SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
NOVEMBER 2016
Important Dates
November 17 Mid‐Term Reports Distributed Period 2 Cat Crew Visits
Principal:
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
John S eva
Vice‐Principal: Paul Dawson
(Gr. 9) (Gr. 11, CPP & PROPS)
Vice‐Principal: Elaine MacRae (Gr. 10) Vice‐Principal: Kate Rehm
(Gr. 12, Transi ons & LDP)
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9 School Council Co‐Chairs: Elizabeth Buckland & Suzanne Lang‐Doe Email:
[email protected]
Superintendent: John Pennyfather Email:
[email protected] Phone: 905‐335‐3665, ext. 3385
School Trustee: Kelly Amos Email:
[email protected]
JAPANESE EXCHANGE
November 18 Play In A Day
November 21 School Council Mee ng
November 22 WE Ac vists Coffee House
November 24 Full Disclosure Fall Finale
November 25 PA Day—No Classes
November 30 Grade 9 Music Night
December 6 Gr 9 ALP Course Selec on Night for Students/Parents
December 7 Gr 10 ALP Course Selec on Night for Students/Parents
December 12 Home for the Holidays Concert
December 19 Le ers of Concern Emailed
December 21 Cat Crew Classroom Visits
December 23 Holiday Assembly
December 26—January 6 Winter Break—No Classes
January 11 Gr 8 & North Transi on Tours OUAC Applica on Deadline Gr 9 & 10 Course Selec on Evening
On September 9th, ten students and two teachers le White Oaks for Neyagawa, Japan. A er a gru‐ eling trip which had us arriving at our final des na on on Saturday evening we se led in for the trip of our lives. Taking part in the trip were the following students: Ishan Kohli, Emiko Arai, Rajvi Rana, Palmer Insull, Isabel Taskov, Michelle Shi, Linda Zhao, Zoe Oka, Jus na Yang and Sarrah Merchant.
Our first day was spent ge ng to know our host families and exploring a bit of Japan. Monday was our first school day where we were invited to a welcome assembly. What a show, the band played, the students cheered, there was a fabulous dance performance and welcome speeches! We were so thrilled to be the subjects of this celebra on. Many different teachers invited us into their classes to learn about Japanese culture and to interact with their students.
January 12 Gr 11 Course Selec on Evening
On Tuesday we were taken to a local elementary school and two Canadian students did a presenta‐ on to all the grade fours on Canada. A er that we played games and ate lunch with the kids. They treated us all like rock stars, even reques ng autographs!!!
January 19 Cat Crew Cocoa & Cram
January 23 School Council Mee ng
January 26—February 1 Semester 1 Final Exams
February 1 OCAS Applica on Deadline
February 2 Exam Review Day
February 3 PA Day—No Classes
Later in the week we had a three day trip to Hiroshima. What an adventure! We learned a lot about the history of the area but also explored the beau ful countryside in Hiroshima while travelling to and from the area. Karaoke as a group was fabulous!
The trip was highlighted by visi ng several shrines and temples. Each one was unique and beau ful and we felt blessed for ge ng the opportunity to see them. As a group we also went to Kyoto, a day full of walking, shopping, and site seeing as well as ea ng amazing food.
The food in Japan was fascina ng for all of us. Lunches that were packed by our homestays were out of this world! There were mixed reviews on the special treat of octopus balls, but everyone seemed to enjoy the copious amounts of raw fish, s cky rice, vending machine beverages, green tea, tempu‐ ra, sushi and red bean paste!
February 6 Semester 2 Starts
We are all busy making plans for April when the Japanese students and teachers come here to WOSS.
Ms. Leah Burger & Mrs. Heather Norwood were the teachers who took part in this great adventure!
February 8 Sem. 1 Final Reports Distributed
SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
WOSS GETS INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT THE OAKVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE On Saturday November 19th White Oaks got into the Christmas Spirit at the 68th Annual Oakville Santa Claus Parade. The theme of this years parade was “A Magical, Musical Christmas”. White Oaks went all out with their entry in the float compe on with their float tled “The Wonderful Wizard of WOSS”. Approximate‐ ly 150‐200 students were involved in making this float a success!
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
2016/17 PATHWAYS INFORMATION EVENINGS
Pathways Informa on Evenings, promo ng poten al, inspiring futures. Visit haltonpathways.ca for more informa on.
Agenda: 6:00—6:30 Displays & Pathways Videos 6:30—7:15 Pathways Presenta on 7:15—8:00 Pathways Display & Breakout Sessions
ACTON Thursday, November 24, 2016 Acton District H.S. 21 Cedar Road, Acton
OAKVILLE Thursday, January 12, 2017 Abbey Park H.S. 1455 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville
GEORGETOWN Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Georgetown D.H.S. 70 Guelph St., Georgetown
MILTON Thursday, January 19, 2017 Milton District H.S. 396 Williams Ave., Milton
BURLINGTON Tuesday, January 24, 2017 M.M. Robinson H.S. 2425 Upper Middle Road, Burlington Forty students in the concert band rehearsed for 3 weeks on the WOSS fields marching and playing ten different Christmas carols which they executed to perfec on on November 19th as they marched along Lakeshore Road, up Kerr Street and finally along Stewart Street.
There was an amazing turnout and students were super enthusi‐ as c! Congratula ons to all students and staff who worked so hard on the float and in the band.
