Monday 15 December 2014
Happy Holidays !!!!
On behalf of everyone here at Oakville Trafalgar High School I want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday! Merry Christmas ! Please enjoy the next two weeks with family and friends. If you're not able to connect with family in person I do hope you'll have a chance to grab some quiet, personal time for yourself. In these days of rushing here and there it never seems like we get the chance to take care of our own health.
Senior Winter Wonderland
Just last Wednesday (December 10th) our Red Devils Council hosted a senior formal for Grade 11 and 12 students. The night was a resounding success!!! Not only did the kids look amazing but their behaviour was fabulous as well. I'm very proud of our senior kids for making great choices and participating in a school-sponsored formal event that went off without a hitch.
The staff that supervised were unanimous in their comments regarding the event. I feel quite strongly that our success last week will carry forward as we plan for a school sponsored Prom (which, for those new to OTHS, has NOT been a school event for the past 3 years). I have confidence that many staff will agree this group of seniors has demonstrated their ability and personal responsibility and are more than capable of behaving appropriately at a school sponsored formal event.
Way to go OT !!! If you have a senior in your home please congratulate them for me!
15th Week Reports
Last week we sent out 15th Week Reports (via e-mail) for any student who was struggling in a class. If you received a report...thank you for encouraging your son/daughter to follow-up with their teacher in order to ensure a successful completion to that particular course. We continue to offer lots of opportunities for students to complete work or to receive assistance in advance of our formal exams. Keep working hard right through to the end of the semester OT !
Happy New Year !!!
As we prepare for 2015 I wanted to share a few reminders about the final month of Semester One. Semester One classes conclude on Wednesday, January 21st. Exams commence on the 22nd and will run through the 27th.
NOTE: If we were to receive a snow day during the Exam Block (22nd - 27th) there would be a MAKE-UP Day on Wednesday, January 28th. A synermail message will be forthcoming in order to remind people of our approach IF inclement weather develops. Families may also check the board web site for our HDSB inclement weather process (for any winter weather regardless of the date).
Here are some key dates for the next couple of months:
January 5 School resumes
January 8 Parent Council Meeting
January 22 Exams Begin
January 29 Exam Review Day
January 30 PA Day
February 2 Sememster Two begins
February 13 PA Day
February 16 Family Day Holiday
Friday 5 December 2014
The Holiday Season is approaching !!!
As we approach the holidays I want to extend my best wishes to all OTHS families for a safe and healthy holiday season. On behalf of my family (and from the staff here at school) I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Regardless of your faith the school holiday period provides a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to enjoy time together. I trust you will have the chance to relax, un-wind, un-plug (!), and even re-connect with loved ones over the holidays. If you are travelling to visit relatives, or for a family holiday, safe travels. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.
...before we depart however....
15th Week Reports:
As we approach the final third of our first semester we will be e-mailing reports home to parents of any student who currently is struggling to complete any course. If a student currently has a grade of less than 60% a 15th Week Report will be emailed home on Friday, December 12th.
These reports are sent home with two thoughts in mind: a) give parents a heads up that their child is struggling in a particular course; and b) to provide us with 3-4 weeks in order to support the successful completion of all course work. This support is coordinated through our Student Success Teacher (Ms. Miles) and includes input from classroom teachers, parents, and students.
Here at School:
Needless to say the student's are getting excited about the upcoming holiday break. Before we get to the 19th of December however there are lots of activities underway both inside of class and around the halls.
Many classes have begun Performance Tasks (a major assessment piece) that are included in the determination of the final 30% of a class grade (in combination with the final exam). Other classes are continuing with course work, tests, and assignments right up to the 19th.
Our Red Devil Council (and other Clubs) are coordinating activities in the hallways that help support charities locally as well as around the province. It's great to see our students thinking of others and demonstrating such leadership around the building.
Our winter sports season is well underway as well. Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, and our Ski and Snowboard teams are practicing and competing throughout the week. I'm hearing great things from our coaches and hope to get into the gym and arena to see the students in action soon.
