2524 Bromsgrove Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5J 1L8
P 905-822-6700
In this Issue
Messages from various students
and parents
1
Library
2
Arts
3
Business, English
4
Math and Languages
5
Health and Phys. Ed.
6
Science, Social Sciences 8
SHSM, Student Services 9
School News
10-17
Important Reminders
August 18-22
Peel Academy student
registrations
August 26
School Registration Day
8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
PALS Tours
8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 2
First Day of Classes
@clarksoncharger
www.peelschools.org/international
F 905-822-6896
www.clarksonss.ca
June 2014
TheThe
Clarkson
Community
Newsletter
Clarkson
Community
Newsletter
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS, PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE ONTARIO
SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TEST
Literacy is a gift for life. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (“OSSLT”) provides parents, guardians and
educators with transparent information about the reading and writing skills students are expected to have
acquired in all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the OSSLT is one of the 32
requirements for a high-school diploma. Results will be sent home with June 2014 report cards.
Library
Clarkson's library continues to
support our 21st century
learners. The library is a hub of
teaching
expertise
where
classroom teachers and teacherlibrarians work collaboratively to
bring the best to their students.
We use a combination of
excellent
resources
and
technologies to support our
diverse learning population.
I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.
-Jorge Luis Borges
From traditional print resources,
to electronic books, databases
and tablets, we are on a journey
of growth as we work to create a
space where Clarkson's student
and
teaching
community
thrives. We look forward to
seeing students back in the
library in September 2014!
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
Arts Department
We’ve been busy in the drama studios this
semester! Students have worked on
enhancing communication skills,
working with masks, exploring
characters, writing scripts
and of course, acting!
Congratulations to all
grade levels as they
demonstrated
a
solid
understanding
of
theatre
through their Anthology, Collective, and
Docudrama creations. Have a great summer
everyone!
Attention all aspiring playwrights! Once again
Clarkson is looking forward to submitting entries
to the annual Studentwrights drama festival the
week of November 24th. If you are interested in
submitting a play, why not start writing this
summer? The work must be between 5 – 20
minutes in length. Listen to the announcements
in September for further details! Write-on
everyone!
Photography
Clarkson’s Photography department is growing.
Next year, the photography department will
grow to a total of 5 classes, which is a marked
improvement from the current 2 classes! Part of
the department’s growth is due to the 2 new
grade 12 yearbook courses. Mr. Zimmer and his
students can’t wait to get started on next year’s
yearbook. Also, Clarkson photography won all 4
categories for the Capture Clarkson photography
contest. Congratulations to our 1 former and 3
current students for their outstanding success
(Bessie Yu, Aneequa Ahmed, Neil Maguire and
Antonio Dasilva-Ennew, respectively). Lastly, the
photography department bought 2 Nikon D3100’s
and a large, wall size, white screen to further its
success with its courses and new yearbook
endeavour. As always, the art/photography
department is looking for new and interesting
ways to display student work; competitions,
events and shows are always important venues
for students to display their work.
June 2014
Visual Arts
As summer approaches we are able to look back
and reflect on the art of the past year. We truly
have talent among us. I am pleased to say the
grade nines this semester finished a large scale
drawing and a few grace the Parent-Council
frames in the hallway. We have increased the
scale of some of our work and are excited to see
the mural in the cafe finished. All of the students
have created memorable pieces and some will
remain over the summer for display in the case at
the front of the school. The art room is graced
with apple paintings and the final art of the grade
11 and 12 class. If you would like to pick up your
work, please do so in the art room.
Changes to the art room for next year will include
a new addition to the art department with Mr.
Zimmer teaching the photography classes a new
teacher joining our mix and I will remain part of
guidance along with a few art courses. Our
students are busy getting me ready to share our
art using Instagram and other technology. It is
amazing to see how the artwork gets such a
quick and positive reaction.
Take the time this summer to fill those
sketchbooks with drawings and photographs,
paintings and sketches to use for inspiration in
your work next year. Be safe, be creative. I look
forward to seeing you in room 126 in the fall. To
my graduates this year I say a fond farewell with
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!" you have certainly left a
strong impression with Clarkson.
Music
Congratulations to the Music Chargers on an
AMAZING
Spring
Concert! The Choir's
performance of Everybody Wants to Rule the
World took us back to the 80's, and
Michael Jackson's Black or
White
had
the
audience on its feet.
The Concert Band hit
like
a
truck
with professionalPage 3
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
level arrangements of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts
Club Band, Fantasy Adventure at the Movies and
The Blues Brothers. Our solo performers were
fantastic, and our AMV class gave an inspiring
note-perfect rendition of Avril Lavigne's Keep
Holding On - the first such class to perform in 5
years! Many thanks to the Music Council for
putting together a terrific show.
With off-the-hook pizza parties and theatre trips
to We Will Rock You, the Music Department is an
exciting place to be with some of the most
talented and hard-working students at CSS. The
caliber of performance is the highest it's ever
been, and it's only going to get better with Mr.
Zimmer coming aboard. Many thanks to staff and
Administration for their outstanding support, and
we look forward to another great year in 2014/15!
