Writing Seminars
For Grade 12 Students
October 14, 15, 16
In these seminars, we will discuss the strategies for preparing a unique and
interesting
application that will get you noticed. We will discuss do's and don'ts and
start getting you
prepared for the paperwork ahead.
I will be holding 30 minute small-group seminars during the last half of
periods 2,3 and 4 in
the IEP room next week. Please sign up in the IEP office. When you sign up,
you will be given
a profile to complete and bring with you to the seminar.
Bring your profile, your resume and a pencil to the seminar - M. Quinn
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
September 23, 2008
Grade Level Speaker Series
Grade 10 Creativity and Personal Giftedness
Anne-Marie Woods: Adding Creativity to your Lifestyle
"The Woodlands ELP proudly presents the first of our guest speaker series -
Anne-Marie Woods
will be talking with our grade 10 students on creativity and the arts. On
Wednesday, October 1,
in the library during period 1 all grade 10 enhanced students will have the
opportunity to be
part of "Adding Creativity to your Lifestyle". This presentation will take
up all of period one
and then all students will go to their period 2 class. There is no cost for
this event.
However, there is an added bonus, for the first 30 students who sign up in
the ELP office, there
is a 90-minute workshop with Anne-Marie afterwards focusing on "Multi-
disciplinary settings with
improv sessions, storytelling, and acting. Anne-Marie will lead a series of
improv exercises
and work on different tableau's that deal with creativity". This extra
session is capped for
the first 30 students who sign up BUT comes at a cost of $10.
Current Items:
ELP Poster Contest
U of T Mentorship Program
IDEA Laurier
Duke of Edinbourough Awards
Mississauga Library News
New titles in our library (Library sidebar)
Stress reduction
Woodland's ELP Did you know?
In the Mail
This week, my mail included three brochures - U of T Mentorship, EngSci @
UofT and Engineering @
Mac. If you would like to take a peak at them, drop by the IEP office at
your convenience.
-M. Quinn
University of Toronto Mentorship Program: Deadline for Application October 10
*** Students from The Woodlands who have participated in this program have
found it "life-
changing". All of the research shows that pairing gifted students with a
mentor is one of the
most valuable experiences. Do not miss this opportunity! *****
"Gifted senior high school students interested in enriching their academic
studies assist
University of Toronto professors with their research and lab work. Projects
opportunities for
2008 - 2009":
Aboriginal Education African Studies Astronomy and
Astrophysics
Biochemistry Biology/Medicine Cell and
Systems Biology
Christianity and Culture English Dictionary of
Old English
Environmental Science Envir-Sci: Sustainability Ethics, Law and
Society
French Health Policy Injury
Prevention
Italian Pathobiology Linguistics
Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Near/Middle
Eastern Civilizations
Neurogenetics Nutritional Sciences Pathology
Pharmacology Philosophy Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry Spanish and Portuguese
The program manual is available on-line:
http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/prospective/highschoolprograms/enrichment#1
For more information e-mail: fhasan@artsci.utoronto.ca.
Duke Of Edinborough Awards : Mr. Cox, Staff Sponsor
DofE programmes help young people develop into fully rounded and responsible
individuals.
Participants will see new talents and skills develop and emotional maturity
blossom whilst also
building their fitness and initiative.
There are so many rewards for young people who do DofE programmes and achieve
an Award. Its
balanced programme of activities develops the whole person ¨C mind, body and
soul, in an
environment of social interaction and team working.
Furthermore, as doing their DofE involves developing a personal programme of
challenging
activities, participants enjoy unique experiences and rewards. However,
having spoken with
Award holders there is general agreement that participation develops:
Self-belief
Self-confidence
A sense of identity
Independence of thought and action
Respect and understanding of people from different backgrounds,
cultures and walks of life
A sense of responsibility
An awareness of their potential
New talents and abilities
An understanding of strengths and weaknesses
The ability to plan and use time effectively
The ability to learn from and give to others in the community
New relationships
Skills including problem solving, presentation and
communication
The ability to lead and work as part of a team.
The Impact
A recent survey of Gold Award holders discovered that :
85% reported increased self-confidence
83% had greater team-working skills
79% felt they had better leadership ability
78% believed their decision-making was much improved.
To find out how you can be part of the program, see Mr. Cox ASAP, or visit:
http://www.dofe.org/en/content/cms/home/home.aspx
Woodlands ELP - Did you know?
¡ last year 41% of the entire Woodlands student body received honours?
¡ statistics show that enhanced classes have a significantly higher
class averages than
the academic classes?
¡ the Enhanced Learning Program meets the needs of gifted learners so
well that in the rare
instances when they select the academic class, on average, grades drop
significantly?
¡ The Woodlands is the largest Regional Gifted Program in Peel,
therefore able to offer the
most sections of enhanced classes, the most enhanced options at the
senior level and
the fewest split-level courses?
September 12, 2008
IDEA Laurier Program: Thursday, October 23, 2008, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Dare to think Differently
IDEA LAURIER is a one-day program designed to provide gifted high-school
students with an
introduction to the university learning experience. Participating students
will be divided into
small groups to explore a contemporary world issue from a multidisciplinary
perspective.
Students will take part in a variety of academic sessions including
workshops, group
discussions, debates, guest lectures and hands-on activities led by Laurier
Faculty members!
We may only register 2 students from our school.
For more information: http://www.wlu.ca/Idea-Laurier or ahahn@wlu.ca
If you are interested please Mrs. Quinn and Mr. Rosenblood ASAP.
Outreach Connections and the Mississauga Library Systems
The Mississauga Library System offers programs introducing high school
students to the public
library, its services and resources. Programs are professionally prepared,
curriculum based and
tailored to meet student needs.
Do your research 24/7 from home, school, office or laptop! The Library makes
research and
student assignments easy with quality, accessible articles and information in
a variety of
electronic databases. Visit the database page on the Library¡¯s web site and
browse the
selection
of online, digital, full text encyclopedias, books, periodical and journal
articles, book
reviews, magazine articles, newspapers and other news sources. Use your valid
library card to
access these databases. Librarians are pleased to provide one-on-one support
with research
questions, assisting in selecting appropriate databases and framing the
search.
Secondary Schools Outreach Contact: Terry Lee Milligan
Email: terry.milligan@mississauga.ca
Phone: 905-615-3200 ext. 3668
Fall Series: Stress Reduction Tips
From: The Gifted Kid's Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook, Galbraith and Delisle
Introduction
" The first step towards handling stress in your life consists of identifying
the specific
things (people, events, circumstances etc.) that you associate with feeling
anxious or
pressured. Take tike to think seriously about this and make a list of your
top 5 -10
stressors.
The second step is to take responsibility for the stress you are
experiencing. Many of the
gifted teens we talk with about stress have difficulty with this step. They
seem to think
that "someone else" or "something else is causing their stress. ¨C a certain
teacher, parents,
friends (or lack of friends), school, the multitude of choices available to
them, even the
world at large. In fact, stress comes from the inside, not the outside. You
control your
perceptions; you control your feelings. Other people can do or say things
that trigger certain
feelings within you, but they don't make you feel a certain way.
Which leads to the third step: taking positive action. There are at least
three alternatives
available to you:
1. You can diminish or eliminate the problem you associate with your stress.
2. You can change your attitude towards the problem; or
3. You can lower your stress levels by engaging in one or more of the
following stress-reducing
activities. ¡ Through patience, willingness, and trial and error, you
will discover what
works best for you. Other gifted students have shared their favorite
stress reducers with
us. You might want to try one or more of these:
Go to the movies or watch a DVD
Take a nap
Talk to someone you know and trust
Go for a bike ride, a jog, a walk
Visit your church, synagogue, mosque, temple ¡
Work on a hobby
Do something nice for someone else anonymously"
Next time : Eight Stress Reduction Tips.
"Life is not a having and a getting, it is a being and a becoming." Matthew
Arnold
High school is a key time to explore talents and pursue opportunities.
Students in the Enhanced
Learning Program are encouraged to engage in service to the wider community,
to commit to teams
and clubs and to develop leadership potential. Our goal is for students
develop a passionate
internal motivation for excellence and find a healthy balance in their
lives.
High school is also a key time for intellectual growth that test-based
programming cannot
support. Student growth is optimized in innovative classrooms, in a wide
variety of options,
when learners of similar talents are connected in real tasks of lasting
significance.
Connecting students in meaningful work and responding to the needs of
individuals requires a
much broader focus and a greater flexibility than other programs can
provide.
It is our hope that students leaving The Woodlands take with them the
creativity to uplift and
transform and the willingness to see all of life as both adventure and
opportunity - opportunity
to touch other lives, to engage in discovery and to hear their calling.
"In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who survive; the 'learned'
find themselves
fully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists." Eric Hoffer
******************************************************************************
******************
September 9, 2008
More than 100 New Subscribers in the Last Week
Welcome to all the new subscribers to our distribution list! This is the
place to find out all
about the exciting opportunities for gifted students
this year!
IEP Instructional Needs Forms
We are currently preparing this year's IEPs but have only collected forms
from about two thirds
of the students in the ELP. If you have lost the form, it can be downloaded
from the IEP Set-up
Page. Completed forms should now be brought directly to the iEP office
directly across from
room 215. Please take care of this matter as soon as possible.
Contest Congratulations!
... to the Business Studies Department and its students for placing so well
in the Provincial
Accounting Championships sponsored by the Ontario Business Educators
Association. In the
provincial competition, held last spring, our students had a very strong
showing!
Grade 11:
Zheng W. ¨C 1st place in the province
Malathi S. ¨C 3rd place in the province
Grade 12
Sandra K. ¨C 3rd place in the province
ELP Poster Contest
If your poster is selected for use, you will receive an ELP Service
Scholarship up to $100 !
Required Components
Size: Ledger, 11 x 17
Theme : Create Your Own Future
Other Information: The Woodlands
School
Enhanced Learning Program
ELP web address
Judging Criterion
Inclusion of Required Components
Originality
Creativity
Exciting, Inviting, Eye-Catching
Submissions due September 30, 2008. For ledger paper and
more information,
please drop by the IEP office ASAP!
******************************************************************************
*****************
September 5, 2008
Student Enrichment Review - DEEP River Science Academy (DRSA)
For six weeks of this past summer, I had the opportunity to complete a
research
project called "Cellular Biological Responses to Environmental Stressors".
The purpose of this
project was to test the response of catfish cells and human cells to varying
levels of
methylmercury, a common industrial stressor. There was rigorous lab work
involved; I learned
many new skills and a wealth of new information, and I enjoyed every minute
of it. - Beini W.
*** if you took part in some enrichment program recently, please submit
your review by email
***
September 3, 2008
IEP Preparation
It is now time to prepare the IEPs and the consultation process has begun.
Today your
son or daughter will bring home an "IEP Instructional Needs Form". The
Gifted Plan matches the
various research-based strategies suited to gifted learners to their
psychosocial development
and their progress towards post secondary education.
Teachers of enhanced sections will be sending home specific "Alternative
Programming Pages" to
clarify how the gifted plan will be accomplished within the different subject
areas. Please
check with the individual teachers if you do not see this document soon.
If your child has misplaced the "IEP Instructional Needs Form", an electronic
version is
available in the "IEP Set-up" page along with a samples of a Alternative
Programming Pages - my
SBI 4UE page and Ms. Ahmad's History page.
As always please encourage your friends and family to add their email
addresses to the
distribution list, using the button at the bottom of the page. - M. Quinn
Graduates and Parents of Graduates
We hope that you are doing well and settling into life without the
Woodlands. Please drop us a
line to tell us how you are doing. If you no longer wish to recieve the
updates, just let us
know and we will remove your name from the distribution list. Best wishes
for happiness and
success. - M. Quinn
August 18, 2008
Enhanced Learning Program - Welcome Aboard
A hearty welcome to all of the 2008-2009 grade nines and their parents. This
is the place for
information about our program. Please make sure you are getting regular
updates by adding your
email address using the button on the bottom of this page.
Reminder: "Student Photo-Locker Days" take place from Monday August 25
through Wednesday August
27.
Behind the scenes:
We are working towards a coordinator model in which all of the departments in
the program will
be able to bring a voice to the ELP team on a rotating basis. - So, as sad
as we were to say
goodbye to Ms. Alexander (library) and Ms. Adzievski (special education),
this year our hearty
welcome also extends to Ms. Ahmad (social science) and Ms. Perugini
(English and mathematics)
who will joining Mr. Rosenblood (science - physics) and Mrs. Quinn (science -
biology) on the
ELP team.
From the Ms. Alexander: NEW for September! e-Books for Analysing
Literature!
The Woodlands School Library is pleased announce the purchase 30 e-books to
assist students with
their literature assignments. The following elements are covered in each
entry: Author
Biography, Plot Summary, Themes, Historical and Cultural Context, Criticism,
Media Adaptations,
What to Read Next and much more!
The e-books are available to our students 24/7, a perfect match for your
teenagers' research
regimen!
Novels For Students- Volumes 1-27
A wide-reaching database from the classics to more recent
publications.
Example novels are Animal Farm, Heart of Darkness, The
Prince, and Blindness.
Literary Newsmakers for Students- Volumes 1 & 2
This collection focuses on books that are currently hot
literary reads such as
A Thousand Splendid Suns, Kira-Kira, and Kite Runner.
Literary Themes for Students- Volume 1
Race & Prejudice. These books focus on one work that
exemplifies the theme.
Examples are Things Fall Apart, I Have a Dream,Passage to
India.
Access to these E-books will available in September through the The Woodands
School Library
website. Have your student mark our library site as favourite! Citation help,
Library Catalogue,
Books, and Database links are all posted at our
site!
http://www.teacherweb.com/ON/WoodlandsSchool/Library/
June 24, 2008
Best Wishes for a Terrific Summer
Ms. Adzievski, Mrs. Alexander, Mr. Rosenblood, and I extend our best wishes
to all of the
students in the Enhanced Learning Program and their parents. We hope that
all of our students
find something interesting and challenging to keep them busy this summer and
return ready to
learn. :) M. Quinn
IEP News - IEPs have been printed and will be distributed with report cards
on Thursday.
Thursday's Exam Review Schedule - for a Day Two!
period 1 8:20 - 8:45
period 2 8:45 - 9:10
period 3 9:10 - 9:35
period 4 9:35 - 10:00
period 5 10:00 - 10:30
University of Waterloo - Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest
Congratulations to our students and their physics teachers, Mr. Ramwa, Mr.
Rosenblood and Mr.
Shaikh for amazing results in the senior physics contest.
Bruce L. 97.6 %ile
Raghav G. 95.1 %ile
Thanh N. 92.5 %ile
Harshil M. 85.9 %ile
Chao L. 84.5 %ile
Tian X. 84.5 %ile
Daoyuan L. 82.4 %ile
Mr. Shaikh requests that winners come in on Thursday to pick up any remaining
certificates.
Habits of Minds
Ingenuity, Originality, Insightfulness: Creativity
We need people who can read and write. But what we really need is people
who can not only read the instructions, but also change them. They need to
be able to think outside the lines.
Richard Gurin, CEO and President, Binney & Smith, Crayola Products
Increasingly we are coming to realize that all human beings have the capacity
to generate novel, original, clever or ingenious products, solutions, and
techniquesif that capacity is developed. Successful people are creative.
They try to examine problem solutions differently, examining alternative
possibilities from many angles. They tend to project themselves into
different roles using analogies, starting with a vision and working backward,
imagining that they are the objects being considered. Creative people take
risksthey "live on the edge of their competence," testing their limits.
Creative people are open to criticism and hold up their products for others
to judge and seek feedback in an ever-increasing effort to refine their
technique. They constantly strive for greater fluency, elaboration, novelty,
perfection, beauty, harmony, and balance.
If you
need help to know how to tap your creative potential.
Why not try
increasing your creativity in terms of
fluidity (the raw number of brainstorming items you can name)
originality (the number of brainstorming items only you would come
up with)
elaboration (the detail that you could add to a specific
brainstorming item)
application (practical uses for your creative idea)
some exercises from Dr. Roger Taylor
1. Brainstorming: If you are discussing "sour things" try to find the
A to Z of "sour things" eg acid, b____, c_____ etc.
2. Viewpoint: What would a _______________ look to a ______________.
eg. "charge" to a knight, banker, electrician, teen?
3. Involvement/Personification : You are a ________________. Describe
how it feels eg old jogging shoes, dandelion seed in flight
4. Conscious Self-Deceit: What would happen if _________?
eg there were no more schools, if gravity were a repulsion, etc.
5. Forced Association: How is a _______________ like a ____________?
eg novel/politician, solar eclipse/ peanut
Responding with Wonderment and Awe
The most beautiful experience in the world is the experience of the
mysterious."
Albert Einstein.
A Dutch psychologist tried to figure out what separated chess masters and
chess grand masters.
He subjected groups of each to a battery of tests but found the only
difference was that Grand
masters simply loved chess more. They had more passion and commitment to it.
Successful people
find enjoyment, enthusiasm and fascination in their work and world.
If you
Lack personal involvement in your learning
Rarely respond with awe
Why not try
Finding awesome phenomena, intriguing situations, and jaw-dropping
experiences.
Surrounding yourself with beautiful scenes, technological marvels
and lofty ideals and
let your imagination take flight.
Trying new things until you find something to inspire passion.
Asking others to share their own fascinations.
Seeking role models who are enthralled and excited about a problem
or discovery and
compelled with their work.
Watching for any progression in your attitude from "I can do it"
to "I enjoy doing it
because
"
Culturing an attitude of lifelong learning,
Allowing yourself to respond with positive emotion to simple and
profound things.
Valuing curiosity and creativity over perfection.
Displaying compassion and empathy.
Congratulations!
Johnathan W.
... who has been awarded the Peel Association for Education through Drama
(PAED) 2008
Scholarship. Members of the selection committee were not only very
impressed with Jonathans
passion for the dramatic arts and commitment to his secondary schools drama
program, but also
by his academic excellence and desire to give back to the community. The
committee wishes him
much success with his post secondary studies in the Bachelor of Fine Arts
Theatre program at
York University in the Fall.
... Jing Ru L. who was awarded the Canadian Federation of University Women
(CFUW) University
Entrance Scholarship. This award recognizes Cherrys high level of academic
achievement, her
involvement in school activities and her extensive community service. Her
accomplishments
certainly maker her an inspiring example for all young women.
June 11, 2008
A Thank You Note to Ms. Andre-Barrett
Department of Philosophy
Ryerson University
350 Victoria St., Toronto,
ON M5B 2K3 Canada
June 9, 2008
Dear Ms. André-Barrett,
I am writing concerning a visit made by Melanie Merglesky and myself, on May
23, to your
philosophy class at the Woodlands School. I would like to thank you very
much for your
generosity and for the resources and insights that we gained through this
visit; I regret not
being able to write sooner.
As the Philosophy Department at Ryerson University undertakes the designing
of a new course
in Teaching Philosophy, it is extremely helpful for us to witness examples
of how philosophy
is taught at the high school level, and what high school students are capable
of
philosophically. Your class provided an inspiring example. The two student-
presentations given
in your class on that day were both thoughtfully executed and thought-
provoking. Each student
worked to formulate, explain, and defend her or his own thesis, and to do so
on the basis of a
comparison of two philosophical positions found in the history of
philosophy. This task, which
requires individual creative thought while also demanding that students
stretch their minds and
challenge their familiar ways of thinking through the study of key
philosophers is precisely the
kind of philosophical work that we hope to cultivate in our students at the
university level; we
were impressed to find efforts at this already underway in a grade 12 high
school class. The
exchange of thoughts and questions between presenters and other students in
the class was also
impressive: it demonstrated a high level of engagement amongst your students,
and interesting
insights into philosophical ideas from across the history of philosophythe
kind of insights
that make philosophy matter, rather than being simply an abstract logical
exercise. We were
also grateful for your numerous and creative ideas for class exercises and
assignments, and for
your helpful handouts on writing. These will be very helpful to us. We hope
that you will come
talk with our students in some detail about your teaching methods once our
new course is up and
running.
These days, several articles are appearing in papers like the New York Times
and the Guardian
about how students with university degrees in philosophy are sought out by
employers of all
kinds for their abilities to think critically, creatively, with insight and
an understanding of
ethical responsibility. Philosophy, it would seem, is a great preparation
not only for graduate
studies in philosophy, but for many and various careersand more importantly,
for life. And
yet, few students coming to university know what philosophy really means.
So, while we are very
grateful for the particular resources that you have lent us for the course we
are designing, we
would also like to express our appreciation of the fact that you are
introducing students to
philosophy in a way that gives them a good sense of what philosophy is, and
will also hopefully
inspire them to study more philosophy, whatever their life ambitions might
be.
Thank you very much for a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening visit.
Sincerely,
Kym Maclaren
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
June 6, 2008
Woodlands at the Stellar Awards, June 4, 2008 H.J.A. Brown Education Centre
Their slogan is "Celebrating the success of Peel Students at the provincial,
national and
international level." We had so much to celebrate we had to rent a bus!
Congratulations to all
of the following students!
Business
Annie D. and Jedy W.
First, DECA International - Financial Management Decision Making
Joanna X. and May Z.
First, DECA International - Hospitality Management Decision Making
Varun B. and Kenny Y,
Second, DECA - Financial Management Decision Making
Farhad. B.
Second, DECA - Restaurant and Food Services Marketing
Andrew D., Karen Lien, Siddhant M. and Jackson T.
Third, DECA Quiz Bowl
Science, Technology and Design
Umair B. and Junaid I.
Bronze - Virtual Robotics
Matt A. and Deyu W
First Place - Search and Rescue Team
Jake A. and Calvin J.
Second Place - Search and Rescue Team
Arts and Creative Writing
Senior Jazz Band
Gold - MusicFest Canada
Gold - Musicfest Ontario
Wind Ensemble
Gold - MusicFest Canada
Gold - MusicFest Ontario
Senior Concert Band
Gold - MusicFest Ontario
Mathematics
Xiaokun Y.
Gold Standard - Fryer Contest
Cheng Z.
Gold Standard - Fryer Contest
Andrew D.
Gold Standard - Perfect Score - Hypatia Contest
Xuan H.
Gold Standard - Hypatia Contest
Hao Chen L.
Gold Standard - Hypatia Contest
Zheng W.
Gold Standard - Hypatia Contest
Matthew W.
Gold Standard - Perfect Score - Pascal Contest
Bruce L.
Provincial Medalist - Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
June 5, 2008
Woodlands Chemistry News
Congratulations to all of The Woodlands students participating in the
University of Waterloo
Chemistry exams and to our chemistry teachers Mr. Courtney, Mr. Cox, Mrs.
McFarlane and Mr. van
Alstine. The results are outstanding and speak for themselves.
Chem 13 News
This is the senior chemistry exam. 2790 students wrote and our very own
Thanh N. ranked 4th
overall. His teammates had very impressive scores as well.
100 %ile Thanh N.
91 %ile Michael M.
87 %ile Alex Y.
82 %ile Kurtis M.
81 %ile Raghav G.
79 %ile Benny Z.
Avagadro
This grade 11 chemistry exam written by 4841 students. Again, Team Woodlands
did extremely
well.
99% ile Kurtis M.
99 %ile Andrew D.
98 %ile Gorazd T.
98 %ile Raghav G.
95 %ile Adam M.
93 %ile Tina B.
92 %ile David P
91 %ile Siddhant M.
