Ms. Karrie Leach
Middle School Teacher

HSC is celebrating Karrie on her excellent article "In Pursuit of Privacy in the digital world" in the most recent edition of Dialogue magazine. The article is well-written, thoughtful, and timely given the increasing use of social media in all of our lives.
http://www.dialogueonline.ca/magazine/  pg. 43

Ms. Anne-Marie Scime
Registered Practical Nurse

Congratulations go out to Anne-Marie who was featured in the RPNAO (Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario) newsletter in the month of May. 
http://www.rpnao.org/news/newsletters

Mrs. Brenda Zwolak
Director of Academics

For the last 2 years, Brenda has been on the Board of Directors for the CIS E-Learning Consortium involving 16 CIS member schools. She will participate as the chair of the program committee for 2011-12.

Ryan Baker, Carrie Annable, Barb Reade, Jacquline Teggart
Co-Chairs  - Student-Centred Learning Committees

As a result of the Educational Technology consultation process from January to March, HSC struck two new faculty committees dedicated to advancing the strategic plan focus on student-centred learning ( SCL) and technology integration. These co-chairs met with faculty teams every two weeks to review documents, discuss professional considerations and determine actions to build capacity for student-centred learning. The chairs have coordinated a showcase of SCL examples on June 23 where committee members will collaborate and share expertise from existing program. A true celebration of learning through effective leadership.

HSC Faculty Participated in the International Society for Technology in Education Webinar Series

Through the direction of Linda Watson, Library Learning Commons Coordinator, and as part of the initiative for IT integration, members of the HSC faculty across all four schools participated in ISTE's weekly webinar series, "Technology in Practice" from September 2010 - May 2011. Every Wednesday educators from around the continent, including faculty from HSC, met in a virtual learning environment to explore new Web 2.0 tools and other innovative technology. The ultimate goal of the ISTE's Webinar Series was to enhance the educational experience of all students by promoting global connections among educators and encouraging them to build their PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) as well as introducing new and innovative ways to enhance the curriculum at all levels. This professional development opportunity will continue next fall with a new suite of webinars.

Ms. C. Annable
Middle School Teacher

In spring 2010 Carrie began pursuit of her doctorate in education at the Ontario Institute of Education in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning. So far she has taken classes on current trends in mathematics education, implementation of technology in the classroom, reflective professional development, curriculum design, and research methods. She is now shifting her attention towards completing her thesis proposal, her ethics review and her comprehensive exam so that she can begin her research sometime in the 2011-2012 school year (hopefully!). The focus of her thesis will be on implementing student-centred teaching methods in the elementary mathematics classroom, specifically on the use of discourse and communication (math talk), to shift the power of knowledge dissemination from the teacher to the students. She will also be exploring the notion of teacher change and professional development within this shift of power.

Getting “Sparked” – Science and Geography Teachers Learn about new Pasco Equipment

Marc Edgar, Senior science instructional leader, organized a full day training session on June 13 for Middle and Senior School science and geography teachers with the educational rep. from Pasco to learn about the new SPARK science learning system acquired earlier in the year.  “SPARK Science Learning System is an all-in-one mobile device that seamlessly integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment. With its large, full-color display, finger-touch navigation and completely intuitive data collection and analysis capabilities, SPARK completely redefines the concept of easy-to-use--so the focus remains on the learning of science.” The teachers enjoyed the time to practice specific labs and to design their own labs to use in the program next year. These resources support student-centred learning by providing hands-on experiences, digital tools and making learning relevant by leveraging classroom and fieldwork.

Mrs. Lindsay Gillies, CGA
Financial Analyst

Lindsay recently completed her Certified General Accountant designation while working full time in the Finance Office. As a CGA, Lindsay will adhere to one of Canada’s most respected codes of ethics and rules of professional conduct, and be respected for her commitment to continuing professional development.

The business, academic and professional communities hold the CGA designation in the highest regard for its unwavering focus on the development and maintenance of professional competence.

