167 Dudley Ave., Thornhill L3T 2E5
Phone: (905) 889-5453, (647) 795-7595
Fax: (905) 889-0360
Email: thornhill.ss@yrdsb.ca
Bell Times: 8:30 AM – 2:35 PM
Introduction
Established in 1956 with the motto “Post Proelium Praemium” (After the struggle, the reward.), Thornhill Secondary School has undergone significant expansions to accommodate its growing community. The school’s original structure was enhanced with key additions, including a technical and commercial wing in 1961, a library in 1964, and a science wing in 1998. The school also boasts various facilities, including an art lab, student council office, cafeteria, auto lab, and weight room. It also features a communication technological lab, a family studies lab, a design & technological lab, a drama stage, gymnasiums, a food lab, music rooms, a resource center, student parking facilities, a science lab, a yearbook office, and a darkroom. Additionally, the school has an outdoor track and fields.
Aligned with the curriculum standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Education, TSS offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities to enrich students’ education. The school prioritizes the overall well-being of its students through programs like Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL), Healthy Active Mornings (HAM), and Drop Everything and Read (DEAR). Moreover, TSS actively promotes character education within the York Region District School Board. Initiatives such as Peer Mediation, Peer Tutors, Community Outreach/Clubs, and fundraising for various charities contribute to fostering a positive and supportive school culture.
Highlights
Thornhill Secondary School (TSS) values its strong community connections, with various community agencies actively involved in serving the school and its community. Partnerships extend across a diverse range of organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Cancer Foundations, Children’s Aid Society, Kid’s Help Phone, the Markham Fire Department, Ontario Early Years, and the York Region Police, among others.
Thornhill Secondary School also has an active alumni association, known as the Thornhill Secondary School Alumni Association (TSSAA), which was established after the school’s 50th anniversary in 2004. This association plays a vital role in fostering connections among former students, the school, and the community. TSSAA organizes an annual Half Century Club Luncheon to honor students who began their journey at Thornhill half a century earlier. Actively engaged within the school, TSSAA also sponsors numerous awards for both graduating and non-graduating students.
Additionally, Thornhill Secondary School has excelled in extracurricular activities, with the senior boys’ basketball team making frequent appearances at OFSAA, and the DECA Chapter consistently sending delegates to DECA’s International Career Development Conferences held in major U.S. cities each year.
Academics
Thornhill Secondary School features the Gifted Program (GP), Advanced Placement (AP), and the High Performance Athlete (HPA) program for students who are competing at the provincial, national and/or international level. Students may also enroll in Dual Credit (DC) through which they can take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship. The school also offers the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Health and Wellness as well as Sports.
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Students can join a wide range of clubs such as:
- Animal Advocacy
- Debating
- Jewish Students Union
- Anime
- DECA
- Korean Student Association
- Announcement Team
- Drama Math
- Athletic Council (TAC)
- Eco Team
- Mentors
- Cancer Awareness
- ESL Homework
- Outdoors
- Chess Eye of the Tiger (student newspaper)
- Peer Helpers
- Chinese Student Association
- Free the Children
- Prefects
- Christian Fellowship
- Gay/Straight Alliance
- Sound and Light Crew
- Circle of Friends
- History Advisory Board
- Student Nutrition Advisory
Music
- Junior Brass Ensemble.
- Senior Jazz Band
- Concert Choir
- Senior Brass Ensemble
- Symphonic Band
- Flute Ensemble
- Jazz Choir
- Wind Ensemble
- Wind Ensemble
- Junior Jazz Band
- Guitar Ensemble
- Music Council
Sports and Athletics
Sports teams at Thornhill Secondary School include:
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Track and Field
- Cross Country
- Girls Field Hockey
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Skiing
- Rowing
References
Pages – Our School. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/thornhill.ss/info/Pages/Our-School.aspx
Thornhill Secondary School. (2023, November 24). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thornhill_Secondary_School
