June 2017

Principal’s Message Well, we’ve made it to the end of June and another incredibly busy and successful school year here at West Credit. Hearty congratulations to all staff, students, and families on a wonderful year. Although this school year is over, we are already busy planning out next year and can’t wait for our returning students to be back in the fall.

Speaking of the fall, next year we will have some changes to our staff as we say goodbye to those who are moving on and we welcome some new faces. West Credit will be saying goodbye to Ms. Irwin who is one of the amazing teachers in our ASD program who is moving on to a position at Turner Fenton Secondary school. We wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavours.

We also have to wish both a congratulations and say a goodbye to Mr. White as he celebrates his retirement at the end of the school year. Mr. White, one of the original staff members in the building, has been a constant presence at West Credit since we first opened the doors back in September of 1986. He will be sorely missed but we wish him a restful, relaxing retirement with much opportunity for travel and time with family and friends.

We are also saying a temporary goodbye to Mr. Armstrong who will be away from us for the year. We can’t wait to hear about all his adventures.

We will also say goodbye to both Ms. Howse and Ms. McAllister who currently work as Educational Resource facilitators and who will be moving on to new positions at other schools. As a result, we will be welcoming Ms. Riviglia who will be moving up from a half-time to a full-time position with us and we will be welcoming back Ms. Barton from T.L. Kennedy. We wish Ms. Howse and Ms. McAllister the best of luck in their new roles!

We also have a number of long-term occasional Teachers who are finishing their assignments at West Credit. We hope to cross paths with Ms. Rawski, Ms. Soydanbay, and Mr. Macrae again soon and wish them luck in the fall. We hope they will be able to return to us soon. We also have long-term occasional Education Resource Facilitators whose time with us ends at the end of the month and we wish a fond farewell to Ms. Rajapaksha, Ms. Valencia, and Ms. Mihigo.

Inside this issue:

Dog Day Care 3

Co-operative Education 4

Cosmetology 5

Yearbook 5

Hospitality 6

Leadership 6

Panther Athletics 6

West Credit Secondary

School Newsletter

Continued next page

We still have a number of positions that need to be filled but are confident we will have an amazing team in place by the start of the next school year in September.

It will have to be an amazing team if we hope to keep up the pace of this last semester! As I reflect on this second semester of this year (my first as the Principal at West Credit), and the staff who are both coming and going, I am reminded of the extensive contributions of our staff who work tirelessly together to make amazing things happen here in our school. This semester alone I have had the opportunity to: cheer on our student athletes as they competed for championships in both girls volleyball and both junior and senior boys basketball, watch our school transform as we dedicated every corner of our environment to learning during Black History Month, see our students compete and succeed in the Peel Skills competition, honour the character contributions of our students at the Principal’s Reception and hand out academic awards at the Awards Assembly, celebrate our everyday heroes at the luncheon for Education Week, rock out at the talent show, stand up for inclusion with students at the Day of Pink Breakfast, see our cricket team earn accolades for their spirit at a Mayor’s reception, wonder at the West Credit Art Show held next door at the Meadowvale Theatre, experience Asian cultures during Asian Heritage month, feel West Credit dominate during track and field, honour athletes at the Athletic Banquet, and marvel with graduates at the prom. What a whirlwind it’s been this semester! None of this would be possible without the dedication of the teaching and support staff who make these things happen for kids outside of class time. And none of this would be worth it without the smiling faces and appreciation we get back from the students. So thank you West Credit – you light my soul on fire.

I would be remiss if I didn’t dedicate a little space to our marquee event this year - the West Credit 30th anniversary celebration which happened on Saturday May 13th. The event was an overwhelming success beyond anything we could have imagined. There were over 1100 current and former staff members and students who came through the doors that day and it was an impressive event. Held in conjunction with our annual Plant Sale/Bake Sale/Family Fun Fair, we couldn’t have hoped for more. Except there was more! The original song “Drop-out Blues” sung by our very own Mr. Macrae, who spear-headed the entire event, and performed by our teacher-band at the end of the West Credit Show-case put the icing on the cake of the best day of the year.

So, as you can tell, it’s been a jam-packed semester for all of us. I think our staff and students have earned a well-deserved break. On behalf of the staff at West Credit, I want to wish everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer. For our graduating students we hope for the utmost success for you as you move on to the next phase of your lives. We hope you keep in touch in the future and that we see you at some of our community events. To everyone else, take care of yourselves through July and August - I look forward to seeing you at the end of the summer, recharged and full of energy for what promises to be another amazing year.

Ms. Crissa Hill, Principal

Principal’s Message Continued….

Page 2 West Credit Secondary School Newsletter

As we approach the end of our school year, we like to look back on our experiences. This semester, Under One Woof (UOW) has had some new and returning dogs, new students, and new experiences.

