Spectacular Desserts at The Drake!

This month’s showcased co-op student is Tiera R. D. who is not only earning co-op high school credits but is also earning a college credit.  Tiera attends George Brown College Monday afternoons where she is enrolled in the Digital Art and Design course.  Tuesday through Friday she works as a pastry chef at The Drake Hotel where she is gaining valuable experience in the field of culinary arts. 

Lawrence Hill - Guest Lecturer for Writer's Craft Class

Celebrated author Lawrence Hill (The Book of Negros; Any Known Blood; Some Great Thing; and Black Berry, Sweet Juice) spoke to Grade 12 students in the Writer's Craft class in the library at Western Tech on November 8th.

Lorraine Linton, the principal of Western Tech, introduced him. School Trustee Irene Atkinson was in attendance and said a few words from the Toronto District School Board. Students and staff were delighted to hear him speak about himself, his writing and the history of slavery. It was an excellent presentation which left students inspired to read and write more.

Special thanks to SNAP Bloor West for permitting us to post their original article and photo.

Hoop it Up!

The senior boys tier I basketball team are off to an exciting 12-3 record to start the season.  The team has attended three tournaments thus far and have won two silver and a gold medal.

 

George Harvey Invitational - Gold

Great Western Round Up - Silver

George Brown College  - Silver

The team is led by Shawn D., Kadeem W. and Imaziah M. 

In their league play the team started with a close loss to arch rivals Oakwood C.I. but rebounded with three consecutive victories over Parkdale C.I., Monarch Park C.I. and Central Tech.

Western Tech Students Mark World Aids Day

 Students and the school nurse, Ms. MacDougall, help the AIDS campaign to “get to zero” .  Information and pens were given out to the students at lunch time to help bring awareness to the student body.  Questions were asked and answered.  WTCS is helping provide education to prevent the spread of the deadly AIDS.

Dramatic Arts

The students in Grade 10 Dramatic Arts have been practicing their improvisation skills. Using props they are extending their literacy skills and developing vocabulary. The "Improv" Rules Don’t sabotage your partner and Keep the drama moving forward help students develop critical learning skills and higher order thinking.

  

On November 17^th the Dramatic Arts students in Ms. Reynolds class attended a TIFF film Billy Bishop Goes to War with Eric Peterson in attendance. Eric Peterson, star of Corner Gas, did a "talk-back" for the students at the Fox Theatre on Queen Street East. He also signed autographs and posed for photos with the students.

Yes - WESTERN is offering an IMPROV Club on Tuesday at lunch starting December 6^th.

A former student who attends York University will be showing students how to improve their "improv" skills. See you there!!

The students in Ms. Reynolds and Ms Doig’s Dramatic Arts Grade 10 classes are attending 12^th Night, December 2^nd at the Bathurst Street Theatre. 12th Night is being performed by The Classical Theatre project in a vaudeville stylized theme.

Guidance News for October/November 2011

October and November were very busy months for the Guidance Department at Western Tech.

Our College Fair was held on Thursday October 20^th. Representatives from George Brown College, Humber College, Seneca College, Sheridan College and Centennial College were here to present information about their many programs. Over 50 students attended this fair and were able to have many of their questions answered. Students may begin to apply on-line beginning on October 31^st.  Guidance will be providing on-line application seminars in December.

Our University Fair was also very successful. On November 3^rd, 200 students attended the University Fair. Over 10 Universities were present. Students were able to visit with each representative and learn about the many programs offered at each school.  Students have now begun the process of applying to universities, with the deadline for Ontario applications approaching on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Our annual Grade 8 Open House took place on Tuesday, November 15^th. Approximately 800 students from our Feeder Schools spent the afternoon at Western touring the facilities and learning about our many excellent programs. Students were led by our amazing Peer Leaders and teachers through Western and into the many classrooms where hands-on activities and/or displays were available for students to participate in.

