Welcome Package 2015

WELCOME TO

2015-2016 INFORMATION FOR NEW FAMILIES

www.yorkschool.com Celebrating 50 Years of Co-Education 1965-2015

Contents All School Enrolment Checklist..........................4-5 Welcome from Chair of the Board of Directors..............................................6 Welcome from Head of School............7 Welcome from Director of Strategic Enrolment Management....................8 Welcome from Director of Advancement.....................................9 Advancement...................................10 Annual Fund.....................................10 Volunteering................................10/11 Key Contacts................................12/13 Main School Phone Number.............12 Contacting Staff & Faculty.............12 Attendance.......................................12 Financial Information....................14/15 Communications..........................16/17

Divisional Welcome from Junior School Principal.....................22 Extended Care........................................23 Co-Curricular Programme.......................23 Athletics.............................................24/25 Technology..............................................26 Textbooks & School Supplies.................27 York Student Buddy Programme............27 Welcome from Middle School Principal....................28 Student Life........................................29-31 Athletics.............................................32/33 Student Services......................................35 Course Selection.....................................34 Technology..............................................36 Welcome from Senior School Principal........................38 Student Life........................................39-40 Athletics.............................................41-42 Student Services.................................43-45 Technology..............................................45

Calendars..........................................18 Uniforms...........................................19 Cafeteria...........................................20 Textbooks.........................................21

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New Student Checklist

By middle of June, 2015

ψψRead the Welcome Package ψψPrint out, sign, and return the Elective Course Selection Form (Grades 6 - 8) (form will be sent via email) ψψConnect with your child’s counsellor (Grades 6 - 12) ψψSign-in to YorkNet and explore the dashboard ψψCheck and update your family information in YorkNet

By end of July, 2015

ψψBook a uniform appointment ψψOrder textbooks (Grades 6 - 12) ψψOrder laptop (Grades 7 - 12)

By end of August, 2015

ψψMake sure your child connects with his or her York Buddy

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New Student Checklist

Return forms included in the August Back-to-School mailing: ψψCore Agreement Signature ψψPayment Agreement ψψRequest for Immunization ψψMedical Information ψψDrop-off/Pick-up Permission (JK - Grade 5) ψψFood Services Programme (Grades 1 - 5) Notes: Uniform Appointment Date: York School Buddy Name:

Save the Dates!

New Student Orientation & Welcome BBQ - Thurs. Sept. 3rd York School 50th Birthday Party - Sat. Sept. 26th

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Welcome from the Chair of the Board of Directors

A

s Chair of the Board of Directors, I congratulate you on selecting an excellent school for your son or daughter’s education. With two children attending The York School, I am actively connected to the school as a parent and equally committed as a Board Member to ensuring that our school continues to lead as the top co-educational International Baccalaureate school in Toronto while remaining financially stable and effectively governed.

You are joining The York School in an auspicious year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of our school. 2015 also marks the first year of our 20/20 Vision Strategic Plan, which will ensure that our priorities come to life over the next five years.

There has never been a more exciting time to be part of this community.

Our globally-minded school ensures that our students emerge ready to ‘take on the world’. I trust that this package will ensure your journey gets off to the right start.

Sincerely,

Tim Thorsteinson Chair of the Board of Directors /6

Welcome from the Head of School

W

elcome to The York School community!

The information in this package will provide you with some key information to help get you off to a great start. From co-curricular activities and athletics programmes, to uniform guidelines and school textbooks – this package is a helpful resource for all things “York School.” It is organized and colour-coded by Junior, Middle, and Senior School.

We will be in touch again in July and August with summer issues of the “Friday Flash,” our electronic newsletter. This will provide more information as you look forward to September.

In September, we commence our 50th anniversary year. We have some exciting events and celebrations planned to mark this milestone occasion and look forward to having you join us in this important year of our history as a school.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting to know your family.

Sincerely,

Conor Jones, Head of School /7

Welcome from the Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

We are excited to have you join The York School; and, if you are currently a York School parent, we are delighted that you have chosen to continue the York School tradition in your family.

You will likely have a number of questions as we approach September. This Welcome Package should get you off to a great start.

We look forward to seeing you in September; please know that we here to help support your transition in any way we can.

Warm regards,

Praveen Muruganandan Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

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Welcome from the Director of Advancement It is my pleasure to welcome you to The York School community.

Over the past 50 years, The York School has enjoyed continual growth thanks to our dedicated group of parents – both past and present – alumni and friends of the school. Each year, our community generously commits the time, expertise and financial support required to succeed in our mission of developing knowledgeable and engaged citizens of the world.

