SENIOR SCHOOL FOUNDATION YEAR GUIDE 2019-2020
SENIOR SCHOOL FOUNDATION YEAR GUIDE 2019-2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 Welcome 7
Mission Statement and Values
8
Academic Vision
9
The Foundation Year
11
Reporting Student Achievement
14 Textbooks 16 Additional Supports 19 Communications 21 Attendance & Punctuality 22 Key Events 25 September 37 October 43 November 49 December 51 January 53 February 57 March 59 April 62 May 66 June 69 Miscellaneous
WELCOME TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL What comes to mind when you think about your son starting high school? It may seem exciting, a bit scary or a combination of the two. One thing is for sure: it will bring a lot of changes. Your son is part of a new community now and his advisor, teachers, administrators and other school staff are here to help as you and your son explore this exciting new world! In the Senior School, we strongly believe learning in the classroom is only part of the Georgian experience. A well-rounded education includes academic, social, personal and spiritual growth, and RSGC offers an abundance of opportunities. Athletics help students build stamina, skill and confidence while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. Outdoor education offers students greater insight into themselves and the world. Community service projects help students define and develop a sense of selflessness, perspective and social responsibility. Student clubs, drama productions, art shows and musical performances all provide creative outlets that help our students cultivate their own sense of artistic expression. This guide is meant to provide you with a snapshot of what you need to know to help you and your son navigate his first year of high school. Your son’s advisor will help clarify and supplement this information by meeting with your son individually, in groups and in classroom presentations. I hope you will take time to explore this guide, visit our website and attend our Parent Information Nights – the very best way to gain a complete understanding of the Georgian experience.
Paul O’Leary Head of Senior School 6 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
OUR MISSION STATEMENT To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
OUR VALUES Our values are guiding beliefs and principles that inform our decision-making and behaviour throughout the College, from the boardroom to the classroom. •
Known and Loved: Each boy is understood and valued.
•
Manners Maketh Men: We value manners and demonstrate respect through our actions.
•
The Power of Community: We believe in the power of collaboration, working together and building community.
•
Action with Integrity: We are guided by moral and ethical principles and are accountable for our actions.
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Spirituality Matters: We celebrate our Anglican affiliation and nurture our boys’ spiritual lives. We are inclusive and supportive of our diverse and multi-faith community.
•
Learning Never Ends: We must continue to learn, ask important questions, explore new ideas and be responsive to changing needs.
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OUR ACADEMIC VISION The following principles guide learning at RSGC. Students are encouraged and supported to blaze trails, dig in and take risks by: • • • • • •
constantly refining the question through ongoing inquiry using collaboration, feedback and reflection to co-construct knowledge contributing positively and substantially to our learning community welcoming challenge and adversity as part of reaching excellence understanding how one’s personal experience impacts their perspective thinking critically and generate ideas to solve relevant issues
In our vision, learning occurs in all areas of a student’s experience at RSGC – not only in the classroom, but also throughout the campus and into the community. At the heart of learning is the application of knowledge. At RSGC, we provide opportunities for learners to work collaboratively to build understanding in order to solve problems. Our learning culture provides many opportunities for boys to develop awareness of how they learn, through academics, athletics, arts and service learning. Technology is used to support learning in a developmentally appropriate manner, and a variety of technological tools are available to facilitate students’ designs and creative solutions. Although we utilize the Ontario Curriculum as the basis for our academic program, we continually expand and enrich the learning experience to reach far beyond the province’s requirements. By providing an academic program that taps into each boy’s motivation, we develop committed and self-aware boys who will have the potential to thrive and lead in a changing world.
8 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
THE FOUNDATION YEAR It is in Grade 9 that students establish many of the patterns that carry them through the remaining three years of high school. For this reason, we call it the Foundation Year. All students in the Foundation Year undertake a common program and carry a course load of 8 credits.
Approaches to Learning In general, the emphasis of our academic vision reflects the shift in education away from traditional approaches that emphasize content and rote learning toward technology-enabled, active and integrated learning. The Foundation Year program focuses on the application of knowledge and the role of relationships and risktaking in solving complex problems. With this emphasis, students can design, prototype and iterate while developing global skills, like the ability to research. Examples of this approach to learning include the POGIL (Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) method in science, and critical thinking processes in Mathematics. These approaches (coupled with the use of our own textbook in Civics and Artful Me project in English) embody our academic vision. In problem-based learning, both learning and content are co-constructed by students and teachers. The method includes the combination of a carefully planned curriculum with an emphasis on core skills. Success depends on a classroom community that is student-centered, allows risk-taking, and values conversation and collaboration. POGIL is also a student-centered strategy, in which students work in small groups with individual roles to ensure that all students are fully engaged in the learning process. These activities focus on core concepts and encourage a deep understanding of the course material while developing higher-order thinking skills. Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 9
Homeforms Grade 9 students attend a 20-minute homeform period before academic classes commence each day. The rooms open at 7:50 am and attendance is taken. This time is devoted to ensuring that students are prepared for the day ahead. Homeform teachers take the time to go over the daily and weekly agenda, and to guide students on the functional elements of school life. After the Thanksgiving long weekend, homeforms are available for students, but are not mandatory.
