Dates at a Glance

Semester One

November

November 17, 2011 Mid-Semester Reports Distributed

November 23, 2011 Blended Learning Information Night

November 24, 2011 Full Disclosure

November 21-24, 2011 Grad Photos

November 25, 2011 P.A. Day

December

December 2, 2011 SWMSS Birthday

December 8, 2011 Semi-Formal

December 13, 2011 Winter Showcase at Newmarket

December 14 to 16, 2011 School Play

December 23, 2011 Holiday Assembly

Dec 26 to Jan 6, 2012 Winter Break (Holiday)

January

January 9, 2012 Classes Resume

January 11, 2012 Theatre Master Class Presentation

January 11, 2012 University Applications deadline

January 12, 2012 YRDSB-SHSM Information Night

January 19, 2012 Grade 8 Parent Info Evening

January 19 to 23, 2012 EQAO Grade 9 Math Test

Jan 27 to Feb 2, 2012 Semester 1 Examinations

February

February 1, 2012 College Applications deadline

February 3, 2012 P.A. Day

February 6, 2012 Exam Review (AM)

February 6, 2012 Semester 2 Begins (PM)

February 10, 2012 Semester 1 Report Cards Distributed

NOTE REVISED DATE FOR SEM 2

February 15, 2012 Grade 11-12 Course Selec-

705 Columbus Way, Newmarket, Ontario, L3X 2M7

Phone: 905.967-1045, Fax: 905.967-1054

Principal’s Message

The Benefits of

Getting Involved At mid-term in the semester, we tend to focus only on the marks found

on the report card. One would assume that as a principal, I would feel

that this would be the most important thing about school. However, it

is important that we don’t ignore the fact that school can and should

be much more. Research suggests that participation in extracurricular

activities can have a profound effect on student success. Being

involved in clubs and sports can teach our children responsibility,

perseverance, the value of teamwork, diversity, physical health and

build a sense of community. This in turn can improve school climate

and reduce incidents of bullying, racism, homophobia and drug use.

In his book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and

the Brain”, Harvard Medical School professor Dr. John Ratey argues

that exercise improves the ability to focus and think as well as

stabilize mood. “It boosts blood flow, which carries more oxygen and

nutrients to the brain. It also increases levels of a protein called brain-

derived neurotrophic factor, which nourishes brain cells and promotes

the growth of new neurons and synapses. So, as well as boosting

efficiency and speed, the brain gets bigger” (Gordon, 2011).

Participation can also increase our children’s attachment to school,

improve attendance, academic achievement and post-secondary

aspirations (Lamborn et al, 1992; Finn, 1993). According to Christy

Lieras, a professor at the University of Illinois, the “soft skills, such as

sociability, punctuality, conscientiousness and an ability to get along

well with others, along with participation in extracurricular activities are

better predictors of earnings and higher education achievement later

in life than having good grades and high standardized test

scores” (Ciciora, 2009). Over the next couple of weeks, students will

attend assemblies encouraging them to get involved in

extracurriculars. We ask that you encourage your child to become

involved – it will be time well spent.

Sheila Hetherington

Art Gallery

Mulock Times Mid Semester Focus on Student Success

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

Sheila Hetherington - Principal, Brian MacIsaac - Vice Principal, Rosey Mastrofrancesco - Vice Principal Martin Van Beek - Newmarket Trustee, Kathy Witherow - Superintendent of Schools

Nov 2011

drawing, photography, visual arts

soaring to excellence

Scratch Board

Graduation Photos

November 21 - 24, 2011 by appointment through the Guidance Department

“Force of Nature” hosted by David Suzuki

Virtual Classroom Presentation direct from Bradford Greenhouses

All orders, along with payment, are due

Thursday, November 24, 2011.

Pick up will be on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Place your order Today.

Order forms can be printed off our website.

Thank you for your continued support!

Poinsettias Fall Fundraiser

On Wednesday, November 2nd, seven lucky SWMSS students

attended a field trip organized by the Town of Newmarket. These

students learned about safety in the workplace, civic duty and career

opportunities, and the world of firefighting through a series of

presentations and interactive workshops. After meeting and having

lunch with the Mayor of Newmarket at Town Hall, Mulock students

Iqbal Alibhai, Dylan Hone, Sindy Kim, Zach Rattanachanh, Ashley

Rothon, Liby Sourivong, and Chanel Thoi had a chance to put on

firefighting gear and were offered an opportunity to work their way

through an obstacle course used by firefighters for training. Thanks

to Town Councillor Maddie Di Muccio for spearheading the event,

and to Mr. Paglia and Mr. Chartrand for accompanying the

students. A great time was had by all!

