Updated August 11, 2009

Math Textbook Loans

Are you interested in doing some work to prepare for your next math course? The Mathematics Department would be happy to loan you a textbook. The policy of the department is to ask for an $85.00 cheque/cash for the replacement cost of the book plus a small usage fee. Once the book is returned, the cheque will be returned to you. During the school year, this is subject to the availability of the book since it will be needed for class. Books borrowed during the summer must be returned the first week of school.

The Principal's Newsletter: January 2009

The first semester has been both busy and successful for the math department. We would like to welcome Mr. Gray, Ms McCarthy, Mrs. Aldridge and Mr. Egan, who is taking over for Ms Shi while she enjoys her maternity leave.

Math contests have been in full swing since school started. Each month we have a dedicated group of mathematicians–in–training participate in the Canadian National Math League. These students can then see how their problem solving skills match up against students from across Canada. We also participated in the regional CHAMP math contest with all of our students in Grade 9 writing the contest as well as interested students from other grades. Thank you to all the students who participated. Students have already started preparing for the Waterloo math contests which are being written in February.

The math department also hosted its first ever Grade 9 Parent Math Night on October 9th. This was an opportunity for parents and guardians to go back to the classroom and explore and investigate math concepts with their son or daughter as their guide. A great time was had by all and we look forward to our second semester Math Night. If you have a son or daughter taking Grade 9 math in second semester, please consider joining us for a fun night of activities and information.

The “math problem of the week” continues to challenge the minds of SLSS. Students and staff continue to eagerly solve the problem presented to them each week. Thanks to Mrs. Baumgartner for preparing the weekly problems.

We also have a committed group of students who have started and maintain the coolest club in the school – THE MATH CLUB. Students plan activities, play games with a mathematical slant and generally enjoy all things connected to math.

A little reminder to those students who want to deepen their understanding of mathematics, the “Math Drop-in Centre” will continue for the second semester. Students can get extra help in mathematics on Thursdays, before and after school in room 204.

The teachers would like to thank everyone for an exciting first semester. We all look forward to second semester!

The Principal's Newsletter: June 2008

We wrapped up another good year participating in the CHAMP and Waterloo math contests. Although we were small in number, we certainly competed respectably against larger and more established schools.

For the first time this year , the Math Lynx also participated in a another set of contests from the University of Waterloo. The Fryer, Galois and Hypatia contests are more problem solving in nature and allow students the opportunity to communicate the thinking behind their solutions. Congratulations to all students who participated in the math contests this year and to Ms Leung and Ms Wasylyk for organizing this year's contests.

Ms Baumgartner kept the gears in our brains spinning this semester with the engaging Math Problem of the Week. Students and staff solved a problem each week and were entered into a draw for a delicious Toblerone chocolate and Village points. Congratulations to all our problem solvers.

Helping Your Teen Succeed in Math (.pdf)
(handout from Parents Night, November 15, 2007)

Math Online

Learning Algebra Fundamentals

Math in Grades 10 and 11

The courses have been designed to address individual student needs and prepare students for their intended post-secondary choices. As educators we want students to choose appropriately to ensure success and at the same time provide flexibility in future course selections.
When considering a Grade 9 mathematics course, it is strongly recommended that students select a course in which they will most likely experience success. The courses are designed to provide a flexible entry point to meet the needs of all Grade 8 students.

The type of course chosen depends on many factors: ability, achievement, attitude/motivation, organizational skills, learning styles, future goals, etc. Carefully examine a student's achievement in mathematics and consider the most appropriate learning environment. The grade 8 math teacher should examine each student's achievement in detail and use the information to recommend which course will support success for the student at this point in time.

The Grade 9 Applied Course is intended for the learner who has experienced some degree of success in most areas of the Grade 8 mathematics program, who would benefit from more time consolidating key concepts and skills in mathematics, as well as learning through hands-on activities and the use of concrete examples. This course enables students to develop understanding of mathematical concepts related to introductory algebra, proportional reasoning, and measurement and geometry through investigation, the effective use of technology, and hands-on activities. Students will investigate real-life examples to develop various representations of linear relationships, and will determine the connections between representations. They will also explore certain relationships that emerge from the measurement of three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional shapes. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking. This course leads to the Grade 10 Applied course. A transfer course is required for those who choose to take the Grade 10 Academic course.

The Grade 9 Academic Course is intended for those students who are ready to learn through abstract reasoning. The course provides more opportunities to develop a higher level of algebraic skills. This course enables students to develop understanding of mathematical concepts related to algebra, analytic geometry, and measurement and geometry through investigation, the effective use of technology, and abstract reasoning. Students will investigate relationships, which they will then generalize as equations of lines and will determine the connections between different representations of a relationship. They will also explore relationships that emerge from the measurement of three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional shapes. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems. This course leads to the Grade 10 Academic course.

Mathematics Assessment in Grade 9

An annual Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics provides individual and system data on students' knowledge and skills in the area of Mathematics. The assessment is based on the new Mathematics curriculum implement in September 1999 and different assessments have been developed for students in Applied and Academic programs. All students in these programs are required to participate in the assessment. More information can be found at EQAO's website.

Also, take a look at this Math Tip Sheet for the Grade 9 Test.