We have 10 days to go until we wrap up for the Holiday Season and life has never been busier at The Ridge!
Our winter sports are heading into their peak with Junior & Senior Girls Volleyball, Midget, Junior & Senior Boys Basketball, Boys & Girls Hockey, Ski & Snowboarding and Swimming all engaged in competition in 7/10 of our last 10 days prior to our break!
We recently hosted our Honour Society Recognition Assembly, with over 750 students meeting the 80% overall average, in a minimum of 6 courses, in 2013/14. We were pleased to host over 70 families who joined in on the celebration which was student-led. Our Parent Engagement Team of volunteers assisted with the preparation of the reception and distributed the Honour Society Certificates which has become a tradition here and one in which they take great pride in! Special thanks to Kim Smith and our Team...you are the very best!
Our Student-Directed One Act Plays were a big success running for 3 evenings with many excellent performances by our students, fully appreciated by an engaged audience. Congratulations to April Valera and Helen Hills for your mentoring of our young, student directors and actors. Your committment to the Performing Arts is greatly appreciated.
We hosted a very successful Feeder School Information Night with about 700 folks in attendance. It was a pleasure to welcome the families of our "soon to be" Class of 2019 in the promotion of our school, students, staff and programs. We are very proud to have such a healthy interest in our school and will continue to promote the great opportunities we offer for students as they consider post-elementary placement at Iroquois Ridge!
Last Thursday, we hosted our "Luncheon of Champions", honouring 20 students who have delighted us with rising to the challenge and achieving personal bests in their classes. Our staff nominate these students for a variety of reasons...not always tied to academic achievement. The students we recognize may have never received acknowledgement before in the school setting. It is a heartfelt gathering as our staff speak on behalf of our "Champions," with their families in attendance, to share in on the celebration and tributes! Thanks to our PCC Team -Nancy Anstett, Georgina Cook, Melanie Spelman, Rachel Stecca and Kris Reeve for your continued support and advocacy of our students and for planning and organizing such a special event for our kids!
The next two weeks are a whirlwind of holiday activities that include a LINK Crew Movie Night for our Grade 9's this upcoming Thursday December 11th (6:30 pm start) and STUDCO Holiday Spirit Activities during the week of December 15th - 19th. We look forward, with great anticipation, to our Holiday Assembly on Friday the 19th and our traditional, COMMCO Movie...always a big hit for everyone...who choose to stay rather than dismiss themselves earlier than the 90 minute early dismissal on our last day before our holiday!
We are all really looking forward to the sprint to the 19th as the holiday break allows us time to decompress and spend time with friends, family and those we love.
On behalf of all of us here at "The Ridge" we wish you peace, love and happiness throughout the holiday season and hope to see everyone back safe and sound on January 5th, 2015!
Enjoy!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
With the Deepest Respect....
In the midst of, just about posting, an October "blog", we experienced the killings of two Canadian soldiers. Warrant Officer - Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo. These events stopped me in my tracks to the point that I could not submit my "blog." Despite all of the wonderful things we continue to do at "The Ridge" this tragic and horrifying news became a focal point for our students, staff, myself, our community and our country. Indeed the "ripple effect" was not only within our country but outside of our country and across the world.
As the proud daughter of a father, who served as a Lieutenant Commander of a British Minesweeper in World War 2, and as a proud Canadian and Hamiltonian, I was compelled to welcome our young, Corporal Cirillo home to Hamilton on Friday October 24th. Standing shoulder to shoulder with folks I did not know...we stood together to honour this young man, father, brother, son and cousin. This was an experience that I will never forget as a Canadian and one I hope that we all don't have to experience again. We held flags together...we quietly sang O' Canada and we cried together...absolute strangers hugging and grieving together about this unfathomable loss. We payed respects to Corporal Cirillo, at his visitation, the following Monday...by the thousands.
On Tuesday, October 28th...a contingent of Ridge Staff and students represented the 1283 students at our school, our staff and extended community at the funeral procession for Corporal Cirillo. We stood together across from the John Foote Armoury - Home of the Argyll Sutherland Highlanders with thousands of Hamiltonians and fellow Canadians. We were all deeply impacted as the procession passed by. This will forever be etched in our minds and hearts as Trailblazers and proud and strong Canadians. Our sincerest and deepest prayers and thoughts remain with the Cirillo Family and his young son, Marcus.
We, as a "Ridge Family", have not forgotten about Warrant Officer - Patrice Vincent. nor his family. His service to his country has not gone unnoticed by all of us and although the media attention was not to the scale of the Cirillo following we send our thoughts, prayers and support to his family with equal magnitude and respect.
As we approach our Remembrance Day Assemblies on November 11th we want to collectively honour all of our soldiers...service men and women. Acknowledging our diverse community, at "The Ridge," we know that members of our families and extended families may have served on behalf of other countries around the world for the cause of freedom and democracy. We honour their service too with deep respect and gratitude.
Our Remembrance Day gathering will be a very emotional one, particularly this year. On this day as
Canadians we will celebrate our freedom and thank those who have served and presently serve on our behalf. We have much to be proud of as Canadians and thank those who have made and continue to make sacrifices on our behalf.
As a "Ridge Family," we hope that on November 11th, all of you take significant time to deeply reflect, remember and thank those past and present heroes who have enabled us to have the lives that we have as "strong and free", Canadians.
We stand for Canada...we stand up for Canada and we remain "strong" for Canada and will always do so.
Lest we forget!
