Winter 2010 - Trafalgar Castle School

A Magazine for Students, Parents, Alumnae and Friends of Trafalgar Castle School and Ontario Ladies’ College
winter 2010
In this issue
Young Minds Showcase Big
Ideas at LEGO Tournaments
pg 8
School Life
pg 4
eLearning Consortium
pg 9
Featured Alumna - Erica Wodzak pg 15
Trafalgar Castle School
Independent Day and Boarding School
Established 1874
Principal ’s Message
It’s a fact…Time flies at Trafalgar Castle School!
Here we are at the halfway point of the 09/10 academic year. The weather outside does
not look much like winter and in a few short months, spring will be upon us. The School
year seems to go by faster and faster each year.
What is it about Trafalgar Castle that makes this so? I would suggest that one reason is the multitude of activities
and opportunities for participation that are available for our students and staff. Since we started the year as a community at the traditional Muskoka Woods Camping Retreat, life at the Castle has been non-stop. Terry Fox Run, Turkey
Trot, Grade 6 Camp Kawartha, House Plays, Community Outreach Day, Castle Bazaar, Carol Service, Christmas
Dinner, Fall and Winter sports, auditions and rehearsals for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", Durham
Regional LEGO Robotics Tournament, field trips to Stratford, Res Nights Out, Cirque du Soleil, The Rockettes, and
the list goes on and on. These are just a sample of the activities and opportunities available to our students which
enrich their experience, develop their skills, expand their awareness and emphasize School values, such as being fully
engaged in all areas of school life as well as celebrating traditions.
A second reason that time does indeed fly at Trafalgar Castle School is that each day students and staff alike have
fun, reinforcing the old adage “time flies when you’re having fun”. As I reflect back on 32 years at the Castle, fun has
been an important element in making my years here fly by. There is an atmosphere in the School which is made up of
the energy, the enthusiasm and the happy nature of the students and staff each day. Laughter and fun, both inside and
outside the classroom, are daily staples here. Student to student, staff to student, parents to students, parents to
staff…..we look forward to what new and exciting things are going to happen when we come to the School each day.
Laughter is the best medicine and the Castle has it in spades each day.
The third reason that time flies at the Castle is the people. The School is not brick and mortar. The School is not
beautiful woodwork and architecture. The School is a community of people. Time flies when you are having fun, with
people who are your friends. Where else but at Trafalgar Castle School can one be part of a big family of not 4 or 5,
but 255 students and staff? Where else can you know 255 other people on a daily basis, interacting with them in the
halls, the classrooms, the dining hall or on the playing field? Where else can you be part of a big family like this where
you can share your joys and sorrows on a daily basis? It is the people in our daily lives who are important in making
time fly.
The fourth reason that time flies at the Castle is there’s always something new happening at the School. I can attest
to the fact that School life in 2010 is very much different from School life in 1978. The School has evolved with time.
Each year, there are new opportunities for the students. Facilities have changed and been added to over the past 30
years. Courses offered at the school have changed to meet the needs and interests of the students and to prepare them
to pursue their post-secondary goals. Extra-curricular offerings have grown in scope and offer our students a wide array
of opportunities to develop new skills. This evolution makes life at the Castle each day fun and exciting for all.
And so as the 2009/2010 academic year continues to fly by, I look forward to watching our students’ achievements
and their enjoyment of all that the School has to offer. To the Class of 2010, savour each activity and special event in
the final term, for your graduation will soon be here and so will the next chapter of your lives. Enjoy it all!
J. Brian McClure,
Principal
contents
School Life
p4
Pursuit of Excellence
p11
Cover Story - Young Minds Showcase Big Ideas
p8
Boarding Life
p12
Good Sport
p13
Parents’ Guild
p14
Featured Alumna - Erica Wodzak
p15
Message from the Head Girl
p16
Class Notes
p17
Staff News
credits
p19
Upcoming Events
Cover Photo:
p19
Grade 7 students, Hayley and Nabeela wrapping celery at Whitby-Ajax Community
Garden by Janet Robson, Faculty
Editor:
Rhonda Daley, Marketing & Development Officer
Copy Editor:
Gillian Martin, V.P. School Life,
Graphic Design
ImageDesignGroup.ca
We would like to thank everyone who has submitted articles, photos, edited copy or contributed in any way to
this issue of Castle Pulse. This issue was a total team effort and we greatly appreciate every participant’s
contribution.
Articles may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the Marketing & Development Office.
Trafalgar Castle School
AnnuAl Fund
Help Trafalgar continue to offer the best possible
educational experience for our students.
Invest in Trafalgar Castle School.
Invest in the next generation of leaders.
Please make your online gift today.
www.castle-ed.com/give
A n n u a l
F u n d
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The Grade Sevens
Naturalize a Habitat
Over the last couple of months, you may have seen some of the
Grade Sevens walking around in rain boots and gardening clothes.
That was because we were completing our “Unit Task” in our
science class which involved naturalizing an area. Naturalizing is the
attempt to build a sustainable ecosystem with species that are native
to the area. It took a lot of effort and planning, and, for several
weeks, our science classes were dedicated to “naturalizing”. With
the guidance of Mrs. Robinson, we chose a location- the area beside
the back field. When we first saw our location, we realized that this
was going to be very hard work! There was overgrown, dead grass
everywhere which was eliminating all chances of new growth
because of the competition it provided. Other than a few trees, there
wasn’t much that was alive!
T
Celebrating Diversity
The Culture Club provides the opportunity for students to
experience diverse cultures in our own school community. This is
the first year that the club has been at Trafalgar and so far it has
been very successful! The
Culture Club meets about 5
times during the school year.
Each meeting focuses on a
different country and each time
a new person from that culture
makes a presentation. We eat
food from that country, learn
simple everyday language, and
get a feel for the essence of the
culture. There are also movies to
watch and fun games to play all
from the featured countries.
Kaitlynne L., Grade 10
Kaitlynne serves up some delicious
crepes at the Culture Club
I
The Grade 7s pose at their naturalized habitat
Our first step was to get rid of all the dead grass. We raked it and
dug a hole for a tree. While digging, we realized that the soil was
actually fertile, and that we could plant things there without having
to replace the soil. We picked out a tree- a Serviceberry tree. This is
because Serviceberry trees are native to our environment, attract
animals and are also able to sustain themselves. We planted the tree
successfully and are anxiously waiting for the spring so that we can
plant some more species including sunflowers, grasses, milkweed
and a raspberry bush and continue naturalizing! Please visit our
“naturalized area” and if you have any questions, feel free to ask one
of the Grade Sevens!
S
Lest we forget
In the fall, several Trafalgar girls entered the Whitby Legion
Remembrance Day Poster contest.
There were two categories: black and
white or coloured. Nabeela Bhaloo,
Grade 7, entered a nice piece for the
Junior level. For the Senior level,
Christina Cadwallader, Grade 11,
Jenny Taylor, Grade 11 and Christine
Wheeler, Grade 12, entered posters.
Christine entered a black and white
poster and earned second place in the
Senior category. Jenny entered both
the black and white and the coloured
categories. Her black and white was
selected for first place for the local
Whitby Branch level and then again
Jenny’s black & white winning
poster
Nabeela Bhaloo, Grade 7
The Knitting club is back!
Sit & Knit club meets on a weekly basis to work on knitting
projects. The club is currently working on "House Scarves" inspired
by the Harry Potter series of movies. Experiences and new knits are
always welcome. We hope to see you there!
A. Coffey, Faculty
Christina’s coloured winning
poster
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for the Zone, which includes
10 branches. Christina entered
a coloured poster which was
selected for first place at the
local Whitby Branch level and
then again for the Zone. Both
girls were presented with a
framed certificate and $30.00
cash by Mrs. Barb Doupe, the
Zone Youth Education
Chairwoman in recognition of
these achievements. Their
work has now been passed
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along to the District level for judging in the coming months. We
look forward to hearing how they do at the District level. If they are
selected by the District their work will go onto the Provincial level in
the Spring. Students are invited to participate in this contest each
fall. There is also an Essay and Poetry contest which students will be
encouraged to enter next year.