Business/Technology
Department
News from the Technology Department
Mr. Petsinis and Mr. Morettin continue to
produce some amazing Manufacturing Specialist
students. Mr. Petsinis’s classes are becoming
masters at using the CNC Milling Machine while
Mr. Morettin’s class honed their skills at using a
3D printer. As a year-end highlight, Mr. Morettin
and Mr. Petsinis used a field trip to Canada’s
Wonderland to illustrate different Manufacturing
skills.
Mr. Drake and Mr. Manny’s Grade Nine students
launched their self-made Dragsters for the right
to claim title to Clarkson’s fastest cars. Mr.
Drake’s computer classes worked hard at
learning how to use different software packages.
Mr. Manny has been busy with some excellent
projects in both the Wood Shop and Auto Shop.
Some phenomenal chairs and desks were created
by his students. Mr. Manny was responsible for
helping the local community out by designing and
building a portable lemonade stand and multiple
display boards.
June 2014
News from the Business Department
Ms. Bakyta has had a wonderful impact on the
business department and its’ students. She did
some incredible work with Photoshop, redesigned and decorated Room 212, and was a
significant contributor to Clarkson’s Breakfast
Club. Ms. Bakyta was also instrumental in
arranging for a field-trip to the Toyota plant.
Mr. Lethbridge and Ms. Wong would like to say
“Thank you” and “Good Luck” to our graduating
students.
This graduating class had some
wonderful students.
We wish everyone a Safe and Happy summer
holiday!!
English
Comings and Goings
In September, we will welcome two new
teachers to the English department, to replace
two of our long-time members. We are very sad
to see Ms. Poynter retire after 28 years at
Clarkson and 32 years of teaching in total. She has
been an inspiration to young teachers and
students, and we wish her well in her retirement.
Mrs. Pedersen-Brown will be staying at Clarkson,
but leaving the English department to work in
Special Education, specifically in the Contact
program.
Over the summer months, the rest of the
department members will be prepping new
novels for our courses, including The Graveyard
Book, 419, Tomorrow When the War Began, The
Maze Runner, Looking for Alaska, The Book Thief,
and for our English/ESL/International students In
The Sea There are Crocodiles, Shaken, The Wave
and some new short plays.
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
Mathematics
Congratulations to the following students for
their outstanding performances in the Fryer,
Galois, Hypatia and Euclid Math contests.
Fryer (Grade 9):
School Champion Medal
Qisheng Xia
Certificate of Distinction
Qisheng Xia and Grace Fennelly
Galois (Grade 10)
School Champions Medal
Yuchen Miao
Certificate of Distinction
Yuchen Miao and He Cory
Hypatia (Grade 11):
School Champion Medal
Wentao Xu
Certificate of Distinction
Wentao Xu
Euclid ( Grade 12)
School Champion Medal
Ingyuan Gao
Certificate of Distinction
Ingyuan Gao, Qinyu Lei, Chuanhui Li, Shaoyu Tan
Students who participate in the
Canadian
National Mathematics League (CNML) contests
are expected to write a total of six contests over
the academic year. Our top performer this year is
Harneet Singh. Special mention goes to William
Xu, Kylin Lei, Jessica Li, Ayman Lyaghfouri and
Sania Wadalia for their mathematical endurance.
Over the 2013-2014 school year, extra help in
mathematics was available to all grades 9 and 10
students every Tuesday and Thursday during the
lunch period. This support was made possible
because of a small group of grade 11 and 12
students
(Math
Senior
Scholars)
who
volunteered their time and mathematical
June 2014
expertise. A special thank you to our Math Senior
Scholars: Purawai Vyas, Brianne Laverty, William
Tran, Aneequa Ahmed, Zeahaa Rehman, Zen Yan,
Christopher Watts, Justin Nandlall, Leyla
Magamodova, Della Giguere and Martin Ciuraj.
We also take this opportunity to recognize
Abdullah Soltan and Daniel Scarlett who
volunteered to help their peers in the MCR 3U
course during their lunch period.
Students in Mr. Kittel, Mr. Camarena and Mr.
Ramsay’s MCV 4U classes combined work and
fun on their trip to Canada Wonderland this
semester.
The teachers in the math department take this
opportunity to congratulate the graduates who
were presented with Grade 12 Math Awards for
their outstanding performance in their specific
courses.
Languages Department
Bonjour! ¡Hola!
Students worked hard on
improving their language
skills, and their hard work
has had its rewards. Students studying
Spanish had a fantastic time making
piñatas and Señora Loutrianakis enjoyed
cooking tasty traditional Hispanic food with her
classes!
Délicieux! ¡Olé!
On May 26th, grade 9 French students (immersion
and core) enjoyed hot homemade crêpes and a
movie at our very own Café français. C'était si
bon! In April, Madame Loutrianakis, Mme Smiley
and Mme Gerulath's brought a lucky group of
students to le Papillon restaurant downtown
Toronto to enjoy some authentic French cuisine
and a fun scavenger hunt in the St Lawrence
Market. Comme on s’amuse dans le departement
de
français!
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Modern Languages department, jointly with
the Social Science department also jetted off to
Europe for our Clarkson Senior trip. Our Chargers
were exemplary travelers and enjoyed their
incredible opportunity to practice their foreign
language skills in France, Belgium and the
Netherlands.
