Student Information Handbook

2012-2013

VAUGHAN SECONDARY SCHOOL

2012-2013 STUDENT AGENDA

1401 Clark Ave. West

Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 7R4

Telephone: 905.660.1397

Fax: 905.660.0318

Principal

Mr. R. Hart

Administration Team

Ms. K. McLeod

Mr. F. Scott

Attendance Office: Ext 381

Guidance Office: Ext 353

Main Office Reception: Ext 300

VSS Web Site:

YRDSB Web Site:

Regional Course Calendar: click on “Secondary Course Selection” on Board web site

School Council E-mail Address:

School Timetable

Period 1 & Opening Exercises8:50 am – 10:10 am

Period 2 10:15 am – 11:30 am

Period 3 11:35 am – 12:50 pm

Period 4 12:55 pm – 2:10 pm

Period 5 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm

Welcome to Vaughan Secondary School

At Vaughan Secondary School we are committed to the fostering of intrinsic motivation in learners to realize their passion and potential.

This agenda planner has been designed to assist your parents and you in preparing for an exciting and successful year at Vaughan Secondary School. This agenda contains information on the organization of the school and our expectations of you. Please take the time to read over the contents of this package with your parents and keep it as a resource for information and planning throughout the school year.

The Vaughan Mission Statement

We nurture and inspire one another to be creative, thoughtful, active global citizens with a sense of shared responsibility for the future.

Nousnous nourrissons et nous inspirons pourêtre des citoyens globauxcréateurs,réfléchis, actifs avec un sens deresponsabilitépartagée pour l’avenir.

A Message from the Administration Team

Welcome to the 2012 – 2013 School Year!

Dear Student:

Your teachers and the Administration Team look forward to working with you and helping you to be successful. We want you to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge you need to realize your potential academically, socially and emotionally. During your years at Vaughan Secondary School, we will help you become:

  • Confident in your own abilities
  • Respectful of yourself and others
  • A good problem solver and decision-maker
  • An effective communicator
  • A socially responsible member of the community

Work collaboratively and treat all members of our school community with the same level of respect that you would like and you will be taking steps to support your own success. Best of luck in 2012 – 2013.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2012 – 2013