A couple of Key Dates coming up:
Wednesday, December 10th - Senior 'Winter Wonderland' Formal
OTHS and Red Devil Council are hosting an 'off-site' formal at Otello's (Royal Windsor and Ford Drive). This is the first school sponsored event in a few years and I'm very hopeful that everyone has an excellent night.
We have set some clear expectations for our senior students for this event. Not surprisingly there will be no tolerance of any drinking of other drug related use at a school event. We have also told students that Limousine services are prohibited. Limo service should be reserved for Prom only. Otello's is in 'our neighbourhood' and as such should not require hired transportation. I recognize that this may be a slight inconvenience for parents however we believe this will assist with making the event a more successful one.
Thank you to all parents for helping to reinforce these basic expectations around school sponsored events. We're looking forward to a great evening.
Thursday, December 11th - OTHS Music Presents - Snowy Serenade
Early Dismissal on December 19th
As in previous years we will be dismissing students 90 minutes early on the 19th. All classes will take place however periods will be shortened and a different order will be followed as well (Period 1, 2, 5, 4, and 3). Look for a synermail message to go home with the specific details. The final period of the day will end at 1:20 p.m. If you have any questions please check the school web site as the schedule for the day will be posted (by December 12th latest).
Thank you.
Early signs of winter!
(NOTE: My apologies. This post is very late !)
Hello OT.
Now that the leaves have all (mostly) hit the ground many of us are looking ahead to colder weather and the impending snow! As a result it is a good time to check in with a couple of reminders around the winter season but before we get to that.....we do have some important information to share with all families.
Recent events have helped all Canadians focus more closely on the role of our Armed Forces and the risks they endure in the name of our country. With Remembrance Day approaching we will have another opportunity to reflect and give thanks to the men and women who gave their lives for us, in the name of democracy and freedom. As an individual with family members who served, and are serving, in the military I feel a responsibility to take time to pause, and reflect on their sacrifice for me, my family, and for Canada.
Ms. Muzzatti's students will be performing a dramatic presentation for all OTHS students on November 11th and we will all be taking time out for a moment of quiet reflection at 11:00 a.m. I look forward to experiencing an OT Remembrance Day Assembly for the first time. As the only Oakville High School to have an in-school memorial (to those OTHS graduates who lost their lives in service to Canada) we are fortunate to have such a moving reminder of the sacrifice of generations past.
Mid Term Report Cards
On November 14th report cards will be distributed to all students. Report Card time will provide all families a chance to follow up on the meetings held back in early October and to check the progress of their child at the mid term point in Semester One. If any parent has concerns or questions around the report cards I would ask that you please contact the Teacher in question (via email or phone) at your earliest convenience. Regardless of the grade appearing on the report card there is always a chance to make significant improvements in a course.
Senior News
Late November is also the time of the year that our senior students begin to finalize their post secondary planning. It is natural that a student will experience increased stress as a result of their multitude of choices. Mr. Pope and his Student Services team are available to assist students in their decision making. Please don't hesitate to contact the school should you have any questions about how you can best help your son or daughter navigate the next few months. While the final date for submission to the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) is early in January I strongly encourage all students to use a self-imposed deadline of December 17th for completing their on-line application. For students considering out of province applications please make certain you are following the application deadlines set by the various colleges and universities (many of which are January to early March).
Winter Reminders
a) please drive carefully in and around the school. A little extra patience helps us all.
b) please check the HDSB web site for any news around inclement weather and school closures
c) it's ok to insist that your child wears a coat to school!!! As a parent of a teen myself I know they think they know ... (a lot) but we know they haven't mastered every skill just yet!
d) please let us know (in the main office) if you know of a family that is going through a difficult time. Thanks to the generosity of the community we are able to help out in times of need.
Hello OT.
Now that the leaves have all (mostly) hit the ground many of us are looking ahead to colder weather and the impending snow! As a result it is a good time to check in with a couple of reminders around the winter season but before we get to that.....we do have some important information to share with all families.
Recent events have helped all Canadians focus more closely on the role of our Armed Forces and the risks they endure in the name of our country. With Remembrance Day approaching we will have another opportunity to reflect and give thanks to the men and women who gave their lives for us, in the name of democracy and freedom. As an individual with family members who served, and are serving, in the military I feel a responsibility to take time to pause, and reflect on their sacrifice for me, my family, and for Canada.