The Toronto French Contest is a great
opportunity for grade 12 students studying
French as a Second Language to win prizes and
scholarships. All secondary schools in the City of
Toronto or in the Peel, Durham and York regions
are invited to enter their top students from Core
Plus/Core French and Immersion/Extended
French. This year, we were well represented by
Kathryne Boreham, Jazzmine Kosmal and Tianna
Damario. Special congratulations to Tianna for
winning a Prix d'Excellence in the category of
Extended/Immersion. Bravo!
The Ontario Secondary Schools Spanish Contest
likewise invites students of all levels (beginner,
intermediate, advanced and native) to compete
against other students from across the province.
In all categories (but one) we scored in the top
ten. Congratulations to Cynthia, Natalia, Allison
and Zeahaa and thank you for representing our
school and our languages department.
¡Felicitaciones!
Clarkson Chargers continued their fantastic work
at the Concours d'art Oratoire cette année.
Ayman Lyagfouri, Dylan Matthews, Kathryne
Boreham and Arielle Lynn proudly represented
Clarkson with their phenomenal speeches.
Congratulations to all and special mention to
Arielle Lynn who progressed to the Provincial
level! Félicitations tout le monde!
Our French club, Cercle d'amis experienced some
treats from different francophone countries at
their year-end party. Québécois cheeses,
croissants, and French chocolates were among
the "taste of the culture". In addition, students
sang along to music by Stromae and Coeur de
Pirate. On adore célébrer la culture francophone
variée! Throughout the year, we have been
brainstorming new ways to attract students to
June 2014
the modern language courses and get them
involved in languages. Thoughtful planning of a
new display case and creative ideas of different
ways to experience francophone culture will be
put into action for the 2014-2015 school year! All
students are welcome to join Cercle d'amis
whether enrolled in a French course or just
looking to have some fun in another language!
Venez vous-en!
Many thanks to our fantastique French Senior
Scholars (Natalia, Georgia, Kristen, Arleana,
Tianna, Rosalyn and Allison) who regularly made
themselves available to provide extra help to
students studying French. Students can focus on
a variety of areas such as improving grammar,
writing skills, pronunciation and reading
comprehension skills. We will be up and running
again in the Fall of 2014. We are available every
Tuesday and Thursday in room 217, from 11:20
a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Please see Mme Gerulath if
you are interested in being a French Senior
Scholar this Fall or if you are looking for extra
help.
Bonnes vacances! ¡Buenas vacaciones!
Health and Physical
Education
Spring Sports
This spring Clarkson competed in the following
ROPSSAA sports:
badminton, senior boys’
cricket, varsity boys’ baseball, girls’ slo-pitch,
track and field and both boys’ and girls’ senior
soccer. Clarkson also offered co-ed ultimate
Frisbee as a new sport this year. Special
congratulations go out to the varsity boys'
baseball team that participated in the ROPSSAA
Tier 1 play-offs this year. They lost an 11-8 thriller
to Mayfield in the quarter-finals.
OFSAA Track and Field Participants
2014 was a wet and cold track season, but our 37
team members showed true grit at the meets
they attended. The first one was cancelled due to
inclement weather.
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
At the next one, the St. Marcellinus meet, Liam
Kelton came 1st in the M.B. 400 with a time of
58.33. There were three seconds--Myles Abreo in
J.B. 1500, Romello Taylor in S.B. high jump, and
Robbie Toth in M.B. triple jump. In third place
was Zack Knight in S.B. long jump and Jazmin
Bailey in M.G. high jump. There were three 4th
place winners- Rachel Clark in S.G. 3000, Sophie
D'Acunto-Tanner in M.G. shot put, and Romello
Taylor in S.B. long jump. In the M.G. relay, Izzie,
Rachel, Chelsie and Nakita sped around the track.
In J.G. relay, Fawzia, Jordyn, Karizzma and Zoe
tore up the track.
The Blue and Gold meet was cold and extremely
rainy (27 cm)!. We came out shining with six gold
medals! In first place was: Arij Alarachi in J.G.
100,Chris Smith in S.B. 100, Liam Kelton in
M.B.400, Karizzma Taylor in M.G. 400, Robbie
Toth in M.B. long jump and Rachel Clarke in S.G.
400. There were six silvers as well. They were:
Myles Abreo in J.B. 1500, Rachel Clark in S.G. 800,
Hannah Sharpe in steeplechase, Zack Knight in
S.B. long jump, and Romello Taylor coming in
second at both S.B. high jump and S.B. Getting
bronze were: Zack Knight in S.B. triple jump,
Summer Eltajii in M.G. high jump, Danny Bojic in
M.B. 400m and Kevin Gutzeit in M.B. 100. Fourth
place went to Shanel Bailey in S.G. 100, Sophia
D'Acunta Tanner in the 400, Sarah Pitoscia in J.G.
hurdles and Stephanie Hughes in the Open Girls’
Steeplechase. Fifth place went to Izzie Robinson
in M.G. shot put.
At the Phillip Pocock Throws and Jumps meet,
Jazmin Bailey came 1st in M.G. high jump. Liam
Kelton came 1st in M.B. long jump, while Robbie
Toth placed 1st in M.B. triple jump and second in
M.B. high jump.