September 3…………………………………………………………………………………….Labour Day

September 4...... First Day, Grade 9 Only

September 5…………………………………………………………..…First Day, Grades 10 –12

September 12…………………………………………………………………………….……..Photo Day

September 27...... Guidance Assembly/WSI

September 28……………………………………………………………Professional Training Day

October 8…………………………………………………………………………………….…Thanksgiving

October 9…………………………………………………………………………….…Photo Retake Day

October 22……………………………………………………………….…Professional Activity Day

October 24...... Guidance Assembly/WSI

October 25…………………………………………………………………………………...Coffee House

November 1…………………………………………………………………………………University Fair

November 1……………………………………………………………………………..….Parents’ Night

November 7……..…………………………………………………….Take Our Kids to Work Day

November 7.…………………………………………...Take Our Gr. 8s to High School Day

November 7…………………………………………………………………….…..Last Day of Term 1

November 8...…………………………………..…………………………..…..FirstDay of Term 2

November 9………………………………………………….…Remembrance Day & Assembly

November 19 – December 1………………………………………………………...Grad Photos

November 21…………………………………………………….…Mid-term Report Distribution

November 21...... Guidance Assembly/WSI

November 23……………………………………………………………..Professional Activity Day

November 29...... ……………………………………………………..…Full Disclosure Date

December 12...... Guidance Assembly/WSI

December 13…………………………………………………………………………………..Music Night

December 24 – January 4…………………………………………………………….Winter Break

January 10 – 25…………………………………………....Semester 1 Grade 9 Math EQAO

January 16……………………………………………………....University Application Deadline

January 17…………………………………………………………………….…Grade 8 Family Night

January 24 – 30…………………………………………………………………..Semester 1 Exams

February 1...... …………………………………………………College Application Deadline

February 1………………………………………………………………….Professional Activity Day

February 4…………………………………………………………………….….Semester 2 Begins

February 12.………………………………..……Semester One Report Cards Distributed

February 13………………………………………………………….…….….Semester 2 Photo Day

February 13……...…………………………………………………….………..Grad Photo Retakes

February 15…………………………………………………………….…Professional Training Day

February 18……………………………………………………………………………………...Family Day

February 22 …………………………………………………………………………..Awards Assembly

March 7…………………………………………….…………………….Interim Report Distribution

March 11 – 15………………………………………………………………………….…….March Break

March 29………………………………………………………………………………………….Good Friday

April 1………………………………………………………………………………………….Easter Monday

April 4………………………………………………………………………………………..…Parents’ Night

April 9…………………………………………………………………………………….OSSLT Assembly

April 11……………………………………………….Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

April 11……………………………………………………………………….………………..Coffee House

April 16……….……………………………………………………………………….Last Day of Term 1

April 17……...……………………………………………………….……………..First Day of Term 2

April 24...... Guidance Assembly/WSI

April 26.……………………………………………………….……..Mid-term Report Distribution

May 3..…………………………………………………………………………………………Full Disclosure

May 6……………………………………………………………………….…Professional Activity Day

May 6 – 13.....………………………………………………………Advanced Placement Exams

May 14……………………………………………………………………………………..Senior Assembly

May 20……………………………………………………………………………………...... Victoria Day

May 23…………………………………………………………………..…………….Grad Dinner Dance

May 30 – June 14………………………………….……….Semester 2 Grade 9 Math EQAO

June 5……………………………………………………………………………….Spring Music Concert

June 12…………………………………………………………………………………...... Music Banquet

June 13.….……………………………………………………………………………… Athletic Banquet

June 19 – 25………………………………………………………………………..Semester 2 Exams

June 25…...……………………………………………………….….Grade 12 Leaving Ceremony

June 27 – 28…………………………………………………………….Professional Activity Days

July………………………………………………………….Semester 2 Report Cards Distributed

School Council Meeting Dates

Mon September 24, 2012Mon January 14, 2013

Mon October 15, 2012Mon February 11, 2013

Mon November 19, 2012Mon April 15, 2013

Mon June 3, 2013

Code of Conduct

“Turning Dreams into Action”

Derived from the motto above, the Vaughan Secondary School Community of Learners is committed and expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the following character traits and the spirit of each of the terms.

DDedication

RRespect

EEmpathy

AAchievement

MMoral purpose

SSuccess

“Dreams” defines how the business of education is carried out on a daily basis at Vaughan Secondary School.

Individuals whose behaviours violate the Code of Conduct will be held accountable. This will result in an obligation to make things right and repair the harm done. Restitution and possible disciplinary consequences are required before these individuals can be welcomed back to the Vaughan Community of Learners.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Student Council

Vaughan Student Council serves as the official voice of the student body. All registered Vaughan students may vote for the Student Council. Student Council promotes the general welfare of the students by unifying and coordinating all student activities. In doing so, the Council works to promote high standards in scholastic work, high ideals in all student activities, interest and commitment in community affairs. The Student Council’s functions include: promoting school spirit, providing financial support to school clubs and teams, coordinating fund raising activities and the organizing of dances and programs designed to meet the needs of Vaughan Students. Elections for positions are held in May for the following year’s council. Any student may run for a position on Student Council provided that she/he meets the requirements of nomination as outlined in the Student Council Constitution. Students may volunteer their time in the assisting and sponsoring of council activities.

2012 – 2013 Student Council Executive

PresidentIlhaamZafar

Vice-PresidentJessica Robinson

TreasurerBianca LaPenna

SecretaryImanBanerji

Press SecretaryRabeenaObaidullah

Press SecretaryMichaela Mihaylova

Grade 12 RepresentativeGabby Romm

Grade 11 RepresentativeMichael Jonas

Grade 10 RepresentativeDaniel Roytman

Grade 9 RepresentativeStudent Nine

Social ConvenorTy Tonus-Burman

Social ConvenorRoyaAbdmoulaie

Club LiaisonInna Berditchevskaia

Club LiaisonKarin Yosefi

STUDENT COUNCIL

DANCE/GRAD DINNER DANCE/CONCERT POLICY

Vaughan Secondary School and the York Region District School Board recognize that school dances, concerts and the Grad Dinner Dance are a vital component of a healthy school atmosphere. It is hoped that all dances, concerts, and the Grad Dinner Dance are well attended and that you seek to make these events an enjoyable experience for all.

