There are many sports, clubs and
organizations at Monarch Park for students
to get involved in. Participation in school
activities will help you meet new people
and pursue areas of interest.
Have a great year!
Principal:
Cynthia Abernethy, B.A.A., B.Ed.
Vice Principals:
Gillian Gibbons, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.
Steve Yee, B.A., B.Ed.
CLUBS:
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Art Club
The Monarch Park Art Club provides opportunities for students to explore their
creativity in a relaxing and social environment. Art Club members are
encouraged to explore a variety of media including clay, watercolour and
acrylic painting, drawing, jewellery making, printmaking and sculpture. Art
teachers are available to help students with their artistic exploration and to
introduce them to new art techniques. No experience is required and new
members are always welcome.
Athletic Council
MAC (Monarch Athletic Council) is made up of student volunteers in grades
9-12 who promote health and athletics at Monarch Park Collegiate. Throughout
the year, students assist the Phys. Ed. Staff with minor officiating at all home
games and tournaments, participate in school assemblies and organize
intramurals and various athletic activities during the lunch hour and after
school.
Badminton Club
For students who wish to play badminton in a less competitive environment we
offer two friendly badminton sessions per week. Students do not have to play
on the Monarch team. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, everyone is
welcome. We can supply racquets and birds!
Bike Club
The bike club is a club for students who like to tinker and fix up used bicycles.
Students can bring in their own bicycles to fix up or use the ones we have
collected. We sell or give away the same fixed up bikes to people who need
them. Students can earn volunteer hours by helping out. Sometimes, we go for
a group bike ride if the weather is good.
C.D.B./T – Urban Hiking Club
This group introduces Canadian Newcomers (and others) to some of the nature
trails (all accessible by TTC) one can hike on right here in that great urban
nature-oasis known as Toronto.
Chess and Chinese Chess
The club meets on a daily basis at lunch and provides opportunities for students
to challenge and improve their game-playing strategies and problem-solving
skills. Students of all ages and in all grades are welcome to participate in the
Chess Club. Members of the club participate in tournaments at school and also
in interschool competitions.
Dance Club
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Over the past few years a number of “Step Sisters” and “Talented Angels”
have “tripped the light fantastic” for the Monarch Park community. If you’ve
got rhythm and want to bust a move, then this is the club for you
Drama Club
The drama club is an opportunity for students who are interested in taking risks
in a safe environment. No theatre experience is necessary -- it's really about
having fun. Through discussions and a lot of drama games, the Drama Club
explores many issues about life in general. The drama club also includes
work/participation in the annual Ontario Sears Drama Festival.
Earth Week
As a global institution, Monarch Park is committed to the environment. Every
year we run exciting and informative events that include contests, workshops,
assemblies, music and a community clean up. Be part of the solution!
Future Aces Ambassadors
Monarch Park Collegiate is a Future Aces School in partnership with the
Herbert H. Carnegie Foundation, www.futuresaces.org. The Future Aces
Philosophy is based on the belief that positive attention contributes to and
reinforces a person’s self esteem. The Future Aces Creed helps students learn
how to resolve their differences peaceably, contributing to a nurturing,
positive, respectful and safe environment in which to learn. The Future Aces
Ambassadors at MPC this year worked in partnership with Toronto
Intergenerational Partnerships, www.tigp.org, on intergenerational lifelong
learning opportunities and programs such as the Monarch Park Collegiate “A
Very Halal Christmas Dinner” and the “Seniors in Cyberspace” program.
These programs have not only enriched their own lives and learning, but also
the lives and learning of seniors in our community. The Future Aces
Ambassadors organized a 30-hour famine this year to raise money for Toronto
Intergenerational Partnerships, Free The Children, and Médecins Sans
Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Everyone is welcome to join and
become a Future Aces Ambassador. We have meetings once a week at lunch.
Literary Lions
Students can become a Literary Lion by reading the current book of fiction
(chosen by the participants), and attending lunchtime Doughnut Drop-Ins.
Students do not need to read every choice or attend every meeting to become a
MPC Literary Lion.
Math Club
The Monarch Park Math Club is a hard working group who loves math. We
offer a wide variety of programs designed to assist students with math. These
include tutoring sessions every Friday lunch, organizing math contests,
preparing students for Board, Provincial and National Competitions. Our
students participate in Math Contests from the University of Waterloo, the
Math League Contests from the University of Windsor and the Kangaroo Math
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Contests from the University of Toronto.
Could this Club be for you? Contact Ms. Card or Mr. Nguyen.
MPC White Pine Reading Guild
MPC Library participates in the Ontario Library Association-sponsored White
Pine Award program. Copies of the year’s ten best Canadian fiction for high
school students are purchased and students are introduced to the novels.