90 %ile Forest L.
84 %ile Sirui Z
81 %ile Joanna X.
RobotX Championship!
Woodlands Students win First Place
at the
University of Toronto, Faculty of Engineering
http://www.robotx.engineering.utoronto.ca/
Congratulations to Bryce W. and Purussoth S. who, teamed with students from
Vancouver, designed
built a robot appropriately named "Shredder". The keys to the robot's
success were the
stability of the design and a unique cutting blade that could both damage and
flip the
competition.
They have both won a free week at DEEP Summer Academy.
(The DEEP Summer Academy da Vinci Engineering and Enrichment Program -
provides gifted and
highly motivated high school students from around the world with the
opportunity for advanced
study in a variety of engineering, technology, business and science
disciplines. Organized by
the University of Torontos Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering,
students explore some
of the most innovative topics in science and engineering today taught by
some of our Facultys
top Ph.D. and Masters students. http://enrichment.uoftengineering.com/deep/)
June 2, 2008
OAPT Physics Contest - Fantastic Team Results
1300 students from across Ontario competed in the OAPT contest. The average
score was 10
Rank Score Student
20th 22 Raghav G. (missed the prizes by one mark!)
26th 21 Tian X.
54th 19 Zheng W.
105th 17 Sirui Z.
Robotics
Woodlands Grade 12 Computer Engineering Class
swept the
Dufferin-Peel, Peel Autonomous Line Following Robot Competition
on Friday!
Best Performance - Jet Y. and Daoyuan L. with Jet's incredible robot which
came first in each
of the three challenges.
Fastest Robot
First Place - Jet Y. and Daoyuan L
Third Place - Charlie Y. and Chao L. winning 3rd place with
Charlie's robot
Fourth Place - Junaid I. and Faris Z. with Junaid's robot.
Caddy Race -
First Place - Jet Y. the fastest to pick and place a golf ball
into the hole.
Fourth Place - Charlie Y. and Chao L.
Culminating Challenge (was only achieved by two teams) - First Place - Jet
Y.
Guest Speaker: Blake Poland
Blake Poland, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences,
University of Toronto
spoke on May 9, 2008 to three classes: Grade 11 Enhanced English, Grade 12
World Issues and
Grade 12 Enhanced Philosophy as wel as to some members of members of the
Environmental Club.
His most recent work seeks to apply insights from dialogical traditions from
around theworld to
the development of reflexive public health practice, using arts-informed
approaches. In addition
to several funded research projects, Dr Poland is active in a couple training
programs to
improve the health of marginalized groups through community development.
Dr. Poland is also active on local environmental issues, and is running as a
candidate in
the next federal election.
UofT Discovery Health Sciences Day
I found the Discovery Day in Health Sciences to be extremely beneficial to
me, especially during
my final year of high school. The day opened with a keynote lecture "June,
July and August: Why
the Summer Months are So Important to a Career in Science and Medicine" by
Dr. David Malkin
which I believed was very applicable to the audience of students included
modern biological
advancements that were explained using simple terminology.
The two workshops that I attended were very limited in content due to the
time restraint of 60
minutes, and were only meant to be a sample of the wide range of fields in
the health sciences.
The tours of the Cellular & Biomedical Research Labs provided a first-hand
experience of working
in a lab, as each guide allowed the students to use the machinery in the lab
and answered any
questions the students had.
I personally found the career panel session to be the most useful of the
entire day, as it
allowed students to ask questions to a group of established researchers,
physicians, specialists
and professors. The emphasis of the entire day was to realise that health
sciences is not
restricted to becoming a doctor, but also includes a wide range of research
fields.
Additionally, many of the lecturers stressed the point to live a balanced
life of academics,
extra-curricular activities, and socialising.
In all, the Discovery Day allowed me to explore alternative fields in the
health sciences that I
was not aware of, and further reinforced my academic goals. - Justin Y.
May 29, 2008
Valedictorian Selection
Congratulations to Derek C. on being elected Valedictorian of the
Class of 2008!
Congratulations! Felicitations!
The organizing committee of Le Concours U of T French Contest 2008
has awarded to
Florence M. the 2nd Prize - Prix d'excellence en francais".
Peel's John Fraser Scholarship to Marius M.
This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student who has
displayed
exemplary skill in writing and is planning to pursue post-secondary
studies in a
related field. Congratulations!
Help!
If you know of an oversight in our good news messages and
congratulations, please let me
know. We want to celebrate all of our successes stories.
May 28, 2008
!The Woodlands is on the U of T Biology Competition Top Schools List!
Congratulations to all of the participants in the biocompetition. We had a
very strong showing.
It is fun to watch this contest become truly international as more students
from Europe and the
Middle East take part. This year 5985 students in 415 schools wrote the exam
with an average
score of 9.59 out of 50. The Woodlands yet again landed on the Top Schools
List (47th place).
Coincidentally, just this week I was contacted by the student recruitment
department at the
University of Toronto regarding the Gairdner Lectures in the fall. We can
now bring 45 of our
biology students rather than the previous limit of 15. This is a fabulous
opportunity to
interact with major players in biomedical research and I am ecstatic they
decided to up our
limit!
Results
11th Thanh N. offer of a $5000 entrance scholarship
99.8%ile National Biology Scholar with Distinction
$50 cash prize
182nd
96.6%ile Sandra K. National Biology Scholar
88.6%ile Benny Z.
84.4%ile Benjamin L.
81.8%ile Kai Y.
80.1%ile Florence M.
76.6%ile Aileen L.
75.3%ile Andrew D.
75.3%ile Serena L.
75.3%ile Shreya S.
Shad Valley News and Congratulations!
Three Woodlands students have been accepted into the Shad Valley
program
this summer on various campuses.
Andrea W. at the University of New Brunswick
Yijie ( Joanna) X. at McMaster University
May Z. at Dalhousie University
Waterloo Unlimited
"Thank you so much for posting the opportunity to attend Waterloo unlimited
on your website. I
very much enjoyed this experience, and found that it enriched my learning.
In one of the
workshops, I dissected a cow's eye, which I found very fascinating,
especially since I would
like to become an optometrist when I grow up. This program helped me
experience university
life, which is great, since I would like to go to Waterloo. - Natasha C."
If you have taken part in one of the enrichment opportunities and have
feedback to share, please
let me know. - M. Quinn
May 27, 2008
Educators from England
Thank you to all of the teachers so willing to open their classrooms to our
visitors from
England Andrea Turner, a Secondary School Teacher from King Solomon High
School and Kate Bush
the Co-ordinator of Gifted and Talented and a teacher of Design and
Technology at Wanstead High
School each spent half a day observing and asking questions about our
program. Dozens of our
students were generous with their time and clearly explained the advantages
of our program.
There are some striking differences.
1. In their borough, gifted and talented are the top 10%.
In Ontario, giftedness is determined through psychological testing and
students must be in
the top 3 %ile to be designated gifted at an IPRC
2. Their teachers select the students they consider gifted. There are
suggested guidelines which
revolve around high achievement. In Ontario, information processing is
key. Gifted
students process quicker, and make connections much more fluidly. We
acknowledge that not
all gifted students are high achievers.
3. Their teachers always have mixed ability classrooms. Teachers are
expected to differentiate
and struggle with preparing enrichment. At The Woodlands, we offer
contained classes in the
core subject areas right through grade 12. Our teachers follow the
gifted plan to provide
differentiation. Teachers, understanding how gifted students learn,
present information in
a way that elicits higher order thinking skills, and eliminates much of
the rote work. This
allows students time for open-ended projects and discussion of the
interesting aspects of
each topic. We communicate with parents through the IEP and the
alternative programming
pages how the learning needs of students are being met.
May 26, 2008
Conflict Resolution
Mr. Courtney spent some time with his senior gifted class discussing
personality styles and
conflict resolution. Below are some student responses.
"Learning about the personality styles was interesting and with no doubt,
will be very
applicable and helpful when we are in the workplace. Even now, it is useful
for knowing how to
deal with peers who can be identified as one of the four styles.
If one
has no major
personality style and can be seen with qualities of all four, what does it
mean?"
" The skill to deal with people is one life skill that is crucial for success
without which even
the most brilliant mind could not succeed. "
"I thoroughly enjoyed the last few days where we discussed social styles and
conflicts
It has
made me think about I respond to people when I am angry or annoyed at
them
The thing I would
like to know is how do you solve a conflict when the person is unwilling to
admit there is a
conflict, even though they are very upset about something?"
"The lesson on conflicts gave me a greater sense of why certain relational
problems exist and
taught me how to fix them. I am looking forward to putting these social
theories into practice
in the future."
Spring Series: Habits of Mind - Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and
Precision
"True eloquence consists of saying all that should be said, and that only." -
Francois de La
Rochefoucald
Language and thinking are closely entwined. Successful people use specific
terminology, refrain
from over-generalizing, and support their assumptions with valid data. When
you hear vague,
fuzzy language, you detect vague, fuzzy thinking.
If you
use language that is confused and imprecise.
describe objects or events with such non-specific words
as "weird," "nice," or "O.K."
identify objects as "stuff," "junk," and "things."
use "ya' know," "er," and "uh." frequently
Why not try
making a point of clarifying for others. Instead of ...
"You NEVER listen to me." - give the pertinent specific example
"Everybody has one." - list the people who have one and explain its
importance to you
"This cereal is better" - identify the pertinent attributes
using more descriptive words to distinguish attributes.
using more correct names and labels.
spontaneously providing criteria for your value judgments
speaking in complete sentences
voluntarily providing supportive evidence for your ideas.
May 24, 2008
A Message from the Woodlands School Council.
The Woodlands School Council would like to welcome all new parents. All
Woodlands parents are
automatically members of the Woodlands School Council, which provides a
wonderful opportunity
for parents to get involved in their children's education and also meet and
talk with other
parents. We encourage you to participate in our monthly meetings where you
can discuss current
issues, receive an update from the Principal and student representative, and
hear guest
speakers.
You can also stay up to date by visiting our website at
http://www.woodlandscouncil.com/
We want this to be a place where you can find out more about the School
Council, and how you can
make a difference. We're also looking forward to celebrating the
accomplishments of our students
and their diverse interests and talents.
May 22, 2008
Shad Valley asks for help
Here is the email I received today. It is a delicate topic and I would not
feel comfortable
sending on your stories without your approval. If you or your child have
opted against the Shad
Valley experience because of financial circumstances and you would be willing
to share this
information with Barry, please contact me (or Barry directly).
Anything we can do to make this worthwhile experience more accessible would
be greatly
appreciated. - M. Quinn
Dear Monika,
Shad Valley is currently working to secure a commitment from a funder whose
main interest is
making Shad Valley more accessible to high-performing, low income students
who might be
discouraged from applying due to cost. It would be very helpful if you could
share your stories
regarding bright, high potential students who havent applied due to the
cost; students who you
havent approached because you felt the program was beyond their means;
and/or students who
have
applied then dropped out of the competition or declined their offer due to
finances. Your
stories can be current or years old. Whats important is for Shad to gather
some data from you,
to show our potential funder that their contribution will make a significant
difference to
bright young Canadians who are at a financial disadvantage.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Barry
Barry G. Bisson, P.Eng., MBA
President
Shad Valley International
8 Young Street East
Waterloo ON N2J 2L3
Tel: 519 884-8844 Ext 227
Email: president@shad.ca
URL: http://www.shad.ca
May 21, 2008
More Outstanding Accomplishments
Cricket
Last weekend both Rams cricket teams - junior and senior - won the GTA
Cups in their
divisions. Go Rams Go!
Geography: Great Canadian Geography Challenge
School champion, Jerry X., was one of only 42 students from across
Canada
(only 10 from Ontario) to be invited to participate in the onlike
National Finals
of the Great Canadian Geography Challenge. Jerry placed an amazing 18th
nationally.
Fantastic!
Philosophy News: The Woodlands as an Educational Model
Below you will find excepts from a letter written by a Ryerson University
philosophy professor
to our philosophy teacher, Ms. Andre-Barrett.
"I am very interested in visiting your philosophy class at the Woodlands
School. If possible, I
would like to bring a research assistant ... The Philosophy Department at
Ryerson is currently
designing a course in "Teaching Philosophy" for majors in philosophy
interested in applying to
teachering college, and who would like eventually to teach philosophy at the
high school
level. ... At a recent conference of the Ontario Philosophy Teacher's
Association, in the
context of a seminar on how successful high school philosophy courses are at
preparing students
for university level study, I found your reports of what is studied in your
course and the level
of student achievement especially interesting: your commitment to using
primary texts, in
particular, and your experience that students will rise to the challenge
presented therein fits
very well with pedagogical values and convictions held by our department.
For this reason, I
thought that it would be very helpful to us to learn in more detail how your
course is set up
and to see the kind of work that high school students are capable of ... and
talking with you
further."
We are proud of our program, teachers, and the accomplishments of our
students and are therefore
very pleased to partner with them in this endeavour. The first visit is
scheduled for May 23,
2008.
Bear in mind that the wonderful things that you learn in your
schools
are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort
and
infinite labour in every country of the world. All this is put
into your
hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it,
honour it,
and add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your
children.
Albert Einstein talking to a group of school
children 1934
May 20, 2008
A Warm Welcome to our New Students
Last week Mr. Rosenblood and I, along with the team from counseling, were
delighted to welcome
100 new students to our school. We gathered the email addresses from all of
the visiting
parents and this is their first newsflash.
Orientation Hints
1. The mailbox icon in the upper right sends an email to me. I am happy to
get your comments
or answer your questions
2. The schoolhouse links you with the school website.
3. If you want to add an additional email address, scroll to the bottom and
enter it there.
We encourage all students and parents to sign on.
4. In the sidebar at the left are additional pages with fabulous
opportunities.
5. All past newsflashes have been archived.
6. Important reminders scroll across the banner at the top of the page.
M.
Quinn
!!! Late Breaking Reasons to Celebrate accomplishments of Woodlands
Students !!!
Music Double Gold in Canada
The Jazz Band and the Wind Ensemble both received Gold Standings at
the national
competition in Ottawa.
Ontario Association of Physics Teachers Contest
Out of 1762 contestants, Raghav G. ranked 16th, Tian X. ranked 22nd,
Zheng W.ranked
44th and Sirui Z. ranked 82nd in Ontario. Well done!
University of British Columbia's Michael Smith Science Challenge
Two Woodlands Students in the top 10 percentile - Matt L. and Tian
X. - Congratulations!
First Ever Euchre Tournament - Thursday May 22
Students are asked to sign up in the Math Office. The cost is a mere
$2.
CEMC Seminar
Our very own Auroba A. has been selected as one of 72 participants
out of 225 students
that applied from across Canada to participate in the CEMC Seminar in
Computer Science
for Young Women.
Aerospace Society
The Woodlands Aerospace Society plans to launch its 8.5 foot tall
scale model of a
Black Brant X sounding rocket on Saturday May 24th at a federally
sanctioned high-power
rocket launch. The rocket will fly on a J210 motor and should reach
an altitude between
3000 and 3500' (985 1150m).
Archery
Congratulations to Mr. Dutton and the members of the Archery Team that
competed at the
All-Ontarios last week. Special congratulations go to Annie B. who
placed second
in the province in the compound bow, as well as Adam T. who placed
17th in the
province in his category. These are outstanding achievements given
the size of the field
and the background and experiences of all of the competitors from
across Ontario.
Cricket
Congratulations to Mr. Ghadially, Mr. Vendryes and the members of
the Junior and Senior
Cricket Teams for capturing the 2008 ROPSSAA championships last week.
In both cases, the
championship games were fiercely contested with the RAMS finishing out
on top!
Spring Series: Habits of Mind - Applying Past Knowledge To New Situations
"I've never made a mistake. I've only learned from experience." - Thomas A.
Edison
The ultimate purpose of learning is to learn from experience. When successful
people encounter
problems, one of the first things they ask themselves is What do I already
know about
this?, Where have I encountered a problem like this before?' or What
strategies helped me
in the past that I can apply to this new problem?"
If you ...
have troubles applying concepts learned in school in practical
"out of context" situations..
approach each new task as if it were being approached for the very
first time
are stumped by "making connections" questions
Why not try ...
recalling any similar situations to identify strategies which worked
thinking about the practical uses of concepts learned in school as
you learn
and study asking yourself
"If you were to design a new............ what would it be
like?"
"What would it be like if...........?"
"Where else would you use this information..........?"
"In what other situations could you apply this............?"
trying to apply your learning to your future
May 9, 2008
Spring Series: Habits of Mind
Questioning And Problem Posing
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a
man is wise by his
questions." - Naguib Mahfouz (Nobel Prize Winner)
One of the distinguishing characteristics between humans and other forms of
life is our
inclination and ability to FIND problems to solve.
If you
depend on others to solve problems, to find answers, and to ask
questions for you
are reluctant to ask questions for fear of displaying ignorance
slow to take the lead in asking questions and finding problems for
yourself
are not noticing a change of your questions towards more profound
and more complex
Why not try
Taking note of any growth in your pattern of posing questions
Increase the number of questions you ask each week
Asking yourself what evidence you have and "what-if" questions
Predicting the solutions others might offer
Suggesting solutions which might be mutually acceptable to all
involved
May 6, 2008
DECA Team - International Competition - 100% win
All eleven of the students from The Woodlands DECA team placed in the top 10
in the
international finals in Atlanta!!
Niayti M. - top 10 multiple choice
George T. - top ten in oral case and a finalist
Lily F. - finalist and top 10 in the finals
Grace F. - top ten in multiple choice , top 10 in the
finals
Kenny Y & Varun B. - finalists
Farhad B. - top 10 in oral case, finalist
Joanna X. - top 10 in oral case, top 10 in the finals
May Z.- top 10 in oral case, top 10 in multiple choice,
top 10 in the finals
Annie D. & Jedy W. - top 10 in oral case, top 10 in multiple choice,
winners of the first place tropy in the finals.
The Woodlands Badminton - Top School at ROPSSAA!
Congratulations to Ms.Shou and the members of the Woodlands Badminton Team
who participated in
the OFSAA Badminton Championships on Thursday through Saturday at Brock
University. The
Woodlands finished as the top ROPSSAA school having captured the following
results:
Ian L. and Jackson T. 5th place in Flight A
Andrew L. 3rd place in Flight B
Stefanie L. and Ryan L. 2nd in Flight B
May 5, 2008
In the next few days you can expect to be visited by Ms. Alexander, Mr.
Rosenblood and Mrs.
Quinn. With the help of our teacher candidate Mr. Stephen Koziarski we have
a full set of 20
new Gifted Plan lessons. This is our time to discuss and work through many
of the non-
curricular aspects of your education within the Enhanced Learning Program.
Lessons include:
A Cluttered Life: Use of Organizational Tools
Ontario Skills Passport: Work Habits Inventory
Linking Multiple Intelligences to Career Planning
Controversy: School Vending Machines and Healthy Habits
Learning Styles: Optimizing Your Learning Environment
Organizing a Mess
The Power of Young Minds: Student Ownership
Fact in Fiction: Integrating Knowledge Creatively
Reading Between the Lines: Puzzle-making
PMI (plus, minus, interesting)decision-making
Here are some of the student reflections on a lesson entitled "Emotional
Intelligence Indicators"
"I believe that the social skills are the most important emotional
intelligence because first of
all, it is something that I am good at. Also I believe that social skills
are the basis for
being able to express your ideas freely. It requires a lot of confidence in
my opinion, but it
also boosts your confidence. Almost all jobs require socializing comfortably
with others"
"I think that motivation is the most important strand of Emotional
Intelligence because it is
the key to success. If you have no will to succeed, then obviously you will
not."
" I feel that emotional resilience is the most important because if you can
stay on track during
emotionally and morally difficult times, you are going to be able to go much
further in life."
"I believe the most important section of this test is the Self-Awareness
section. Knowing the
way we affect other people allows us to then improve our social and empathy
skills. We may be
able to affect people differently once we develop better listening skills and
become aware of
the way we present ourselves."
May 2, 2008
Engineers Without Borders
A former Woodlands gifted student has been chosen by Engineers Without
Borders to work in
Zambia
during her current Waterloo Coop work term. Her project involves a survey of
the many different
agencies working in Zambia to improve water supply. An analysis of this data
should provide
information about areas still in need and the steps that should be taken to
coordinate these
efforts to provide a sustainable water supply. She will have limited internet
access but will
update her blog as often as she can over the summer.
http://livinzambia.blogspot.com/
Library Book Swap May 14 at 8:05!
Library Resource Centre
submitted by Mrs. Alexander
Fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, international language books, dictionaries
and children books
any book that is useful is up for Swapping!
* Each year The Woodlands School Library organizes a Book Swap.
Students and staff
bring in books or magazines (maximum of 2) they want to
swap.
* For two weeks before the event staff and students turn in
their books and are
then given Swap Coupons.
* On May 14 at 8:05 the library doors swing open and the
rampage of staff and
students sweep over the tables, loaded with books, and
exchange each of their
coupons for a book!
The Swap achieves many goals: is fun, staff and students together celebrate
their love of
reading, students with few resources get their hands on books, and staff and
students learn a
little more about each other
.Mr Miller, Ms Etwell, Mr Walker and Ms A-B are
still some of the
fastest Swappers around!
Best Buddies
We have recently received a letter from Caroline Szkolka, the program manager
of Best Buddies ,
which runs 150 chapters involving 2700 volunteers across Canada in many major
universities and
some high schools.
The program pairs up a student with an individual with an intellectual
disability and arranges
one-to-one and group activities on a regular basis to help encourage social
interaction and
inclusion. The Best Buddies staff provide support, relying on schools to
help recruit "
buddies".
For more information about how you can become involved - www.bestbuddies.ca
April 15, 2008
Midterm Reports will be issued on April 17th!
April 11, 2008
Sears Drama Festival Award Winners
The Adjudicator's Award for Hosting
- The Woodlands' Stage Crew and Front of House
Sound and Lighting award of Merit for "Malevolence"
- Claire D., Peter W., Hillary C. and Sam F.
Playwriting and Directing awards of "Merit for Eggs, Milk, Bread, I Love
You"
- Karina Palmitesta
Playwriting, Directing, Composition awards of Excellence for Malevolence
Outstanding New Play Award for Of Bunnies and Rabbits
Playwriting Award of Excellence for Of Bunnies and Rabbits
- Marius Masalar
Habits of Mind: Striving For Accuracy And Precision
"You go back to the gym and you just do it again and again until you get it
right."
Arnold
Schwarzenegger
Successful people appreciate and strive for correctness, elegance, and
fidelity. In contrast,
students may be careless when completing work.
If you...
are anxious to finish so you may go on to other things
feel little inclination to reflect upon the accuracy of your work, to
contemplate your
precision or to take pride in your accomplishments.
rank speed of completion higher than your desire for quality.
Why not try...
making a habit to check all your class work, tests and homework
assignments
reviewing the rubrics and exemplars you were to follow to confirm that
your
finished product matches exactly.
determining three organizational changes you could make to would
significantly
improve your work
looking to eliminate three more grammatical/technical errors in your
work.
changing the wording in three places to make the language more precise
April 10, 2008
Grade 10 Gifted Plan Workshops: Student Reflections on the presentation by
Lesley Andrews
I related to the speaker because she spoke about setting small goals and
achieving them, then
setting new ones which is something I also do. It helps me focus and is a
reward when I
accomplish them. Also, I have people who discourage me and I want to prove
them wrong.