Driver Education is available at SWMSS!

There is a driver’s education class running this semester. Another

course will be offered at Sir William Mulock S.S. in the second

semester. Application forms will be available in January from Mrs.

Rea in the Main Office.

Field Trip A Blazing Success!

“Put Eco back into Ecology”

Blended learning at Sir William Mulock S.S. took

on new meaning when students had an

opportunity to connect and dialogue with the

foremost expert in the field of sustainability. We

met scientist and activist, David Suzuki, face-to-

face and listened to his impassioned

conversation about the environment. He

impressed upon the audience the dire

consequences of not acting responsibly and the

need for Canada to show leadership in reducing

one’s ecological footprint.

200 schools from across Canada participated in

the live virtual conversation with over 100

students from Sir William Mulock’s Science,

Geography and History classes in attendance

listening first hand to Dr. Suzuki . His message

was clear and he used the analogy of “people on

earth are sitting in a giant car heading for brick

wall while passengers argue about where they

should sit”. It’s time to “turn the brakes on and to

change the way we live”. One student asked if

the Greenhouse Effect was a natural process. At

this point Dr. Suzuki asked the student, “What do

you think?”. He emphasised that the scientific

evidence is overwhelming and that there isn’t

any scientific disagreement that greenhouse

gases have steadily increased in the last century

directly related to man’s activities. “Who are the

sceptics?”, he challenged. “Consider who

sponsors them and their message”.

“Talk is cheap”. Actions speak and start with

young adults. David Sukuzi instructed teachers

to be the guides for our young students whom he

described as “representing the muscle who will

protect the future”. We all have an important part

to play in finding solutions that will move us

towards sustainability.

Start small; baby steps are essential. Eliminate

meat once a week, walk, and plug holes around

windows and doors. Sounds easy enough and

you’ve heard it before. But this time it is time to

act. What’s your plan?

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top-people.starmedia.com

Winter Showcase 2011

The Music Department invites you to attend Winter Showcase 2011

scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at

the Newmarket Theatre.

My Experience in the SHSM program with Cooperative Education by Alisha Rideout

the MULOCK post this one’s going to be legendary!

Mulock Times Mid Semester Focus on Student Success

In October, the Field Hockey team captured the Tier 2 York Region Championships in penalty strokes

against Langstaff. Nine graduating players contributed to the victory: Heather Clark, Amanda Wease,

Rachel Grimmer, Danielle Totten, Caitlyn Zavitz, Abigail Williams, Leah Amson, Alyxa D'Andrade and

Karina DeLisa. Rebecca Polhamus was outstanding in goal, keeping the game tied. Rookie Natalie

Moore went top shelf with her penalty stroke securing the victory. Congratulations to all team members

for a great season and a special congratulations to our student-athlete Marta Villagra from Spain. The

victory will last forever with a picture on our Wall of Fame.

Victory for Wall of Fame

The 2011-2012 yearbook committee has been

working hard to make another unforgettable edition

of the Mulock Post. This dedicated group of approx.

20 students work tirelessly to design pages, take

photographs and write about current Mulock

events. This year Jesse Bolduc, Svetlana

Chouvalova, Meredith Wood are our editors-in-

chief. Jesse has designed a beautiful class cover

and Meredith and Svetlana are ensuring that this

yearbook is the best ever. Be sure to buy your copy

of the Raven Post.

Co-operative Education gives a student the opportunity to experience a career of their choice while gaining

school credits. It’s a fantastic way to explore different opportunities in career fields that interest you while still in

high school. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work in an animal hospital for my Co-op with many amazing

veterinarians, veterinary technicians, clients, and pets. Whether you decide you love or hate your placement, it’s

all about the learning experience and the skills you gain in the process. There are so many careers and

opportunities that you become more aware of when you’re in the field. Depending on what you like or dislike

about your placement, you can use that to narrow down the careers in the field that could help you find the

career you want to do in the future. In my opinion, the most important things you can take from Co-op are new

perspectives on reality and new knowledge of what you want to do and what’s out there. I definitely recommend

Co-op; it’s an absolutely phenomenal experience to have for yourself and for your future.

Peer Tutoring & Translating is Here! Are you experiencing difficulty in a course? Peer tutoring can help! Peer Tutors are senior

students who can offer their expertise in Math, Science, English and French. Peer Tutors

can be assigned to a classroom, or can work with students one on one. For more

information, please contact a guidance counsellor.

Take Our Kids To Work On Wednesday November 2nd, Sir William Mulock S.S. participated in the national Take Our

Kids to Work Day. SWMSS Grade 9 students spent a day in the workforce to gain a better

understanding of career opportunities and the world of work.