Monthly meetings are held for students to discuss their reading and wikis are
set up to allow for continuous sharing of ideas and opinions. After having read
a minimum of five of the selections, students are encouraged to vote for their
favourite as the best White Pine Novel of 2010. When students have read at
least eight of the novels, they are invited to attend the celebration of wonderful
books at the Forest of Reading Festival at Harbourfront in May.
Plants in the Classroom Project
The students of the Independent Living Program provide classroom teachers
and administrative staff the opportunity to have house plants in their classroom
or office spaces. Our students grow plants from seedlings, cuttings and seeds
(in class), learn about the anatomy and science of those plants and tend to them
until they are ready to go out. Then they do a weekly delivery and watering
program for those that receive plants. (To add greenery to the school and as an
important work experience and learning opportunity.)
Radio Monarch
Ever contemplated honing your skills as a DJ or radio announcer? If so,
consider auditioning for and joining Radio Monarch’s crew of dedicated
student volunteers. In the morning, we welcome students and staff to school
with a delightful mix of music from diverse genres and cultures. Crew
members also keep our school community up-to-date on events, opportunities
and noteworthy achievements. If you like this kind of fun challenge, if you
want to develop your confidence and poise, if you’re reliable, diligent and cooperative working with others, come on out and be a part of Radio Monarch’s
musical parade!
Gay-Straight Alliance
The Gay-Straight Alliance is a support for students who are gay, lesbian,
bisexual, questioning, or supportive of and interested in GBLTQ issues. It
provides a secure and supportive environment for students and is a focal point
for information for every person in the school, student and staff, assisting with
understanding issues, legislative conditions and celebrations of diversity. The
GSA falls under the umbrella of the Equity Club.
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Scholarship Club
The members of the Scholarship Club learn how to search for and apply for
scholarships and bursaries to help finance their post-secondary education. We
work together to write résumés and prepare applications. Students of all ages
and in all grades are welcome to attend Scholarship Club meetings to prepare
themselves for the future.
School Library Information Centre (SLIC) Diplomatic Corps
Members of the SILC Diplomatic Corps are MPC’s ambassadors for literacy
and the school library. They help develop, design and promote a variety of
literacy projects, advocacy and library-connected activities and events
throughout the school year.
School Library Information Volunteers
After undergoing some training, students may earn volunteer hours by
committing to work regularly at different tasks in the school library.
Speaker’s Corner – Pronunciation Club
This is a club for ESL Newcomers to help them improve their communication
skills, and speaking and pronunciation in particular.
Stage Crew / Drama
The MPC stage crew is a band of merry students who look after the technical
aspects of school functions such as assemblies, shows and performances. Stage
crew are trained on our lighting/sound systems, and sometimes work with
organizations outside of the school (and get paid for it!). We are always
looking for hard-working, reliable, fun people to join our crew!
Student Council
The Student Council is elected by the student body and the executive consists
of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations/Media,
Prom Chair plus one representative from each grade. It represents all students
and their interests at school and in relation to such groups as the TDSB, TDSB
Student Super Council and the School Council (Parents and Teachers).
The MPC Student Council supports, creates and maintains school spirit by
encouraging school-wide events. One or more staff advisors provide direction
and support for the students.
United Nations
This club is for students interested in international affairs and global issues.
Members will participate in at least one model United Nations assembly
outside the school. Improving oral speaking and debating skills are a priority.
Youth in Control
Youth in Control is a group of students working with Public Health and a staff
advisor to promote safer driving and safer partying in our community. By
learning about street drugs and alcohol and the effects that they have on youth,
this group runs activities in the school to support all students in making good
choices for their lives. These activities include assemblies, awareness weeks,
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guest speakers and involve learning, fun and treats. If you are interested in
helping to get our message out to everyone in the school you are welcome to
join Youth in Control.
INTERESTS:
Business Contest
Monarch Park students have an opportunity to be involved in a series of
business contests and simulations that will enhance their personal experiences
and provide real skills for entry into the business world. These include the
following:
The Eric Sprott School of Business at Carleton University on-line business
simulation; Ontario Business Educators Association contests; Chartered
Accountants of Ontario (COIN), Insurance Institute of Canada Ethics Contest;
Junior Achievement; Titan Business Simulation.
Computers
Monarch Park has one of the highest ratios of computers to students in the
Toronto Board. There are six PC computer classrooms and one Mac lab. One
lab is also available exclusively for student use (lunchtime, before or after
school and prep).
Concert Band
Students with at least one year of experience in playing a woodwind, brass or
percussion instrument are invited to join the Concert Band. The ensemble
performs a variety of repertoire at performances which include school
assemblies and MPC Arts Night. In the Fall of 2010, MPC will be submitting
an application for students to perform as part of the Combined Bands group in
the TDSB “Sounds of Toronto” secondary school concert at Massey Hall on
April 7th, 2011. Rehearsals of the MPC Concert Band take place on Tuesdays
from 3:15 until 4:00 p.m. and Thursdays during lunch period. Attendance is
required at least once a week. Instruments will be provided, if possible.