RACCOON RABIES
The Halton Region Health Department has re‐ ceived test results confirming cases of raccoon rabies found in skunks in Burlington. The rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually entering through a bite or scratch. Halton Health Department reminds anyone who comes into physical contact with a raccoon or other wild animal to see a physician immediately about post‐ exposure rabies treatment and to report the exposure to the Health Department as soon as possible, by calling 311.
Home of the Wildcats
The Health Department is reminding residents to: teach children to avoid unfamiliar cats and dogs, not to touch sick or dead animals and to observe wild animals from a distance, ensure dogs and cats are kept up‐to‐date with their rabies vaccina ons, not allow pets to roam free and keep them indoors at night to prevent contact with wild animals, take pets that come in contact with a raccoon or other wild animal to a veterinarian for follow‐up, not a empt to relocate wild animals.
More informa on about rabies is available at: www.halton.ca/rabies
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
The grade 11 Tech Design course was busy crea ng various Hal‐ loween props and accessories to decorate wheelchairs for various young children in the Halton community. The students were thrilled to be a part of such a fun and rewarding opportunity.
THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS This year we have many exci ng things hap‐ pening in the Technology Programs at WOSS. We are preparing to host the Halton Skills compe on on March 28, 2017 where the school will be abuzz with ac vi es and events.
Many of our shops have been updated with new equipment and we encourage members of the WOSS and neighbouring communi‐ ty to come on a tour of our Technology Department to see what amazing things happen in our technology classrooms. Please con‐ tact us at:
[email protected] to set up a tour. Our Landscaping program is proud to be connec ng with Humber College through the Dual Credit program. This unique program offers students an opportunity to earn both College and high school credits for a course that is team taught by a Humber College professor and WOSS teacher.
In Transporta on technology, 5 students are currently working out in the industry as an Ontario Youth Appren ce concentra ng on accumula ng hours and experience that will be put toward their trade cer ficate.
AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES IN CO‐OPERATIVE EDUCATION AT WOSS
We have kicked off semester one in the Co‐opera ve Educa on program with some new and amazing opportuni es in Halton. Stu‐ dents are gaining hands‐on learning opportuni es where they have been fully immersed in the inner workings of the workplace whilst earning 2 credits. The following are just a few of the place‐ ments where WOSS students are currently hard at work: Milestone Foster Home Agency Glenashton Den stry Palermo Physiotherapy The City of Burlington Urban Planning Department Oakpark Medical Clinic Sunningdale Public School Badrock Architecture Firm Sharon Homes Emily Quinn Interior Design Firm Our wonderful employers provide rich learning experience for our students and allow the students to be er navigate their future pathways with confidence and knowledge that they cannot learn in the classroom se ng.
If you are interested in learning more about WOSS’s co‐op pro‐ gram, please contact Darcy Neil at
[email protected].
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
CUSTOM BADGES TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
DES MACARONS PERSONNALISÉS POUR SOU‐ TENIR LA LUTTE CONTRE LE CANCER DU SEIN Les étudiants de neuvième année Français cadre et Immersion française, coordonnés par Mme Scriuba ont travaillé fort sur la créa on des macarons personnalisés. À la fin du projet, ils ont ven‐ du 84 pe tes créa ons, les 27, 28 et 31 octobre, durant La semaine rose à WOSS et 127 dollars ont été versés à la Fonda on du cancer du sein. Aussi, chaque élève a eu l'occasion de garder un macaron pour soi en souvenir.
Grade 9 Core French and French Immersion students in Ms. Scriuba’s class worked hard on crea ng custom badges to support the fight against breast cancer. From October 27th to 31st they sold 84 small badges and were able to donate $127.00 to the Breast Cancer Founda on. Each student had the opportunity to keep a souvenir badge for themselves.
Students in Core French designed two to four models each badge using descrip ve adjec ves of personality, feelings and appear‐ ance, as well as adjec ves of na onality. They also learned how to use a badge maker. On receiving the instruc ons, the students learned the use of the impera ve in French.
The French Immersion students took about a week to revise gram‐ mar concepts learnt in elementary school. They created badges for homework and had the experience of making their crea ons at school. The badges included descrip ve adjec ves, nouns, verbs, and even short sentences in French. Students said that "it was an amazing experience during which they taught, created and helped others." Many thanks to Aaiman Mahmood, Hafsa Umer, Caitlin Sandu, Heba AbdelShakour, Allyson Xu, Bilal Ahmed, Lana Alhalabi, Reja Hayat and Ms. Scriuba for volunteering during their lunch periods to sell badges, and Zara Badiani for alphabe cally organiz‐ ing the badges on the display panel.
Les étudiants du Français cadre ont conçu deux à quatre modèles de macaron chacun en employant des adjec fs descrip fs de per‐ sonnalité, de sen ments et d'apparence, ainsi que des adjec fs de na onalité. Ils ont aussi appris comment u liser une machine à macarons. En recevant les instruc ons, les élèves ont appris l'em‐ ploi de l'impéra f en français.
