Did You Know?

You know that AVSS is a great school with fantastic students. Here are some other things to know about us!

Programming

· we offer full programming in Academic, Applied, Locally Developed, and Developmental pathways

· we have Specialist High Skills Major programs in Arts and Culture, Construction, Health and Wellness, Hospitality and Tourism, and Transportation

· we are the only Tech. Emphasis school in Elgin County – offering programs in Transportation, Construction, Manufacturing, Health Care, Communications, Baking, Cooking, and Hair and Aesthetics


Students

· one of our students had a lead role in the Grand Theatre’s recent productions of “Prom Queen” and “Evita”

· one of our students has been accepted to the Rotary International Exchange Program and will be spending a year overseas

· one of our students has written a short story which will represent TVDSB at the provincial level of the OSSTF Student Achievment Awards

· several students have competed in Toronto at the provincial Skills Competition in numerous areas such as hospitality, automotive, hair and aesthetics, communications, and public speaking

· one of our students has been chosen to be part of the Board’s ‘HELP’ Environmental Leadership Program

Academic Achievement

· over the past two years our overall grade 9 pass rate is 91%, and this year, our grade 9 pass rate is 96%

· we have a Student Success Teacher and team focusing on grade 9 achievement

· 100% of our University and College eligible applicants last year were accepted into the programs of their choice

Building

· Dr. Arthur Voaden was a native of Talbotville and was Principal until he died in 1931

· our school was built in 1925, took one year to complete, and has had 3 major additions/renovations

· our auditorium seats over 400 people and is one of a kind in Elgin County

Clubs and Activities

· our Robotics team competes every year in the Board’s competition

· we have a video game club that meets every week

· we have offered international field trips and groups have recently gone to China, Italy and Greece

· our Special Olympics teams have qualified for provincial championships in floor hockey and bocce as well as the national competition in basketball

· we offer a variety of competitive TVRA teams in all seasons

Community 

· every year our local donors help us give out over $30,000 in Commencement scholarships

· we won ‘Best High School Float’ for the last three years in the St. Thomas Santa Claus Parade

· we have a Breakfast Program and Clothing Room to support our students

· our Co-op program places numerous students each semester with local businesses

· our Viking Catering program provides food to local students and groups each year

· we support International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, have an all-gender washroom and a QSA that meets regularly

Staff

Did you know that one of our staff members…

· has illustrated a children’s book and a series of books used in colleges across Canada?

· has her own podcast?

· was a coach of the US Olympic curling team?

· is an award-winning spoken word poet who has performed for over 80,000 people across the country? 

· won the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Excellence in teaching?

· is a National Teaching Award winner for Technology in the classroom?

· has created a YouTube math video that's been viewed over 15,000 times?

· won a softball world championship?

· has been recognized as a ‘Champion of Inclusion’ by our Board?

· has won the Board’s Award of Distinction?

· is a trained SCUBA instructor?