Advisors When a student enters Grade 9, he is assigned to an advisor group made up of approximately ten of his fellow classmates. The aim of the Grade 9 advisor program is to help ease the transition to the Senior School while nurturing self-direction, independence and responsibility. Each advisor group, led by one of the Foundation Year team members, devotes at least one session per week to developmental guidance activities, during which students can explore their personal interests, goals and concerns with a supportive group of peers.
Foundation Year Projects The Foundation Year projects engage students to devise solutions for a challenge within our Georgian community, the Annex or the broader Greater Toronto Area. Students are introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship and provided with the resources, training and support they need to turn their ideas into action. Throughout the year, Grade 9 students are given blocks of time during the school day to collaborate on campus, work in the Design Engineering Studio, connect with community leaders and use online tools to keep them on the path to success. The projects culminate in an opportunity for students to showcase their work to parents/guardians, teachers and community partners at an evening event.
10 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
REPORTING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Parents/guardians have an important role to play in supporting student learning. Studies show that students perform better in school if their parents/guardians are involved in their education. To keep informed about student progress and achievement, parents/ guardians are encouraged to: • • • •
contact teachers or members of the Guidance team review feedback on formative and summative assessments attend parent-teacher interviews review report cards, which reflect on student achievement, demonstration of learning skills and attendance
The report cards emphasize: • • • • •
your son’s achievement in his individual subjects subject material covered with specific details about achievement areas for improvement in individual subject areas skills or concepts that your son has mastered overall academic achievement derived from various assessments
Report cards can be seen as a strong indicator of your son’s final academic standing. Our reporting is done in a cumulative fashion with an emphasis on the most recent and most frequent achievement levels.
Learning Skills and Work Habits A student’s learning skills and work habits are significant predictors of success in school and the world of work. The ability to consistently demonstrate learning skills and work habits supports student achievement in all course types and pathways. Learning skills and work habits are assessed throughout the term and are reported along with the student’s academic achievement on the report card. Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 11
Learning Skills & Work Habits
Sample Student Behaviours •
Responsibility
• • •
Organization
• • •
Independent Work
• • • •
Collaboration
• • •
Fulfills responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment Completes and submits class work, homework and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines Takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour
Develops and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks Establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals Identifies, gathers, evaluates and uses information, technology and resources to complete tasks Independently monitors, assesses and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals Uses class time appropriately to complete tasks Follows instructions with minimal supervision
Accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group Responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values and traditions of others Builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships through personal and media-assisted interactions Works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals Shares information, resources and expertise, and promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions
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Learning Skills & Work Habits
Sample Student Behaviours • •
Initiative
• • • • •
SelfRegulation
• • •
Looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities for learning Demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks Demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude Recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others
Sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them Seeks clarification or assistance when needed Assesses and reflects critically on own strengths, needs and interests Identifies learning opportunities, choices and strategies to meet personal needs and achieve goals Perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges *An excerpt from Growing Success 2010
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TEXTBOOKS How Do I Order Course Materials? RSGC offers a Used Textbook Sale (organized by the Georgian Parents’ Guild) in mid-June, which is a great way to get textbooks at a reduced cost. New Senior School textbooks may be ordered from the Canadian School Book Exchange (CSBE) by going online starting in midJune. Orders will be shipped in mid-to-late August. Please note that textbooks cannot be charged to your child’s RSGC student account. Payment is made directly to CSBE by using your credit card when ordering the books.
To Order Textbooks Online: • Click the Online Bookstore link in Senior School Resources in the myRSGC portal, or click http://csbe.net/schools/rsgc. • Click on the appropriate Academic Year Bookstore link. • Click Place New Order. • Enter the student’s first and last name and then enter an email address where the confirmation can be sent. • Click Proceed. • Create a password. • Click Log In. • Having the student’s course selections handy will assist you greatly as textbooks are divided by course code. Please contact the Senior School office for information on how to obtain student course selections. • To select a textbook, click the box on the right side of the title. A check mark will appear in the box. • Once you have selected the necessary books, click Continue. • Insert the quantities you need to purchase and click Continue. • To go back and select another course code, click Select Next Course. • Once you have selected all the textbooks you need, click Proceed to Checkout. 14 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
• In the Summary Page, you will be given a summary of your order. Double-check the textbooks, course codes and sections. Make sure all the information is correct and click Continue. • Enter the shipping address and click Continue. • You now have the option of selecting used textbooks, available on a first come, first served basis. • Choose your method of payment, enter your credit card number and click Final Review. • Please read through the final review carefully to make sure all of the information is correct. • When ready to place your order, click Submit Order and a confirmation number will be sent to you shortly afterward.
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS Guidance Our Guidance team gives students more ways to customize their secondary school experience around learning that is relevant to them. Our team members include: • Head of Senior School • Learning Centre Coordinator • School Social Worker • Director of University Counselling • Chaplain • Coordinator, Global Partnerships and Real World Connections Role of the Guidance Department: • identify and support students through academic, social, emotional, personal and attendance challenges • provide more options for student learning through credit recovery and credit rescue • provide ongoing monitoring of student progress and attendance • support and encourage students • assist faculty in supporting students in the classroom
The Learning Centre All students are welcome to use the Learning Centre throughout the school day. Coaching sessions related to organizational, time management, executive functioning and study skills can be scheduled. Additional academic support is also provided on a dropin basis for students to ensure they can experience academic success at RSGC. The Learning Centre team ensures students with exceptional learning needs are identified and accommodated through an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The team will work with the teachers to ensure that differentiated instruction is provided in 16 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
the classroom for all students. In addition, more personalized support will be provided to students with exceptionalities both in and out of the classroom.