Les élèves de neuvième année d'Immersion française ont eu envi‐ ron une semaine pour réviser les no ons de grammaire qu'ils ont étudiées à l'école élémentaire. Ils ont créé des macarons pour les devoirs et ont eu l'expérience de la fabrica on de macaron à l'école. Sur leurs macarons ils ont écrit des adjec fs descrip fs, des noms, des verbes et même de courtes phrases en français. Les étudiants disent que "c'était une expérience incroyable pendant laquelle ils ont appris, créé et aidé les autres". Grands remercie‐ ments à Aaiman Mahmood, Hafsa Umer, Caitlin Sandu, Heba Ab‐ delShakour, Allyson Xu, Bilal Ahmed, Lana Alhalabi, Reja Hayat et Mme Scriuba pour avoir fait du bénévolat pendant leur déjeuner pour vendre les macarons, et à Zara Badiani pour l’organisa on des macarons en ordre alphabé que sur le panneau d’affichage.
Quelle belle façon de par ciper à La semaine rose ici, à White Oaks!
What a way to par cipate in “Pink Week” here at White Oaks!
Par/By: Maya Po er, Abby Robitaille and Shayla Hellsten
Maya Po er
Abby Robitaille
Shayla Hellsten
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
In 2016 the Halton Board of Trustees launched the Inspire Awards program to recognize individuals and groups of peo‐ ple who have gone above and beyond to support HDSB students. Trustees issued a call to ac on to families, staff, volunteers, stu‐ dents and the community to look for and nominate these o en unsung heroes; people who stand out and who support students and their achievement through exemplary caring, ini a ve, inno‐ va on and crea vity. Former student Kiara Hassan submi ed a nomina on for the award and we are pleased to announce that Hamish Guthrie was select‐ ed to receive this award. Congratula ons Mr. Guthrie!
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
ESL STUDENTS ENJOY SOME CANADIAN CULTURE
On October 27, about 50 newcomers to Canada carved pumpkins as part of one of their English as a Second Language cours‐ es. White Oaks has a large popula on of English Language Learn‐ ers, students who are new to Canada and learning English. One of the program goals is to introduce these students to North American and Canadian culture. Most of the students in the ESL program come from countries that don’t celebrate Halloween, so this was their first me learning about the tradi ons of Hallow‐ een in Canada. It was also their first me carving a pumpkin. Students worked in groups to choose a stencil or make their own design and then they set to work carving their pumpkins. Students seemed to enjoy working together and trying something new, but many were not so sure about using their hands to scoop out the gooey insides of the pumpkins! However, once the seeds were separated and roasted, students got to taste the fruits of their labour with their first taste of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds.
HALLOWEEN FUN IN THE PHYS ED DEPT.
Will the real Mr. Redfearn please step forward?
Pumpkin carving is just one of many ac vi es done in ESL classes to help introduce newcomers to Canadian culture. They also make and eat pancakes, with real Canadian maple syrup, and they share a bit of their culture with the class by making a tradi‐ onal dish from their own countries. Overall, these ac vi es help students to develop a sense of belonging to the school communi‐ ty, as well as to Oakville and Canada.
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oakville, ON L6H 1H9
HEART WINS GAMES
On Friday, October 28th the Cross Country Team traveled to Hilton Falls to compete in the Halton/ GHAC Championships. The en re team raced extremely well on a very difficult course. At the end of the day Sandra Guga won the Halton Junior Girls tle and Ryan Bevington finished 3rd in Junior Boys.
Both of these athletes earned a spot to represent White Oaks at the OFSAA Provincial Champion‐ ships on November 5th in Port Hope.
They raced against the fastest high school students in Ontario on one of the toughest courses in the province.
Both of these athletes had outstand‐ ing races. Ryan came 99th out of over 260 compe tors in junior boys and Sandra finished 25th out of over 250 junior girls. This is one of the best results WOSS has ever had! Way to go!
It was a season full of ups and downs, cheers and screams, as the Junior Girls Field Hockey team played hard. The team started off with a group of individual girls; some who had never even touched a field hockey s ck in their lives but, as the season pro‐ gressed they became a strong, united team. The season started off with a couple of losses but with their dedica on, commitment and fierce coach Ms. Maeda, the girls were able to fight and win three league games. The team was also able to win their quarter final game due to their intensity and great spirit. Overall, the Junior Girls Field Hockey team was able to end their season with pride and show what true teamwork was as they played hard, strong and proud and made their way to the semifinals. Wri en by Samina Panjwani (Goalie for the Jr. Girls Field Hockey team)
JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL This season the junior boys volleyball team was a very new and energe c squad of grade 9 and 10's. With only one returning player on the team, but several new talented players, coaches Ms. Anthony and Ms. Brabenec were hopeful for a successful season. Un‐ fortunately, the team finished the season without a victory but they managed to improve with every game. We are very hopeful for next season and wish the team a very successful school year.
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
WOSS SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS: All are welcome! White Oaks School Council is an engaged group of parents, as well as representa ves from Administra on, Staff and Student Council, who are commi ed to suppor ng WOSS students and families. Mee ngs are informal and informa ve and serve as a way for parents to learn and keep involved in your child’s educa on. WOSS School Council mee ngs will be held on the South Campus in Library Seminar Room 1, 7:00 pm on:
November 21, 2016 February 27, 2017 Mary 15, 2017
January 23, 2017 April 24, 2017 June 19, 2017 (if required)
There are no mee ngs in December and March
GUEST SPEAKER, MARY TABAK:
On Monday, November 21st at 7:45 pm we are pleased to wel‐ come guest speaker, Mary Tabak (Developmental Assets Project Manager, Our Kids Network) speaking on Family Assets: Things Families Can Do to Raise Resilient Kids as well as an important project being ini ated in our community.