As the proud daughter of a father, who served as a Lieutenant Commander of a British Minesweeper in World War 2, and as a proud Canadian and Hamiltonian, I was compelled to welcome our young, Corporal Cirillo home to Hamilton on Friday October 24th. Standing shoulder to shoulder with folks I did not know...we stood together to honour this young man, father, brother, son and cousin. This was an experience that I will never forget as a Canadian and one I hope that we all don't have to experience again. We held flags together...we quietly sang O' Canada and we cried together...absolute strangers hugging and grieving together about this unfathomable loss. We payed respects to Corporal Cirillo, at his visitation, the following Monday...by the thousands.
On Tuesday, October 28th...a contingent of Ridge Staff and students represented the 1283 students at our school, our staff and extended community at the funeral procession for Corporal Cirillo. We stood together across from the John Foote Armoury - Home of the Argyll Sutherland Highlanders with thousands of Hamiltonians and fellow Canadians. We were all deeply impacted as the procession passed by. This will forever be etched in our minds and hearts as Trailblazers and proud and strong Canadians. Our sincerest and deepest prayers and thoughts remain with the Cirillo Family and his young son, Marcus.
We, as a "Ridge Family", have not forgotten about Warrant Officer - Patrice Vincent. nor his family. His service to his country has not gone unnoticed by all of us and although the media attention was not to the scale of the Cirillo following we send our thoughts, prayers and support to his family with equal magnitude and respect.
As we approach our Remembrance Day Assemblies on November 11th we want to collectively honour all of our soldiers...service men and women. Acknowledging our diverse community, at "The Ridge," we know that members of our families and extended families may have served on behalf of other countries around the world for the cause of freedom and democracy. We honour their service too with deep respect and gratitude.
Our Remembrance Day gathering will be a very emotional one, particularly this year. On this day as
Canadians we will celebrate our freedom and thank those who have served and presently serve on our behalf. We have much to be proud of as Canadians and thank those who have made and continue to make sacrifices on our behalf.
As a "Ridge Family," we hope that on November 11th, all of you take significant time to deeply reflect, remember and thank those past and present heroes who have enabled us to have the lives that we have as "strong and free", Canadians.
We stand for Canada...we stand up for Canada and we remain "strong" for Canada and will always do so.
Lest we forget!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Fall Reflection!
Greetings Ridge Families & Caregivers!
It is amazing to think that we have experienced the last official day of the summer of 2014 and that we are a good 3 weeks into our school year!
We are most pleased to welcome 1283 students to "The Ridge" this Fall and are very proud to let you know that our students, staff and Parent Engagement Team are in full swing with much that has happened and will continue to happen over the next several months.
Our Grade 9's - Class of 2018 have been fully immersed with our LINK Crew Leaders and have already experienced their orientation and first Collaborative Morning. By developing relationships with our senior students through LINK Crew, we hope that all of our Grade 9 students have some "go to" seniors should they need help or advice over the next year and beyond.
This peer-to-peer program is exceptional and we are proud to have the largest, most effective LINK Crew Program anywhere and are called upon on a regular basis by other schools and school boards to learn from us and how to replicate it's success.
The value in LINK Crew is the building and sustaining of relationships which creates a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students. We have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for our work in Safe Schools and Safety & Wellbeing and take great pride in well over 92% of our students "feeling safe" and feeling a "sense of belonging."
In addition, this month, we hosted our Newcomer's Welcome Luncheon with well over 70 students attending this event hosted by Personal Career Counselling Services. This luncheon provided an opportunity for newcomers from many countries in the world and out-of province to network and become familiar with all of the supports available to them at our school. The goal, once again to ease the transition for our newcomers to our school and develop relationships with each other and important key folks, including student leaders and staff.
Our Grade 12's - Class of 2015, have already experienced their first post-secondary assembly and a field trip to the University Fair in Toronto. Sponsored by our Personal Career and Counselling Services Team, the majority of this class attended last Friday to begin the research and preparation for next steps beyond high school.
Our athletics, clubs and co-curriculars are gearing up for another successful year! It is important for all students to pay full attention to "Ridge TV" each day at 9:44am, to see and hear our announcements and updates of activities that run outside of the classroom. We encourage all students to get involved and our student-led, Ridge Council is fine tuning our list of co-curriculars for this year, having had two meetings already to get our teams, clubs and organizations started in a fine fashion.
Our Parent Engagement Team is already involved in collaboration with students and staff in preparation for our PINK Day on October 9th. This team plays an integral role in supporting this schoolwide and community event which showcases our Senior & Junior Football teams in action at 12 noon and 2 pm in support of Breast Cancer Awareness & Research. Our PINK Event this year marks it's 10th year anniversary so we invite all of you to come out on the 9th for this very important cause!
A last, important announcement is an open invitation for parents & caregivers to join us for our first School Council Meeting on Monday September 29th at 7pm. Our school chair, Loris Dumanian looks forward to meeting as many of you who are able to attend to share important information both at the board and school level. We hope to see you in our Staff Room at 7pm!
As you can see, once again at "The Ridge" we are off to a usual, busy start and know that there will be a lot more to come soon, in the way of events and activities. We encourage all of you to come out and support our teams and special events in the coming year and know that your support indeed does make a big difference for student engagement, achievement and ultimately, success. We very much look forward to living up to our reputation as the #1 Halton Secondary School (both Public & Catholic) and look forward to our continued relationship as we support the success of all of our students at "The Ridge!"
Have a great year everyone!
It is amazing to think that we have experienced the last official day of the summer of 2014 and that we are a good 3 weeks into our school year!
We are most pleased to welcome 1283 students to "The Ridge" this Fall and are very proud to let you know that our students, staff and Parent Engagement Team are in full swing with much that has happened and will continue to happen over the next several months.
