The Voices Behind The Screens

THE VSS VOICE

Virtual Secondary School Newsletter • December 2023

MESSAGE FROM ADMIN

Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Students at VSS:
I hope this newsletter finds you in good health.
As the holiday season approaches, it is essential to emphasize the
importance of rest and participation in enjoyable activities. Setting
aside time for relaxation and rejuvenation is vital for overall well-
being and effective preparation for end-of-semester events.
When courses return in January, we will begin the first semester’s
final activities. Students will be given information about their final
culminating assignments, and exam preparations will begin. This phase allows students to
demonstrate and exhibit their newly learned knowledge. We encourage everyone to take part in
this learning event.

The timetable for our final exam days is shown below.

Signed,
Ms. Zorica Prekajski and the VSS Admin Team

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Winter Break: Dec. 25 - Jan. 5 2024
Late Starts: Last two Wednesdays of each month
Last Day of Semester 1 Classes: Jan. 23 2024
Exam/Credit Rescue Week: Jan. 24-30 2024
Mark Review Day: Jan. 31, Day 1 Schedule
Start of Semester 2: Feb. 1 2024
 CLASSROOM LEARNING UPDATES
Welcome to VSS, where our classrooms are brimming with exciting learning opportunities! Explore the
most recent updates as we work to create an engaging educational environment for our students.

Ms. Ferguson’s Senior Drama Class

The drama department was very fortunate to have actress Amrit Kaur in to
talk about her experience as an up and coming South Asian actress in
Hollywood. We had a great time hearing about her experiences as a POC in
the acting industry. Amrit stars in Mindy Kaling's new hit comedy on HBO
and has been in numerous other productions such as Kim's Convenience
and Star Trek, among others. The students had many insightful questions
and learned so much about this exciting industry!

Ms. Mora’s Period 2 Info. Communication Tech. Class

BTT students have been learning Digital Literacy skills to keep up with our
ever changing world. Through self assessments they identified
ergonomic issues and made positive changes to their work setups;
check out their ergonomic memes under Tech Tips to see if any of these
scenarios might apply to you! Congratulations to Adriel, Fatima N., Akir,
Avika, Matteo, Jollivia, Xavion, Cross, Abigail, and Fatima H. who
obtained their Level 1 IC3 Digital Literacy Certification through a TDSB
Partnership with CCI Learning.

Mr. Patel's Period 1 Gr. 12 Business Leadership Class

Students were tasked with choosing an organization, whether it be a
business, institution, nonprofit, etc. They were then required to conduct
research and present findings on the organization's overall purpose,
detailing what it does and how it operates. Additionally, students had to
identify the three levels of management within the chosen organization
and outline various positions at each level. To synthesize their
understanding, they wrote reflection on the significance of the three
management levels for the organization and how each level contributes
to overall guidance and productivity. Furthermore, students were
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND instructed to pick two of the management theories covered in class and
assess their relevance within the chosen organization.

Mr. Patel's Period 4 Gr. 12 International Business Class

Grade 12 International Business (BBB4M) students were assigned the
task of comparing Canada with one of its primary trading partners.
Their responsibilities included researching the physical, economic,
political, and social characteristics of the chosen country and drawing
comparisons to Canada. Subsequently, students were required to
provide reflections on the significance of the physical, economic,
political, and social attributes of a trading partner in the context of
international trade. Link to full infographic
 CLASSROOM LEARNING UPDATES

CANADIAN AND WORLD STUDIES AND THE ARTS

In November, the Canadian and World Studies Department along
with the Art Department welcomed Canadian recording artist, T .
Thomason, to the Virtual Secondary School. Over 150 students and
staff gathered for an interview of T. Thomason focusing on his
inspirations for creating music and his career. He also played us a
number of his songs. It was a unique and interesting learning
experience!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE VSS CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION CLASS!

This semester at VSS, co-op students are working virtually in journalism, law, graphic design,
sales, social media, accounting, web design, and communications placements.

Other students are working in-person through OYAP Programs within the skilled trades such
as hairstyling, electrician and auto mechanics, as well as in healthcare placements at family
clinics, and medical imaging centers.

Semester 2 students are busy connecting with their co-op teachers Mr. Chan (4 Credit) and
Ms. Mora (2 Credit) to share their interests and learn if a TDSB Central Co-op Program, such
as the new OYAP Construction Quick Start Program (includes paid placements), or numerous
in demand hospital programs located in Toronto, might be a good fit.

Nafay
Princess & Esther Tavia
Midland-Ellesmere X-Ray and
Cara Medical Clinic Warden Woods Salon
Ultrasound & Cardiac Testing
 EXTRACURRICULARS
Did you know that VSS has over 20 clubs running this year?
Students can explore and connect with others - there are clubs for everyone!
If you’re interested in meeting with students sharing the same identities as you, check out the
Black Student Alliance (BSA), Asian Student Alliance (ASA), Muslim Student Association (MSA),
Jewish Student Association (JSA), and the Tamil Student Association (TSA). If you’d like to spend
time with peers that have the same interests as you, join the Gaming Club, VSS Bake Club, Math
Club, or the Art & Craft Club.
VSS CLUB HUB
Some new clubs include the Believe Leadership Program, Half Hour History, SCAN QR CODE
Newsletter Club, and the Virtual School Play. You may also recognize some clubs
from last year, like the Business Club, Model UN, Student Council, and Yearbook.

If you want to help others check out the ESL Multicultural Club, L2L Tutoring Club,
and Peer Tech Support, or join Environmental Alliance Eco Club if you want to
help our planet.
Is there a club you’d like to see at VSS? Suggest one through the VSS Club Hub page.