Ms. Muzzatti's students will be performing a dramatic presentation for all OTHS students on November 11th and we will all be taking time out for a moment of quiet reflection at 11:00 a.m. I look forward to experiencing an OT Remembrance Day Assembly for the first time. As the only Oakville High School to have an in-school memorial (to those OTHS graduates who lost their lives in service to Canada) we are fortunate to have such a moving reminder of the sacrifice of generations past.
Mid Term Report Cards
On November 14th report cards will be distributed to all students. Report Card time will provide all families a chance to follow up on the meetings held back in early October and to check the progress of their child at the mid term point in Semester One. If any parent has concerns or questions around the report cards I would ask that you please contact the Teacher in question (via email or phone) at your earliest convenience. Regardless of the grade appearing on the report card there is always a chance to make significant improvements in a course.
Senior News
Late November is also the time of the year that our senior students begin to finalize their post secondary planning. It is natural that a student will experience increased stress as a result of their multitude of choices. Mr. Pope and his Student Services team are available to assist students in their decision making. Please don't hesitate to contact the school should you have any questions about how you can best help your son or daughter navigate the next few months. While the final date for submission to the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) is early in January I strongly encourage all students to use a self-imposed deadline of December 17th for completing their on-line application. For students considering out of province applications please make certain you are following the application deadlines set by the various colleges and universities (many of which are January to early March).
Winter Reminders
a) please drive carefully in and around the school. A little extra patience helps us all.
b) please check the HDSB web site for any news around inclement weather and school closures
c) it's ok to insist that your child wears a coat to school!!! As a parent of a teen myself I know they think they know ... (a lot) but we know they haven't mastered every skill just yet!
d) please let us know (in the main office) if you know of a family that is going through a difficult time. Thanks to the generosity of the community we are able to help out in times of need.
Monday 27 October 2014
Mid Term is approaching quickly !!!
PARENTS:
Thank you to everyone who came out to our first Parents' Night of the year. The fall parents' night is always well attended and this year attendance was outstanding. According to some long time OT families they could not recall a more crowded night than last Thursday. I know that some people were disappointed that they may not have been able to speak with a staff member and so I encourage anyone to please follow-up with a direct e-mail in order to connect with your child's teacher.
This year we did try a new format for Parents' Night. Instead of waiting until after mid term reports (usually around late November) we chose to hold our event shortly after 5th Week Reports. It is our hope that the earlier meeting will help parents, students, and teachers alike as we will all hopefully be on the same page when it comes to expectations, etc. around all courses.
If you have some thoughts on the new format please don't hesitate to share them with me at your convenience. We are open to revising the timing and the format with a goal of providing all families an opportunity to connect with your child's teachers.
SPORTING NEWS:
As we move through October a number of fall activities are starting to build energy and excitement around the school. Last Friday afternoon a football doubleheader was very well attended by students and parents. Our Football teams acquitted themselves very well with the senior game being incredibly exciting. The game went in to overtime (a real rarity in HS Football) and the game ended in a tie (vs. Aquinas) despite the excellent effort of all players.
In Volleyball action both of our boys teams have been playing very well. Our Junior squad has become much more competitive and they have notched a couple of recent wins! The Senior team continues to play well with a series of great wins over the past few weeks. Both teams are gearing up for a playoff run and we look forward to some more excitement in the coming weeks.
Our Junior and Senior Girls Field Hockey Teams are continuing the excellent tradition of success. While the Junior Team has struggled a bit of late they are entering the playoffs tomorrow (Tuesday, October 21) with a Quarter Final match at Bronte Field. The Senior Girls have had a strong season and they are entering the final week of the season with the goal of a playoff run approaching soon.
Mr. Sargant has a group of energetic Cross Country runners tearing up the trails this fall. We have a few runners who will be making a serious charge for an OFSAA berth when they take to the trails next week in the Regional Finals.
AROUND THE SCHOOL:
I'm continually amazed at the great spirit here at OT. Our students are engaged in a number of charitable causes all with an eye to helping locally and globally. These last few weeks we've witnessed our Grade 10 Civics classes raising money for a host of wonderful causes. Whether it's for a local Women's Shelter or participating in Me to We events many students across the school are contributing their time, energy, and effort to help others. Well done OT !!!
