Peel Summer Academy
Who are we?
Since 1984, Peel Summer Academy (PSA) has seen thousands of young minds flourish while experiencing social, intellectual, and personal growth. We are committed to nurturing and developing the gifts of youth who are exceptional thinkers, intellectually curious, bright, creative, and demonstrate diversity in achieving excellence. It is our goal to encourage each camper to broaden their horizons, challenge their comfort levels, and think outside of the box, while embracing adventure sure to shape their character. PSA provides like-minded youth the opportunities to grow independently, engage in hands-on and interactive workshops, live away from home, experience unique parts of Canada, and build meaningful relationships to last a lifetime.
Grade 9 West Coast Marine DiscoveryJuly 21 – August 3, 2012
The newest addition to the Peel Summer Academy line up takes the campers to beautiful British Columbia! They stay on Vancouver Island at the University of Victoria, famous for its "West Coast" and unique educational experience. The students participate in a program schedule developed by the university and spend their first week executing hands-on activities and academic-based courses. During the second week, students travel to Pearson College and participate in workshops related to marine and aquatic life unique to the West coast and take in presentations by faculty and staff. They also have the opportunity to see the sites around the campus via hikes, water adventures, and an overnight in a tent. In addition to participating in the academic programs at the University of Victoria and Pearson College they will have the opportunity to view the killer whales in the Juan de Fuca, visit the Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney, discover the Royal BC Museum and take in an IMAX film as well as absorb the sites in and around Victoria.
Students will learn and explore the special culture of Canada's West coast, taking in presentations by aboriginal elders as well as learn about the unique marine species that call BC their home. They spend the first week at the University of Victoria and take part in hands-on activities and workshops that will focus on the following areas:
- Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- Sustainability & the Environment
- Science, Technology & Health
- Music, Theatre, Film & Visual Art
- Humanities
In the second week at Pearson College students participate in a unique program that will incorporate a variety of learning experiences, from introduction to scuba, kayaking, marine biology, hiking, and astronomy.
Grade 10 : Newfoundland Adventure July 7 -20
This program has become the pinnacle of one's Peel Summer Academy experience for many students. It provides students a wonderful opportunity to visit a unique part of Newfoundland, to experience the special hospitality of our hosts at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook, and travel up the west coast to one of Newfoundland's special treasures, Gros Morne National Park. As a bonus, the leadership program provides valuable personal development, particularly for those who might want to become a counsellor at PSA in future years.
Outdoor Adventure: Explore the physical challenges of caving; navigate the rugged terrain using Map; Compass and GPS; learn the current environmental issues and experience the unique and inviting culture of Newfoundland.
Astronomy: It appears we inhabit a decidedly goofy Universe – one with neither a centre nor an edge; one in which space itself is expanding at an ever-increasing rate, carrying galaxies along for the ride; and a Universe where normal matter comprises only about 4% of the total, and what makes up the rest isn't understood. But why should anyone believe any of this? Test some of these ideas yourself and learn first-hand how we know what an amazing place the universe is. During their stay in Gros Morne, at Memorial University's Bonne Bay Marine Station, they will engage in the research-related activities conducted by university staff on-site:
Marine Ecology: Explore the 'saltwater soup' of Bonne Bay, carry out a comparison of three intertidal areas, venture out onto the bay in small boats and complete a variety of oceanographic and biological sampling.
Geology: Participate in field trips to the Tablelands, Bonne Bay Discovery Centre and Western Brook Pond Fjord and find remains of such strange creatures as graptolites and trilobites
McMaster Online Physics contest
Congratulations to Ted and Yanshu receiving honourable mention certificates, placing first in the school with a score of 8 (average contest score, 4). Thanks to Mr. Rosenblood for organizing the contest.
Physics@mac Video Contest and Online Chemistry Contest
details at www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca, www.math.mcmaster.ca, and www. physics.mcmaster.ca
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DECA
submitted by Ms. Hopwood-Jones
The Woodlands School DECA phenomenon continues this year. What a successful regional we had on Saturday. All students performed exceptionally well – 128 ribbons were awarded for top ten finishes in multiple choice testing and in the role play events. Also, 13 first place medals, 8 second place medals and 7 third place medals were earned by Woodlands students. Congratulations to all.
First place winners:
Charmaine A., Jessica L., Vivian D., Judy D., Neil G., Arjun P.,
Vicky J., Ariel M., Emmy S., Yasien S., Lauren N., Terry O., Nathan L.
Second place winners:
Sachin D., Maxwell T., Godwin C., Kaiwen S., Karan B., Xiaoya X.,
Alexandra S., Richard M.
Third place winners:
James X., Young J., Benjamin H., Anna C., Tian L., Michelle D., Geethika R.
Waterloo Unlimited Grade 11 Program: Design Theme
March 12th - 16th, 2012
Application deadline: postmarked by December 16th, 2011
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.
Cost: Program Fee: $450
Supervised Overnight Shared Hotel Accommodation: $300
Details: http://www.unlimited.uwaterloo.ca
U of T SPARKChallenge
University of Toronto and Samsung are running an 'apps' contest geared toward high school students in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). SPARKchallenge.ca aims to inspire high school students to start Sharing Possibilities for Applications in Research and Knowledge.
We want to engage students in experiential learning by asking them to submit creative and innovative ideas for software applications for Android smart phones and tablets. Students who enter have the chance to win up to $1,000 in cash, along with Samsung gadgets.
For more information about the challenge please see our website: http://www.sparkchallenge.ca.
The Woodlands Enhanced Learning Program presents
Grade 10 Gifted Plan Guest Speakers: Irene Kim & Belinda McGuire
Student Feedback
profound ideas I learned from today’s speakers
Keep all doors and opportunities open and don’t back away from a challenge. Be open to many paths and ideas.
You need a balance of ego and humility to be creative.
Doing what you truly want to do in life is very important.
Creativity can displayed everywhere, even if you are a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer.
Creativity can be divided into an open brainstorming phase and the reflective, looking back phase.
I learned that you should do lots of research on what you’re going to do before you do it to see if you really like it and if it suits you.
I learned that there are times when you should just take a chance.
Taking risks is a natural part of living, and you need to just understand and accept it.
The path you choose doesn’t have to be straight.
Don’t be afraid to stand out and create something new.
Don’t be pressured into doing things you don’t want to do. But even if you are, you can change what you do at any time.
Being focused and on task, as well as working hard is essential – there is no easy way
ways or reasons to explore creativity in new areas of my life
Think and analyse the activities I do that make me happy and passionate. Incorporate them into my prospective path and career.
Express my emotions and dreams through writing, music or art, even if only personally
Theatre, drawings and artwork – I have my grandmother’s art kit
Reason: I want to find out what I am interested in.
To make better choices – wider scope of dreams and futures
Exploring creativity can help me find new things that I love. Finding them earlier is better.
an example of creativity I will be demonstrating this month in class
I will present my French project of childhood memories using expressive language.
I will start a journal and write things I am interested in and new ideas I have.
When playing my guitar, I will try to create my own riffs and pieces of music.
I will go beyond my creative limits when it comes to projects, making them as exciting or fun as possible. I will also put more effort into expressing my creativity in class by more creative effort in projects.
Take time for the art in my projects
Make a unique and creative computer code. Surprise my teacher by doing something different than what most people do
Presenting my creative (architecture) side to my science class on free speech Fridays.
History presentation- communicating and conveying the story of a Holocost survivor in a creative way.
When: Monday October 24, 2011 - Periods 1-2
Where: Library
Who: All grade 10 enhanced students
Details: Meet Woodlands graduates who have had the courage to actualize their own potential and live healthy, innovative lives
Irene Kim, Toronto
Irene Kim is a co-founder and Vice-President of Geeky Chic, Inc. and Editor-at-Large of The Genteel, both web-based fashion magazines. A corporate lawyer by trade and an entrepreneur in spirit, Irene has a passion for beautiful clothes and Korean food and is known to find adventure in unexpected places. She immerses herself in intriguing stories, factual or fantasy, as she navigates through the journey that is life.
Belinda McGuire, New York
Belinda graduated from The Woodlands with a scholarship to The Juilliard School, New York. A current member of The José Limón Dance Company, she has danced with Gallim Dance, Doug Varone and Dancers, Ofelia Lorette de Mola's DANSCORES, the DOORKNOB Company and The Canadian Children's Dance Theatre. She teaches as a guest artist in New York City at Dance New Amsterdam and The Limón Institute, and in Toronto at CCDT, Cawthra Park SS and York University. She is a recipient of the 2008 Bessie Schönberg Residency at the Yard, and was recognized by the 2007 Susan Braun Award of The Dance Films Association.
October 19, 2011 - Please note the RSVP date on the following invitation
and the U ofT Mentorship Program
NASA Astronaut Drew Feustel : My Path to Space: How One Earth Scientist Became a NASA Mission Specialist
The University of Toronto Space Program invites you to hear NASA Astronaut Drew Feustel share his experiences in a special presentation “My Path to Space: How One Earth Scientist Became a NASA Mission Specialist” Monday, October 24, 2011 Hart House Theatre 4:00 p.m. Reception showcasing the University of Toronto Space
More information at: www.research.utoronto.ca/u-of-t-space-program
RSVP by October 19; events.vpresearch@utoronto.ca; 416-978-4649
ABC Peel – Meeting for Parents
Scholarships and Shad Valley
This event will be of interest to parents, and students currently in grade 11 & 12
Date: Thursday, October 20th
Time: 7:00-9:30 pm (Earlier than usual)
Location: Inglewood Room, 3rd floor , HJA Brown Education Centre,
5650 Hurontario Street (at Matheson)
A representative from Scholarships Canada will discuss types of scholarships, myths and tips.
A representative from Shad Valley will tell us about their four week summer enrichment program offered to students currently completing grade 10, 11 or 12.
Cost: Members: Free, Non- Members: $2.00
Space is limited so please RSVP to news@abcpeel.org with your name and the number of people attending.
Tuesday October 11
The 2012 Dupont Challenge: Science Essay Contest
What interests you in the exciting and ever-changing world of science? Where do your interests lie and what subjects would you like to explore in greater detail? What application of scientific thought or research do you believe can help solve some of the challenges of today's complex world? What kind of technology fascinates you? What future uses do you see for an improved version of existing technology? And where in the world of science might YOU fit in? Could a career in one of the sciences or in applied sciences await you? Think about it—write about it.
The DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition gives you an opportunity to put your thoughts on paper—not only expressing yourself, but also sharing your ideas with others. The only limits—besides the contest’s 1,000-word limit and other important rules, are your own enthusiasm, your research, and your interest in studying and presenting a fascinating aspect of science or technology.
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/students/
Thursday October 6
2011-12 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Mentorship Program is for students in grade 11and 12 who show considerable academic promise and are interested in learning more about research being conducted at the University of Toronto. The goal of the Mentorship Program is to support and enhance exceptional academic ability in high school students, while exposing them to the work of our faculty and, in some cases, providing students with an opportunity to become directly involved in research and/or lab work. Projects take different formats; format is as important as content when the applicant is deciding which project might be the best fit. Some projects involve lab work, some are a series of lectures with some independent reflection in between talks, some involve small group work focused on a particular topic or series of topics. Please read the project descriptions carefully as project format and content varies widely.
IMPORTANT DATES:
October 21, 2011: All applications due
November 30, 2011: All applicants will be notified of status
December 14, 2011: Orientation and Pizza Party
January – May 2012: Projects meetings and updates
May 2012 (TBA): Poster Session
Programs Available
ENGLISH
ENGLISH (DICTIONARY OF OLD ENGLISH)
ENGLISH LITERATURE ENGLISH LITERATURE/POPULAR CULTURE:
FRENCH
ASTRONOMY and ASTROPHYSICS
MATHEMATICS
CHEMISTRY
COMPUTER SCIENCE (2)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY
GENOMICS and PATHOBIOLOGY
NEUROGENETICS
NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
PSYCHIATRY
ELECTRICAL and COMPUTER
ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL and INDUSTRIAL
ENGINEERING
For More Information:
http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/futurestudents/pdfs-for-eventsandnews/mentorship%20program%202011.pdf
Girls Rock Science
University of Toronto
Introduces girls in grades 11 and 12 to science disciplines that are shaping the world we live in. Participants will be exposed to the latest research taking place in the University of Toronto departments of Geography, Physics and Chemistry. Female professors will lead workshops, discussions and hands-on research activities created to empower girls to excel in the sciences. The workshops will take place on select Saturday mornings between 10 am and 12 pm on the St. George (downtown) campus. A participant may register for up to two workshops. Sessions will be limited to 20 students each and students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cost to participate. Registration information is available at the back of this brochure. Registration forms are due at least one week in advance of each workshop
Saturday, October 30, 2010
10 AM to 12 PM
Chaos: What Is It? Where Is It? How Do We Study It?
Professor Sabine Stanley, Department of Physics
Saturday, November 6, 2010
10 AM to 12 PM
Soil and Water Contamination: The Impact of Oil Spills
Dr. Sarah Brown, PhD in Environmental Chemistry
Saturday, November 27, 2010
10 AM to 12 PM
Earth System Science and Climate Change
Professor Sharon Cowling, Department of Geography
Saturday, December 4, 2010
10 AM to 12 PM
Atmospheric Chemistry: Bringing What’s Up in the Air Down to Earth
Professor Jennifer Murphy, Department of Chemistry
For more information:
http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/futurestudents/pdfs-for-events-and-news/girls%20rock%20science_2010_low%20res.pdf
Grade Nine Feedback
Team Building Seminar
Guest Speaker: Stephen Shedletzky
Things I found useful ...
Planning makes your work more efficient.
That group work is always greater than a mind on its own because more opinions can create a well thought-out answer.
A leader inspires others to lead.
A good group need trust and respect
Don’t submit to group think, keep challenging ideas
Group-think happens when leaders are autocratic.
Things I can apply in class now...
Treat people well
Value everyone’s opinion
Encourage others to take lead roles
I need to ensure that others have the opportunities to contribute
I can take the idea of taking a step backward before I take a step forward
An aspect of Teamwork I need to work on...
Be a better listener so I can be more involved in my group
Creating discussion
I should not dominate my group
Be supportive and add on to what team members say starting with ‘and’ instead of ‘but’
Giving clearer and more concise statements will help me be understood
I have a tendency to ignore other people’s ideas
Trusting group members
I can help keep a group on track
Student Vote: Grade 10 students will have their voice heard!
Submitted by Social Science
On Wednesday, October 5th, Grade 10 students at The Woodlands will participate in Student Vote Day, where students have the opportunity to vote for the local candidates in their electoral district. As voter turnout has declined over the last decade, it has become even more important to help students become engaged and informed citizens. Through the coming weeks, students will examine a variety of election issues in their Civics’ classes and develop an understanding of how their right to vote contributes to a healthy democracy. Please talk to your teen and discuss issues of importance – together we can build a better community! The Woodlands’ election results will be broadcast on tv on Election Night as well as the next day in the newspapers. Be sure to tune in and find out who our students would choose as the Premier of Ontario.
LIBRARY ART CORNER: Nature’s Canvas by Lichen and Liyang
Painted using Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, grape skins, spinach, red medlar, green tea, flower petals and ink.
We use natural colours from plans because every imaginable colour can be found in nature. The colours from plants create a natural vibrant and earthy tone to our paintings. We rush the materials and mix them with a few drops of water to extract the colour.
Other works: celebrity pencil portraits, pencil shavings photos.
Chris Cummins Workshop: Student Reflections on Personal Leadership
The workshop today was a roaring success. Our thanks to Chris for his poignant and humorous presentation. Here are some of the things our students wrote:
What leadership qualities do I posses?
· I am not afraid to stand out.
· I have initiative.
· I can take charge in a stressful situation.
· I support others.
· I am willing to recognize and work on my weaknesses.
· I am honest and humble.
· I am creative.
· I am a cheerful individual.
· I am persistent.
· I can maintain a positive attitude.
· I believe in my own ideas.
How can you lead from where you stand?
· In band I help people who are new.
· I can encourage friends to do the right thing.
· I can vocalize my ideas more often.
· Take initiative to join clubs and take an active role.
· I can join clubs that make a difference.
· ... by not procrastinating.
· I can take a larger role in group projects.
· I can change my attitude towards others for greater group cohesion.
Grade 11 Guest Speaker: Chris Cummins
Friday, September 16
Periods 1 &2
Library Resource Centre
We are very lucky to have Chris return to be the Keynote Speaker at our leadership seminar for grade 11 gifted students. Students will be inspired to identify their talents and passions and take concrete steps to realizing their dreams.
Grade 9 Guest Speaker: Stephen Shedletzky
Wednesday, September 21
Periods 1 &2
Library Resource Centre
Stephen will be sharing an interactive presentation on Teamwork – the opportunity to bring the best out of others and ourselves. Grade 9 gifted students will learn the characteristics of great teams and how to become part of a great teams in their future.
Math Contests: 2011 – 2012 Season
The Woodlands Mathematics Department is asking that all students interested in signing up for any of the math contests do so this week. Just ask for Mr. Heathfield in the Math Office or the ELP Office. Details about the contests can be found at woodlandsmath.wikispaces.com .
Grade Nine 2011 Ultimate Dream Job Contest!
August 29 to October 17, 2011
It’s time again to get grade nines thinking early about career paths and their favourite dream jobs. The Learning Partnership, in partnership with Scotiabank®, is launching the 2011 Ultimate Dream Job Contest on Monday, August 29. This national online photo contest is designed to get teens thinking about their futures, in an exciting way.
Grade nines have a chance to:
· Win one of 18 weekly prizes – three winners each week
· Win the Grand Prize trip to Ottawa on The Learning Partnership’s Take Our Kids to Work™ day
· Help their schools win $1,000 courtesy of Scotiabank http://dreamjobcontest.ca/
Welcome to the 2011- 2012 school year.
IEP News
Enhanced Learning Program Instructional need forms were handed out on Wednesday September 8, 2011. Students have been asked to complete these forms, have parents sign them, and return them to their homeroom teachers this week. If your child has lost the sheet, the document is available for download in the Supplementary Documents tab.
Please take some time to go over the website.
Supplementary Documents: If your child has not brought home an alternative programming page from each enhanced course, be sure to ask for these documents. They will explain how the courses offered in the Enhanced Learning Program are being differentiated. Examples of such documents are available in this tab.
Habits of Mind: Parents often wonder if their children are progressing. The habits of mind page give some signposts and concrete suggestions for development.
Personal Portfolio: It is very sad when students start applying for elite programs or scholarships and simply do not have enough recent involvement in school, the community, and enrichment programs to write good applications. Students and teachers are often asked about the qualities listed on the page and asked for concrete examples. Please start to prepare a portfolio as early as grade 9 and 10, so that you will be ready early in your grade 12 year.
An excerpt from a letter from a recent graduate to Ms. Gray
" ... I definitely felt well-prepared going from The Woodlands into my first year. Our science department especially did an excellent job in preparing us with the knowledge and skills necessary for me to succeed in my program. For example, almost the entire curriculum for my systems biology course was previously covered in Grade 12 Biology; so while everyone else struggled with the material, I was able to excel. My other courses did not share the same overlap, but coming from The Woodlands, I definitely had a solid foundation that allowed me to understand all of the new material. I am sure that the other Woodlands students who came to my program feel the same way. In fact, I am sure you remember Tian X., who was an absolute math wiz at Woodlands - he is continuing to do extremely well and is actually ranked first out of the nearly 300 students in first year Engineering Science!
Personally, I am also doing quite well. I just received my second semester marks and am pleased with how I did. I was able to make it onto the Dean's List (the U of T Engineering equivalent of honour roll) for both semesters, and will hopefully continue to be competitive for in-course scholarships going into my second year. Of course, next year I plan to do even better. Therefore, I have been studying hard so far this summer by reviewing this past year's material and getting a head start on next year's. I also plan to get more involved with extracurriculars around campus so that I can continue the experience of full learning - both inside and outside the classroom - that I had at The Woodlands.
Other than that, I have also been working this summer. I have a day job in software testing and help documentation at a software company by Pearson Airport, and am continuing to tutor elementary and high school students independently on the weekends. All in all, I have definitely been keeping busy! I will also be visiting The Woodlands this upcoming Monday as part of the university seminar for the Enhanced students. I am really looking forward to going back, talking about my experiences in first year, and seeing all those familiar faces again!"