Lesley was able to overcome her disability to achieve her goals and I think
that I can achieve
my goals if I put my mind to it. I have to take responsibility for myself.
Once, I actually took a risk and in the end I was glad because it made me
feel good about myself
and benefited me in the end. Also, even if I failed, I can learn from that
failure to improve
myself.
She likes music and art. I am an Arts student. I don't do drama but I enjoy
fine art and
music. I have a poor memory and have trouble with my vocabulary, but I'm
working towards it
just like her.
I tend to forget appointments so using a calendar and glancing at it
regularly would help.
Don't waste time. Make plans and goals and go through with them to the end:
something I need to
work on. Do things that you enjoy. I recently gave up a hobby I love :(
As the speaker said " you can change a person's life in the blink of an eye."
If I want to succeed, I must work for it.
The speaker talked about how to stay positive, write down your life
experiences, plan ahead and
work hard.
I was never chosen first in sports teams either.
I related the message to my own life regarding my unmotivatedness lately and
also the part about
parents' divorce; let them handle it!
I related to Lesley's childhood. I feel that as a child I was quiet and shy
and that people
underestimated my abilities.
April 8, 2008
Student School Trustee
Congratulations to Woodlands ELP student, Shambhavi on being elected as
Student Trustee for the
2008-2009 school year. In this role, Shambhavi will represent all of the
school in the south of
Peel as she sits in on all of the regular meetings of the Board of Trustees.
April 2, 2008
Robotics Success
submitted by Ms. Lawrie
Tuesday, Woodlands hosted the Peel Regional Qualifiers for Skills Ontario
Virtual Robotics
competition. Umair B. and Junaid I. tackled the task of learning
Fishertechnique hardware and
Microsoft Robotics Studio to design a robot and power it to victory. They
will advance to the
Provincials May 6th in Kitchener.
On Wednesday, the Robotics Team travelled to George Brown College's "Tech in
the City,
Micromania Competition". This maze solving robotic challenge hosted schools
from across the GTA
to solve the maze in the least amount of time. Woodlands came away big
winners. First place
was won by Bruce L. and Josh L. with their robot called Lucky. Rumor has it
they will make a TV
appearance on CP24. Third place was won by Umair and Junaid with their robot
Freddy.
April 1, 2008
Canada's Next Top Ad Exec
Woodlands Grads in the Top Ten
Recently, two Woodlands graduates, J Younan and Pranav Sood represented the
University of
Western Ontario in a Canada-wide contest called "Canada's Next Top Ad Exec"
and were among Top
10 Finalists in Canada. They were the youngest competitors in the entire
competition which drew
participants from undergraduate and graduate business students from across
the country.
Congratulations!
The website for the competition is www.topadexec.com.
Robotics Battlebots:Design Build Battle
University of Toronto, May 29 - June 1
Imagine being able to conceptualize a machine from thin air, using only a
list of materials and
your wits. Imagine building it with your own hands and ingenuity, all while
strategizing on how
your machine could out-battle a rival robot. Now imagine watching your
creation taking out the
competition systematically, in the ultimate test of design and engineering.
Sound like fun?
Consider RobotX an invigorating and fully hands-on initiative within the
Faculty of Applied
Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto to immerse high school
students in a week-
long, live-in robotics competition to build the best battlebot. To enrich the
entire learning
process, each team works closely with an Advisor a mechatronics expert to
help you
troubleshoot throughout the week. For more information
http://www.robotx.engineering.utoronto.ca/about.html
Speaker Series Continues: Lesley Andrew
Tuesday April 8
All grade 10 enhanced students will be released at the beginning of period 3
to eat lunch (30
minutes) and then join us in the Library Resource Centre for a workshop
around the grade level
them of dealing with personal giftedness. Enhanced students from across the
board have been
invited to attend.
Again, we have been very fortunate and funding has come from several sources
for this
impressive (and expensive) speaker. If there is parent interest, we are
considering inviting her
to return next year, and additionally, provide a workshop for parents -
especially those with
dually identified gifted children. Please let me know if you might be
interested. - M. Quinn
Ongoing Data Gathering
As many of you already know we have been collecting data from students and
graduates for three
years. This has given us plenty of opportunity for growth and improvement.
We have already seen
a dramatic improvement in key areas of need.
We are contemplating broadening our data sources to include input from both
parents and
teachers. You could help by offering feedback about the kinds of questions
you might have
regarding our program or might like to see on such a survey. Please email me
with your
thoughts. - M. Quinn
Habits of Mind: Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition)
"I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what
goes on inside." -
Wayne Dyer
Successful people are aware of themselves their own thoughts, actions,
values and their
effects on others.
If you
are unaware of your own thinking while you are thinking.
often lacking a plan of action to solve problems before they begin
are unable to determine if a plan is working, or if it should be
discarded and
another plan employed.
seldom reflect on, or evaluate the quality of your thinking.
answer reply "I don't know, I just did it." when asked "How did you
solve that problem?"
Why not try
describing what goes on in your head when you think.
organizing your thoughts under the following headings: what you
know, what you need to
know, what information is lacking.
outlining your plan of action before you begin to solve a problem.
tracing the pathways and blind alleys you took on the road to
solution.
spending time thinking about and articulating What worked for me?
and What would I do
differently next time? at the end of each major assignment.
DEEP Summer Academy
The DEEP Program is offered by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
at the University
of Toronto. The program provides gifted and highly motivated high school
students the
opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering disciplines. This
intense program has
been designed exclusively for high school students who excel in science and
math and are looking
for a true academic challenge. The program will expose students to concepts
and topics you will
not find in a high school classroom - the courses are challenging, hands-on
and give you the
opportunity to apply science and math concepts to real-world problems. For
more information:
http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/deep/pages/1-overview.html
March 19, 2008
Michael Smith Science Challenge - Monday, April 7, 2008
http://www.physics.ubc.ca/outreach/web/smith/en/english.php
The Michael Smith Science Challenge is a national competition written by
students in Grade 10
Science or lower. It emphasizes logical thinking, and covers material in the
science curriculum
common to all provinces. It is named in honour of UBC's Nobel Prize Winner
Dr. Michael Smith,
and is sponsored by the UBC faculty of Science and NSERC PromoScience. Prizes
are awarded to the
top students (and their teachers) in each province and nationally.
Mr. Rosenblood will be taking the lead for the registration. Listen for
annoncements or see Mr.
Rosenblood ASAP.
March 18, 2008
Pfizer Canada Discovery Day in Health Sciences - April 22, 2008
The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and the Canadian Medical
Association have invited
4 Woodlands students to explore health science careers. This is a no-cost-to
you program with
lab activity workshops including:
The Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Isolate, Visualize and Sequence 2 Meters of DNA
Pysiological Basis of the Lie Detector
Electron Microscopy
Occupational Therapy: Making Splints and Face Masks
Genetic Counselling
Disease Outbreak - How is it monitored?
There are many more options in the workshop catalogue. This is an exciting
opportunity and will
be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see Mrs. Quinn if you
are interested in
attending.
Attending Medical School in Antigua?
Have you given this any thought? We have a former Woodlands graduate
currently studying there
and an invitation to partner with The University of Health Sciences Antigua,
School of
Medicine. If you would like to look through the literature, please see Mrs.
Quinn In the IEP
office.
Earth Beat 2008: Celebrating Earth Day and showcasing local youth talent.
Saturday April 26th
Mississauga Central Library Square
Youth under 25 who create work such as visual arts, music, drama, poetry and
dance, with an
environmental message are invited to apply for the Earth Beat showcase. For
more information
about Ecosource and the Earth Beat 2008 event visit: www.ecosource.ca For
submission forms and
criteria for the youth talent showcase please visit the Peel Environmental
Youth Alliance
website at: www.peyalliance.com/earthbeat.html
Thinking Flexibly
"Soften the rigidities within yourself and the universe will give you
strength and vigor."
Arabic Proverb
Successful people consider alternative points of view.
If you
often feel your way to solve a problem is the only way
often feel that your answer is the only answer
are more interested in knowing whether your answer is correct, rather
than being
challenged to find other answers.
avoid ambiguous situations and have a need for certainty rather than
tolerating doubt
(your) mind is made up
resist listening to reasoning that contradicts your beliefs
Why not try
remembering how you feel when working with others who are not flexible
considering another person's point of view or rationale
deliberately stating several ways of solving the same problem
evaluating the merits and consequences of two or more courses of action
changing your mind in light of convincing data, argument or rationale
asking adults in your life how thinking flexibly aids their success in
the workplace
March 1, 2008
Scholarships and Awards: Mr. Cooper, Liaison for Scholarships
Scholarship applications arrive throughout the school year. Notices of
scholarships are posted
on the Scholarships Bulletin Board outside of the
Student Services Office. Also, a handbook is available in the office with a
list of
scholarships, awards and bursaries. The handbook can be
accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://qps.peel.edu.on.ca/QuickPlace/woodlands/Main.nsf/h_index/D07EE49E517F52
62852573D80
059893A/
?OpenDocument
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES HANDBOOK
If you have any questions, please consult with your counsellor.
Students should consult INFO for specific university scholarships and awards
and to find out
which are based on admission averages and which
require applications. Additional information is available on individual post-
secondary
institution websites and in calendars and handbooks.
Students should note that many scholarship applications require extra-
curricular involvement in
order for the application to be considered.
The Woodlands School scholarships and awards, including Commencement awards,
are listed in the
Student Agenda. Commencement
scholarship applications are available in Student Services.
Scholarship opportunities are often available through employers of family
members (for children
of employees) or through community groups.
Students are encouraged to talk with family members and friends to
investigate such
opportunities.
Students are responsible for researching scholarship opportunities and
completing application
requirements. The following resources will be of
assistance in researching scholarships and awards:
Links
www.scholarshipscanada.com
www.canlearn.ca
www.studentawards.com
www.millenniumscholarships.ca
www.peel.edu.on.ca/student/learning/scholarship.htm
News from the Music Department
The string quartet came in 2nd with a mark of 90% at the Toronto Kiwanis
Music Festival. the
Intermediate Concert Band and Intermediate Jazz
Bands earned silver standings at the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival and the
Senior Concert
Band, Wind Ensemble and Senior Jazz Band earned
gold standings and invitations to attend the Nationals in Ottawa at the
National Arts Centre in
May.
February 27, 2008
Stephen Lewis Tickets
A few remaining tickets for Stephen Lewis are being sold to interested
parents at a cost of $30.
Please contact Ms. Payne or Ms. Climie if you are interested.
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy - University of Toronto
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy is the University of Toronto's
advanced academic program
for students to 12 who have a desire to explore science, math and technology
in challenging and
creative ways.
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy exposes students to concepts and
topics beyond the
regular school curriculum in a fun and hands-on environment. Small class
sizes allow students to
meet others with the same interests and aspirations.
Life Science and Biomedical Engineering:
grades 9 and 10 Regenerative Medicine
grades 11 and 12 Frontiers of Biotechnology
Electrical and Computer Technology:
grades 9 and 10 Electrical Senses
grades 11 and 12 Frontiers of Biotechnology
Applied Science:
grades 9 and 10 Regenerative Medicine
grades 11 and 12 Physic Phenomena
Design and Practice:
grades 9 and 10 Power Generation
grades 11 and 12 Designing Entrepreneurs
Application forms are available at http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/SSA/
Spring Series - Habits of Mind:
Listening To Others With Understanding And Empathy
If there is any secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other
persons point of
view and see things from his angle as well as from your own. - Henry Ford.
Successful people spend an inordinate amount of time and energy listening.
They empathize with,
and strive to understand other peoples points of view. Being able to
paraphrase another
person's ideas, detecting indicators of their feelings or emotions,
accurately expressing
another person's concepts, emotions and problemsall are indications of
listening behavior.
If you
Often ridicule, laugh at, or put down the ideas of others.
Rarely build upon, consider the merits of, or operate on another
person's ideas.
Why not try
Showing you understand what others say and feel
Considering the feelings of others in your decision-making processes
Empathizing with another persons idea or feeling by paraphrasing it
accurately,
building upon it, clarifying
Scientifically Yours - An opportunity for grade 11 girls
May 5-7, 2008 at Brock University
You will learn about career opportunities from professional women who have
careers in the
sciences including medicine, university research, and industry. You will
participate in six of
the following sessions:
There is a fungus among us! DNA
Fingerprinting
Health and Human Performance Purely H2O?
Flames, Fireworks and Explosions Coffee Cups,
DNA, and Slime
Graphical Design Adventures in
Graphics
International Year of Planet Earth CSI Brock
Sunprints: Where Science meets Art Physics is too
cool!
Laser Holography Take a Calcoolus
Tour
The Yeast Crime An Ant takes a
Walk through the 4th
Dimension
This is designed for female student who might be reluctant to choose science
as a career. More
information at http://www.brocku.ca/scientificallyyours/registration.html
February 26, 2008
Interaction 2008 - University of Guelph: A full day conference for grade 10
and 11 students
April 24 or April 25
Designed for university-bound grade 10 and 11 high school students, this
conference will
introduce university living and learning through informative and interactive
sessions led by our
faculty and staff. This year we will offer approximately 40 sessions that
provide students with
an opportunity to learn more about our academic disciplines and student
services.
From Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: A Glimpse at the Very Small to Wal-
Mart's Coming to
Smallville - What Will Happen to Retail Space? to Family Secret and the
History Detective, we
have planned an educational and interactive full day program. The full
brochure is available at:
https://admission.uoguelph.ca/Resources/UserDefinedPages/UOG/Documents/Interac
tionBrochure.
pdf
February 15, 2008
Opportunities with the Ontario Justice and Education Network : Charter
Challenge
OJEN is dedicated to promoting understanding, education, and dialogue to
support a responsive
and inclusive justice system. There are many opportunities for students an
information on
various events are available at http://www.ojen.ca/eng/programs/ .
THE CHARTER CHALLENGE - SPRING 2008
The Charter Challenge is an online simulation for High School
students created to
help students gain a better understanding of the Canadian Charter
of Rights and
Freedoms. The Charter Challenge involves students in a
collaborative, decision
making situation based on a real-world scenario.
As Ontario's only provincial appellate-level mock hearing, the
Charter Challenge has
students prepare arguments of Charter issues raised on appeal.
While researching
their arguments, students have the opportunity to connect online
with other students
around the province, as well as with lawyer mentors. Their
factums are reviewed and
finalist teams have the opportunity to argue the issue before a
Court of Appeal
judge, either in person or through video-conferencing.
March 24: Deadline for teachers to register classes
March 31 - April 4: Case materials and discussion board passwords
distributed
April 7 - April 25: Discussion board open
April 14 - April 18: Online mentors
April 25: Factums due
May 5: Finalists announced
May 20 - May 23: Finalist teams have the opportunity to argue the
issue before a
Court of Appeal judge (in-person or via
videoconference)
February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day Present to all Grade 11's
An unexpected sponsor has come forward to fund the leadership seminar with
Nadja Halilbegovich.
All grade 11 enhanced students will be called out of class next Wednesday
during period 1 at
approximately 9:00 am. Please arrive promptly at the library.
Physics Contests
We have 3 contests coming up, listen to announcements for the meeting dates
and more
information.
1. Guelph WindEng contest. Tuesday, April 22.
http://www.soe.uoguelph.ca/windeng/index.html
2. Peel Regional Science Fair.
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/2195.0.html
3. 11 physics contest, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
http://www.oapt.ca/grade_11_contest/index.html
University Of Toronto National Biology Competition
If you are a biology student in grade 11 or 12, you are invited to take part
in the University
Of Toronto National Biology Competition.
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008
Time: Period 5
Location: Library Resource Centre
Please follow the sign up process posted on the door outside room 123.
An opportunity to contribute to your community from "Our Future Mississauga".
"Thousands of Ideas - One Vision"
City of Mississauga Visioning Symposium
What is your dream for the City? How do we get there? Moving forward from the
very successful
Speakers Series held by the City of Mississauga in the fall, this Visioning
Symposium will
gather members of the public, youth, special interest groups, City Officials
and staff together
to review and discuss the vision for the City's future.
The "Our Future Mississauga Visioning Symposium" will take place Friday,
February 22nd and
Saturday February 23rd at the Living Arts Centre. The program is very
flexible to suit your busy
schedules. Please register now www.conversation21.ca.
Habits of Mind: Managing Impulsivity
"The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the
application of
reason." - Marya Mannes
Successful people have a sense of deliberativeness. They know how to monitor
their own
impulses and resist jumping to conclusions.
If you
shout out the answer
blurt the first idea that comes to mind
take the first suggestion given
start to work without fully understanding directions
make immediate value judgments about an idea
Why not try
considering alternatives and consequences of several possible
directions
see if you can explain rules or parameters before beginning a task
talk over a plan for solving a problem
explore alternative problem solving strategies
consider consequences of actions before beginning
February 13, 2008
DECA News
Congratulations to all DECA members who represented our school at the
provincial competition
with pride and dedication. Special recognition goes to the following
students who had
outstanding results:
Teams Qualifying for International Competition in Atlanta
First Place Winners: May Z. and Joanna X.
Second Place Winners: Farhad B., Kenny Y., and Varun
Bhambhani
Third Place Winners: Jackson Tian., Karen L., Siddhant
M. and Andrew D.
Fourth Place Winners: Annie D. and Jedy W.
Sixth Place Winnners: George T., Tina B., and Niyanti M.
Multiple Medals (top ten in an single and overall in their
category)
Davik D., Maryan K., Shyam B., and Vaso Z
Individual Medals (top ten in a single event)
Ke L., Jeff S., Felix L., Tahir Z., Lina L., Joanne K.,
Pavithra P.,
Sandra K., Feroz Q., Jennifer W., Sarah K., Thanh N.,
Anna Z.,
Nasheen K., Grace F., Lily F., Jinesh D., Liang Z.,
Malathi S., and Jai G.
New Series: Habits of Mind
Successful people display common characteristics or dispositions. These
patterns of thinking
and behaving help them deal with challenges and rapid change. For the next
12 updates I will
include excerpts from the article "Developing your child's habits of success
in school, life and
work" by Arthur L. Costa, Ed. D Professor Emeritus, California State
University. Costa
recognizes that the list is not exhaustive, but suggests that students look
for growth in these
areas: persisting, managing impulsivity, listening with understanding and
empathy ,thinking
flexibly, metacognition, striving for accuracy and precision, questioning and
problem posing,
applying past knowledge, communicating with clarity, gathering data,
creativity, responding with
awe, modeling.
Persisting
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people
who have kept on
trying when there seemed to be no hope at all" Dale Carnegie
Efficient problem solvers persevere even when the solution to a problem is
not readily apparent.
They have a wide range of problem-solving strategies.
If you
give up in despair when the answer to a problem is not immediately
known.
say "I can't do this," or "It's too hard,"
just want to get tasks over with as quickly as possible
have troubles analyzing a problem,
have troubles to developing a system or strategy to approach problems
Why not try
looking for three ways to solve each problem and then choosing the best
one
looking for evidence to indicate that your problem-solving strategy is
working and making
subsequent decisions based on your evidence
looking for role models for "persistence' at school, at home or in the
media
discussing the value of persisting with friends and family
February 7, 2008
Quick Items
Date change for Parents-Teacher Night
Recently, the Department Heads and members of the Administration Team
reviewed the school
calendar of events for semester 2. It was decided that a new format of
Parent - Teacher Night
would be adopted whereby the discussions between the parent and the teacher
would focus on the
program and how the parent may be able to support their son/daughter. As a
result, the April 17
Parent - Teacher evening has been rescheduled to Wednesday February 27,
2008. Please mark this
change on your calendar.
Grade 11 Gifted Plan Workshop - Wednesday February 20, 2008
Nadja Halilbegovich, our keynote speaker, will discuss how she is using life
experiences and
her talents to be an "architect of peace". Activities are designed to help
gifted students
explore their leadership potential. These are mandatory workshops. The cost
is $5 per student.
February 3, 2008
Sears Drama Festival 2008 - Rithu R.
It's that time of the year when the Drama Club of The Woodlands School has,
for the fourth
consecutive year, been chosen to host two of the nights for the Sears Ontario
Drama Festival, a
provincial wide theatrical event with more than 300 schools involved. You may
have seen our
submissions of two one-act plays for this competition at Theatre Shorts:
Malevolence, written
and directed by the Grade 12 student Marius Masalar, and Eggs, Bread, Milk, I
Love You by Karina
Palmitesta of Grade 11.
Come out and support us on the 19th and 22nd at our school. Festival passes
are only five
dollars if you buy it in the caf, eight dollars at the door. This pass
enables you to attend any
of the other festival nights at others schools in our district: Iona, Port
Credit, Cawthra Park
and Clarkson. You can view the dates these schools are hosting at
http://www.searsdramafestival.com/
Deep River Science Academy - submitted/suggested by N. Cox
"Deep River Science Academy is a private not-for-profit organization founded
in 1986. Its
mission is to encourage talented high school students to pursue careers in
science and
engineering. DRSA provides this stimulus to Canadian youth by operating a
six-week summer
science program that lets high school students "test-drive" a scientific or
engineering career
by working on research projects that are part of ongoing R&D in leading
research laboratories.
Each pair of students takes ownership of a particular research project under
the mentorship of a
Research Assistant and professional researcher. In addition they earn two
high school credits
by participating. DRSA also provides career development experience for
university science
undergraduates. The undergraduates act in dual roles as tutors for the high
school students and
as research assistants at the hosting research laboratories. Not only do
students learn from
their experience, they make a real contribution to the research itself. The
research projects
range from chemistry, physics and biology through engineering and technology."
For more information visit:http://www.drsa.ca/
Library Book Swap May 14 at 8:05!
Library Resource Centre
submitted by Mrs. Alexander
Fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, international language books, dictionaries
and children books
any book that is useful is up for Swapping!
* Each year The Woodlands School Library organizes a Book Swap.
Students and staff
bring in books or magazines (maximum of 2) they want to
swap.
* For two weeks before the event staff and students turn in
their books and are
then given Swap Coupons.
* On May 14 at 8:05 the library doors swing open and the
rampage of staff and
students sweep over the tables, loaded with books, and
exchange each of their
coupons for a book!
The Swap achieves many goals: is fun, staff and students together celebrate
their love of
reading, students with few resources get their hands on books, and staff and
students learn a
little more about each other
.Mr Miller, Ms Etwell, Mr Walker and Ms A-B are
still some of the
fastest Swappers around!
Best Buddies
We have recently received a letter from Caroline Szkolka, the program manager
of Best Buddies ,
which runs 150 chapters involving 2700 volunteers across Canada in many major
universities and
some high schools.
The program pairs up a student with an individual with an intellectual
disability and arranges
one-to-one and group activities on a regular basis to help encourage social
interaction and
inclusion. The Best Buddies staff provide support, relying on schools to
help recruit "
buddies".
For more information about how you can become involved - www.bestbuddies.ca
April 15, 2008
Midterm Reports will be issued on April 17th!
April 11, 2008
Sears Drama Festival Award Winners
The Adjudicator's Award for Hosting
- The Woodlands' Stage Crew and Front of House
Sound and Lighting award of Merit for "Malevolence"
- Claire D., Peter W., Hillary C. and Sam F.