The Our Kids Network (OKN) is a Halton‐wide partnership of or‐ ganiza ons and agencies serving children and youth. OKN has adopted Developmental Assets as a framework to promote posi‐ ve child and youth development. OKN has iden fied North Oak‐ ville (boundaries of QEW, Dundas, Neyagawa, and Trafalgar) as an area where youth lack in developmental assets. With the help of external funding, OKN is now looking to work with the commu‐ nity to improve the situa on.
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
throughout the school year. Funds donated to and raised by School Council are though ully used to supplement the amazing and resourceful fundraising efforts of the students for their vari‐ ous clubs, teams and ac vi es, as well as School Council ini a‐ ves which include the Grade 9 Teacher and Family Welcome Evening and BBQ, Theatre Feasibility Assessment and Speakers. In addi on to guest speakers at our Council mee ngs, School Coun‐ cil also organizes special speaker presenta ons for parents. Plans are underway, so watch for communica on about upcoming events.
SCHOOL COUNCIL ON‐LINE AUCTION:
The WOSS School Council Online Auc on is commencing Novem‐ ber 21st and we thank those in our WOSS and Oakville communi‐ ty who have made generous dona ons to support White Oaks. Check out the great variety of items available to bid on such as a Film.Ca Cinemas package & Movie Posters, a WOSS’ Famous Home‐Cooked Friday Night Dinner, and various items for yourself or to give. Auc on details and the bidding process can all be found at: h p://wosscouncil.webs.com/ or accessed directly from the WOSS website. Click on the “School Council On‐line Auc on” box. The Auc on closes on December 1st at 9:00 pm. Thanks al‐ ways for your support!
Any ques ons or sugges ons for School Council? Your input is always welcome. Please contact School Council at:
[email protected]
CPP STUDENTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OAKVILLEGREEN'S MULCHFEST PROGRAM
Mary Tabak has presented interna onally to audiences about iden fying, building and sustaining strengths in school communi‐ es and believes that working together, with strength‐based ap‐ proaches like Developmental Assets, is the key to child and youth success. For more informa on, visit www.ourkidsnetwork.ca. Please plan to a end this important presenta on being held in the North Cafeteria.
WOSS SCHOOL COUNCIL E‐NEWS:
WOSS School Council E‐News, Keeping You Informed! Since you can’t always rely on ge ng info about what is happening at school from your kids… join our email communica on list to be aware of upcoming school events, mee ngs and deadlines, stu‐ dent‐ini ated fundraising and service ac vi es, community ser‐ vice opportuni es and resources to encourage engagement in your teen's educa onal experience. If you are not already receiv‐ ing the WOSS School Council E‐News, go to h p:// wossweb.com/, click on “Parents” tab then “Subscribe to Council E‐News”.
COUNCIL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:
Encouraging student and parent engagement! School Council provides funds and organizes a variety of ac vi es and events
Students from the Numeracy Skills class are ge ng ready to move 3 yards of woodchips donated by the Town of Oakville. A er 55 minutes of solid work, the pile was reduced to nothing and the plants and trees in the bu erfly garden were covered in a cozy layer of mulch for the winter. Oakvillegreen in partnership with Whole Foods contributed $150 for more plants which will be add‐ ed in the spring. A big thanks to the students and staff involved: Ahmed Memon, Dave Nierop, Andrew Ooi, Jarod Sanders, Ryan Works, Mr. Aurich and Mr. Yohannes. For more informa on, please contact:
[email protected].
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
2015‐2016 COMMENCEMENT
The 51st Annual Commencement for the gradua ng class of 2015‐ 16 was held on October 6th at the St. Volodymyr Cultural Center.
It was a wonderful evening as the graduates reunited with each other and then walked across the stage to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas. The class of 2015‐16 saw a total of 397 graduates, many of which earned more than the required credits to earn their diplomas.
Many students also dis nguished themselves by earning scholar‐ ships, bursaries and awards offered by post‐graduate ins tu ons, professional corpora ons, community organiza ons as well as pri‐ vate donors and White Oaks’ own awards. 256 students earned an average of 80% in six Ontario academic credits and thereby be‐ came Ontario Scholars. 71 earned the Interna onal Baccalaureate Diploma, 62 completed their Cer ficate of French Immersion, 48 earned their Specialist High Skills Major Diplomas and 107 earned subject awards for top marks in a par cular subject discipline.
The Valedictory Address was a highlight of the evening as gradu‐ ates reminisced about their years at White Oaks. Emma Mogus introduced the 2015‐16 Valedictorian, Kyle Collins, who delivered an outstanding address to his fellow graduates.
Our school photographer, Pegasus School Images, captured photo‐ graphs of each graduate as they were presented with their diplo‐ mas. These photographs are complimentary and are available for graduates to pick up from the South Campus Main office.
Congratula ons to the gradua ng class of 2015‐2016. You should all be proud of your accomplishments!
