School Values
Ursula Franklin Academy opened in September 1995 with a mandate to prepare students for the future and for a changing world. How do we accomplish this? By delivering a first-rate program that adheres to a set of values that we established for the school—community of learners, high expectations, diversity, self esteem, democracy, community service, and connected knowledge. These values inform all that we do at UFA.
Community of Learners
At UFA, we are all learners and we all have something to teach. Take advantage of the Wednesday program! Learn from your peers —both juniors and seniors—and think about leading a Wednesday session yourself.
Our community extends beyond the walls of the school. Consider participating in the cooperative education program where you can gain an academic credit by doing a placement in a real work environment. Also, invite a parent or adult friend in to be a guest speaker in your class or for a Wednesday session.
Wear your uniform with pride! It's what most clearly identifies us as a community.
High Expectations
Take your studies seriously. Don't work for your teachers, work for yourself. Set goals for yourself and try to meet them. If you need help, ask! Your teachers will be happy to give you extra help or clarification.
Don't plagiarize. The school has stiff penalties for presenting someone else's work as your own.
Keep one eye focused on future directions for yourself. What post-secondary education are you headed toward? What careers interest you? Your high school education is key in helping you to answer these questions.
Diversity
UFA draws students from across the city and has an ethnically, racially and socio-economically diverse population. We have a strong social justice tradition at the school. Be a part of actively fighting discrimination based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and class. Seek to make this school a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. Learn about the principles of conflict resolution and put them to use when a dispute arises.
Self Esteem
Ours is a small school and so it is possible to get to know almost everyone. Make as many connections with students and staff as you can.
Participate in the wonderful array of activities offered at UFA. It's a great way to make friends, get the most you can out of your high school years, and build your self-esteem.
When you're feeling stressed, get permission to take a few moments for yourself in the Peace Room. It's a quiet space where you can meditate and remind yourself that you are a capable and unique individual.
Democracy
Get involved with Student Council. Go to meetings! Talk to the members. Find out who they are by checking out the Student Council page in this agenda. Think about running for a position yourself! If you want to start a club, go for it! Ask a teacher to be your staff sponsor.
Community Service
UFA was one of the first schools in Ontario to require its students to do community service hours. You need 40 hours to graduate, so take advantage of in-school opportunities to put in some volunteer time. Also, keep an eye out in Guidance (the bulletin board and on VUFA) for opportunities in the community. Do your part to make this world a better place!
Connected Knowledge
Put your all into the integrated projects—the ones that link between two or more of your classes—that you do throughout the year. These assignments can prove to be the most valuable to you and can really expand your intellectual horizons.
Take the Wednesday Program seriously. Choose your courses thoughtfully. Make sure to meet the breadth requirements. Try to make connections with your regular classes.
Be creative with your assignments. Can you think of a unique spin you could put on a project your teacher has assigned? Can you integrate an assignment with something you're doing in another class? Suggest it to your teacher and see what he or she thinks.
Try to use information technology whenever you can to make your assignments easier, more professional, and more effective. Maybe that oral presentation would be a lot more impressive if it were accompanied by a PowerPoint slide show. Ask for help!