Playwriting and Directing awards of "Merit for Eggs, Milk, Bread, I Love
You"
- Karina Palmitesta
Playwriting, Directing, Composition awards of Excellence for Malevolence
Outstanding New Play Award for Of Bunnies and Rabbits
Playwriting Award of Excellence for Of Bunnies and Rabbits
- Marius Masalar
Habits of Mind: Striving For Accuracy And Precision
"You go back to the gym and you just do it again and again until you get it
right."
Arnold
Schwarzenegger
Successful people appreciate and strive for correctness, elegance, and
fidelity. In contrast,
students may be careless when completing work.
If you...
are anxious to finish so you may go on to other things
feel little inclination to reflect upon the accuracy of your work, to
contemplate your
precision or to take pride in your accomplishments.
rank speed of completion higher than your desire for quality.
Why not try...
making a habit to check all your class work, tests and homework
assignments
reviewing the rubrics and exemplars you were to follow to confirm that
your
finished product matches exactly.
determining three organizational changes you could make to would
significantly
improve your work
looking to eliminate three more grammatical/technical errors in your
work.
changing the wording in three places to make the language more precise
April 10, 2008
Grade 10 Gifted Plan Workshops: Student Reflections on the presentation by
Lesley Andrews
I related to the speaker because she spoke about setting small goals and
achieving them, then
setting new ones which is something I also do. It helps me focus and is a
reward when I
accomplish them. Also, I have people who discourage me and I want to prove
them wrong.
Lesley was able to overcome her disability to achieve her goals and I think
that I can achieve
my goals if I put my mind to it. I have to take responsibility for myself.
Once, I actually took a risk and in the end I was glad because it made me
feel good about myself
and benefited me in the end. Also, even if I failed, I can learn from that
failure to improve
myself.
She likes music and art. I am an Arts student. I don't do drama but I enjoy
fine art and
music. I have a poor memory and have trouble with my vocabulary, but I'm
working towards it
just like her.
I tend to forget appointments so using a calendar and glancing at it
regularly would help.
Don't waste time. Make plans and goals and go through with them to the end:
something I need to
work on. Do things that you enjoy. I recently gave up a hobby I love :(
As the speaker said " you can change a person's life in the blink of an eye."
If I want to succeed, I must work for it.
The speaker talked about how to stay positive, write down your life
experiences, plan ahead and
work hard.
I was never chosen first in sports teams either.
I related the message to my own life regarding my unmotivatedness lately and
also the part about
parents' divorce; let them handle it!
I related to Lesley's childhood. I feel that as a child I was quiet and shy
and that people
underestimated my abilities.
April 8, 2008
Student School Trustee
Congratulations to Woodlands ELP student, Shambhavi on being elected as
Student Trustee for the
2008-2009 school year. In this role, Shambhavi will represent all of the
school in the south of
Peel as she sits in on all of the regular meetings of the Board of Trustees.
April 2, 2008
Robotics Success
submitted by Ms. Lawrie
Tuesday, Woodlands hosted the Peel Regional Qualifiers for Skills Ontario
Virtual Robotics
competition. Umair B. and Junaid I. tackled the task of learning
Fishertechnique hardware and
Microsoft Robotics Studio to design a robot and power it to victory. They
will advance to the
Provincials May 6th in Kitchener.
On Wednesday, the Robotics Team travelled to George Brown College's "Tech in
the City,
Micromania Competition". This maze solving robotic challenge hosted schools
from across the GTA
to solve the maze in the least amount of time. Woodlands came away big
winners. First place
was won by Bruce L. and Josh L. with their robot called Lucky. Rumor has it
they will make a TV
appearance on CP24. Third place was won by Umair and Junaid with their robot
Freddy.
April 1, 2008
Canada's Next Top Ad Exec
Woodlands Grads in the Top Ten
Recently, two Woodlands graduates, J Younan and Pranav Sood represented the
University of
Western Ontario in a Canada-wide contest called "Canada's Next Top Ad Exec"
and were among Top
10 Finalists in Canada. They were the youngest competitors in the entire
competition which drew
participants from undergraduate and graduate business students from across
the country.
Congratulations!
The website for the competition is www.topadexec.com.
Robotics Battlebots:Design Build Battle
University of Toronto, May 29 - June 1
Imagine being able to conceptualize a machine from thin air, using only a
list of materials and
your wits. Imagine building it with your own hands and ingenuity, all while
strategizing on how
your machine could out-battle a rival robot. Now imagine watching your
creation taking out the
competition systematically, in the ultimate test of design and engineering.
Sound like fun?
Consider RobotX an invigorating and fully hands-on initiative within the
Faculty of Applied
Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto to immerse high school
students in a week-
long, live-in robotics competition to build the best battlebot. To enrich the
entire learning
process, each team works closely with an Advisor a mechatronics expert to
help you
troubleshoot throughout the week. For more information
http://www.robotx.engineering.utoronto.ca/about.html
Speaker Series Continues: Lesley Andrew
Tuesday April 8
All grade 10 enhanced students will be released at the beginning of period 3
to eat lunch (30
minutes) and then join us in the Library Resource Centre for a workshop
around the grade level
them of dealing with personal giftedness. Enhanced students from across the
board have been
invited to attend.
Again, we have been very fortunate and funding has come from several sources
for this
impressive (and expensive) speaker. If there is parent interest, we are
considering inviting her
to return next year, and additionally, provide a workshop for parents -
especially those with
dually identified gifted children. Please let me know if you might be
interested. - M. Quinn
Ongoing Data Gathering
As many of you already know we have been collecting data from students and
graduates for three
years. This has given us plenty of opportunity for growth and improvement.
We have already seen
a dramatic improvement in key areas of need.
We are contemplating broadening our data sources to include input from both
parents and
teachers. You could help by offering feedback about the kinds of questions
you might have
regarding our program or might like to see on such a survey. Please email me
with your
thoughts. - M. Quinn
Habits of Mind: Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition)
"I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what
goes on inside." -
Wayne Dyer
Successful people are aware of themselves their own thoughts, actions,
values and their
effects on others.
If you
are unaware of your own thinking while you are thinking.
often lacking a plan of action to solve problems before they begin
are unable to determine if a plan is working, or if it should be
discarded and
another plan employed.
seldom reflect on, or evaluate the quality of your thinking.
answer reply "I don't know, I just did it." when asked "How did you
solve that problem?"
Why not try
describing what goes on in your head when you think.
organizing your thoughts under the following headings: what you
know, what you need to
know, what information is lacking.
outlining your plan of action before you begin to solve a problem.
tracing the pathways and blind alleys you took on the road to
solution.
spending time thinking about and articulating What worked for me?
and What would I do
differently next time? at the end of each major assignment.
DEEP Summer Academy
The DEEP Program is offered by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
at the University
of Toronto. The program provides gifted and highly motivated high school
students the
opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering disciplines. This
intense program has
been designed exclusively for high school students who excel in science and
math and are looking
for a true academic challenge. The program will expose students to concepts
and topics you will
not find in a high school classroom - the courses are challenging, hands-on
and give you the
opportunity to apply science and math concepts to real-world problems. For
more information:
http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/deep/pages/1-overview.html
March 19, 2008
Michael Smith Science Challenge - Monday, April 7, 2008
http://www.physics.ubc.ca/outreach/web/smith/en/english.php
The Michael Smith Science Challenge is a national competition written by
students in Grade 10
Science or lower. It emphasizes logical thinking, and covers material in the
science curriculum
common to all provinces. It is named in honour of UBC's Nobel Prize Winner
Dr. Michael Smith,
and is sponsored by the UBC faculty of Science and NSERC PromoScience. Prizes
are awarded to the
top students (and their teachers) in each province and nationally.
Mr. Rosenblood will be taking the lead for the registration. Listen for
annoncements or see Mr.
Rosenblood ASAP.
March 18, 2008
Pfizer Canada Discovery Day in Health Sciences - April 22, 2008
The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and the Canadian Medical
Association have invited
4 Woodlands students to explore health science careers. This is a no-cost-to
you program with
lab activity workshops including:
The Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Isolate, Visualize and Sequence 2 Meters of DNA
Pysiological Basis of the Lie Detector
Electron Microscopy
Occupational Therapy: Making Splints and Face Masks
Genetic Counselling
Disease Outbreak - How is it monitored?
There are many more options in the workshop catalogue. This is an exciting
opportunity and will
be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see Mrs. Quinn if you
are interested in
attending.
Attending Medical School in Antigua?
Have you given this any thought? We have a former Woodlands graduate
currently studying there
and an invitation to partner with The University of Health Sciences Antigua,
School of
Medicine. If you would like to look through the literature, please see Mrs.
Quinn In the IEP
office.
Earth Beat 2008: Celebrating Earth Day and showcasing local youth talent.
Saturday April 26th
Mississauga Central Library Square
Youth under 25 who create work such as visual arts, music, drama, poetry and
dance, with an
environmental message are invited to apply for the Earth Beat showcase. For
more information
about Ecosource and the Earth Beat 2008 event visit: www.ecosource.ca For
submission forms and
criteria for the youth talent showcase please visit the Peel Environmental
Youth Alliance
website at: www.peyalliance.com/earthbeat.html
Thinking Flexibly
"Soften the rigidities within yourself and the universe will give you
strength and vigor."
Arabic Proverb
Successful people consider alternative points of view.
If you
often feel your way to solve a problem is the only way
often feel that your answer is the only answer
are more interested in knowing whether your answer is correct, rather
than being
challenged to find other answers.
avoid ambiguous situations and have a need for certainty rather than
tolerating doubt
(your) mind is made up
resist listening to reasoning that contradicts your beliefs
Why not try
remembering how you feel when working with others who are not flexible
considering another person's point of view or rationale
deliberately stating several ways of solving the same problem
evaluating the merits and consequences of two or more courses of action
changing your mind in light of convincing data, argument or rationale
asking adults in your life how thinking flexibly aids their success in
the workplace
March 1, 2008
Scholarships and Awards: Mr. Cooper, Liaison for Scholarships
Scholarship applications arrive throughout the school year. Notices of
scholarships are posted
on the Scholarships Bulletin Board outside of the
Student Services Office. Also, a handbook is available in the office with a
list of
scholarships, awards and bursaries. The handbook can be
accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://qps.peel.edu.on.ca/QuickPlace/woodlands/Main.nsf/h_index/D07EE49E517F52
62852573D80059893A/
?OpenDocument
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES HANDBOOK
If you have any questions, please consult with your counsellor.
Students should consult INFO for specific university scholarships and awards
and to find out
which are based on admission averages and which
require applications. Additional information is available on individual post-
secondary
institution websites and in calendars and handbooks.
Students should note that many scholarship applications require extra-
curricular involvement in
order for the application to be considered.
The Woodlands School scholarships and awards, including Commencement awards,
are listed in the
Student Agenda. Commencement
scholarship applications are available in Student Services.
Scholarship opportunities are often available through employers of family
members (for children
of employees) or through community groups.
Students are encouraged to talk with family members and friends to
investigate such
opportunities.
Students are responsible for researching scholarship opportunities and
completing application
requirements. The following resources will be of
assistance in researching scholarships and awards:
Links
www.scholarshipscanada.com
www.canlearn.ca
www.studentawards.com
www.millenniumscholarships.ca
www.peel.edu.on.ca/student/learning/scholarship.htm
News from the Music Department
The string quartet came in 2nd with a mark of 90% at the Toronto Kiwanis
Music Festival. the
Intermediate Concert Band and Intermediate Jazz
Bands earned silver standings at the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival and the
Senior Concert
Band, Wind Ensemble and Senior Jazz Band earned
gold standings and invitations to attend the Nationals in Ottawa at the
National Arts Centre in
May.
February 27, 2008
Stephen Lewis Tickets
A few remaining tickets for Stephen Lewis are being sold to interested
parents at a cost of $30.
Please contact Ms. Payne or Ms. Climie if you are interested.
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy - University of Toronto
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy is the University of Toronto's
advanced academic program
for students to 12 who have a desire to explore science, math and technology
in challenging and
creative ways.
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy exposes students to concepts and
topics beyond the
regular school curriculum in a fun and hands-on environment. Small class
sizes allow students to
meet others with the same interests and aspirations.
Life Science and Biomedical Engineering:
grades 9 and 10 Regenerative Medicine
grades 11 and 12 Frontiers of Biotechnology
Electrical and Computer Technology:
grades 9 and 10 Electrical Senses
grades 11 and 12 Frontiers of Biotechnology
Applied Science:
grades 9 and 10 Regenerative Medicine
grades 11 and 12 Physic Phenomena
Design and Practice:
grades 9 and 10 Power Generation
grades 11 and 12 Designing Entrepreneurs
Application forms are available at http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/SSA/
Spring Series - Habits of Mind:
Listening To Others With Understanding And Empathy
If there is any secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other
persons point of
view and see things from his angle as well as from your own. - Henry Ford.
Successful people spend an inordinate amount of time and energy listening.
They empathize with,
and strive to understand other peoples points of view. Being able to
paraphrase another
person's ideas, detecting indicators of their feelings or emotions,
accurately expressing
another person's concepts, emotions and problemsall are indications of
listening behavior.
If you
Often ridicule, laugh at, or put down the ideas of others.
Rarely build upon, consider the merits of, or operate on another
person's ideas.
Why not try
Showing you understand what others say and feel
Considering the feelings of others in your decision-making processes
Empathizing with another persons idea or feeling by paraphrasing it
accurately,
building upon it, clarifying
Scientifically Yours - An opportunity for grade 11 girls
May 5-7, 2008 at Brock University
You will learn about career opportunities from professional women who have
careers in the
sciences including medicine, university research, and industry. You will
participate in six of
the following sessions:
There is a fungus among us! DNA
Fingerprinting
Health and Human Performance Purely H2O?
Flames, Fireworks and Explosions Coffee Cups,
DNA, and Slime
Graphical Design Adventures in
Graphics
International Year of Planet Earth CSI Brock
Sunprints: Where Science meets Art Physics is too
cool!
Laser Holography Take a Calcoolus
Tour
The Yeast Crime An Ant takes a
Walk through the 4th
Dimension
This is designed for female student who might be reluctant to choose science
as a career. More
information at http://www.brocku.ca/scientificallyyours/registration.html
February 26, 2008
Interaction 2008 - University of Guelph: A full day conference for grade 10
and 11 students
April 24 or April 25
Designed for university-bound grade 10 and 11 high school students, this
conference will
introduce university living and learning through informative and interactive
sessions led by our
faculty and staff. This year we will offer approximately 40 sessions that
provide students with
an opportunity to learn more about our academic disciplines and student
services.
From Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: A Glimpse at the Very Small to Wal-
Mart's Coming to
Smallville - What Will Happen to Retail Space? to Family Secret and the
History Detective, we
have planned an educational and interactive full day program. The full
brochure is available at:
https://admission.uoguelph.ca/Resources/UserDefinedPages/UOG/Documents/Interac
tionBrochure.pdf
February 15, 2008
Opportunities with the Ontario Justice and Education Network : Charter
Challenge
OJEN is dedicated to promoting understanding, education, and dialogue to
support a responsive
and inclusive justice system. There are many opportunities for students an
information on
various events are available at http://www.ojen.ca/eng/programs/ .
THE CHARTER CHALLENGE - SPRING 2008
The Charter Challenge is an online simulation for High School
students created to
help students gain a better understanding of the Canadian Charter
of Rights and
Freedoms. The Charter Challenge involves students in a
collaborative, decision
making situation based on a real-world scenario.
As Ontario's only provincial appellate-level mock hearing, the
Charter Challenge has
students prepare arguments of Charter issues raised on appeal.
While researching
their arguments, students have the opportunity to connect online
with other students
around the province, as well as with lawyer mentors. Their
factums are reviewed and
finalist teams have the opportunity to argue the issue before a
Court of Appeal
judge, either in person or through video-conferencing.
March 24: Deadline for teachers to register classes
March 31 - April 4: Case materials and discussion board passwords
distributed
April 7 - April 25: Discussion board open
April 14 - April 18: Online mentors
April 25: Factums due
May 5: Finalists announced
May 20 - May 23: Finalist teams have the opportunity to argue the
issue before a
Court of Appeal judge (in-person or via
videoconference)
February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day Present to all Grade 11's
An unexpected sponsor has come forward to fund the leadership seminar with
Nadja Halilbegovich.
All grade 11 enhanced students will be called out of class next Wednesday
during period 1 at
approximately 9:00 am. Please arrive promptly at the library.
Physics Contests
We have 3 contests coming up, listen to announcements for the meeting dates
and more
information.
1. Guelph WindEng contest. Tuesday, April 22.
http://www.soe.uoguelph.ca/windeng/index.html
2. Peel Regional Science Fair.
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/2195.0.html
3. 11 physics contest, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
http://www.oapt.ca/grade_11_contest/index.html
University Of Toronto National Biology Competition
If you are a biology student in grade 11 or 12, you are invited to take part
in the University
Of Toronto National Biology Competition.
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008
Time: Period 5
Location: Library Resource Centre
Please follow the sign up process posted on the door outside room 123.
An opportunity to contribute to your community from "Our Future Mississauga".
"Thousands of Ideas - One Vision"
City of Mississauga Visioning Symposium
What is your dream for the City? How do we get there? Moving forward from the
very successful
Speakers Series held by the City of Mississauga in the fall, this Visioning
Symposium will
gather members of the public, youth, special interest groups, City Officials
and staff together
to review and discuss the vision for the City's future.
The "Our Future Mississauga Visioning Symposium" will take place Friday,
February 22nd and
Saturday February 23rd at the Living Arts Centre. The program is very
flexible to suit your busy
schedules. Please register now www.conversation21.ca.
Habits of Mind: Managing Impulsivity
"The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the
application of
reason." - Marya Mannes
Successful people have a sense of deliberativeness. They know how to monitor
their own
impulses and resist jumping to conclusions.
If you
shout out the answer
blurt the first idea that comes to mind
take the first suggestion given
start to work without fully understanding directions
make immediate value judgments about an idea
Why not try
considering alternatives and consequences of several possible
directions
see if you can explain rules or parameters before beginning a task
talk over a plan for solving a problem
explore alternative problem solving strategies
consider consequences of actions before beginning
February 13, 2008
DECA News
Congratulations to all DECA members who represented our school at the
provincial competition
with pride and dedication. Special recognition goes to the following
students who had
outstanding results:
Teams Qualifying for International Competition in Atlanta
First Place Winners: May Z. and Joanna X.
Second Place Winners: Farhad B., Kenny Y., and Varun
Bhambhani
Third Place Winners: Jackson Tian., Karen L., Siddhant
M. and Andrew D.
Fourth Place Winners: Annie D. and Jedy W.
Sixth Place Winnners: George T., Tina B., and Niyanti M.
Multiple Medals (top ten in an single and overall in their
category)
Davik D., Maryan K., Shyam B., and Vaso Z
Individual Medals (top ten in a single event)
Ke L., Jeff S., Felix L., Tahir Z., Lina L., Joanne K.,
Pavithra P.,
Sandra K., Feroz Q., Jennifer W., Sarah K., Thanh N.,
Anna Z.,
Nasheen K., Grace F., Lily F., Jinesh D., Liang Z.,
Malathi S., and Jai G.
New Series: Habits of Mind
Successful people display common characteristics or dispositions. These
patterns of thinking
and behaving help them deal with challenges and rapid change. For the next
12 updates I will
include excerpts from the article "Developing your child's habits of success
in school, life and
work" by Arthur L. Costa, Ed. D Professor Emeritus, California State
University. Costa
recognizes that the list is not exhaustive, but suggests that students look
for growth in these
areas: persisting, managing impulsivity, listening with understanding and
empathy ,thinking
flexibly, metacognition, striving for accuracy and precision, questioning and
problem posing,
applying past knowledge, communicating with clarity, gathering data,
creativity, responding with
awe, modeling.
Persisting
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people
who have kept on
trying when there seemed to be no hope at all" Dale Carnegie
Efficient problem solvers persevere even when the solution to a problem is
not readily apparent.
They have a wide range of problem-solving strategies.
If you
give up in despair when the answer to a problem is not immediately
known.
say "I can't do this," or "It's too hard,"
just want to get tasks over with as quickly as possible
have troubles analyzing a problem,
have troubles to developing a system or strategy to approach problems
Why not try
looking for three ways to solve each problem and then choosing the best
one
looking for evidence to indicate that your problem-solving strategy is
working and making
subsequent decisions based on your evidence
looking for role models for "persistence' at school, at home or in the
media
discussing the value of persisting with friends and family
February 7, 2008
Quick Items
Date change for Parents-Teacher Night
Recently, the Department Heads and members of the Administration Team
reviewed the school
calendar of events for semester 2. It was decided that a new format of
Parent - Teacher Night
would be adopted whereby the discussions between the parent and the teacher
would focus on the
program and how the parent may be able to support their son/daughter. As a
result, the April 17
Parent - Teacher evening has been rescheduled to Wednesday February 27,
2008. Please mark this
change on your calendar.
Grade 11 Gifted Plan Workshop - Wednesday February 20, 2008
Nadja Halilbegovich, our keynote speaker, will discuss how she is using life
experiences and
her talents to be an "architect of peace". Activities are designed to help
gifted students
explore their leadership potential. These are mandatory workshops. The cost
is $5 per student.
February 3, 2008
Sears Drama Festival 2008 - Rithu R.
It's that time of the year when the Drama Club of The Woodlands School has,
for the fourth
consecutive year, been chosen to host two of the nights for the Sears Ontario
Drama Festival, a
provincial wide theatrical event with more than 300 schools involved. You may
have seen our
submissions of two one-act plays for this competition at Theatre Shorts:
Malevolence, written
and directed by the Grade 12 student Marius Masalar, and Eggs, Bread, Milk, I
Love You by Karina
Palmitesta of Grade 11.
Come out and support us on the 19th and 22nd at our school. Festival passes
are only five
dollars if you buy it in the caf, eight dollars at the door. This pass
enables you to attend any
of the other festival nights at others schools in our district: Iona, Port
Credit, Cawthra Park
and Clarkson. You can view the dates these schools are hosting at
http://www.searsdramafestival.com/
Deep River Science Academy - submitted/suggested by N. Cox
"Deep River Science Academy is a private not-for-profit organization founded
in 1986. Its
mission is to encourage talented high school students to pursue careers in
science and
engineering. DRSA provides this stimulus to Canadian youth by operating a
six-week summer
science program that lets high school students "test-drive" a scientific or
engineering career
by working on research projects that are part of ongoing R&D in leading
research laboratories.
Each pair of students takes ownership of a particular research project under
the mentorship of a
Research Assistant and professional researcher. In addition they earn two
high school credits
by participating. DRSA also provides career development experience for
university science
undergraduates. The undergraduates act in dual roles as tutors for the high
school students and
as research assistants at the hosting research laboratories. Not only do
students learn from
their experience, they make a real contribution to the research itself. The
research projects
range from chemistry, physics and biology through engineering and technology."
For more information visit:http://www.drsa.ca/
February 1, 2008
Stephen Lewis Visit - J. Climie
On Tuesday March 4, 2008 Stephen Lewis will be talking at the Woodlands
Schools about the Aids
Pandemic in Africa, gender inequality and
treatment . His visit will kick of our annual Super Charity Week as our
school hopes to raise
over $15, 000 in one week for the Stephen Lewis
Foundation.
Stephen Lewis was the United Nations Special Envoy to the Aids pandemic in
Africa and is the
chair of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. He is a
world renowned speaker, humanitarian and author of Race Against Time. His
foundation supports
the women, grandmothers, orphans and associations of people living with HIV
and AIDS.
