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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
Dear Student and Parents:
Thank you for your interest in Gap Academy. Enclosed please find some basic information about
our goals and philosophies as well as an application form. If you have already decided to join us,
or you are interested in joining us, the application form in this package must be filled out and
returned to us. There is also a Student Application Form which must be filled out by the
prospective student themselves to the best of their ability - and without parental involvement.
Gap Academy is a place where students who have learning disabilities and behavioural, attentional,
or emotional problems can learn in their own unique way, yet be part of a social setting that
intensively promotes the attainment of the social, personal and survival skills needed to eventually
be part of a regular setting. Each student in our population is so specific that we tailor-make a
program especially for them, modifying the behaviours and skill building one problem at a time.
We believe that one of the keys to our successes at GAP is this highly individualized studentoriented program. Another perhaps even more important key is the students’ own motivation.
They need to learn to want to make a change. They must be prepared to confront their own
disability, learn about it, and then make changes based on their own specific problems. By doing
so, we believe that they unlock their true potential.
Our methods are very alternative and sometimes change daily, based on the student and his or
her own particular problems. Parents must be prepared to accept this alternative method of
teaching prior to registration. We also strongly believe in independence; only families who are
really interested in the achievement of true independence would be best suited to the Gap
environment. Gap students and families must be prepared for the work required for real change.
They must also be prepared for the real change and the remarkable development which comes
with hard work and determination.
If you are really ready to make a change in your lives and you are committed to the hard work
needed to make these changes, then Gap Academy may be the option for you.
Call us anytime,
Paola Breda
Principal
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
PRIMARY GOAL
Our primary goal is the ultimate and successful reintegration of our students into a regular school
setting with minimal support. This will be accomplished by an intensive upgrading of students’
skills gaps to the level of the Ministry guidelines for appropriate grade levels and by providing them
with individually tailored learning strategies, which they can bring to regular settings to ensure their
continued success.
SECONDARY GOALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
The understanding and attainment of socially acceptable and appropriate behaviours.
The further comprehension and integration of personal awareness, including students’
understanding of their own disabilities and abilities.
An attainment of a level of independence in life skills.
The development of academic tolerance, determination, and success through the use of
effective study, learning, and homework strategies.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
At Gap, we believe that high potential learning-disabled students can experience academic
success. Most of the students who have been labelled L.D. have huge skills gaps in their learning
because of their particular learning style or their specific learning difference. As they progress
chronologically, their skill gaps widen; it is impossible for a student who cannot read adequately
at his/her grade level to follow specific instructions from a math text written for students who can
read at the same level. Learning disabled students can learn to study and acquire knowledge by
applying learning strategies specific to their very own learning styles. We believe that by helping
our students “fill the gaps” in their learning and social behaviour, while at the same time teaching
them to learn on their own, they will ultimately be equipped to reintegrate into a regular setting with
minimal support.
Gap staff do not endorse or encourage this use of psychotropic medications in the treatment of the
symptoms of learning disabilities. We believe that these are learning problems, not medical
problems. We believe in a much more direct and individualized solution-oriented plan.
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
W e believe that a structured, but flexible day is integral to teaching high potential learning disabled students.
Our school day is usually divided into nine 45 m inute periods starting at 9:00 am , although specific changes
are m ade year-to-year, based on the specific group of students during the given year. At least one period
per day is dedicated to the personal and academ ic skill building Gap is known for, including but not lim ited
to L.D. Awareness and specific learning strategies. Independence and ‘learning to learn’ is a prim ary goal
during these classes; we believe that this is the key to their future success in other non-supported
environm ents. A variety of m aterials and presentations will be used to get students to fulfill the necessary
requirem ents for the day. The m aterials and type of presentation will depend on the students’ individual
learning style and/or level. Relative strengths in auditory, visual or tactile learning or a com bination of these
will dictate the m ethod of instruction for a particular student. A special tim e at the end of the school day has
been allocated for review of hom ework assignm ents. This will ensure that the student is aware of exactly
what is expected and they they can actually do the hom ework. W e do our best to ensure that nothing will be
sent hom e which the student cannot do; we believe that hom ework should be a tim e to practise what has
already been learned, not a tim e to learning som ething new. Parents are expected to com ply with our rule
of non-involvem ent in hom ework and other assignm ents. Students need to learn to be independently
responsible for their own hom ework. This does take tim e and com m itm ent as well as patience. W e
respectfully request that parents not succumb to the temptation of helping out, as this just prolongs
the process of attaining independence. Homew ork and assignments are betw een the students and
teachers. W e will insist on compliance in this area.
