Student Information Handbook
2014-2015
VAUGHAN SECONDARY SCHOOL
2014-2015 STUDENT AGENDA
1401 Clark Ave. West
Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 7R4
Telephone: 905.660.1397
Fax: 905.660.0318
Principal
Ms. L. Leesti
Vice - Principals
Mrs. L. Borlack
Mr. S. Todd
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 2014 – 2015 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 2014 – 2015.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014 – 2015
September 1…………………………………………………………………………………….Labour Day
September 2...... First Day, Grade 9 Only
September 3…………………………………………………………..…First Day, Grades 10 –12
September 10…………………………………………………………………………….……..Photo Day
September 22...... Professional Training Day
September 24…………………………………………………………....Guidance Assembly/WSI
October 13………………………………………………………………………………….…Thanksgiving
October 16………………………………………………………………………….…Photo Retake Day
October 16..…………………………………………………………………………………University Fair
October 16.……………………………………………………………………………..….Parents’ Night
October 22...... Guidance Assembly/WSI
October 27...... Professional Activity Day
November 5……..…………………………………………………….Take Our Kids to Work Day
November 5.…………………………………………...Take Our Gr. 8s to High School Day
November 6…………………………………………………………………….…..Last Day of Term 1
November 7...…………………………………..…………………………..…..FirstDay of Term 2
November 11.……………………………………………….…Remembrance Day & Assembly
November 14….………………………………………………………….Professional Activity Day
November 17 - 28……………………………………………………………...... Grad Photos
November 19...... ………………………………...... ………………………...Coffee House
November 19…………………………………………………….…Mid-term Report Distribution
November 26...... Guidance Assembly/WSI
November 26...... ……………………………………………………..…Full Disclosure Date
December 10...... Guidance Assembly/WSI
December 11…………………………………………………………………………………..Music Night
December 22 – January 2…………………………………………………………….Winter Break
January 8 – 23.…………………………………………....Semester 1 Grade 9 Math EQAO
January 14……………………………………………………....University Application Deadline
January 15…………………………………………………………………….…Grade 8 Family Night
January 23 – 30…………………………………………………………………..Semester 1 Exams
February 1...... …………………………………………………College Application Deadline
February 2………………………………………………………………….Professional Activity Day
February 3…………………………………………………………………….….Semester 2 Begins
February 10.………………………………..……Semester One Report Cards Distributed
February 16……………………………………………………………………………………...Family Day February 17………………………………………………………….…….….Semester 2 Photo Day
February 17 – 20...………………………………………………….………..Grad Photo Retakes
February 27 …………………………………………………………………………..Awards Assembly
March 5…………………………………………….…………………….Interim Report DistributionMarch 13…………………………………………………………...... …Professional Training Day
March 16 – 20………………………………………………………………………….…….March Break
March 24..……………………………………………………………………………….OSSLT Assembly
March 26…………………………………………….Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
April 3...... Good Friday
April 6...... Easter MondayApril 9………………………………………………………………………………………..…Parents’ Night
April 13……….……………………………………………………………………….Last Day of Term 1
April 14……...……………………………………………………….……………..First Day of Term 2
April 15...... Guidance Assembly/WSI
April 24.……………………………………………………….……..Mid-term Report DistributionApril 29……………………………………………………………………….………………..Coffee House
May 1..…………………………………………………………………………………………Full Disclosure
May 4 – 11.....………………………………………………………Advanced Placement Exams
May 8.…………………………………………………………………………Professional Activity Day May 14...... Gr. 12 Assembly
May 18……………………………...... ……………………………………..…………….Victoria DayMay 21…………………………………………………………………….....………Grad Dinner DanceMay 27…………………….……………………………………………………….Spring Music Concert
May 28 – June 12………………………………….……….Semester 2 Grade 9 Math EQAOJune 4..…………………………………………………………………………………...Athletic Banquet
June 10.….……………………………………………………………………………...... Music Banquet
June 17 – 24………………………………………………………………………..Semester 2 Exams
June 25…...……………………………………………………….…...... VSS Leaving Ceremony
June 25 – 26…………………………………………………………….Professional Activity Days
July………………………………………………………….Semester 2 Report Cards Distributed
TBD...... VSS 25th Anniversary Celebrations
School Council Meeting Dates
Mon September 15, 2014Mon January 19, 2015
Mon October 20, 2014Mon February 23, 2015
Mon November 17, 2014Mon April 13, 2015
Mon June 1, 2015
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.