The day he arrives will be structured around three central ideas.
➢ We want the day to be about a grass-root movement. BOTTOMS- UP.
Thus,
students will be
empowering other students through their presentations at the Pavilion.
➢ The theme to his lectures is EMPOWERMENT. Thus, the day will be
premised
around the idea
of Empowering ourselves through education, awareness and celebration.
➢ In his lecture: Pandemic: My country is on its Knees, Stephen
says, "IF
only the world
were to care, Africa could be brought back to the life it once had." We
want to take this
idea and create an African Pavilion throughout the school. The Pavilion
would reflect the
social, economic, political, artistic, musical, poetic, health,
geographical aspects of
Africa.
Students will also have the opportunity to walk through a unique African
Pavilion which is run
by classes and student groups. Each class/ group will pick an aspect of
Africa which they are
interested in or relates to the subject and create a presentation, skit,
slide show, art work
and poetry. As students walk through they will EXPERIENCE the uniqueness of
Africa from a
social, cultural, political, economic perspective.
The Woodlands is looking forward to the day of celebration, education and
awareness.
January 17, 2008
Moya Teklu, Woodlands Graduate
We are always happy to report on former students who are having a lasting,
positive impact on
our world. Alumnus Moya Teklu was interviewed on CBC's Metro Morning by
Andy Barrie today.
She was promoting the Black Law Students' Association's Open House "See
Yourself Here" at the
University of Toronto.
At the The Woodlands, Ms. Andre-Barrett still uses Moya's short story
anthology "Butterflies
are Free" and her philosophy project comparing the work of Jeremy Bentham (a
British political
activist and legal scholar) and Hammurabi (a Babylonian king to which the
oldest surviving code
of laws is attributed) as exemplars. No one here is surprised that Moya is
studying law
and "making a difference."
The following excepts are from an article by Nicholas Davis, Toronto Sun,
February 14, 2008
containing an interview with Moya:
"I am Making a Difference"
Moya Teklu, 23, a U of T law student, is the co-chairman of the Black Law
Students' Association
and one of only six black students in her second-year class.
"I was speaking to some people who graduated in 1963 and they told me the
percentage of blacks
in law school hasn't changed much since then," said Teklu.
"I think it's a two-sided problem. First, it's tough to get in. You have to
write LSATs (Law
School Admission Test). Second is the cost. It's costing me $18,000 a year to
attend law school.
"So what's happening is a lot of blacks are not applying because they're
letting fear get in the
way; fear of not getting accepted, and the fear of not being able to afford
it."
To help ease their fears, this Saturday the Black Law Students' Association
at U of T is hosting
an open house. Black high school students and black university undergraduate
students are being
invited to the U of T's Faculty of Law to learn what it takes to get into
university, get into
law school and succeed as a black professional.
See Yourself Here: An Open House will include lectures, panel discussions and
informal
networking sessions. The open house will also give black youths who want to
go to law school the
practical information they need to make it a viable option.
When Teklu's family came to Canada in 1991 from Eritrea to escape the war in
that country,
studying law wasn't in her plans. Teklu had dreams of becoming a journalist.
She even did
volunteer work at the Toronto Sun, but a couple of television shows made
Teklu consider law
school.
"I never knew any lawyers and had never met one," said Teklu, whose father is
a janitor and
mother is a health-care aide. "But I used to watch Matlock and Law & Order on
TV and it made me
think about being a lawyer.
"Then when I was at York doing my undergraduate degree, I took an American
history course and
learned how the law was used to mistreat people and keep people down. After I
graduated, I
wanted to head to the States, become a civil rights lawyer and work on
amending the
constitution."
Instead of going down south, Teklu went to U of T's law school. After
finishing her first year,
Teklu said she's now not sure what kind of law she wants to pursue. She's
also interested in
tax, contract and corporate law. But one thing she is certain about is that
she wants to be a
role model for black youths who want to attend law school.
"I know by being a black female law student I am making a difference," said
Teklu. "And I hope I
can inspire other young black people to consider studying law."
The entire article can be found at
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Davis_Nicholas/2008/01/14/4771803-
sun.php
January 14, 2008
ABC Presents: Aerospace Engineering at Ryerson University
Date: Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Location: Mississauga Room, Peel District School Board, HJA Brown
Education Centre
5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga
Please RSVP: ABC Peel at 905-230-8281 or support@abcpeel.org
Newer. Faster. Better. Aerospace engineers design and develop everything from
jets and space
exploration vehicles to high-speed cars and hovercraft. Career opportunities
are excellent;
Canadas aerospace industry is the third largest in the world and the
nations leading
technology exporter. Ryersons Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace is one of
only two
undergraduate degrees of its kind in all of Canada. Please join us to hear
Dr. Jason Lassaline,
Assistant Professor at Ryerson, give a presentation and answer your questions
about this
fascinating program.
A flyer for this event is available in the IEP office.
January 10, 2008
Peel-Wide Events
A Cultural View - at The Humberview, April 18, 2008
(an event sponsored by the Enhanced Activity Council at The
Humberview)
This is the year we are introducing events in which enhanced students from
all the regional
centres may work together. Two of these will happen at The Woodlands and
will involve the
speakers highlighted below.
The Humberview is offering "A Cultural View" - a cultural conference in which
teams of enhanced
students are invited to highlight a specific culture by setting up a
pavillion. Your group of 5
members will be provided with a table on which you will set up your display
(music, artifacts,
food, art etc.) Electricity, A-V equipment, and microwaves can be requested.
If you are interested in getting a group together for this fair, assemble a
group of interested
students and see Mrs. Quinn in the IEP room ASAP. Choice of cultures is on a
first-request
basis. Further information regarding this fair can be obtained from Ms. Henry
or Mrs. Muston at
eac.humberview@hotmail.com or 905.857.0771x333.
December 21, 2007
Leadership Conference
The Peel District School Board sponsored a leadership conference on November
28th at the Pearson
Convention Centre. The special event afforded approximately 600 students
from grades 7 to 10 an
opportunity to learn about leadership and global citizenship.
Justin Trudeau, a youth advocate and son of former Prime Minister Pierre
Trudeau, was a keynote
speaker at this one-day conference. It was a day filled with inspirational
speakers, leadership
workshops focused on international and cultural issues.
The message of the day was Leadership and Change. According to Justin
Trudeau, young people
have the power to be change agents and make a difference in the world. He
told the
students Have an impact where you can have an impact. Everyone everywhere
needs help from
someone sometime. Thats what binds us. He wanted us, as youth, to spread
the word, enlist
other students, begin to make small changes, and continue to make bigger and
bigger changes. He
emphasized the need of becoming true global citizens and leaders.
He challenged all of us to become peacekeeping, generous, environmentally-
conscious citizens.
It was a day filled with hope and vision and we, as students, need to keep
that vision and spark
alive by creating opportunities and projects to meet the needs of today and
tomorrow. - Natasha C
December 20, 2007
This is my first update in more than a month. I think that when you read this
edition, you will
see what I have been doing with my time. There have been a whirlwind of
amazing opportunities.
I will follow-up in the new year with student contributions regarding Deca
Victories, the
Leadership Conference featuring Justin Trudeau, Snowshow, and Theatre
Shorts.
In the meantime, I wish you all the happiest of holidays and all the best in
the coming year.
Monika Quinn
Science Olympics
Heartiest congratulations to the students of Ms. Raybould and Mr.
Rosenblood's science classes
for their outstanding contributions to the Science Olympics held December 4,
2007. This was an
opportunity for our students to demonstrate their leadership and creativity
and the high-energy,
group problem-solving events they produced engaged the competitive spirit and
kept our visiting
enhanced students cheering. Mr. Walker's grade nine students hosted the teams
and are all geared
up to carry on the fine tradition of preparing events when they reach grade
10.
Invitational Band Workshop
The Invitational Band Workshop was second fabulous mentorship opportunity for
our students to
act as mentors for visiting grade eight students. The vent has grown from a
small group of less
than 20 to 45 keen participants in the past three years as our feeder schools
have begun to
appreciate this fantastic opportunity. After a brief introduction to our
music program members
of our senior band move to different areas of the school to work with the
grade eights on a
piece of music. Within the hour, all the students return to the stage and
perform together. It
was heart-warming to see how caring supportive our students were and how
proud the grade eights
were of their accomplishments.
Why Have Gifted Plan Seminars??
If you are wondering why we have prepared the gifted plan seminars, please
read the following
excerpt.
"Brains on Fire: The Multimodality of Gifted Thinkers"
"... Because of their combination of enhanced sensitivity and memory, these
kids are
like "cognitive flypaper" in that they grab and hold onto ideas and
information much more avidly
than their peers. Too often this facility for acquiring information has been
interpreted as a
sign that gifted education should consist of "filling up their brains" with
vast quantities of
information. However, the exact opposite is true. Because gifted students are
able with
significantly less effort to acquire the standard knowledge base, information
acquisition should
actually be given less space in the curriculum rather than more. Rather than
simply acquiring
more facts, these students should use their extra time learning how to think
like experts. They
are already information wealthy--they do not need a greater largesse of
facts. What they need is
to learn what to do with what they already have.
Finally, we believe that a greater proportion of gifted education be
allocated toward learning
how to organize and process information. Gifted children have a critical need
to: understand the
nature of their thinking, understand the quality of their information, and
understand the uses
of information.
By "understanding the nature of thinking" we mean the sort of metacognitive
training
(or "thinking about thinking") that would allow gifted thinkers more
effectively to direct and
manage their own thinking. This training would equip them to understand the
nature of memory,
sensory processing, mental organization and learning styles, and would arm
them with knowledge
of mnemonic, organizational, interpersonal, and other problem solving
strategies. This training
would enable them to approach specific problems and learning in general with
the greatest
possible chance of success. Gifted students need more time for rumination and
reflection, moving
back toward a classical model of education in which a few resources were
studied in depth and
reflected on at length, rather immersed in barrage of information whose
depths they are never
allowed to explore." Brock Eide M.D. M.A. and Fernette Eide M.D.
Grade Level Seminars
Each enhanced level class is scheduled to use one period a semester
reflecting on aspects of the
Gifted Plan outlined in the IEP. Ms. Adzievski, Ms. Grandy, Mr. Rosenblood,
and Mrs. Quinn have
been visiting the classrooms and presenting 20 different lessons related to
the grade level
goals:
Grade 9: Work Habits and Appropriate Interaction
The Impact of Poor Social Skills on Group Work
Organization, Planning and Memory
Survival Kit: Cooperative learning Skills
Ebbinghaus Memory Effect
Creating an Effective Study Space at Home
Grade 10: Creativity and Dealing with Personal Giftedness
Marketing your Talents
Awareness: How your Classmates View your Talents
Self-esteem Mobiles
Campaign Craze Posters
Aspects of Creativity
Grade 11: Leadership and Developing Personal Talents
Say/Do Ratio: Examining World Leaders
The Body Language of Leaders
Leadership Essentials: Communication
Leadership Essentials: Integrity
Heroes, Celebrities and Leaders: Examining the Differences
Lousy People Skills are the Biggest Hurdles for Leaders
Grade 12: Ownership and critical thinking skills
Cognitive Dissonance
Self-esteem vs. Self efficacy
Critical Thinking Skills: Horatio Nelson Case Study
Critical Thinking Skills: Decision Making and Mazlow's Hierarchy of
Needs
Critical Thinking Skills: Examining for Bias: The Case of Robert
Latimer
Please thank Ms. Adzievski for all of the wonderful new lessons which have
completed the set we
already had in place last year. With 40 different lessons, we can continue
to visit the
classrooms knowing that there will be no repeated lessons over the years your
child is in our
program.
New Initiative: Speaker Series
In the new year, you can expect the roll out of a Speaker Series Program.
For the Grade 10s,
we have invited Lesley Andrew, a singer-songwriter whose
presentation Beating the Odds deals
with taking the responsibility for personal change and growth, overcoming
obstacles, facing
fears and attaining goals.
For the grade 11s, Nadja Halibegovich is coming in to talk to about her
experiences during the
war in Sarajevo. At the age of twelve she started sharing her diary entries
over the radio. At
16 Nadja escaped the country through an underground tunnel and fled to the
US. She writes, "War
taught me that every human being has a dark and bright side. It is our choice
to fight the
darker side and show our warm and beautiful feelings or to let ourselves be
weak and hopeless,
bitter and mean. I hope that the warm and brilliant colors of the morning
dawn, the radiant
light of midnight's stars on the sky of my dreams will always light up my
soul with goodness and
faith."
We are excited to present both of these fabulous workshops to our students
hoping to help them
reflect on their own growth and development.
Grad Survey
I have never before reported on the on-going survey process we have in
place. We are in our
fourth year of data collection and have been using the data to respond in our
greatest areas of
need and to measure our improvement. I am pleased to announce there has been
significant
improvement in our program.
No Change: 100% of graduates appreciate our program and 60% of them find
their appreciation of
it increases after they arrive at university
Steady Growth: The Enhanced Learning Program has a strong showing or
improvement in all areas
except developing study habits.
Marked Improvement: The Enhanced Learning Program is showing marked
improvement in the
following previous areas of greatest need. 1) Teachers being
perceived as
understanding giftedness and 2) Developing leadership potential.
Current Area of Greatest Need (but still having a respectable approval
rating): 1) developing
study habits and 2) developing organizational skills.
We proud of our progress to date and are taking this opportunity to devise a
plan to address
these new issues. We thought you might like a peek at what is going on
behind the scenes. M.
Quinn
November 9, 2007
From Ms. Alexander
Finally a reliable version of Wiki! Although it only has 4,000 articles so
far it is reliable
as its content is locked down and has been checked by experts. It is linked
at the library
website now. http://www.veropedia.com/
November 2, 2007
Woodlands Student Leads Team to Gold at Shad/RBC
Entrepreneurship Cup
Congratulations Daivik
More than 600 students participated in the 2007 Shad/RBC Entrepreneurship Cup
competition,
developing a product based on "Zero Waste Technology." Grade 12 student at
Woodlands, Daivik D.
and his team developed a product to be used in hotels which would eliminate
the use of plastic
water bottles for shampoo and conditioner. After developing the product at
University of British
Columbia, the gold winning team also developed a prototype, a marketing plan
and a website,
www.mist.fx.nu.
E=mc2: Enrichment Studies Unit at Queen's University
from
http://esu.queensu.ca/emc2/
E=mc2 provides students in grades 9-12 the unique opportunity to go to
Queens University and
study a subject of their choosing at an advanced level for one week. The
academic component of
the program is designed to allow participants the freedom to interact and
learn in an
environment sensitive to their level of development. The combination of
academics, residence
life, and extra curricular activities provides students with a sample of
university life. Please
visit the website for more information.
Advanced Business Practice Songwriting
Marketing Maniacs Learning to See with an
Artist's Eye
Dance Choreography Fine Art: Creative
Expression
Make Believe:A Scene Study Workshop Introduction to Visual Arts
Drama A-Z Photography
Makeup Artist Careers Journalism
Digital Recording Expressive Writing
Learning to Improvise Musically Making Your Voice Heard
Say Si to Spanish German
Global Perspectives The World through
Different Eyes
Introduction to Canadian Law Intermediate Canadian Law
The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Pathology and Molecular
Medicine
Alternative Medicine: Plants that Heal Cancer Today
Archaeology - The History Beneath our Feet Introduction to Molecular
Biology
Aquatic Ecology Life Sciences
Mathventure Programming in Java
Engineering Robotics
Expanding the Universe The Wonders of Solar
Energy: Solar Vehicle
Biomedical Engineering Nanotechnology
Sport Psychology Sport Science
Bodies in Motion Psychology: Science of
Mind and Behaviour
Sociology: The Family in popular Media Social Influence: How to
Get What You Want
Human Behaviour and Evolution Experimental Psychology
October 30, 2007
YOUR GOVERNMENT
YOUR VOICE
Tuesday December 4, 2007 - Toronto
The recent provincial election shows that a female presence in Ontarios
legislature is on the
rise. Yet, women hold only 26 percent of the overall 107 seats. Did you know
despite making up
more than half of Canada's population, women are still vastly under
represented in political
arenas and account for only one-fifth of our MPs? That's fewer than in
Ethiopia, Iraq and
Afghanistan. (Toronto Star May 10th, 2007)
Are you passionate about your career (or volunteer work) in politics or
government? Join us to
inspire the next generation of young women entering the workforce! Youth in
Motion is pleased to
be presenting "Your Government...Your Voice!" a Career Learning Day for young
women in grades 8 -
12.
DATE: Tuesday December 4, 2007
TIME: 9:00 am 2:30 pm
LOCATION: 89 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor Ballroom, Toronto
AUDIENCE: Young women in grades 8-12
Please contact Jennifer Basso at 416.962.4192 ext. 3, or jbasso@youth-in-
motion.ca
October 24, 2007
The Work of The Woodlands' Alumni: Going Green
The goal of the Enhanced Learning Program is to provide a rich, stimulating
environment in which
students develop the courage to actualize potential and the creativity to
live healthy,
innovative lives producing work of lasting significance to the greater
community (adapted from
Barbara A. Kerr, Ph.D. author of 'Smart Girls and Smart Boys')
When our alumni report on their work, we know whe have met our goal. This
morning I received an
email from a former Woodlands student, whose first coop project at Waterloo
was the
implementation of green bins in Missisauga. She has agreed to come in to
speak in April about
coop opportunities. Please visit the website
(http://peelregion.ca/pw/waste/organics1/) and
when you use your green bin, remember with pride that students graduating
from our program are
making a real difference in our community.
Supplementary Application/Scholarship Application Workshop
This is an opportunity for grade twelves planning to write supplementary
applications or
scholarship applications to work through the process in a small group.
Students will get tips
and strategies for completing these applications wisely as they work through
a real scholarship
application.
Students will need to bring: a copy of their resume, post-it notes, and a
pencil.
The following times are available. Sign up in the IEP room today.
Monday, October 29 Period 2 at 10:25
Period 3 at 11:30
Tuesday, October 30 Period 3 at 11:30
Period 4 at 12:45
Wednesday, October 31 Period 4 at 12:45
Period 5 at 2:10
Thursday November 1 Period 2 at 10:25
Period 5 at 2:10
New Club Opportunity: Enhanced Activity Council
Staff Sponsors: Mrs. Quinn and Mr.
Rosenblood
Creative, organized, and enthusiastic enhanced students interested in
promoting and bringing
innovation to the Enhanced Learning Program are invited fill out an
application available on
the IEP office door as soon as possible.
Duties may include:
- special event organization including
Enhanced School Tours
Science Olympics
Music Invitational Event
Grade Level Speaker Series
Workshops
- feedback to the program coordinators
- a voice on this website
- working in partnership with EACs (Enhanced Activity
Councils) at
the other regional enhanced centres to organize
board-wide
opportunities for gifted students.
Students from all grade levels are welcome to apply. For more information,
please see Mrs.
Quinn in the IEP office soon.
October 15, 2007
Student Achievement Awards 2008
- sponsored by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers'
Federation
Theme: Necessity
A necessity is any vital entity required for survival. Fundamental needs are
described as food,
shelter, and love. In addition, necessity can refer to abstract thoughts and
desires essential
to motivation; in fact, necessity drives all human action. How do you view
necessity? What does
necessity mean to you?
Students may submit an entry along with the appropriate entry form to your
sponsoring teacher in
one of the divisions.
Prose and Poetry: typewritten, numbered pages, double-spaced, 1000 words or
less
each school can only submit ONE entry per category
Category 1: Intermediate, 9-10 Academic
Category 2: Intermediate, 9-10 Applied/Essential
Category 3: Senior, 11-12 University
Category 4: College/Workplace
Category 5: French
Creative Division: All grades and levels. Various requirements
Category 1: Visual Arts(painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, digital
illustration, 2-D
mixed media, sculpture, assemblage, installation)
Category 2: English or French video/audio/animation (VHS/cassette/CD or DVD)
Please contact Mrs. Andre-Barrett if you are interested in the poetry or
prose division or your
art teacher if you are interested in the creative division. More information
see Mrs. Quinn in
the IEP office.
October 13, 2007
Some News from Shad Valley
The following email arrived today. If there is sufficient interest, I will
try to arrange a
school visit. Please send me an email if you think you
would like to attend an information session for this program.
Dear Monika,
Were aware that some students are discouraged from applying to Shad Valley
due to the program
fee of $2,500, so I want to share some
important news regarding an expanded Shad Valley scholarship program. Weve
just approved an
increase in the number of entrance
scholarships to 100 from 15. 25 scholarships will cover the full program fee
of $2,500 and 75
will have a value of $1,000, and with 620
program places for 2008, students will have a one in six chance of receiving
one. All
scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of a
students Shad Valley program application. In addition, we will continue to
provide bursaries
for students in financial need, as Shad believes
strongly that all qualified students deserve an opportunity to benefit from
the Shad Valley
experience, regardless of their financial situation.
Feedback from teachers and guidance counselors tells us that presentations by
Shad alumni or
staff are an effective way of bringing awareness
to students and teachers about the program, and communicating the benefits of
participating.
You can request a school visit at http://
www.shad.ca/shad/myweb.php?hls=10235 or contact Melanie Reiffenstein directly
at
melanie@shad.ca . Well do our best to arrange a visit that
fits your needs and schedule.
Just a reminder that the preferred date for applications is December 12, 2007
with a second
intake January 16, 2008. I hope to welcome some
of your wonderful students to Shad Valley 2008.
Sincerely,
- Barry
---
Barry G. Bisson, P.Eng., MBA
President
Shad Valley International
8 Young Street East
Waterloo ON N2J 2L3
Email: president@shad.ca
URL: http://www.shad.ca
October11, 2007
The Duke of Edinburghs Award Young Canadians Challenge
from http://www.dukeofed.org/on/award/requirements.html
The Duke of Edinburghs Award Young Canadians Challenge is an exciting self-
development
Programme available to all young people, equipping them with life skills to
make a difference to
themselves, their communities and their country.
The Award is flexible and can be done by anyone aged 14-25 in their own time:
mental or physical
ability or social circumstances should never be a barrier. Moreover, the
individual chooses what
activities to do depending on his/her interests and resources.
For more information visit the website above.
September 27, 2007
New Look Gifted Plan - Good News
Using feedback from a Ministry of Education audit, special education
coordinators and program
coordinators across Peel, The Woodlands Gifted Plan has been revised. The
grade level goals
remain intact. Wording was tightened up and additions were made to improve
the document. This
collaborative process has resulted in the acceptance of our plan by the other
regional centres
and the potential for greater alignment across the Board in the delivery of
programming for
gifted students. Please note: this is the wording you may expect on the IEP.
Teachers are now working with the new plan and it is our expectation that the
specific
strategies used in each subject will appear shortly in an Alternative
Programming Page designed
to accompany each enhanced course outline. Highlights of the strategies
used will appear again
in the individual comments of teachers at the end of the semester.