One of the driving forces of The York School’s success is our highly dedicated and talented volunteers. In this Welcome Package, you will find information on volunteering and other ways in which you can support the school. There is a wide range of opportunities for parent involvement – if you have any questions on how you can contribute, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Judy MacGowan Director of Advancement

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Advancement The Advancement Department The Advancement Department focuses on raising funds to support students and faculty, and on building a thriving community at The York School. The department organizes fundraising campaigns and works closely with parent and alumni volunteers to develop community building initiatives.

Donations benefit each and every student who attends The York School.

Continuing this tradition of philanthropy carries forward these enhancements to future students at the school. We are pausing at our 50-year anniversary milestone to consider the number of individuals who have given to create such a rich educational experience for our current students.

Annual Fund Tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of a York School education. Annual Fund donations raised each year help cover costs that surpass tuition fees; the generosity of our donor community provides immediate benefits for students and faculty, such as technology advancements, the chance to learn from seasoned experts, facility improvements and abundant co-curricular opportunities.

Beginning in October, parents are asked to support the Annual Fund programme for the academic year. All gifts are tax receiptable and directly impact the student experience at The York School.

Volunteering Our parent community is an amazing group. Parent volunteers are at the school every day, running events and helping to build our school spirit and sense of community. Volunteering any amount of time is one of the most valuable ways in which you can get involved in supporting your child’s education. It is also a wonderful way to meet new people within the community.

There are many ways you can get involved as a new parent: the York Parent Association (YPA); the York International Parent Association (YIPA); the Board of Directors; Event Committees; Class Parent representatives; library volunteers; or as an event volunteer. The Parent Volunteer Handbook for 2015-2016 will be available to you in August. It outlines the many volunteer opportunities available

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Advancement for parents. We hope you join this dynamic community as we work together towards building a remarkable school and school community.

For more information about being a parent volunteer or donations to The York School, please contact: Judy MacGowan, CFRE Director of Advancement 416-926-1325 x 1192 jmacgowan@yorkschool.com Please visit us at http://www.yorkschool.com/about/support

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Key Contacts Main School Phone Number 416-926-1325 Contacting Staff and Faculty We strive to be as accessible as possible to our community. Each member of our staff and faculty can be reached via voicemail and/or email. Contact information can be found on our website under “Our People” in the “About Us” section: http://www.yorkschool.com/Page/About-Us/Our-People All staff emails follow the “first initial last name@yorkschool.com” format (e.g. jsmith@yorkschool.com). If you are unsure about whom to call, please contact our receptionist and your call will be directed appropriately.

Attendance If your child will be late or absent from school, please notify the school via email at attendance@yorkschool.com or call the relevant attendance numbers.

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Key Contacts Department

Contact Name

Telephone

Accounting Department

Winston Berrotte

416-646-5276

Admission Inquiries

Julia Gordon

416-646-5275

Advancement Office

Judy MacGowan

416-926-1325 x 1192

Athletics Department

Norah Convery

416-646-1186

Junior School: Patricia Indart

416-646-5282

Middle/Senior School: Laura George

416-646-5270

General Inquiries/ Reception

Nicole Reyes

416-926-1325 x 1101

Head of School (Conor Jones)

Kimberley Benoit

416-926-1325 x 1226

Junior School Principal (Jennifer Wyatt)

Kate Boynton

416-646-1614

Middle School Principal (Helen Gin)

Caitlin Watson

416-926-1325 x 1111

Senior School Principal (David Hamilton)

Vicky Diano

416-926-1325 x 1103

Social Worker

Elissa Kline-Beber

416-926-1325 x 1625

Middle School: Caitlin Watson

416-926-1325 x 1111

Senior School: Claudia Da Fonte

416-926-1325 x 1109

Attendance

Student Services & University Placement

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Financial Information This section is designed to help you plan for the financial requirements of sending your child or children to The York School. There are expenses beyond tuition that you will need to take into account, but not all potential costs will apply to all students.

For assistance, please contact: Katie Leopold Director of Finance and Operations 416-926-1325 x 1110 kleopold@yorkschool.com

Tuition Fee Payment Schedule 2015-2016 for students in Grades JK – 12 Instalment

Due Date

JK

SK

Gr 1 - 12

1st 2nd 3rd Total Fees

February 12, 2015 May 29, 2015 September 30, 2015

$ 3,500 $ 8,000 $ 7,500 $ 19,000

$ 3,500 $ 10,500 $ 10,000 $ 24,000

$ 3,500 $13,000 $12,500 $29,000

Online Payment Through most major banks, The York School has been able to set up payment of tuition online. Please check with your branch to find out whether or not you have this option.

Instalment Plan Payment of the May and September fee instalments can be made by 10 payments (direct electronic bank debits) commencing May 1, 2015. An additional charge of $140 applies.

