Updated: January 6, 2009

Principal's Newsletter, June 2008

We had many exciting experiences in our English classes this past year. Some of our grade 10 students participated in an interesting and rewarding integration program with Applewood School. This opportunity encouraged inclusion and offered a wonderful connection with our theme this year of diversity. Both schools benefited from this experience. Other grade 10 students attended a live performance of Romeo and Juliet which enriched the study in the classroom. Similarly, grade 11 students benefited from a travelling tour, Shakesperience, which enhanced their study of Macbeth.

Once again, our French students visited a French restaurant, Bistro Matisse, to sample French delicacies in an authentic cultural setting. The grade 11s took a virtual trip to Paris to experience French cuisine, tourist attractions and historical sites. All grade 9 French students were eager to participate in crepe making with a French flair while enjoying French cinema.

Many of our ELL students participated in assisting to develop SLSS's Diversity Garden. It got us out of the classroom to experience the rewards of helping with a garden from the very beginning stages and they look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour.

The Communications Department is excited about next year as we develop and implement our grade 12 programs.

The Communications Department is an active and busy place. It consists of English, English as a Second Language, and French. English and French classes offer twinned studies,whenever possible, to enhance cross-curricular opportunities available to students.

For example, in 2007-2008, the first twinned study will be an exploration of the short story, The Hockey Sweater, to develop an appreciation of story structure, characterization, and vocabulary development. This experience also aligns with our values of social justice and equity here at Stephen Lewis while providing an authentic Canadian experience.

Our challenging English classes develop literacy skills to enable students to use language skillfully and confidently. As well, literature is an important component of identify and culture. Our courses encourage reflection to deepen students' understanding of themselves and the world around them. Students read and reflect on a variety of literature, informational texts, and media works. Each course is designed to connect with our values here at Stephen Lewis Secondary School:
Excellence-Community-Respect.

English as a Second Language classes offer a welcoming and safe environment for learning. It is a space to explore and play with language with a focus on vocabulary and critical thinking. Students read a rich variety of texts to develop crucial literacy skills. Field trips are offered whenever possible to enhance the language acquisition experience.

Core French

Knowledge of a foreign language is your passport to the future.

Do you want to enjoy francophone culture,
music, games, movies and food?

Then, Core French is for you! Learning French will open doors to a variety of careers, travel, friendships, and much more. To enrich your cultural experience learning French, join our French Club, Cercle d'amis, where you can participate in school-wide activities such as the Café Français.

If you are interested in an exchange, see a French teacher for exciting possibilities abroad.

French Course Descriptions: Academic

Grade 9: Watch French films, travel through time, solve a mystery, and make your very own web page.

Grade 10: Explore international cuisine, revisit your childhood, learn about the power of advertising, and enjoy fine dining at a local French bistro.

Grade 11: Take a guided tour of Paris, discover fine art, and travel the world learning about various French speaking countries.

French Course Descriptions: Applied

Grade 9: Watch French films, learn how to survive in a Francophone city, experiment with visual arts, and create your own news broadcast.

Grade 10: Discover your passion for the French language and culture through French cuisine, music and film. Read and write your own short story in French.