THE WOODLANDS GIFTED PLAN
GRADE NINE: Engaging in Active Learning
- to engage in productive interaction with peers
of similar ability
and consistent application of appropriate work
habits
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS TEACHING STRATEGIES
- to study topics in more depth and breadth - classroom strategies may
include: the
substitution of more
sophisticated content,
the elimination of rote
work in areas of
mastered content or
skills, the opportunity
for choice
- classroom grouping
strategies and use of open-
ended projects
- to demonstrate appropriate social - encouraging involvement in
extra-curricular
peer interaction opportunities
- offering the opportunity
to examine and
analyse effective group-
work strategies
- to develop and demonstrate effective - providing time-management
and work-habits
work habits seminars
- encouraging the use of
organizational tools
GRADE TEN: Personal Reflection and Development
- to provide the opportunity to deal with personal
giftedness and to
recognize and develop creativity
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS TEACHING STRATEGIES
- to study topics in more depth and breadth - classroom strategies may
include: content
compacting, alternate
pacing, analysis of
personal strengths,
providing flexibility
in assignments to allow
for choice and
creativity, providing
opportunities for
exploration of authentic
applications
- to analyse and pursue areas of strength - encouraging involvement
in extra-
curricular opportunities
and community
service
- establishing open-ended
discussion and
assignments
- to explore unique, individual ideas and - acknowledging and
supporting unique,
present creative, alternative answers imaginative or inventive
pursuits
- providing creativity
seminars
GRADE ELEVEN: Specialization
- to develop personal talents and to recognize and
develop leadership potential
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS TEACHING STRATEGIES
- to study topics in more depth and breadth - classroom strategies may
include: adapting
curriculum to elicit high
levels of
performance, providing
leadership
opportunities to showcase
personal talents,
tailoring classroom
activities to reflect
student's specific
interest and talents
- to pursue an interest in a specialized - offer confidence building
activities and
area of study utilizing personal talents encouraging involvement
in a variety of
school activities
- to have opportunity to take on various - providing opportunity to
work with students
leadership roles in group work of similar talents and
abilities
- offering leadership
seminars, providing
opportunities to become a
mentor,
encouraging involvement
in the executive
councils of school and
community groups
GRADE TWELVE: Independence, Ownership and Accountability
- to participate in the planning of a personal
program and to develop
and refine critical thinking skills.
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS TEACHING STRATEGIES
- to study topics in more depth and breadth - classroom strategies may
include:
reorganizing the
curriculum to allow students
to develop original ideas
and products,
including more
sophisticated, contemporary
and/or abstract content
- to actively participate in goal setting - creating opportunities for
student
and determining final products involvement in the
planning process of a
major project
- encouraging active
involvement in enrichment
opportunities provided by
foundations and
universities
- to identify, and develop critical - providing critical
thinking skills seminars
thinking skills including: analogy, and opportunity to apply
skills
attribution, evaluation and ranking,
cause and effect, identifying bias, and
cross-classification
September 20, 2007
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy
from
http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/SSA/
Saturday Science & Engineering Academy is the University of Toronto's
advanced academic program
for students in Grades 3 to 12 who have a desire to explore science, math and
technology in
challenging and creative ways. Students are exposed to concepts and topics
beyond the regular
school curriculum in a fun and hands-on environment. Small class sizes allow
students to meet
others with the same interests and aspirations.
Topics
Grades 9 and 10 Grades 11 and 12
Intro to Aviation Space Robotics
Video Game Programming Signals and Systems
Marvelous Microbiology Pharmaceutical Principles
New Age Materials The Micro Challenge
Campus Tours
http://www.cue.ca/WP/AboutUs.aspx?
urlid=cue&aid=cue
This is a commercial site which offers tours to different university and
college campuses and
arranges for buses and campus guides. I would be interested to know if
anyone has used this
company and was pleased with the service.
Canadian Education Exchange Foundation
from http://www.ceef.ca/new-
site/students/students-idx.html
Students from The Woodlands have gone on these exchanges in the past and been
very satisfied
with this foundation. Brochures and application forms are available in the
IEP office.
A CEEF Student Exchange is for you if you would like to:
- live in a foreign country and be immersed in another culture
- expand your ability to communicate in another language
- host an exchange partner from that foreign country
- experience living as a member of your partner's family for three months
Destinations
For 2008-2009 CEEF will be offering three-month international student
exchanges to six European
countries: France, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands.
Also in Europe, a
shorter two-month exchange to Belgium (French-speaking region) is available.
The exchange program to Mexico is for three-months.
In addition, during July and August CEEF organizes one-month exchanges to
Spain, France and
Switzerland (French-speaking region)
September 18, 2007
Waterloo Unlimited: A unique enrichment experience for high school students
of exceptional
potential. From http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca/
Join a community of scholars! Launched in November 2004 by the University of
Waterloo, Waterloo
Unlimited is built upon four cornerstones: Transdisciplinarity, Intrinsic
Motivation, Community
and Self-Enrichment. These values provide a framework for an enrichment
experience like no
other, bringing together students of exceptional promise from across the
country.
Unlimited students will live and study in a creative, articulate community of
scholars where the
students, staff and professors share a common vision: that a University is a
place where people
of extraordinary ability and accomplishment come together in their pursuit of
knowledge,
experience, and excellence across the traditional boundaries of academic
disciplines.
Grade 12 Program
The focus of this three day program will be on \"How to read a research
paper.\" Students will
have the opportunity to interact in small group settings with professors, who
will guide them
through the reading of one of their research p
apers. University student panellists will discuss
the availability of research experiences at the undergraduate level; and, in
a conference style
format, graduate students will display their research with poster
presentations and informal one
on one dialogues with the high school students. October 17 - 20 or November
21 - 24 Contact:
crossman@unlimited.uwaterloo.ca Program fee: $100 For out of town students:
shared, supervised
hotel accommodation, $50 per night
September 14, 2007
Shad Valley (from http://www.shad.ca/shad/myweb.php?hls=10007)
Shad Valley is unlike anything you've encountered. It's a program of infinite
possibilities
a
place where you can meet challenges head-on, and learn from the experience.
You don't do it
aloneyou meet people with the same drive to excel that you have. You forge
lifetime
friendships, you work together with those friends, and you stretch the
limits.
Shad has a number of academic cornerstones: science, technology,
entrepreneurship, engineering
and mathematics. Lectures, labs, and workshops will help you enhance your
knowledge and build
skills. You'll also have the opportunity to invent a new productor innovate
an existing one
as a member of a team working on an entrepreneurship project.
Bottom line: you're going to be challenged, you're going to learn, and it's
going to be fun.
You'll be on a leading university campus for four weeks, working hands-on
with 50 like-minded
individuals, with access to more resources and excellent thinkers than are
often found collected
in one place.
Gairdner Award Lectures
Students in SBI 4UE have been invited to the prestigious Gairdner Award
Lectures. Only select
schools are invited because of their outstanding performance on the
University of Toronto
Biology Competition and first year biology courses. Last year, for example,
one of our
graduates was the top first year biology student at The University of Toronto
and she was
rewarded with a research position, taking her to Churchill Manitoba to study
the interactions
between the goose and polar bear populations.
This year's lectures will include presentations by:
Corey Goldman: Senior Lecturer in Biology, Course Coordinator of First Year
Biology,
Director of the University of Toronto Biology Competition
Dr. John Dirks, President of the Gairdner Foundation
Dr. Thomas Steitz, Ph.D, Gairdner Award Recipient, Howard Hughes Medical
Institute ,
Yale University "Understanding biological processes from the
structures of its
macromolecular machines."
Dr. Dennis Slamon, MD, Ph.D, Executive Vice Chair for Research,
University of California, Los Angeles "The diversity of human
breast cancer."
University of Toronto 2007-2008 Mentorship Program
http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/prospective/highschoolprograms/enrichment#5
The Mentorship Program is for senior high school students who show
considerable academic promise
and are interested in enriching their secondary studies by assisting
university of Toronto
professors in their research. Not all applicants can be accomodated and some
of the areas are
highly competitive, yet most years, a Woodlands student is accepted.
The following projects are being offered this year:
Aboriginal Education Aboriginal Student
Recruitment
African Studies Art History
Biochemistry Biology/Medicine
Cell& Systems Biology Christianity and
Culture
English Environmental Science
Ethics, Society and Law French
German and Diaspora Studies Health Policy, Management &
Evaluation
History and Classics:Islamic Studies Human Development and Applied
Psychology
Injury Prevention Italian Studies
Jewish Studies Laboratory Medicine and
Pathobiology
Mathematics Mechanical and Industrial
Engineering
Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations Neurogenetics
Nutritional Sciences Pathology
Physiatry Physics
Psychology Science Education
Sociology Spanish and Portuguese
The brochure is available in the IEP office or in Student Services and the
deadline for
application is Oct 5, 2007. Don't miss this opportunity!
Community Service: Have you become involved yet?
Yes, helping others make us feel warm and fuzzy, but new research suggest
that doing good deed
can actually help people live longer, healthier lives
An excerpt from "The Science of the Soul" by Siri Agrell
Globe and Mail
Thursday May 3, 2007
What if your doctor told you to take two steps toward being a better person
and call him in the
morning? Patients at a California health maintenance organization are being
prescribed generous
behaviour as part of a program called Rx: volunteer, one of various new
research projects
described by Stephen Post in his book "Why Good Things Happen to Good People"
out next week.
Dr. Post Chronicles the link between doing good and leading a longer
healthier life.
"The science shows that we're hardwired to be giving," he says. "We're
talking here about a one-
a-day vitamin for the soul"
No, being a good person won't necessarily get
you a new car or
help you to lose 10 pounds, Dr Post says, but there is a karma of the brain,
where the body
physically rewards acts of kindness and forgiveness. "The remarkable bottom
line of science is
that giving protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against
heart disease." he
says.
MARCH BREAK IN ITALY! - S. Adzievski
Dive deep into the culture of the Mediterranean, by looking at one of
Europes oldest
civilizations, where ancient foundations support such a modern outlook. The
allure and intrigue
of Italy can be a stellar complement to any classroom curriculum!
This school year, our children have the opportunity to expand their
knowledge, understanding of
other cultures, architecture and history by going out into the real world
to see it first
hand.
This March Break, the students will have the chance to take a guided tour of
Italy, supervised
by teachers and experienced travel directors. A trip of this kind can really
augment a
student's education and personal growth. The chance to travel, particularly
to Italy is more
than just an extension of the curriculum. It is an invaluable educational
opportunity that will
expose our students to people from other countries and experience a whole new
world!
Explorica, a leading educational travel company offers high-quality, low-cost
travel programs
worldwide. They are the leaders in educational travel, helping teachers and
students discover
the wonders of the world through safe and reliable tour experiences.
Also, parents can be
involved every step of the way through daily updates and pictures either
online or from tour
guides.
To find out more about this truly is an invaluable educational opportunity,
please contact: S.
Adzievski 905-279-0575 extension 211 or visit the website: www.explorica.ca
and look at how
much the tour "ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS" has to offer!
Click "LogIn"
Enter Perugini-9281 in the "TourCentreID" field for more info on the Italian
Highlights Tour.
The trip fees are reduced if we book early. Please contact Ms. Adzievski
obefore October 2 for
the best price option. The trip offer will close in January and payment
options can be
arranged. Please visit the website and/or contact S. Adzievski.
Welcome to the 2007 2008 School Year!
Over the past months, teachers have been working hard to develop courses and
activities to meet
the needs of our students. We are looking forward to another exciting school
year!
Important IEP News
Gifted students will soon be receiving an Instructional Needs Form containing
a copy of the
Gifted Plan and an opportunity for input. Please return the completed form
as quickly as you
can to the home room teacher.
The core ideas in the Gifted Plan as outlined on the Instructional Needs Form
will remain in
place. However, as part of a regular Ministry of Education review, program
coordinators across
the Region of Peel have been asked to work together to tighten up some of the
language. These
deliberations will begin this week and I will send out a newsflash as soon as
I post the updated
Gifted Plan.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to review and refine the IEPs.
June 26, 2007
Hello Everyone
Thanks to Catherine Haire, Head of Student Services, for forwarding the
following article. It
describes the recent work of Professor Howard Gardner in which he proposes
the five types of
thinking which will best prepare us for the future.
As we say goodbye to our graduates of the Enhanced Learning Program we wish
them well knowing we
have provided the opportunity to develop all of these ways of thinking. We
rejoice in every
announcement of the creative, socially-responsible work of our graduates.
For example, the
work of graduates of the Enhanced Learning Program at The Woodlands currently
includes:
- post-doctoral work in pre-transplant donor treatment to increase the
success of heart
transplant surgery
- development of a viable "green business" plan at Queen's
- a master's degree in digital microscopy in endoscopes for cancer
applications
- bringing the composting program to the Region of Peel
- avian research in the Costa Rican rainforest
- undergraduate participation in biochemical research in the of
exocytosis of insulin
in diabetics
- genetic counseling at Mount Sinai Hospital
I only have a narrow window on the many creative and important projects of
our graduates but it
is wide enough to know that, together with our parent group, we are on the
right track. As
always, we continue to grow and work together to improve the programming for
enhanced students
at The Woodlands and yet, I was struck by the parallels of our program to
this important work.
I hope you find it interesting.
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer,
All the best,
M. Quinn
From
Minding the future, one mind at a time
By Harvey Schacter
Globe and Mail, May 27, 2007
For several decades, Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner has
researched the human
mind and how it is organized.
Although you may not be familiar with his name, your are probably familiar
with his breakthrough
notion that we have multiple intelligences eight or nine of them such as
linguistic,
spatial, bodily, musical and intrapersonal, rather than just the traditional
cognitive capacity
measured by IQ tests.
Now he is back with a different theory, trying to lay down the minds or types
of thinking we
will need to operate successfully in the future. He takes his lead in part
from the words of
Winston Churchill: "The empires of the future will be empires of the mind."
Professor Gardner
believes we must recognize the ways of thinking required for our emerging era
of science,
technology and globalization and educating ourselves and our children
accordingly.
Professor Gardner considered a number of possibilities, discarding candidates
such as the
technological mind, the digital mind, the democratic mind, the flexible mind,
the emotional
mind, the strategic mind, and the spiritual mind. The ones he settled on
aren't shocking, but
perhaps that's to the point. They are logical and contoured to our world and
how it is
evolving ways of thinking we increasingly find ourselves trying to adopt.
THE DISCIPLINED MIND
We need to master the body of knowledge and key procedures related to our
work, be it law,
architecture, engineering, teaching, or management. By that he doesn't mean
the specific
subject matter, but the distinctive way of thinking about the world that
underlies each
discipline.
Scientists learn how to observe the world, come up with tentative
classifications and concepts,
design experiments to test their tentative theories, and revise their
theories in the light of
new findings. In business schools students learn that information is
necessarily incomplete but
they must. While high schools today focus on teaching subject matter, he
feels they should
prepare individuals to think in ways that characterize the major disciplines
such as science and
mathematics, history and at least one art form, such as figure drawing,
playing an instrument or
writing one act plays.
THE SYNTHESIZING MIND
Since more and more knowledge lies in the space between disciplines,
individuals must learn to
synthesize knowledge and how to extend it. He does that in his own writing,
bringing together
diverse fields. But it's also vital for managers, who must consider the job
to be done, the
various workers on hand, their current assignments and skills, what is known
about the people,
and then figure out through a "synthesizing mind" how to best execute the
current priority and
move on to the next one.
THE CREATING MIND
Some synthesis will be straightforward while in other situations it will
involve a stretch
innovative thinking by a "creating mind". This is a much celebrated way of
thinking today but
Professor Gardner is worried that it is not being nurtured in schools as we
turn to uniform
curricula, tests and standards.
"Parents should make sure their children pursue hobbies or activities that do
not feature a
single right answer. Teachers ought to illustrate the several ways in which
a particular math
problem can properly be solved or a literary passage can interpreted; they
ought to facilitate
classroom visits by charismatic inventors and artists who have gone their own
way and achieved
success."
THE RESPECTFUL MIND
We must avoid stereotyping or caricature, but instead try to understand other
people on their
own terms. We must convey our trust in them, try as far as possible to make
common cause with
them and be worthy of their trust. That does not mean ignoring your own
beliefs, but you must
make and effort to understand others who are different from you.
THE ETHICAL MIND
You must try to take ethical stances, fulfilling your responsibility as a
member of your
organization, region, nation and the world. What are your obligations to
others? What kind of a
world would you like to live in? Professor Gardner stresses how you can help
to create a world
of "good works" work that is excellent, ethical, and engaging.
June 20, 2007
Wilfred Laurier University will be hosting IDEA Laurier for gifted students
on November 30th
2007.
"IDEA LAURIER is a one-day program designed to provide gifted high-school
students with an
introduction to the university learning experience. Participating students
will be divided into
small groups to explore a contemporary world issue from a multidisciplinary
case study."
http://www.wlu.ca/idea-laurier
June 15 2007
Enrichment Opportunities
The following enrichment programs are available through the University of
Waterloo.
Participants are selected based on a creative and competitive application.
Students may apply
now and throughout the summer for best availability. Applications will also
be accepted in the
fall.
Explore the website, www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca for all the information you
need to know. If
you need further detail, call our Program Co-ordinator at 519-888-4567 ext.
35176 or email
info@unlimited.uwaterloo.ca.
Grade 12 Programs: Roadmap to Research (October 17 - 20, 2007 OR November 21 -
24, 2007)
- an introduction to the art and science of reading academic papers
- an opportunity to explore cutting-edge discoveries with professors
from across campus
- the chance to engage with real, live undergraduate and graduate
student researchers
Grade 11 Program: Design Theme (Sunday, March 2 - Friday, March 7, 2008)
Spend a week exploring the theme of Design with a community of like-minded
peers. From
architecture and the environment to science fiction and virtual reality, this
program is
designed for students who will be in grade 11 during the 2007/2008 school
year.
Grade 10 Program: Vision Theme (Sunday, May 11 - Friday, May 16, 2008)
From eyesight to imagination and fine art to flight, we're excited about
giving you the
opportunity to see "vision" in a whole new light. We have envisioned this
program for students
who will be in grade 10 during the 2007/2008 school year.
Congratulations
Once a year the Peel District Board of Education honours students for
outstanding achievement in
various areas. Congratulations to all of The Woodlands' students and groups
honoured at this
year's Stellar Awards.
Platinum, School Recognition Award for Quality Daily Physical Education
A. Dai and J. Wang
S. Khemraj and P. Sood
K. Lien, A. Ravi S. Sadagopan and J. Tian
K. Wu and J. Younan
A. Singh
J. Smith
R. Chandra and J. Musgrave
T. Zaman
A. Zhang
Sear's Festival: Outstanding Production - "The People's Studio"
J. Walls
Y. Naguib
M. Speare
Gold and Invitation to Nationals - Senior Concert Band
Silver and Invitation to Nationals - Wind Ensemble
J. Antolin
L. Xu
A. Dhawan
E. Liu
T. Nguyen
May 30, 2007
Physics department here at The Woodlands has been very busy over the last
week. Last Thursday
and Friday, the SPH3UE classes held their semi-annual Physics Fair and it was
a blazing
success. There were countless interactive stations about topics ranging from
the Aurora
Borealis to the mechanics of the human ear to time travel. The students
displaying their topic
were enthusiastic and motivated to teach all those who came by their
display. Well done to both
classes.
The physics department then extended their classroom all the way up to Vaughn
as we took our
annual trip to Canada's Wonderland where the students worked on projects
based on the roller
coasters there. As part of the experiment, the students went on the roller
coasters to make
sure they got all their readings and data. A fun day was had by all the
grade 11 and 12
students who went.
May 29, 2007
German Exchange
The exchange to Peine, Germany has been opened up to all students currently
in The Woodlands
Enhanced Learning Program. This exchange includes a visit and the stay of a
student from
Germany in your home. In exchange, students from The Woodlands will have the
opportunity to
take part in the family life of a student in Germany. Our trip to Germany
will have a broad
appeal. We will be staying in a quaint town Peine and walking in the Hartz
mountains, visiting
the VW plant in Wolfsburg, touring a mediaeval walled town, Hamlin, Bremen,
Hannover, Hamburg
and finishing our stay in Berlin. There we will be touring and visiting
important historical
sites like Checkpoint Charlie. This is an opportunity that should not be
missed. If you think
you would like to join the exchange please see Mrs. Quinn or Frau Holl
before the end of the
week.
May 23, 2007
Sanofi-Aventis Biotech Challenge
Grade Eleven Biology Students, Serena L., Alvin P. and Pinky W. who presented
their biotech
project at the Sanofi-Aventis Biotech Challenge Awards presentation on
Thursday, May 10th.
These students worked hard all semester on their experiment
titled Engineering Bioluminescent
Life Forms in which they tried to transplant the gene that enables a firefly
to produce light
into a grass plant. Imagine your lawn making its own light! Special Thanks
to Ms Hallak, their
teacher, for suggesting and encouraging this high achieving trio.
Provincial German Contest
Thanks to Frau Jutta Holl and the Woodlands German Language student
contingent that travelled to
York University to participate in the recent provincial championships last
weekend. Alec H.,
and Dainis K. placed 2nd, Jenna P. placed 6th and Christy B. placed 7th
overall putting 4
Woodlands students in the top ten in Ontario. Congratulations everyone!
National Lacrosse League Championships
Congratulations to our own Mr. Ryan Greer and the members of the Rochester
Knight Hawks who won
the National Lacrosse League Championships. Mr. Greer scored the winning
goal in an exciting
final!
Junior and Senior Boys Cricket
Congratulations to Mr. Martin Vendryes, Mr. Zain Ghadially and the members of
the Junior and
Senior Boys' Cricket Teams for winning the 2007 ROPSSAA Championships! Both
teams shone and
represented The Woodlands with great sportsmanship and skill.
May 22, 2008
Hi Everyone.
Mr. Rosenblood and I have just finished a week-long blitz of seminars on the
grade level
alternative programming: work habits, creativity, leadership, ownership and
emotional
intelligence. We have also completed a series of more than 100 intake IPRCs
for next year's
grade nines. Very soon we will be able to catch everyone up on all of the
fabulous activities
around the school. In the mean time, I will pass along a letter from our
Principal, Jeanne Gray.
M. Quinn
May 14, 2007
Dear Parent / Guardian,
The Administration at The Woodlands School, in conjunction with The Woodlands
School Council,
invites you to attend an evening presentation on the topics of:
- Computer Use and Internet Safety
- Community Resources and Programs available to support Student Success
Parents from the Woodlands Family of Schools are invited to attend these
presentations which
will take place at the Woodlands School from 7 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday May
23, 2007. At the
end of the presentations, there will be time for a question and answer
session. Guest
presenters for these sessions include Betty Dai from the Inter-Cultural
Neighbourhood Social
Services along with a member from the Peel Regional Police Department.
The material covered through these presentations make them suitable for
parents of children in
grade 7 12. We hope that you will be able to attend to learn more about
support agencies in
the Woodlands community and the services they provide. Parents will also
learn more about how
to avoid the dangers that can occur with unsupervised use of the internet
along with topics such
as Facebook and YouTube.
We welcome you to attend these sessions where light refreshments will be
served. Language
support will be provided by Settlement Workers who will be in attendance.
We hope to see you
on Wednesday May 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the cafetorium at The Woodlands School.
Sincerely yours,
Jeanne Gray
April 20, 2007
Physics Contests: A Reminder
May 1, 2007 Grade 11 OAPT (Ontario Association of Physics Teachers) Physics
Contest
May 3, 2007 Grade 12 University of Waterloo Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest
Grade 11 and 12 physics students will once again be going to Canada's
Wonderland on May 28 to
study the physics of the rides.