K. Hansen-Cowper, Faculty
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Trafalgar’s Largest
Book Club
Trafalgar announced an exciting new initiative at the Castle—our
first School Wide Read! This practice of having large groups of
students and faculty/staff reading the same novel began in January,
with books being provided to students, at no extra cost.
communication skills and promoting respect through a series of
activities. The girls embraced the initiative tasks which included
tackling the climbing wall and high ropes course as they learned to
strategize and problem solve. Here they learned about
commitment, support and the nature of challenge. Ms. Johnston
and the Grade 6 class would like to thank Sangitha M. for being the
Grade 11 Leader on this trip. It is no small task to be the only
leader with 15 students, and Sangitha did a fabulous job! The girls
would also like to thank the friendly and knowledgeable staff at
Camp Kawartha for helping them discover the kinds of personal
attributes important in fostering a close knit and trusting team. We
are looking so forward to our upcoming trip in February!
A. Johnston, Faculty
One of the greatest ways to promote literacy is to share in the
process - reading along with the students, being interested in, and
able to discuss, their books with them. The idea is for faculty, staff,
students and parents (if they wish) to read together in an effort to
promote a common ‘language’ with which to discuss issues and
values in our school community. Ideally, impromptu ‘book talks’ or
learning moments can spring up at any time, in any class or extracurricular setting.
Selected novels were introduced in Chapel. From January to
March, certain Chapel and Advisor Periods will be used for ‘book
club’ talks, sharing reader responses and reflecting on what has been
read.
Relevance is the key. Trafalgar faculty and administration have
tried to select books that speak to a certain age level. No set topic is
laid out, though several books focusing on growing up, fitting in,
identity, and human rights have been selected. The following texts
have been selected for our first School Wide Read:
Grade 6: Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Grade 7: Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo
Grade 8: Me and the Blondes by Teresa Toten
Grade 9/10: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Grade 11/12: Please Stop Laughing at Me by Jodee Blanco
Let the reading and sharing begin!
A
G. Martin, V.P. School-Life
Building Character at Camp
At the beginning of November, the Grade 6 class kicked off their
Outdoor Education Program with a three-day, two night visit to
Camp Kawartha. On their first of three excursions, the girls participated in the Character Education and Leadership Program. The
goal of this program is to teach students that leadership and responsibility is a fundamental precept of good citizenship. We spent 2½
days in this special program building trust, developing effective
The Grade 6 Class enjoying the great outdoors at camp
with Grade 11 Leader, Sangitha
N
Trafalgar Continues to
‘Make a World of Difference!’
Nelson Mandela once said “Sometimes it falls upon a generation
to be great, you can be that generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
Now more than ever it is falling upon our generation of young
women to be globally aware citizens, to develop a social conscience
and, perhaps most of all, be engaged, proactive and responsible
citizens. From Grade 6 to 12 our girls are rising to the challenge by
volunteering and becoming aware of the issues our communities
face. This was evident on October 16th, 2009 when 430 helping
hands from Trafalgar Castle School volunteered their time, energy
and spirit to many organizations throughout the Durham Region
and surrounding area for our annual Community Outreach Day.
Over the course of the day our students rolled up their sleeves and...
folded clothes at the Denise House donation centre; cleaned up the
grounds for wheelchair access at Windreach Farm; laid fresh wood
chips on trails at Heber Downs for the Central Lakes Conservation
Authority; worked on a build site with Habitat Northumberland;
cleaned and reorganized materials for the Durham Habitat Re-store;
learned about homelessness and provided assistance with St.
Vincent’s Kitchen as well as Simcoe Hall Settlement House; yard
maintenance for the disabled and elderly for Durham Community
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“I think the animal shelter should DEFINITELY be a choice for
next year. It was SO much fun and I felt like we really helped out.
My group members and I are actually planning on going back on
our own time to volunteer again.”
“It made you realize how much we take for granted, and how
lucky we are. It was really nice to give back to the community and
feel like a positive member of society. Seventh Day Adventist was
nice because you could help with the clothing donations or the
food.”
“Community Outreach Day is a very fulfilling day and a very
important school event. Providing us who are so fortunate the
opportunity to help those much less fortunate and improve our
community is an excellent thing.”
Care; folded clothes and organized food donations at the Seventh
Day Adventist Community Centre; provided company and activities
for the elderly at Fairview Lodge; worked with the animals at the
Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary; harvested vegetables for food
banks at the community gardens; helped the administration at
Hearth House Cancer Support Centre; reorganized the support
centre at the Canadian Cancer Society; helped prepare for the
Oshawa Hospital Foundation’s annual Gala; and, last but not least,
The message and impact of Community Outreach Day touches
many aspects of a Trafalgar girl's life. Outreach Day has the
potential to instill a sense of confidence in oneself and empathy for
others. It offers a new perspective on how our girls think and, more
importantly, is a stepping stone for students to become involved and
continue contributing to the betterment of their community. Plans
The Grade 7's dig up vegetables for the
City of Hope Community Garden
several of our ZAP students produced beautiful artwork for our own
annual Castle Charity Bazaar. Overall it was a fantastic day and the
feedback that we have received, anonymously, from students was
very positive. From Grades 6-12 this is what some of our students
had to say:
“I’m very excited for next year because I love helping out in the
community”.
“I had a lot of fun helping to harvest all the food from the
garden. I really like the Community Outreach Program because it is
fun and makes you feel good about helping your community.”
“I thought the activity was both good for our community and
fun at the same time. Can't wait for next year!”
The Grade 6 Class help the
homeless at St.Vincent’s Kitchen
are already in the works for Community Outreach Day, Making a
World of Difference 2010, with many new ideas, places to go and
organizations to help. I am looking forward to next year just as
much as the students!
M. Mitchell, Director of Community Outreach
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Trafalgar Castle donates
over $5,000 to Haiti Relief
After hearing about the devastating effects of the 7.0
magnitude earthquake, the School donated $2,000 to the Rotary
Club which provided two shelter boxes in Port-au-Prince. Each
shelter box contains a ten person tent, small gifts for children,
thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, tools such as
hammers, axes, saws, pliers, and wire cutters, a wood burning stove
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Students felt appreciated and recognized for their commitment
and hard work over the month long process. An evening of
entertainment was enjoyed by the full house of family, friends, and
staff.
or a multi-fuel stove, as well as pans, mugs, bowls and utensils. Also
in response to the crisis in Haiti, we held a fundraiser to contribute
to relief efforts. The theme for the day was “Toonie Tuesday” so all
of the events for the day cost $2. We held a dress down, a toonie
toss, and balloon pops. During first and last break students were
able to pop balloons containing sheets of paper with either a fortune
on them or ‘winner’. After lunch we held a toonie toss on the stage
where students would roll, slide or throw their toonie and try to
make it land on one of three gift cards to the Oshawa Centre. We
also held a “spare change drive”, where any donation could be
placed in a bucket labeled with each house; the house with the most
money in it by the end of the day won another dress down day.
Congratulations to Hare House whose bucket contained the most
cash! We were amazed at the support shown by the entire school
and are proud to announce we raised a total of $2,589.22, which
the school will match dollar for dollar. This makes our grand total
for the day $5,178.44 - an amazing achievement! All the funds
raised from Toonie Tuesday were donated to the Canadian Red
Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
T
The following are the award winners for the House Plays:
Best Actor Award – Carmen Chen from Farewell House’s
“Anonymous”
Runner Up - Best Actor Award – Christine Oliveira from Carter
House’s “The Absolute Most Clichéd Elevator Play in the History of
the Entire Universe"
Best Supporting Actor Award – Devon Herscovici
Adjudicator’s Award – Laura Taylor, Khadijah Plummer, and
Sabrina Ma from Maxwell House’s “Conform”
Adjudicator’s Award – Rachel Yeung
Best Directors as well as an Adjudicator’s Award for taking risks in
their production– Rachel Herscovici and Amanda Paisley-Kirk for
Farewell House’s “Anonymous”
Best Production – Farewell House’s “Anonymous”
Best Use of Set – Maxwell House’s “Conform”
Celine Nathoo, Grade 12
House Plays
The House System, introduced in 1947, is an integral
component of Trafalgar Castle School and makes up much of the
School’s vibrant spirit. House Plays is one of our most anticipated
House Events of the year and this year’s plays were another amazing
display of our students' great talents.
Adjudicator John Foote provided educational feedback to our
student directors of this year’s House Plays. Members of the
audience learned a great deal on November 23 about what goes into
a play, both as the director and an actor.
Foote came to us with a wealth of experience in critiquing acting
and directing. Foote is a film critic for Life and Fashion Magazine,
the Metroland Syndicate, CBC Newsworld and Durham Today. His
work is syndicated and reaches a readership of over one million. A
nationally known film critic and historian, he watches hundreds of
films each year.