Our Grade 9's - Class of 2018 have been fully immersed with our LINK Crew Leaders and have already experienced their orientation and first Collaborative Morning. By developing relationships with our senior students through LINK Crew, we hope that all of our Grade 9 students have some "go to" seniors should they need help or advice over the next year and beyond.
This peer-to-peer program is exceptional and we are proud to have the largest, most effective LINK Crew Program anywhere and are called upon on a regular basis by other schools and school boards to learn from us and how to replicate it's success.
The value in LINK Crew is the building and sustaining of relationships which creates a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students. We have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for our work in Safe Schools and Safety & Wellbeing and take great pride in well over 92% of our students "feeling safe" and feeling a "sense of belonging."
In addition, this month, we hosted our Newcomer's Welcome Luncheon with well over 70 students attending this event hosted by Personal Career Counselling Services. This luncheon provided an opportunity for newcomers from many countries in the world and out-of province to network and become familiar with all of the supports available to them at our school. The goal, once again to ease the transition for our newcomers to our school and develop relationships with each other and important key folks, including student leaders and staff.
Our Grade 12's - Class of 2015, have already experienced their first post-secondary assembly and a field trip to the University Fair in Toronto. Sponsored by our Personal Career and Counselling Services Team, the majority of this class attended last Friday to begin the research and preparation for next steps beyond high school.
Our athletics, clubs and co-curriculars are gearing up for another successful year! It is important for all students to pay full attention to "Ridge TV" each day at 9:44am, to see and hear our announcements and updates of activities that run outside of the classroom. We encourage all students to get involved and our student-led, Ridge Council is fine tuning our list of co-curriculars for this year, having had two meetings already to get our teams, clubs and organizations started in a fine fashion.
Our Parent Engagement Team is already involved in collaboration with students and staff in preparation for our PINK Day on October 9th. This team plays an integral role in supporting this schoolwide and community event which showcases our Senior & Junior Football teams in action at 12 noon and 2 pm in support of Breast Cancer Awareness & Research. Our PINK Event this year marks it's 10th year anniversary so we invite all of you to come out on the 9th for this very important cause!
A last, important announcement is an open invitation for parents & caregivers to join us for our first School Council Meeting on Monday September 29th at 7pm. Our school chair, Loris Dumanian looks forward to meeting as many of you who are able to attend to share important information both at the board and school level. We hope to see you in our Staff Room at 7pm!
As you can see, once again at "The Ridge" we are off to a usual, busy start and know that there will be a lot more to come soon, in the way of events and activities. We encourage all of you to come out and support our teams and special events in the coming year and know that your support indeed does make a big difference for student engagement, achievement and ultimately, success. We very much look forward to living up to our reputation as the #1 Halton Secondary School (both Public & Catholic) and look forward to our continued relationship as we support the success of all of our students at "The Ridge!"
Have a great year everyone!
Monday, June 23, 2014
June Celebration!
It is a privilege to congratulate all of our staff and students on another highly successful year at Iroquois Ridge!
Our students have one more day of final examinations and then it is on to the task of completing semester end evaluations in preparation for the Provincial Report Card. Our School Team will review all of our students' results through our Promotion Meetings, which we look forward to greatly, as we know we will be seeing some fantastic results in student achievement. It truly takes a "team approach" to support student success and the partnership between students, staff and our parent/caregiver community is the foundation for that success. We never take our successes forgranted at IRHS and we know that there are ways to be even more excellent than we already are!
As the school year concluded, we had the good fortune of experiencing another huge, Halton Championship win as our Junior Boys Soccer Team took home the "Gold," under the leadership of teacher/coach, Mike Luyks! This was the second championship title for Coach Luyks, who celebrated a Halton Junior Football title earlier in the Fall of 2013. We are very fortunate to have the commitment of many teacher/coaches at our school who are dedicated to the growth and development of our student/athletes who always represent our school with pride and dignity. We will look forward to the utilization of our new, Scoreboard in the Fall of 2014, which has been installed on the south west corner of our athletic field. We are proud to promote our "Home of the Trailblazers" and this will add a special touch to all of our home games in Football, Field Hockey and Soccer next year!
As June comes to a close, we say farewell to some of our teaching staff who will be moving on to new endeavours. David Bell (English), Tammy Vrees (LTO-Science) and Kristen McCoy (Science/Geography) are off to new assignments at Dr. Frank Hayden Secondary School while Mike Tarantino takes his talents to Garth Webb Secondary School. Dani Shaft (Math) will join the staff at T.A. Blakelock; Jesse Hall (LTO-Math) will teach at Aldershot High School, Art Hilson (Business) joins the team at Syl Apps, Kate O'Connor (Science) will be on a Maternity Leave for 2014/15, while Chris Brooks-Prenger (Math/Science), Katie Capron (Math), Sabrina Sibio (English) and Alexiis Stephen (History) will continue to work on our occasional list. We are thankful for the great work these folks have done on behalf of our kids, both in and outside of the classroom. They will be greatly missed but we know they are on to new opportunities and challenges that will be of benefit to them and others. We wish them the very best in the future!
In a few days we will pay tribute to our Grads of 2014 at our Graduation Ceremony. This is our last celebration of the school year, which fittingly comes after our Graduation Prom! We will look forward to
celebrating with our graduates knowing that they too will be off to new challenges and opportunities, whether it be post-secondary, apprenticeships or the world of work. We send our grads off knowing that Iroquois Ridge has prepared them extremely well for the next step and look forward to hearing about their future successes as they experience the next stage in their young lives!
So as we look toward our summer break, I wish everyone well for a safe and happy holiday. May the sunshine always be with you and as the summer fades to fall, we will see you back at "The Ridge" for 2014/15! Never a better place to be nor return to!!
