Husky Howler
May 2, 2024
Embedded Files
UPCOMING DATES
May 2: Feedback Day/Last Day of Winter Semester
May 6: First Day of Semester
May 6–10: Spring Fever
May 13: Course Withdrawal Deadline
May 17: Culture Fest
May 20: Victoria Day
May 30: Mid-Term
June 6: Prom
June 20: June Day
June 21–25: Final Exams
June 26: Graduation Ceremony
Date TBC: Canada's Wonderland Trip
June 28: PD Day – No School
Thank you so much to everyone who filled out our Parent and Family Perception Survey that was sent out a few weeks ago - our goal is always to improve our programs and services, so your feedback was and always is appreciated. We look forward to implementing your feedback within our current framework to continue making Hudson a wonderful place to grow, connect, and learn!
Call for Guest Speakers
Every year, we have amazing people speak to our students. We recently hosted Hudson parents Dr. Kathy Boutis and John Carere as speakers in our Parent Career Conversations series. We're always on the lookout for volunteers who'd like to speak to our students about a variety of subjects.
If you'd like to provide industry and career guidance, specialized academic subject (including fine arts) lectures, or be a motivational speaker, please fill out the form below!
SCHOOL NEWS
Letter from the Principal
Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we approach the end of an exciting and eventful Winter Semester here at Hudson, we also look forward to launching into Spring and the final term. It was an action-packed semester, filled with enriching and exciting experiences and events.
In March, the student community was abuzz during the annual House Olympic Games, where students from each grade participated in house vs. house activities, including games such as Giant Hungry, Hungry Hippos & Battleship Dodgeball – it was great to witness the teamwork displayed by our students. A lot of energy, a lot of fun!
Right before March Break, over 30 Hudson students embarked on the annual two-week International Trip, setting off to explore historical and exciting cities in Portugal, Spain, and France. I often hear from parents that the trips are life-changing for their children. This year was no exception.
Meanwhile, a few of our students proudly represented Hudson at the Toronto Model United Nations (TMUN), participating in many different committee sessions alongside students from across the globe. They related it was interesting to meet and interact with students from around the world - for a common purpose. We are looking forward to seeing them shine further at Canada Model United Nations in late May!
In an effort of community-building, students came together for a dodgeball game, where students contributed to a dress-down day fundraiser while enjoying pizza and cheering on their peers in a dodgeball game against teachers. The teachers did better than (some) students expected! All funds raised were donated to Movember in support of men’s mental health awareness.
One major highlight of April was the Hudson Art Fest, which was held on April 18th. The evening included a mini art display, musical performances, a drama production by our drama program, dance showcases, and more. Over 100 attended to experience an outstanding show of student creativity, initiative, and community! It was truly a memorable evening.
We are at the start of a new semester with fresh opportunities to learn. There are still many activities to experience, including Prom. With the anticipation of summer, and importantly, our special Graduation Ceremony on the horizon.
Sincerely,
Jack
Going for the Gold (AKA House Points)!
Just before March Break, our students had a blast at the House Olympic Games (HOGs), a beloved Hudson tradition! On March 8th, each grade competed House vs. House in four exciting activities inspired by childhood favourites.
Giant Hungry, Hungry Hippos had students rolling around on wheely boards, collecting pit balls in oversized hippo heads. The Floor is Twisted Lava, challenged students to balance on uniquely shaped spots in the Common Room. Battleship Dodgeball transformed the art room into a battleground with tables as dividers, adding an exciting twist to dodgeball gameplay.
To recharge, students engaged in Pop Culture Kahoot and enjoyed a pizza lunch. With all the energy and excitement, it's anyone's guess who will claim the House Cup this year. Currently, the Prairies are leading, but the competition is fierce!
Fun Fact: Did you know the HOGs were originally called “MOGs”? They were initially the Maritimes Olympic Games, created and organized by the Maritimes House for the very first event. How times have changed!
Hudson Students' International Adventure
From March 7th to 24th, over 30 Hudson students went on an exciting two-week journey through different cities in Portugal, Spain, and France!
Some highlights included a three-town bus tour through Portugal, visits to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, and cultural experiences, including a riveting live flamcenco dance show in Madrid! In France, students enjoyed a Seine River cruise and explored the Palace of Versailles (and, of course, la Tour Eiffel!).
