90 Bur Oak Ave., Markham L6C 2E6
Phone: (905) 887-2216, (647) 795-7555
Fax: (905) 887-7783
Email: pierre.elliott.trudeau.hs@yrdsb.ca
Bell Times: 8:10 AM - 2:50 PM

Introduction

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (PET) stands as a public institution, offering a bilingual education in English and French immersion. Constructed in tribute to former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the secondary school launched its academic journey in September 2002 with an initial enrollment of 500 students in grades 8 to 10. The school's global reputation is built upon its specialized academic programs, thriving athletics, and a vibrant music program. The school's motto, "Strive Higher, Soar Further," encapsulates its commitment to encouraging students to set ambitious goals and push their boundaries for academic and personal success.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its students, Pierre Elliott Trudeau HS actively addresses challenges such as those related to lack of motivation and difficulty developing learning skills. Through open communication and the utilization of student and staff feedback, the school has implemented various strategies to improve students' overall learning and post-secondary success. These include the incorporation of critical thinking in classrooms, providing comprehensive guidance on post-secondary pathways, and ensuring that students have access to a variety of resources and opportunities to set goals about their pathways as well as establish how to get there. The school's ongoing improvement plan revolves around building stronger relationships within the community, ensuring students are engaged, motivated, and equipped to navigate their unique educational journeys.

Highlights

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School has a notable record of academic achievements, particularly in various competitions. The school has consistently excelled at the McMaster University Engineering Olympics, securing victories in multiple events. Since 2005, the school’s participation in the York Region Science Olympics has resulted in it being ranked in the top 7. Moreover, students at PETHS have showcased their academic prowess by participating in the University of Toronto Biology Contest since 2004, consistently placing in the top third among international schools. Additionally, the school's Computer Science Club clinched victories in the YRDSB ECOO Programming Competition for both 2016 and 2017.

PEHS also has a widely recognized and reputable music program. Notably, the program has achieved the Gold Level at OBA competitions and also made PETHS first Canadian school to secure 8 Gold Awards at MusicFest Canada. With substantial growth, the department now boasts over 700 students and has embarked on musical journeys to cities like New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Distinguished composers, including Samuel Hazo and Frank Ticheli, have been welcomed by the department. Trudeau Music adds vibrancy to the school year with three annual concerts: A Celebration of Bands, Winter Melodies, and Spring Harmonies.

Academics

In addition to its offering of the French Immersion program, PETHS also offers the High Performance Athlete (HPA) program for competing athletes and Dual Credit. The school also features Quadmester programs which are available to students in Grade 10 to Grade 12. These programs are organized so that the student takes two credits in a nine-week period, enabling them to obtain four credits in a semester. Additionally, PETHS offers the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Art and Culture, Business and Health and Wellness.

Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

At PETHS, students have the opportunities to get involved in a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities such as:

Musical Theatre
Concert Band
Drama Club
Folk Dance
Yearbook Club
Content Creator Club
Battle of the Books
Science Club
Coding Club
Student Council
GSA/PRIDE Club
Black Student Association

Sports and Athletics

The following athletic clubs and sports teams are offered at PETHS:

Cross Country
Flag Football
Volleyball
Soccer
Cricket
Curling
Basketball
Dodgeball
Badminton
Lacrosse
Flag Rugby
Tchoukball
Track & Field
Hurdles
Ultimate Frisbee
3-Pitch

References

Activities. (2022, November 18). Pierreelliotttrudeau.ddsb.ca. https://pierreelliotttrudeau.ddsb.ca/en/students/activities.aspx

Pages - Courses. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved December 10, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/trudeau.hs/DeptPrograms/shsm/Pages/Courses.aspx

Pages - Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved December 10, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/trudeau.hs/Pages/default.aspx
Pages - School Improvement Plan. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved December 10, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/trudeau.hs/info/Pages/School-Improvement-Plan.aspx

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. (2023, November 2). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Elliott_Trudeau_High_School