New Student Orientation Information
Getting Ready
Welcome to East York! We look forward to having you join us in September. You can expect to receive an information package from us in late August, providing details on how to pay your school fees, buy your uniform, and navigate the first week of school. In the meantime, the following will provide you with some information to help you feel at home on your first day!
Grade 9 Head Start to High School
Attention all incoming grade 9 students!
TBD 2025
Save the date for our Head Start to High School event. Come and see the school, meet students and staff, learn tips and tricks for success in high school, and enjoy a pizza lunch. See you there!
School Cash Online & School Fees
Students pay an annual school fee of $ 60. Fees can be paid online using Schools Cash Online. Students can also use this service to pay for field trips and sports fees! Please speak with your administrator or guidance counsellor if this fee is an obstacle for your family.
Your student fee provides you with:
a photo I.D./ Student Activity Card;
access to participate on athletic teams and noon-hour intramural competitions in the gym;
membership in any of the myriad of the school's organizations/clubs and/or groups;
eligibility to purchase tickets to school dances/semi-formal or prom;
access to checking out materials from the library.
Note: In addition to the student activity fee there may be occasions where students are required to pay a fee for an enhancement to a particular course over and above what is required to obtain the credit in that course or a user fee to participate in an extra-curricular activity.
Daily Schedules
Please regularly check your digital student agenda and the school calendar of events included in the August letter emailed to students and families! These will notify you of any alternate schedules or upcoming events for parents/guardians.
Your Agenda
EYCI posts our agenda content through the TDSB Connects app
Review this information to become familiar with school policies, expectations, and opportunities
Peer Mentors
East York has a great team of Peer Mentors to help support our Grade 9s! Peer Mentors are senior students who have volunteered to welcome you to East York, promote school activities, and answer any questions you might have.
Lockers
Lockers will be assigned during your Period 1 class. You may bring your own combination lock, or purchase one in the front office. Locks MUST be a combination lock and not keyed. Lockers are your safe place to keep things. It is important that you keep your combination private and that only you have access to your locker. Remember to clean it regularly and remove any food at the end of the day!
Combination Locks.pdfGetting Around the School
All numbers start at the rotunda (outside the main office) and move clockwise
Rooms on the first floor will start with a '1' and rooms on the second floor will start with a '2'
Remember: the school is two large rectangles stacked on top of each other! (Only the gym hallway will take you off the rectangle!)
The Library
The Library is located on the main floor and is open before school, during lunch, and after school. You can visit the library to use a computer, check-out books, and access study spaces. You can check-out books using your student card or student number. Our librarians are happy to help you with research questions or to provide book recommendations!
Co-Curricular Activities
EYCI has a wide range of co-curricular activities for you to get involved in! You can find a list in your agenda and activities will be promoted in-school. This is a great opportunity for you to meet new people and try new things. We encourage all new students to find a minimum of one activity to join during the first year!
Your IEP and the Resource Room
Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are eligible to take a General Learning Strategies (GLE) credit course each year. You also have access to the Resource Room in 105, located diagonally across from the main office). Your GLE teacher, Mr. Wesley, or the Resource Room can all help you to access the technology or other accommodations you find helpful in supporting your learning. Stop by Room 105 or talk to your guidance counsellor to arrange an introduction!
Your Guidance Counsellor
Guidance Counsellors - Guidance Counsellors are available to help set goals, explore post-secondary opportunities, coach students on self-advocacy skills, and to help talk through life challenges. We can also help connect students with additional TDSB or community resources that can provide additional support.
Michael Atzemis
Students with surnames A - G Ex 20044
Assistant Curriculum Leader, Student Success & Grade 9 Transitions
Lira Lolja
Students with surnames H-O Ex 20043
Karen McCormick
Students with surnames P- Z Ex 20042
Assistant Curriculum Leader, Guidance - Creating Pathways to Success
*Contact Student Services by calling Lisa Vaughan at (416) 396-2355 and selecting option 2
Guidance Google Classrooms
It is very important that students join the Guidance Google Classroom and check the class regularly.
To join the Guidance Google Classroom(s):
Go to Google
Click the "waffle" icon at the top right corner
Select Google Classroom from the icon apps
Click the + icon in the top right
Click Join Class
Enter the join code for your grade
Grade 9/10 Google Classroom: foqjelw
Grade 11/12 Google Classroom: 5exaiy7
See us in Guidance if you have any difficulty joining!
Student Support Services
Child & Youth Worker Support - Our CYW is Brad Hall is onsite several days a week. Brad meets with students individually, as well as providing a range of in-school wellness groups, activities, and learning opportunities. A guidance counsellor, administrator, or Special Education teacher can help connect you with Schantel.
Social Work - Our Social Worker is Anita Roberto. Students can access her support for a variety of reasons and can self-refer through their guidance counsellor or administrator. Anita visits 1-2 times per week and is an excellent source for individual support or community referrals. A guidance counsellor or administrator can provide a referral to meet with Anita.
Newcomer Settlement Worker - Our Settlement Worker is Kelly Vetiera. You can book an appointment with Kelly by email at kvetira@tno-toronto.org or by calling 647-296-0174
Additional Programs & Services
Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) - Groups are run to meet the needs of referred students. Groups are created to meet the needs of our students and may focus on relationship skills, anxiety, social-emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or anger. Melanie and Jennifer are our facilitators and can be found in Room 123 on Thursdays. Talk to your guidance counsellor to arrange an introduction!
Urban Indigenous Education Centre - The TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre is pleased to offer a variety of services with the goal of closing the opportunity gap for Indigenous students. An Itinerant Student Success Teacher, an Itinerant Culture and Traditions Instructor, a Child and Youth Counsellor, a Social Worker, Instructional Leaders and Community Liaison Workers collectively offer a wide range of services including: family advocacy and connection to community resources; one-on-one and group itinerant support; professional development and support for school staff; referrals and student networking within the Indigenous community. For more information and a consent to service form, speak with your guidance counsellor or visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/Indigenous-Education
Bereavement Support - This group provides the opportunity to connect with peers who have also lost loved ones. Activities are designed to honour memories, share stories, and pay tribute to relationships. This group runs based on the needs of the school. If you are experiencing grief and would like some support, speak with your guidance counsellor. We will provide a space to talk about your experience, add you to our next group opportunity, and provide links to community supports.