T
Maxwell’s Laura, Sabrina & Khadijah “Conform”
S. Milne, Faculty
Students Lead the Way
The girls of Trafalgar Castle School led the way in discussing
their academic and co-curricular achievements with their parents
during Student-Led Conferences. Throughout the term, students
were busy working with both their Advisors and subject teachers to
develop a portfolio containing examples of work from each of their
courses. These pieces reflect the achievements, challenges and
growth that a student has experienced in attaining goals she set for
herself in September. The portfolio was the centerpiece of the
Student-Parent Conference held on February 10th at the school.
Each Trafalgar student was responsible for leading her parents
through a conference, outlining her progress, answering questions
about course work and working together to establish goals for the
remainder of the school year. The conferencing session also
provided time for students to share their co-curricular involvements
and goals with their parents.
This new form of conferencing has become a best practice in
many CAIS schools and we are proud to have brought it to
Trafalgar. Having students take the lead in conferencing with their
parents is a wonderful way for our school community to continue
to promote confidence and responsibility in the young women we
are educating. It is one more facet of how we support a learning
environment “which encourages our students to step forward and
take ownership of their Trafalgar experience”.
K. Hansen-Cowper, Education Technologies Co-ordinator
more on page 9
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coverstory
Young Minds Showcase
Big Ideas at LEGO Tournaments
I
technology. The First Lego Ladies won the Project Award for the
team “whose quality, research, innovative solutions, efforts sharing
with the community and creative presentation best reflect an
in-depth understanding of the various scientific disciplines and
issues involved with the Project.” The award also recognizes the
team’s ability to work together
and involve as many members
as possible in the presentation
(www.firstlegoleague.org). The
For weeks, students from
Waldo Juniors took the
all over the region spent
Champion’s award, the most
countless hours designing,
prestigious award bestowed for
building, and programming
FLL. The Champion’s Award
robots to perform tasks on a
“celebrates the ultimate success
4 x 8’ playing field as well as
of the FIRST mission and FLL
creating innovative solutions
Core Values. A champion is
to current problems
someone who passionately
involving moving people,
supports a cause. For FLL, our
places, goods and services in
champions passionately inspire
the safest, most efficient way
and motivate others about the
possible for this year’s ‘Smart
excitement of science and
Parent & Mentor, Steve Morris, and the Waldo Juniors prepare for competition at the
Move Challenge’. Using
Provincial Championships
technology, solving problems,
sophisticated engineering
working as a team, and
and technology concepts, each team built an autonomous LEGO
demonstrating respect and Gracious Professionalism”
robot designed to carry out as many tasks as possible in preparation
(www.firstlegoleague.org). Jennifer-Ann Morris, Grade 8 student,
for the competition. All teams showcased their findings at the
described her LEGO experience: "It was a challenge to get the
tournament and were judged by the standards of excellence set out
robot design, the programming and the missions all in sync.
by the FIRST Lego League.
In November, Trafalgar Castle School hosted 16 teams at its 4th
Annual Durham Regional LEGO League Tournament sponsored by
Ontario Power Generation. The program is in partnership with the
LEGO Company and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology) and is designed to inspire an enthusiasm
for discovery in science and
technology amongst middleschool students.
Trafalgar had 3 teams participate at our Regional Tournament:
the First Lego Ladies, the Waldo Juniors and SMART (Super
Magnificent Amazing Robotics Team). All teams did an incredible
job representing Trafalgar and promoting the spirit of science and
The First Lego Ladies accept the Project Award at
Trafalgar’s Durham Regional Tournament
There were a lot of things to work on but I think the biggest
challenge was fixing the problems that occurred at the last
minute and learning how to respond and work together to solve
them".
The success of the Waldo Juniors and the First Lego Ladies at
the Regional Tournament earned them a spot at the Ontario
Championships at UOIT on January 16. Competing against 41
provincial teams, the Waldo Juniors demonstrated their inventive
engineering and technology skills winning them the Innovative
Solution Award. While the younger First Lego Ladies didn’t win an
award at the Provincials, they were thrilled to have made it to that
level of competition. "The highlight of the season was when we
won the champions award and went on to the provincials at
UOIT", said Grade 7 student, Nabeela Bhaloo. "It was a good
experience working against boys in the science field because even
though we didn't go on to the next level, we learned a lot. It
provided us with good exposure to the world where we will be
battling against boys for positions of authority", said Imara
Velji, Grade 8.
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Chelsea Danakas, Grade 10 student, also won the Young Adult
Mentor Award at the Provincial Championship. This award is presented
"to the young adult, high school or college mentor whose support,
impact, inspiration, and guidance are most clearly evident in the team's
discussion with the judges" (www.firstlegoleague.org). Chelsea has been
involved with First Lego Ladies since she first came to Trafalgar in
Grade 6 competing as a team member until Grade 8. For the last two
years she has been involved with the program as a mentor to our middle
school students.
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from page 7
School Accreditation
Special thanks to our faculty coaches Chris Huxter, Marnie Mitchell,
Alanna Johnston and our volunteer mentors for their time and
energy in preparing the students for this year's Lego League season.
Trafalgar has been involved with FLL since 2006 and has found the
program to be an incredible stepping stone for our younger students,
providing them with a natural progression into our FIRST Senior
Robotics Team.
R.Daley,
Marketing & Development Officer
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As a member of the Canadian Educational Standards Institute
(CESI), Trafalgar Castle School is committed to working towards school
improvement in all areas of our business. To this end, our school is
reaccredited by a team of education and business professionals from
across Canada every 7 years. In April we will welcome a CESI Visiting
Team to the Castle for our 2010 reaccreditation process. They will be
with us for four days, talking with many members of the school
community and getting to know what it is that makes Trafalgar such a
great place to learn, work, and be involved. Their visit will culminate in
a report to us which provides constructive feedback about how our
school is meeting a set of standard best practices for independent
schools.
In preparation for the visit by CESI, the school has been busy
putting together an Internal Evaluation Report which documents the
characteristics and functions of our school. The report includes
information about 12 areas of our business which are standards used by
CESI when evaluating the best practices of every member school.
These standards are:
• Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Planning
• Co-Curriculum and the Learning Environment
• Academic Program
• School Leadership
• Human Resources
• School and Community
• Admissions Procedures
• Governance
• Finance
• Physical Plant, Health and Safety
• Commitment to School Improvement
• Residential Program
The Internal Evaluation Report will be made available for all
members of the school community to read through and provide
feedback on prior to it being sent to CESI.
We are looking forward to this accreditation process and welcome
questions and comments from the school community.
K. Hansen-Cowper, Education Technologies Co-ordinator
Anywhere, Anytime Learning
for the 21 Century Learner
Trafalgar Castle School is thrilled to have joined an eLearning
Consortium along with 14 other CAIS schools within the GTA. The
eLearning Consortium is an online independent course environment
offering anywhere, anytime learning.
This is the first year of the Consortium. The courses run from
September through June and formal reporting procedures generally coincide with reporting systems for most schools. Currently 13
courses are being offered to Grades 11 and 12 students ranging from
the Humanities to Environmental Science, Writer’s Craft, Intro to
Anthropology, Economics, Data Management and World Religion.
Trafalgar is offering the Economics course as part of the eLearning environment. "I signed up for the Economics eLearning course
because of course conflicts. The online course allows me take a class
I'm still interested in without actually having to be in class", said
Christine Oliveira, Grade 12 student.
Each course can only be populated by 20 students and each
school gets 20 seats. While the Consortium is open to all CAIS
schools, in order to be a part of it, each school must author and deliver at least one course. Teachers who write the courses are required
to take an Advanced Qualification course with the Ontario College
of Teachers online to learn how to run and prepare course material
and discussions in the online environment.
As more universities are moving toward having an online component to their program as a requirement for graduation, Trafalgar
is pleased to be offering students this opportunity to develop the
necessary skills for 21st century learning. The Consortium offers us a
way to expand our existing course selection and open up electives for
everyone. Students get to collaborate with kids from other schools,
have the flexibility of working through course material on their own
time and have the advantage of working ahead. "I really like the
flexibility of the eLearning Consortium. I have the ability to do my
work whenever I have the time, at my own pace as long as I continue
to meet the set deadlines", said Jacqueline Dew, Grade 12 student.
Because the Consortium offers anywhere, anytime learning, it’s an
excellent way for students to work around their Pursuit of Excellence
time commitments while developing critical thinking, self-motivation and independent learning skills. "I really like being a part of the
eLearning Consortium because it gives me a sense of independence",
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said Cassidy Holt, Grade 12 student. "We have work to complete
each week but I get to choose when and where to do my work. I find
not being tied to the classroom setting extremely beneficial".