Our students have one more day of final examinations and then it is on to the task of completing semester end evaluations in preparation for the Provincial Report Card. Our School Team will review all of our students' results through our Promotion Meetings, which we look forward to greatly, as we know we will be seeing some fantastic results in student achievement. It truly takes a "team approach" to support student success and the partnership between students, staff and our parent/caregiver community is the foundation for that success. We never take our successes forgranted at IRHS and we know that there are ways to be even more excellent than we already are!
As the school year concluded, we had the good fortune of experiencing another huge, Halton Championship win as our Junior Boys Soccer Team took home the "Gold," under the leadership of teacher/coach, Mike Luyks! This was the second championship title for Coach Luyks, who celebrated a Halton Junior Football title earlier in the Fall of 2013. We are very fortunate to have the commitment of many teacher/coaches at our school who are dedicated to the growth and development of our student/athletes who always represent our school with pride and dignity. We will look forward to the utilization of our new, Scoreboard in the Fall of 2014, which has been installed on the south west corner of our athletic field. We are proud to promote our "Home of the Trailblazers" and this will add a special touch to all of our home games in Football, Field Hockey and Soccer next year!
As June comes to a close, we say farewell to some of our teaching staff who will be moving on to new endeavours. David Bell (English), Tammy Vrees (LTO-Science) and Kristen McCoy (Science/Geography) are off to new assignments at Dr. Frank Hayden Secondary School while Mike Tarantino takes his talents to Garth Webb Secondary School. Dani Shaft (Math) will join the staff at T.A. Blakelock; Jesse Hall (LTO-Math) will teach at Aldershot High School, Art Hilson (Business) joins the team at Syl Apps, Kate O'Connor (Science) will be on a Maternity Leave for 2014/15, while Chris Brooks-Prenger (Math/Science), Katie Capron (Math), Sabrina Sibio (English) and Alexiis Stephen (History) will continue to work on our occasional list. We are thankful for the great work these folks have done on behalf of our kids, both in and outside of the classroom. They will be greatly missed but we know they are on to new opportunities and challenges that will be of benefit to them and others. We wish them the very best in the future!
In a few days we will pay tribute to our Grads of 2014 at our Graduation Ceremony. This is our last celebration of the school year, which fittingly comes after our Graduation Prom! We will look forward to
celebrating with our graduates knowing that they too will be off to new challenges and opportunities, whether it be post-secondary, apprenticeships or the world of work. We send our grads off knowing that Iroquois Ridge has prepared them extremely well for the next step and look forward to hearing about their future successes as they experience the next stage in their young lives!
So as we look toward our summer break, I wish everyone well for a safe and happy holiday. May the sunshine always be with you and as the summer fades to fall, we will see you back at "The Ridge" for 2014/15! Never a better place to be nor return to!!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Safety First!
Last week we had the privilege and honour to bring Rob Ellis, his daughter, Jessica and over 40 Workplace Safety Champions from Oakville, the Golden Horseshoe and as far away as Sarnia to provide a 1/2 day of curriculum geared toward student safety in the workplace.
We were very fortunate to host this event, which included the participation of Mayor Rob Burton, Local MPP/Minister of Labour - Kevin Flynn and Town Councillor Tom Adams. The format included a "networking breakfast," followed by a schoolwide assembly during our first period of the day with facilitated Career and Safety workshops for every second period class in our school.
Each May, we have had a focus on the Safety & Wellbeing of our students, which in the past has included Bullying Prevention and Mental Health Awareness and this year a most important and impactful focus on student safety.
This event was intentionally planned to coincide with Education Week and placed in May prior to our long weekend and prior to the hunt for summer jobs by our students.
These special events are a mandatory..."not optional"..extension of our provincial curriculum as we take our student's safety very seriously and know that all students and staff who participated were highly engaged and benefitted greatly around the messaging provided about "rights to personal safety in the workplace."
This was the largest scale event in North America, according to Rob Ellis with more representation, than ever before, by our local and provincial CEO's of some of the largest corporations in Ontario.
Students of our "Leadership Class" served as attaches and ambassadors for the "Champions" and had the opportunity to network with them throughout the morning. Students of our Careers' classes created an
Iroquois Ridge High School Safety Charter, which will be displayed in our school, as a perpetual reminder and committment to the things our students will collectively do in the workplace, to ensure their safety.
A morning of such importance could not have been possible without the leadership of VP-Patricia Clark and VP-Andrew Bigham, Susan Cutler, Dawn Goodwin-Barnes, Nancy Anstett, Kim Smith, Fozia Rehman and our Parent Engagement Team, Jim Fisher, Vanessa Blouin, Kris Reeve, Rachel Stecca. Tim Butler, Al Samsa, Tiffany Olmsted and COMMCO, Kevin McConvey and our band of excellent musicians, Monique Gazan and her wonderful Leadership students, Warren Lister (exemplary leadership prior to and on this day), Ernie Perreira and our amazing office crew (Suzanne, Krista, Diane, Allison and Georgina).
Our students demonstrated exemplary behaviour during this morning event and the questions which they asked of our "Champions", were thoughtful and excellent. Perhaps, this was the first opportunity that our students had to ask such questions. They were very fortunate to have them "vetted" by our "Champions,"
who weighed in with their very, expert advice. The follow-up workshops allowed for the opportunity to further network with our special guests, while also gaining more insight about various occupations, careers and safety in the workplace.
We hope that all students and staff who participated in this opportunity took away some very important
key learnings. As Rob Ellis mentioned..."if this morning saves one life...it is very, very well worth it."
We were very fortunate to have such a courageous, compassionate and amazing leader, such as Rob Ellis,
come to "The Ridge" as he continues to dedicate his life for the cause of workplace safety, each and every day. In a school filled with aspiring leaders, Rob is the example we look up to as an amazing, human being
and "Champion!"