During the evening, parents were invited to attend our Grade 8 Information Night. Parents along with their son/daughter were given a tour of the school and provided with information about our programs. We were very pleased with the turnout and are gearing up for our Specialized Programs Information Night on Tuesday, January 17^th at 7:00 pm.

As always, there is a plethora of information on the bulletins boards in the hallway outside the Guidance Office, Room 152.

Planning to study one of the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)?

Shulich Leadership Scholarship: This new four-year scholarship valued at $60,000 is for students enrolling in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas of study at a participating Canadian university in fall, 2012. The Schulich Leader Scholarships Program has asked Western Technical-Commercial School to help find a suitable candidate as a Schulich Leader Nominee.  From a pool of nominees from across Canada, 20 pre-selected universities across Canada will each choose one outstanding student to be their Schulich Leader, each of whom will receive a four-year scholarship valued at $60,000 to support their studies at that university in a STEM faculty. For the inaugural year of the program, we are searching for a candidate to be our Schulich Leader Nominee by no later than Wednesday January 11, 2012.

Interested candidates should see Ms. Morrison soon in Guidance. To be "considered" as the WTCS nominee one needs to complete a resume and meet particular criteria so we can then "pick the right person".

University of Waterloo - Unlimited

Waterloo Unlimited Grade 11 Program: Design Theme: From engineering and the environment to science fiction and virtual reality, students will spend a week exploring the theme of Design with a community of like-minded peers.

March 12th - 16th, 2012

Application deadline: postmarked by December 16th, 2011

Cost: Program Fee: $450

Details: http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca

Charity Walk

The grade 12 World Issues class is at it again.  On Thursday November 17 the class walked from the school to the Eaton Centre to raise money for Free the Children. It was a cool day with lots of fun, great conversation and some hot chocolate along the way.  It was better conditions than in Uganda, but the students got a chance to think about how the Gulu children must have felt after running this far every day to escape the LRA.  To top off a great field trip over $500 was raised.

Applying our Learning to Life

On November 10 the grade nine applied geography classes took their learning outside to the neighbourhood.  Under the guidance of student teacher Ms. Ionno, and Ms. Andrews, the students practised looking at and determining land-use while comparing the residential areas east and west of Runnymede.  They were quick to note that many of the retail spaces on Bloor St. would be quite difficult to manouvre in a wheelchair.  Application and awareness was all part of the experience.

Athletics - Fall Season Sports Update

VARSITY BOYS FOOTBALL

The Western Tech Football team finished the season with a 0-2-3 record.  The team lost in the quarter-finals but is looking forward to next year with optimism. 

SENIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Senior boys volleyball team at Western has a 4-3 record.  The team did very well and improved with every game. 

SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

The senior girls basketball team had a good season.  The team is comprised of girls who are committed and demonstrate excellent leadership on and off the court.  They finished with an overall record of 4-3.

JUNIOR BOYS SOCCER

The junior boys soccer team had a good season.  This young group of men has a lot of talent and are committed to improve.  The team is looking forward to a lot of future success. 

SENIOR BOYS SOCCER

The senior boys soccer team had an excellent season marked by two big wins over Oakwood and East York. The team had high hopes but lost in second round of the playoffs.

Digital Photography

Ryo Taleporos

Karen Thai

 Gr. 12 Photography Class outstanding digital photos illustrating the fall season interrpruted through the five senses.   Enjoy!

Amanda Theyers

Luis Silva

Laura Bremner

Daniel Sos

Jacob

Spreading Fun Across the TDSB

Congratulations to the Warp7 Team for putting on a great Robotics Engineering presentation at the 2011 Tech Expo held at Kent Public School. The event spanned over two days. Team members divide themselves into two groups of 5 and made original inspiring robotics presentations to senior elementary students from across the city. In all, over 600 students were awed by their knowledge and ingenuity.  It was a magnificent opportunity for public speaking and event organization. Topics included the secrets to past competition success, robot control – where students were invited to drive our competition bots, inputs and outputs, robotic arms and our new pneumatic cannon – a blast of excitement.  They did a magnificent job representing Western.