Speaking of new dogs, Tucker, Ms. Hill’s 2 year old Aussie Doodle spent his first semester in the care of our students and grew a special bond with Caleb. He is a great addition to our program! He was a quick learner for training and at first he was afraid of the tunnel, although with a little elbow grease and patience, Tucker has learned that there’s nothing to fear from the tight space. Good Job Tucker!

Riley is more settled and comfortable than last semester, being even happier and quieter. Bentley rejoined the party in February to add to our pack of dogs. Welcome back! Jesse and Nikita are our two oldest dogs and still strong with those big puppy eyes, “Olden But Golden” as they say!

Training the dogs is always a bond-building experience. Seeing both the students and dogs grow together is a great way to feel proud of oneself and others. The students have been able to work hard to overcome their difficulties and even the dog's fears. Layla, as well as Nikita, have become stars at a cool trick called leg weaving. Way to go ladies! Tula also discovered her love for the agility ramp.

The other dogs have been working just as hard at all their tricks and should be proud of their progress!

Grooming the dogs is a lot of work and requires a calm and patient set of hands. Not every dog likes to be bathed, but with the help of Helen McKeand, our grooming instructor from Sheridan College who also has her own dog grooming business, the dogs were as happy (and as clean) as possible. One of our dogs, Clover, had a transformation for the warmer months. She looks like a totally different dog! Keeping your dog clean is an important part of your dog's health and we aspire to keep all of the dogs on the top of their game all year.

We had two different charity fundraisers this semester. In March we had National Cupcake Day. We baked, decorated and sold chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, along with specialty ones decorated like cats and dogs. The proceeds raised went to the SPCA.

Secondly, we hosted our semi-annual Dogs4Dogs Charity BBQ! Students participated in all aspects of running this event from sales promotions to serving our paying customers. All proceeds went to the Farley Foundation.

We wrapped up this semester with a Group Dog Agility Show. This event would not be possible without the help of our volunteer dog trainer Joan Orr. Joan Orr is a scientist with 20 years of experience in the application of scientific principles to study design and data interpretation. She has trained dogs using positive reinforcement methods for more than 10 years and more recently has instructed others in clicker training techniques. She has worked with animal behaviorists and used clicker training methods with pet dogs, puppies, problem dogs, shelter dogs and service dogs. All student dog trainers completed an agility routine to demonstrate to the owners what they have been working on all semester. It was amazing all the dogs listened to their trainers even with the owners just sitting a few feet away.

Thank you for everyone's support and encouragement. Also a big thanks to the management, staff dogs, parents and students who make this program possible.

Vyonnixyr Bragg, UOW Alumni follow us: Instagram: @Underonewoof.wcss Twitter: @Under_One_Woof

Dog Day Care

Page 3

Page 4 West Credit Secondary School Newsletter

Co-operative Education

Semester two 2017 has come to an end and we wanted to thank the students for a wonderful semester. We have had a number of successes and accomplishments.

There were 15 students enrolled our Special High Skilled Major Program, 8 in Construction and 5 in Hospitality.

We had students working in all different areas such as: Animal Hospitals, Auto Service, Baking, Child Care, Electrical, Elementary Schools, Pet Grooming, Plumbing, Restaurants, Renovating, Retail stores and welding.

We had one student Karishma Soogrim-Maharaj – E.C.E. Sheridan College- Brampton We also had 7 students attending Sheridan College - Oakville, Adrian Caraphina for Electrical, Matthew DeBonte and Ian Foam for Plumbing, Evan Jack, Ewan McDonald and Cole Stone for Exploring the Trades and Sean

Warren for Accelerated OYAP Electrical and Mackenzie Williams – Cosmetology/Make Up – Humber.

The following students have been signed on with OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program): Josh Smith – Welding, Matthew DeBonte and Ian Foam – Plumbing, Sean Warren – Accelerated Electrical, Adrian Caraphina – Electrical, Rahmeen Anjum, Keegan Birch, Joshua Dixon-Proppe, Thomas Legrow and Cameron Smith – Cooking, Amirah Ali and Mackenzie Hardwick-Knoll – Hairstyling, Shahroz Hassan, Shaheer Syed Muhammad, Fabian Ciwinski, Jasraj Gill, Zain Byramji, Riely Miller and Sameer Imran – Auto Service, Selena Strategeas –Child Care and Richard Khounvisith—Baking.

Two of our students have been offered full apprenticeships to start mid-June, Matthew DeBonte (plumbing)

and Evan Cook (Sheet Metal/Welding).

There are a lot of possible job offers out there for our students once co-op is finished. Some have already secured part-time or full time employment: Matthew DeBonte – Veenstra Plumbing, Evan Jack, Ewan McDonald and Cole Stone – Turn to Ontario’s Renovators, Cameron Smith, East Side Marios, John Park – Winners, Selena Stratigeas – St. Bernadettes Child Care Centre and lastly Riely Miller – Mr Lube Walmart location.

We would like to wish all the co-op students good luck with their future endeavors.