School uniform s were originally developed by Gap students to im ply form al expectations are param ount, to
encourage unity within the school student body, to delineate a difference between the teachers and students
in our casual environm ent, to test behavioural choices, to work on oppositional disorders, and to encourage
connectivity, as well as equalize social standing.
A form alized student tim etable is developed yearly to accom m odate specific student course needs and our
yearly schedule is based on the Ministry of Education’s yearly schedule.
W e do spend som e tim e during the year on field trips specifically related to the topic areas in various subjects.
Minor ‘trips’ are som etim es im prom ptu; but am ple notice is given for m ore form al outings. Several overnight
trips and retreats per year are integral to our program ; this helps us determ ine what skills are lacking in
personal independence and m ore im portantly, gives us all a different perspective.
Learning at Gap Academ y is quite the com m itm ent. W e are dedicated to pushing the student to attain the
m ost significant academ ic and personal change in the least am ount of tim e. This can prove to be stressful
for all concerned, but it is crucial for the students’ developm ent. T hese students are here for one reason
alone: they cannot cope independently with regular school. Tim e is not on their side and failure is usually a
part of their past. The prim ary onus is to get their skills level closer to the skill level of other students their
own age. This is quite a tall order in som e cases, so the student will be constantly challenged.
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Our academic program follows the Guidelines for Policies and Outcomes as issued by the Ontario
Ministry of Education. Textbooks are selected from those listed in the Ministry’s Trillium List, which
is a Ministry listing of required and suggested texts. Additionally, textbooks which have been
successfully used by the LD population will be added.
Language
Art
Physical Education
Music
Phonics/Spelling
Independent Reading
Grammar
Comprehension
Creative Writing
Literature & Poetry
Oral Speaking
Vocabulary Development
Creative Art
Art Appreciation
Art History
Creative Expression
Skating/Swimming
Various Sports
Fitness Study
Appreciation
Lyrics and Style
Reading Music
Social Studies
Contemporary Studies
Man In Society
History
Canadian History
European History
Western History
Personal Skills
Survival Skills
Personal Awareness
Risk-Taking
Study Skills
Organizational Skills
Assertiveness
Self-Esteem Training
Ego Awareness
LD Awareness
Independence
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Technology
Computer Science
Business Studies
Logical Thought
Keyboarding
Programming
Social Skills
Social Interaction
Social Competence
Geography
Physical Geography
Global Geography
Mathematics
Ontario Curriculum
Time & Money
Value
Science
Life Science
Earth Science
Space Science
Physical Science
Biology & Healthy
Environmental
N.B. Exact course load may vary year to year and from student to student, as well as from term to term.
EVALUATION PROCEDURE
The evaluation of progress will be done daily by homework and general review, but will also be
done intermittently by formal testing and examinations. There will be a series of mid-term tests
and there will be exams at the end of each term. The examinations will include the testing of
topics studied during the course of the year. A portfolio of quizzes, tests, and exams will be
compiled for each student so progress can be monitored.
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2008 - 2009
The number of days of tuition will be slightly above the number prescribed by the Ministry of
Education. The academic calendars for Gap follow the same general dates followed by regular
public schools, except that we rarely have P.A. days. Instead, students will finish the school year
slightly ahead of regular public school. This year will be divided into three terms: Fall, Winter,
and Spring.
FALL TERM
Tuesday, September 2nd
Monday, October 13th
Friday, November 21st
Friday, December 19th
First Day of School
Thanksgiving Day - School Closed
School Closed
Last Day of First Term
WINTER TERM
Monday, January 5th
Monday, February 16th
Friday, March 13th
First Day of Second Term
Family Day - School Closed
Last Day of Second Term
SPRING TERM
Monday, March 23rd
Friday, April 10th
Monday, April 13th
Monday, May 18th
Friday, June 12th
First Day of Third Term
Good Friday - School Closed
Easter Monday - School Closed
Victoria Day - School Closed
Last Day of School
Summer School 2009
Monday June 29th - Friday, July 31st
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Uniforms are to be purchased prior to the beginning of the school year. They can be purchased
at Beattie’s (416-481-4459). We strongly suggest going early in August, as the line ups can be
long at the end of August, especially if alterations are necessary.
