Principal
A Message From the Principal
Welcome back! I hope that you had a fantastic holiday and you are ready for another exciting school year. Over the summer, I have spent time thinking about the Earl of March and the people that make the school such a supportive and engaging place to learn. Last year, our school made a significant impact in a number of areas. Our students gained provincial and national recognition in all areas of academics; they medaled at OFSSA and other athletic competitions, and they received critical acclaim for their theatrical and musical performances. Our students scored very well on the EQAO Literacy and Math standardized tests, as well as the Advanced Placement exams. The creativity displayed in the student art work, as well as the recognition our students received for innovation in Technology and Cooperative Education, and their community and charity involvement was truly inspiring. It is certainly my privilege to be part of such a great school environment.
I am very excited about the direction of the 2009 – 2010 school year. To reach every student and improve learning, we continue to focus on our three pillars: Program Pathways, Communication, and Community @ Earl. The points outlined below are the result of much discussion with staff, Student and School Council. These pillars form the guiding principles for our decision making process at Earl of March.
PROGRAM PATHWAYS
- staff focus on Differentiated Instruction-strategies to reach every student and improve their learning and achievement.
COMMUNICATION
- developing and implementing strategies to inform students, staff, parents and our community.
COMMUNITY @ EARL
- supporting students to take an active role in school leadership, coordination, and Character Development in the classroom, the school and the community;
- getting the school ready for the 40th Reunion in 2010-2011.
As you are aware, the H1N1 flu virus (commonly referred to as swine flu) is being closely monitored by school boards and health agencies across North America. Over the summer, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and Ottawa Public Health have been working very closely to create a pandemic preparedness response plan to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Along with this message, your son or daughter should be bringing home letters from Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Lyall Thomson, Director of Education, which contain more information on the plan. In addition, our staff has been trained on the necessary precautionary measures. Also, I will be meeting with the student population on the first day of school to discuss the situation, as well as review proper methods of hand washing and coughing and sneezing procedures. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
The Earl of March building is getting some much needed TLC thanks to the leadership of our custodial and support staff. The Student Success Room has received a facelift; we have purchased and installed some interactive SMART technology and classroom resources; the mural in the cafeteria is taking shape and the floor has been retiled; many rooms have been painted, and the floors have been waxed. In the fall, the back parking lot is slated for repaving and we will be installing new lighting in our hallways. Regrettably, and due to several unforeseen delays, the renovation of the four Science Labs will not be completed until late September. We have managed to temporarily relocate classes into other rooms in the school. We will ensure that the students affected by the renovation will have full access to the necessary curriculum resources. Finally, the School Environment Committee will be busy this year organizing revitalization projects in preparation for our Reunion Celebration in 2010/2011-stay tuned for more details on how to get involved.
Building on the communication theme, we provide information in a variety of formats, including:
- a one page calendar of events (good for posting on the fridge),
- monthly calendars on our school website, www.earlofmarch.com,
- quarterly newsletters sent home with Report Cards and Progress Reports,
- Synrevoice-an information broadcast to you via telephone or email attachment,
- information packages sent home with students,
- our Student Handbook, and phone calls/emails from teachers, the office and the administration.
Please feel free to contact the school at 613 592 3361 if you have questions or concerns.
Principal:
Steve Massey can be reached at extension 213.
Vice-Principals:
Jon Harris (students by alpha: A-K) can be reached at extension 215.
Jayne Ford (students by alpha: L-Z) can be reached at extension 217.
Counsellors
Mr. Barnabe (students by alpha: A-G) can be reached at extension 243.
Ms. Hendrycks (students by alpha: H-M) can be reached at extension 223.
Ms. Barnabe (students by alpha: N-Z) can be reached at extension 222.
Student Council is an important part of school life. The elected representatives of the student body foster enthusiasm, and a positive and productive environment in the school. This year our council will be led by President Drew Smith and Vice-President Laura Fortune. A complete list of our Student Council executive may be viewed in the Student Handbook. In the handbook, you will also find information regarding our student Code of Conduct and general procedures. For parents and guardians, our first School Council meeting will be held on September 21st at 7:00 pm in the staffroom. These meetings are typically held on the third Monday of each month. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
On behalf of our community at the Earl of March Secondary School, I wish you a great and successful 2009 – 2010 school year.
Steve Massey
Principal