Even though the courses all take place in the virtual world,
students have many opportunities to get involved in online discussions with the teacher and other students. The Consortium uses
Blackboard, a web forum interspace where the students can interact
and chat. Wimba classroom - a virtual classroom - invites kids to
sign in. The teacher presents on a whiteboard through the computer
and can even hear the students' voices. Each week the teacher posts
an announcement for the week’s lesson and notes when she will be
available for tutorial session and review.
Next year the eLearning Consortium will be expanding the number of schools and course selection offerings. Summer school courses
are also being considered for future expansion of the Consortium.
Faith Celebrated as one of Whitby’s
Outstanding Youths
Faith Chipman, Grade 9 student, was recently recognized for
her outstanding achievements in the community at the 4th Annual
Whitby Youth Council’s Celebrating Youth Awards. Faith is an active
participant and volunteer in school life at Trafalgar and has been
actively involved in a variety of community initiatives including the
Durham Heritage Fairs Board, Me to We and Brooklin’s Group 74.
Faith has also completed her bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award and for the last two years, has been a member of Whitby’s
Youth Council. Faith was the youngest person to be recognized at the
awards and was among 21 youth recognized for outstanding community involvement. Nominations for the awards come from teachers,
community groups and other members of the public. Mayor Pat Perkins presented Faith with her award at the special recognition dinner.
R.Daley,
Marketing & Development Officer
Join us for an Evening of Casino Fun!
Hosted by the Parents’ Guild
E
L
T
S
A
C OYALE
R
6:00 pm • Martini Bar • Open Bar • Silent Auction Opens
7:30 pm • Live Auction & Dinner • Casino Fun • Dance
Tickets $100 per person • Table of 10 - $900
Tickets may be purchased online at www.castle-ed.com
Auction donations welcome
All donations will be recognized in the evening program
All proceeds will support the enhancement of studen t l i f e .
Trafalgar Brings Back March Break Camp
Calling All Super Heroes to Report to
Trafalgar Castle School's CO-ED Day
Camp for a week of serious fun!
March Break caMp
March 15-19, 2010
9 aM - 4 pM
(Extended Hours Available)
Trafalgar Castle School
Register at
www.castle-ed.com/camp
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winter 2010
Pursuit of Excellence
April Riding her Sunday Best
April Simmonds, Grade 7 student, is taking the equestrian world
by storm. April recently travelled to Florida for a week of training
and competition and received a great deal of one-on-one training
with mentor and coach, Jessica Phoenix. While there, April also had
a training session with the Canadian Olympic Team coach which
was a tremendous opportunity and a bonus to her training.
April has
two horses,
both thoroughbreds, named
Bay Street and
Sunday Best.
April purchased
Sunday Best in
mid-December
so the Florida
show was their
first together.
April finished
April competes with Sunday Best
first in her class
on Sunday Best and 4th on Bay Street, a great ending to her week!
Congratulations, April!
She will compete in two more shows in February and possibly
another two during the March Break. We wish April much success in
her upcoming competitions.
Taylor remains in sync!
In addition to Taylor Heffering's busy Grade 12 academic schedule, she is an accomplished synchronized skater, skating with the
Gold Ice Junior Competitive Synchronized Skating team. The team
has an intense practice schedule skating every Wednesday from 5-10
pm in Brampton, Saturdays from 10-3 and Sundays from 10:455:00. In addition to the team practices, Taylor also has free skates on
Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons. The team has a long and a short
program and their hard work and efforts have certainly paid off.
Before Christmas, the team placed
second in their short program and
fourth in their long at the Porter Classic
in Ann Arbor Michigan. They placed
3rd respectively for both programs in
Stratford. Their most recent competition
was the Junior World Qualifier where
they placed 3rd giving them the title
of Team Canada and qualifying them
to compete and travel to Switzerland in February. We wish Taylor
and the Gold Ice team much success on their exciting international
competition!
Once they return from Europe, the team will be right back to
practice as they begin preparing for Nationals held in Brampton later
this year.
Meghan continues to make a splash
Meghan Toswell, Grade 10 student, has been swimming competitively since the age of 7. Her days begin with a 5 am practice and her
rigorous training schedule brings her back to the pool three additional evenings. Add to this some weight training plus her academic
schedule. Her dedication and perseverance are most evident when
you review some of her most recent stats. Meaghan competed at the
Invitation P1-P2 de Noel in Montreal in December along with 13
other athletes from the Pickering Swim Club. Meghan led the club,
swimming seven top 10-finishes in final individual events.
Meghan also swam in the Canada Cup in her first major international swim meet in Montreal last summer. Clubs from all over the
world were represented at the high-calibre meet with a total of 685
swimmers, including
Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps.
Meghan was much
younger than most of
the competitors so she
was quite proud to have
swam best times in all
her events and take off
just over 5 seconds in
total.
Meghan said one
of the most exciting
Meghan on deck at the Canada Cup
aspects of the meet was
seeing Micheal Phelps swim his 100
Butterfly and another “really cool
thing was that I swam in the same lane as him. I was warming up for
a race and he was warming down directly in front of me!”
Meghan said her experience at the Canada Cup was the best and
most exciting meet she has attended so far in her swimming career.
“Swimming all best times, being in an Olympic pool, swimming directly behind Michael Phelps and just being on that deck with such
decorated athletes really added everything up to be the best days of
swimming so far”.
Taylor - Back row, 3rd from left
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boardinglife
W
We are already at the halfway point and the time has certainly
flown by! Since September we have been very busy with a number
of events which were jump-started with our annual trips to the
Oshawa Centre shopping mall and Canada’s Wonderland. These
two events provided our boarders and Residence staff alike a great
opportunity to get to know each other.
This year we welcomed new Resident Staff members. Our
boarders have had plenty of opportunities to get to know them
and spend a great deal of time with them. From long weekend
trips to movie and craft nights, our girls are enjoying having them
as part of their life in Residence. For our first Residence
Experience, we went to a Blue Jays baseball game. For some of the
girls, it was their first baseball game ever! For our second
Residence Experience, we went to “Screemers” at the National
Exhibition Place, where the girls had a little taste of a Canadian
Halloween.
During the Thanksgiving long weekend, Ms. Caoile, Ms.
Sikora, and some of our boarders had the chance to visit to the
Nation’s Capital, Ottawa. Some of the attractions on this trip
included:
A guided tour to the National Gallery of Canada, one of the
architectural jewels of Canada, where works by Vincent Van
Gogh, the Group of Seven and Pablo Picasso are just a few of the
priceless pieces on display. The group also participated in a
guided tour to the Supreme Court of Canada that gave the
students a better understanding of the Canadian justice system. In
addition, the boarders had a chance to visit the Parliament
Buildings, the War Museum and tour the public rooms of Rideau
Hall, the residence of the Prime Minister.
Students get ready for a day of fun at Canada’s Wonderland
Taking in the sites on Parliament Hill
For the November long weekend, Ms. St. John and Ms.
Attridge accompanied our boarders to Montreal. During this trip,
the girls visited the beautiful 300 year old Notre Dame Basilica in
Old Montreal, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the
Biodome.
This year, we are very pleased to have the support of Trafalgar’s
Head Girl, Summer Danakas and the Prefects in Residence. They
have helped organize a wide variety of activities in Residence from
Christmas shopping trips to outings in downtown Toronto.
A group of boarders enjoy a night on the town in Montreal
Our eight week Snowhawks program began in January. Every
Saturday morning, students awake at the crack of dawn to board a
bus to Collingwood and take to the slopes for a day of skiing,
snowboarding and the great outdoors.
We hope our boarders have felt at home with us these last few
months and we look forward to the exciting events still to come!
Members of our Snowhawks get ready to hit the slopes on Blue Mountain
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goodsport
T
Cross Country
Trafalgar's Cross Country team finished the 2009 season on a
positive note. The team consisted of several day and boarding students who had a keen desire to improve their fitness while learning
to run across a variety of terrains. All members of the team were
busy competing in sun, rain, snow and wind in several meets across
the GTA which included: The Bill Crothers Invitational, The Dwyer
Invitational, Boardwalk Relays and the CISAA Championships. Ms.
Miles-Berry wishes to congratulate all members of the Cross
Country Running Team for a fantastic effort this season.
U14 Field Hockey
The U14 Field Hockey team had a great time this fall. With
only a few returning players, we worked hard to understand the
game and were thrilled to record a win early in our schedule. We
continued to develop our skills as the season progressed and we
faced some strong, experienced teams. The team is looking forward
some great hockey next fall!