It's no wonder Western Tech's Warp7 Robotics Team has won the Gracious Professionalism award for the last two consecutive seasons at FIRST Robotics.

If you would like us to come and visit your elementary school please contact eric.halling@tdsb.on.ca. We are looking to expand our presentation season and would love to share our technology and know-how.

An evening with FELA!

Our students with the cast of FELA!

On November 4^th   five WTCS students had the opportunity to see the Broadway Production FELA!  and visit backstage and meet the entire cast as well as the Ambassador of Nigeria.  FELA!  Is the story about Fela Kutu and his music that came from Nigeria.  He created a new kind of music, Afrobeat with lyrics to openly attack the corrupt and repressive military dictatorships that rule Nigeria and much of Africa.  It was an exciting experience for some of our WTCS students and a moment they will not forget!

Our students spending an evening with the Ambassador of Nigeria

Halloween Bookmark Contest a Great Success!

Every October our school Library holds a Halloween bookmark contest. All students from grades 9 to 12 have the opportunity to design their own bookmark.   Students vote for their favourite ones. Every year the top five are chosen as the winners and made into proper bookmarks that are given out free in the library. This year we had 87 entries made by the students and staff.  The library provides Gift Certificates for a local bookstore as prizes.  The bookmarks are a huge success.  They encourage students to show their creativity and love of reading. 

Congratulations to Ana who won 1^st and 2^nd prize, Genovieve who won 3rd, Quinn who won 4^th and Alexandria who won 5^th .

Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic?

  In October, the Grade 11 College Biology class worked on developing cell models of different types of cells. The chose between prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Each student worked very hard and their finished projects turned out amazing! They should be very proud of their work!



The models are displayed on the first floor across from rooms 137 and 138. Come check them out for yourself!





As the rest of the semester flies by, come check out what else Grade 11 Biology is all about! You might just come across a bacteria growth lab or a dissection!

Co-operative Education Shines At Western Tech!

Once again, we are up and running at Western with our unique experiential learning program, integrating academic study with practical experience in business and industry. This month's showcased co-op student is Theo C.-B. 

Theo is gaining valuable work expertise and experience in the film/sound engineering sector working at downtown based Thatchannel.com, a company that  has created a vibrant platform for live internet broadcast and professional video production. For more information about other experiential learning opportunities, come by the co-op department across from the cafeteria or give us a call at 416393 0500 extension 3.

So What's Wrong With This Picture?

            “So, what’s wrong with this picture?” asks Hannah Rengele, a facilitator at Queen’s Park. Western Tech students are sitting around her examining the diets and food profiles of typical Torontonians and trying to figure out exactly how sustainable and healthy they are.

            “It’s too expensive,” says D’Andre a student in Mr. Pegg’s class, “and the carbon footprint for the groceries is enormous.” 

            “Precisely!” says Rengele.

            Students in Ms. De Rosa, and Mr. Pegg’s  Food and Nutrition classes are here at Queen’s Park to get a free lunch and to sample some of the  better food choices that they can make in their own diets. The initiative sponsored by Toronto’s Food Share  is meant to introduce students to a new perspective on what they eat and the importance of food production to their lives. It was all free - from the beet muffins, to the zuccinni/squash vichychoise. “This was the easiest field trip to organize, ever, “ says Ms De Rosa with a smile, “everyone loves a free lunch!”

Western Goes Down The Mississippi

Students at Western Tech had the luxury of floating down a theatrical  Mississippi River with the Classical Theatre Project’s production of Huck Finn. Viewing and participating in live theatre production is an element of the English Curriculum  in Ontario and teachers at WTCS make every attempt to expose students to a variety of  plays and theatre experiences. Principal Linton also subsidizes the cost of tickets to allow as many students to participate as fully as possible. 