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS This semester has been just as even ul as any for the WOSS Stu‐ dent Government. September saw our annual “Welcome Back” barbeque featuring our classic burgers, hotdogs, pop, co on can‐ dy and of course plenty of school camaraderie. Our Krispy Kreme sale in early October then raised over $231.00 for the Oakville‐ Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. This was closely followed by the 51st Annual Commencement on the October 6th, where council members ensured the smooth‐running of this important night for WOSS’s 2015‐2016 graduates. On October 12th, our family of 20 grew to 28 a er our annual grade rep elec ons. Bilal Ahmed and Aleesha Shaikh now repre‐ sent grade nine, Jenna Mistry and Bianka Sriharan are the faces of grade 10, Sonya Zhang and Zain Daudi voice the grade elevens and finally Alice Jiang and Filip Busic are the outlets of the twel h grade. We had a very successful spirit week from October 31st to No‐ vember 4th, with favourite themes being “Black Out Day Wednesday” and “Comfy Day Friday”. The 31st of October was also the kick off to our Annual Holiday Food Drive, with cans and change being collected from Grade 12 students as a requirement for par cipa on in the Senior Hallow‐ een parade. Likewise, teachers were the targeted demographic by our “No Can, No Can Park” event on the 4th of November, where change or non‐perishable items were collected as a “parking fee” for the day. The Food Drive is ongoing as a compe ‐ on amongst first period classes, vying for a waffle breakfast as a reward for collec ng the largest number of non‐perishable goods and/or funds. It is set to culminate just before the holidays with all proceeds and goods being donated first to the local communi‐ ty via the Oakville Fair Share Foodbank. Another much an cipated council event is the Fall Finale, to be held on the 24th of November from 3‐7 pm. This social will boast dancing, food (Beaver Tails and Co on Candy), a photo booth and face pain ng, all for a very low cket price of a toonie! Clearly, the Council has been extremely occupied, and that is not changing any me soon with our Holiday Assembly right around the corner, and the Semi‐formal to be taking place on the 23rd of February. However, our team is doing what we love best: bringing spirit, amusement and pur‐ pose to the ever‐wonderful community of WOSS. Wri en by: Abirami Sudharshan
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
On November 30th we will be presen ng our Grade 9 Music Night. This concert will be held in the cafetorium at the school and will feature the large ensembles made up of the students taking the 9th credit music program.
Our Annual Seasonal Concert will be held on Monday, December 12th at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available soon either online or directly through the box office. Make sure to take advantage of the special cket pricing by buy‐ ing your ckets early. It promises to be a sell‐out.
Submi ed by: White Oaks Music Council
The fall has been more than busy in the White Oaks Music de‐ partment. Our school year got off to an exci ng beginning when more than 60 music students a ended a weekend band & choir retreat held at Canterbury Hills. The weekend featured a lot of rehearsals for all groups mixed in with fun ac vi es, teambuilding and campfires.
LE CONCOURS D’ART ORATOIRE
WOSS is hos ng again this year Le Concours d’Art oratoire (Canada’s French Public Speaking Contest). The contest at Board Level will take place on Monday, March the 27, 2017 at White Oaks Secondary School.
This weekend was followed up with performances by the White Oaks Choir, at our Awards night and by the White Oaks Concert Band at commencement. Both groups delivered stellar perfor‐ mances.
The Concours d’art oratoire is an annual French public‐speaking event for students from grades 9 through 12 studying French as a Second Language in Ontario schools. It is organized by the Ontar‐ io Modern Language Teachers’ Associa on and Canadian Parents for French (Ontario). There are four categories – Core, Extended, Immersion and Francophone. Students par cipate in the com‐ pe ve concours format in the a ernoon for cash prizes. This year a new category has been introduced ‐ l’Impromptu.
On October 26th the music department presented our annual October concert this year tled “Broadway Night”. The event was well a ended and featured performances by the Concert Band, Concert Choir and Brass Ensemble as well as some duet perfor‐ mances. No me to rest however, as the remainder of the fall con nues to keep us all very busy.
The 33rd annual Concours d’art oratoire will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at York University’s Glendon Campus in Toronto. Winners from the grade 11‐12 categories move on to represent Ontario at the CPF Na onal compe on held on June 3, 2017 in O awa. Last year over 270 students from 24 school boards and 8 independent schools across Ontario par cipated at the provincial event.
On November 23rd the White Oaks Music department will be holding its annual Chapters Fundraiser at Chapters located on Vega Blvd. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the upcoming holiday season while listening to our self‐directed chamber en‐ sembles performing fes ve music. This is the perfect chance to purchase those stocking stuffer gi s and support the White Oaks Music Department.
WOSS now has a great tradi on in par cipa ng and over the last four years we were finalists in almost all categories. We scored couple mes second and third place, we were twice winners at Glendon University and we even won once the Na onal Compe ‐ on in O awa.
Good luck to our students in the current school year!
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
DANCE IS BACK AT WOSS FOR 2017‐18
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
Former WOSS student, Nikki Schiedel emphasizes the ways that dance has helped her beyond high school. “Through this course I gained emo onal, intellectual and physical skills that have trans‐ lated across many aspects of my adult life. I developed the abil‐ ity to construct and execute unique ideas. Through our perfor‐ mances I gained the confidence to present my ideas in front of large groups. This skill has assisted me at university, as well as the start of my professional career. The confidence I gained through performing assisted me in developing strong interview skills.”
If you are looking to build interpersonal skills, health, crea vity and confidence, consider dance, which is available at the open level for grade 10 and College/University for 11 and 12 .
Exci ng news for those White Oaks students who are dancers, wish they could dance, or who would like to add some physical fitness, crea vity and wellness to their schedule for next year. Dance is again being offered at course selec on me for the 2017/18 school year. Past grads from the Dance Program at WOSS have great things to say about the program, which is avail‐ able to grade 10, 11 and 12 students of all ability levels (no expe‐ rience is required).