Thirty-three athletes qualified for, and
participated at, R.O.P.S.S.A competing against
fifty-three schools at Chinguacousey Park. At the
finish line in first place was Liam Kelton with
54.64 in the M.B. 400. He came 2nd in M.B. long
jump, with a jump of 5.98 As well, Liam came 5th
with 1.55 in M.B. high jump. In M.G. high jump,
Margaret Wiecek came 4th with 1.35 while Jazmin
Bailey came 5th with 1.30. Robbie Toth came 3rd in
June 2014
M.B. pole vault with 2.45,and 3rd in M.B. triple
jump. Sarah Pitoscia came 3rd in J.G. pole vault,
and Rachel Clark came 2nd in S.G. 800. Romello
Taylor came 4th in S.B. high jump, jumping 1.85
meters. Many athletes attained their personal
best at this meet!
Then it was on to South Regionals, which was
held at St. Marcellinus. Our athletes earned their
spot there by qualifying in the top five at
ROPSSAA. On the first day, Sarah Pitoscia and
Robbie Toth participated in pole vault. Robbie
placed 6th. With an injury, Romello Taylor
managed to jump 185 cm., placing sixth in S.B.
high jump. Liam Kelton did a great job in long
jump, earning 2nd place with a jump of 6.04
(narrowly missing 1st by 2cm!). He went directly
from there to his 400m run, where he left all the
other runners in the dust, coming 1st with a time
of 54.59. On the second day, Liam Kelton and
Margaret Wiecek participated in high jump, and
Rachel Clark in the 800m run. Jazmin Bailey tied
for fourth with a personal best of 140 and had to
have a jump off, finishing 5th in M.G. high jump.
Robbie Toth placed a remarkable 2nd in M.B. triple
jump with a personal best of 11.90.
OFSSAA took place at St. Marcellinus, with our
athletes competing against the best in the
province. There, Liam Kelton ran in the fastest of
three heats in M.B. 400. He ran an amazing
personal best of 53.72. He qualified for the finals,
but was unable to run due to an injury. He
finished eighth in this event as well as in long
jump, with a jump of 5.83. Robbie Toth
represented Clarkson in M.B. triple jump, placing
16th in the province. Congratulations to these
dedicated athletes. Well done Chargers!
Mr. Walford and Ms. Maika would like to thank
Marissa Gale and Lakeya Tomlinson for their
invaluable work as team managers.
Athletic Banquet
The Clarkson Athletic association put together an
excellent awards banquet for all athletes. The
banquet was hosted at Otellos Banquet Hall on
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
May 28th, where athletes had the opportunity to
enjoy dinner, awards and dance.
Charger Athletic Awards
Many of our outstanding athletes were
recognized for their hard work and dedication. A
Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player
Award were presented to members of our teams.
Sixteen graduating Chargers were presented
with Athletic Letter Awards for their outstanding
contribution to Clarkson Athletics over their high
school career.
Special congratulations go out to our Athlete’s of
the Year:
Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Margaret Pham
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Myles Abreo
Senior Female Athletes of the Year
Rachel Clark and Jaclyn Morse
Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Romello Taylor
Science Department
Science classrooms were a hub of
activity with all the wonderful
work of students and teachers
engaged in their culminating
evaluations.
Our grade 10 science students participated in a
field trip to a local park to expose the students to
hands-on and experiential activities to bring
awareness and appreciation for the outdoors,
while relating classroom learning with real world
issues. While they were there, they managed to
plant 150 trees in an effort to preserve our local
natural environment! They participated in
fieldwork involving trees and classified species
and evaluated their health.
They also
participated in a nature hike where they learned
how to identify some native and invasive species
June 2014
and the kind of work that is being done to
preserve and control them.
As well, grade 10's and 11's visited the new
Ripley’s aquarium in Toronto.
A total of
approximately 170 students went down to view
the remarkable underwater living world!
Mr. Oikawa would like to congratulate his grade
11 physics students on their very creative and
well-designed roller coasters and his grade 12's on
their pasta bridges and catapults. Some of the
very creative themes this year were outer space
and fairy tales! Some new and interesting
materials were used to construct the roller
coasters this year.
In May, Adventures in Science students
presented to grade 6 students from Hillside on
many topics in science. The grade 6 students
attended seminars conducted by our Clarkson
students on topics that ranged from chemistry,
light and optics to the human body and the
digestive system. Students made silly putty,
simulated food being digested and participated in
glow in the dark light activities to enhance their
understanding of science in everyday life. Lots of
fun was had by all that participated!
Congratulations to our Clarkson students who
participated in this program. A job well done!
Social Sciences and
Family Studies
Department
As the 2013/2014 year comes to an end, we can
reflect on the year’s events. The Model UN Club
had a successful, albeit short season, and next
year they will hopefully be buttressed by the
addition of the Mock Trial Club.
Yet another very successful Spring Fling social
event, put on by the SAC committee and Ms.
Nadeau and Soczek of Family Studies, saw the
grade 8’s from our feeder schools getting to
know all of the benefits and charms of Clarkson!
A good time was had by all and many grades are
now looking forward to coming to Clarkson
instead of dreading high school.