C
Alexandria L., Grade 8, takes a shot.
U15 Soccer
Congratulations go out to the Trafalgar Castle U-15 Soccer team!
The girls put forth a terrific effort this season and made great strides
in both their team play and individual skills. The team showed great
sportsmanship throughout the season and each game was exciting to
watch.
A. Coffey, Faculty & Coach
s
E. Robinson, Faculty & Coach
Paulina R., Grade 8,
goes in for a cross
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•
Rachael G., Grade 6,
traps the ball
s
T
A. Miles-Berry, Faculty & Coach
winter 2010
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parents’guild
Message From the President of the Parents’ Guild
The Parents’ Guild has had a busy start to the year.
We started with our 1st annual Taste of Trafalgar Wine Tasting
event. The evening began with our in-house sommelier, Robert
Spessot giving an informative introduction to the basics of wine
tasting. Our guests enjoyed foods paired with wines from around the
world for the balance of the evening.
The Parents’ Guild was pleased to announce the wish list
donation during Christmas Dinner. The list is created each year with
the input of faculty, administration and students. $29,390.00 has
been committed to clubs, sports equipment, and residence common
room make-overs. Our ability to provide the requested items is
thanks to our successful fundraising initiatives last year.
Be sure to mark Saturday, April 17th on your calendars. We hope
you will come with your family and friends to the Castle Royale
Fundraising Gala, where we will come together once again to raise
funds for future projects. All proceeds will support the enhancement
of student life. Join us for casino fun, dinner and dancing. Tickets
can be purchased on-line at www.castle-ed.com. We look forward to
seeing you there.
Laura Hammer
President - Parents' Guild
Joyce & Summer, Grade 12 students, present poinsettias to Lakeridge Health
Oshawa’s Helen Gibson, to be distributed to patients over the holidays
The Parents’ Guild Constitution and by-laws were updated
and approved in December. The intention of the changes were to
create greater transparency in the governing of the Guild, succession
planning for the executive to ensure strength of the executive, create
more relevant processes to current needs of the Guild and improve
clarity of some ambiguous areas within the previous constitution.
The new Constitution and by-laws can be viewed on the website at
www.castle-ed.com/parents.
Thank you to all who purchased poinsettias this year. They
created a festive background for the Christmas Carol Services. Some
of our students delivered donated poinsettias to Lakeridge Health
Hospital in Oshawa. A special thanks to those who generously
donated poinsettias to the hospital. They helped to brighten up the
stay of patients during the holiday season.
a message from our
alumnaepresident
On December 5th, the
Castle came to life once again
as the Alumnae Association
hosted our Annual Breakfast &
Brunch with Santa. The events
brought together over 450
people to celebrate the season.
It was another magical event for everyone with lots of great
activities, entertainment for the children, a silent auction and, of
course, a visit from the Jolly Old Man himself. A good time was
had by all and it was wonderful to see so many of our alums
back at the Castle for this festive event!
Many thanks to the committee for all their hard work in
ensuring the event’s success, and to all the volunteers who helped
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out at the events. Special thanks to Aramark Food Services for
generously sponsoring the fabulous meals. This is the Alumnae
Association’s only fundraiser and we always look forward to this
magical event. Plans are already underway for the 2010 Breakfast
& Brunch with Santa! We greatly appreciate your continued
support of the School and the Alumnae Association.
We always look forward to hearing from you. Be connected
and stay connected.
Cheers.
Jo-Ann Dudar
President of the Alumnae Association of
Ontario Ladies’ College and Trafalgar Castle School
Erica Wodzak
featuredalumna
Erica is now in her 4th year of Engineering at the University of
British Columbia. She completed a work term last January through
April 2009 with Ontario Power Generation and, through OPG,
was introduced to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA is a world wide organization within the United Nations
that regulates all nuclear activity around the world. Erica heard they
hired interns for varying terms and put her name forward. About a
week into April, she got the call to report to the UN Headquarters in
Vienna, Austria on May 1st.
In a few short weeks,
Erica had her visa in hand,
her bags packed, and was
off to adventure in Europe;
her first trip ever outside of
Canada and the US. She
landed in foreign territory
and says: “living in Vienna
was definitely a shock and
no matter how much I had
anticipated the change, it
was a big one. I couldn’t
understand anyone on the
bus, on the train or on the
streets. In many ways all the
excitement and newness was
refreshing, but I really had to
rely a lot on the kindness and
goodwill of others”.
Within the UN
Headquarters, Erica worked
for the Nuclear Research
Reactor Group which deals
with research reactors around the globe who produce nuclear medical
isotopes - the very backbone of nuclear medicine. Medical isotopes
are the tiny radioactive particles that are injected into the human
body to diagnose and treat a growing number of diseases including
cancer and heart disease (www.iaea.org). Because the ability to
produce radio isotopes for nuclear therapies is currently in short
supply, the IAEA is trying to bring the research reactor community
together to solve the crisis once and for all.
Class of 2005
While there are 250 research reactors operating globally, there
are currently only five government-owned facilities worldwide which
supply approximately 95 per cent of the world’s medical isotopes:
in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and South Africa.
With the demand for nuclear medicine ever-increasing, the leak
of radioactive water which caused the shutdown of the Canadian
Chalk River Reactor last spring not only revealed a global shortage
of medical isotopes but it also brought a much greater problem to
light: global research reactor aging.
Many reactors have exceeded their
originally planned design life and
many are now trying to meet
demands significantly different
from those for which they were
conceived (www.iaea.org).
Erica’s work at the IAEA
directly related to the global
shortage of medical isotopes
and specifically to research on
reactor aging. Her efforts involved
collecting information from
around the world on each research
reactor.
In addition to her fascinating
work on this global issue, Erica
also had the opportunity to do
some extensive travelling while
overseas, visiting Germany,
Switzerland, Czech Republic,
England, Hungary, Greece,
France and Spain. Erica says of
her journey, “it was amazing! I
had never traveled so much. Some trips I took with interns who I
met at the UN who were totally multinational – it was phenomenal.
Other trips I took alone because the flight prices were too amazing to
pass up. Overall, one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on both a
professional and personal level”.
In the summer of 2008, Erica worked for the Cancer Agency in
B.C. where she also had some exposure to nuclear therapies although
the majority of her work at the Cancer Agency was in the field of
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15
microfluidics. Erica built a microfluidic chip, a tiny mechanical device
used in this application to synthesize DNA molecules on a nucleotideby-nucleotide level; the building blocks of DNA. The chip was designed
by Erica, along with the user interface which incorporated computer and
microcontroller hardware and software components; the biological details
of the experiment were completed by a medical student who also worked
at the Cancer Agency. The chip is used to synthesize small, short DNA
molecules which could be useful in many applications. Erica writes: “it's
very basic work in comparison to the complexity of a human genome
but if it worked it could be developed and used in treatments of genetic
disorders. Imagine being able to alter DNA or supply someone who has
defective or mutated genes with a way of correcting that disease. Also, if
you have the DNA information for an organism, you could theoretically
duplicate it with the right nucleotide sequences”. Erica was excited about
her work at the Cancer Agency as this area of research is quite new and
has been a large focus of the research world.
After graduation this fall, Erica plans to return to UBC to pursue an
Early Career Master’s (ECM) program at UBC. The program is affiliated
with the Business School and, upon graduation, Erica will obtain a
Master’s degree in Management. She may also eventually pursue an MBA
after garnering some work experience in her field.
After her incredible experience last summer, Erica is definitely
interested in doing more work overseas in the future. Where Erica will
land her career is still unknown, but one thing is clear: Erica Wodzak is
definitely on the path to great success!
R.Daley
Marketing & Development Officer
Message
from the
Head Girl
It is hard to believe that the
first school term has come to an
end! I know for some people,
especially the graduates and Mr.
McClure, it has gone by way
too fast. The realization that
our last Muskoka, our last Turkey Trot, our last Carol
Service and Christmas Dinner have already passed us by
is somewhat saddening. Now is the time, however, to
reflect on these events and the joy which they have
brought us!
September was all about new beginnings and the
introduction of new staff and students as they were
warmly welcomed into our Trafalgar family at Muskoka.
I lived in residence at the beginning of the year and was
happy to have been able to help welcome the boarders
and make them feel truly at home in the Castle.
October featured a very humiliated turkey being chased
as the Thanksgiving weekend kicked off with the Turkey
Trot. November had Trafalgar girls exhibiting our
passion and dedication for helping those less fortunate
with the very successful Charity Bazaar and theatrical
talents were showcased with flair on House Plays’ Night.