Sydney Laforme, currently performing in musical theatre in To‐ ronto shared her experiences, wri ng “dance helped me find my confidence as well as helped with collabora on skills. It is an amazing crea ve outlet, especially for people who have not found their voice yet. I found mine through dance.”
Teodora sums it up perfectly, wri ng, “Although I am not a high school student anymore, I need to stress the importance of dance. I believe every single per‐ son can benefit from dance. Whether they are looking to challenge themselves physically, get through a difficult me by using this as a way to express themselves, or just to try some‐ thing new, there is an aspect of dance for everyone. Dance has allowed me to accept myself and has made me an overall happier person.”
Another performing arts grad, Paige Rutledge a ests “it was my favourite way to end the day, especially as a grade 12 student feeling stress with university applica ons. It was great daily exer‐ cise and really good mentally, too. Everyone seemed to be a much more confident person at the end of the semester. I got so much out of the program.”
For those who haven’t tried dance before, Teodora Prostran shares the following: “I was absolutely scared to start something new, but Mrs. Carson introduced us to a new way of approaching our learning, introducing us to pre y much every dance style there is, from jazz to hip hop to ballet and even polka! The amount of confidence I have gained, flexibility, mental strength, physical strength, crea vity is unbelievable and it is all because of dance.”
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
A MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE IS COMING TO WOSS!
Next year, for the first me in over 15 years, White Oaks will be offering a credit course for students wishing to hone their triple‐ threat skills: ac ng, singing and dancing. Do you love Grease? My Fair Lady? Guys and Dolls? Wicked? Hamilton? This course is for you. As you can see from the pictures on this page, WOSS has a long tradi on of staging musicals.
In the past decade, we've done Oklahoma! The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray and Crazy for You. While next year's musical has not yet been determined, this course may give you the opportunity to work on the Spring 2017 produc on during class me and receive academic credit for your efforts. (Please note that par cipa on in the course does not automa cally guarantee your cas ng in the musical.) ADB 3M/4M is for everyone regardless of experience.
We look forward to seeing you in the spotlight!
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
SERVICE LEARNING TRIP TO PERU MARCH BREAK 2017
THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN MARCH BREAK 2018
Peru’s rich culture extends back thousands of years. Explore the capital Lima, founded in 1535 by Pizarro, and then travel to Cusco, the heart of the Andean highlands. Travel by train to witness the spectacular lost city of the Inca—Machu Picchu. Then a end a two day service program and assist the people of Cachiccata, a rural community surrounded by Inca remains.
When you walk through the Roman Forum, climb the Acropolis in Athens and visit the site of the Oracle at Delphi, you’re among some of the world’s most historically significant ancient sights. But these places offer more than just a trip to the deep past— witness more recent history at the awe‐inspiring Sis ne Chapel and in the drama c natural beauty of Capri. Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy
ITINERARY
Day 2, 3 & 4: Rome: The Colos‐ seum, Roman Forum, Swiss Guard, Trevi Fountain, Va can City, Sis ne Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Catacombs, Panthe‐ on; Spanish Steps
Day 1: Fly to Peru
Day 2: Lima: Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, Cathe‐ dral, San Francisco Monastery, Larco Museum, Miraflores
Day 3: Lima/Sacred Valley: Fly to Cus‐ co, Tour Sacsayhuaman, Pisac Market
Day 4: Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo
Day 6: Sacred Valley: Service Learning Program (agricultural/ farming ac vi es & making improvements to schools)
Day 7: Sacred Valley/Cusco: Service Learning Program Day 2.
Day 5: Capri/Sorrento Region: Boat Cruise, Bay of Naples, Amalfi Drive, Tyrrhenian Sea.
Day 6: Pompeii/ Brindisi/Night ferry: Pompeii Roman Ruins, night ferry to Patras.
Day 8: Cusco: Guided tour and Cusco Cathedral
Day 9: Cusco/Puno: Andahuaylillas Chapel, Raqchi Temple
Day 10: Puno: Lake Ti caca, Taquile Island, Uros Island.
Day 7, 8 & 9: Patras/Delphi/Athens: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Mu‐ seum, the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, the Presiden al Guard, the Olympic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Plaka District.
Day 11: Puno/Juliaca/Lima: Sillustani Archaeological Site, Juliaca, Lima, Fly Home
Days 10‐12: Greek Island/Turkey Cruise & Shore Excursion: Mykonos; Kusadasi; Patmos; Crete; Santo‐ rini—Ancient Ephe‐ sus; Knossos Palace; Oia Village
Day 12: Arrive Home
The last date to sign up for this trip without a late fee is November 29, 2016. Please contact Fonda Lo at ext. 281 or lo
[email protected] if you have any ques ons.
Day 13: Depart for home
Informa on Mee ng is November 29th, 7 pm in A119. For addi‐ onal informa on please contact Fonda Lo ext. 281 or lo
[email protected] Early enrollment discount available.