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The 2014 Europe trip was a terrific experience for
all, students and teachers. The Clarkson gang
visited Amsterdam and the Anne Frank House
museum, Vimy Ridge, the Newfoundland
Memorial at Beaumont Hamel, The Juno Beach
Centre, Dieppe and other WW1 and WW2
monuments and memorials. The trip ended with
3½ fantastic days in Paris, the city of lights!
Versailles, the Louvre and of course la tour Eiffel
were only the highlights of an amazing visit!
Many
thanks
to
Mesdames Gerulath
and Heneault and Mr. Pearsell for their hard work
and support.
The 2015 Europe trip looks to be equally amazing,
starting in Paris, working through the WW1 and
WW2 monuments and memorials of northern
France and Belgium and finishing with 2 ½ days
in London, England! Planning for 2016 will start
shortly, so parents please remind students to
listen carefully to the announcements.
Lastly, it is the sad duty of this newsletter to
announce the departure of Mr. Brian Pearsell, our
senior social scientist, a gentleman, a scholar and
a master teacher. Mr. Pearsell has been teaching
for over 25 years, the last 14 at Clarkson
secondary and his impact on students and staff is
immeasurable. A teacher of great character and
compassion, Mr. Pearsell is well known for his dry
sense of humour and his willingness to learn as
much as he teaches.
Whether he was in his philosophy class
challenging students to consider exactly what it is
to be ethical or on a cold, rocky, windswept
beach in a small French town called Dieppe, Mr.
Pearsell does it all with great character,
compassion and an expectation that his students
will understand that even if they do not, he
believes that they can be successful. Mr. Pearsell
will be heartily missed and everyone at Clarkson
wishes him all the best, and hopefully he will not
be too much of a stranger.
June 2014
Specialist High
Skills Major
The grade 11 Technical Design students tested the
bridges they designed on Monday, June 16, 2014.
This was a banner year for the efficiency and load
weight of the bridges built. Technical drawings
reflected appropriate drafting techniques and
required
information.
The
students
demonstrated the ability to assess problems,
explain concepts in an organized manner, and
apply the design process to the design and
manufacture of their bridges. I am proud to
announce that the past record was broken by
one team and two other teams came very close
to surpassing the old record of 920lbs.
Congratulations to Michael Armellin and Zack
Knight. Their bridge held an amazing 1,140 lbs
before breaking. Two other bridges reach a
breaking weight of 890 lbs.
The average
breaking weight was in the 600 lbs. Well done to
all Specialist High Skills Major students for an
outstanding effort, achievement and overall
semester.
Student Services
Department
At this time of year, excitement is evident
everywhere as our grads prepare to move on
either to university, college, apprenticeships,
going directly into the work world , taking a ‘gap’
year and ‘travelling the world’ or returning to
Clarkson to take more courses. We are extremely
proud of all our grads and wish them the best of
luck in their future endeavours.
Included in this year’s Grade 11 student report
cards is a handout for parents which provides
them with important information and dates as
students get ready to research programs and
post-secondary options. This is a valuable
resource to keep attached to the fridge for
important dates such as University/College Fairs
and our own Post Secondary Pathways Fair. This
information can also be found on our website.
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The Clarkson Community Newsletter
Many of our students have
already signed up for new
summer school courses or
are retaking a course to
upgrade a mark. If a
student unexpectedly fails
a course you can go to the
walk-in registration at the
summer school location
that is hosting that
particular class. Information about
summer school can be found at www.peelsb.com
(Continuing Education) for Peel District School
Board locations and www.dpcdsb.org for the
Dufferin- Peel Catholic School Board. As well, we
are offering Camp I Can, at Elmcrest Public School,
as Clarkson is having some renovations
throughout the summer. This program is
specifically for students in Grades 9 or 10 who
have failed an applied course where they spend
part of the morning recovering their credit and
the other half in a summer camp environment.
A major focus of Student Services has been
Mental Health Awareness and Literacy. Over the
summer months, if there is a need for counselling
or support Tangerine Walk In Counselling is
offered in Mississauga on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Information and locations about this service can
be
found
at
their
website:
www.tangerinewalkin.com. Also, emergency
support can be obtained through the Peel
Distress Center at 905-278-7208.
of our information has moved to a digitial
format. However, print media is alive and well at
Clarkson.
40 Hours to Graduate
Since 1999, all students in Ontario secondary
schools are required to complete a minimum of
40 hours of community involvement in order to
receive a diploma. The purpose of this
requirement is to encourage students to develop
an understanding of the various roles they can
play in their community. Students are now able
to start accumulating community involvement
hours in the summer before they enter grade 9.
Research shows that early involvement in
community service helps students build a spirit of
civic responsibility which can be expanded as
they move through secondary school. The aim of
the 40-hour requirement is to encourage
students to become actively involved in making
positive contributions to their community.
The community involvement component is an
opportunity for students and parents to work
together, independent of the school. With parent
support, your teen is responsible for finding and
completing 40 hours of community service.
Parents should provide assistance to their teen in
the selection of community involvement
activities. Here’s how to get started:

Spend some time with your teen going
through the list of eligible and ineligible
activities in the Peel District School Board’s
“40 Hours” brochure. You can obtain a copy
of the brochure from your school or online at
www.peelschools.org/students/40hours/

View online resources at
To all Clarkson students and their families, have a
safe and enjoyable summer and we look forward
to seeing you in the new school year.