This past weekend our Robotics Team travelled to Rochester, New York for their first competition of the year. As we've grown to expect the team captured two awards for their excellent effort. The Robotics Team is again one of OT's largest groups and I'm looking forward to watching their success as they prepare for future competitions around the province.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Oct. 30 Halloween Movie Night
Nov. 4 Parent Connections Evening
Nov. 5 Take your kid to work Day
Nov. 13 School Council
Nov. 14 Mid Term Report Cards distributed
Nov. 20 Open Mic Night (in the Theatre)
Nov. 24 Full Disclosure Date
Nov. 27 Grade 8 Parents' Night
Thank you to everyone who came out to our first Parents' Night of the year. The fall parents' night is always well attended and this year attendance was outstanding. According to some long time OT families they could not recall a more crowded night than last Thursday. I know that some people were disappointed that they may not have been able to speak with a staff member and so I encourage anyone to please follow-up with a direct e-mail in order to connect with your child's teacher.
This year we did try a new format for Parents' Night. Instead of waiting until after mid term reports (usually around late November) we chose to hold our event shortly after 5th Week Reports. It is our hope that the earlier meeting will help parents, students, and teachers alike as we will all hopefully be on the same page when it comes to expectations, etc. around all courses.
If you have some thoughts on the new format please don't hesitate to share them with me at your convenience. We are open to revising the timing and the format with a goal of providing all families an opportunity to connect with your child's teachers.
SPORTING NEWS:
As we move through October a number of fall activities are starting to build energy and excitement around the school. Last Friday afternoon a football doubleheader was very well attended by students and parents. Our Football teams acquitted themselves very well with the senior game being incredibly exciting. The game went in to overtime (a real rarity in HS Football) and the game ended in a tie (vs. Aquinas) despite the excellent effort of all players.
In Volleyball action both of our boys teams have been playing very well. Our Junior squad has become much more competitive and they have notched a couple of recent wins! The Senior team continues to play well with a series of great wins over the past few weeks. Both teams are gearing up for a playoff run and we look forward to some more excitement in the coming weeks.
Our Junior and Senior Girls Field Hockey Teams are continuing the excellent tradition of success. While the Junior Team has struggled a bit of late they are entering the playoffs tomorrow (Tuesday, October 21) with a Quarter Final match at Bronte Field. The Senior Girls have had a strong season and they are entering the final week of the season with the goal of a playoff run approaching soon.
Mr. Sargant has a group of energetic Cross Country runners tearing up the trails this fall. We have a few runners who will be making a serious charge for an OFSAA berth when they take to the trails next week in the Regional Finals.
AROUND THE SCHOOL:
I'm continually amazed at the great spirit here at OT. Our students are engaged in a number of charitable causes all with an eye to helping locally and globally. These last few weeks we've witnessed our Grade 10 Civics classes raising money for a host of wonderful causes. Whether it's for a local Women's Shelter or participating in Me to We events many students across the school are contributing their time, energy, and effort to help others. Well done OT !!!
This past weekend our Robotics Team travelled to Rochester, New York for their first competition of the year. As we've grown to expect the team captured two awards for their excellent effort. The Robotics Team is again one of OT's largest groups and I'm looking forward to watching their success as they prepare for future competitions around the province.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Oct. 30 Halloween Movie Night
Nov. 4 Parent Connections Evening
Nov. 5 Take your kid to work Day
Nov. 13 School Council
Nov. 14 Mid Term Report Cards distributed
Nov. 20 Open Mic Night (in the Theatre)
Nov. 24 Full Disclosure Date
Nov. 27 Grade 8 Parents' Night
Friday 10 October 2014
#4 - ....rolling into Fall
With the Thanksgiving weekend holiday fast approaching it's amazing to think we've already completed one month of a new school year! Before another week goes by I want to remind all families of a simple slogan that has been used here at school for the past couple of years: "Everybody, every day!"