During December, the Christmas spirit was very
much alive and filling the halls of Trafalgar. The month
began with the Breakfast/Brunch with Santa. The
school was abuzz with families from Trafalgar and the
community coming to make gingerbread people, crafts
and of course to get that annual picture with Santa!
That same weekend was our Christmas Carol Service
featuring musical solos, “Winter Reflection” presentations and a homily by Reverend Jones of Pickering
United Church. Of course, there was the beautiful and
delicious Christmas Dinner which included the “gentle
teasing” of the Prefects’ skit and Mr. McClure’s last
“Twas’ the night before Christmas”. In addition, our
winter sports teams were in full gear and participated in
weekly games, while the cast list for the March dramatic
production of “The Lion, the Witch, and The
Wardrobe” was posted and preparations for what
promises to be a wonderful show are well underway.
These are just a few of many, many events that have
taken place over the past months and certainly the
months to come promise to be equally as busy, but
equally as rewarding.
Summer Danakas, Head Girl
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classnotes
Diane (Lee) Werry, Class of 1952 Diane writes: “I had a wonderful 2009!” Last January, six of her
family members went south to Cancun, Mexico for a one-week
vacation. In May she travelled to London, England on a bus tour
with her sister-in-law where they met wonderful people from all
over the world including some
from South Africa, B.C., U.S.,
Australia and one woman, Sally,
from Whitby! Diane and Sally
have kept in touch since their trip
and have enjoyed many lunches
and teas. Diane also brought Sally
to the Castle’s Annual Charity
Bazaar in the fall and for her very
first visit to Trafalgar.
Diane on the London Eye
overlooking the Thames
information visit their website listed above or http://www.bpsbooks.com/what-god-has-promised-you-Stephen-A-McAllister/.
“Life continues to be an adventure!!!”
Anastacia Johnson – Class of ’80 - On
October 1, 2009, Anastacia was elected president of the Kiwanis
Club of Fort Montagu
for the 2009-2010
administrative year. The
Kiwanis Club is part of
the Eastern Canada and
Caribbean District with
an International headquarters in the U.S.
Congratulations,
Anastacia!
Anastacia Johnson ‘80
Marilyn (Reader) Broughton, Class of
1954 - Marilyn and her husband, Dick, welcomed the newest
Alyson (Fisher) Lorich, Class of ’88 -
addition to their family, Logan Zachary, into the world on December 3, 2009, weighing 8lbs., 15oz. Marilyn writes, “We are
now ‘Great Grandparents’! We always were great but now I guess
we’re even greater”! Marilyn and Dick also have five wonderful
grandchildren; 3 grandsons and two granddaughters.
Alyson is now working at a new job in Niagara Falls at Urgent
Care Niagara and is really enjoying her work. She also recently
got married on September 18, 2009 at Chateau Des Charmes in
Niagara-On-The-Lake.
Carrie (Davidson) Chong, Class of
Elaine (Westheuser) Godwin, Class
of 1958 - Elaine writes: “I would just like to say hello to
all the girls I knew during my 7 or 8 years at O.L.C., graduating in 1958. I have lived on the West coast since 1968 and have
four boys, 8 grandchildren and a retired husband (cardiologist).
Sorry to have missed the 135th reunion last June. I had hoped to
attend. My email address is [email protected] if anyone wants
to get in touch”.
1990 - Carrie and her husband, Michael, welcomed their
third son, Cameron, into the world on October 19th, 2009.
He is a little brother for
big brothers, William and
Alistair. Carrie and her family are enjoying the country
life on their farm just outside
of Fergus, Ontario.
Rev. Susan (Bennett) McAllister,
Class of 1973 - Rev. McAllister continues to be in full
time ministry at Wexford Heights United Church in Scarborough. During her recent three month sabbatical, she and her
husband, Rev. Dr. Stephen McAllister, spent ten days on a
mission trip to Curacao, just north of Venezuela, with Zadok
Ministries International. While there, they worked with pastors
and congregations on the island to encourage and support their
ongoing ministries. Stephen and Susan have founded a new
ministry called Spirit Renewal Ministries www.spiritrenewalministries.com, focusing on transforming lives and renewing communities. Stephen recently published his first book: What God
Has Promised You, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times-Reflections
for Individual and Group Study from Paul's Epistle to the Romans,
which can be used as a small group or individual study. For more
Carrie ‘90 with husband, Michael, baby
Cameron and sons Alistair (L) and
William (R)
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classnotes
Stephanie
Erika Lodge, Class of 2003 - Erika received
Summers,
her degree from York University for Psychology and then attended
Humber College for Funeral Services. She is now working full
time at Pine Hills Cemetery as a Funeral Director. Erika is also
now the proud owner of a home in Whitby.
Class of ’95
Benjamin beside Nathaniel and
Baby Victoria
- Stephanie and her
husband, Matt, welcomed
their third child, Victoria
(Tory) Summers-Dawne
Butler, on August 11,
2009. Victoria is a little
sister for big brothers,
Nathaniel and Benjamin.
Courtney Adams, Class of 2004 -
Courtney is engaged to
Matthew .... The couple
will marry this summer
at Courtney’s grandparents’ cottage on Twin
Lakes at a lakeside ceremony. Bridesmaids will
include Hailey Adams
(’06), Julia Taylor (’04)
and Amy Burness (’04).
Best wishes for a long
and happy life together!
Kimberley Beffort, Class of 1998 -
Kimberley and John Whitehouse were engaged on Christmas
Day, 2009. Wedding date
to be announced. Congratulations to the happy
couple!
Courtney ’04 and
Matthew on a fall hike
Kimberley ‘98
& John
Rachel Simkovits, Class of 2005 Alana Kuzik, Class of 2003 -
Alana and Paul on the day they
got engaged.
Alana is working in Shanghai
as an ESL teacher for her
second year with her now
fiancé, Paul. The couple
got engaged last summer
and plan to move back to
Ontario this summer where
Alana will attend Teacher’s
College in the fall. The
nuptials are tentatively
planned for August of 2011.
Congratulations and happy
planning, Alana!!!
Jennifer Hadfield, Class of 2003 - On
March 23, 2009, Jennifer was engaged to Lance Richardson.
Their wedding date is set for June 5, 2010. Their ceremony will
be held in the Grace Chapel at Trafalgar with the reception to
follow at the Ajax Convention Centre. Congratulations on your
engagement!
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winter 2010
Rachel has interrupted her studies in Elementary Education at
Utah Valley University at Orem, Utah to serve an eighteen month
mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She
was flown to Hong Kong last May after taking a twelve week language study course for Cantonese at the Missionary Training
Center, in Provo Utah. She says, "This is the most challenging
thing I have ever done in my life and the most rewarding."
Messages can be emailed to [email protected] .
Rachel ’05 pictured in the bottom left with her fellow missioners
staffnews
After five years of courtship, Lesley
Anderson married James Dudley on October
17th, at Harmony Creek Golf Course in
Oshawa. The couple plans to take a belated
honeymoon later this year. We wish you a
lifetime of happily ever after!
it’s a
date
upcoming events
February
20 .... Open House & Entrance
Scholarship Exams
Lesley & James on their
wedding day
Former staff member, Robert Carnevale, and his wife welcomed their
first child, little Sofia on December 19th, 2009. Robert writes: “She is
healthy and an ideal future Trafalgar girl.”
Sarah Harries-Taylor and her husband,
Brian, welcomed Rhys Evelyn Taylor on
January, 31, 2009...not the first baby of 2010,
but the last born in 2009 at the Ajax/Pickering
Hospital! Rhys weighed 9lbs, 9oz. and was 22"
long. Big sister, Bryn, is thrilled with the arrival
of her baby sister. We welcome Cheryl Ricker to
the Trafalgar Team as she assumes the role of
Marketing & Development Office Assistant for
the duration of Sarah’s maternity leave.
Bryn with Baby Rhys
Melissa Knight took a brief leave from teaching where she undertook her
Basic Operations Course for the Navy. This course represented the next stage
in training towards her command training and has promoted her from
Sub-Lieutenant to Lieutenant. Congratulations, Ms. Knight!
Tina St. John has accepted the position of Director of Camp Programs
for this year and is excited to be bringing back the March Break camp for the
second year running.