"Stay Safe, Ridge!" in all that you do and partake in!
And remember...now, that you know your "rights"...it is time for you to take up the gauntlet of being a "Ridge Safety Champion!"
We were very fortunate to host this event, which included the participation of Mayor Rob Burton, Local MPP/Minister of Labour - Kevin Flynn and Town Councillor Tom Adams. The format included a "networking breakfast," followed by a schoolwide assembly during our first period of the day with facilitated Career and Safety workshops for every second period class in our school.
Each May, we have had a focus on the Safety & Wellbeing of our students, which in the past has included Bullying Prevention and Mental Health Awareness and this year a most important and impactful focus on student safety.
This event was intentionally planned to coincide with Education Week and placed in May prior to our long weekend and prior to the hunt for summer jobs by our students.
These special events are a mandatory..."not optional"..extension of our provincial curriculum as we take our student's safety very seriously and know that all students and staff who participated were highly engaged and benefitted greatly around the messaging provided about "rights to personal safety in the workplace."
This was the largest scale event in North America, according to Rob Ellis with more representation, than ever before, by our local and provincial CEO's of some of the largest corporations in Ontario.
Students of our "Leadership Class" served as attaches and ambassadors for the "Champions" and had the opportunity to network with them throughout the morning. Students of our Careers' classes created an
Iroquois Ridge High School Safety Charter, which will be displayed in our school, as a perpetual reminder and committment to the things our students will collectively do in the workplace, to ensure their safety.
A morning of such importance could not have been possible without the leadership of VP-Patricia Clark and VP-Andrew Bigham, Susan Cutler, Dawn Goodwin-Barnes, Nancy Anstett, Kim Smith, Fozia Rehman and our Parent Engagement Team, Jim Fisher, Vanessa Blouin, Kris Reeve, Rachel Stecca. Tim Butler, Al Samsa, Tiffany Olmsted and COMMCO, Kevin McConvey and our band of excellent musicians, Monique Gazan and her wonderful Leadership students, Warren Lister (exemplary leadership prior to and on this day), Ernie Perreira and our amazing office crew (Suzanne, Krista, Diane, Allison and Georgina).
Our students demonstrated exemplary behaviour during this morning event and the questions which they asked of our "Champions", were thoughtful and excellent. Perhaps, this was the first opportunity that our students had to ask such questions. They were very fortunate to have them "vetted" by our "Champions,"
who weighed in with their very, expert advice. The follow-up workshops allowed for the opportunity to further network with our special guests, while also gaining more insight about various occupations, careers and safety in the workplace.
We hope that all students and staff who participated in this opportunity took away some very important
key learnings. As Rob Ellis mentioned..."if this morning saves one life...it is very, very well worth it."
We were very fortunate to have such a courageous, compassionate and amazing leader, such as Rob Ellis,
come to "The Ridge" as he continues to dedicate his life for the cause of workplace safety, each and every day. In a school filled with aspiring leaders, Rob is the example we look up to as an amazing, human being
and "Champion!"
"Stay Safe, Ridge!" in all that you do and partake in!
And remember...now, that you know your "rights"...it is time for you to take up the gauntlet of being a "Ridge Safety Champion!"
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Spring ....into "Action!"
It is almost here...we think...although Mother Nature continues to tease us with a very, interesting Spring! Needless to say, though, the rhythm of our life at "The Ridge" unfolds despite the weather. Mid-term reports have come and gone, our Spring Co-Curriculars and Athletics are gearing up and our "staffing season" begins. Our students have made their course selections and we have been allocated sections for the 2014/15 school year. We were fortunate at this time to be interviewing for some sections for next year. In the midst of "staffing season" we also have the "comings and goings" of our staff. We are excited that the following staff are taking the opportunity for new positions at new schools: Kristen McCoy (Science/Geography), David Bell (English), Ian German (Transportation) are off to new challenges at Dr. Frank Hayden Secondary School while Mike Tarantino (Business) is off to Garth Webb Secondary School. There will be additional hiring as the months unfold and our enrollment firms up, right until September!
We are looking forward to a significant schoolwide event this upcoming Thursday May 8th. Rob Ellis will be coming to our school to do a Workplace Safety Presentation for students, staff, members of our extended community and special guests. Rob lost his son to an industrial accident many years ago and has travelled throughout North America to get the word out to youth and their right to "safety in the workplace." His story is an impactful and emotional one. Rob brings with him over 20 or so, local "CEO's" and workplace safety champions to participate in a 1/2 day event with our students, staff and special guests. As you know, our school prides itself on a number of things but nothing is more important than the safety of our young people!
We are very excited and extremely fortunate to have Rob and his team coming to our school for such an important educational experience.
The format for the event is as follows:
8 - 9 am Networking Breakfast (IRHS Library)
9 - 10 am Schoolwide Assembly (IRHS Gym)
10-11:10 am Facilitated Workshops (led by our CEO's and Workplace Safety Champions)
Our students and staff will have an excellent opportunity to network with Rob and our "Champions", who will promote the importance of safety in the workplace while also sharing some career advice in the various occupations that they have experienced throughout their lives.
Thanks in advance to the student, staff and parent team who have planned and organized this amazing event on behalf of our kids and as part of our ongoing Safety & Wellbeing work at "The Ridge."
We are looking forward to a significant schoolwide event this upcoming Thursday May 8th. Rob Ellis will be coming to our school to do a Workplace Safety Presentation for students, staff, members of our extended community and special guests. Rob lost his son to an industrial accident many years ago and has travelled throughout North America to get the word out to youth and their right to "safety in the workplace." His story is an impactful and emotional one. Rob brings with him over 20 or so, local "CEO's" and workplace safety champions to participate in a 1/2 day event with our students, staff and special guests. As you know, our school prides itself on a number of things but nothing is more important than the safety of our young people!