As busy as we all can get with work load expectations; community activities and club sports; or even with part time jobs, it is amazing to see how absenteeism eats away at student success in high school. Thank you for your continued efforts to ensure that your child is attending school each and every day......for each and every period. There will always be times when an absence cannot be avoided and we will continue to work with all students who may be forced to miss a class; a full day; or even a week. That being said every missed class adds a level of challenge for even the strongest, most motivated student.
Thank you for encouraging your child to continue communicating with their Teacher throughout the semester regarding any difficulty or challenge that may develop. Open communication will help avoid challenging and stressful situations that could develop around heavy evaluation periods. Access Teacher websites to stay up to speed with all classroom expectations (especially key dates for assignments, tests. and quizzes).
Our first Parents' Night is quickly approaching. Thursday, October 16th will provide parents with an opportunity to check in with their child's progress to date. Although it is early in a semester we really enjoy the opportunity to connect with parents at this point in time - especially if there are concerns emerging. Parents' Night is held at the end of the first third of a semester so there is an abundance of time to address concerns and remedy any early struggles.
Teachers will have between 5 and 10 minutes to meet with individual families. If you believe more time is required please don't hesitate to exchange contact information with a Teacher and set up a follow-up appointment at a mutually convenient date and time. I look forward to meeting many parents on the 16th.
Key Dates in October
As busy as we all can get with work load expectations; community activities and club sports; or even with part time jobs, it is amazing to see how absenteeism eats away at student success in high school. Thank you for your continued efforts to ensure that your child is attending school each and every day......for each and every period. There will always be times when an absence cannot be avoided and we will continue to work with all students who may be forced to miss a class; a full day; or even a week. That being said every missed class adds a level of challenge for even the strongest, most motivated student.
Thank you for encouraging your child to continue communicating with their Teacher throughout the semester regarding any difficulty or challenge that may develop. Open communication will help avoid challenging and stressful situations that could develop around heavy evaluation periods. Access Teacher websites to stay up to speed with all classroom expectations (especially key dates for assignments, tests. and quizzes).
Our first Parents' Night is quickly approaching. Thursday, October 16th will provide parents with an opportunity to check in with their child's progress to date. Although it is early in a semester we really enjoy the opportunity to connect with parents at this point in time - especially if there are concerns emerging. Parents' Night is held at the end of the first third of a semester so there is an abundance of time to address concerns and remedy any early struggles.
Teachers will have between 5 and 10 minutes to meet with individual families. If you believe more time is required please don't hesitate to exchange contact information with a Teacher and set up a follow-up appointment at a mutually convenient date and time. I look forward to meeting many parents on the 16th.
Key Dates in October
- October 3rd 5th Week Reports - emailed to all Gr.9's + Gr.10's-12's who are experiencing challenges over the first month
- October 10th PD Day (no school)
- October 15th Post Secondary Information Fair
- October 16th Parents' Night (6:30-9:00 pm)
Tuesday 23 September 2014
....a few weeks in...
With three weeks completed a routine has developed here at school as classes are moving along and many clubs and activities are well underway. This week finds us getting ready for a few events that recognize academic success from the past school year: Excellence Night and our Honours Breakfast; and a school-wide assembly on Friday that kicks off our Relay for Life Campaign.
Each of these events has required a great deal of organization and involvement. Thank you to our wonderful office staff for all of their work (Excellence Night and Honours Breakfast) and to Ms. Hanley and Ms. Logan for their work with our Relay for Life group.
Red Devil teams are competing (and winning) on the playing fields across Halton this week. Our powerhouse field hockey teams are looking to replicate success from past seasons. Our Senior Boys Football team opened the season with a big win over White Oaks last week while our Juniors lost their opener to Abbey Park. Cross Country runners are competing in a number of competitions this fall and we look forward to some great success. Volleyball kicks off this week so stay tuned for results in the weeks to come.
Thank you to the parents of our grade 9 students who came out to Parents' Night last Thursday. I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to connect with your child's Teachers. Please don't hesitate to contact the school should any concerns emerge over the semester.
Coming soon we will be sharing our 5th Week Reports. These reports provide a quick snapshot of how the semester has begun for all students. ALL Grade 9 students will receive an E-MAILED 5th Week Report from each of their child's Teachers. For Grade 10 through 12 5th Week Reports are mandatory for any student who is struggling with the early weeks of the semester.