“It’s a fantastic way to introduce my students to the performing arts,” says ESL teacher Ms Genine Natale, “This really tests their oral communication skills, but it’s also tons of fun.”

Some of the future theatrical excursions are two Shakespeare Classics: “Romeo and Juliet” and “MacBeth”. 

Spirit Week

This year's spirit week was a great success. It took place during the week of October 3rd to 7th. Many Western student's took part and showed their enthusiasm. Thanks to all those students and teachers who participated. Here are a few participants of our spirit week.

Monday Pajama Day

 

Tuesday Wacky Hair Day



Wednesday Twin Day

Thursday Formal Day

Friday Retro Day

Commencement 2011 - October 14

Welcome  Western graduates and family members

We would like to congratulate our graduates for their efforts and successes and their contributions to our school community. As you are probably aware, our school Commencement Ceremony will take place in the main auditorium beginning at 7pm sharp. If by circumstance you cannot attend in person then may we suggest that you take advantage of our webcast where our students, lead by Connor McBrine-Ellis, will stream the entire ceremony using digital technology. The channel will go live at approximately 6:50pm. Join us at http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/westerntech or simply click on the bright green “Commencement 2011” link at the bottom right corner of our school website http://www.wtcs.ca/

Note that the "Commencement 2011" link will become inactive after the event and will be replaced by a new feature "Western TV". Stay tuned!!!

Congratulations to the class of 2011

Student Council welcomes you to Western Technical-Commercial School

Your Student Council for the 2011-2012 school year would like to welcome you to Western Technical – Commercial School if this is your first year here or welcome you back if you are a returning student!

We are your Student Council Executive for this year and we are busy planning some exciting events. If you would like to contact any of us please see Ms. Khan in room 385 or come to our weekly student council meetings at 11:15 am every Monday in room 385.

Co-Presidents - Priyanka Sivaloganathan and Thushara Vigneswaran
Vice-President - Zach Fava
Treasurer - Anjali Kugathas
Secretary - Deborah Mililo
Girl’s Athletic Rep. – Marieke Pynn Coates Boy’s Athletic Rep. – Chris Sgouraditis

Events Co-coordinators - Madeline Biggs and Sameer Rai

Super Council Representative Wan Qi Luo

Our year has started with a bang! On September 1st the Student Council was busy meeting and greeting grade 9 students at our annual Moving on Up Day . We took grade 9’s on tours; lead scavenger hunts and enjoyed a lunch with them.

You may have also seen us in our leadership t-shirts, bright and early at 8 am the first week of school in the grade nine locker hallway making sure everyone knew where they were going, helping open locks or guiding students to their home form classes.

Our September 13 Club Fair took place in the cafeteria. We had about 30 extra-curricular clubs showcasing what the clubs do and how students can sign up. As a school, we try to encourage our grade nine students to sign up for at least 2 different clubs over the course of the year. With so many options who can resist!! If you missed Club Fair Day no need to fear ……. a list of clubs and contact information will be posted in each class and on the Club Board across from guidance by the beginning of October.

Students in the grade 11 Leadership classes have been busy organizing the annual school wide Terry Fox Run. The run took place on Wednesday September 28th period 2 and our turn out was amazing. Congratulations Western you collaboratively raised 830 dollars for cancer research! A big shout to Ms. Natale’s ESL class who were the top class fundraisers for this event.

Upcoming Events Monday October 3 – Friday October 7th is Spirit Week. If you dress up for each theme day come to the cafeteria at lunch to pick up a spirit treat and enter our raffle to win a pizza pizza gift certificate. Monday - Pyjama Day

Tuesday is Wacky Hair Day  

Wednesday is Twin Day

Thursday is Formal Day
Friday is Retro Day (Meet us for a fashion show in the cafeteria at lunch.)

October 28th is our Halloween Carnival Period 4 Buy Out!!