Clarkson Clarion
Clarkson students completed a
print edition of the student
newspaper, the Clarion. The
articles in it are timely, relevant and
very much about issues affecting
students today. Producing a print edition has
been a tradition at Clarkson since 2004. It is nice
to see that happening, particularly since so much
June 2014
www.peelschools.org/students/40hours/

Visit http://www.peelschools.org/students/40hours/
volunteerjobboard/ for available volunteer
opportunities
Page 10
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
Please note that the selection of the activities
should take into account the age, maturity, and
ability of the student, and the location and
environment of the proposed activity.
Peel International
Academy
Multifest 2014: A Celebration of Diversity
Multifest is Clarkson's annual multicultural
showcase of food and talent; along with a
fashion show of traditional and contemporary
clothing from around the world.
Organized by the student-run Multifest
Committee under Mrs. Khan's supervision, the
evening of May 23rd was full of excitement and
fun – a true celebration of diversity in our
Clarkson Community.
June 2014
PIA Goes to Wonderland!
On Tuesday, May 27th, the PIA students joined the
Math Students on a field trip to Canada's
Wonderland. Students enjoyed all the attractions,
including roller coasters, eating funnel cake, ice
cream, candied apples, and had an amazing time
with their friends and teachers. Special thanks to
Ms. Mureseanu and the Math Department for
organizing this event!
PIA students plant trees
Ms. Leavitt and Ms. Haddad "go green" with our
PIA students by taking the geography classes to
the Credit Valley Conservation to plant trees and
help improve our local environment.
A huge turnout came to see the talents of our
students, including those from our Peel
International Academy.
Many thanks to Ms. Khan and the Multifest
Committee along with all of the teachers and
students who were able to make this event a
memorable and exciting one.
PIA shows Clarkson Pride at the Peel Mandarin
Association's Better Education Opportunities
Conference
On Saturday May 10th, Ms. Luffman and our PIA
students were busy talking to visitors to the Peel
Mandarin Association's annual "Better Education
Opportunities" Conference at the Peel District
School
Board
Office,
in
Mississauga.
Students distributed information about the
programs within PIA, discussed their experiences
and all the great opportunities available at
Clarkson Secondary School. While they were
there, our students were able to attend
workshops, including IELTS preparation tips, how
to excel at Math, and applying to university in
the USA. Thanks to Scott Song, Ruolin Jiao, Garry
Jiang, and Tia Yang for volunteering their time.
Duke of
Edinburgh’s Awards
The Duke of Edinburgh Club congratulates our
two most recent award recipients: Emily Tadgell
and Allison Drake!
At the Principal's Reception on May 29, Emily and
Dylan Matthews received their Silver Award pins.
Their certificates will be awarded by the
Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario on a separate
occasion. Three Bronze Award winners also
received their awards and pins: Joshua Mott,
Margaret Pham, and Victor Stec.
Page 11
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
On June 20, Clarkson Duke of Ed. Club alumnus,
Justin Quan, received his Gold Award from the
Governor-General of Canada, David Johnston.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award is one of the
highest accolades that a young Canadian can
earn. At Clarkson's Commencement Ceremony
on June 26, THREE! Chargers received their Gold
Award pins: Allison Drake, Hannah Pham, and
Maya Tomkiewicz. Their certificates will be
awarded on another occasion by a member of
the royal family or by the Governor-General of
Canada.
All Duke of Edinburgh Club members are
encouraged to continue recording voluntary
service, skill development, and fitness hours
during the summer months, and if you have not
already
made
arrangements
for
your
Adventurous Journey, check out
June 2014
Our CHARGERS took to heart what presenters
had to say and under the guidance of our
executive members Jazzmine, Allison and Lyora
we had our best year yet. Our students worked
tirelessly to raise money through various events
like bake sales, chilli fries, school/house spare
change drive, day of silence and many more. Our
motto is although we may be a small school we
are definitely mighty. This reflects an underlying
principle of FREE THE CHILDREN; even the
smallest of efforts make the biggest differences
in the world. This year, students raised over $1600
for children around the world to have access to
education, something our students recognize as
important if we are to create a change. Through
education and access to what many take for
granted, young people can be empowered
throughout the world. On behalf of myself
(Señora Loutrianakis) and Mme Héneault,
thank you for all your hard
work!
http://www.dukeofed.org/on/expedition-schedule-2014
for some wonderful opportunities or go with
your family.
Most
parents
and
community members have
heard about our CANCER
DRIVE campaign that runs every year to help
CAMP OOCH and kids stricken with cancer. What
you might not be aware of is that our CHARGERS
also share their enthusiasm for helping children
on a more global scale.
For the last few years Clarkson has run a FREE
THE CHILDREN club led by students for kids
around the world. Last year our initiative was to
help provide clean water to those in need. We
raised close to $500 which earned the students
the chance to participate in the ME TO WE DAY
that took place in September at the Air Canada
Centre. We heard many motivational speakers
including the founders of FREE THE CHILDREN,
Craig and Mark Kielburger share what motivated
them “to create a world where all young people
are free to achieve their fullest potential as agents
of change.”