Super Charity Week May 7-9
The Prefects are raising awareness for STAND (Students Take Action now in
Darfur). Money will
be raised through a Dance-a-thon, Vow of Silence, Bake Sale, Auction,
Information Night and
Games Day.
International Bazaar
On Tuesday May 1, The Woodlands celebrates cultural diversity in food,
customs, traditional
dress, song and dance. This wildly popular event takes place in the
Cafetorium at Lunch.
Thanks to the hundreds of participants.
University of Toronto National Biology Contest
This is a reminder about Biology Contest taking place in the Library Resource
Centre Thursday,
April 26. You will need to bring a good eraser and a HB pencil to the
library at 1:15pm. A few
of our biology scholars are off on a DECA trip so a few places have opened
up. If you missed
the deadline, but would like to write the test, see Mrs. Quinn today.
Sonofi-Aventis Biotech Challenge and Biotech Initiative Trip: May 2, 2007
Mr. Walker and Mrs. Quinn are taking the grade 12 biology students to Ryerson
University for a
lecture on Microbial Diversity and a workshop entitled Extracting DNA.
Following the workshop
we will travel to the display hall for the Sonofi-Aventis Biotech challenge
to see the displays
of student from the Toronto Area. Among these displays are three entries
from The Woodlands
School:
Luminescent Agrostis palustris,
Reactivating telemorase in vegetative plant tissues
The prevention of common potato scab.
Thanks go to Ms. Hallak for organizing this school's participation in the
challenge.
Leader of the Pack
April 26,27 and 28 The Woodlands Drama Department presents "Leader of the
Pack". This high-
energy musical features the music of Ellie Greenwich. Don't miss it. All
performances start at
7:30pm and tickets are now on sale in the cafeteria.
Parents' Night
Our Parents' Night will be held on Wednesday, April 25 in the cafetorium,
starting at 5:30pm.
Appointments with teachers can be made through your child. We look forward
to seeing you there.
Good Luck to the DECA Team
From April 26 to May 3, the DECA Team will be off to Florida to represent our
school in
International Competition. 21 of our students have earned the right to
compete because of our
outstanding showing in the provincial competition. Check out these results.
First Place Winners: A. Ravi, K. Lien, S. Sadogopan, J. Tian, K. Wu, J.
Younan
A Dai, J.Wang, S. Khemraj, P. Soud
Second Place Winners: A. Singh, J. Smith,
Third Place Winners: A. Zhang, T.Zaman, J. Musgrave, R. Chandra
Fourth Place Winners: A. Mistry, J. Lau, L. Li, C. Liu, K. Li
$2000 Scholarships J. Smith, A. Zhang
to the
University of Waterloo
German Cultural Exchange
On Wednesday night after Parents' Night there will be a brief meeting for all
parents and
students interested in taking part in the cultural exchange to Peine,
Germany. In September,
student from Germany will visit Canada for two weeks and in the spring we
will travel to
Germany. At this point, the invitation is only open to current German
students and those who
have signed up for German next year.
April 16, 2007
Parent meeting for the trip to Italy for Grade 8 & 9 enhanced students who
are interested in
going. The meeting is occuring on Wednesday, May 2 @ 6:30pm. Location TBA.
Please RSVP to
Daphne Perugini by Monday, April 30 at: daphne.perugini@peelsb.com
April 5, 2007
Deep Summer Academy: Application Deadline is Monday April 30, 2007
The DEEP Program is offered by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
at the University
of Toronto. The program provides gifted and highly motivated high school
students the
opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering disciplines. This
intense program has
been designed exclusively for high school students who excel in science and
math and are looking
for a true academic challenge.
http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/html/deep/pages/1-overview.html
Sears Festival 2007
Best wishes to the cast and crew of "The People's Studio" as they perform at
the regional
competition at Hart House tonight. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Performances start at 7:00pm.
The following awards will be accepted by our students after tonight's show:
District Awards of Merit
Morgan S. - Playwriting
District Awards of Excellence
Youssef N. - Performance
Jonathon W. - Performance
April 4, 2007
Trip to Italy: March Break Excursion for Enhanced Students
As an extension of our Grades 9 and 10 studies in Shakespeare--and, after a
highly successful
tour of Greece this March Break, Ms. Perugini is leading an independent
excursion to ITALY
during March Break 2008. We will visit many landmarks, including Juliet's
balcony in Verona, the
Forum in Rome, and travel through Tuscany--settings for Julius Caesar and
Much Ado About
Nothing, respectively. This invitation is for current Grade 8 and 9 Enhanced
Students only; and,
we are limiting our travellers to no more than 24 students. For more
information please contact:
Daphne Perugini
English Department
905.279.0575, ext.524
March 21, 2007
McMaster Fireball Show
Thanks to Mr. Shaikh for organizing this engineering show from McMaster
University. This lively
show inspires everyone who watches to consider the exciting careers available
in engineering!
Biotrek Canada
- 5 day program in Oakville July 23-27, 2007, fee $175
- applications available on line at www.biotrek.ca
- application deadline April 27, 2007
"Launched in 1999 by Winnipeg-based educator Dr. Sheppy Coodin, BioTrek is an
educational
initiative designed to give bright and motivated high school students the
opportunity to learn
more about the exciting and rapidly-evolving field of biotechnology.
Biotechnology involves the manipulation of DNA, proteins and cells for the
benefit of humanity.
The science is revolutionizing medicine, agriculture, law, genetics and other
fields. BioTrek
gives participants a fascinating, hands-on experience and insights into
career opportunities in
the biotech sector. BioTrek also gives students the opportunity to explore
and discuss the
ethical challenges posed by the growing role of biotechnology in society.
Since the programs inception, more than 500 students have purified DNA from
cells, turned
genes off and on, inserted foreign DNA into E. coli bacteria and more."
March 9, 2007
Wunderbar!
The 42 very talented German Language students who attended the Ontario
Regional High School
German Contest held at U of T Mississauga Erindale Campus on Thursday,
March 1st. Twelve of
them placed in the top 15 for the region, earning The Woodlands the enviable
Number "1" Spot,
once again!!
The Woodlands Conquers the Regional Contest!
Alec H. - FIRST
Christy B. SECOND
Isabelle Lam THIRD,
Jenna P. FIFTH,
Katherine S. SIXTH,
Sandra K. SEVENTH,
Sally K. EIGHTH,
Ross W. NINTH,
Rachel W. TENTH,
Cecilia T. ELEVENTH,
Kyle T. FOURTEENTH
Rebecca V. FIFTEENTH.
In the special category for students with past language experiences, such as
the three-month
exchange, Woodlands ruled the day with the following results.
Dainis K.- FIRST
Will R.- SECOND
Kian S.- THIRD
Several of these top students will be invited to compete at the Provincial
Finals in May at York
University.
Provincial Searsfest Performances at Hart House - April 5
Congratulations go to the Drama Department and the cast and crew of "The
People's Studio". This
comedy about two university students deciding to make an unauthorized art
studio in their school
was written and directed by our very own Rachel F. and performed by Youssef
N. and Jon W. These
students are moving on to showcase their talent with the best in the province
in April. Listen
to the announcement for tickets.
March 5, 2007
Woodlands Music - by Antonio L.
Two weeks, four trips, seven ensembles, and over 150 music students. Every
year, The Woodlands
School Music Department participates in a series of regional competitions
called the MusicFest
and the Kiwanis. Under the direction of Mrs. Barber Kahro, Mr. Mootrey, and
Mr. Clark, we have
been preparing busily for months to prepare for this occasion. The Woodlands
School music
ensembles have always performed solidly in public and achieved impressive
results at a high
level, and we certainly wanted to maintain this tradition. Before and after
school each day, one
could always hear some kind of music from the music wing, whether it be a
rapid jazz solo or the
angelic voices of the choir.
At these competitions, an ensemble is typically asked to play up to three
music pieces in front
of a panel of adjudicators, who will then judge the performance and award a
grade of gold,
silver, or bronze. The first set of performances took place at Le Parc
Conference Centre in
Thornhill on a Monday night. Dressed in our spiffy black and white band
attire, we were excited
to finally perform and receive adjudication after months of intense
preparation. Despite the
late-night performances, both Intermediate and Senior Concert Bands played
all their pieces
admirably, ranking silver and gold respectively. That was only the beginning.
On Wednesday the
following week, the Intermediate and Senior Jazz Bands attended the
competition at York
University where we had the opportunity to hear the widely acclaimed jazz
combo Time Warp
perform live in concert as well as many other jazz bands from the Greater
Toronto Area. In the
face of tough adjudication, the jazz bands performed well and each received
bronze. The next
day, the Wind Ensemble and Brass Quintet travelled to Redeemer University
College in Ancaster
and performed in a very advanced category. Both proudly ranked silver.
Lastly, the following
day, the Concert Choir performed twice at the Kiwanis Festival and received
bronze and silver
for their splendid performances.
The festival was a valuable opportunity for the students to listen to other
schools
performances, perform for their peers, and receive adjudication from
professional musicians in
the field. As we look forward to performing again in the future, the
experiences from these
competitions would definitely prove to be invaluable as we continue to
improve as an ensemble
and as individual musicians. Springfest, here we come!
Date Ensemble Ranking
Mon. Feb. 12 Intermediate Concert Band Silver
Senior Concert Band Gold
Wed. Feb. 21 Intermediate Jazz Band Bronze
Senior Jazz Band Bronze
Thu. Feb. 22 Wind Ensemble Silver
Brass Quintet Silver
Fri. Feb. 23 Concert Choir Bronze
Silver
Go Abroad Fair
"The Go Abroad Fair showcases opportunities for Canadian youth to "take on
the world" through
study abroad, work and volunteer opportunities, cultural programs and
overseas adventure travel.
The fair is widely recognized by young Canadians pursuing opportunities
abroad. We are delighted
that this success has enabled us to bring the fair to Vancouver in 2007."
Dates & Locations Fair Dates and Hours:
Toronto Saturday, September 15: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 16: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Vancouver Monday, September 17: 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, September 18: 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Locations:
Toronto The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building,
255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place,
Vancouver, British Columbia
Admission: Free
The Go Abroad Fair Will Feature:
Study abroad and student exchange programs
Universities, Colleges and Technical Institutes from around the
world offering
full-degree, diploma, professional and short-term programs
Eco/adventure and language travel opportunities
Internship and volunteer abroad opportunities
Work abroad programs for students and youth
International job opportunities with an emphasis on teaching
English as a
foreign language
Scholarship and financial aid information, travel deals, housing
and
cultural information
Information seminars on a range of topics to help you choose and
get the most
out of your international experience
Great Visitor Draw Prizes!
Website: www.goabroadfair.ca
February 27, 2007
2007 Peel Summer Academy
A Summer Program for Intellectually Gifted Students - Grades 4 - 10
www.tcet.com/psa
Choice One: Grades 4 - 8
This is a two week residential camp at The University of Toronto at
Mississauga. Every day
students will attend four exploratory courses in topics related to
technology, personal
development, sciences, games, hobbies, phsychology, philosophy and the arts.
Choice Two: Grades 7, 8 and 9
Northern Ontario Leadership Experience includes one week of camping and high
ropes at the
Finlayson Field Centre in Caledon and a second week of canoeing, hiking and
mountain biking at
the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve Centre.
Choice Three: Grades 9 and 10
Students will be participating in a Marine Program at Memorial University of
Memorial University
of Newfoundland.
The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) is hosting two 2-week
sessions this summer. The cost is FREE for the lucky 50 students who are
chosen from across the country. The other 50 spots go to international
students.
- You will coached by field experts
- Tour the world class facility
- Meet interesting people with a similar passion for physics
For more details, see the link below,
http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/en/Outreach/Education/Overview_of_Programs_fo
r_High_School_Stude
nts/
the posting in Room 106
or email jordan.rosenblood@peelsb.com
February 20, 2007
Physics Contests
Registration is now on the OAPT grade 11 physics contests to be written on
Tuesday, May 1. The
cost is $5 to participate and cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers.
Registration is now on for the University of Waterloo Sir Isaac Newton
Physics Contest to be
written on Thursday, May 3. The cost is $7 to participate and there are
scholarships awarded to
UW and other bursaries for the top finishers.
Sign up can be done in the IEP office with Mr. Rosenblood. Deadline is March
1 for both
contests.
January 31, 2007
1000 Hits
I started the counter on the last school day in December and now, at the end
of January we have
well over 1000 hits. Clearly this has become an effective way to communicate
with students and
parents! If you are new to the site, please take the time to run through all
of the pages with
your child. I'd be happy to get feedback. - M. Quinn
The Woodlands Library Resource Centre
Our Library Resources Centre is expecting a large shipment of new fiction in
the near future
including:
Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam
Summer of My Amazing Luck by Miriam Toews
The Friends of Meager Fortune by David Richard Adams
Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? by Anita Bau Badami
The View From Castle Rock by Alice Munro
Inheritance by Lan Samantha Chang
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
26a by Dianna Evans
Scorpia by Horowitz
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Anansi Boys by Nil Gaiman
Uglies , Pretties and Specials!! by Scott Westerfeld
Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay.
Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos
The library webside will now contains a massive new data base provided
through the
Knowledge Ontario Program. Look for the links. The Enhanced Learning
Program will benefit
greatly because in addition to the fine K-12 sources available an additional
database for
ACADEMIC JOURNALS is finally available to our students. You can use all of
these links from
home!
January 30, 2007
Ontario Educational Leadership Centre (OELC)
The mandate of OELC is "to develop leaders through one of the following
media: fine arts, music,
athletics, diversity education, student government & environmental advocacy.
OELC is a
residential educational Centre situated on a 71 hectare site on the east side
of Lake
Couchiching approximately 150 km north of Toronto, near Orillia. It is
operated by a volunteer
not-for-profit corporation originally administered and now supported by the
Ontario Ministry of
Education."
"The programs for all courses are designed to develop interpersonal, problem-
solving,
organizational, communication, team-building and public speaking skills.
Responsible attitudes,
community awareness and voluntarism are also strong components of every
course. Courses are in
session during the spring, summer and fall and vary in length from 3 to 7
days."
To find out more visit http://www.oelccaso.com/en/index.htm
January 29, 2007
Enhanced Learning Program Grade-Level Workshops
It was input from our parents that triggered the creation of some alternative
programming to
complement the grade level goals on the gifted plans. I was able to get into
most enhanced
classes to roll out the program while teachers were provided with a period to
work on the IEPs.
I am now in a process of readapting and refining. Mr. Rosenblood will be
visiting classes in
second semester to continue the work. - M. Quinn
These are the workshops in place so far.
Grade 9 - How High School is different than Senior Elementary School
Work Habits that Work
Creating an Efficient Study Space
Getting Involved at the Woodlands
Grade 10 - Four Aspects of Creativity
Moral Development, Dilemmas and Decision - Making
Coming to Terms with Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
The Paradox of Being Gifted
Grade 11 - Surviving Group Work
Putting Multiple Intelligences and True Colours to Work for You
How the Gifted Brain Learns
Are Learning and Healthy Lifestyles Linked?
Emotional Intelligence and Supplemental Applications
Grade 12 - How the Gifted Brain Learns
Critical Thinking Skills: Attribution, Analogy and Evaluation
Critical Thinking Skills: Identifying Bias, Comparing and
Contrasting, Cross-
Classification
Critical Thinking Skills: Synthesis and Hypothesis
Critical Thinking Skills: Reorganization, Identifying Paradox and
Dealing With
Discrepancies
Making the Transition to Self-Directed and Self-Designed Projects
January 26, 2007
Many thanks to all of the students acting as translators and guides for the
Educator's
Delegation from China. The group of 11 Principals and 1 Regional Director
was moved by the
pride our students had for our school and the poise and willingness of our
students to answer
questions. Our gifted program was of particular interest to our visitors.
January 19, 2007
The Faculty of Mathematics Entrance Scholarships, University of Waterloo
(Look for the poster on the math bulletin board outside the math office.)
The Faculty of Mathematics awards 125 entrance scholarships in
values of
$8,000 over four years
$5,000 over four years
$2,000 for one year
$1,000 for one year
You will automatically be considered for an entrance scholarship
provided
you are currently a high school student
you are an applicant to any one of the programs offered in
the Faculty of
Mathematics(excluding Software Engineering; Computing and
Financial Management)
you write the Euclid Mathematics Contest on April 17, 2007
you submit an Admission Information Form
National Scholarships
The University of Waterloo, in conjunction with generous sponsors, is pleased
to offer 16
National Scholarships, in values of $14,000 to $25,000 over four years, to
exceptional students
entering first year in the Faculty of Mathematics. National Scholarships are
for applicants to
any of the Faculty of Mathematics programs(excluding Software Engineering;
Computing and
Financial Management). To be considered for a National Scholarship, you must
complete the 2007
National Scholarship Application.
http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/navigation/Prospective/entrance.shtml
Waterloo Math Contests at The Woodlands: See your math teacher for more
details
Contest Date Signup Deadline
Pascal (gr. 9) Feb 20 Jan 20
Cayley (gr. 10) Feb 20 Jan 20
Fermat (gr. 11) Feb 20 Jan 20
Candian Computing Feb 27 Feb 10
Contest
Euclid Contest April 17 March 27
(gr. 12)
Fryer (gr. 9) April 17 March 27
Galios (gr. 10) April 17 March 27
Hypatia (gr. 11) April 17 March 27
January 18, 2007
L.E.A.P. - Learning Enrichmnet Advancement Program - McMaster University
Engineering
Open to currently in grade 10, 11, 12.
In 2007 L.E.A.P. will be offering a new program outline and exciting new
course options.
Students can choose from five course options: Robotics and Mechatronics,
Mechanical and Civil
Design, Biomedical Engineering, Materials and Metallurgy, and Gaming in a
Virtual World. Each
course is divided into 2 modules, each with its own focus, giving students a
more in-depth study
of engineering concepts. Students have the choice of attending the program
for either a 2-week
or 4-week duration. As well, students can chose to stay in an on-campus
residence, and
participate in after-class activities such as visiting some of the
attractions in Hamilton and
the surrounding areas.
http://leap.mcmaster.ca
January 12, 2007
Tips for Filling out Option Sheets - A Work in Progress
1. Start with the end in mind and work backwards
Consider your career goals if you haven't
decided, keep your
options open for your top choices.
Research to find out what post-secondary programs
lead to your
chosen career(s).
Research the mark cut-offs for these programs.
Determine the courses required by the post-
secondary institutions
for those careers.
Plan out your grade twelve courses and work
backwards to determine
your courses in the lower grade levels.
2. Seriously consider CO-OP. What better way to gather career information
than on the job
while gaining credits?
3. If you are headed for elite programs with high cut-off marks, select
options that show you
to be a student who can handle the most rigorous courses. Selection
committees pour over
your transcripts because they give a clearer picture of your strengths
than your average.
4. Get the opinion of adults you trust.
January 10, 2007
The HELIX Project: An opportunity at U of T for students interested in
pursuing Life Sciences
The Helix Project is "a five-day residential program that provides secondary
school students
with the opportunity to attend labs and lectures in a university environment!
Conducted by
professors and industry professionals, this program will act as a stepping
stone and help ease
the transition into some of the more difficult post-secondary disciplines."
For 2007, the Helix Project will have 2 sessions available on the following
dates:
Session 1: Monday, May 14 - Friday, May 18
Session 2: Monday, May 21 - Friday, May 25
http://www.utoronto.ca/hsp/helix/index.html
An Invitation to Grade 8 Information Night
Dear Parents/ Guardians:
We would like to invite your son/ daughter to visit The Woodlands School on
Thursday, January
18, 2007, for our Grade 8 Information Night. This evening will provide you
with an opportunity
to meet representatives of various departments, to learn the details of the
Grade 9 Program and
to have your questions answered.
The transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a critical one for your son/
daughter. Important
information regarding the Grade 9 curriculum, co-curricular activities and
the application
process will be presented at this time.
7:15 p.m. Refreshments in Main Foyer
7:30 p.m. Presentations of curriculum in cafeteria by
Principal and Head of Student Services
7:50 p.m. Enhanced Learning Program presentation
Tours of the school for parents of students in
regular program
8:20 p.m. Question and Answer Session for parents of students
in the regular
program will be held in the Career Centre room 117
Tours for parents of students in the Enhanced
Learning Program
We hope to see you on January 18th. Our student greeters will meet you at the
front door.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Gray, Principal
Catherine Haire, Head of Student Services
Monika Quinn, Enhanced Learning Program Coordinator
December 22
Mr. Rosenblood Joins the Program
We welcome Mr. Rosenblood to our program as a second program coordinator for
the new year.
We are looking forward to his enthusiasm and input during second semester.
December 21
Happy Holidays
Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday and all the best in 2007 - M. Quinn
DECA News
Congratulations goes out to all 71 members of The Woodlands DECA team who
travelled to the
Mississauga Convention Centre yesterday to compete with 770 other high school
students in the
Peel Regional DECA Competition.
The students left the event with 82 ribbons, medals and trophies.
35 ribbons were won for placing top 10 in an individual event or top
5 in a team event
28 medals were earned for placing top 10 in an individual category or
top 5 in a team
category
19 trophies were won for placing first, second or third in an event
Special mention goes out to the trophy winners:
First place standing:
Quiz Bowl Aakash R., Karen L., Jackson T., Siyaman S.
Sports Marketing Jade W.
Sports Marketing team Katie W. and Jacob Y.
Business Law and ethics team Suneal K. and Pranav S.
Financial Management team Annie D. and Jedy W.
Buying and Merchandisinng team Joanna X. and May Z.
Second place trophies:
Travel Marketing team Maryan K. and Florence M.
Hotel and Lodging Tiffany L.
Sports Marketing Anish M.
Third place trophy:
Hospitality Marketing team Rohan C. and Jamie M.
December 19
Leadership Enrichment Program
Summer Enrichment Program For the Gifted and Talented at the University of
Northern Colorado
"Each participant will be involved in four classes per day plus evening
options. Two of the
classes are designed to enhance leadership abilities. In addition, students
will assist a
teacher in the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) class of their choice for
students ages 10 to 15.
The final class of each day will be spent in processing and debriefing the
day's activities. In
the evenings, the LEP participants will help counselors provide options for
SEP students. LEP is
an opportunity for students with leadership potential to learn more about
leadership skills in
an active environment." http://www.unco.edu/sep/
The Dupont Challenge: Science Essay Competition - $20 000.00 in cash and
prizes
"The Dupont Challenge is in its 21st year and has recognized thousands of
winners. Many of these
bright, talented teenagers have become or are in the process of becoming
our nations
scientists, engineers, doctors, or teachers of science and mathematics."
The link below will take you to last year's first place essay. Check it out.
http://www.glcomm.com/dupont/veronicaEssay.htm
Wendy's Classic Achiever Scholarship Awards: Tommorow is the deadline for
applications!
December 18
Great News: The Woodlands School has been selected as one of the pilot
schools to participate
in the Teaching with Technology program. As such, we will enter a
partnership with the Board
where a Technology Coach will be assigned to our school to train teachers in
the use of
technology for instructional purposes. In return, the board will provide to
the school 27 LCD
projectors and 27 MDG media-capable computers. More information about this
program will be
shared in the new year.
December 15
Music Invitational Event
Many thanks to the staff and students in our music department for their
fabulous performances
and their role in mentoring the visiting grade eights. Matt K., John A. and
Hannah M highlighted
our excellent music program and were wonderful ambassadors for the Enhanced
Learning Program.