We are very excited and extremely fortunate to have Rob and his team coming to our school for such an important educational experience.
The format for the event is as follows:
8 - 9 am Networking Breakfast (IRHS Library)
9 - 10 am Schoolwide Assembly (IRHS Gym)
10-11:10 am Facilitated Workshops (led by our CEO's and Workplace Safety Champions)
Our students and staff will have an excellent opportunity to network with Rob and our "Champions", who will promote the importance of safety in the workplace while also sharing some career advice in the various occupations that they have experienced throughout their lives.
Thanks in advance to the student, staff and parent team who have planned and organized this amazing event on behalf of our kids and as part of our ongoing Safety & Wellbeing work at "The Ridge."
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
March Musings!
We have all returned to "The Ridge" after a wonderful, spring break! Much has transpired prior to our time off! Our entire school community certainly enjoyed the opportunity to follow the Sochi Winter Olympics which generated a lot of school spirit and pride in our Canadian Athletes as they sought "best-ever" performances! As a school which emphasizes "lofty goals" and "high expectations" for performance and achievement it was perfectly fitting to watch some of our Olympians aspire to greatness. Every one needs a "role model" or "exemplary performance" to aspire to and our Winter Olympians provided much inspiration and motivation for us all personally as we all seek to be the best that we can be!
Speaking of excellence, we were thrilled during this time to hear that we were identified by the Fraser Institute that we moved significantly in the Ontario Provincial Secondary School Rankings. Iroquois Ridge
moved to a #11 ranking in the province (out of 740 schools)and achieved #1 status in Halton (which includes both Halton District Public and Halton District Catholic Secondary Schools. The "School Report Card" is based primarily on our EQAO Results for Literacy & Numeracy in which we received a 9/10 score based on the Fraser Institute ratings...up from an 8.4/10 score in 2011/12. As mentioned in the "Toronto Sunday Sun" article earlier on in March, there really is a "culture of high expectations" at our school for everyone in our school community, but the foundation of this is really a personal approach we take with all of our students in building strong relationships, trust and support to enable our students to feel the confidence to be the best that they can be! The support network includes all of us...staff supporting students, staff supporting staff, students supporting students, students supporting staff and our "ace in the hole" is our parent and caregiver community who are highly invested in our school ...engaged in all of what we do here at 'The Ridge!"
We could not be more proud of our school and the success of all of our vested stakeholders! Our students are remarkable, our staff...the very finest and our parent/caregiver community absolutley "second to none!"
We can all share in this success as it is not easy to have an excellent school achieve even more excellent results and we are committed to ensuring that we remain more than excellent as we go forward!
Congratulations to everyone who make this school such an awesome place to learn, work and play in!
Other achievements prior to our Spring Break included a high level of success "outside" of the classroom.
Ridge "student/athletes" were represented at the OFSAA Swimming, Snowboarding Provincial Championships while both our Boys' and Girls' Hockey Teams played in Halton Play-off action. Our girls'
secured the Halton Tier 2 Championship with a win over Burlington Central High School and were treated to
a "gauntlet" in our street upon their return to school from their Gold Medal victory! 100's of staff and students lined our street as they cheered on our newest, Halton Champions as they walked the gauntlet!
Well deserved and much appreciated by the team and Coach Scott Phillips. In addition, our Curling team also secured the Halton Championship title under Coach Kristen McCoy's fine leadership.Well done, Trailblazers..yet another two championship banners to be showcased with pride in our athletic facility!!
So you see...we continue to dedicate ourselves to "excellence" whether it is in or outside of the classroom. I am humbled by the incredible accomplishments by our students, staff and parent/caregiver community and am extremely proud to continue to serve you all as the Principal of Iroquois Ridge!!
Speaking of excellence, we were thrilled during this time to hear that we were identified by the Fraser Institute that we moved significantly in the Ontario Provincial Secondary School Rankings. Iroquois Ridge
moved to a #11 ranking in the province (out of 740 schools)and achieved #1 status in Halton (which includes both Halton District Public and Halton District Catholic Secondary Schools. The "School Report Card" is based primarily on our EQAO Results for Literacy & Numeracy in which we received a 9/10 score based on the Fraser Institute ratings...up from an 8.4/10 score in 2011/12. As mentioned in the "Toronto Sunday Sun" article earlier on in March, there really is a "culture of high expectations" at our school for everyone in our school community, but the foundation of this is really a personal approach we take with all of our students in building strong relationships, trust and support to enable our students to feel the confidence to be the best that they can be! The support network includes all of us...staff supporting students, staff supporting staff, students supporting students, students supporting staff and our "ace in the hole" is our parent and caregiver community who are highly invested in our school ...engaged in all of what we do here at 'The Ridge!"
We could not be more proud of our school and the success of all of our vested stakeholders! Our students are remarkable, our staff...the very finest and our parent/caregiver community absolutley "second to none!"
We can all share in this success as it is not easy to have an excellent school achieve even more excellent results and we are committed to ensuring that we remain more than excellent as we go forward!
Congratulations to everyone who make this school such an awesome place to learn, work and play in!
Other achievements prior to our Spring Break included a high level of success "outside" of the classroom.
Ridge "student/athletes" were represented at the OFSAA Swimming, Snowboarding Provincial Championships while both our Boys' and Girls' Hockey Teams played in Halton Play-off action. Our girls'
secured the Halton Tier 2 Championship with a win over Burlington Central High School and were treated to
a "gauntlet" in our street upon their return to school from their Gold Medal victory! 100's of staff and students lined our street as they cheered on our newest, Halton Champions as they walked the gauntlet!
