November 2007
Sir Winston's Special Ed. Dept. is committed to supporting students in a variety of ways. One of our priorities is to advocate and provide assistance for “identified” and “at-risk” students. Special Ed. staff in this department communicate important information to subject-specific teachers such as the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for identified students, highlighting accommodations to help support these students in class. This department also provides intensive support directly to students, either through a scheduled resource period or on an informal basis as students’ needs arise.
A number of enrichment opportunities are available for “gifted” and/or high-achieving students to
provide alternative experiences aimed at enhancing critical and creative thinking skills. A meeting
was held in September for all “gifted” students to share a tentative list of projected enrichment
activities, pending sufficient student interest.
Chinese Lantern Festival - On Sept. 28th, a group of students went to Ontario Place to see the Chinese Lantern Festival, featuring local acts and performing groups direct from China. The exhibit also included a Chinese marketplace featuring authentic cuisine and handicrafts.
Opera Atelier - This activity consisted of attending both the dress rehearsal and workshop “Making of an Opera” for Monteverdi’s “Return of Ulysses”. The informative workshop included an introduction to performing arts in the Baroque era, Baroque Dance/Movement, and the Aesthetic Design of the period.
Cooking with Chef Willis - Students attended a culinary workshop which reviewed the nutritional value of different foods, safety in the kitchen (including proper use of utensils), and etiquette.
Math Contest Preparation Session - A math professor from the University of Waterloo will be visiting SWC on November 27th to share creative problem solving strategies in preparation for upcoming University of Waterloo math contests (Gr. 9-Pascal, Gr. 10-Cayley, Gr. 11-Fermat, Gr. 12-Euclid). To date, approximately 80 students have signed up.
McMaster Online Math Competition - McMaster’s Department of Mathematics & Statistics is proud to announce this online challenge which takes place November 29th. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded to teams which answer the most questions in the shortest time. The questions are designed to engage students who enjoy problem solving in math and provide them with a challenging and rewarding experience.
Nutcracker Ballet - Approximately 45 students will be heading to the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto on December 11th to see the National Ballet of Canada’s production of “The Nutcracker”.
New Literacy Leadership Initiative - This activity will provide Gr. 11/12 high achieving English students with the opportunity to assist Gr. 9-10 students in preparation for the upcoming Gr. 10 Literacy Test. Students interested in leading this initiative are to submit a proposal (approach, resources, timeline...) to Mrs. Swanson in Room 105. The Proposal Outline is available through English teachers or Mrs. Swanson.
Exploravision - In conjunction with the National Science Teacher’s Association (NSTA) and Toshiba, this challenge provides students with the opportunity to work in groups simulating Research & Development teams. Students choose an existing form of technology, analyze the history behind its development, and envision what this form of technology might look like 20 years into the future. For further information, visit www.toshiba.com/tai/exploravision or see Mrs. Swanson.
WonderCoaster Competition - Canada’s Wonderland sponsors this challenge which enables students to combine their artistic, mathematical, science, and technological skills in order to produce a working model of a rollercoaster. Prizes will be awarded to schools with the most innovative and creative models. For further information regarding rules, criteria..., check online at www.canadaswonderland.com.
Peer Tutor Program - To date, approximately 50 Gr. 10-12 students, interested in acting in a leadership capacity, have been set up with other students in need of assistance with subjects currently being taken. This successful program promotes “students helping other students” and has been very effective in offering both a leadership opportunity and providing those in need of academic support with assistance. Tutors may obtain community service hours or points toward their school letter.
Brock Brain Benders - This is a math club for Niagara Region high school students, led by math professors from Brock University. This enables students to match wits while having fun solving math problems. Sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. See Mrs. Swanson in Room 105 for additional information if interested.
• Students are encouraged to check the Bulletin Board in the Art hall around the corner from Room 105 for ongoing information as details pertaining to enrichment activities become available to us. Details will also be passed on to students through morning announcements.
• An excellent leadership opportunity at SWC is to be a senior prefect. These students help facilitate a number of school activities, assist staff with dance supervision, and are active participants in the planning and implementation of school-based initiatives.
• Please Help Us Out - Parents/Guardians of students who are “identified”will receive 2 copies of their son/daughter’s IEP in Nov., 2007. Please sign and return one copy of the IEP to Room 105; keep the other copy for your personal file.