Developing Effective Learning Strategies All Grade 9 students benefit from a learning skills curriculum that is infused throughout their regular schedule and courses. The activities and skills are designed to help the students ease into the transition of the Senior School as they begin the journey “on the road to independence”. In addition to helping students improve their study skills, it will also cultivate and develop decision-making, leadership and time management skills. Students learn how to develop and apply a range of strategies to improve their learning and achievement, particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy, communication and planning. The curriculum is delivered by our faculty from the Learning Centre and will occur on a regular basis in your son’s daily classes when it can be most readily applied to an upcoming task. For example, he may cover ‘reading for meaning’ in a Science class just before beginning an analysis on a complex journal article about DNA cloning. These infused skills will increase your son’s confidence, motivation and ability to learn and develop, and will help him become a better and more independent learner while increasing his personal management skills, both in and outside of school.
Knights’ Support The Knights’ Support is unique to RSGC. We require students who have not finished major assignments on schedule to attend Knights’ Support after school, where they are given the guidance and time to complete their work. More information on the Knights’ Support process can be found in the RSGC Academic Calendar.
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Extra Help Sessions Students are encouraged to seek extra help from teachers if they do not understand an assignment, if the work is difficult or if they have
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COMMUNICATIONS An e-newsletter is sent on Fridays to keep parents/guardians updated on the latest news and events. The myRSGC portal contains the Family Handbook, Academic Calendar, various forms, calendar updates, news, course pages and other useful information.
myRSGC myRSGC is a portal with which RSGC can easily manage, connect and share information between parents, students and teachers. myRSGC provides parents with a single place to sign in for all RSGC information: admissions, classes, teachers, schedules, directory, resources (forms, contracts, etc.), athletics and RSGC news. Teachers, students and parents can communicate via messages within myRSGC and receive notifications via email or text. There is also a filterable master calendar with all RSGC events and your son’s schedule, assignments, athletics and extracurricular activities. Some of the features of myRSGC include: • • • • • • •
Schedule - View your son’s daily schedule. You can also see attendance information and initiate messages with teachers. Assignments - View past, current and upcoming assignments. You can also generate assignment reports. Performance - Find attendance and academic performance information, such as transcripts, report cards and academic achievement/honour roll at the top of this page. Associations - See information about your child’s current associations including classes, teams and advisories. View previous year’s information from this screen as well. Contact Card - Depending on your access, you may view and update your son’s contact information from here. Groups - Navigate to your own associations from the Groups menu. Resources - Resources will contain general school resources organized by subject. Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 19
• • •
News - The perfect spot to check for the latest school happenings. Calendars - This is where you can stay on top of all events. Directory - Find other members of the school community under Directories.
Log in and explore myRSGC. Enter the email address you provided to the school to receive your username and password. For password assistance and questions, please contact myrsgc@rsgc.on.ca. We strongly encourage all parents to subscribe to receive email or text notifications when news, announcements and other content are posted to myRSGC.
Who Do I Speak to about My Son? Issue Options Subject-related Subject teacher Director of Teaching & Learning Overall academic-related Advisor Director of Teaching & Learning Head of Senior School Personal issues/ general well being
Advisor Head of Senior School
Course Counselling Advisor Head of Senior School Director of University Counselling Assessment or learning Learning Centre Coordinator strategies Head of Senior School Foundation Year Coordinator Rachel DeBlois
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ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY Attendance Policy Academic success depends on attendance and participation in class. Students are expected to attend and be on time for all classes and school activities such as Chapel services, advisor meetings, assemblies, and spirit and activity days. Punctuality shows respect for peers, faculty and school.
Late Arrival and Early Departure A student who is late for Period 1 (8:15 am) or who is leaving before the school day ends must sign in and out with the office. We cannot dismiss a student without prior consent via written note or phone call.