Note: If you choose to make monthly fee instalments, please complete the Monthly Instalment Plan form which you would have received with the “Offer of Place” package. If you need a new form, please find them on our Welcome to York page. / 14

Financial Information Statements of Account Statements of account are set up for each student and rendered periodically throughout the year. They reflect not only the fee instalment outlined above, but also additional costs for books, York Shop and cafeteria purchases, YPA membership, yearbook, supplies, cultural and sporting activities, etc. These costs vary widely among students due to different levels of participation in athletic, outdoor, and cultural activities, as well as spending habits. All statements are due upon receipt.

Please contact the Business Office at 416-646-5276 if you do not wish your child to have York Shop or cafeteria charging privileges on their student account.

Winston Berrotte Business Office wberrotte@yorkschool.com 416-646-5276

Interest Interest is charged at 1.25% per month (15% per annum) on statement balances remaining unpaid for more than a month. Students with fees unpaid at the end of one term will not be permitted to return for the next term unless suitable payment arrangements have been made.

Responsibility for Full Payment of Fees To plan the operating budget, the school establishes fees and makes contractual commitments in advance of the academic year. Therefore, withdrawals prior to or during the school year are subject to cancellation fees. In special circumstances, the school may pro-rate the fees to the date of withdrawal.

The York School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose scholarship, behavior or cooperation is, in the opinion of the Head of School, detrimental to the standards of the school. In the event of a student’s suspension, dismissal, withdrawal or absence from the school for any reason, the parents or guardians are liable for payment of the fees.

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Communications The York School offers a number of services online and communicates extensively with parents via YorkNet (our community portal) and other electronic communications.

YorkNet YorkNet is our information portal and it is customized to each member of our community. When you sign in, you will see school calendars, announcements, news, registration forms, directories, media galleries and videos. During the school year, YorkNet will be your bridge to make interview appointments, sign up for athletic programmes and keep track of all the activities and progress of your child. The parent portal can be accessed via http://www.yorkschool. com by clicking the YORKNET LOGIN link in the top right-hand corner of the site and entering the same username and password you used throughout the admission process. Please review your family’s information in YorkNet and make any necessary updates. Forget your password? Just click “need help” and enter your email to reset!

Friday Flash The York School publishes a weekly all-school e-newsletter to keep parents up-to-date with communications from the Head of School, Divisional Principals and Student Services and to inform parents of events and student activities.

Most of the school’s critical information goes through the Friday Flash rather than individual emails. Archives can be accessed on the parent portal for the previous month. If you would like any other friends or family members to receive the Friday Flash, we also have a Friends of The York School list. New parents will receive their first Friday Flash e-newsletter in July as well as a back-to-school issue in August. / 16

Communications

Student Resource Pages Students from JK through Grade 12 have resource pages accessible through individual buttons on YorkNet and are used by students to access a variety of carefully selected digital resources to complement the curriculum. Parents can also access these resources to stay informed or to help your child while at home. No usernames or passwords are required. For any questions regarding your portal login, student resource pages, the Friday Flash or any requests or suggestions regarding our online services, please contact: Kara Lysne-Paris Manager of Marketing & Communications 416-926-1325 x 1214 klysne-paris@yorkschool.com / 17

Calendars 2015/16 YorkNet has every calendar you might need to plan the school year for your family.

On www.yorkschool.com, you can quickly check our dashboard for important items you may wish to see, including our calendars.

All dates for 2015-2016 including Winter Holidays and March Break are in the calendar. September is a particularly busy month – so we recommend having a look and booking some of the dates you won’t want to miss including Curriculum Night and The York School’s 50th Birthday Party! ‘What’s For Lunch’ is another popular calendar and dashboard item.

Once you log in, you will see “Calendars” on your dashboard. This button gives you the ability to filter all of your calendars, including athletic games and practices. In the top right corner of the calendar page, you will see three buttons to expand, get a URL to feed into your own calendar, or print any calendar.

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Uniforms The York School has a standard uniform for students in JK through Grade 5. There is a summer uniform, a winter uniform and athletic wear.

The York School also has a standard uniform for students in Grades 6 through 12.

We recommend that all uniform items be labelled. For a complete list of uniform items and requirements, please visit: http://www.yorkschool. com/uniforms.

All uniform items must be purchased from the York Shop.

Payment can be made by cash, cheque or charged to your child’s student account. We do not accept credit cards.

To ensure your child has a complete uniform ready for September, please make an appointment with the Junior School York Shop or the Middle and Senior School York Shop in June or August. Appointments are scheduled between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

To book a uniform appointment, please contact: Ginny Bates York Shop Manager 416-646-5278 gbates@yorkschool.com

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Cafeteria The York School offers Food Services at both the Junior School and Middle and Senior School campuses. Aramark is our food service provider and ensures that our students and staff receive nutritious, balanced meals every day. Menus are planned by term and rotate in three-week cycles. Menus are posted on the YorkNet calendar by school location. As a ‘nut-aware’ facility, all food that is sent to The York School should be free of nuts.