Mr. Tony Novo
Maintenance

Four years ago Tony went to his supervisor, Cameron Playfair, with the goal of becoming a certified Tradesman. He was already a proficient maintenance mechanic in the plumbing, caprentary and HVAC fields. After some consideration, he decided to become a certified electrician.

In 2006 Tony and the College entered into an apprenticeship agreement. After night school two days a week even throughout the summers Tony completed his schooling in early June of this year. The training on the job came both here at the College and in cooperation with a local contractor, Hank’s Electric. Tony was given credit by the ministry for past work 4,000 hours (max allowable) and completed the additional 5,000 hours required earlier this year.

Tony recently received the positive results from his Certificate of Qualification examination and he is now a provincially licensed electrician.

Wilderness and First Aid Training

Outside of the numerous Faculty and Staff who participated in the Red Cross, CPR and First Aid training this year, we had five members of staff and two supply teachers who were certified in Wilderness First Aid Training. This program is designed for the recreational outdoor enthusiast and provides expertise and an added level of knowledge to our outdoor education program.  The course concentrates on the basics of packaging and transporting patients and managing life and limb threats in remote environments. It also includes prevention and treatment of common environmental problems like Hypothermia, Heat Exhaustion and Stroke. Kate Boose & Paul Logan from the Middle School and John Bulger, Jeff Whittard & Kris Zelinsky  from the Senior School all completed the training this year.

UOIT (University of Ontario Information Technology) AQ –E-Learning
Aleecia Brunberg, Brie St. Michael, William Peat

HSC is a founding member school of the CIS E-learning Consortium established in 2009. Currently there are 16 CIS member schools involved. To be a teacher in this program, faculty must complete an on-line AQ course of 125 hours either in the summer or during the school year. The program was originally intended for Senior School students and will be expanding to offer modules for Middle School students. To be ahead of the curve, Aleecia and Brie completed the AQ course this year and have built modules for Grades 6 and 8 science. These will be launched for HSC students this year and next and then offered to consortium schools the following year. William joins the Senior School cohort of three accredited on-line teachers (Jan Morrison. Christine Ellis, Michele Sacchetti) having completed the full year course. Linda Watson, our learning Commons Coordinator is also accredited for the program. Within the consortium, HSC leads the pack with the greatest number of certified on-line teachers through UOIT – Seven completed, one for the summer of 2011 (Carrie Annable)  and one for the full year 2011-12 (Shannon Wilson).

Melissa Mancini, PHE Specialist

Melissa will be the assistant teacher in York University's Honours Health and Physical Education Specialist in Greece this summer.  She will be earning her Honours Specialist qualification upon completion of the 9 days in class and on field trips in Greece. In addition, she will complete 37 hours of online instructor-guided pre-trip learning, and an independent report representing 25 hours of individual work.  She is most excited about teaching the wrestling unit in Athens where it originated and where the first Olympic games were held.

John Bulger – Geography Specialist

Chris Dawn – Biology Specialist

Michael Moore – Math Specialist

Ms. Danielle Hourigan
Montessori Teacher

At her graduation ceremony on June 9 from the Faculty of Education Master’s program, Danielle was awarded the Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock Medal for the Faculty of Graduate Study. Criteria for the award includes leadership, courage, innovation, inspiration, and community involvement. In her multiple roles at HSC as Assistant Principal of Montessori, School Life coordinator, Director of Summer Camps and as an HSC alumna, Danielle has demonstrated excellence in all of these areas. Her commitment to both her personal and professional families is exemplary.

Mme. Heidy Peragine

Mme. Peragine was nominated for a 2011 Me to We Hero Award in the Educator Section.

This is an award that is given to those individuals who are creating change in their communities.  Mme. Peragine's work with the English Conversation Circle program has changed the lives of many immigrant and refugee youth in Hamilton and also the HSC volunteers.

Mme Peragine has provided excellent instruction in the AP French program at HSC for many years. She will participate in a week of AP training in French language at St. Clement’s school in July to learn about the upcoming changes to this AP coursework.