Global Education at MPC
Monarch Park has a powerful relationship with the group Free the
Children/Leaders Today. Over the past six years our school has raised tens of
thousands of dollars that built 6 schools in Kenya and one in rural China. We
have also sent 2 classes and a teacher to Africa for a one-month study and work
experience. This incredible journey is part of a 4 credit program offered here at
Monarch Park – we believe it is the only course of its kind in Canada! We hope
to offer this program every year or every other year. It will be an experience of
a lifetime. Please see Guidance or a Vice-Principal to find out how you can
take part.
Equity Club
The Equity Club is a group for students who are concerned with topics relating
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to feminism, anti-racism, anti-homophobia, and general issues of social justice
and equality within schools and the wider community. The Equity Club hopes
to address these issues and bring awareness to the MPC community.
M.E.N.D. (Monarch Park Environment Now Dharamsala)
Given our attitude that our beautiful, blue planet is sacred and something worth
saving, MPC’s environmental group, M.E.N.D., has a motto: “Together, we
can fix it.” And that’s exactly what our environmental leaders attempt to do for
their school community and the world beyond. Whether it’s being involved in
various recycling programs, eco-mentoring elementary students, writing and
publishing eco-stories, organizing a week of activities for Earth Day or
promoting public awareness on issues like water conservation, energy
efficiency and global warming, members of M.E.N.D. continually demonstrate
their commitment to positive change. To help us achieve our goals, our group
has also partnered with a variety of local, community organizations which have
provided wonderful opportunities for students to contribute, like tree planting
and, at the same time, develop personally. Be a part of the solution and join
M.E.N.D.!
Publishing
Publishing is a hands-on course which allows students to explore photography,
journalism, layout and design and small business organization. Through the
creation of the school’s yearbook, one will receive a Computer Technology
credit and an English credit.
Seniors in Cyberspace
The “Seniors in Cyberspace” program, in partnership with Toronto
Intergenerational Partnerships, www.tigp.org, is a program in which seniors
from our community come to our school at lunch on a weekly basis and learn
basic Internet skills from our students. Students in all grades are welcome to
participate in this intergenerational program in which computers are the
vehicles to bridge the generation gap.
Share and Care
The brainchild of recently retired vice-principal O’Dell, “Share and Care” is an
annual outreach program for people in our community. The program has met
the needs of different local groups since its inception; in 2007, we partnered
with the Salvation Army and collected food, clothing and holiday gifts for five
families. Last year we joined forces with the Out of the Cold Program in the
Beaches and filled twenty-five backpacks with warm outdoor clothing, coffee
coupons and personal hygiene items to help the homeless. Special “Share and
Care” classroom representatives collect donations from students and staff
members to make this program work. It is a wonderful opportunity for students
to work together to make a difference. Please join us! Everyone is welcome to
participate.
Terry Fox – Encounters with Canada
Monarch Park students and staff participate in a walking fundraiser to help
fight cancer very year. Over the past couple of years, it has grown
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substantially and we are looking forward to another great year. We can always
use volunteers! Remember, Terry Fox ran thousands of kilometres. We can at
least give him one day.
United Way
Our main event is the CN Tower stair climb which takes place every October.
Raise money for the United Way and have fun too!
Vocal Ensemble
All students who enjoy singing in the company of others are invited to join the
MPC Vocal Ensemble. The Vocal Ensemble performs a variety of repertoire
throughout the year at assemblies and at MPC Arts Night. An Annual hi-light
is the TDSB “Sounds of Toronto” secondary school concert in April at Massey
Hall, where the MPC Vocal Ensemble participates in the 600-voice Combined
Choirs group.
The Vocal Ensemble rehearses on Mondays during lunch period. Students do
not need to audition in order to belong to the MPC Vocal Ensemble. In 20102011, interested singers may also participate in the student-run, staff sponsored
Vocal Jazz Ensemble; membership in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble will be by
audition only.
SPORTS:
No experience necessary! Sports are about fun fitness and commitment. Our
wonderful coaches will help you to improve your game. We also run the
Monarch Athletic Crew to help you get behind the scenes and collect on the
community service hours.
Archery
Basketball – Bantam Boys
Basketball – Junior Boys
Basketball – Senior Boys
Basketball – Junior Girls
Basketball – Senior Girls
Cricket
Cross Country
Curling
Flag Football – Girls
Golf - TBA
Hockey –Boys
Intramural Sports
Rugby - Boys
Soccer – Junior Boys
Soccer – Senior Boys
Soccer - Girls
Swim Team – Co-Ed
Table Tennis
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Track & Field
Volleyball – Co-Ed
Volleyball – Junior Boys
Volleyball – Junior Girls
Volleyball – Senior Boys
Volleyball – Senior Girls
Wheelchair Hockey – See Mr. Arrington for more information.
The Physical Education department will run any sport as long as they have
enough committed student athletes.
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