LOLART SCHOOL
STUDENT LIFE
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Creating a community where everyone feels like they belong is crucial for a meaningful education.
At LOLART SCHOOL, we foster a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to take risks, dive deep into their studies, and value each other's unique abilities. Through lively school-wide gatherings, clubs centered around common interests, and affinity groups, LS provides opportunities for students to express themselves authentically. We actively promote community members to act on their values, collectively building an inclusive environment that embodies our commitment to equity, empathy, cultural understanding, and respect.
School Spirit: LS is brimming with school spirit, showcased through student-led assemblies held weekly and clubs available on campus. Fun and enjoyment are fundamental aspects of LS's culture, helping students embrace a well-rounded lifestyle. Whether they're representing our school on the sports field or cheering on their fellow athletes from the sidelines, athletics play a central role in student life. We celebrate our athletic teams through announcements during assemblies, filling our gym with enthusiastic supporters, and offering transportation to away games through fan vans.
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Individualized Academic Guidance: Our faculty offer one-on-one sessions to help students set academic goals, create study plans, and navigate challenging subjects.
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Peer Support Networks: We encourage students to form study groups and peer support networks where they can collaborate, share resources, and learn from each other.
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Workshops and Seminars: We organize workshops and seminars on topics such as time management, study skills, and stress management to equip students with practical tools for academic success.
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Access to Resources: We provide access to tutoring services, academic resources, and learning materials to support students in their studies.
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Counseling Services: Our counseling team is available to provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
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Regular Check-ins: Advisors regularly check in with students to monitor their progress, address any concerns, and provide encouragement and support.
Students develop both academic and life skills while also learning about the importance of community through these practical support measures.
ADVISING AND SUPPORT
Advising & Student Support
Achieving deep learning requires patience, creativity, self-reflection, and practice. At LOLART SCHOOL, our faculty are here to help students with their academic and emotional needs throughout their high school experience.
Our support services are tailored around important themes like identity, fairness, fitting in, making decisions, speaking up for oneself, and taking care of oneself. In practical terms, this means providing:
Developing Student Leaders
At LOLART SCHOOL, students are encouraged to speak up and take charge.
Inside and outside of class, students follow their interests by joining clubs, leading sports teams, helping in the community, mentoring peers, and working on projects for equity and belonging. There are lots of chances for leadership that fit each student's personality and our fair school culture.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a big part of life at LOLART SCHOOL. It's part of sports, clubs, advising, tutoring, and our partnerships with other groups.
Older students help new students adjust to high school. They plan events and support 9th graders in small groups. With help from teachers, they teach study skills and talk about fairness and including others.
Students can also join a program where they mentor middle schoolers from Toronto. They meet weekly during the school year and every day in the summer.
Some students lead the school newspaper and yearbook.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
At LOLART SC, we prepare students to make a positive impact by encouraging them to get involved in various school activities and engage in service and learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
We promote understanding of how we all depend on each other and the environment, starting with taking care of our campus in North York and extending to our wider community.
Experiential Learning
In the twelfth grade, students participate in discussions, workshops, and classes focused on social justice and community impact. They work in small groups to research, develop, and carry out a project that benefits the community outside of campus. Projects may involve creating and teaching courses for public middle school students, collaborating with non-profit organizations in Toronto, or leading discussions and workshops on social change within the LA community.
Social Impact Practicum
Common Classroom offers a variety of engaging, non-graded learning opportunities on a rotating basis every week. Teachers, students, and alumni lead activities, classes, and workshops covering a wide range of topics such as art projects, political discussions, and physical activities. Students are encouraged to explore different offerings throughout the year.
Common Classroom
LA encourages students to become lifelong learners and active global citizens by connecting them with opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students gain practical skills while working on social and environmental justice projects in their communities. They organize advocacy campaigns, fundraisers, and service activities, including cooking and serving meals at shelters, volunteering for urban farming, teaching English to refugees online, tutoring younger students, leading workshops on sustainable fashion, hosting art workshops for social justice, and distributing voter information pamphlets.
Service and Community-Based Learning
RETREATS
LOLART SCHOOL Grade-Level Retreats
LOLART SCHOOL offers annual overnight retreats for each grade level, providing students with opportunities for personal growth and community bonding.
Ninth Grade Retreat: Montreal Adventure
Ninth graders embark on a two-day, one-night retreat to Montreal, led by seniors and supported by ninth-grade faculty advisors. This trip fosters social connections and helps new students integrate into the LOLART SCHOOL community. Activities include community-building exercises, relay races, group games, and more.
Tenth Grade Retreat: Algonquin Provincial Park Experience
Tenth grade retreat focuses on self-esteem, work-life balance, and making wise decisions. Led by senior leaders, students participate in small group discussions to explore these themes. These discussions are complemented by outdoor activities in the picturesque Algonquin Provincial Park.
Eleventh Grade Retreat: Leadership Training
Eleventh grade retreat challenges students to expand their comfort zones and develop leadership skills. Through group discussions and activities, students explore leadership concepts and engage in an outdoor high-low ropes course, designed to build teamwork and confidence.