Take Our Kids To High School Also on Wednesday November 2nd, SWMSS hosted approximately 290 grade 8 students

from Armitage Village, Clearmeadow, Crossland, Rogers, and Terry Fox Public Schools.

Students had a chance to experience grade 9 classes as well as learn about the variety of

clubs and teams available and ask questions of senior students.

Applications for Ontario Colleges

and Universities Grade 12 students who are planning to apply to either a college or university are

encouraged to complete their on-line applications prior to the December Winter Break.

Personal identification numbers (PIN) are available in the Guidance Office for University

applications. College applications do NOT require a PIN. The Guidance Department will

run tutorials on Nov. 15th (University) and Nov. 16th (College), as well as help sessions on

Dec. 8th and 13th at 2:50 pm in the library where students are welcome to complete their

application.

Ontario University Application Deadline - Jan. 11, 2012

Ontario College Application Deadline - Feb. 1, 2012

Community Involvement 40 hours

Students must complete 40 hours of volunteer

work in order to graduate. Graduating students

are encouraged to complete their hours by the end

of semester one. Opportunities and postings for

community involvement are available on the

bulletin board in the Guidance Office. The

Guidance Department hosted a volunteer fair on

the morning of October 19th. Many representatives

from our community were available to discuss a

variety of opportunities for students.

Experience a Career with Cooperative Education by Sara Pindera

Mulock Guidance

facebook Page Students and their parents are invited to “like” us

on Facebook at Mulock Guidance Info.

Information and reminders about community

involvement

hours, college, university, apprenticeship and

work information, scholarship opportunities,

and graduation are provided.

This is your best way to stay informed!

My Spanish Exchange Student by Janie Pendlebury

The students at Sir William Mulock have many opportunities to either host an international

student or to go on a reciprocal exchange. See below a letter from a Mulock student who just

hosted a student from Spain.

On September 1st 2011, my mom and I went to meet my Spanish exchange student, Marta

Villagra. I was quite excited, but also nervous to meet the girl who would share our family’s life

for the next 2 months. I didn’t know what would happen or how we would get along. But as

the 2 months passed, I quickly bonded with Marta. Marta and I got along very well. We told

each other everything; we helped each other with homework and we taught each other about

our home country. In school, we had 2 of the same classes which was really good for both of

us because we could help each other out if we didn’t understand. We also got Marta involved

in our family’s love for baking, teaching her how to bake cookies and squares which we hope

she carries on at home in Spain. I learned a lot from Marta being here, and I wish she could

be here longer. The experience was great and I encourage people to go on exchanges. You

will meet new people and will have lifelong friends.

If you are interested in hosting a student or going on an

exchange yourself, please contact Mme Ryalen for more

information. A representative from ISE (International

Student Exchange) will be visiting our school on Nov 24,

Staff, students and members of Mulock Community celebrated Sir William Mulock Secondary School’s 10th anniversary on October 1st.

During the event, alumni met with current and past staff and students, and were entertained by live music as well as our school mascot. All

who attended had an opportunity to share memories and watch a special video created for the event featuring pictures of former staff,

students and events from the last decade. Thank you to the organizing committee for the many hours of time and great effort put forward to

ensure all who attended had a wonderful experience remembering the days spent at Mulock!

We look forward to alumni coming forward and creating an Alumni Association so that we can look forward to many more future events. Any

alumni that are interested in becoming part of our future events are invited to contact our principal, Mrs. Hetherington.

10 th Year Anniversary

As a graduate of the SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) program, I have experienced and expanded my

knowledge in the field of Health Care. SHSM allowed me to evolve, gain familiarity and understand the scope of

practice for physiotherapy. This is the field in which I am eager to pursue. Completing my placement at

Southlake Regional Health Center in the rehabilitation department and currently at Align Health Center has

significantly impacted my learning. Graduating with an SHSM distinction on my high school diploma indicates

that I have specialized in an area of study. I know this will enhance my opportunities for university and further

learning. The subject matter I learned allowed me to explore and learn about many areas of Health and

Wellness. SHSM combines in class and out of class field trips which helped me “reach ahead” in my academic

and professional career. SHSM offered me pre-packaged course selections in grade 11 and 12 which aided me

in refining my learning in the areas of Health Care and Physical Education. Many of my friends are using the

SHSM program to explore careers in Child and Elder Care and teaching. I was able to extend my knowledge

into two Co-op placements where I applied what I have learned. This was truly beneficial. The SHSM program

was able to help me grow and take large strides towards my future; something that I did not think was possible

for a high school student.