Supervision is provided by staff and, in accordance with The York Region District School Board policies and regulations, uniformed police officers also attend. The staff and students of Vaughan encourage and welcome parental attendance or assistance at school events. The following regulations have been developed by Vaughan’s Student Council so that dances and concerts at Vaughan Secondary School, and Vaughan Grad Dinner Dance are an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

  1. All proposals for and scheduling of dances, concerts and the Grad Dinner Dance at Vaughan Secondary School must be sensitive to the cultural and religious diversity of the Vaughan Community.
  2. Only students who show their Vaughan Student ID Card (see #3) may purchase tickets for or be admitted to a school dance or concert or the Grad Dinner Dance.
  3. You, as a Vaughan student, may bring one guest who is not a student at Vaughan to dances, concerts, or the Grad Dinner Dance. This guest must be a student at another high school and must complete a Vaughan Secondary School Guest Application Form that is available in the main office. This form is not complete until it is signed by an administrator from the guest’s home school. You must enter your name and the name of your guest on the guest list when purchasing tickets. Guests who have not been signed in at this time will not be admitted. You, as the sponsor of your guest, are held responsible for the actions and behaviour of your guest while at the dance, concert or Grad Dinner Dance. The administration of Vaughan Secondary School reserves the right to refuse admission to an event. The administration also reserves the right to refuse admission to any student who does not appear in a satisfactory state for attendance at a Vaughan School function. Guest photo I.D. and prior visitor reference check will be required.
  4. The doors close 30 minutes after the start of the dance, concert or Grad Dinner Dance. After that time, there is no admission except for those students who have signed a late list when purchasing tickets.
  5. The contents of all purses, bags, coats etc. are subject to examination upon entry.
  6. Any person who leaves the building for any reason during the event will not be re-admitted.
  7. The use of alcohol and/or drugs at school events is strictly prohibited by both school regulations and by the law. Infractions will result in suspensions from school, and possible charges being laid by the police.
  8. Smoking is not permitted on school property.
  9. Refreshments purchased at the dance, concert, or Grad Dinner Dance must be consumed in designated areas.
  10. While in attendance at school events, you are allowed only in designated areas.
  11. Attending police officers will check cars in the parking lot and patrol the outside area around the building.

VAUGHAN ATHLETIC COUNCIL

The VSS Athletic Council is a group of spirited physical and health education students who organize various events throughout the year. Activities include fundraising, intramural sports, dances and the Athletic Awards Banquet. Volunteers from all grades are welcome to join.

Athletics

In order to participate on a school team, students must have a student I.D. card. The athletic fee is $30.00 for the first team, and $5.00 for each additional team. All athletes are invited to celebrate the year’s achievements at the June Athletic Banquet.

A CODE OF BEHAVIOUR FOR SPECTATORS

Athletic events are tests of skill, fitness, teamwork and training. They provide challenging encounters for athletes and exciting entertainment for fans. Being a spectator at school events is a privilege, not a right, which may be withdrawn because of inappropriate behaviour.

Spectators are expected to do the following:

  • Treat the premises, students, staff, players, and the officials with courtesy and respect.
  • Abide by the decisions of the officials whether or not they are in favour of your team.
  • Respond politely to the requests of officials.
  • Remain seated in designated spectator areas and leave the playing surface clear at all times.
  • Be polite and courteous in action and language.
  • Refrain from behaviour that may distract athletes or interfere with the game’s progress.
  • Applaud good plays; never make derogatory remarks about any officials, players or coaches.
  • Good athletes compete fiercely to the best of their ability and limits of their training.
  • Good spectators respect the commitment of the athletes enough to cheer every good play and appreciate the effort, time and dedication contributed by the members of all competitors.

HAVE A GOOD TIME CHEERING FOR YOUR TEAM, AND ENJOY THE GAME NO MATTER WHO WINS OR LOSES!

Athletic Points

Possible Awards: Junior Letter, Senior Letter, Service Award

Points System

  • All sports will be rated according to the length of season and/or amount of time spent in practice. As a result, a sport may be declared a 1, 2, or 3 point sport.
  • In a 3 point sport, for example, the coach of that team will decide to award each athlete, a maximum of 3 points for his/her efforts during that season.
  • The coach may decide to award the maximum points to all his/her athletes or may determine that some are more deserving than others.
  • The Athletic Association will maintain point records for all athletes who compete for VSS.
  • When athletes attain the required number of points for an award, that award shall be presented at the Athletic Banquet during the year in which the correct number of points is acquired.