Daily Attendance The regular school day runs from 8:15 am to 2:45 pm. Office hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If a student is absent from school, his parent/guardian must email seniorattendance@rsgc.on.ca each day the student is absent. All students must attend the morning Chapel/Assembly/Advisor session each day. Attendance at Chapel and Eucharist services is compulsory for students of all denominations. Every effort is made to include all members of the Georgian community in these services. Students and parents/guardians are asked to arrange medical and other appointments outside the regular school day and Chapel services. The academic day ends at 2:45 pm, except Thursdays when Evensong ends at 3:15 pm. Students are encouraged to become involved in our afterschool programs such as teams, house league activities and clubs. The academic calendar year allows ample time for families to plan holidays. RSGC strongly discourages families from extending vacations beyond the allotted holiday time. Special consideration for extended absences of any kind must be discussed with the Head of Senior School in advance. Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 21
KEY EVENTS September:
Grade 9 Outdoor Education trip First day of school Curriculum Night New Parent Reception Fall team tryouts Club sign-up Play auditions Terry Fox Run and Spirit Day
October:
#1 Dress begins Proficiency Awards RSGC Photo Day Thanksgiving Interim report card
November:
Take Our Kids to Work Day™ Winter team tryouts Club sign-up Fall mid-term break Parent-Teacher Interviews Community Service Day Mistletoe Market
December:
Carol Service Winter break
January:
Mental Health & Wellness Month
22 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
February:
Academic Breakfast Spirit Week Mid-winter break Course Selection Night First term report card Pascal Math Contest
March:
March break Culture Exchange Experiences & Band/Choir trips Spring team tryouts Club sign-up Parent-Teacher Interviews
April:
Earth Week CISMF Leadership Retreat
May:
Summer dress begins Showcase Concert Athletic Awards Ceremony Exam outlines provided by teachers Final Exams Review Week Final Exams Study Day Final Summative Projects due
June:
Final exams Used Textbook Sale Used Uniform Sale Final Exams Viewing Day
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24 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
SEPTEMBER 26 Outdoor Education Trip 26 Daily Schedule 28 Uniform 29 Co-Curricular Involvement 29 Athletics 31 Clubs and Activities 32 Community Service 32 Course Changes 33 Curriculum Night 34 Terry Fox Run and Spirit Day 35 Casual Dress Days
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Outdoor Education Trip During the first week of school, our entire Grade 9 class and the Foundation Year team spend a week up at camp as part of our Outdoor Education program. The purpose of this trip is to bring students together off-campus at the beginning of their high school experience so they can develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. The trip focuses on community development, trust building and the growth of interpersonal skills in an outdoor educational setting.
Daily Schedule There are four class periods each day. Students see their teachers on alternate days, based on a eight-day schedule. Periods tumble forward on a daily basis. Homeroom (until Thanksgiving)
7:50 - 8:10 am
Period 1
8:15 - 9:30 am
Period 2
9:35 - 10:50 am
Assembly/Chapel/Advisors/ Community Time
10:50 - 11:30 am
Period 3
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Lunch
12:45 - 1:30 pm
Period 4
1:30 - 2:45 pm
Thursday Evensong*
2:45 - 3:15 pm
*Mandatory attendance. Parents/guardians are asked to please schedule all appointments outside of this time. 26 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
Monday Assembly • Formal assembly in the Chapel • Students sit with their advisor in a designated location
Tuesday Chapel • Formal service in the Chapel • Students sit with their advisor in a designated location
Wednesday Break • Community time • All Grade 9 students must remain on campus
Thursday Break • Community time • Occasional informal, special student-led assembly in Ketchum Hall • Attendance is mandatory
Thursday Evensong (2:45-3:15 pm) • Full-school formal service in the Chapel • Students sit with their advisor in a designated location • Attendance is mandatory
Friday Advisors • All grades meet with advisors in various locations • Attendance is mandatory
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Uniform We encourage all students to wear the RSGC school uniform with pride. Students who are not in complete uniform will not be admitted to class and must report to the office. They will then be sent to the Dragon’s Lair Shoppe or, at the discretion of the Head of Senior School, home to obtain proper attire. Repeated, unacceptable dress will lead to consequences.
#1 Dress • • • • • • •
Navy blue school-crested blazer Pressed, clean, fully buttoned, tucked-in white shirt (short or long sleeves are acceptable) Clean, unwrinkled official school tie Pressed grey flannels, belted at the waist with a black belt Dress socks (any colour) Black dress shoes that have a closed heel and can be polished Navy blue, school-crested sweater or sweater vest is an optional layer under the blazer
Summer Dress For the month of September and following an announcement in the spring, students may choose to wear summer dress as described below. Both the pants and the shirt can be worn all year round as part of the #1 dress uniform. • • • • •
White, cotton, short- or long-sleeve button-down No tie required Dress socks (any colour) Black dress shoes that have a closed heel and can be polished (no leather running shoes) Black belt
Dragon’s Lair Shoppe The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe is located at 128 Howland Avenue and is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 28 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
Co-Curricular Involvement Students are stongly encouraged to participate in the co-curricular offerings (particularly in the first term), including clubs, athletics, outdoor education, etc., and get involved in those that interest them. Your son should also consider doing community service and volunteer work. Remember: quality, not quantity, is important. Genuine involvement in one activity is better than modest participation in several. Co-curricular involvement will: • • • • •
Increase your son’s self-confidence and self-awareness Enable him to meet other students with similar interests Help him determine his future career goals by identifying and developing his talents, values and strengths Improve his communication, leadership and teamwork skills Be lots of fun!
Athletics By participating on school teams, students have the opportunity to combine athletic excellence with their academic program. Students also have the chance to develop their skills, fitness and self-confidence. Student athletes learn to appreciate the value of discipline, dedication, teamwork, commitment and conducting themselves as representatives of the school. Such students also make a contribution to school spirit and help to develop a positive self-image and identity for themselves and the school. Tryouts, practice times and games are communicated in assembly, in the News Conference on FirstClass and on myRSGC. Students interested in competing in any sports should check these resources for announcements. In addition to varsity teams, RSGC has many other intramural athletic activities available to students in all grades.