Reports will be sent out on October 3rd and parents (of grade 9 students especially) should be asking their sons/daughters about any reports. Many staff will e-mail a markbook printout to all families as a method of providing an update - even if a student is not struggling.
E-mailing reports is a new process for some of our staff and so there may be some challenges. Last year OTHS spent over $1,500.00 on postage (for these kind of reports) alone and we would prefer to re-direct those funds toward improving access for students to new technology (Chromebooks; Mounted projectors; etc.). It is my hope that we will expand the use of e-mailing parents with interim progress reports and save the printing and posting expense for the more formal report cards at mid-term and semester end.
Post Secondary Update:
Mr. Pope and his Guidance Team will be hosting a couple of University information sessions here at OT. On Wednesday, September 24th (6:00-9:00 p.m.) we are hosting a U.S. College information session (Library) and then on Wednesday, October 15th a Canadian College and University Fair will take place throughout the day (Atrium).
Elections:
With the Municipal election approaching OTHS is hosting an All-Candidates Night on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 p.m. (Cafeteria).
......until next time....
Each of these events has required a great deal of organization and involvement. Thank you to our wonderful office staff for all of their work (Excellence Night and Honours Breakfast) and to Ms. Hanley and Ms. Logan for their work with our Relay for Life group.
Red Devil teams are competing (and winning) on the playing fields across Halton this week. Our powerhouse field hockey teams are looking to replicate success from past seasons. Our Senior Boys Football team opened the season with a big win over White Oaks last week while our Juniors lost their opener to Abbey Park. Cross Country runners are competing in a number of competitions this fall and we look forward to some great success. Volleyball kicks off this week so stay tuned for results in the weeks to come.
Thank you to the parents of our grade 9 students who came out to Parents' Night last Thursday. I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to connect with your child's Teachers. Please don't hesitate to contact the school should any concerns emerge over the semester.
Coming soon we will be sharing our 5th Week Reports. These reports provide a quick snapshot of how the semester has begun for all students. ALL Grade 9 students will receive an E-MAILED 5th Week Report from each of their child's Teachers. For Grade 10 through 12 5th Week Reports are mandatory for any student who is struggling with the early weeks of the semester.
Reports will be sent out on October 3rd and parents (of grade 9 students especially) should be asking their sons/daughters about any reports. Many staff will e-mail a markbook printout to all families as a method of providing an update - even if a student is not struggling.
E-mailing reports is a new process for some of our staff and so there may be some challenges. Last year OTHS spent over $1,500.00 on postage (for these kind of reports) alone and we would prefer to re-direct those funds toward improving access for students to new technology (Chromebooks; Mounted projectors; etc.). It is my hope that we will expand the use of e-mailing parents with interim progress reports and save the printing and posting expense for the more formal report cards at mid-term and semester end.
Post Secondary Update:
Mr. Pope and his Guidance Team will be hosting a couple of University information sessions here at OT. On Wednesday, September 24th (6:00-9:00 p.m.) we are hosting a U.S. College information session (Library) and then on Wednesday, October 15th a Canadian College and University Fair will take place throughout the day (Atrium).
Elections:
With the Municipal election approaching OTHS is hosting an All-Candidates Night on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 p.m. (Cafeteria).
......until next time....
Monday 8 September 2014
Post #2 - A great first week !!!
September 8, 2014
Last week wrapped up with a fantastic Club Fair in the Atrium during both lunch hours. Multiple clubs set up displays and shared their enthusiasm and passion for a host of activities ranging from our fabulous Robotics Club to new clubs like the Manga Club and Sailing Club. It was a great opportunity for our grade 9 students to see just how much opportunity exists for 'getting involved' in the club culture at Oakville Trafalgar. Please check with your son, or daughter, and ask if they have found a club of interest.
Our Student Services department has been scrambling all week to help students set schedules that match their interest and ability level. Thank you to Mr. Pope and the whole Student Services team for their diligence and commitment to kids.
