David Thompson Secondary School (Vancouver)
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| David Thompson Secondary School | |
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| Address | |
| 1755 East 55th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia, V5P 1Z7, Canada |
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| Information | |
| School number | 3939018 |
| School board | School District 39 Vancouver |
| Superintendent | Gary Little |
| Area trustee | Allan Wong |
| Principal | Ms. D. Braeder |
| Vice principal | Mr. S. Blake Ms. J. Dawson Mr. K. Gill |
| Administrator | Ms. M. Garcia |
| School type | Secondary School |
| Grades | 8-12 |
| Language | English |
| Area | Victoria-Fraserview |
| Team name | Trojans |
| Colours | Blue and White |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Enrollment | 1790[1] (March 2008) |
| Homepage | http://thompson.vsb.bc.ca/ |
David Thompson Secondary School is a public high school located in Victoria-Fraserview neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It opened in 1958 and was named after David Thompson.
Contents |
[edit] Mission Statement
By providing programs and activities that are both nuturing and challenging, David Thompson encourages students to realize their creative, intellectual, and physical potential and develop the personal and social skills necessary for responsible citizenship in a diverse society.
[edit] Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Drawn up in the 2004 - 2005 academic year by former vice-principal, Mr. F. Ballantyne, the Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities outlines basic student rights as well as universal student responsibilities.
Student rights include, in their entirety:
- to feel safe and respected in the school and to be free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance;
- to be treated equally amongst other students regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status;
- to learn;
- to have clear criteria for evaluation before an assignment;
- to have advanced notice of formal evaluation;
- to have information, early in the year, on behavioural expectations and consequences for classes and school;
- to speak my own languages in the hallways;
- to attend curricular and co-curricular field studies and work experience;
- to have a parent/guardian or adult advocate of my choice at the school, present during student-administration interviews when it is a serious issue.
Student responsibilities include, in their entirety:
- to respect the rights of others;
- to not threaten or hurt anyone physically;
- to be an active learner, attend all classes, complete assignments and work cooperatively in the classroom;
- to maintain school cleanliness;
- to use school resources and property with care and respect;
- to listen while others are speaking;
- to speak English in classrooms, with the exception of modern language classes.
The Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities, however, is largely ceremonial and has rarely, if ever, been used formally during school proceedings to determine the results of a disciplinary issue.
[edit] History
David Thompson Secondary School opened in 1958. During the first year, 1500 students were enrolled and the first graduating class was in 1960. Gradually, the number increased until the mid-seventies where the average annual population was in excess of two thousand.
Since the school's opening, nine principals have served the school and its community. They are:
- Mr. A. Hyndman (1958 - 1962)
- Mr. H. Johnston (1962 - 1969)
- Mr. K.R. MacKenzie (1969 - 1978)
- Mr. K.M. Macpherson (1978 - 1986)
- Mr. L.A. Rosse (1978 - 1986)
- Ms. B.M. Walker (1990 - 1995)
- Mrs. J. Wilson (1995 - 2002)
- Mr. I. McKay (2002 - 2006)
- Ms. D. Braeder (2006 - Present)
[edit] School Programs
David Thompson offers a comprehensive list of courses, including those in Business Education, Career and Personal Planning, Counselling, English, Fine Arts, Home Economics, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Sciences, Social Studies, Special Education and Technical Studies, as outlined in the school's course description booklet.[1]
[edit] David Thompson Odyssey Mini School
The David Thompson Odyssey Mini School challenges highly motivated creative achievers. The program offers acceleration in Mathematics and Science in which students complete the Grade 8-10 curricula in two years. Acceleration provides choice and flexibility which allows students to tailor their education to meet their individual needs and goals. Enrichment courses are also offered in English and Social Studies from Grade 8-11. Under the guidance of the program coordinator, students can choose from a variety of Advanced Placement courses, electives, and delivery options such as on-line learning.
At the senior level, Advanced Placement courses offered include AP Biology 11 and 12, AP Chemistry 11 and 12, AP Physics 11 and 12, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP English Literature, and AP Mandarin. Students may participate in any or all of these programs provided they meet the established criteria. Thus, the program can accommodate students with a variety of talents and interests.
Students at each grade level are required to fulfill a minimum of 20 hours to community service outside the school each year. The students are required to find a suitable placement that will help them develop a sense of social responsibility.
Students are selected through testing for entrance during their Grade 7 year. A student who wishes to enter the program after Grade 8 should contact the Odyssey Mini School coordinator, Mrs. Karen Naso, to inquire if space is available. Selection will be based on student records and the results from a variety of testing instruments. A committee of representative teachers will review applications and determine the successful candidates.
[edit] David Thompson BEST (Business Education, Science & Technology)
David Thompson is currently exploring the option of an additional "magnet school" that focuses on business education, science and technology. A subcommittee of teachers from these respective departments have been formed and discussion is underway concerning the implementation of this initiative.
[edit] Notable Staff and Alumni
[edit] Staff
[edit] Alumni
- McEwan, Jim, Joan and Jill (established the McEwan Family Awards and Scholarships)
- Lee, Lik Hang (winner of the Governor-General's Award)
- Cheung, Kayi (Miss Hong Kong 2007)
- Choi, Stephen (winner of the Governor-General's Award)