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Under-16 Sports Teams Term
Team
Location
Year-round
Judo
Dojo
Fall
Volleyball
Gymnasium
Fall
Cross Country
Meet in the layby for a community run
Fall
Soccer
Trinity Field
Winter
Basketball
Gymnasium
Winter
Alpine Skiing
Various Ski Clubs
Winter
Hockey
Forest Hill Arena
Winter
Snowboarding
Various Snowboarding Clubs
Swimming
St. Alban’s
Spring
Baseball
Christie Pits
Spring
Golf & Tennis
Various Golf & Tennis Clubs
Spring
Badminton
Gymnasium
Spring
Rugby
Trinity Field
Spring
Track and Field
Various
Spring
Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
Branksome Hall & U of T Field
Winter
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Clubs and Activities Students have the opportunity to develop self-confidence and artistic expression through involvement in the wide variety of clubs and activities available. Grade 9 students are expected to participate on a school team or in co-curricular activities all year. Students are encouraged to create their own clubs, but must consult with the Co-Curricular Coordinator prior to doing so. For a list of co-curricular offerings and descriptions, please visit the RSGC website at www.rsgc.on.ca/Co-Curricular.
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Community Service Students may begin to collect the 40 community service hours for their graduation requirement as of July of their Grade 8 year. Each student will be given the community service guidelines. Please contact Emma Totten, our Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Real World Connections, if you have any doubts about the community service activity you have chosen. Remember that these hours must be completed outside of the school day. Students should attempt to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service per year. At RSGC, we encourage students to go beyond this minimum.
Course Changes Students may (with the permission of subject teachers, the Head of Senior School and their parents/guardians) make changes to their timetable. The process of changing courses will be explained to the students at the beginning of the school year. Students are not permitted to drop a course once the Add/Drop deadline has passed.
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Curriculum Night RSGC hosts our Senior School Curriculum Night in midSeptember and everyone is encouraged to attend this informative event. After a welcome address from the Headmaster, parents/guardians will follow their son’s timetable, visit each classroom and meet all of his teachers. In addition, the following teachers will be in the library and would be happy to meet with you: • Timothy Hutton, Head of Library Services • Nick Van Herk, Director of University Counselling • Laura McPhedran, Learning Centre Coordinator • Andrea Kaye, School Social Worker • Emma Totten, Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Real World Connections Parents/guardians are also welcome to drop into the Administrative Office to meet with: • Paul O’Leary, Head of Senior School and Assistant Headmaster • Michael Ruscitti, Director of Teaching and Learning Light refreshments will be served for your enjoyment.
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Terry Fox Run and Spirit Day Each year, the entire Georgian community participates in the annual Terry Fox Run followed by a full school Spirit Day, held at the end of September in High Park. Grade 9 students are expected to make their own way to the park, arriving no later than 8:15 am. Students will be dismissed by noon.
What to Bring Students must wear their House Shirts and check in with their Advisor as soon as they arrive. We recommend that students come dressed in layers according to the weather. All students should bring a full water bottle with them.
34 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
Casual Dress Days RSGC has several casual dress days a year - a day (typically the last Friday of each month) when students partipate in a Community Donation Drive in order to wear their regular clothes to school. There is also a Halloween grub day, during which students may wear their Halloween costumes to school.
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36 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
Sep
OCTOBER 38 Condensed Days 40 Professional Learning Days
Oct
39 Evensong and Eucharist Services 41 RSGC Photo Day
Nov
41 Proficiency Awards
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 37
Condensed Days Condensed days allow us to shorten the academic day without compromising the academic program. Condensed Days are implemented for Parent-Teacher Interviews and before major holidays.
Condensed Day Schedule Period 1
8:15 - 9:15 am
Period 2
9:20 - 10:20 am
Assembly/Advisors/ Chapel/Community Time
10:25 - 10:40 am
Period 3
10:45 - 11:45 am
Period 4
11:50 am - 12:50 pm
Dismissal
12:50 pm
38 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
Evensong and Eucharist Services Founded as an Anglican Boys’ Choir School, RSGC hosts a full-school Choral Evensong service every Thursday at 2:45 pm. The purpose of the service is to offer a time for the entire school community to come together and reflect. It also features the beauty and richness of our choral music program. The Evensong service is considered part of the regular school day; as such, students are expected to be in attendance. We ask that parents/guardians respect this service and arrange any appointments around this important aspect of the students’ day. We also host four or five Eucharist services throughout the year, held during Community Time. Dates will be provided.
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Professional Learning Days On certain days throughout the academic year, all Senior School students start the school day later than usual with classes scheduled to begin at 9:30 am. The late start allows for the Senior School faculty to participate in a professional development workshop. Although the school day will begin with Period 2 at 9:30 am, students will attend all regularly scheduled classes and we adhere to our standard 2:45 pm dismissal time.
Professional Learning Day Schedule No Period 1 class Period 2
9:35 - 10:50 am
Community Time/Assembly/ Chapel/Advisors
10:50 - 11:30 am
Period 3
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Lunch
12:45 - 1:30 pm
Period 4
1:30 - 2:45 pm
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RSGC Photo Day Cangrad Studios visits RSGC in mid-October for our annual Photo Day. For their photo session, students are expected to be properly attired in their #1 Dress.
Senior School Proficiency Awards The Senior School Proficiency Awards Ceremony honours student academic achievement in specific subject areas and recognizes those students who have achieved Headmaster’s Honour Roll status on their final report card from the previous year. Grade 9 students are expected to attend and be in #1 Dress.