It looks like our Athletic Teams are starting to take shape. It was looking touch and go for a couple of days as Mr. Gruber worked the staff room to ensure that OT continued to field teams in all fall sports. I have even signed Mr. Sampson, Ms. Cammisuli, and myself up to coordinate the Golf Team!!! I'm hoping the players have their games in shape (to withstand our coaching!). Competition should be getting underway in all sports by next week and we're all looking forward to another excellent season by Red Devil teams. Thank you to our student athletes and to the staff who spend upwards of 6-10 hours per week over the course of their season working on a sport they love.
Mr. Curtis has been encouraging students to join in with the OTHS Concert Band as well as some other ensembles. It will be great to hear our talented musicians over the course of the year. OTHS has also been able to hire Ms. Kendra Chow to teach our full year Vocal Music class. Ms. Chow is very well regarded across the board and together with Mr. Curtis I know that OTHS Music is in wonderful shape.
As classes begin to develop, and the weeks begin to roll together, I encourage all families (veterans and rookies alike) to continue asking your son/daughter "how was school today?" As a parent of a teen myself I know that this is usually met by a one or two word answer however it is important to ask. Additionally I would encourage you to not hesitate to check in on our teacher web sites as they contain a great deal of information (calenders, test dates, lesson notes, etc.) that will help every student stay on top of their school work.
For any parent interested in becoming a member of our Parent Council I would like to invite you to our Information Evening this coming Thursday at 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Staff Room to review last year and coordinate the process for this coming school year.
Our first formal communication home will occur at our 5th Week Reports (October 3). All grade 9 students will receive a 5th Week Report (a very early indication of a student's progress to date). For students in Grade 10, 11, and 12 reports are mandatory for any student who has a grade of less than 60% (other reports may be e-mailed home at the discretion of the teacher). These early reports are a quick snapshot of the few assessments or projects that are completed in September and are meant as an early check-in. In this way we work to proactively correct early warning signs before they become significant challenges.
Last week wrapped up with a fantastic Club Fair in the Atrium during both lunch hours. Multiple clubs set up displays and shared their enthusiasm and passion for a host of activities ranging from our fabulous Robotics Club to new clubs like the Manga Club and Sailing Club. It was a great opportunity for our grade 9 students to see just how much opportunity exists for 'getting involved' in the club culture at Oakville Trafalgar. Please check with your son, or daughter, and ask if they have found a club of interest.
Our Student Services department has been scrambling all week to help students set schedules that match their interest and ability level. Thank you to Mr. Pope and the whole Student Services team for their diligence and commitment to kids.
It looks like our Athletic Teams are starting to take shape. It was looking touch and go for a couple of days as Mr. Gruber worked the staff room to ensure that OT continued to field teams in all fall sports. I have even signed Mr. Sampson, Ms. Cammisuli, and myself up to coordinate the Golf Team!!! I'm hoping the players have their games in shape (to withstand our coaching!). Competition should be getting underway in all sports by next week and we're all looking forward to another excellent season by Red Devil teams. Thank you to our student athletes and to the staff who spend upwards of 6-10 hours per week over the course of their season working on a sport they love.
Mr. Curtis has been encouraging students to join in with the OTHS Concert Band as well as some other ensembles. It will be great to hear our talented musicians over the course of the year. OTHS has also been able to hire Ms. Kendra Chow to teach our full year Vocal Music class. Ms. Chow is very well regarded across the board and together with Mr. Curtis I know that OTHS Music is in wonderful shape.
As classes begin to develop, and the weeks begin to roll together, I encourage all families (veterans and rookies alike) to continue asking your son/daughter "how was school today?" As a parent of a teen myself I know that this is usually met by a one or two word answer however it is important to ask. Additionally I would encourage you to not hesitate to check in on our teacher web sites as they contain a great deal of information (calenders, test dates, lesson notes, etc.) that will help every student stay on top of their school work.
For any parent interested in becoming a member of our Parent Council I would like to invite you to our Information Evening this coming Thursday at 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Staff Room to review last year and coordinate the process for this coming school year.