VSS BAKE CLUB

VSS Bake Club is underway! Members shared their creations from October’s theme, The
Comfort of Fall. Club members made cinnamon buns, muffins, pumpkin spice cake, cookies
and so much more. The club is looking forward to next month's theme, Cozy Cakes!
VSS Bake Club meets the first Tuesday of every month. Happy baking VSS!
Follow us on our website for more information: Check out our website or scan our QR Code:
 MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The MSA watched a documentary, 'LIFE WITHOUT BASKETBALL,' telling the
story about a girl named Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir breaking records and barriers
on her way to becoming the first Division I athlete to play basketball while
wearing a hijab. When a controversial ruling ends her chances of playing
professionally, she reexamines her faith and identity as a Muslim American.

ESL MULTICULTURAL CLUB

The ESL Multicultural Club wants to showcase the artwork of our English Language Learners!

BY: MUNAZA KAMAL BY: JINGQI HUANG BY: FATIMAH MARWANE

REMEMBRANCE DAY
This year, VSS held a Remembrance Day ceremony to honour the
veterans who fought for our country and those who paid the
ultimate price. We heard from students delivering poems and
other readings, we had an opportunity to view student art, and
held a moment of silence. We also heard from Captain Bruce
Forsyth, a trainer with the 32nd Battalion of the Canadian Armed
Forces sharing his thoughts on Remembrance Day. It was a truly
respectful and meaningful ceremony. Thank you to all those staff
BY: NATASHA D.
and students who helped put it together. Lest we forget.

MATH CLUB
MATH PUZZLES Fun for the whole family- try these puzzles below, and check out the QR code
for more! New puzzles are revealed at 4am EST every day in December. Solutions are
available on the following day.
FOR SOULTIONS
AND MORE PUZZLES
VSS MODEL UN (UNITED NATIONS)
Are you interested in debating, learning valuable new skills, and accumulating volunteer hours? TIf
yes, then VSS Model UN is perfect for you! The club is in full swing - members have spent all of
Semester 1 so far learning about debate structure, working on research skills, practicing public
speaking, and discussing fun topics. Model UN is a friendly space for beginner and seasoned
debaters alike to explore current world issues.
During weekly meetings (Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), club members are encouraging,
supportive and share ways to improve their debate skills.
This is all to prepare for two conferences coming up in the new year! The first conference on
animal and nature conservation will be taking place in late February. Everyone is welcome to
attend! Please look out for the morning announcements for further details. Model UN hopes to see
you all there!
For more information Contact Staff Advisor: [email protected]

ABOUT
For beginners and those want to refresh their
knowledge of debate
Currently holding conference tutorials

WHAT YOU GAIN

Volunteer Hours
Improve research skill
Improve analytical skills
Improve communication skills
Meetings every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 pm
Classroom Code: 3gg5ml7

STUDENT VOICE - SUBMISSIONS

Do you want to see your work published in your school’s
newsletter?
The Newsletter Club is looking for creative original work submissions from
VSS Students to feature in our monthly school newsletter.

Please submit your creative work including: artwork such as digital

illustrations, scans/images of physical artwork, photography, or written
work including poetry. The newsletter team will review all submissions and
will integrate selected pieces into the next issue.

We are hoping to use student creative work submissions to take the

pulse of our student community and share the voices behind the screens!
 TECH TIPS
Want to boost your productivity, and enhance your digital literacy skills? Here are some
helpful tech tips related to ergonomics - memes created by BTT1O students.

Did you know that exposure to blue

light from screens causes: sleep
disruption, eyestrain, and fatigue?
Practice the 20-20-20 rule to minimize
these effects. Every 20 minutes, look 20
feet away for 20 seconds.

Did you know adding additional

equipment is a great way to Did you know that
improve your work setup? looking down at a
computer screen or cell
These might include: external phone can increase the
keyboard, external mouse, office effective weight on your
chair, foot rest, back support neck from 10 pounds to
cushion, laptop stand, task light about 60 pounds at a
60 degree angle? Ouch!

Did you know that your body Raise your screen or

Fix my posture, lose tissues need movement and monitor to get it closer
back pain, neck pain,
strained vision, &
blood flow to stay healthy and to eye level using old
obtain all the health functional? books, or boxes. You
benefits of good
posture can also adjust the
Get up often and move angle of your monitor to
around during your classes. improve your neck
Switch up your positions between alignment. Both will help
sitting, standing, moving or laying. prevent strain and
headaches.
 STUDENT COUNCIL
These individuals bring with them a passion for advocacy, a commitment to inclusivity, and a
vision for enhancing the student experience. From organizing engaging events (such as Finance
Your Education and Winter Fair) to championing student initiatives, our Student Council Executives
are dedicated to making VSS an even more vibrant and supportive community.
Join us in welcoming these emerging leaders who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on our
school. The year ahead promises to be one filled with collaboration, growth, and memorable
experiences.

WELCOME TO A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP:

PRESIDENT VICE - PRESIDENT

MEET
THE VSS
STUDENT
COUNCIL
EXECUTIVES!

SAFA KHAN IMAN SOLIMAN

SOCIAL CONVENORS PUBLICLY COORDINATOR

AVIKA KAUSHIK ISLAM SOLIMAN ELAKKIYAH SALINA

KRISNAGOPAL KHURANA

TDSB VSS SCHOOL CONTACTS

Nick Rowe, Principal • [email protected]
Zorica Prekajski, Vice Principal • [email protected]
Wendy Luck, Vice Principal • [email protected]
VSS Main Office • 416-393-8240 • [email protected]