Project Milk Bag
Project Milk Bag seeks student leaders to
continue its management during the next
academic year. In the meantime, we are still
collecting milk bags. It takes 300 to make a mat
that keeps underprivileged children in Haiti off
mud floors and away from bugs and disease.
Please continue to SAVE YOUR MILK BAGS and
send CLEAN ones to Room 110.
Page 12
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
June 2014
A Message from Your School Council
As another school year comes to a close, let us look back on all the hard work and accomplishments of our
students. They encountered different challenges and had many opportunities to explore – whether they were
the new Grade “Niners” beginning their high school days or the Grade Tens and Elevens feeling more
comfortable in their surroundings or the Grade “Twelves” ending their high school days - they have lots to be
proud of.
The Parent Council welcomed some new parent members and we are always looking for more parents to come
on board. We want to thank all the parents for so many contributions to the Teachers and Staff Appreciation
Day – it was one of our best yet, and we received so many compliments and thank you's.
Here’s wishing everyone a safe and wonderful summer!
Email Distribution List: Have you added your name to our email distribution list to receive our notices of meetings
and information on any issues pertaining to the school? Please complete the tear out form at the bottom. You can
be assured that it will be kept confidential and not distributed to any outside sources. Communications are kept to
a minimum and have a frequency of no more than once every 6 weeks. Please print.
Martine Brouillet, Chair
School Parent Council
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST SIGN-UP
Parent Name:
Email address:
Child(ren) Name(s):
Page 13
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
June 2014
CLARKSON S.S. BREAKFAST CAFÉ
**********
When? Mondays to Fridays, from 7:20 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.
Where? Room 200
Cost? $1.00 per breakfast
Good Start to School Days!
Special thanks go to all students and staff who continued to assist in making Clarkson’s
Breakfast Café Program a success again this year. Gratitude is extended to our many
Volunteers who arrive very early in the morning to prepare a delicious breakfast for our
students and staff.
As well, many thanks go to our Student Volunteers who continue to be a vital asset in all
aspects of the breakfast program: Alicia K., David R., Robbie T., Jacqueline W., Jade A.,
Jazzmine K., Judy Z., Linda M., Pauline K., Ria T.-B., William Y., Paul T., David V., Susie S.
and David Q. Thank you, all!
We gratefully acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Clarkson staff members, for without their help, the
program would not be successful. Thanks go to Ms. Luffman, Mr. Kittel, Ms. Powell, Ms. Green, Mr. Thomas, all the
students of the Applewood School and Ms. Johnson. A warm welcome and gratitude is extended to Ms. Bakyta, and
Ms. Sargant who joined us this year in the breakfast program. Joining us second semester we were fortunate to have
our new community volunteers Kelta Fleck and Lila who are members of the Clarkson Presbyterian Church. All of our
exceptional volunteers are all making the Café a welcoming place to begin the school day!
Many thanks go out to Ms. Campolongo, who organized a basketball game between the Clarkson Elite team and the
Peel Police team. The proceeds of this buyout event, $1,500.00 went to the Breakfast Club.
We were pleased to receive a significant donation from Golder Associates Engineering Firm this semester. Executives
from Golder Associates arrived early in the breakfast café to help prepare a grilled cheese breakfast for our Chargers.
They also donated a cheque of $1,000.00 so that our students could enjoy free breakfasts for most of second
semester. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this corporate donation!
As we wrap up the 2013-2014 school year, Chargers, please remember that ALL students are welcome to join us on
weekday mornings (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings) in Room 200 – 7:20 a.m. to 7:55 a.m.
If you wish to volunteer and earn community service hours in the Clarkson Breakfast Café for next year, please see Ms.
Luffman.
Our Café healthy breakfast menus consist of a choice of scrambled eggs with chicken bacon, grilled cheese, bagels,
sandwiches, breakfast wraps, fruit parfaits and much more! Thanks to Ms. Bakyta and her Business class, for all your
assistance in updating our breakfast program. You can see our Breakfast program on Twitter and on Facebook. If you
wish to join the Breakfast Café and have not completed a form in previous years, please bring a signed Permission
Form and bring a token donation of $1.00 for each breakfast, to keep the program running. Breakfast coupons are
available from Ms. Bakyta, Ms. Luffman or any Clarkson staff member, for any student requesting and requiring a
breakfast without charge. A Permission Form is attached to this Newsletter – see next page).
Clarkson Students!
See you at our Breakfast Café
at 7:20 a.m. in Room 200
Page 14
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
June 2014
CLARKSON SECONDARY SCHOOL  BREAKFAST CAFÉ
2524 Bromsgrove Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5J 1L8
Telephone: 905-822-6700  Fax: 905-822-6896
June 2014
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Clarkson Secondary School will be continuing their Breakfast Café program this year. The program runs weekdays,
from Monday through Friday. All students are welcome to participate. The Clarkson Breakfast Café (CBC) runs from
7:20 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Room 200 -- menus are posted
there. Students are expected to eat in Room 200 and arrive in their first period classes by 8:00 a.m. There is a small
charge of one dollar ($1.00) for each breakfast.