Ms. Damery, Co-operative Education Teacher

Shaheer Sayed Muhammad

Auto Service Technician

Meadowvale Toyota

Amirah Ali—Hairstylist Assistant

L’Attitudes Hair Salon

Josh Smith—Welder’s Assistant

Fronius Canada Ltd.

Mathew DeBonte—Plumbing Assistant

Veenstra Plumbing

Cosmetology

Page 5

What’s Popping in Cosmetology at WCSS

Another amazing year at the West Credit School Salon! We offer many Salon services to our salon guests such as cuts, fades, line-ups, creative colouring and fashionable up to date hairstyles and braids, all to your heart’s content. We also offer nail services such as mani-pedi’s, acrylic and shellac nails, or you can simply come in for a basic polish change with the millions of colours to choose from. How about our aesthetics services, such as basic facials, eyebrow waxing, treading or just a tweeze. If any of these caught your eye, come down next September to get your full salon experience! I know I’m not just speaking for myself when I say I had an awesome time in Cosmo this year, getting to learn new things and practice things I have already been taught from the fabulous Ms.Erkkila whom always tries to help us with whatever we need. Trust me when I say you’ll never be bored in the Salon at WCSS… “Learning Never Looked so Good!”

Ashley’s Summer Tips of the Trade:

Everyone is trying to get their tan on this summer, well trust me when I say use that sunscreen, SPF 15 and higher. You may not see the results asap but your skin will thank you for no sunburns. If you skip the sunscreen, spread Aloe which will end the burning, so put it on before sleepy time and wake up a little less red!

Swim, Swim, Swim time but remember your hair care because chlorine will dry out your hair, I recommend using Moroccan Oil. It will be your BBF! Try it on your skin too, you’ll be silky smooth!

We hope to see you in September.

Ashley, Grade 10 Cosmetology Student and Future Hairstylist Instructor

Yearbook The yearbook club participants and the year-book class have worked with Mr. Wukasch to complete a terrific 2016-2017 yearbook on the theme of “West Credit is a place of growth”. Our staff used journalism, photography, and design skills to communicate just how great our school year was. Final school year events such as commencement are now being included so that all the layouts can be sent to the printer.

Students may have purchased the 2016-2017 yearbook at the beginning of semester 1, or at one of our sale days throughout the year. We will begin distributing this fine yearbook on

registration day, Tuesday August 29, and continue into the first few weeks of the 2017-2018 school year. If your teen didn’t buy one this year, there may be a few extra for purchase at our sale day in September.

(Sierra Siemms (left) and Jasroy Francis (right), two of our faithful photographers)

Mr. Wukasch, Yearbook Teacher

Page 6 West Credit Secondary School Newsletter

Hospitality

While some were “winding down” toward the end of the school year, West Credit’s Hospitality students were still in high gear, preparing meals for Prom, Grad Breakfast, Principal’s Reception, the Whole School 30th Reunion Event, Asian Heritage Month, the annual Rotary Luncheon, Athletic Awards Ceremony, High School Rehearsal, and Streetsville’s Athletic Banquet. We are very proud of the work our students do each day, and hope they understand the reputation they continue to earn for themselves, in our school, PDSB, and the community. We would like to wish everyone a very relaxing and safe summer, and look forward to a new group of students in the Fall.

Sincerely, Mr. Horn, Mr. Massara, Mr. Warr and Mr. Walkling

High School Rehearsal – Mr. Massara

addressing our future students

Rotary Luncheon

Plating main course

Leadership The Leadership Class was busy this semester with the Valentine’s Dance in February and a Movie Buyout in May. We also took the lead to compile a Time Capsule for the 30th Reunion in May. Great work everyone in helping to foster West Credit school spirit! Way to go!

Ms. Bouwmeester, Leadership Teacher

Panther Athletics Another very successful year is quickly coming to an end for all of our Panther athletes and coaches. Our final sports of the year were badminton, track & field, cricket, and soccer. I’m happy to report that we have much to be proud of in each of these activities. Thanks to Mr. Nunes, Ms. McIntyre, Mr. Beairsto, and Mr. Koehler for coaching our badminton team. A number of players performed well and achieved personal bests on the court. Our special events track & field team performed well and had another successful year. Thanks to Ms. Bouwmeester and Ms. Priestley and the many other volunteers who worked hard with our athletes to make this event a huge success. Finally, thanks to Ms. Surtees, Ms. Scarola, and Mr. Angeja for coaching our soccer team and leading them in a great final tournament performance. As this update is being written our intramural floor hockey championship has yet to be decided. Regardless of the outcome, this has been another exciting season, thanks to Mr. White for once again organizing this activity. Congratulations to all our athletes for another great year!

On Wednesday June 7 we held our annual athletic assembly. During this event we recognized the most improved and most valuable players from each of our teams. It was also with great pleasure that we announced Deborah Whyte and Max Ramirez De Jesus as our “Athletes of the Year”. Congratulations to all our athletes and award winners and once again a big “THANK YOU” to all of our coaches.

Mr. Ward, Head of Physical Education