At the Junior School, there is a Food Services Programme available which you can register for by term or pay-as-you-go on a daily basis. Alternatively, children can bring their own lunch and snacks if preferred.

More information about the Food Services Programme and a sign-up form will be provided in a back-to-school communication which will be sent in August.

At the Middle and Senior School, the cafeteria is run on a retail basis where students and parents can purchase a variety of meals and snacks. Many students also bring lunches and snacks to school.

All purchases can be paid for by cash or are charged to the student’s account. Charges to the student account can be done by providing the student number or through biometric fingerprint scanning.

Grade 11 and 12 students can choose to leave the school for lunch, and other Middle and Senior School grades enjoy

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Textbooks

Textbooks For Grades 6 through 12, textbooks are purchased online through the Canadian School Book Exchange. You can place your textbook order online by logging into YorkNet and clicking on the “Order Textbooks” icon. Follow the information appropriate to your child’s grade and textbook requirements. Used textbooks are also available through the website on a first-come, first-served basis.

The online ordering process will be available in late June. Please visit our website closer to the time for official dates to start your order process. Orders must be placed by July 30, 2015 to ensure delivery for the start of classes in September.

For information regarding textbook orders or payment for used books, please contact: Canadian School Book Exchange 905-828-7200 www.csbe.net/school/yorkschool

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Welcome from Junior School Principal

It is my pleasure to officially welcome you to The York School!

The Junior School is a magical and collaborative environment in all aspects. It has a strong community feel and I am thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of it. This Welcome Package will outline some of the ways in which you and your family can become immersed in the school community – through volunteer opportunities, cocurricular activities and athletics programmes. This package will also serve as a useful reference guide to prepare you for your transition and help you navigate through your first few months at The York School. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open and I am happy to meet with any family who has questions, comments or feedback.

I look forward to greeting you in September and in the meantime I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer.

Sincerely, Jennifer Wyatt Junior School Principal jwyatt@yorkschool.com

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Junior School Student Life The Junior School Administrative Assistant is Kate Boynton. If you have any questions about any aspect of Junior School student life or would like to book an appointment with Mr. Wyatt, please contact Ms. Boynton: Kate Boynton Junior School Administrative Assistant kboynton@yorkschool.com 416-926-1326 x 1614

Extended Care The school doors open at 8:00 a.m. There is supervision in the Extended Care area for all students from 7:30 a.m. onwards and after school until 6:00 p.m. There is no need to pre-register. Children can relax, play, do homework and have a snack.

Extended Care costs are included in the tuition for JK and SK students. For students in Grades 1 to 5 who use Extended Care, a fee of $12 per hour is charged (in 15 minute increments) and is billed to your school account monthly. Students in the Extended Care Programme who attend Co-curricular or Athletic Programmes after school will be billed only for the time they are in Extended Care. Our Extended Care Programme ends at 6:00 p.m. Late fees of $25 per quarter hour, or any part thereof, will be charged after this time. For more information, please contact:

Carol Klestinec Extended Daycare Supervisor/ Co-Curricular Coordinator 416-926-1325 x 1701 cklestinec@yorkschool.com Co-curricular Programme Each term, students in JK to Grade 5 can register for a variety of Co-Curricular Programmes such as drama, Mandarin, choir, woodworking, Mad Science, chess and baking. There are three sessions: fall, winter and spring. Sessions become available online prior to the change in term. Programme information for the fall session will be available in August before registration begins. Spaces can fill up quickly so please ensure that you are aware of the starting date and time for registration online. This information will be communicated through the Friday Flash. / 23

Junior School Athletics The Junior School Athletics Programme gives our athletes a variety of positive experiences across a wide variety of sports. Through participation in the Junior School Athletics Programme, our athletes improve their daily fitness and sportspecific skills while contributing to the vibrant athletic culture of our school.

In the Junior School, our goal is to help young athletes develop skills, promote participation, and position our competitive teams for success. Students in Grades 3 to 5 have the opportunity to play on competitive teams. Students in JK through Grade 5 can participate in Gladiator Athlete Development Programmes.

Athletes who join any Junior School Athletic Programme will further develop the values of commitment, team spirit and mutual respect through sport.

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Junior School Athletics Interscholastic League offerings and Athletic Development Programmes are further defined below.

Grades 3 and 4 = Under 10* Grade 5 = Under 11* Sport

Fall (Sep – Nov)

Winter (Nov – Mar)

Basketball

U11 Girls

U10 Boys U11 Boys

Cross Country

U10/11 Co-Ed

Soccer

U10 Co-Ed U11 Co-Ed

Spring (Apr – May)

U11 Girls U9 Co-ed U10/U11 Co-Ed

Track & Field Nominal fees are associated with interscholastic team sports.

Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes (GADP) offer a variety of sports to students in Grades JK through 5. Programmes vary by term to provide students a variety of positive sport experiences. Options may include: tennis, fitness, soccer, yoga, basketball, volleyball, skipping, dance, and ultimate frisbee. Programmes are offered either during the lunch recess time or after school. Registration is on a term-by-term basis. Fees for GADP vary and will be posted with the registration information at the start of each term. Fees are charged to student accounts.

For more information about Athletics at the Junior School, please contact: Rick DeMarinis Director of Athletics 416-926-1325 x 5277 rdemarinis@yorkschool.com / 25

Junior School Technology

Innovation is Our Tradition Led by our Learning, Technology and Innovation department, we constantly seize new technological opportunities and respond with new initiatives and programmes.

We offer a culture of creativity that inspires teachers and students to think differently, explore confidently and adapt skillfully. This approach means that we are constantly searching for technological opportunities that will enhance learning.

Students in JK through Grade 2 use iPads regularly as part of the classroom tool kit. Grades 3 to 5 students each receive a ChromeBook to enrich their learning across the curriculum. All classrooms have Smart Boards and integrated projector/sound systems. Afzal Shaikh is our Technology Teaching and Learning Coordinator at the Junior School and supports the Primary Years Programme. For more information about technology at The York School Junior School, please contact: Justin Medved Director of Learning, Innovation & Technology 416-926-1325 x 1224 jmedved@yorkschool.com / 26

Junior School Textbooks & Student Buddies Textbooks and School Supplies On the first day of school, teachers will hand out folders, notebooks, paper, pencils, erasers, workbooks and textbooks as well as student agendas. Basic school supplies are provided at no cost to the students. Workbooks, textbooks, and student agendas will be charged to the student account in the fall.

For more information about textbooks, please contact: Ginny Bates York Shop Manager 416-646-5278 gbates@yorkschool.com York Student Buddy Programme At the Junior School, York Student Buddies are assigned to all new students, with the exception of JK. A York Buddy is chosen from the grade and class where the new student will be placed in the fall. A York Buddy promises to contact the new student a minimum of one time over the course of the summer – for a playdate, a conversation, to answer questions about the school, etc. – and will offer support to the new student throughout the first few weeks of school. The York Student Buddy system is in place to ensure that all new students to The York School feel welcome.

If your child’s York Student Buddy has not been in contact by late August, please email: Jennifer Wyatt Junior School Principal jwyatt@yorkschool.com

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Welcome from Middle School Principal

The York School is a wonderful community for young people to learn and grow.

You will find that we are committed to ensuring every aspect of the Middle School embodies our school’s mission statement, ‘To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world.’

This Welcome Package is your reference for all the information you will need prior to starting with us in September, however, if you have any questions, comments or concerns at any time, please do contact me. I look forward to seeing you and your child in September and welcoming you in person to our community. Until then, I hope you and your family enjoy a safe and happy summer.

Sincerely, Helen Gin Middle School Principal hgin@yorkschool.com / 28

Middle School Student Life The Middle School Administrative Assitant is Caitlin Watson. If you have any questions about any aspect of Middle School student life, course selection, club activities, or would like to book an appointment with Mr. Gin, please contact Ms. Watson.

Caitlin Watson Middle School Administrative Assistant 416-926-1325 x 1111 cwatson@yorkschool.com Student Life Demonstrating our total commitment to experiential learning, we aim to bring the IB Programme to life by developing complementary learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Co-curricular Programme Our school calendars attest to the incredible range of activities going on every single day of the year at the school, in and around Toronto, across Canada, and globally. The York School offers a wide-ranging and constantly evolving list of clubs and co-curricular activities to students. Participation in co-curricular activities is integral to student life and also provides many leadership opportunities.

Participation is not mandatory, but certainly encouraged!

Some of the clubs and co-curriculars offered to Middle School students in the past include: Student Council, robotics, book club, DJ club (digital music), chess club, debating, Middle School radio, open studio art club, glee club, Middle School musical, jazz band, science olympiad club, math coding club, Minecraft club, girls club, and outers club (geocaching, dog sledding, yurt camping).

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Middle School Student Life

York Student Buddy Programme At the Middle School, York Student Buddies are assigned to all new Middle School students. A York Buddy is chosen from the grade and the homeroom where the new student will be placed in the fall. A York Buddy will contact the new student a minimum of one time over the course of the summer by phone or email – to have a conversation, to answer questions about the school, etc – and will offer support to the new student throughout the first term of school. The York Student Buddy Programme is in place to ensure that all new students to the Middle School feel welcome and have a successful transition to our campus.

If your child’s York Student Buddy has not been in contact by late August, please email: Glen Blair Middle School Counsellor 416-926-1325 x 1207 gblair@yorkschool.com / 30

Middle School Student Life Challenge Week & Field Trips Challenge Week embodies our commitment to engage in experiential learning.