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Sep
NOVEMBER 44 Take Our Kids to Work Day™ 46 Day of Service: A Day to Connect
Oct
45 Parent-Teacher Interviews 47 Mistletoe Market
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College 43
Take Our Kids to Work Day™ Royal St. George’s College is proud to participate in the annual national Take Our Kids to Work Day™. This special event typically takes place on the first Wednesday of November. Take Our Kids to Work Day™ gives our students a chance to: • share a day with a parent/guardian and develop a closer relationship • see a parent/guardian in a different role • understand what people do to earn a living and support a family • clarify goals for the future so they can choose the appropriate academic courses Across Canada, Grade 9 students participate in career education activities. Participating in a workplace, even for a day, is an extremely valuable learning experience that is directly connected to what students learn at school. A workplace visit on Take Our Kids to Work Day™ can make what they are learning in the classroom come alive. Each year, our students find Take Our Kids to Work Day™ to be an exceptionally positive and enjoyable experience. To further develop our students’ appreciation for this program, we conduct follow-up activities in various classes. For more information, please visit the Take Our Kids to Work Day™ website at www.takeourkidstowork.ca
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Parent-Teacher Interviews Parent-Teacher Interviews take place in November and March*. Interview times may be selected through pickAtime, our online appointment scheduler. There are two blocks of interviews on each day. *Please note: March interviews are for students in academic risk situations and are reserved for those parents/guardians who have received a special interview request from their son’s teacher(s). Any remaining interview slots will be available for parents/guardians who have specific academic concerns. We value communication with parents/guardians and these interviews are just one way for you to stay informed about your son’s progress. Account information for pickAtime is emailed home to families a few weeks before the interviews. On the day the online appointment scheduler goes live, parents/guardians may begin booking their appointments (10 minutes per teacher) on a first come, first served basis using the following instructions.
Register: • Using the account information emailed to you, follow the link provided to access the pickAtime Parent Login. • Enter your email address and click Login/Create Account. • Fill in the required fields and register. After you have registered, for subsequent visits all you will need to enter is your email and password. The system will know about your appointments and the children you added to your account.
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Day of Service: A Day to Connect All Senior School students are expected to participate in a Day of Service and support from families for this initiative is greatly appreciated. Students will be volunteering with the other students in their advisor group at such places as seniors’ homes, shelters, soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, Kids Help Phone and Free the Children. Each of the placements will include a presentation about the organization followed by some hands-on volunteer work. Most placements take place between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, and students will receive community service hours for their work. More specific details about the location, timing and description of the volunteer work will be sent home in the weeks leading up to the event. We are always looking for parents/guardians to help on this day. If you are interested or if you have any questions, please email Emma Totten, our Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Real World Connections, at etotten@rsgc.on.ca.
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Mistletoe Market The Mistletoe Market, a festive one-day event showcasing vendors from across Ontario, takes place in mid-November from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm in the gymnasium. The market features a unique selection of gift ideas from sweets and fashion to home décor and sports. It is a wonderful way to shop for the holiday season! Admission to the market is free and proceeds go to the Georgian Parents’ Guild. Our annual Mistletoe Market Cocktail party begins at 6:00 pm. Join us for refreshments, shopping and a raffle.
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Oct
50 Carol Service
Sep
DECEMBER
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Carol Service Please join us for our annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral Church of St. James, located at the intersection of King Street at Church Street. Arrive early to get a good seat!
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Sep
JANUARY 52 Mental Health and Wellness Month
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Mental Health and Wellness Week In January, we shine the spotlight on mental health and wellness. Education about mental health issues lessens the stigma associated with boys and emotional health. Alternative strategies and activities are explored to promote resilience and overall wellness. Some examples from previous years include: • • • • • • • • • • •
Mindful Monday – The Georgian community is coached on ways to be more mindful of themselves and each other. Oatmeal Breakfast – A healthy serving of oatmeal to start the day highlights the value of proper nutrition in maintaining wellness. Lunchtime Workshops – Each Tuesday through Thursday, sessions are hosted for small groups focusing on significant aspects of mental health. Water Wednesday – Healthy hydration to maintain balanced health. Keynote Address – A well-known speaker provides a kick-off to destigmatizing conversations about mental health. Meditation – Morning Chapel focuses on meditative techniques to centre, ground and focus oneself for healthy living. Sleep Clinic – A school-wide clinic on the impact of sleep deprivation and strategies to access sleep in a busy world. Parent Workshop – Parents/guardians are welcome to engage in a panel-led conversation about adolescent substance use. Mass Relaxation - A guided group relaxation session to practice the important elements of physical and mental relaxation. Dog Therapy - Boys start off the day with cuddles from their own dogs or dogs of staff and faculty in special “dog rooms”, proven to be therapeutic. Not a bad way to start the morning! Yoga – A morning yoga session to promote full breathing, stretching and centering of energy.
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Sep
FEBRUARY 54 Course Selection 54 Spirit Week - House Games
Nov
55 Math Contests
Oct
54 Academic Breakfast
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Course Selection Working through the maze of course selection can be an intimidating task at times. The process for students who must select their own courses can feel overwhelming. As parents/guardians, you are part of the process, so you and your son have many things to consider before choosing courses. To help guide parents/guardians through this process, we host a Course Selection Information Night in February. Topics covered include compulsory and elective course offerings, graduation requirements, program planning, university pre-requisites, enriched and Advanced Placement options, and more.
Academic Breakfast Following the first term report card, students who have achieved Headmaster’s Honour Roll are invited to a breakfast, hosted by the faculty. Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to celebrate their child’s achievement.