Following Canada's Food Guide recommendations, we will offer a nutritious breakfast with a variety of items to
choose from. Providing a healthy start to the school day, the breakfast program significantly enhances our students'
physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
The Breakfast Café program is supported through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Student Breakfast for
Kids, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Peel, Breakfast for Learning and the Student Activity Council of Clarkson. We also
welcome volunteer support, financial donations and/or help in other ways from parents and the community. Please
print your name and contact number on the Permission Form below.
If you would like your son or daughter to attend, please fill in the Confidential Registration Form below. If you are
unable to contribute the cost for each breakfast at this time, just complete the Registration Form and check the
appropriate box. Have your child return it to Ms. Luffman in Room 134 before participating in the Breakfast Club, so
that when your son/daughter does join us it will be with your permission. If you completed a form in the previous
school year, there is no need to complete another form. Thank you.
Ms. C. Johnson
Breakfast Café Committee, Clarkson Secondary School, 905-822-6700 Ext. 461 or Voice Mail 730.
CONFIDENTIAL BREAKFAST CAFÉ REGISTRATION FORM
_________________
Student No.
___________________________
First Name
________________________________
Last Name
My son/daughter has permission to participate in the Clarkson Breakfast Café. The program will operate Monday to
Friday beginning from 7:20 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. Participants must return this completed form. Students understand
that all school rules apply during this program. To enable us to serve a proper nutritious breakfast to your child,
please supply the following information regarding food restrictions:
FOOD ALLERGIES: _______________________ FOOD RESTRICTIONS: _____________________________
 My son/daughter can contribute $1.00 (one dollar) per breakfast.
 Since my son/daughter is unable to contribute $1.00 at this time to help defray the cost of a Café breakfast, I give
permission for him/her to have breakfast in the Breakfast Café.
(Please return this form to Ms. Johnson in Room 218 or to the breakfast program in Room 200.)
___________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian
_________________________
Date
 I am able to assist with: Volunteering  Fundraising 
 I wish to make a donation of $________________ to the Breakfast Café.
 Please make cheques payable to Clarkson S.S. (Cheques of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt.)
Name (Please print)
Contact Telephone Number
Page 15
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
June 2014
Peel board reduces transportation distance eligibility for students in grades 9 to 12
Based on feedback from parents and community members, Peel District School Board
trustees have approved a change to reduce the transportation distance eligibility for
students in grades 9 to 12 from 4.8 km to 3.8 km. Grade 9 to 12 students who live 3.8 km
or more from school will now be able to take the bus to and from school.
Beginning September 2014, the Peel board eligibility distances for transportation will be as follows:





kindergarten to grade 1students – 1 km (previously 1.6 km for grade 1 students)
grades 2 to 4 students – 1.6 km
grades 5 to 6 students – 2 km
grades 7 to 8 students – 3.2 km
grades 9 to 12 students – 3.8 km (previously 4.8 km)
The distances noted above are measured along sidewalks, roadways and paved pedestrian walkways from the school
property to the home property line. Measurements to establish eligible addresses are conducted exclusively using
the geographic information system (GIS) component of the board’s transportation management software.
How do I know if my teen is eligible for transportation?
Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) has a website where you can find out whether your teen is eligible
for transportation based on your home address. After July 1, 2014, visit businfo.stopr.ca, click on "Transportation
Eligibility" and enter your information.
In addition, if your teen is eligible for transportation, you can securely access your teen’s transportation information,
including bus stop location and pick-up and drop-off times, from businfo.stopr.ca commencing August 25. Click on
“Student Login” and enter the information required. To ensure privacy of information you will be required to enter
the Ontario Education Number (OEN) which can be found on your teen’s report card.
For more information on transportation policies, procedures, late buses and cancellations, please visit
www.stopr.ca.
Page 16
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
The Clarkson Community Newsletter
June 2014
Clarkson
Secondary School
The Peel District School Board’s We
Welcome the World Centres located in
Brampton, Malton and Mississauga, are
the first point of contact for all newcomer families to become familiar with the
educational system in Peel. The centre are open all year—including the summer
months.
2524 Bromsgrove Rd.
Mississauga, ON
L5J 2S2
905.822.6700
Follow us
on Twitter!
@clarksoncharger
In addition to providing literacy and numeracy assessments, We Welcome the World
Centres provide newcomers with a host of services including: reception, orientation,
interpretation and referrals.
@clarksonSAC
@peelintlacademy
Website:
At each centre parents/guardians and students will discover:
• computer portals—guided introduction to the Peel Welcome to School Kits and
other Peel resources
• settlement service information
• translation of materials to support the reception and assessment process
• age and grade appropriate educational and related program resources
• audio-visual materials to explain the adult education program
• professionally administered child-care (only available during assessment and
orientation process)
• information about various community supports and programming available
For more information about the We Welcome the World Centre and the services they
provide, call 905-366-8791.
2014/2015 REGISTRATION DAY IS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26,
FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
GRADE 9 PALS TOURS
ON SAME DAY FROM
8:00 A.M. TO 10:30 A.M.
SEE YOU THEN!
THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
IN SEPTEMBER IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2.
HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL SUMMER!
Page 17
www.clarksonss.ca
The Four C's of
Clarkson:
Commitment to
learning
Communication
amongst all partners
Consideration of others
Courtesy for all