2014 – 2015 Student Council Executive
PresidentJoseph Shlayen
Vice-PresidentAnisa Boland
TreasurerSam Lin
SecretaryKim Liu
Advertising DirectorsJenny Ho
Enoch Lee
Social Media DirectorSunita Dave
Event Co-ordinatorsTina Tavallaeian
Vincent Tran
Spirit Co-ordinatorsEunice Chang
Vanessa Fiore
External Affairs DirectorZach Morris
Club LiaisonRaphael Caruso
Grade 10 RepresentativeAdam Wali
Grade 11 RepresentativeReo Bajraktari
Grade 12 RepresentativeKlestaHoxha
Grade 9 RepresentativeTBD in Fall 2014
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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. For guests who do not attend a Secondary School, each guest application will be considered by a VSS Administrator and discussed with the sponsoring student from VSS. Any guest ticket sold prior to gaining administrative approval for the guest may be refused when presented at the event. Please follow the process as outlined above. 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.
- 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.
- The contents of all purses, bags, coats etc. are subject to examination upon entry.
- Any person who leaves the building for any reason during the event will not be re-admitted.
- 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.
- Smoking is not permitted on school property.
- Refreshments purchased at the dance, concert, or Grad Dinner Dance must be consumed in designated areas.
- While in attendance at school events, you are allowed only in designated areas.
- 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 $65.00 for the first team, and $10.00 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 a person who contributes time and organizational skills to the operation of VSS athletic programs.
The Athletic Contribution Award
Shall be presented to any person who accumulates a total of 15 points in his/her career at Vaughan. Points are awarded for the following activities.
Athletic Association max 3 points
Managers max 3 points
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
Assessment and Evaluation Policy
Purpose
Vaughan SS is committed to providing an engaging and dynamic learning experience for our students and we are dedicated to ensuring the success of every student. Vaughan SS strivesto recognize and respect the whole student while endeavoring to foster commitment and responsibility and develop strong time managementskills.
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student achievement. Our assessment practices are intended to be fair and equitable. Our communication about assessment will be ongoing and meaningful. You will learn most effectively when you believe that you can achieve high levels of success and when you participate actively in assessment activities.
The Vaughan SS Assessment and Evaluation Policy follows the principles of Growing Success and is derived from the YRDSB Policy & Procedures 305.0, 305.1, 305.2, and 305.3
Value Statement
Vaughan Secondary School students are expected to think independently and behave honestly. True learning in an intellectually stimulating environment is enhanced when students consistently demonstrate respect for the intellectual property rights of others. Consequences for academic dishonesty will involve a combination of both behavioural and academic responses.
Definitions of Assessment
Assessment as learning
Assessment as learning is the process of developing and supporting student meta-cognition. Students are actively engaged in this assessment process: that is they monitor their own learning; use assessment feedback from teacher, self, and peers to determine the next steps; and set individual learning goals. Assessment as learning requires students to have a clear understanding of the learning goals and the success criteria. Assessment as learning focuses on the role of the student as the critical connector between assessment and learning (Growing Success).
Assessment for learning
The ongoing process of gathering and interpreting evidence about student learning for the purpose of determining where students are in their learning, where they need to go, and how best to get there. The information gathered is used by teachers to provide feedback and adjust instruction and by students to focus their learning. Assessment for learning is a high-yield instructional strategy that takes place while the student is still learning and serves to promote learning (Growing Success).
Assessment of learning
The process of collecting and interpreting evidence for the purpose of summarizing learning at a given point in time, to make judgments about the quality of student learning on the basis of established criteria, and to assign a value to represent that quality. The information gathered may be used to communicate the student’s achievement to parents, other teachers, students themselves, and others. It occurs at or near the end of a cycle of learning (Growing Success).
A Successful Student
A successful student at Vaughan SS can do the following things:
·arrive to class on time
·demonstrate learning by completing all assessments to the best of one’s ability
·review feedback provided by teachers in order to improve and achieve greater success
·participate in classroom activities
·challenge oneself to meet the learning goals of the curriculum
·respect their teachers, their peers and their community
·achieve to high standards given sufficient time and support
·support my school and community by actively participating in school life inside and outside of the classroom
Achievement Chart
The achievement chart in Growing Success Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools will guide assessment. All teachers will assess, evaluate and report student achievement using the 4 categories of the achievement chart: Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Communication, and Application.
Missed Assessments
Assessment activities indicate student achievement of curriculum expectations. The knowledge gained through their completion also assists the students to succeed in their final evaluation. In order to provide both students and parents with an accurate statement of student progress, students are expected to complete all assigned work within the timelines indicated by the teacher. At Vaughan Secondary School, we believe students need to develop a sense of responsibility as well as time management skills in order that they achieve success in their studies.