These experiences expanded our students' perspectives, providing them with insights into the depth of our world and the communities within them. Thank you so much to the faculty and staff (special shoutout to Yovanny and Le) who made this amazing trip possible!
Want more International Trip content? Check out this amazing video created by one of our Grade 12 Social Media Ambassadors, Mayde!
Empowering Future Leaders at Toronto Model UN
Three of our talented students, Anke, Nayaria, and Sofia K., represented Hudson at the Toronto Model United Nations (TMUN) 2024 conference. TMUN brought together hundreds of high school students from across the globe, including from Japan, Kuwait, Cuba, Vietnam, and beyond!
Students participated in nine Model UN committee sessions, where they debated global issues & collaborated with delegates from varying backgrounds. This allowed for an amazing opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of international affairs and the workings of the United Nations while further developing their understanding of collaboration techniques. Our students were engaged in thoughtful discussions and built long-lasting connections with fellow delegates!
Congratulations to Anke, Nayaria, and Sofia K. for their excellent representation of Hudson at TMUN 2024 - we are so proud of you!
Celebrating Student Artists at Hudson Art Fest
On April 18th, we hosted our annual Art Fest, showcasing an array of creative talents from our students. Over 100 parents, guardians, family, and friends were in attendance - what a fantastic turnout!
The night started with a mini art gallery displaying visual artworks from our arts program, followed by a spooky drama performance by our drama program, a music performance by our music program, and a showcase of silent films and short documentaries crafted by our aspiring filmmakers.
Musical performances & solo acts from our talent show segment underscored the variety of the artistic capabilities of our students. We were so amazed by the talents on display, which highlighted the vibrancy of our arts programming and those teaching it. Speaking of, we extend a massive thank you to the Art Fest leads, Meghan and Janessa, whose vision & dedication made this night possible. Their efforts, along with the incredible talents of our students, made Art Fest a true celebration of the artistic capacity of Hudson students - well done, Huskies!
Check out the Hudson Art Fest activity program below, a short recap video here, and an album of photos on Facebook here!
Teachers vs. Students Dodgeball Game
Earlier this month, the Hudson Justice League organized a fundraiser featuring a teachers vs. students dodgeball game, accompanied by a pizza lunch and a paid dress-down day for our students! Teachers and students battled it out in a thrilling match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats – who do you think came out on top?
We ended up raising over $700 - woohoo! All funds will go towards supporting Movember to raise awareness for men's mental health initiatives. Shoutout to the wonderful students of the Hudson Justice League for organizing this important initiative!
Teachers vs. Students Dodgeball Game
Earlier this month, the Hudson Justice League organized a fundraiser featuring a teachers vs. students dodgeball game, accompanied by a pizza lunch and a paid dress-down day for our students! Teachers and students battled it out in a thrilling match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats – who do you think came out on top?
We ended up raising over $700 - woohoo! All funds will go towards supporting Movember to raise awareness for men's mental health initiatives. Shoutout to the wonderful students of the Hudson Justice League for organizing this important initiative!
Welcoming Emma & Matilda to the Hudson Team!
Emma – Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
Emma – Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
As the Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator, Emma joins the Hudson team to continue to strengthen the Hudson community both online and offline. She's a graduate of the Creative Industries program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she also earned a minor in sociology. During her time at TMU, Emma seized numerous opportunities to hone her skills in marketing and communications. She served as a student ambassador and took on the role of Marketing & Events lead on the residence executive board, deepening her expertise in community engagement within an educational environment. Since graduating, Emma has pursued a career focused on cultivating vibrant and interactive communities, blending her digital marketing skills with a passion for meaningful connections. Her background includes a wealth of experience in dynamic, community-based environments, making her recent move to join the Hudson team in 2024 a natural fit.
Matilda – Student Support and Program Assistant
Matilda – Student Support and Program Assistant
As the new Student Support and Program Assistant, Matilda is here to support our international students and families, help facilitate personal development programs for all Upper School students, help ensure our graduating class has memorable celebrations and more! She believes in the importance of young voices in shaping our world today, and is excited to be nurturing them at Hudson! Outside of the school, Matilda can be found playing tabletop roleplaying games with friends, coding, doing crosswords and puzzles, and exploring Toronto's arthouse cinemas. She also enjoys studying linguistics and user interface design.
