Students participated in a Vital Signs CPR and First Aid training course to learn lifesaving skills and gain useful experience and a certification. They learned what to do in the event of a breathing incident or stroke, perform CPR, and manage the scene of an accident or emergency.
Established in 2013, Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who was excited to wear her new orange shirt to her first day of school in 1973. However, when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, her shirt was taken and never returned. From that day forward, the colour orange, for Phyllis, “reminded me of that [moment] and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
Now, on this day, we recognize the legacy of the residential school system for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities.
We acknowledge the legacy of residential schools in Canada by wearing orange and we honour the survivors. We remember the children who were buried in unmarked graves.
On Friday, September 30, 2022 wear orange to participate in Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day marks the opening of the conversation, not the end.
In 2015, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation released the 6 Actions of ReconciliACTION that were developed to assist the public in supporting their work towards Reconciliation.
These actions are:
SOLE students took part in a poetry workshop with Salimah Valiani, a poet, activist and researcher. Salimah shared excerpts from her latest book, 29 leads to love, as well as her experiences living and working around the world, and her writing process. Students had a chance to share their own stories–and a song or two!
Education is what got us into this mess, and education will get us out.
— Hon. Murray Sinclair
September 26th-30th marks Truth and Reconciliation Week, a time to memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families. Learning and commemorating the truth of our history from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers is an important first step in reconciliation.
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to confront the legacy of residential schools and generational trauma, to have honest conversations and meaningful discussions, and to reaffirm that every child matters.
We will have orange shirts available for any staff or students who want them, and we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have these important and difficult discussions, both inside and outside of the classroom.
To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, visit the Orange Shirt Day website, and watch the video below where its founder, Phyllis Webstad, tells her story.
Monday, Sept. 19 is Photo Day!
Photos are taken for school ID, which also functions as TTC ID so that you can get your student discount. If you absolutely can’t make it in, retake day is Oct. 17.
You can also order a photo package.
Photos will be taken in the MPC cafeteria. SOLE students: Your time slot is 1:55-2:05. Classes will be called down, but make sure you’re in your class for that time. If you have a spare, make sure you’re around so that we can find you when we go down to the cafeteria.
Staff, you can have your picture taken from 8-8:50 or at lunch.
Welcome back! The first day of school is Wednesday, Sept. 7th. It will be a special day schedule designed to help you get to know the school and your classmates.
9:00 – 11:20 am: Welcome assembly in the Student Lounge
11:20 am – 12:20 pm: Lunch Break
12:20 pm – Debbie will distribute timetables
Classes (attendance will be taken)
Per 1 – 12:30 – 1:00 pm
Per 2 – 1:05 – 1:35 pm
Per 3 – 1:40 – 2:10 pm
Per 4 – 2:15 – 2:45 pm
Q&A / Timetable Issues – 2:45 – 3:15 pm
We can’t wait to see you!
School starts next week, and it’s not too late to join our welcoming community! The next registration date is Thursday, Sept. 1!
Start by filling out our application form!
To get your registration appointment, contact Debbie Andrew-Murphy at 416-393-0756 or Debbie.andrew-murphy@tdsb.on.ca.
For a list of courses offered each semester, check out our course selection form!
From all of us at SOLE Alternative, we wish you a restful, healthy, and happy summer break! Congratulations to all of our graduates! For those returning in September, we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Interested in joining us as a new student in September? Start by filling out our online application form for the 2022-3 school year.