Well deserved and much appreciated by the team and Coach Scott Phillips. In addition, our Curling team also secured the Halton Championship title under Coach Kristen McCoy's fine leadership.Well done, Trailblazers..yet another two championship banners to be showcased with pride in our athletic facility!!
So you see...we continue to dedicate ourselves to "excellence" whether it is in or outside of the classroom. I am humbled by the incredible accomplishments by our students, staff and parent/caregiver community and am extremely proud to continue to serve you all as the Principal of Iroquois Ridge!!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Finish Line!
Here we go everyone....one more day to go before our examinations! Staff are preparing our students with exam reviews, students have completed Performance Tasks for their courses and now the "dash" to the "Finish Line!"
We do look forward to this time of the year and very, much notice intense "focus" by our students as they put their best efforts together for "best-ever" performances. On the other hand it is important for our students and staff to pay attention to the many ways in which to relieve their stresses and anxieties. Taking some time to relax and have a break from this pressure - laden time of the semester is really important...so we encourage everyone to find a balance in whatever way is best for the individual.
In our Parents' Corner there are some "stressbuster" tips and in many of our local newspapers recently there have been some articles about how to maintain positive mental health at such a "high stakes" time.
In particular, our Grade 9's write their first set of exams, while our 12's strive very high to ensure that their performance measures up to their aspirations and goals. After, seeing 230 students of our Grade 9 Class take advantage of our recent Cocoa and Cram session I am sure many are feeling a bit better about going into their exams for the very, first time.
It is important to keep everything in perspective however...as 70% of our student's final evaluation is based on their term work...so if the "learning" has been absorbed to a good degree throughout the semester the "key learnings" should be mastered via the Performance Task and then it is on to exams...some of which are worth 10%. So not so scary...after all... really!
Just a reminder that after exams there will be an Exam Take-up Day on Thursday January 30th. This is an attendance-taking day where staff will be available to meet with students from 8:30am to 11:45 am for all
Semester 1 classes.
Our Professional Learning Day occurs on Friday January 31st.
Semester 2 begins on Monday February 3rd.
There will be a special schedule for this day as all of our Grade 9' s will celebrate the first semester with our LINK Crew Leaders from 8:30am -11:00am. A pancake breakfast and additional activities will follow for our LINK Crew grads in our cafeteria.
The cafeteria will be open for lunch from 11:10 am - 12:10 pm.
All students will start Semester 2 classes as follows: Period 1 - 12:10-12:45 pm
Period 2 - 12:50-1:25 pm
Period 4 - 1:30 - 2:05 pm
Period 5 - 2:10 - 2:45 pm
We wish the very best for all of our students for a strong finish in Semester 1 and will look forward to welcoming everyone back for Monday February 3rd and the start of Semester 2!
Take care everyone and be "good" to yourselves!!!
We do look forward to this time of the year and very, much notice intense "focus" by our students as they put their best efforts together for "best-ever" performances. On the other hand it is important for our students and staff to pay attention to the many ways in which to relieve their stresses and anxieties. Taking some time to relax and have a break from this pressure - laden time of the semester is really important...so we encourage everyone to find a balance in whatever way is best for the individual.
In our Parents' Corner there are some "stressbuster" tips and in many of our local newspapers recently there have been some articles about how to maintain positive mental health at such a "high stakes" time.
In particular, our Grade 9's write their first set of exams, while our 12's strive very high to ensure that their performance measures up to their aspirations and goals. After, seeing 230 students of our Grade 9 Class take advantage of our recent Cocoa and Cram session I am sure many are feeling a bit better about going into their exams for the very, first time.
It is important to keep everything in perspective however...as 70% of our student's final evaluation is based on their term work...so if the "learning" has been absorbed to a good degree throughout the semester the "key learnings" should be mastered via the Performance Task and then it is on to exams...some of which are worth 10%. So not so scary...after all... really!
Just a reminder that after exams there will be an Exam Take-up Day on Thursday January 30th. This is an attendance-taking day where staff will be available to meet with students from 8:30am to 11:45 am for all
Semester 1 classes.
Our Professional Learning Day occurs on Friday January 31st.
Semester 2 begins on Monday February 3rd.
There will be a special schedule for this day as all of our Grade 9' s will celebrate the first semester with our LINK Crew Leaders from 8:30am -11:00am. A pancake breakfast and additional activities will follow for our LINK Crew grads in our cafeteria.
The cafeteria will be open for lunch from 11:10 am - 12:10 pm.
All students will start Semester 2 classes as follows: Period 1 - 12:10-12:45 pm
Period 2 - 12:50-1:25 pm
Period 4 - 1:30 - 2:05 pm
Period 5 - 2:10 - 2:45 pm
We wish the very best for all of our students for a strong finish in Semester 1 and will look forward to welcoming everyone back for Monday February 3rd and the start of Semester 2!
Take care everyone and be "good" to yourselves!!!
Friday, January 10, 2014
Cocoas and Cram!
Happy 2014 everyone! We have returned for our first week back in the New Year and now enter our assessment and evaluation period for Semester 1. Staff and students are focused on Performance Tasks, preparation for examinations and our Grade 9 students are readying themselves for their EQAO Math - Provincial Assessment to be held on Friday January 17th and Monday January 20th. This assessment is done during the regular math class time period. We wish this semester's Grade 9's the best of luck on this provincial test.