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
IS IT A SNOW DAY? HDSB h p://www.hdsb.ca Halton School Bus Info h p://www.haltonbus.ca Cashless Schools h ps://halton.cashlessschools.com Parent Portal h p://info.hdsb.ca/sis HDSB Sports Info h p://www.hssaa.org/schedule.html WOSS Web h p://www.wossweb.com Daily Announcements h p://wosann.hdsb.ca/WOSSannouncements School Newspaper h p://www.word2thewoss.edicy.co Crimestoppers h p://www.haltoncrimestoppers.com Kids Help Phone 1‐800‐668‐6868
Watch the CHCH TV Morning Show or listen to the following radio sta ons a er 6:00 am for the latest news about school and bus cancella ons, or check the website www.hdsb.ca for info:
FM STATIONS 95.3 Y95 98.1 CHFI 99.1 CBC 99.9 CKFM 102.1 CFNY 102.9 CKOC 107.9 CINK
AM STATIONS 680 NEWS 900 CHML 1010 CFRB 1150 CKOC 1250 CHWO 1460 CJOY
VALUABLES
SECONDARY STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
If you have to bring valuables to school, please keep them within your sight at all mes and never leave them in a gym change room or as‐ sume that they are safe with someone else.
Parents/Guardians can check your child’s a endance, credit sum‐ mary and metable through the Halton District School Board website (if the student is under the age of 18).
Log onto www.hdsb.ca Click on Parents Click on Parent Portal (Secondary) under Quick Links Enter your child’s date of birth and 9 digit Halton Student Number
2016-2017
We are accumula ng some Lost & Found ar cles on both campuses and would ap‐ preciate your help in claiming any missing items. There is a Lost & Found in both the North and South Cafeterias. Thank you for your assistance.
2016‐2017 yearbooks are now available to order! They are $45.00 and can be paid on Cashless or by Cash in the South Campus Main Office. We do not order extra copies, so don’t miss out…reserve your copy today!
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS Morning announcements are heard each morning at the beginning of period one and they can also be read each day:
PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED
Online at: www.wossweb.com Outside the north and south main offices
SPC CARDS $10.00 Please remember to let us know if you are changing your home address, home phone number, cell number and/or email ad‐ dress. THE SCHOOL NUMBER IS: 905‐845‐5200
SPC cards are available to purchase for $10.00 each. You can pay in cash from Ms. Lo , or from any of the Student Council mem‐ bers or online at: h p://halton.cashlessschools.com
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
AUTOMATED STUDENT ATTENDANCE SYSTEM
ATTENDANCE LINE NAVIGATION 1‐877‐409‐6310
In order to help expedite the repor ng and inves ga on of unre‐ ported absences, late arrivals and early dismissals, White Oaks Secondary School has implemented the Automated Student A endance Repor ng system. What does that mean for parents? Absences, late arrivals and early dismissals MUST be reported by calling: 1‐877‐409‐6310 or by using the web portal, hdsb.schoolconnects.com. Notes or calls to the school to com‐ municate an absence, late arrival or early dismissal are not suffi‐ cient, you MUST call the 1‐877‐409‐6310 number or report online using web a endance portal hdsb.schoolconnects.com. Parents will be able to report absences, late arrivals or early dis‐ missals up to one hour prior to the end of the school day or 1:30 pm. The a endance repor ng phone number is 1‐877‐409‐6310. Be sure to listen to the prompts all the way through un l you receive a confirma on #. If you hang up prior to receiving this #, the ab‐ sence is not reported. Absences can also be reported using the online portal: hdsb.schoolconnects.com. Set the phone # and/or web portal as a favorite on your phone and/or home or office computer. If using the web portal for re‐ por ng, you may also access any phone or email messages sent by the school or the Board, such as school closure informa on, etc. Should you prefer the on‐line repor ng method, you will receive an email with a login and password. Please follow the instruc‐ ons to register your online repor ng account. The system is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and future absences and late arrivals, e.g. Orthodon st appointments, vaca‐ on, hockey tournaments, etc., can be reported at any me as soon as known. If you have two students in the same grade, you MUST call in an absence from a recognized phone number (home number or un‐ blocked cell phone) or use the on‐line repor ng method.
List Student(s) And Select Student(s)
Absence for Today
Absence for Tomorrow
1 Day Future Absence
Mul ‐Day Future Absence
PRESS 1
PRESS 2
PRESS 3
PRESS 4
Enter Date beginning with Day of Month
Enter Start Date beginning with Day of Month
Enter End Date beginning with Day of Month
Choose Absence Type
All Day
Late Arrival
Leave & Return
PRESS 1
PRESS 2
PRESS 3
PRESS 4
Enter Arrival Time
Enter Departure Time
Enter Departure Time
Select Reason Then # 1 Illness 2 Flu 3 Injury 4 Doctor Appt 5 Den st Appt 6 Appointment 7 Vaca on 8 Religious Day 9 Funeral 10 Bereavement 11 Missed Bus 12 Personal
Leave Early
Enter Return Time
Select Reason
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Doctor Appt Den st Appt Appointment Slept In Funeral Missed Bus Music Lesson Personal
Select Reason
Select Reason
1 2 3 4 5 6
Doctor Appt Den st Appt Appointment Funeral Music Lesson Personal
1 2 3 4 5 6
Doctor Appt Den st Appt Appointment Funeral Music Lesson Personal
Play Summary of A endance Informa on Entered
Informa on Entered Correctly
1‐877‐409‐6310 hdsb.schoolconnects.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
Exit System
PRESS 1
PRESS 2
PRESS 3
Add Another Absence for Same Student
Start Over Again
Add Absence for Different Student
Enter Different Home Phone Number
End Call
PRESS 1
PRESS 2
PRESS 3
PRESS 4
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
CASHLESS SCHOOLS Cashless Schools is a convenient 24/7 method for parents to pay for Athle c Fees, Course Fees, Field Trips, Fundraisers, Lunches in the Cafeteria, etc. Cashless Schools offers parents an easy to use account, email alerts & purchase history repor ng.