Spirit Week - House Games The Senior School’s Spirit Week takes place in February, leading up to the Family Day long weekend. All students participate in a variety of House events throughout the week. Events include ball hockey, dodge ball, basketball, mathlete, spelling bees, Pictionary, Twister and more! The goal of the week is to get all students participating in at least one event and to encourage House spirit. The winning House is awarded first place in a special closing ceremony assembly on the last day of the week.
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Math Contests The Pascal, Cayley and Fermat Contests are opportunities for students to have fun and develop their mathematical problem-solving ability. Math contests are also used for students wishing placement in enriched sections of math. Students in Grade 9 are eligible to write the Pascal Contest.
Format • 25 multiple-choice questions • 60 minutes • 150 total marks • Any calculator permitted
Mathematical Content Early questions address concepts found in the curriculum common to all provinces. The last few questions are designed to test ingenuity and insight. Rather than testing content, most of the contest problems test logical thinking and mathematical problem-solving.
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Sep
MARCH 58 Service, Cultural Exchange Experiences &
Oct
Band/Choir Trips
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Cultural Exchange & Service Learning Experiences We are no longer solely Canadian citizens, but also global citizens and as such, our knowledge of global issues, as well as our participation on the global stage, is essential. RSGC understands the growing importance of preparing our students to participate in issues of development, equity, social and environmental justice and peace. Cultural exchange and service learning experiences encompass key ideals for a student’s personal growth and leadership training. It involves volunteering, cultural learning, teamwork, reflection, global understanding and hard work. RSGC has offered these types of trips to our students for over a decade, in locations including: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Belize Kingdom of Bhutan Cambodia Ecuador Galapagos Islands Iceland India Kenya Nepal Nicaragua Poland Vietnam
Contact Emma Totten at etotten@rsgc.on.ca for more information.
Instrumental Band and Choral Music Trips Music is an important part of our Georgian culture. Each year, we have the opportunity to showcase our music internationally. The band and the choir alternate yearly trips to Europe, Asia and around the world. Typically, the band travels in March, while the choir travels at the end of June.
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Sep
APRIL 60 Earth Week
Oct
60 CISMF 61 Student Leadership Retreat
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Earth Week The Environment Club runs several activities to promote Earth Week. Activities include turning off the lights for Earth Hour at lunch, an Enviro Quiz, a bake sale and screenings of environment-themed movies.
CISMF The CISMF (Conference of Independent Schools’ Music Festival) is an annual concert at Roy Thompson Hall open to all musicians from Independent Schools. Auditions are held in November. It is a great opportunity for Georgians to play with the highest calibre musicians in CIS schools. Ensembles include concert bands, jazz ensembles and orchestra.
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Nov Dec
This trip is voluntary for students with a desire to further develop themselves as leaders, both in their own personal life and also within our school community. This program is for students in Grades 9-11 and is an extension of the learning experiences they have had at previous outdoor and experiential education camp programs. The weekend has an emphasis on leadership and contribution. The goal is to prepare these student leaders to become mentors at RSGC in the coming school year.
Oct
The RSGC Senior Student Leadership Retreat takes place in the spring. Students, along with a group of faculty, head up north for a weekend.
Sep
Student Leadership Retreat
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Sep
MAY 63 Showcase Concert 63 Exam Review Week
Oct
63 Summer Dress 64 Athletic Awards Ceremony
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
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Summer Dress
Feb
* Please note that both the pants and the shirt can be worn all year round as part of the #1 dress uniform.
Jan
White, cotton, short- or long-sleeve button-down No tie required Dress socks (any colour) Black dress shoes that have a closed heel and can be polished (no black leather running shoes) • Black belt
Dec
• • • •
Nov
Summer dress begins in early May and continues for the remainder of the school year. The summer dress uniform consists of the following:
Oct
The Annual RSGC Springtime Showcase Concert is held at the beginning of May. It is an incredible night of music showcasing the talent of our Georgian musicians.
Sep
Showcase Concert
Exam Review Week Mar
Students are given exam outlines of material to be covered on the final exam in early May.
Apr
Furthermore, the Learning Centre team visits each Grade 9 class to conduct a general exam preparation workshop. This workshop will address how to create a study schedule, effective study habits, proper self-care prior to and during exams, test/exam taking strategies for different types of questions and encouraging students to begin to attend extra help sessions.
May Jun
Towards the end of May, the Senior School begins exam review. During this period, no new material will be introduced in the course.
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Athletic Awards Ceremony The Senior School Athletic Awards Ceremony takes place at the end of May in the gymnasium. It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the athletic achievements of our students. There is a reception prior to the ceremony during which refreshments will be served.
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Sep
JUNE 67 Final Exams 68 Used Textbook Sale
Oct
68 Exam Viewing Day
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
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Oct
Typically, students receive their final exam schedule in late April - early May. Please be aware that there are no classes in session during Exam Week. Students are only required to be at school for their scheduled exams.
Sep
Final Exams
• Grade 9 students write one exam per day, in the morning.
Dec
• By 8:30 am, students must be seated in the examination room.
Nov
• All morning exams begin at 8:30 am sharp and students are expected to be at school for 8:15 am.
• Students must bring all required supplies with them.
• Before handing in an exam paper, students should check it over as they will not be permitted back in the examination room.