Our first formal communication home will occur at our 5th Week Reports (October 3). All grade 9 students will receive a 5th Week Report (a very early indication of a student's progress to date). For students in Grade 10, 11, and 12 reports are mandatory for any student who has a grade of less than 60% (other reports may be e-mailed home at the discretion of the teacher). These early reports are a quick snapshot of the few assessments or projects that are completed in September and are meant as an early check-in. In this way we work to proactively correct early warning signs before they become significant challenges.
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Opening Week....
September 2, 2014
Welcome to a new school year!
I am very excited to be joining the OTHS community and have heard many excellent comments about the students, staff, and parent support for education from Ms. Hunt-Gibbons and from Mr. Bert O'Hearn.
The school year officially kicked off this morning with our new grade 9 students meeting their senior Link Leaders, and staff sponsors, for some fun welcome activities. Returning students filed in to start a condensed schedule with 45 minute classes at 11:45 a.m.. Full days begin on Wednesday and we're looking forward to a smooth transition from summer holidays.
Some special thanks to our wonderful office staff who have spent the better part of the last three weeks getting ready for our opening day. As well thank you to the Student Services department for their extra work last week as they helped with new registrations as well as with scheduling issues for returning students.
As you can imagine this week will be a busy one for your student. Fall athletic teams have begun their tryouts and we'll soon see Clubs and Council activities pick up. Students with a passion for the arts will begin to hear about plans for various Music and Drama ensembles and productions in the weeks to come.
The Red Devil Council has a number of events planned for this year and we encourage all students to look for a way to become involved in school activities outside of the classroom. Following your passion (whatever that might be) is a sure fire way to increase your enjoyment of high school.
Miscellaneous:
- This year we are going to try to minimize interruptions of class time via 'all call' announcements and other regular distractions. If you are dropping off something in the main office for your student we will endeavour to contact them as quickly as possible. Thank you for sending them a text/bbm/etc. to let your child know that you have dropped something off for them in the office.
- Our online pre-registration process was not as successful as we hoped (less than 30%). As a result we will likely have to send home a few reminders over the opening week(s) in order to gather all of the required student/family information needed.
Upcoming School Events:
Friday, September 5 - Photo Day
Thursday, Sept. 11 - School Council Information Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 18 - Grade 9 Program Night
Thursday, Sept. 25 - Awards Night and Newcomers Night
Friday, September 26 - Honour Roll Breakfast
Thank you for your continued support.
John
Welcome to a new school year!
I am very excited to be joining the OTHS community and have heard many excellent comments about the students, staff, and parent support for education from Ms. Hunt-Gibbons and from Mr. Bert O'Hearn.
The school year officially kicked off this morning with our new grade 9 students meeting their senior Link Leaders, and staff sponsors, for some fun welcome activities. Returning students filed in to start a condensed schedule with 45 minute classes at 11:45 a.m.. Full days begin on Wednesday and we're looking forward to a smooth transition from summer holidays.
Some special thanks to our wonderful office staff who have spent the better part of the last three weeks getting ready for our opening day. As well thank you to the Student Services department for their extra work last week as they helped with new registrations as well as with scheduling issues for returning students.
As you can imagine this week will be a busy one for your student. Fall athletic teams have begun their tryouts and we'll soon see Clubs and Council activities pick up. Students with a passion for the arts will begin to hear about plans for various Music and Drama ensembles and productions in the weeks to come.
The Red Devil Council has a number of events planned for this year and we encourage all students to look for a way to become involved in school activities outside of the classroom. Following your passion (whatever that might be) is a sure fire way to increase your enjoyment of high school.
Miscellaneous:
- This year we are going to try to minimize interruptions of class time via 'all call' announcements and other regular distractions. If you are dropping off something in the main office for your student we will endeavour to contact them as quickly as possible. Thank you for sending them a text/bbm/etc. to let your child know that you have dropped something off for them in the office.
- Our online pre-registration process was not as successful as we hoped (less than 30%). As a result we will likely have to send home a few reminders over the opening week(s) in order to gather all of the required student/family information needed.
Upcoming School Events:
Friday, September 5 - Photo Day
Thursday, Sept. 11 - School Council Information Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 18 - Grade 9 Program Night
Thursday, Sept. 25 - Awards Night and Newcomers Night
Friday, September 26 - Honour Roll Breakfast
Thank you for your continued support.
John
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