Grey pants (or skirt) for girls
5-6 button down white shirts
Gap tie
Grey socks
Black shoes or runners
Sweaters (blue, maroon or grey)
STUDENT SUPPLIES
6
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
1" binders of varied colour
duotangs
notebooks (120 page preferred)
Scholastic daytimer
package of HB pencils
package of blue pens, red pens and black pens
package of labels
package of reinforcements
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
APPLICATION FORM (Please attach a copy of your son or daughter’s Birth Certificate and Health Card)
Fam ily Nam e:
Student’s Nam e:
Date of Birth:
Student’s Health #:
Previous School or Last School Attended:
School Phone Num ber:
School Fax Num ber:
Last Grade:
Full Address (including postal code):
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Mother’s
Nam e:
Full Address:
Residence Phone #:
Business Phone #:
Cellular Phone #:
Fax Phone #:
Em ployer:
W ork Hours:
Em ail Address:
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Father’s
Nam e:
Full Address:
Residence Phone #:
Business Phone #:
Cellular Phone #:
Fax Phone #:
Em ployer:
W ork Hours:
Em ail Address:
Em ergency Contact # 1:
Nam e:
Phone #::
Relationship:
Em ergency Contact # 2:
Nam e:
Phone #::
Relationship:
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
FEE SCHEDULE 2008 - 2009
L.D. Program
“Intensive Change” Program
$18500.00/year
$20500.00/year
Supplementary Fees
Lunch Fees
Uniform
School Trips
Textbook Float
Based on $6/day
To be purchased at Beattie’s
To be announced (specific to each year)
$500.00 payable by PDC August 1
Terms of Payment
Deposit
Textbook Fee
Food Fees
$3000/at application time **non-refundable
$ 500/ post-dated for August 1
submitted with application
To be determined yearly and included in
installment payments.
Fees can be paid in three ways: Please circle the most appropriate payment schedule for
your family.
Option # 1:
Remainder paid by monthly post-dated payments due on the first of
each month from September through to June.
Option # 2:
Remainder paid in thirds on September 1st, December 1st and March
1st
Option # 3:
Remainder paid completely on the first day of school with 2%
discount.
Student Name:
We understand that the signing of this form signifies the acceptance of a contract for a full year’s
attendance and the incurring of fees associated with same. We also understand that the deposit
and text book fees are completely non-refundable.
We also approve the request of my
son/daughter’s Official School Record from his or her last school.
Signature:_______________________________________ Dated:
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
HEALTH PROFILE AND CONSENT FORM
Student Name:
Health Card #:
(Please submit a photocopy of the Health Card. If there are any medical, religious, or philosophical reasons why your
son or daughter should not receive immunization, please submit a statement to that effect.
Previous Communicable Diseases:
Current Medication:
Special Diet Medication:
Allergies:
Health Concerns:
Student’s Current Physician (Name & Phone Number):
Emergency Consent
In any em ergency, every possible effort will be m ade to contact you. However, if at any tim e em ergency
m edical treatm ent is required due to such circum stances as accidents, sudden illness or other situations
deem ed to be em ergency by staff, we give Gap Academ y staff tem porary decision m aking for our son or
daughter. This shall be for the purposes of giving orders or m aking m edical decisions for your son or
daughter, to select physicians and/or hospitals, and any other m edical decisions deem ed necessary by Gap
Academ y staff.
Consent for School Outings
W e hereby consent to allow our son or daughter to leave the prem ises from tim e to tim e to participate in any
and all excursions planned by Gap staff to places of interest, as deem ed satisfactory by Gap staff.
Consent for Travel and Transport
W e hereby consent to allow our son or daughter to be transported by a Gap Academ y staff m em ber within
or outside of school hours for situations such as m edical em ergencies, bus delay, school excursions, etc
either by car, public transit or by bus.
W e agree further that in no circum stance will Gap Academ y or Gap Academ y staff or its founder be held liable
in any way shape or form . W e further agree that this consent is valid for the duration of the student’s school
enrollm ent at Gap Academ y, and that withdrawal of this consent be m ade in writing.
Signed (both parents):_____________________________
Date:
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Gap Academy
M9N 1J3 F 416-249-1500
Fax: 416-246-9155
Website: www.gapacademy.ca
Email: pbreda@gapacademy.ca
4 John Street, Suite # 2, Weston, Ontario
STUDENT APPLICATION FORM
Date:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Home Phone Number:
Your Cell #:
Your Email Address:
Current School:
Brothers/Sisters:
Favourite Subjects:
Most Hated Subjects:
The hardest subject for me in school is:
The easiest subject for me in school is:
The best thing about school is:
The worst thing about school is:
Are you left-handed or right-handed:
Do you wear glasses?
Why are you attending Gap?
Are you happy to attend Gap or not?
List 5 things you would like to change about your life: