Clarkson Secondary School
February, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Clarkson Families,
It has been a busy year at Clarkson and this newsletter highlights the many activities and opportunities our Clarkson Chargers participated in during the first half of the school year.
For a small school, there are an extraordinary amounts of clubs, teams and activities to get involved in. The dedication, innovation and grit of our Chargers in academics, athletics and extra-curriculars is impressive and inspiring.
Thank you to our staff and students for their hard work.
On behalf of Vice Principals, Ms. Ayeni and Mr. Kontos I would like to wish you a wonderful second semester.
Mrs. Zammit
Principal
Welcome and Farewells
As we say farewell to a few teachers, the admin team gladly welcomes all our new teachers who are joining our dynamic staff in semester two.
We are no doubt going to miss those who are leaving us and wish them well in their future endeavours.
Our best wishes to Ms. Basara, Mr. Cowan and Mr. Filaber as they move on to new schools.
Congratulations to Mr. Cowan on his promotion and placement as Vice-Principal at Brampton Centennial Secondary School (see picture to the left).
We say a warm welcome to the following teachers: Shivani Gandhi, Anna Tarnowka, Michelle Nazari and Mary Louise Mazzuco who is joining us as in the role of Teaching Assistant. Leila Paise is also new to Clarkson in the Guidance Office Assistant position.
Principal's Reception
The Principal's Reception recognizes the contributions of students who go above and beyond to model the Peel Character traits that we encourage our Chargers to embrace and develop. Recipients of the Peel Character Awards are recognized for demonstrating one or more of the following traits: care, co-operation, honesty, inclusivity, respect, and responsibly.
English, ESL & Library
Mr Vassiliou and Ms Twizere's grade 11 English classes have been studying a variety of Indigenous authors this semester. To build context and understanding, we have also taken two field trips this semester. The first was to Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford where we toured a museum and heard the testimony of Dawn Hill, a residential school survivor. The second was to Riverwood Conservancy in Mississauga where we hiked down to the Credit River guided by Indigenous teachers, learned about Indigenous relationships to land, and hand-fed Chickadees.
Riverwood Conservancy Field Trip
Students in the Grade 11 English programs enjoyed a field trip to “Riverwood Conservancy” where they saw unfamiliar parts of the park while experiencing a day in the life of the Métis more than a hundred years ago.
Mr Vassiliou and Ms Twizere's grade 11 English classes have been studying a variety of Indigenous authors this semester. To build context and understanding, we have also taken two field trips this semester. The first was to Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford where we toured a museum and heard the testimony of Dawn Hill, a residential school survivor. The second was to Riverwood Conservancy in Mississauga where we hiked down to the Credit River guided by Indigenous teachers, learned about Indigenous relationships to land, and hand-fed Chickadees.
Literature circles in ENG4U0
Ms. Basara’s Grade 9 English class used masks to demonstrate their interpretation of characters from Romeo and Juliet. They had a ball completing this task!
Library Learning Commons
It’s been a busy semester at Clarkson’s Library Learning Commons!
In September, we introduced all of our grade 9s to the LLC with a new “This / Not This” orientation video. You can take a look at the video here. The orientation also included our annual library card ‘blitz,’ where we issued over 100 Mississauga Public Library cards to grade 9 students!
In October, students celebrated Islamic Heritage Month, as well as all things spooky!
In November, we honoured Indigenous Heritage Month with several displays focused on treaty relations, including a wide variety of Indigenous resources as well as a do-it-yourself Wampum belt bookmark. We also celebrated Hindu Heritage Month, sold Remembrance Day poppies to raise funds for the Royal Canadian Legion, and recognized Trans Awareness Week with educational displays and resources.
Throughout December, we were feeling festive in the LLC! Students enjoyed making sparkly icicle ornaments, helping out with our community jigsaw puzzles, and enjoying some of our “Seasons Readings.” We also held our first ever “Caption Contest” – and two lucky students won Indigo gift cards!
Forest of Reading
The Forest of Reading® program is coming to Clarkson! The Forest of Reading® is Canada’s largest recreational reading program, with over 270,000 readers taking part every year. Students who are a part of the program will have the opportunity to connect with fellow readers at Clarkson, as well as across Canada and internationally through the Forest of Reading social media sites. Additionally, the Library Learning Commons will be hosting exclusive ‘book parties’ for program members, as well as virtual author visits, and more! We already have over two dozen students and 18 staff members signed up, but it’s not too late to join in the reading fun! For more information about the program, go to http://bit.ly/38SPL9u or visit Ms. Tipler in the Library Learning Commons.
Math, Computer Science & Business
Math
This year students competed in the Canadian Intermediate and Canadian Senior Math contests run by the University of Waterloo. Many students participated and had the opportunity to showcase their mathematical skills and talents. Of particular note, we had two students who scored in the top 2% of all participants in Ontario as well as another student who scored in the top 8%. We also had students compete in the Canadian Open Mathematics Contest with two students scoring in the top 6% of all participants. The math department is proud of all the participants and we look forward to their future accomplishments.
Computer Science
This semester our grade 10 and grade 11 computer science classes have created a variety of autonomous robots to compete in different events. One challenge had them creating Sumo robots that were designed to push the others out of the ring. Another was a forklift challenge to lift and stack blocks taller than the robot themselves. With autonomous cars around the corner, these students are in a great position to build and code the robots of the future. The following are a few examples of some of their creations:
Did you know that in Bangladesh, giving a thumbs up is considered offensive? Or that in the Philippines beckoning someone with a finger is rude because it is only appropriate for dogs? Ms. Basara’s Grade 9 Business students learned how important it is to study other cultures when dealing with international business. Each student explored a different country and created professional brochures to prepare travellers for its customs. The bigger lesson was, as Maya Angelou said, “in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
Before using Photoshop to create advertisements for businesses, Grade 9 students strengthen their skills in these fun Spot the Difference challenges!
Science & Technology
HOSA
Clarkson will be competing in HOSA this year! HOSA is often called the DECA of health sciences, being a multidisciplinary competition geared for students testing their skills and knowledge in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, first aid and health research areas. Our chapter president, Sloane Murray, advocated for restarting a team this year, and now it is a team that has 21 students getting ready to compete. The competition will take place on April 27-28 in downtown Toronto. Thanks to Mr. Chan for supporting the group! For more information about the competition, check out https://hosacanada.org/home/.
Field Trip to Sunnybrook Hospital
In October, Mr. Drake and Ms. Wong took students from our TGJ2O0 classes and HOSA team to Sunnybrook Hospital to visit patients in their Trauma Center ICU. The goal of this visit was to prevent trauma in youth, to educate students on the impacts of experiencing trauma from accidents (such as from texting and driving, bike accidents etc.)
Engineering Idol
Clarkson will be fielding two teams this year for Engineering Idol! Our team placed fourth last year, and are eager to make the podium again this time. This year's challenge is on building a Resilient Home. Students will be tasked to design, create, test, and report on a prototype for an aspect of home construction which takes into account the impacts of climate change. Beyond the engineering challenge, students will also need to do a 15 minute presentation in front of a panel of expert judges. The competition will take place in early March at the Bahen Centre at the University of Toronto St. George campus. Thanks in advance to Mr. Chan and Mr. Arduini for their support.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities in Science & Technology
Environmental Science Course - Energy, Waste Audits, Daphnia Lab, Vermicomposter and
EcoSchools
Schulich Leader Nominations- Students are encouraged to apply for this special scholarship. information available to students throughout the school.
Adventures in Science- Grade 5 Classes from Hillside will visit Clarkson S.S. Our senior students will teach young scientists and conduct labs.
SHSM Field Trips in Semester 2: Science Center, Auto Show (TTJ and SHSM kids)
SHSM- Specialist High Skills Major in Technology
Mr. Petsinis has been gaining positive feedback from colleges and employers about the skill level and knowledge from our SHSM graduates. The feedback strongly legitimizes the hard work and effort our staff have put into training students in our SHSM program.
Music Posters from TGJ3M0/4M0
One of the most successful assignments this semester was our Music Poster Design assignment. Building on their typographical studies from the first term, students were tasked with designing a poster for their favourite musical act. The results are both diverse and beautiful.
Zombify Yourself from TDJ3M0
In the spirit of Hallowe’en, students used their proficiency in Adobe Photoshop to turn themselves into a zombie with appropriately shocking results.
Grade 9 Electronic Circuitry Final Project
Building an electronic circuit (technically an astable multivibrator according to Mr. Drake), using a mix of LEDs, resistors, and capacitors.
Andre Pecar
French Immersion, Languages & Global Studies
The languages department is pleased to announce that we were the recipient of the Peel Cultural Grant. These funds will be used to offer our Senior French Immersion students access to a Francophone film through Ciné Franco Jeunesse in February 2020. This film explores themes of identity, prejudice, discrimination, family, and social connexions. Students will be exposed to diverse cultural and linguistic experiences, including authentic interaction in French at the theatre. Stay tuned for photos!
New to Peel, Senior French Immersion and Core students will have the opportunity to write the DELF exam. “Destination DELF Ontario is the NEW website geared towards preparing students and families for the #DELF – Diplôme d'études en langue française. Learn the benefits of taking the exam, access practice exams and more at https://destinationdelf.ca”. Please speak to Madame Smiley if you have any questions/further inquiries.
Thank you/merci to our dedicated, caring and collaborative Remembrance Day Committee of English, French Immersion, International, and Football North students. We honoured diverse groups, past and present, who fought for our freedom #RemembranceDay2019.
On December 11th, both French and English History classes participated in an interactive and informative excursion to the Small Arms Inspection Museum. Thank you to Mr Prosser and Monsieur Filaber for their leadership.
Our Senior French Immersion students in Madame Smiley’s class celebrated “Réveillon de Noël” with a charcuterie platter, macarons, French baguettes, and scenes from the film Molière, linked to the play they are currently studying. Vive la culture!
Our Spanish students have been busy! In November, Senior students prepared and enjoyed traditional Spanish and Mexican dishes at their lunchtime fiesta. In December, students collaboratively created their own Maracas and Piñatas to kick off the holidays! Gracias Señora Loutrianakis!
From Señora Loutrianakis! : “Son tres años memorables que tengo el placer de enseñar estos estudiantes de @clkmoderns @clarksoncharger y les voy a extrañar muchísimo”
Would you like to support your child’s language development but don’t speak French? Here are some resources and tips.
Twitter: Suggested accounts- @ClkModerns, @thenewsinFrench, @frenchToday
To celebrate diversity in our classroom and in the broader Francophone community, the French 11/12 class worked together to make a food sharing party before the holiday. With a big variety of delicious dishes to try, the event was a great success.
Creative Arts - Visual Arts, Drama, Music, & Family Studies
Grade 12 Photography Student Malachi Kerr entered work to the Black History Month display at the Peel District Board Office. His work is based on the artist David Hockney.
Grade 11 Photography
Students explored different points of view in Photography by creating an inspirational word out of everyday objects. Their greatest Photoshop assignment to date involved making “Clones, Twins & Mini Mes”.
Christine Cudmore
Mark Joshua Dofredo
Jessica Taylor
Maryam Ljumanovic
Grade 12 Printmaking
Grade 12 students experimented with Monoprinting using 6 different techniques.
Grade 9 Radial Printmaking
Students created a linoblock print based on pop culture after looking at Andy Warhol’s work to inspire them to see their culture of 2019 as we move into 2020! Not only did they have to carve their image and print it, they also needed to figure out how to print it 6-8 times in a radial design.
Grade 10 Oil Painting Simple Landscapes
This was our first try at oil painting in grade 10 and we chose simple landscape photography to inspire us. We incorporated brush strokes, different applications of paint and colour mixing, along with learning the names of the different paint colours.
Grade 9 Oil Painting of a Sphere
Understanding the highlights, shadows, and how light affects a sphere is part of this assignment. Learning the basics about oil paint, how it works, how to apply it, and how to mix colours kept us busy! Isra did a great job!
Grade 12 Abstract Acrylic Exploration and Visiting Artist Heather Moffatt
We invited local abstract artist Heather Moffatt to our class to discuss her process, inspiration, titling of her work, pricing of art, and gallery experiences. Heather was able to spend time with each student in the class to see their work and discuss questions they had regarding their art or Heather’s wealth of knowledge. Heather’s work can be found on instagram @heather_moffatt_art. Be sure to take a look at her inspiring work.
Another Open House at CLK
It was October when the Clarkson Concert Band rocked the Open House. Great band. Great school. #CLK Rocks
Arts Showcase 2019
The Grade 9 Band, The Clarkson Singers and The Clarkson Concert Band led an all-star lineup of great performers that rocked the CLK Theatre on December 12. Ms Pereira and the Dance Team opened the show with a fantastic routine set to All I Want for Christmas is You. Ms Nadeau and Ms Soczek led the Family Studies Department in the baking of 300 amazing cookies that the audience demolished during intermission. A fun and inspiring Showcase of the Arts.
Drama at Clarkson
Grade 9 Drama students explored working in the theatre for our mime unit. Students had to interpret and follow a mime script of 5 diverse characters who attend a movie theatre to watch a film. Students used the aisles and seats in the theatre as the “stage” to make this performance come to life!
ESL Drama students working on “Reader’s Theatre” script work, based on children’s story books. “ Reader’s Theatre” is dramatic presentation of a written work in a script form. Readers read from a "script" and reading parts are divided among the readers. The scripts are held by the readers and lines are not memorized. The focus is on reading the text with expressive voices and gestures and helping ESL students practice speaking skills.
Field Trip to Cawthra Park Secondary School
On November 29th, students from the grade 9 and ESL drama classes visited Cawthra Park Secondary School to watch their rendition of the Broadway musical “Chicago”. Clarkson drama students experienced a live show, filled with many intricate dance numbers and staging. The performance had over 46 cast members, 21 pit band musicians and over 100 backstage crew members! Our students also stayed after the performance for a talk back after the show with the actors to ask questions about what goes on behind the scenes.
Dance Team
Clarkson’s Dance Team has had a great start to the year! The Dance Team, which started in the 2nd semester of the previous school year, got an early start and put together a dance number in two weeks to Whitney Houston and Kygo’s “Higher Love”, which they performed at the Open House, and as a half time performance for Friday Night Lights, hosted at Clarkson. The Dance Team began planning for the Winter Concert to Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”. Two senior students, Amelia King and Isabelle Chan choreographed sections of the piece, along with Ms. Pereira.
Dance Team along with Ms. Pereira
Physical Education & Co-op Education
Leadership in Sports Award
Congratulations to Ms. Barwell for being this year’s recipient of the Leadership in Sports Award. Ms. Barwell has had a tremendous impact at Clarkson Secondary School and her effect on our school cannot be understated. She exemplifies the true nature of teacher, coach and mentor who strives to promote athletic development, health and wellness. Ms. Barwell models and fosters character development and encourages students to overcome challenges in sports, and in life. At Clarkson, Ms. Barwell is involved in Clarkson’s Athletic Association, intramurals, field hockey, mud run for Cancer Drive and much more. Field hockey is a passion and she has led students to four consecutive Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic (ROPSSAA) Field Hockey championships. Ms. Barwell has tapped many student athletes and encouraged them to pursue or develop their leadership in sports. She has coached several students who went on to pursue a higher stage of sports including competing at the provincial, national and international level. We are so proud of her on receiving the Leadership in Sports Award!!!
Clarkson Chargers excel in the ROPSSAA Fall Season
Congratulations to our girls’ field hockey team who finished the regular season with a 4-2-1 record. The girls unfortunately lost in the ROPSSAA semi-final, however they represented Clarkson very well at the OFSSA Championships held here at Clarkson.
Our boys football team finished in fourth place in the ROPSSAA 9 vs 9 league. They hosted their first ever Friday Night Lights game here at Clarkson on the new turf field on October 4, 2019. The boys played the number one ranked team from St. Joan of Arc and lost the game 39-28. The boys also lost out in the semi-finals to the same Joan of arc team on a very snowy field in mid- November.
Our varsity girl’s flag football team finished the regular season with a 4-2 record and qualified for the play-offs, unfortunately losing out in a very close first round game.
Clarkson’s junior girls’ cross country running team finished in an amazing 3rd place at the ROPSSAA Championships in late October, just missing qualifying for OFSAA.
Other teams that competed in ROPSSAA fall sports included our senior boys’ volleyball team that continually improved their level of play throughout the entire season, senior girls’ basketball, and boys’ golf.
ROPSSAA Winter Season
The ROPSSAA winter season is in full swing. The Chargers senior girls’ volleyball team is currently 3-3 and looking for a strong February to qualify for the play-offs. Clarkson also had a junior girls’ volleyball tournament team that competed in two tournaments at Brampton Centennial and St. Augustine. Our senior boys’ basketball team has been practicing and competing incredibly hard in the ROPSSAA South basketball division. Our boys’ hockey team competed very well in the ROPSSAA South division, just missing the play-offs.
February is as busy month for ROPSSAA Championships. Clarkson chargers will be competing for ROPSSAA Championships in swimming, Nordic skiing and table tennis. Our swim team is hoping to send a number of athletes to OFSAA in Toronto and our Nordic ski team is hopeful that they will also send qualifiers to OFSSA in Huntsville.
CAA
The Clarkson Athletic Association is a group of students who organize and promote athletics at Clarkson Secondary School. This year they organized the Friday Night Lights football game and sold Clarkson hoodies in January. They also plan to sell more athletic gear in early February. Listen for announcements in early semester 2 for more details. In Semester 2, the CAA will be organizing the Athletic Banquet that will be held in June.
Lacrosse Workshops at Clarkson
Dan Dawson of the Toronto Rock, came to Clarkson on December 5th and worked with 4 physical education classes on learning the game of lacrosse. Dan Dawson has represented Canada, winning World Championships and is currently the 3rd highest scorer in NLL history. Dan will be returning to Clarkson at the end of March to work with 4 more physical education classes in a one-day clinic.
Ball Hockey Buyout
Football North
The 2019 Football North season was full of some pretty amazing accomplishments! The team beat then ranked #23 St. Ignatius in a 41-40 in a epic battle where it took a Hail Mary to win the game! The team also was the first Canadian team to fly to Florida and play perennial powerhouse IMG Academy!
There were a lot of personal goals met by some of the boys as well, such as signing NCAA Scholarship; Justin Stevens (Michigan State) Peter Kemeni (Ohio) Quincy Vaughn (North Dakota) Cade Cote (Central Michigan) Reginings Awah(Kent State).
We are all so very happy for these young men who have a very very bright future ahead of them, for all the Football North Staff and Clarkson Staff we wish you all the best!
The Football North program looks very very bright! The future wouldn't look this bright if it wasn't for the 2019 Team and the impact it had! To all of our graduating players, please come visit us soon!
Graduates Quincy Vaughn and Kyle Hergel featured below with Principal Zammit. Both earned full scholarships to North Dakota University.
Co-operative Education has several benefits, some are listed in the infographic below:
This semester we’ve had students in a variety of placements including pharmacist assistant, logistics assistant, inventory management, manufacturing packaging assistant, automotive service technician assistant, plumbing assistant, cabinet making assistant, beauty sales associate, teaching assistant, early childhood education assistant, fast food assistant, horticulture assistant, interior design assistant, computer repair assistant, video games repair assistant, and much more.
Students can identify the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind required to ensure the health, safety, and well-being and explain how they apply to the co-operative education experience.
Some students have already received part-time job offers from their co-op employers. All students have developed lifelong skills and can add this experience and reference from the employer to their résumé.
Guidance, Special Ed., Credit Recovery, ILC, Student Success
The Student Services Dept is as busy as ever supporting our students in Guidance, Special Education, and Independent Learning. Our counsellors have met with all returning students to guide them through course selection for next year and we are transitioning over to be able to share electronic timetables with our students! Every semester our department also runs a "Charger Catch Up Day" where we create a time and space for students who need a bit of extra support to submit major assignments. This tends to be an incredibly successful initiative at Clarkson as many kids really benefit from the extra time.
Please encourage your child to reach out to their Guidance Counsllor to discuss pathway options if they have questions or need direction: (Include image below)
Try a College Course for Free
Dual credit is a unique opportunity for grade 11 and 12 students to earn both college and non-compulsory secondary credits at the same time. College credits earned may be applied to a college program after secondary school. Choose from more than 50 courses at colleges such as Centennial, George Brown, Humber, Seneca and Sheridan.
Tuition is covered, and course materials are provided. In addition, students receive a preloaded Presto card to cover transportation costs. Classes are once a week. For more information or to register, contact the Co-op Department at (905) 822-6700 x415
This semester we have students participating in a variety of courses. They are:
George Brown College
Welding Arts
2D Digital Arts
Humber College
Introduction to Cosmetics
Interpersonal and Group Skills for Social Work
Animation Art
Canadian Criminal Justice
Sheridan College
Residential Prints and Standards
Electrician Trade Safety
Electrical Construction Skills
Plumbing Practice & Theory
Blueprint Reading and Trade Documentation
Plumbing Trade Safety
Precision Machining
Welding and Cutting Processes
Manufacturing Trade Safety
Police Career Preparation
Youth in Conflict with the Law
Cross-Curricular International Program
WOW Day
The fall 2019 school year began with another amazing WOW Day, with Clarkson welcoming 50 newcomers from around the world. This orientation session allowed students the opportunity to connect with WOW leaders, some of our very own Clarkson chargers. It was a day filled with valuable information, fun, food and new friends.
Niagara Falls
In early October, there was a check-in process for each newcomer during a field trip to Niagara Falls. WOW leaders wanted to reconnect and ensure the start of the year was running smoothly for all.
WOW Wednesdays
WOW Wednesdays continue throughout the year. This allows newcomers the opportunity to continue the orientation process with workshops such as using Ingle Health Insurance, a healthy lifestyle workshop, a volunteer hour’s fair, and of course introducing them to new Canadian holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. In addition, there were a few opportunities to play badminton after school. Many international students joined, and good fun and exercise was enjoyed by all.
Mandarin Mondays
Throughout the semester, the international program pursues activities that allow our diverse group to share their language and culture with the whole school community. Mandarin Mondays allow Clarkson Chargers to learn Mandarin during the lunch hour with friends learning together in a fun and engaging environment.
Dumplings in December
Along with Mandarin Mondays, Dumplings in December was an overwhelming success. This gave Chargers the opportunity to learn how to make dumplings and of course eating them occurred too. Yummy!
Japan Visit
Finally, a special event occurred this past fall when Clarkson received a group of visitors; 35 students from Neyagawa City, Japan spent the day with us. Clarkson student ambassadors hosted Japanese students for the day and a rich cultural exchange took place in individual classes as well as cultural fair activities in the library for all Chargers to enjoy.
Clarkson is filled with such a diverse group of students. The many activities here, demonstrate this rich environment, sharing different cultures, languages, food, experiences, and stories. We’re looking forward to the spring semester and new opportunities to spend time together.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
THE CLUB
Members of The Club have been quietly working on two of the motorcycles. For one, carburetors have been disassembled, cleaned and rebuilt. A new fuel pump sourced and it should be running soon. For the second bike, the ‘jug’ of the motor was professionally honed by a machine shop and a new piston, ring, wrist pin and bearing was acquired. After a thorough cleaning this motor will be ready for reassembly. While waiting for the machine work to be finished the frame was stripped, cleaned and prepared for paint. The new bearings in the steering head have arrived and will be installed shortly.
Additionally, Ready Powersports generously donated a not insignificant number of specialized tools that have already been very useful in the work we do. Additionally, Ready Suzuki also found an original and brand new fuel circuit relay from 1984 for a rather pesky fuel supply problem for the Madura’s carburetors. The support for the Club is greatly appreciated.
Teams & Clubs
Student Activity Council
A new Anime Club
Students who enjoy watching Anime started their own club. It meets over lunch every Friday in the Wellness Room.
Updates from Clarkson's GSA
Clarkson's GSA has been busy this semester preparing an awareness campaign for Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20th). We are also looking forward to our always popular "Spill the Tea" event where we come together to drink tea, eat cookies, and discuss LGBTQ+ issues.
Breakfast Cafe
Project Milk Bag
Project milk bag students are giving up their lunch hour to weave sleeping mats. Thanks to Mr Prosser for making our many looms needed to make our mats. #amazingchargers
WE Charity
Once again Clarkson participated in the annual food drive to raise awareness of food hunger issues in our community.
Student Vote Federal Elections 2019
Student Vote, or Vote Étudiant, is a program that lets students experience the voting process firsthand by allowing them the opportunity to vote through a separate voting process. On October 17th, 2019, all Clarkson students had the opportunity to participate in a mock Federal Election Vote by going to a polling station (the school’s theatre) to cast their ballots and vote for their candidate of choice. Students in schools across Canada participated in the Student Vote program in order to practice being responsible citizens and informed voters. At Clarkson, students from Mme Dlugosz’s French Immersion Civics class represented each candidate from the Mississauga - Lakeshore riding, and put together an informative assembly for the school about each party’s platform. On election day, they ran the polling station, handed out and collected ballots, and tallied the results. Below you can see how the students at Clarkson Voted. Congratulations to the civics class on a successful election and thanks to all who came out to vote!
Link Crew
Link Crew is a transition program design to support grade 9s entering highschool in September. Every year in the spring, senior students apply to be considered for Link Crew, and if selected they become mentors to our new grade 9s. The result of this day is a fun, supportive transitional first day of school that is for grade 9s and their mentors only! This year we not only had an energetic first day of school, but we also hosted a Grade 9 breakfast in the fall and a holiday movie before our December break.
BLESS (Black Ladies Empowering Student Success)
This is a brand new club running at Clarkson that is just in its early stages of growth. Through our annual grade 9 survey we were able to identify a small group of girls that were keen to start up a group that is striving to become change makers in our building. We have planned numerous events for Black History month including Ballet Creole, a West African Drumming workshop, and weekly karaoke. One of our students' artwork was even featured on the Peel Board's Spotlight on Black Heritage poster!
Clarkson S.S. and Cawthra Park S.S. Black Student Leaders Associations meet
BLESS Student Leaders
Setting up displays for Black History Month
Black History Month Asssemblies this Month- Benakade By Ballet Creole & Drumming Workshop
Students performing
Benkade from Ballet Creole Dance Company
Drumming workshops will be this month
Black History Month Artwork Submissions
Clarkson's Learning Lab
The Clarkson Learning Lab has established itself as a great place for students of all grades to
seek peer tutoring support. The Learning Lab was established this past semester through the initiatives of the School Success Team, and the goal is to provide a central peer tutoring location, that is highly accessible and available to all students needing academic support. The student lead program runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday's for the entire lunch period in the S.A.C. Office (next to main office). The Lab has a minimum of four students ready and able to assist with an expert in various subject matters including (Math/Science, English/Social Science, and French/Spanish, etc.). Please feel free to come and ask for support!
The program would not be successful without the hard work and dedication of the twenty students who volunteer their time on a weekly basis. Thank you for your commitment and desire to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Clarkson students!
Staff vs. Student Floor Hockey Buy-out for Breakfast Cafe
Staff and students including principal Mary Zammit engaged in a Floor Hockey tournament which ended in the students' favour but not easily. The staff proved that they were a fit team. The students also exhibited resiliency and leadership in what was a very closely won game. The proceeds of the buy out went to the school's breakfast program. This is just one of many aspects of Clarkson that makes for a great climate.
Phil X - The Legends Return
It was September 2019 when lead guitarist from Bon Jovi returned to the CLK Theatre - the place where it all began with legendary teacher Mr. Larry Allen.
Phil X is a Clarkson Graduate and now one of the most accomplished guitarists in the world. He is the lead guitarist for Bon Jovi and lives in Las Vegas. Phil shared his talent and life experiences with current students.