Students are asked to extend themselves beyond their comfort zone to gain the skills and confidence to learn through experience. Challenge Week is one of the most important platforms in which the Learner Profile of the Middle Years Programme is developed through experience. Becoming risk-takers, inquirers, communicators and open-minded, caring citizens are concrete outcomes that support the International Baccalaureate philosophy.

Challenge Week is a mandatory part of the curriculum in the Middle School during the first week of May. Grade-specific excursions are linked directly to a specific course or area of study. Fees associated with Challenge Week are in addition to tuition and will be charged to the student’s account.

Curriculum-driven day and overnight field trips take place at different points throughout the school-year. These field trips are mandatory. Associated fees are not included in tuition and will be charged to the student’s account.

For more information about CoCurricular Programmes, Challenge Week, and Field Trips, please contact: Sarah Charley Middle School Director of Student Life scharley@yorkschool.com

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Middle School Athletics The Middle School Athletics Programme focuses on providing exposure to a wide variety of sports at all levels. The goal is to develop a life-long passion for sport and healthy, active living. Our student-athletes have the opportunity to try out for Interscholastic Teams or join recreational Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes (GADP).

Interscholastic League Grade 6 = Under 12* Grade 7 & 8 = Under 14* *All players must be that age or younger on December 31, 2015.

Sport

Fall (Sep - Nov)

Winter (Nov - Mar)

Badminton

Spring (Mar - May) U14 Co-ed

Basketball

U13 Girls U14 Girls

Cross Country

U12 Co-ed U14 Co-ed

Soccer

U13 Boys U14 Boys

U12 Boys U14 Boys

U14 Girls

Track & Field

U12 Co-ed U14 Co-ed

Ultimate Frisbee

U14 Co-Ed Team

Volleyball Softball

U12 Boys U14 Boys

U12 Girls U13 Girls U14 Girls U14 Co-ed

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Middle School Athletics

Students have to “try-out” for a team. Skill along with the ability to commit to practices and games are considered for player selection. Given that player experience and skill levels vary, some teams will be in the league while others will play exhibition. The programme’s competitive nature, along with stringent qualifying criteria, may limit the number of players and may mean “cuts.” Where possible, practice squads will be set up to limit the number of cuts made.

Fees are associated with interscholastic team sports and are charged to student accounts.

Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes (GADP) Each term, we offer Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes to provide students with a variety of positive sport experiences. Programmes such as yoga, fitness boot camp, and strength and conditioning are available. Registration is term by term. Fees for GADP vary and will be posted with the registration information at the start of each term. Fees are charged to student accounts.

For more information about Athletics at the Middle School, please contact: Rick DeMarinis Director of Athletics 416-926-1325 x 5277 rdemarinis@yorkschool.com

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Middle School Course Selection In Middle School, students study 10 subjects each year – nine compulsory courses, plus an additional course of their choosing (an “elective,” as outlined below). Please speak with your child to help him or her decide upon an elective that best reflects his or her interests.

The elective options are as follows: Grade 6 - Mandarin or vocal music Grade 7 - Mandarin*, Spanish*, vocal music, or dramatic arts Grade 8 - Mandarin, Spanish, vocal music, or dramatic arts * Please Note: For those choosing Mandarin or Spanish as their elective in Grade 7, this will be a two-year commitment (over Grades 7 and 8) and, if successfully completed, will result in a “work-ahead credit” (this means the student will enter Grade 9 having already completed a credit course that will be applied to their Ontario Secondary School Diploma).

You will have received a Grade 6, 7 or 8 Course Selection form via email. Please print out and complete this form, indicating a first and second elective choice, and return the form by Friday, June 12, 2015, via email, to: Caitlin Watson Middle School Administrative Assistant 416-926-1325 x 1111 cwatson@yorkschool.com

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Middle School Student Services Upon entering the Middle School, all students are assigned a counsellor who tracks their progress and meets their academic and psycho-social needs. Each student remains with the same counsellor through the Middle School years to ensure continuity.

The School Social Worker is Elissa Kline-Beber. Our Middle School Counsellors are Glen Blair and Liz O’Dwyer.

Elissa Kline-Beber, Social Worker 416 926-1325 ext 1220 ekline-beber@yorkschool.com

Glen Blair 416-926-1325 x 1207 gblair@yorkschool.com

Liz O’Dwyer 416-926-1325 x 1145 lodwyer@yorkschool.com

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Middle School Technology Learning Management Systems Students in the Middle and Senior Schools are supported by the Blackboard LMS, which provides access to course materials and assignments, online subscriptions and course announcements. Blackboard gives teachers and students the benefit of ongoing organizational help and is accessible 24/7 via the internet.