STEP 1: DEPOSIT FUNDS INTO YOUR CASHLESS SCHOOLS ACCOUNT
To avoid paying any added fees from the banks we recommend the following steps:
Log on to your Cashless Schools Account
REGISTERING WITH CASHLESS SCHOOLS
Click the “Deposit” Link
Log onto the website at: h p://halton.cashlessschools.com
Click: Register your account now! to begin
Enter the minimum deposit to avoid bank fees
Click the radio bu on to the le of your school’s name
STEP 2: PAY FOR ON‐LINE FEES
Click “Next”
Enter the account holder name in “Your Name” and complete the remaining fields
Once you have successfully set up your account you are now ready to purchase on‐line fees at the school.
Log on to your Cashless Schools Account
Click “Next”
Click “Pay for Online Fees”
Click “Finish Registra on”
Ac vate your new account by verifying your email address
Click on the ac va on link in the response email sent to the account supplied
Can’t find the email? Check your spam folder. A reminder mes‐ sage lets you know that you have not ac vated your account by confirming your email address
SET UP YOUR CASHLESS SCHOOLS ACCOUNT
Select your student and Click “see available fees”
Select the applicable fee and click “next”
Click “Save to Shopping Cart”
Click “Check Out Shopping Cart”
Choose the shopping cart checkout payment method of your choice/Cashless Account/Bank Account/Interac OnLine
Receipts are available upon comple on of a transac on
Log onto the parent payment center by launching the following website: h ps://halton.cashlessschools.com
Click the “Deposit” link. Read the Cashless Account Deposit informa on and click “Add a Bank Account” link to setup an account
Click the “Add a Bank Account”
Click the “Print Authoriza on Form”
Complete the form and a ach a void cheque or debit authoriza‐ on form from your bank
Fax (1‐888‐729‐3331) or email (
[email protected]) to complete the account setup process. Choose “Back to your Saved Bank Accounts” screen.
ON‐CAMPUS WALLET
Log onto the parent payment centre by launching: h ps://halton.cashlessschools.com
Select “On‐Campus Wallet” link under Fees
Select the student you wish to set up the wallet for
Select “See On‐Campus Wallet”
Complete the required fields
Select “Save Wallet”
Enter the amount you wish to deposit to the wallet
Choose “Add Funds to Wallet”
Choose “Checkout Shopping Cart”
PHONE SUPPORT: 1‐866‐231‐3322
Pay from a Cashless Account to incur no payment fee (choose the method of payment)
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SOUTH CAMPUS: 1330 Montclair Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5
905‐845‐5200 www.wossweb.com
Principal’s Message By: John Stieva As I write this I realize we are half way through semester 1 and only 48 days from the Christmas break. It would appear that me goes quickly when students and staff are fully engaged in the learning and comple ng of school work. Engagement of students in the school in both academic pursuits and outside of class ac vi es is extremely important. It allows eve‐ ry individual to live up to the Halton District School Board vision statement of “Every student will explore and enhance their poten‐ al, passion and strengths to thrive as contribu ng global ci zens”. We at WOSS encourage all students to achieve to their full poten‐ al in their academic studies by suppor ng their learning and se ng high expecta ons. To that end, we also believe that stu‐ dents in order to reach their full poten al need to be socially en‐ gaged in school. This can be through sports, joining clubs and for par cipa ng or organizing student ac vi es. Students are very involved in such ac vi es as Debate, DECA, School Reach, just to name a few of the more than 106 clubs, organiza ons and sport teams that are ac ve during the school year.
NORTH CAMPUS: 1055 McCraney St. E., Oaville, ON L6H 1H9
This past Saturday the first of many ac vi es happened; the Oak‐ ville Santa Claus Parade. Thank you to the students and staff who worked hard to build the float and a marvelous effort to represent White Oaks. Also a thank you to the marching band and their won‐ derful seasonal music. We look forward to hearing them again dur‐ ing the Annual Seasonal Concert on Monday, December 12th at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. I would strongly en‐ courage you to a end to kick off the fes ve season. Report cards were distributed on Thursday, November 17th to all students. Please take some me to review the marks and com‐ ments with your son/daughter. If, as part of that discussion you have ques ons or concerns, please contact the teacher(s) or the administrator responsible for your child’s grade. Please do not hes‐ itate to call me with any concerns, issues or ques ons that are not resolved to your sa sfac on with the teacher. John S eva Principal
WHITE OAKS SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENTAL PERMISSION It has been the prac ce of secondary schools in Halton to address report cards, etc. to the parent or guardian of the student for all of our students. This prac ce has been challenged within the context of the Educa on Act and within the Municipal Freedom of Informa on and Protec on of Privacy Act. As a result of this review, our Board has advised the schools that it is the Board’s responsibility to communicate directly to students 18 years of age and older, unless requested by the student to do otherwise. We at White Oaks Secondary School, wish to honour the mandate given to us yet recognize that the value of parental par cipa on in a student’s educa on does not end on the occasion of an 18th birthday. Please discuss this issue in your home and advise the school of the decision of your 18 year old (tear‐off form below and return). I, am reques ng that the school no fy my parents/guardians of any educa onal concerns (a endance, reports, etc.) rela ng to my educa onal career while I am a ending White Oaks Secondary School even though I have reached my 18th birthday. Date Student’s Signature
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