Phil stays connected with family and friends in Mississauga. He was recently presented with a star on the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame.
Student Activity Council (SAC)-Fall Fair
The fall fair is Clarkson's very own taste of highschool for grade eight students. A great way to kick off the year by a memorable event led by SAC members and student volunteers. This event includes; inflatables, delicious cotton candy, popcorn, and ambitious watermelon eating competitions!
SAC Halloween
Halloween has always been an event at Clarkson students look forward to. Students and teachers came dressed up and got to participate in multiple activities, including movies in the theatre and contests in the cafeteria. Classes also got to show off their creative talents in pumpkin carving and door decorating competitions.
SAC Kidsfest
Kidsfest is always one of the most anticipated events amongst SAC members and all of the Clarkson student volunteers. Each year, the school hosts Grade 1 students from Hillside Public School to get into the holiday spirit. This year the students had a great time decorating cookies, making ornaments, meeting Santa, and wrapping up the day with a huge Just Dance party!
SAC Winter Wonder Week
Neon Lights Homecoming Dance
"On the last Friday night of November, Clarkson students showed up in record numbers to attend the annual Homecoming dance. With a unique glow-in-the-dark theme for this year’s event, students and teachers alike were treated to a memorable evening of dancing with music from Philip, a former Clarkson student who returned as a DJ for the event. A special thank you goes out to all of the teachers who chose to spend their Friday night by supervising (and even dancing with some of the students!): Mr. Prosser, Señora Loutrianakis, Mme Smiley, Mr. Kontos, Mrs. Zammit, Mr. Filaber and Mme Dlugosz.
After the incredible success of the latest Homecoming dance, the prom committee is already hard at work to plan this year’s prom, which will be held in late June. For all the Grade 12’s, stay tuned for surveys in the near future that will help to decide big details like the music and the theme of the dance!"
Anti-bullying Week
Karaoke
As a finale to Clarkson’s participation in Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week, the Climate Committee hosted a session of Cafeteria Karaoke featuring songs of encouragement, empowerment, and inspiration. Students and teachers, including Mr. Kittel, our in-house Karaoke King, uplifted us with their musical stylings as part of their stand against bullying.
Class pledges - stop signs
Our cafeteria was decorated throughout Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week with stop signs filled with class pledges that encouraged ways to #CHOOSEACTION to stop hate.
Diversi-tea
Climate Committee did their annual “Diversi-tea” distribution for staff and students on Tuesday and Thursday of Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week. Many were keen to “BYOMug” and take advantage of all the free cookies and teas available from around the world.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is recognized on October 10. It celebrates awareness for the global community in an empathetic way, with a unifying voice, helping people feel hopeful by empowering them to take action and create lasting change.
This year, the focus of World Mental Health Day was Suicide Prevention. Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide.
On this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay the World Health Organization launched a “40 seconds of action” campaign to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world.
Clarkson’s #40secondsofaction took the form of a school visual of a stop-watch, where students and staff took the time to write meaningful messages of hope and positivity, as well as reminders of self-worth. These messages filled the 40-second gap as a powerful message to those who need encouragement and support.
We also created #CLKPassItOn cards and distributed them to students and staff as an added reminder that everyone matters, and had dual-language posters made in a variety of languages that are represented in our school. A huge thank you to all who contributed and made World Mental Health Day a meaningful one.
Clarkson Closet
The Clarkson Administration, Special Education department, and Guidance team are pleased to introduce the new "Clarkson Closet". The "Clarkson Closet" is a new space on the second floor that is stocked with non-perishable food items, toiletry essentials, new items of clothing, and frozen lunches for students and families who need a little extra support. The closet will be available to all students who need a warm lunch, or could use some groceries or essential items to take home. This initiative was put in place to provide a discreet, yet welcoming space to allow students access to everyday essentials.
We will be accepting donations at any time in the main office if you would like to contribute to the initiative. Donations of new clothing, footwear, toiletry essentials, gift cards, and non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated. Please help support a new initiative that gives back directly to our Clarkson community. The staff and students would greatly appreciate your support!