In light of this busy and stressful end of semester our staff are making themselves available for additional support and our students certainly will take full advantage of this to ensure their success. On Monday January 13th our LINK Crew Staff & Student Leaders, with the addition of many of our Grade 9 staff, will be hosting a study session called "Cocoas & Cram" after school from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in our Library.
We encourage all of our Grade 9's to take advantage of this opportunity as many study tips will be provided while students will also be provided with some delicious hot chocolate and treats. Perfect for this time of the year!
In addition, we will be offering "Zap the Zeroes" for those students needing more time to complete assignments on Thursday January 16th, Monday January 20th and Tuesday January 21st to be held in "The Ridge Room" from 11:10am - 12:10pm. Teachers will recommend students for this opportunity through our Student Success Leader - Mr. Kris Reeve. We hope that students who are invited to attend will do so!
Our formal exam period occurs on Thursday January 23rd, Friday January 24th, Monday January 27th and
Tuesday January 28th.Wednesday January 29th serves as an exam make-up day should Halton schools be closed due to inclement weather. We are hoping that we have seen the brunt of inclement weather by this time...cross all of our fingers!!
One note out to everyone as a heads'-up is that on Monday February 3rd (Day 1 of Semester 2) we will have a Special Schedule for the day. All of our Grade 9's will have a Breakfast Celebration with an 8:30 am start in our cafeteria with our LINK Crew. Students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 will begin classes later on this day. Period 1 of Semester 2 will begin at 12:10pm for all of our students with Periods 2, 3 and 4 to follow for all of our students. Please check our website for the Special Schedule which will be posted in the very near future. We will also put out a synervoice message to everyone in this regard as a reminder!
In addition, for Semester 2 we have been granted permission to continue with our Collaborative Mornings with a later start for all of our students in Grades 9 - 12 to allow for staff to be engaged in Collaborative Professional Learning. The dates are as follows: Thursday February 20th, Thursday March 20th, Thursday April 17th and Thursday May 15th. Daily schedules for these dates will have all students begin their period 1 classes at 9:45am with the other periods to follow: Period 2 - 10:50 - 11:45am, Lunch - 11:45 - 12:45pm,
Period 4 - 12:45 - 1:40 pm, Period 5 - 1:45 - 2:45 pm. Again...reminders will be provided via our website and synervoice. We believe that this will have huge advantages for our staff and students with the hopes of improving student success while also looking after the mental health and stresses that our students experience
in such a high achieving school. Our student focus group in May/June of 2013 reminded us of the pressures and stresses that they undergo with the expectations and pressures for high achievement and we honoured their feedback with this plan for a change in our Collaborative Mornings for this year. We will look forward to feedback from students, staff and our parent/careegiver community as we review this in May/June of 2014.
So, as we head to the "finish line" for Semester 1, we wish much luck and success for all of our students and we will look forward to reviewing their successes through our Promotion Processes to be held on Thursday January 30th!
In light of this busy and stressful end of semester our staff are making themselves available for additional support and our students certainly will take full advantage of this to ensure their success. On Monday January 13th our LINK Crew Staff & Student Leaders, with the addition of many of our Grade 9 staff, will be hosting a study session called "Cocoas & Cram" after school from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in our Library.
We encourage all of our Grade 9's to take advantage of this opportunity as many study tips will be provided while students will also be provided with some delicious hot chocolate and treats. Perfect for this time of the year!
In addition, we will be offering "Zap the Zeroes" for those students needing more time to complete assignments on Thursday January 16th, Monday January 20th and Tuesday January 21st to be held in "The Ridge Room" from 11:10am - 12:10pm. Teachers will recommend students for this opportunity through our Student Success Leader - Mr. Kris Reeve. We hope that students who are invited to attend will do so!
Our formal exam period occurs on Thursday January 23rd, Friday January 24th, Monday January 27th and
Tuesday January 28th.Wednesday January 29th serves as an exam make-up day should Halton schools be closed due to inclement weather. We are hoping that we have seen the brunt of inclement weather by this time...cross all of our fingers!!
One note out to everyone as a heads'-up is that on Monday February 3rd (Day 1 of Semester 2) we will have a Special Schedule for the day. All of our Grade 9's will have a Breakfast Celebration with an 8:30 am start in our cafeteria with our LINK Crew. Students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 will begin classes later on this day. Period 1 of Semester 2 will begin at 12:10pm for all of our students with Periods 2, 3 and 4 to follow for all of our students. Please check our website for the Special Schedule which will be posted in the very near future. We will also put out a synervoice message to everyone in this regard as a reminder!
In addition, for Semester 2 we have been granted permission to continue with our Collaborative Mornings with a later start for all of our students in Grades 9 - 12 to allow for staff to be engaged in Collaborative Professional Learning. The dates are as follows: Thursday February 20th, Thursday March 20th, Thursday April 17th and Thursday May 15th. Daily schedules for these dates will have all students begin their period 1 classes at 9:45am with the other periods to follow: Period 2 - 10:50 - 11:45am, Lunch - 11:45 - 12:45pm,
Period 4 - 12:45 - 1:40 pm, Period 5 - 1:45 - 2:45 pm. Again...reminders will be provided via our website and synervoice. We believe that this will have huge advantages for our staff and students with the hopes of improving student success while also looking after the mental health and stresses that our students experience
in such a high achieving school. Our student focus group in May/June of 2013 reminded us of the pressures and stresses that they undergo with the expectations and pressures for high achievement and we honoured their feedback with this plan for a change in our Collaborative Mornings for this year. We will look forward to feedback from students, staff and our parent/careegiver community as we review this in May/June of 2014.
So, as we head to the "finish line" for Semester 1, we wish much luck and success for all of our students and we will look forward to reviewing their successes through our Promotion Processes to be held on Thursday January 30th!
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