March
3 ..... Parents’ Guild Meeting
4-6 ... Spring Production
12-29 . March Break
April
2-5 ... Easter Break
7 ..... Parents’ Guild Meeting
17 .... 13th Annual Parents’ Guild Castle
Rocks Fundraiser
18 .... CISMF Performance
Roy Thomson Hall
27 .... Open House
May
5 ..... Parents’ Guild Meeting
14 .... Arts Night
15 .... May Court Festival
15 .... Alumnae Reunion Dinner
19 .... Volunteer Appreciation
Dinner
19 .... Parents’ Guild AGM
26 .... Grad Tea
June
2 ..... Parents’ Guild Meeting
19 .... Trafalgar Day
Samantha Welbourn and her husband, Jay, welcomed their second child,
a girl, Lucy Mackenzie, on
September 23, 2009 weighing
6lbs., 14oz. Lucy is a little
sister for proud big brother,
Mitchell. Sarah Mason has
taken on the Art Teacher
position to cover Ms.
Welbourn’s leave.
Lucy Welbourn
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19
Trafalgar Castle School
Annual Report 2008 - 2009
Message from the Chair
It is with pleasure that the Board of Governors of Trafalgar Castle
School reports the successful completion of the 2008 - 2009 school
year. In order to ensure that Trafalgar Castle School continues to
provide the excellent educational experience for which it is well
recognized, members of the Board and the senior administrative team
conduct a rigorous review of the School’s operations to confirm that
the School is operating efficiently and following best practices. The
results of this review were most gratifying and certain staffing changes
were made to reflect the School’s current enrollment.
The Board has welcomed several new members and we are pleased
that we have maintained a balance between current parents, past
parents, alumnae and people from the larger community. Each
member brings unique skills and backgrounds which enable the Board
to best fulfill its role of overseeing the School’s activities.
period when school is on vacation and may not be readily apparent,
this necessary work does continue.
The administration and the Board have been reviewing various school
policies to ensure that all our policies are up to date and comply with
the requirements of an ever changing environment for the delivery of
excellent educational opportunities for our students.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish to thank all who have
supported our Annual Fund Program. I also wish to thank the
dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff who work
diligently to ensure that Trafalgar Castle School delivers the learning
opportunities which enable us to fulfill our vision of being the school
of choice for educating young women to become global citizens who
make a difference.
E. Alan Garbe,
We continue our policy of making regular capital improvements to
the Castle and although much of the work is carried out during the
Chair, Board of Governors
Message from the Principal
The 2009-2010 academic year represented Year I in the School’s
5-year Strategic Plan and marked the 135th year of operation of
Trafalgar Castle School and Ontario Ladies’ College. Once again,
the Trafalgar Castle Team of Staff and Faculty, Board of Governors,
Parents and Alumnae worked together to lead the School to another
successful year, while the world experienced an unforeseen economic
downturn. Our dedicated staff provided a safe and supportive
environment for our students and delivered a unique Trafalgar Castle
School experience which fostered each student as she developed as an
individual and made a difference in the world.
Some of the highlights of the 2008-2009 year included:
• Successful implementation of the first on-line course at
Trafalgar.
• Opening of the new Design Technology Classroom, supporting
curricular applications across the arts, technology and science
curriculae.
• The addition of our second reach-ahead Business Studies credit
in Gr. 8.
• Student participation in programs such as Free the Children
and YPI (Youth Philanthropic Initiative)
• Implementation of a variety of operational environmental
initiatives.
• Tablet Laptops adopted as the recommended laptop for student
use.
• Enrolment as 1 of 13 C.I.S. schools in the CIS eLearning
Consortium.
• Website upgrade.
• Introduction of a 5-day boarding option.
• Implementation of our first annual “Making a World of
Difference” community outreach day.
• The addition of a one-week March Break Day Camp.
• Development of a new School Code of Conduct.
I want to thank all members of the various constituency groups of
our School community for their support of the School over the
2008/09 School year. Together, we worked to achieve our mission:
“educate and challenge young women bound for higher
education to achieve excellence in all aspects of life”.
Success. For Life.
J. Brian McClure, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc.,
Principal
Trafalgar Castle School
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Year Ended June 30
Assets
Current
Cash
Investments
Accounts receivable
Accrued interest
Prepaid expenses and deposits
2009
$
Capital assets
Liabilities
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Prepaid fees
Loans payable
1,001,602
2,434,239
61,119
5,578
120,938
2008
$
760,130
3,029,664
78,104
6,724
112,540
3,623,476
3,987,162
5,274,288
5,402,454
$
8,897,764
$
9,389,616
$
640,758
153,052
2,769,516
1,530,139
5,093,465
$
779,682
147,463
3,131,304
1,555,084
5,613,533
Fund Balances
Operating Fund
Plant Fund
Other Designated Use Funds
(544,288)
3,744,149
604,438
3,804,299
$
8,897,764
(550,288)
3,847,370
479,001
3,776,083
$
9,389,616
Audited financial statements with accompanying notes were issued under the opinion date September 14, 2009.
Trafalgar Castle School Annual Report 2008 - 2009
Trafalgar Castle School
Statement of Revenue, Expenses and Fund Balance - Operating Fund
Year Ended June 30
Revenue
Fees
Less: Discounts, scholarships, bursaries and prizes
Net Fees
2009
$
5,197,368
82,638
5,114,730
Rental Income
Investment Income
Scholarships - donations and investment income
Other income
2008
$
5,405,568
88,647
5,316,921
299,913
76,495
96,811
30,183
5,618,132
244,159
121,049
105,771
59,397
5,847,297
952,947
113,735
2,681,394
613,898
651,325
133,990
168,825
5,316,114
972,334
90,827
2,705,474
666,749
690,914
131,307
134,177
5,391,782
302,018
455,515
Plant Fund
Plant additions
Loan principal repayments
65,338
124,946
127,013
114,575
Capital Fund
Building renewal
107,734
-
298,018
241,588
Expenses
Administrative and general
Financial
Teaching
Buildings, grounds and equipment
Household
Residential
Rental
Excess of revenue over expenses before appropriations
Appropriations to other funds
Transfer from Annual Fund
2,000
-
Excess of revenue over expenses
$
6,000
$
213,927
Operating Fund balance, beginning of year
$ (550,288)
$
(764,215)
Excess of revenue over expenses
Operating Fund balance, end of year
6,000
$ (544,288)
213,927
$
(550,288)
Audited financial statements with accompanying notes were issued under the opinion date September 14, 2009.