GUIDANCE UPDATE
A Message From Guidance
Hi Hudson Families!
Spring is here! A warm welcome to the sunshine, as we once again say farewell to what feels like an eternity of gray/cold days!
Term 2 final exams have wrapped up for the Upper School! Students can breathe a sigh of relief as another term of IRPs and exams has ended (while teachers feverishly mark!). I hope there are no surprises when it comes to report cards and students feel pride as they see the fruition of their hard work!
Course selection for the 2024-2025 academic year has been completed for all grades. Mr. Gaffen led the process by meeting with each grade and laying out course options for the next year. Students then completed their course selections on myBlueprint. If you are unfamiliar with myBlueprint, Hudson not only uses it for the course selection process, but it’s great for you/your child to track your/their progress through high school and plan courses for the following year(s).
**Important note: You can still request course changes for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact Mr. Gaffen (jgaffen@hudsoncollege.ca) for course change requests.
As we head into Term 3 and pack in all of the end-of-year events, such as prom and graduation, there is joy in the air! Amongst the hustle and bustle, I have no doubts that students and staff alike will be determined to complete Term 3 courses with their best foot forward. If you’re struggling to stay on top of academic work, I’m here to help you find/create solutions (stop by my office in Student Services)! The same goes for parents who are concerned about their child’s current learning skills– that is my jam! The best way to connect with me is over email (lstreff@hudsoncollege.ca) or by booking an appointment through my Google calendar: Ms. Streff's Google Calendar.
Wishing you all the best,
Ms. Streff
Parent Career Conversations
This semester, we hosted two Parent Career Conversations - Dr. Kathy Boutis spoke to our students on March 22nd, and John Carere, who spoke to them on April 26th.
Kathy, a pediatric physician in the Emergency Department at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, shared her riveting educational journey at the University of Toronto, Harvard University, and McMaster University. Her expertise knows no bounds as she also shared her experience as a clinical research scientist! What is Kathy's #1 tip for aspiring medical professionals? It starts with dreaming big and starting early!
John is a Managing Director and Group Head for Real Estate Corporate Banking for RBC Capital Markets, leading the team in Canada. John received his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario and his undergraduate degree from The University of Western Ontario. John also brought in his colleague, Laura, who recently graduated from Western's Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies program and shared her insight/experience as a new graduate in the world of finance!
Thank you again to Kathy, John, and Laura for taking time out of their busy schedules to inspire our students in the exciting worlds of medicine & finance!
If you are interested in speaking to our students in the next school year, please fill out the Parent Guest Speaker form, linked here. Help inspire the next generation!
Grade 9 Update
Grade 9 Update
We’re nearing the end of the first year of high school! With it came some scary “firsts”, such as IRPs, final exams, and learning that expectations may be different than what they’re used to and vary from class to class. Overall, the current Grade 9s have made the most of their year and I’m proud of them for growing and making adjustments along the way!
I remind students and families that Grades 9 and 10 years should be a time when students figure out what kind of learner they are. It’s a time to lean into exploring new activities, trying different study methods, and meeting new people. It’s a time to learn through trial and error, what works for them and what doesn’t (it’s going to be different for everyone!). Mistakes won’t stop happening in Grades 11 or 12 (we are hopefully evolving well into adulthood), but being able to take away the “golden nuggets”/lessons of what might have felt like disasters at the time…sets students up for success for the second half of high school.
If any students have further questions about courses they may have next year or what to expect, please feel free to ask (or take a look at the Course Offerings tab on this site!).
Grade 9 Parents: If you would like a 1:1 meeting with Guidance for a general wrap-up (eg. overall academic skills, social-emotional health, etc) about your child’s Grade 9 year, please feel free to sign up on my Google Calendar here: Ms. Streff's Google Calendar, or send me an email to set up a time!
Grade 10 Update
Grade 10 Update
The course selection for next year most likely looked different than in years past! No longer are students choosing a few electives, an entire catalogue of courses has opened up to them! I’m hoping this year’s Grade 10 students felt more of a personal investment during course selection, as they should have filled their schedule with courses that will set them up for Grade 12 (and ultimately, post-secondary prerequisites).