Blackboard is accessed via a button on the YorkNet dashboard. Each parent has an “observer” role to be able to view course material – including assignments – once the school year begins in September and student courses are uploaded. Sign-in information for Blackboard will be sent to parents in the summer.

For further questions about Blackboard or to get help, please contact the I.T. Help Desk Desk at 416-926-1325 x 1150.

Middle School Laptop Programme Over the past 15 years we have emerged as a leader in meaningful and innovative technology integration. At The York School, we see the student-owned laptop as a tool for learning and its use is driven by the outcomes of each subject area.

To ensure our students are supported at the highest level, the school invests heavily in teacher professional development and technology integration specialist support staff. An annual $100 software fee will be charged to your account.

For 2015-2016, our highly successful Grade 3 to 5 Chromebook Programme is moving into Grade 6! Students entering Grade 6 will be provided with a schoolowned Dell Chromebook that they will use for the year.

Students entering Grades 7 and 8 are required to purchase the Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga through our reseller which will be ready for pick up during the Grade 7 to 12 “Open the Box” laptop orientation event in September. The York School will provide onsite hardware repairs and software support.

Please visit this website to order your laptop: www.miad.com/theyorkschool. All orders should be placed no later than July 31, 2015. This will guarantee that your child’s computer is ready for the Open the Box event in September.

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Welcome from Senior School Principal

At the Senior School, you will find a community of engaged learners who embrace new challenges, dig deep, and emerge as confident citizens of the world.

As you read through this Welcome Package, you will learn that each of our classrooms is a mere starting point for the exploration of a rich and relevant curriculum. As your children walk through the front doors in September, you will quickly come to know the many benefits of being part of a small school community. From the student mentorship programme and dedicated counsellors, to our inclusive co-curricular activities and community events, The York School provides a supportive environment in which we know your son or daughter is going to thrive. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a wonderful summer and we will see you soon!

Sincerely, David Hamilton Senior School Principal dhamilton@yorkschool.com / 38

Senior School Student Life The Administrative Assistant for the Senior School is Vicky Diano. If you have any questions about any aspect of Senior School student life, course selection, club activities, or would like to book an appointment with Mr. Hamilton, please contact Ms. Diano.

Vicky Diano Senior School Administrative Assistant vdiano@yorkschool.com 416-926-1325 x 1103 Co-curricular Programme There is an incredible range of activities going on every single day of the year – at the school, in and around Toronto, across Canada and globally.

The York School offers a wide-ranging and constantly evolving list of clubs and co-curricular activities to students. Participation in co-curricular activities is integral to student life and also provides many leadership opportunities.

Some of the clubs and co-curriculars offered to Senior School students in the past include: book club, debating, robotics, STEM club, writing guild, art club, guitar ensemble, jazz ensemble, Senior School play, York TV, community service committee, investment club, Model UN, peer tutoring, our online student newspaper “The Stand”, and “York Cares”.

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Senior School Student Life Challenge Week & Field Trips Challenge Week embodies our commitment to strengthen the mind, body and spirit through experiences which extend and enrich student learning.

Challenge Week is one of the most important platforms in which the Learner Profile of the Diploma Programme is developed through experience.

The attributes of risk-taking, reflection, communication, and being balanced are all enhanced and reinforced through Challenge Week experiences.

Curriculum-driven, subject-specific day and overnight field trips take place at different points throughout the school-year. These field trips are mandatory. Associated fees are not included in tuition and will be charged to the student’s account.

York Student Buddy Programme In the Senior School, York Student Buddies are assigned to all new students. A York Buddy is chosen from the same grade as the new student. A York Buddy will contact the new student a minimum of one time over the course of the summer – for a conversation, to answer questions about the school, etc. – and will offer support to the new student throughout the first few weeks of school. The York Student Buddy Programme is in place to ensure that all new students to The York School feel welcome and connected.

For more information about Student Life, please contact:

Sean Mitchell Senior School Director of Student Life 416-926-1325 x 1208 smitchell@yorkschool.com / 40

Senior School Athletics The Senior School Athletics Programme focuses on providing exposure to a wide variety of sports at all levels. The goal is to develop a life-long passion for sport and healthy, active living. Our student-athletes have the opportunity to try out for Interscholastic teams or join recreational Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes (GADP).

Interscholastic League Grade 9 & 10 = Junior (Under 16*) Grade 11 & 12 = Senior (Under 20*) * All players must be that age or younger on December 31, 2015.