Law Day at the Ontario Bar Association
If you are considering law as a career? Why not spend some time looking
through the LAW DAY
offerings at the Ontario Bar Association website?
"Law Day is celebrated annually in April and will be held this year on
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
with its Week-Long Celebrations taking place from Monday, April 16th, 2007 to
Friday, April
20th, 2007. Activities celebrating the law range from the Opening Ceremonies
to the Grade 5
Poster Contest, the Photography Contest, the Elementary School Mock Trial
competition, the
Secondary School Mock Trial competition, The Charter Challenge as well as
organized Court Tours,
Special Citizenship Court and Phone-A-Lawyer programs. "
http://www.oba.org/en/lawday/lawday_en/Debate.aspx
December 8
MiniMed School Review - by Sabrina D.
A couple of weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the
MiniMed program at
the University of Toronto St. George. As a prospective student looking to go
into medicine, I
jumped at the opportunity to learn more about this field and get a small
taste of medical
school. For six weeks on Thursday nights, I traveled downtown and attended
the lectures given by
a variety of speakers. The classes were about two and a half hours long, with
a fifteen/twenty
minute break in-between. The organization of the lecturers and volunteers was
fantastic,
providing each student with a MiniMed pen, binder, and lecture notes. On
the third day, before
class started, volunteer medical students took us on the Anatomy Tour in the
Medical Building.
This was personally my favorite part of the entire course. For me, any doubts
about becoming a
doctor instantly vanished; to see first-hand the intricacies of the human
body was mind-blowing.
It was also nice to get a feel of how university is going to be, a place
where many of us will
be in a few months. For those who havent yet participated in MiniMed, I
strongly recommend it;
its an experience you simply wont forget. There is another one coming up in
February, and
theres still time to register, something I myself am considering to do
again. As for now, Ill
admire my certificate of completion and certification as a mini-doctor.
Science Olympics and School Tours
Thanks to Mrs. Hallak and Mr. Rosenblood and all of their enhanced grade
elevens for an action-
packed Science Olympics for our visiting grade 8. Thanks also to all of the
many dozens of club
members who came out to this morning's Grade Eight Tour Breakfast and engaged
our guests in
meaningful conversations about club and team involvement. The Senior Jazz
Band under the
direction of Mrs. Barber-Kahro and the Drama Club under the guidance of Mrs.
Hindmarch were
absolutely fantastic.
Sonofi - Aventis Biotechnology Challenge
Congratulations to some of our grade eleven biology students for their
conditional acceptances
for their research proposals. These students are now poised to work on
biotechnology projects
with leaders in the field, in state-of-the-art research labs in our area. We
are the first
school in Peel to break into this competion. Good luck to all involved and
thanks to Mrs.
Hallak bringing the opportunity to our school.
November 29, 2006
Congratulations to the DECA Team
Nine Woodlands students competed against both high school and University DECA
students at
competitions held recently at The University of Waterloo. Each and every one
of our students
placed first in their respective competitions! Three students placed first in
the Business Law
Case Study. Two students placed first in the e-Commerce Case Study and four
students placed
first in the Entrepreneurial Simulation. Well Done!
First Place and An Honourable Mention at The Marion Drysdale Award
Ceremonies!
Congratulations to two Woodlands students who won first place and an
honourable mention at The
Marion Drysdale Award Ceremonies held recently. 17 Schools were in
competition at this award
ceremony and only 1 first place and 2 honourable mentions were awarded.
News from Writer's Craft
by Zia F. Grade 12 EWC student
On Tuesday, November 28, Eric Walters, the famous author of children's and
young adults' books
came to present at The Woodlands. During second period, he gave a Grade 12
Writer's Craft (EWC
4UE) class a private, inimate presentation. He spoke of not only books but
about morality and
the many different charities he is involved in. he brought up prominent
social issues with a
class that has a lot of interest in current events. He spoke about Rwanda
and Darfur, to
inspire us to make changes to mainstream culture and to proactively attempt
to change society's
focus on celebrities to something that is much more important and worthwhile -
people's lives.
His speech was not only articulate but it was fluid and personal. He wasn't
just a famous
author, he was a real person, and everyone listening to him knew it.
Some Writer's Craft students made comments on his visit:
"He was very interactive, humours and informative about the craft of
writing."
Rebecca V.,
Grade 12 EWC student
"I thought he was very entertaining, but at the same time he had a strong
and inspirational
message; it was amazing to have such an influential person who has met so
many great people in
our classroom. His stories are very personal and touching. It was a great
but necessary course
enhancement as it was motivating and inspirational."
Jade W.
Grade 12 EWC student
Queen's Leadership, Excellence and Development (QLEAD) Conference.
QLEAD is a leadership conference designed for highly motivated highschool
students in
Grades 11-12. The three-day conference, a first of its kind, is geared
towards motivated high
school students with a keen interest in honing their leadership skills,
business skills, and
experiencing a taste of Queens Commerce. The conference consists of keynote
speakers,
workshops, team and leadership building activities, as well as social
events. Delegates leave
each year feeling inspired and motivated to make a difference in their
schools.
The dates for this year are February 2nd-4th , 2007 and the deadline for
registration is
December 15th, 2006. Information is available from Ms. Haire in Student
Services.
November 27, 2006
It was great to meet so many of our parents at Parents' Night. A few
parents commented that I
haven't posted much information of interest to the grade nines and tens.
True, but I post them
as I get them. Here are today's offerings luckily both opportunities for
all grades.
Scientific Journeys: Pathways to Discovery
This essay contest is offering four prizes of $250 each. The winner of the
contest will win The
June Callwood Essay Award( $250 and an engraved plaque) as well as the
opportunity to be
a "Scientist for a Day" Paired up with a Canadian Scientist from the
University of Toronto. For
more details go to http://www.pirweb.org/pir01c_torcon_OFFSEASON.htm or come
to the IEP office
for details.
Enrichment Studies Unit At Queen's
This enrichment camp is in its 20th year and provides opportunity for gifted
students to explore
areas of interest on a university campus.
The camps run for one week - May 6-11 or May 13 -18 and on-line registration
starts February 7,
2007. Students in grades nine and ten should give this opportunity some
thought. Few of our
grade 11 or 12's will find missing school at year's end workable. For more
information go to
esu.queensu.ca .
November 8, 2006
Some of the comments collected at Commencement 2006 are posted on the Grad
Reflections page.
Sometimes the senior students worry about how they will fare in university.
Why not see what
the grads have to say?
November 7, 2006
Have you been visiting the scholarship bulletin board outside counselling
regularly? Have you
seen the postings for the following awards.
The Millennium Excellence Award
The Millennium Excellence Award Program distributes two types of
scholarships. The first is
aimed at students entering post-secondary education for the first time and is
called the
entrance award. The second is aimed at students in the upper years of their
post-secondary
undergraduate education who have not already been recognized by a substantial
merit scholarship;
it is called the in-course award.
Both scholarships seek to recognize the leaders of today and tomorrow and
emphasize the
importance of supporting their contributions to our country's future.
Millennium excellence
awards are not prizes for benchmarks achieved they are investments in the
development of
exceptional individuals who will have long, productive careers and whose
accomplishments will
benefit Canada as a whole. The Foundation distributes up to five per cent of
its annual
allocation through its Millennium Excellence Award Program.
http://www.excellenceaward.ca/
Student Awards Website
It is time to start thinking about applying. This site could help.
http://studentawards.com/
Featured high school scholarships:
Wendys Classic Achiever® Scholarship Awards - 210 student scholarships
worth $500 - $2,000
Northern Student Award - $300 awards (3)
Felix Morley Journalism Competition - Prizes from $250 - $2,500
More Canadian scholarships, grants and cash awards:
Scotiabank Personal Line of Credit for Students Bursaries - Twenty-four
(24) bursaries worth
$1,000 each
The Next Great Prime Minister - Cash awards from $5,000 - $50,000 and paid
internships
MBNA Canada MasterCard® Scholarship Award - Scholarship worth $2,000
Yahoo! Messenger Student Award Contest - 5 cash awards of $1,000 each
Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Awards Program - $12,500 award
Everyday Liberties in 21st Century Canada Essay Contest - Prizes from $250 -
$1,000
Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel - $9,000 prize
Endangered Species Recovery Fund - Award up to $25,000
Montreal International Musical Competition - Prizes from $2,500 - $25,000
(11)
ScholarshipsCanada.com
You will need to sign up for this free service but they update the
scholarship pages regularly.
These were updated yesterday. Some senior students have reported that this
site can be
ureliable, but it is another place to look.
Scholarships for Technology Students (2) (11/6/2006 2:21:55 PM EST)
National Achievement Award (11/6/2006 2:21:15 PM EST)
Fessenden-Trott Awards Program (4) (11/6/2006 2:00:00 PM EST)
Frank Knox Memorial Fellowships Program (3) (11/6/2006 1:59:23 PM EST)
Public Safety And Emergency Preparedness Canada Research Fellowship Program
(8)
(11/6/2006 1:58:26 PM EST)
Agriventure (11/6/2006 1:53:51 PM EST)
Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarship(33) (11/6/2006 1:53:03 PM EST)
November 2, 2006
Application Seminars
I am opening up three more Application Seminars for grade 12 students on
Wednesday, November 8,
2006. By popular demand, they will run periods 1, 3 and 5. Sign up on the
IEP office
whiteboard. Bring your resume and something to write with. SIGN UP TODAY.
Start Time
period one: 8:30 am
period three: 11:20 am
period five: 1:45 pm
Commencement - Friday November 3
The Woodlands is looking forward to welcoming back all of our graduates. It
is a time to
celebrate their achievements and catch up on all the news. It is a time to
meet with our
parents to reminisce and congratulate. This joyous event is only possible
due to the hard work
of many of our staff and students. Thanks to the whole commencement committee.
IEPs
IEPs were completed and in the home room teachers' mailboxes on Oct 19. If
you don't have yours
yet, please come and see me.
Marion Drysdale Awards
This contest is sponsored by OSSTF to showcase the talents of our students.
This year
participants will be asked to explore the topic INNOVATION WITH PURPOSE.
Entries can be made in
prose, poetry, visual arts, video, audio or animation. For more information
go to
http://www.osstf.on.ca/mariondrysdale
October 20, 2006
McMaster Science and Engineering Olympics
Congratulations to the students on the Egg-drop Team for bringing home the
GOLD Medal! Thanks
to all the participants.
Seminars: Application for Scholarship and Elite University Programs
The due dates for important applications are coming closer! Many students
are agonizing over
their answers. I may be able to help.
I am offering workshops for grade 12 students on Monday, October 30th during
all three lunch
periods.
period 2 @ 10:05 am
period 3 @ 11:20 am
period 4 @ 12:35 pm
Eat your lunch before you arrive. Bring your resume, some paper and a
pencil. You will work on
a real application and develop a strategy for writing the best application
possible.
Sign up in the IEP office today!
Important Dates
Near the bottom of the sidebar on the left, I have added a new page. I have
posted some of the
major events of the school year. As more events pertinent to this site
arise, I will add those
dates. As always please, bring errors and ommisions to my attention and I
will make the
appropriate changes. You can always get in touch with me by clicking the
mailbox icon above.
October 19, 2006
The IEPs are finished and printed!
IEPs will go to the home-room teachers today and be distributed tomorrow.
You can expect a much
longer document than last year and a letter from Shirley-Ann Teal,
Superintendent of Special
Education Support Services.
Recently, I have had some returns of September's notice. I still plan to
make contact with
those parents, but the additions are not in the current printing.
Please sign and return the consultation page. From now on I should just be
printing page 4 as
courses come to an end. These updated page 4s should be ready to go home
with the end-of
semester report cards. As always any questions and concerns about the IEPs
can be directed to
me.
Looking forward to working with people rather than paper in the weeks to come,
M. Quinn
October 11, 2006
Thanks to Ms. Hallak for inviting a representative from the sonofi-aventis
Biotechnology
Challenge to speak to our students.
The Biotechnology Challenge is an opportunity for our students to be paired
up with mentors who
are leaders in biotechnology research and work on authentic scientific
projects. The final
projects are amazing and have been on display at the Ontario Science Centre.
Student teams also
have the opportunity to apply for funding. No school in Peel has ever
participated in this
event. Ms. Hallak class is working on proposals. Please note that anyone in
the school can
submit a proposal. Check out the website. This is terrific
opportunity.
http://www.biotechchallenge.ca/en/General/FAQ.html
October 10 , 2006
On December 05, 2006 in Toronto, Youth in Motion will once again
present Your Government
Your
Voice!, a career learning day for young women. This non-partisan, dynamic
and engaging talk
show format event will raise awareness about careers in public life and
government from the
perspective of accomplished and passionate women working in these fields.
Our website will be
updated as speakers are booked [www.youth-in-motion.ca/WIP.asp] and
registration will begin in a
few weeks. This opportunity is for any female student. Males are welcome
also, but in the
past, the audience has been almost 100% female.
For more information contact Khanh Tran at info@youth-in-motion.ca
October 4, 2006
1. All of September's Newsflashes have been archived in the NEWSFLASH
ARCHIVES page. If you are
new to our system or our school, you might find the old items helpful. Just
click on Newsflash
Archives on the sidebar.
2. All enhanced students should have shown their parents and guardians two
items regarding
IEPs. The first was an Instructional Needs Form that was to be signed and
returned. The second
was a letter regarding the new IEP software. Please make sure you see both
items. I have
extras in the IEP office, if any have gone astray.
3. Enhanced Grade 12 Biology students have been invited to the Gairdner
Lectures at The
University of Toronto. This is a fabulous opportunity to meet and speak to
award-winning
researchers in the field of biomedical research. I am only able to take 14
students. Please
get your forms in ASAP.
Agenda: Friday, October 27, 2006
Welcome:
Corey Goldman, Senior Lecturer in Biology, Course Coordinator First year
Biology, Director of
the National Biology Competition
Dr. John Dirks, President of the Gairdner Foundation
Lectures
Professor Joan Seitz, 2006 Gairdner International Awardee
Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
TOPIC: The Story of snRNPs
Professor Allan Ronald, 2006 Wightman Awardee
Infectious Diseases, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba
TOPIC: Teach us to Care: Lessons Learned from HIV?AIDS
Question and Answers
September 29, 2006
Please watch for a letter updating our IEP process in the next week. It is
not too late to turn
in those IEP forms. Just drop them off in the IEP room.
Mr. Shaik is offering to sponsor teams for the Master Science and Engineering
Olympics. The
Woodlands has done very well in the past and we would like to continue this
tradition. Mrs.
Quinn (that's me) will be helping to prepare the biology teams. Let's keep
our Woodlands
tradition going. If you are interested in competing, see Mr. Shaik.
If you are interested in writing AP exams and would like to some on-line
study help Edvantage
Press is offering an on-line 30 hour study module. See www.aponline.ca for
details.
September 25, 2006
Here are some terrific opportunities for senior students. If you are in
grade nine or ten, you
should still take a look and make plans for your senior years. Brochures are
available in the
IEP office, student services and on-line.
Shad Valley
(4 week residential camp, summer 2007)
This is an amazing experience. Former Woodlands students have called this
opportunity life
changing. High achieving senior students are teamed up to develop a new
commercial product
which addresses a societal need. You will be using state-of-the-art
technology and learning from
expert researchers and business professionals.
http://www.shad.ca/
Adventures Canada
(3 week residential camp, summer 2007)
Under the guidance of a Peel District School Board Teacher you can earn a
senior science credit
in a spectacular natural setting. Three sites are available this year:
Haliburton Forest Adventure Education: Ecotourism
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Global Warming
Lester B. Pearson College, British Columbia: Ocean Educations
http://www.tcet.com/adventure/
September 15, 2006
University and College Information Booklets have Arrived
The new information booklets for university and college have arrived. Grade
12 students should
have received their copies on Thursday. However, it is best to be prepared.
All enhanced
students are encouraged to look through these booklets, explore the
possibilities and determine
required courses and mark cut-offs. The take home copies are given only to
grade 12 students.
Examination copies are found in the IEP room and student services.
Hints:
1. Students with solid goals are more likely to achieve.
2. Be proactive! If you have selected a program with an extended
application process, try
to get a copy of that application immediately. See if there are any
gaps in your
resume and fill them.
September 13, 2006
Ivy League Universities Information Sessions
Some of the top American universities are holding an information session for
our region on
Wednesday, September 27, 20006 at the North York Memorial Hall.
Representatives from Brown,
Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Pennsylvania and Yale will
be there to answer
your questions about pursuing post-secondary education in the States. The
topics covered will
include: academic programs, admission policies, cost and financial aid and
student life. No
RSVP is necessary. For more information contact open_house@brown.edu or 401-
863-2378.
September 11, 2006
Mentorship Opportunities
The University of Toronto is offering mentorship opportunities for students
with considerable
academic promise. Good mentors have been shown to make a huge difference in
the lives of
students. It would be a shame to miss out. More information is available
from your counsellor
or on line. Applications are due on October 6!
Contact information can be found on the enrichment page.
September 7, 2006
Mini-Med School
The Faculty of Medicine at The University of Toronto is offering a series of
lectures they are
calling Mini-Med School in fall 2006 and spring 2007. Details and links in
the Enrichment tab.
June 9, 2006
Grade 11 Accounting Contest
first and third place in Peel
second in Ontario
Grade 12 Accounting Contest
second in Peel
June 8, 2006
Congratulations to our math students and their teachers for some wonderful
contest results this year!
Canadian National Mathematics League
10th Place Overall
Credit Humber Association for Mathematics Promotion (CHAMP)
Top Team Grade 11
Canadian Open Mathematics Contest
Placed three students in top 5%
qualified for Canadian Mathematical Olympiad
Waterloo Contests
Grade 12 Euclid 45th in Canada
23rd in Ontario
2nd in our region
23 students placed in the top 25%
Grade 11 Fermat
30th in Canada
17th in Ontario
2nd in our region
Grade 10 Cayley
194 in Canada
88th in Ontario
7th in our region
Grade 9 Pascal
10th in Canada
6th in Ontario
1st in our region
38 students placed in the top 25%
Fryer, Galois, and Hypatia Contests
(more challenging Waterloo contests for Grade 9, 10, 11 respectively)
8 students receiving a Gold Standard award (top 4-5%)
9 students receiving a Silver Standard award (top 12-15%)
12 students receiving a Bronze Standard award (top 25%)
Congratulations to our biology students!
University of Toronto National Biology Competition
Woodlands Top 5: 94%ile,91%ile, 89%ile, 89%ile, 84%ile
2 students higher than 90%ile
9 students 80%ile - 90%ile
6 students 70%ile - 80%ile
June 2, 2006
Visits from our Graduates
Thanks to Faye Pang and Paul Webster for speaking to our enhanced biology
classes. Both of these Woodlands graduates have come back to share their
experiences with our students. As always, the work of our graduates is
inspirational and exemplary.
Faye has just finished her third year of her commerce program and setting up
an environmentally friendly tea room on campus. She shared the challenge of
making the "green choices". This tea room will be open in September and it
is her hope that she will be able to turn it into a viable business and use
it as a model for future endeavours.
Paul has just finished a degree in engineering physics and is pursuing his
masters program; exploring laser imaging technology. He is working at the
Princess Margaret Hospital for the summer
developing a device which can be used during surgery to help identify the
boundaries of tumours, making the wait for the biopsy obsolete!
David Suzuki Lecture
Thanks to Mr. Sawicki and Mr. Strome for taking the Green Team to Fletcher's
Meadow for the
lecture.
Congratulations!
The top student in the MacMaster French Competition is one of our grade
12's! Congratulations also go to our fabulous moderns department.
MADD Assembly.
Thanks to Ms. Haire for organizing the Mothers Against Drunk Driving assembly
for our senior students. We are hoping that all students take the message to
heart.
Physics Fair
Thanks to Mr. Rosenblood and his students for organizing another fabulous
physicis fair. The displays were awesome and the enthusiasm for applied
physics, palpable.
Grad Breakfast
Thanks to Mr. Panwar, Ms.Perigini and the SAC for organizing the grad
breakfast. It was time to laugh, sing, perform and reminisce.
June 2
********* Great News In Competition **********
Woodlands School Aerospace Society New Record : 900 feet
International DECA Business Competition, Texas
3 Woodlands Teams advanced to the finals
First Place Overall: Business Law and Ethics Teams
Ontario Provincial German Contest
Winner: First Place for the Third Consecutive Year
Prize: Trip to Germany
************ Literacy Week : Word in the Hall ************
Our students have designed variety of literacy-related activities.
Rap, Spoken Work and Dub Poetry Event
Reader's Theatre
Teacher/Book Match Contest
Student Book Reviews
Book Swap
Storytelling
Multicultural Book Display
Scrabblemanina
Cafe Stanza
Word Power
Words of Wisdom Cafe
Food for Thought
March 10
Yesterday the Peel Regional German Contest was held at the University of
Toronto - Erindale Campus. The Woodlands is number one in Peel with the
following results!
Category : no past experience
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Fifth Place
Sixth Place
Seventh Place
Eighth Place
Ninth Place
Eleventh Place
Thirteenth Place
Fourteenth Place
Category: Previous Language Experience
Second Place
Third Place
Congratulations to our students, the Modern Languages Department, to Frau
Holl in particular, and best wishes to all of The Woodlands students as they
head out on their exchange trip to Germany! Alles Gute!
Peel District School Board : Awards of Distinction
J. Dear
L. Mott
J. Mendoza
M. Quinn
March 9: Congratulations to our outstanding Drama Department
Searfest District Level
Award of Merit
Writing and Direction of Park Bench
Invitation to the Regional Competition at
HartHouse, University of Toronto
Searfest District Level
Award of Merit
Ensemble of Tick Tock
Searfest District Level
Awards of Merit
Two members of the cast of Tick Tock
Scholarship News:
Four new sites have been posted in the scholarships page to help you find the
scholarship opportunities suited to your strengths. Thanks to Mrs. Alexander
for locating these sites for us.
New Summer Opportunity: Boyd Archaeological Field School
This residential summer field course (IDC4U)is a university preparatory
credit is co-sponsored by York Region District School Board, Rouge Park, the
Royal Ontario Museum and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authorities.
(416) 667-6295 or ccrinnion@trca.on.ca. The link can be found on the Summer
Programs page.
New Summer Opportunity: Biotrek
Biotrek is an exciting five-day biotechnology program for highly-motivated
biology students in grades 10 - 12. Students will perform advanced
biotechnology experiments including DNA fingerprinting. Applications are
available on-line. The link can be found on the Summer Programs page.
Double Gold at Musicfest!
The Senior Repertiore Class represented The Woodlands School at the Ontario
Band Association Musicfest Regional Competition in Scarborough. The band
performed at the 500 level and earned a double gold standing. The
adjudicators commented on the fine solo playing on oboe, baritone, trumpet,
alto sax, piccolo, horn, flute and clarinet. Congratulations to all.
Guest Speaker: 2003 Graduate, Wilson Wan
Thanks to Wilson for his presentation about university to our grade 11 and 12
enhanced biology classes. In the last three years, Wilson has been involved
in two research projects: summer reseach on a grant in organic chemistry and
with his health sciences professors delving into the function of the surface
binding proteins for insulin granules in the pancreas. A paper containing
Wilson's research is about to be published in the Journal of the American
Diabetes Association.