w w w. c a s t l e - e d . c o m
Annual Fund Donors & Friends of Trafalgar Castle School
Academic Year 2008-2009
Friends of Trafalgar
gifts up to $249
Acton, Marian (Thompson), Class of ’41 x9+
Anonymous
Barker, Judith
Beach, Barbara
Bond, Ken & Elise (Oughtred), Class of ’64 x6
Book, H. Marie (Vance), Class of ’42 x9+
Brazill, Terry & Janet x3
Bronte-Tinkew, Beverly, Class of ‘79
Brown, Ian x5
Caceres Ferraez, Eduardo Jose
Campkin, Reginald Val & Patricia, (Dunham)
Class of ’60 x5
Crocker, Paula, Class of ’60
Daicos, Jessica
Delisle, Isabelle, Class of ‘92
Deol, Tanjoyt, Class of ‘08
DeSouza, Leonora Louise, (Rabain)
Class of ’53 x3
Edwards, Shirley (Davidson), Class of ’53 x4
Gambier, Russell & Patricia
George, Daniel & Patricia, Class of ’51 x2
Gibbon, Susie (Bruce) Class of ‘87
Herrington, Donna
Herrington, Gayle, Class of ’73, x8
Holland, Carmen
Holt, Dave x6
Honrade, Romeo & Christine x2
Hunnicutt, James P. & Pamela, (Tulk)
Class of ‘50
Johnston, Alanna x2
Jones, David x8
Kellington, Linda, Class of ’76 x5
Kelly, Elizabeth
Labbett, Clifford & June, Class of ’39 x2
Leong, Janny
Luciani, Frances (Swan) Class of ’56 x2
Lynch, Germaine x2
Mamdani, Yashmin
Martin, Paul & Gillian x2
McLay, Jean (Fraser), Class of ’53 x9+
McQuarrie, Laurie Class of ’81 x3
Mitchell, Marnie
Murray, Lynn (Mark) Class of ’51 x9+
Olesuk, William & Joan, (Hobbs)
Class of ’54 x7
Pollex Stoskopf, Eunice, Class of ’47 x2
Price, Andrew & Michelle x5
Reeves, Jane (Farlinger), Class of ’50 x8
Rempel, Albert & Ethelwyn (Proctor),
Class of ’60 x6
Scott, Jane (Goodchild), Class of ‘47
Seal, Virginia
Seldon, Joan (Musgrave), Class of ’47 x4
Smith, David & Marlene, (Deller)
Class of ’50 x3
Stainsby, Kimberly x2
Stone, Melanie x2
Stoskopf, Donald & Eunice (Pollex)
Class of ‘47 x3
Talent, Irene x9+
The Teachers of the Grade Six Class
Thompson, R. David & Margaret (McFayden)
Class of ‘59 x5
Trbovich, Sharon
United Way of Greater Toronto
Werry, Diane (Lee), Class of ’52 x9+
Yardley, David & Anne (Murphy) Class of ‘65
Members of the Castle Guard
gifts from $250 to $499
Daley, Helen C, (Rabain) Class of ’50 x3
Daley, Rhonda x5
Davis, Eleanor x9+
Dykstra, Marguerita x9+
Gardner-Locas Elisabeth (Gardner),
Class of ’58 x2
Grossman, Frederick J.W. & Cynthia, (Loft)
Class of ‘89
Horne, Ian & Zoia x2
Koch, Eleonore
Large, William & Patricia (Riddell),
Class of ’56 x2
Latremouille, John x3
Laura Holman Family (in memory of Veronica
Holman)
Milne, Susan x4
Pesaro, Joanna x4
Pottle-Ross, Kathryn Class of ’64 x9+
Robson, Janet x9+
Scanlan, Dan & Power-Scanlan, Lisa
Schler, Richard & Susan x6
Sedgwick, Nancy E. (Walsh) Class of ’48 x5
Seldon, Joan, (Musgrave) Class of ‘47
Sigsworth, Olwen x9+
Spessot, Robert x2
Southwell, Tim x5
The Mensingh Family x2
Veloira, Fides
Welbourn, Samantha
Wong, Evelyn, Class of ‘08
White, Gary & Julie
Zuckerman, Sharon, (Kerbal) Class of ’47 x9+
Lords & Ladies
gifts from $500 to $999
Baba, Jeff & Matechuk, Christine x2
Chimenti, Daniel & Cathy
Dudar, Mike & Jo-Ann (Ames) x9+
Ellison, Rodica
Hallpike, Dorothy x9+
Horawski, Lynda & Ed x4
Jackson, Mark x2
Kamcke, Craig & Mary x9+
Kim, Heasoon x3
Tateishi-Kotack Sandra & Dr. G. Kotack x4
The Royal Court
gifts of $1,000 to $1,999
Anonymous
Garbe, Alan & Joan x7
Gouinlock, Patricia (Kenny), Class of ’76 x8
Jesty, Mark & Michele x2
Krozonouski, Rick & Mary x7
Manson, Jamie x3
McCarthy, Todd & Kathy x2
McClure, Brian & Monica x9+
Seyers, James & Natalie
Toswell, Daivd & Heather (Maxwell)
Class of ’83 x4
The Royal Patrons’ Club
Gifts of $2,000 to $10,000
Artymko, Stephan & Ingrid x2
Begy, Christopher & Christina x9+
Blucher, Lisa & Martin, Scott (In Memory of
Jack & Miller Blucher)
Campbell, Janet
Chipman, Max & Dale x3
Dines, John & Anne x7
DiPietro, Emanuele & Maria x4
Kurz, Chris & Ann-Marie x3
Lee, Hye Jin x3
Lindsay, Dr. Alec & Smith, Linda x6
Rankin, Sheldon & Ruth (Richardson),
Class of ’57 x6
x1 = Number of donations since the year 2000
Robotics Contributors
Gifts from $200 to $499
Dr. Garry Kotack & Mrs. Sandra
Tateishi-Kotack
State Farm Insurance – Karen Low
Gifts from $500 to $999
Lancorp Construction Co. Ltd.
Adelt Mechanical Works
Gifts of $1,000 to $1,999
Ontario Power Generation
Gifts of $2,000 to $9,999
Bel-Merit Enterprises Ltd.
E.J Industries Ltd.
Linear Contours
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Trillium Speciality Papers Inc.
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd.
Gifts $10,000 plus
General Motors of Canada Limited
We would also like to thank all of
our Sponsors & Friends who give so
generously in-kind to a variety of
programmes throughout the year.
Sponsors & Friends of
Trafalgar – gifts up to $249
A& P, Victoria St
A& P, Thickson Rd
Alpha Oasis Inc.
S. Artymko Construction
Audrey's Flowers
Barber, Cathy – The Pampered Chef
Bamford Produce
Beyond the Spa
Beauty Beyond Skin Deep
Bio Salon
Body Boomers
Body Worx Studio Inc.
Boston Pizza
Brown, J.T.S. Dr.
Caffé Demetre
Caseys Bar & Grill
CHEX TV
CI Investments
CIBC Imperial Service
CIBC Mortgages & Lending
Class Act Dinner Theatre
Crewcutz
Cruiseshipcentres
Dawson Dental Centre
Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility
Desiam Thai Restaurant
Dudar, Mike & Jo Ann
East Side Mario’s
Ed Mirvish Entertainers Limited
Eldorado Golf Club & Restaurant
Elegance Salon & Spa
Expression the Salon
Elysian Fields Spa
Enchanted Pictures
Facial Place Day Spa & Medi Spa
Fidelity Investments Canada Limited
Frame by Design
Franklin Templeton Investments
Future Shop Electronics
G & G Electronics
Gambier, Trish
Hammer, Laura
Holiday Inn Express Hotels
Hooters Restaurants
Homesense/Winners
Horne, Mrs.
Huxter, Chris
Imperial Jewellers
JK’s Mongolian Grill
Jack Astor’s
Jesty, Mark & Michele
Keg Restaurants
Kelsey's Restaurant
Kotack, Garry & Sandra
Lavish Salon & Spa
London Shoe Company
Maintech Group of Industries
Masters Driving Range
McAllister, Susan
McCarthy, Meghan
McKenzie Financial
McClure, Brian
Metroland Durham Region Media Group
Montana's Cookhouse
Murdoch, Everton
Muskoka Woods Summer Camp
Near, John & Nancy
Nice Bistro
Nice One Nails
Office Products & Services
Ontario Science Centre
Oshawa Generals
Patrick, Michael & Deborah
Percival, Mary
Pickering Town Centre
Pipsqueak Toys Inc.
Pizzaville
Pottle-Ross, Katherine
Prospects Bar & Grill
Putting Edge
Quiznos Sub
Rousseau’s Fine Furniture & Interior Design
Royal Ontario Museum
Science Centre
Scotties
Seal, D. Virginia
Serendipity Lounge
Sherwin, Jason
Shoeless Joe's – Brooklin
Shoeless Joe’s – Whitby
Shoppers Drug Mart
Snaith, Ruth
Stonehenge Gold Club
Sure Fit Factory Outlet
Sutton Place Hotel
Swiss Chalet
Szeman, Jim
Sheehan, Kayleigh
Tateishi-Kotack, Sandra
Telus
The Alumnae Association of O.L.C.
& Trafalgar Castle School
The Dellaportas Family
The Facial Place
The Great Canadian Meat Company
The Greek Tycoon
The Henry Family
The Jackson Family
The Jesty Family
The Juman Family
The Koziol Family
The LaRocque Family
The Near Family
The Odueke Family
The Parents’ Guild of Trafalgar Castle School
The Seyers Family
The Szeman Family
The Whyte Family
The Yakemitz Family
Tim Hortons
Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club
Trafalgar Castle School
Trillium Specialty Papers Inc.
UOIT Campus Tennis Centre
Valentinos Grande Salon
Vandemeer Nursery Ltd.
Whyte Total Personal Fitness
Wild Wing Whitby
YogaBliss
Vanwarmedam, Yvonne
Members of the Castle Guard
gifts from $250 to $499
Bowle-Evans, Jody
Dornan, Kathy
Hildebrandt, Leon
McClure, Brian & Monica
The Artymko Family
Kotack, Garry & Sandra
Trillium Specialty Papers Inc.
Lords & Ladies
gifts from $500 to $999
Brown, J.T.S.
Moffatt, Tracy
Murdoch, Everton & Penelope
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd.
The Brimstin Family
The Coburn Family
The Higa Family
The Lebel Family
The Velji Family
The Royal Court
gifts of $1,000 to $1,999
The Gambier Family
The Kurz Family
The Pilon Family
The Seyers Family
Ypes, Shawn
Thank you all for making a difference in the
lives of our students through your generous
contributions. Our donors are very important to
us. Every effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of donor listings. Please notify the
Development Office at 905.668.3358, ext. 247
of any errors or omissions.