May
• Students who have used their IEPs throughout the year will be given the same accommodations on their exams.
Apr
• All students are to be in proper dress code during exams - #1 Dress or Summer Dress only.
Mar
• Students are not permitted to leave the examination room for bathroom breaks without supervision.
Feb
• Each exam is two hours in length and students are required to stay for a minimum of 90 minutes.
Jan
• No cell phones are permitted in the examination room.
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Exam Viewing Day Exam Viewing Day is held on the Monday following exam week. Students are encouraged to drop in any time from 8:30 until 10:30 am to get their exam results. Please note that students will be able to review the exam with their teacher; however, they may not take the exam with them.
Used Textbook Sale The Used Textbook Sale is an opportunity to support RSGC, reduce waste and reduce the annual cost of purchasing textbooks. All consignments and purchases are put through student accounts. There are no cash transactions. Students are encouraged to drop off their old textbooks, either as a donation or on consignment, in the Senior School lobby during exam week between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
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MISCELLANEOUS Anaphylaxis and Epi-Pens It is important to remember that there are students in our school with life threatening allergies to peanuts/tree nuts. Some students have such a high sensitivity that even a trace amount from a known peanut/nut product or a food product/item that has come in contact with a peanut/nut source (crosscontaminated) and is ingested can result in a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Our school anaphylaxis plan is designed to ensure that students at risk are identified, strategies are in place to minimize the potential for accidental exposure and staff are trained to respond in an emergency situation. To provide a minimized allergen environment, students are asked to bring lunches and snacks free of peanuts and tree nuts and products that may contain peanuts/tree nuts. Please read food labels, checking for peanut/nut ingredients prior to sending food to school. If you have caregivers who provide your son with lunches or snacks, we encourage you to share this information with them. We realize this request may require added planning and effort on your part; however, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your support and cooperation. Parents/guardians are also asked to inform the school immediately if their son has any life-threatening allergies. The Personal/Health Information Sheet must be completed and returned to the Senior School office with a passport-size picture attached so that the student is easily identifiable to staff. Parents/guardians are also asked to ensure that students for whom Epi-Pens are prescribed have two Epi-Pens at school. One Epi-Pen must be with the student at all times (including in class), on excursions and on all other school-related activities/sports. The other Epi-Pen must be stored in the school office for emergency use only. This Epi-Pen will also be taken on trips.
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RSGC’s Concussion Care Plan We have collaborated with the Concussion Centre at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to ensure our boys receive the best support and specialist care if a concussion is sustained. It is our goal that all students complete a baseline concussion test with Holland Bloorview to get a full picture of brain and body performance using a range of measurements prior to a concussion. This baseline test becomes valuable if a concussion occurs and will assist the physician and health care professionals at Holland Bloorview to make a more informed decision about return to school and activity for students. Baseline testing is also an opportunity to educate students about concussion signs and symptoms, and the importance of reporting a suspected concussion. This has always been an important mandate for RSGC students and with the recent passing of “Rowan’s Law”, it is now mandatory for all Ontario schools and sports organizations to provide concussion education to their youth. In the event of a concussion, these steps will be taken to ensure each child receives proper physician-led care and return to school and activity guidance. In the event that you suspect your child has a concussion outside of school hours or over the summer, please follow these steps as you will still have access to care at Holland Bloorview for one year after the baseline test with your child is completed at the beginning of each school year. 1. If a suspected concussion occurs, student must visit an emergency room/walk-in clinic/family physician to diagnose the concussion and rule out anything more serious as soon as possible. Note: Holland Bloorview does not have an emergency room. 2. If diagnosed with a concussion, ask the physician to fax a referral to see the specialist physician at Holland Bloorview using the Holland Bloorview referral form. www.hollandbloorview.ca/ baselinetesting. Once the referral form is faxed to Holland Bloorview, an Intake Coordinator will contact you to set up an appointment. If you have questions about your referral, please contact 416-425-6220 x 3239 or x 6490. 3. Receiving post-injury care. The importance of our baseline testing program lies in the physician-led post-injury care which 70 Foundation Year Guide 2019-2020 • Royal St. George’s College
is provided at no cost to each family. This program offers an initial assessment with a physician who specializes in pediatric brain injury and support from rehabilitation professionals. The physicians interpret all aspects of a child’s function (clinical history, neurological assessment and comparison of post-injury to baseline test results) and combine it with their clinical expertise to assess concussion recovery and make the most appropriate return to learn and play decisions. Please ensure to communicate recovery accommodations with school support staff set out at medical appointments as needed and as appropriate. 4. Please note that all students must complete the proper return to school and activity guidelines set out by Holland Bloorview physicians and clearance decisions in order to get back safely to school and sports as needed.
Field Trips Field trips are integral parts of the RSGC academic program. Every student participating in a school field trip is required to have prior written permission from his parent/guardian permitting him to participate. Field trip information will indicate the purpose of the trip, the destination, time of departure and return, method of transportation, and all other relevant information. Consent forms are available electronically through the myRSGC portal.
Medications No Tylenol, Advil or over-the-counter (OTC) medications will be given by the school without prior consent from a parent/guardian. Consent is required for each and every instance where OTC medication is requested.
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Royal St. George’s College 120 Howland Avenue Toronto, ON Canada M5R 3B5
416.533.6724 contactus@rsgc.on.ca rsgc.on.ca