A reminder for Grade 11: For the Ontario curriculum, this is where we see math split into two different tracks (MCR3U: Functions, MCF3M: Functions & Applications), along with science divided into specialties (SBI3U: Biology, SCH3U: Chemistry, SPH3U: Physics).
Any student who would like to keep the doors open to STEM programs should select:
MCR3U: Functions
At least two sciences, even all three sciences to see which ones are preferred
MCF3M: Functions & Applications, should be chosen by students who 100% know they will not be pursuing any STEM-related program or Commerce in the future. By the way, it’s FINE for students to already know their academic strengths and to acknowledge math/science is not one of them! We need all kinds of people in this world, and as long as a student doesn’t feel like opportunities might be closed off to them by choosing MCF3M, that is where the priority lies!
Grade 11 Update
Grade 11 Update
I completed my first workshop introducing Grade 11 students to the need-to-know information for next year and the application process. At this point, I want to maintain the balance of giving students the info they need and should consider for Grade 12, while trying not to overwhelm them!
There is special consideration taken for course selection for the Grade 12 year, as we want to support and keep as many options open for students (it’s okay if you/they don’t know exactly what program they want to apply to yet!).
As of right now, I want students who may be unsure about what they want to study after high school to think about their academic strengths and interests. Even think about things they like learning more about in their free time (YouTube can be a rabbit hole!) or what draws their attention. This is often a good place to start :) Another good place to start is here: Ontario Universities Info. I will reference this site often and students should be using it to gather information about any/all Ontario universities and programs.
The focus of Grade 12 university and college applications will be on Ontario schools. If students want to apply abroad, it is their responsibility to keep up with all deadlines and prioritize learning more about the specific application process (this varies wildly from country to country!). I do encourage them to start talking to me about it NOW, as there will likely be paperwork I will need to be made aware of (e.g. transcripts, enrolment confirmation, etc).
I’ve already met with quite a few Grade 11 students who shared their course plans for next year, along with where they’re at in terms of programs they're interested in, etc. If you haven’t met with me yet, that’s okay. I will be an all too constant presence for you starting in September. ;)
Grade 11 Parents: I will be sending out slides soon outlining general information/timeline for next year. There will be more detailed information catered to parents in October, as you support your child through their last year of high school!
Grade 12 Update
Grade 12 Update
We are still in the midst of application season! While many Grade 12s have made THE decision and have committed to a university for next year, many students are still waiting. I would like to stress that for some of the most competitive programs (eg. Queen’s Commerce, Waterloo Engineering, etc.), IT IS COMPLETELY NORMAL to not have heard back yet. Final offers for these types of programs roll out throughout May, as university admissions get through evaluating supplementary applications.
May 29, 2024: students should receive final decisions from ALL Ontario universities. If students have applied out-of-province, this timeline will likely be different (they should be aware of this & should know the deadline to respond to their offer).
June 3, 2024: deadline for students to respond to their Ontario university offer(s).
I’m still happy to answer any questions, as I’ve been steadily working with you throughout this process! I can’t believe it’s soon coming to an end as we look forward to…
The 2024 Graduation Ceremony!: The graduation ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday, June 26th. Keep an eye out for information from Rosa Schawill for details!
Lastly, ENJOY your last term of high school…all the things that you swore you’d never miss…may have a different meaning/perspective a year from now. Keep that in mind as you complain, and hopefully savour the last months of high school. :)
SPORTS NEWS
U20 Table Tennis
Competing in singles and doubles, our U20 Table Tennis team had an absolute blast at the SSAF Tournament in early March. Congratulations to Amir and Adam for taking home silver in the U20 Boys Doubles!
U20 Badminton Team
Our Badminton team competed in the SSAF U20 Finals tournament on April 25th at the Epic Sports Badminton Center and ended up taking home the win … and the Championship Banner!
Shout out to Liam for winning gold in Male Singles, Rae for winning gold in Female Singles, and Aidan and Jackson L. for winning gold in Male Doubles!
Together, they accumulated 15 points, nudging out another school by 1 point.
Congratulations to all - go Huskies!
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