Bonus Points: YRAA Championship: Medal Recipient: 1 Point

OFSAA Championship: 1 Point

Junior Letter

Any athlete who accumulates a total of 20 points during his/her athletic career is awarded a junior athletic letter.

Senior Letter

Any athlete who accumulates a total of 28 points during his/her athletic career is awarded a senior athletic letter.

Service Award

Is awarded to any person who contributes time and organizational skills to the operation of VSS athletic programs. Points are awarded for the following activities.

Athletic Association max 3 points

Intramurals max 3 points

Managers max 3 points

The Service Award

Shall be presented to any person who accumulates a total of 15 points in his/her career at Vaughan.

MUSIC PROGRAM

The Music Department hosts many events and activities throughout the school year. There are many opportunities for you to become involved and to perform various styles of music in a number of different ensembles, at assemblies, concerts, musicals, local schools, and festivals across the province. At VSS, two annual concerts take place.

The VSS Music Council is a core group of elected music students who play an integral role in organizing Music Department activities. Come out and become involved!

SCHOOL POLICIES

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty in all assignments and activities. This means that proper citation is required for any information that is obtained from the Internet, books, articles or any sources of information used in completing an assignment. VSS Library recommends that students familiarize themselves with proper citation rules by taking 20 minutes to do one of the many excellent and interactive online tutorials available, such as

. Teachers are expected to review departmental policies for academic honesty with their students.

Any violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be treated as a violation of the VSS Code of Conduct.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION POLICY

The purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning.

Assessment and evaluation will include diagnostic, formative, and summative.

Diagnostic assessment is used to determine what students know and are able to demonstrate prior to instruction. It informs subsequent instruction.

Formative assessment is used to provide ongoing feedback throughout the program to enhance curriculum delivery. Formative assessment naturally leads to summative evaluation.

Summative evaluation is used to provide students with a final grade based on their achievement of course expectations.

Only summative evaluation is used to determine a student’s grade.

Students will be provided with multiple and varied opportunities to demonstrate course expectations.

The subject achievement charts will be used as the reference point for determining how well students achieve the expectations.

Students are expected to submit work on the established due date.

Work will be accepted past the due date only after student and/or parental consultation.

Students who meet course expectations will receive a passing grade.

Evaluation for the coursework component that falls under the 70% category must cease ten school days prior to the start of examinations. Final summative evaluation may take place during the last ten instructional days.

There will be a moratorium on field trips 10 school days prior to the start of the final examinations.

Assessment & Evaluation practices are fair and equitable for all students.

Advanced notice will be provided about when and how summative evaluation will occur.

Zeros will be assigned during the 70% coursework if the measures to obtain work have been taken. This includes consultation with the student, then with parents, when the student is under the age of 18 and includes but is not limited to, a Letter of Concern, and, as a final step, consultation with administration.

A zero may be assigned to a summative task that is not submitted if it falls in the 30% summative portion of the student’s grade.

It is the responsibility of the student to be academically honest in all aspects of his/her school work. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated; a mark of zero will be assigned to the submitted work.

Communication about assessment is ongoing, clear and meaningful.

Parents, guardians, and students are invited to communicate with the subject teacher regarding student progress.

Learning skills will be assessed and reported separately from academic achievement (unless specifically identified as a curriculum expectation in a specific subject). The learning skills categories are: Work Habits, Team Work, Organization, Works Independently, and Initiative.

This policy is distributed to students and is intended to be shared with parents, guardians, and students at the beginning of each course.

EXAMINATIONS

All students must write their examinations at the scheduled time. Vacation, employment and/or appointments must not be scheduled during the examination period. Students must be available throughout the exam schedule in the unforeseen event that any exams need to be rescheduled.

It is the responsibility of each student to confirm scheduled examination time, date, and location with his/her course teachers.

Should any exam day be cancelled, all evaluations of that day will be re-scheduled during the exam period. In such an event, check the website to learn of when postponed exams will be written and/or read the signboard outside the front of the school.