Sport

Fall (Sep - Nov)

Winter (Nov - Mar)

Junior Co-ed Senior Co-ed

Badminton Basketball

Junior Girls Senior Girls

Cross Country

Junior Co-ed Senior Co-ed

Junior Boys Senior Boys

Senior Open Senior Girls Senior Boys

Curling

Junior Boys Senior Boys Senior Girls

Golf

Soccer

Spring (Mar - May)

Junior Boys Senior Boys

Senior Girls

Track & Field

Junior Co-ed Senior Co-ed

Ultimate Frisbee

Senior Co-ed Div 1 Senior Co-ed Div 2

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Senior School Athletics Students have to “try-out” for a team. Skill along with the ability to commit to practices and games are considered for player selection. Given that player experience and skill levels vary, some teams will be in the league while others will play exhibition. The programme’s competitive nature, along with stringent qualifying criteria, may limit the number of players and may mean “cuts.” Where possible, practice squads will be set up to limit the number of cuts made. Fees are associated with interscholastic team sports and are charged to student accounts.

Gladiator Athletic Development Programmes (GADP) Each term, we offer GADP to provide students with a variety of positive sport experiences. Programmes such as yoga, fitness boot camp and strength and conditioning are available. Registration is on a term-by-term basis. Fees for GADP vary and will be posted with the registration information at the start of each term. Fees are charged to student accounts.

For more information about Athletics at the Senior School, please contact:

Rick DeMarinis Director of Athletics 416-926-1325 x 5277 rdemarinis@yorkschool.com

Norah Convery Administrative Assistant to Athletic Director 416-926-1325 x 1186 nconvery@yorkschool.com / 42

Senior School Student Services Student Services Our Senior School Student Services offers a wide range of staff who support academic course selections and provide comprehensive university placement counselling.

David Hanna Director of Student Services & University Placement 416-646-5275 dhanna@yorkschool.com

Alison Champ Student Services Counsellor 416-926-1325 x 1209 achamp@yorkschool.com Student wellness is at the core of our approach to teaching, co-curricular life and social development.

Our team of student services counsellors supports each student’s academic and psycho-social needs throughout their Middle and Senior School years.

A trained Social Worker is on hand to sit down with students who are facing difficulties. If you feel that your child might benefit from additional support during the year, please contact: Elissa Kline-Beber, Social Worker 416 926-1325 ext 1220 ekline-beber@yorkschool.com / 43

Senior School Student Services Participation in the final two years of the Middle Years Programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Progamme requires that students include in their courses: a second language, mathematics, an experimental science, a social science, an arts course and English. This ensures that each student will meet Ontario requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and have the appropriate configuration of Grade 12 credits for university entrance.

Grade 9 students have one elective option and Grade 10 students have three elective options. Please connect with David Hanna, Director of Student Services & University Placement, as soon as possible to discuss course selections. To make an appointment, please contact: Claudia Da Fonte Student Services Administrative Assistant 416-926-1325 x 1109 cdafonte@yorkschool.com / 44

Senior School Student Services Naviance Family Connection Naviance Family Connection is an application used to guide and monitor a student’s Senior School success plan and help prepare him or her for postsecondary education and beyond. It includes SAT/ACT test preparation tools, scholarship search tools, post secondary search tools, resume building information and much more. It is available to our Grade 6 to 12 students and is accessible through a button on YorkNet in the parent portal. During the school year, parents can sign in at any time to view the information. When a new student’s account is set up, an email will be sent to the student and the parent from our Student Services Department with a link and instructions for the initial set-up.

For more information about Naviance Family Connection, please contact: Claudia Da Fonte Student Services Administrative Assistant 416-926-1325 x 1109 cdafonte@yorkschool.com

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Senior School Technology Learning Management Systems Students in the Middle and Senior Schools are supported by the Blackboard LMS, which provides access to course materials and assignments, online subscriptions and course announcements. Blackboard gives teachers and students the benefit of ongoing organizational help and is accessible 24/7 via the internet.

Blackboard is accessed via a button on the YorkNet dashboard. Each parent has an “observer” role to be able to view course material – including assignments – once the school year begins in September and student courses are uploaded.

Sign-in information for Blackboard will be sent to parents in the summer.

For further questions about Blackboard or to get help, please contact the I.T. Help Desk Desk at 416-926-1325 x 1150.

Senior School Laptop Programme Over the past 15 years we have emerged as a leader in meaningful and innovative technology integration. To ensure our students are supported at the highest level, the school invests heavily in teacher professional development and technology integration specialist support staff. A $100 software fee will be charged to your account.

Students entering Grades 9 through 12 can choose from one of two Lenovo models or a Macbook Pro. All Lenovo models must be purchased through our reseller. The Macbooks can be purchased either through our reseller or directly from Apple.

Macbooks purchased from Apple need to be brought to the I.T. Department in order to have software installed. The Macbook and Lenovo computers will be ready for pick up during the Grade 7 to 12 ‘Open the Box’ laptop orientation event.

Please visit this website to order your laptop: www.miad.com/theyorkschool All orders should be placed no later than July 31, 2015. This will guarantee that your child’s computer is ready for the orientation in September.

All aspects of the laptop programme and ordering process can be found online.

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SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER! / 47