Welcome to the Canadian and World Studies
Social Science & Humanities Department
Mission Statement
Our vision is to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for students where they can critically examine the world in which they live through history, politics, humanities, and environmental studies. Students will have opportunities to build their knowledge, shape their virtues, and grow in their abilities as set out in the Ontario Curriculum and Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Our Team
Mr. J Cormier Mrs. S Cormier Mrs. DiMichelle Mr. Francis (Dept Head) Mrs. Gountzounis Mrs. Gullace-Isidori Mr. Leung Ms. Machado Ms. McQuaid Mr. Morrissey Mr. Paldino Mr. Petrusa Mrs. Rozario Mrs. Severino Mrs. Sorbara Mr. Stan
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What's Happening 2016-2017
Trip to Queen's Park
On Tuesday March 28th, the grade 10 Civics classes attended Queens Park to watch a live session of Parliament. It was a great opportunity for students to learn about the roles and responsibilities of MPPs.
Remembrance Day 2016: Walking Forward Together
On November 11th, St. Francis Xavier celebrated Remembrance Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the First World War thankfully came to an end. This year we were honored to pay special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and Beaumont Hamel (July 1st, 1916) where sadly 24000 Canadian soldiers became causalities. These men were true heroes which inspired our central theme entitled Walking Forward Together to remind students that when we come together as a community, there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome.
Orange and White Day
On Sept 30th members of the Canadian and World Studies Department celebrated Orange and White Day to honour survivors of the Indian Residential School system and to support ongoing Reconciliation in Canada
Crawford Lake Field Trip
On October 31st our grade 10 Canadian History Classes had an opportunity to visit Crawford Lake in Milton. Ontario’s First Nations heritage came to life during this guided exploration of a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village. Students had a unique opportunity to see what life in the longhouse were like over 600 years ago. Activities included: Multimedia presentation, guided tour of the Iroquoian Village, longhouse exploration, traditional fire starting and sampling of cornbread and maple syrup. It was a great day for all who attended
Tour of Humanity
On Nov 22nd, students in grades 10 through 12 got on board the Tour for Humanity (T4H) bus. The T4H bus is a mobile human rights education center created to teach students and educators about topics of diversity, democracy, and Canadian civic rights and responsibilities. Students attended the workshop where they discussed topics around the Holocaust, Genocide, and Real World Heroes. A great opportunity for students to think critically about issues impacting our society and to discuss ways to make our world a better place.
2015-2016 School Year Celebrations & Accomplishments
Remembrance Day
On November 11th, St. Francis Xavier celebrated Remembrance Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the First World War thankfully came to an end. At the end of that battle, 700 000 men and women would serve as part of the Canadian Armed Forces. Almost 170 000 of these individuals would be injured and 70 000 would never return home again.
To honor these men and women who serve in our armed forces, our presentation focused on four key themes: Love, Freedom, Hope and Mercy.
Lest we never forget their sacrifice and courage.
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Field Trip to the War Museum
On November 2nd, 2015, our Canadian History classes had an opportunity to visit the Canadian Heritage War Plane Museum. Students had a blast examining bombers and fighter jets, learning about training for the Royal Canadian Air Force, rationing and deciphering Morse Code. This was an outstanding experience as students were exposed to the roles Canadians played during war and peacetime.
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Games of Survival
On Nov 23rd, as part of our Native studies awareness campaign, Johnny Issaluk treated our students to an interactive presentation about life in the Arctic and the traditional Inuit Games of Survival. These games are an important part of the Inuit culture as they help to mentally and physically prepare individuals for the grueling conditions of the region.
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Baby Care
HPC301- Raising Healthy Children
The Parenting Class is an excellent elective course for students who are interested in learning about skills and knowledge needed to become good parents, guardians and/or caregivers. It focuses on maternal health, pregnancy, birth and the early years of human development (birth to six years). Here is the class of 2015-2016 holding their RealCare Babies. Wonderful students who took great care of them as if it were their own.
A quote form Celina Leo: "The RealCare baby was a great experience! It helped me see how hard being a parent is and also taught me how to care for my future children."
Grade 9 Geography
Mrs. Sorbara's PreIB Geography class participated in a cultural diorama for the Cultural Connections Unit. Students showcased outstanding visual effort.
This team portrayed themselves as members of Google's Newest Interns and developed the Google Apps Pro. This App makes translating the Aboriginal Language simple.
This team took a relatively simple topic, Short Stories, and presented through the use of a puppet show. 'The Canadian Aboriginal Storytelling Association' retold four short stories an explained the significance the story and characters to the culture
The Culinary Arts team came up with their own restaurant called Aboriginally. Students brought in various berries to sample, made delicious bannock (a native bread), and finally made a sweet treat made with maple syrup.
Discover Deca Xavier!
Silver Creek
On January 7th, 2016 Mr. Leung’s grade 9 Geography class went on a school field trip to Silver Creek Conservation Area to take part in a Geo-caching activity. Fun was had by all.
Visit from Mississauga Mayor ![]()
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie spoke our Grade 12 students about Canada's Place in the World. Mississauga is the sixth largest city in Canada. Young adults today are fortunate to live in a city with such vast business opportunities. What our future graduates may remember the most is Mayor Crombie's advice for the future.
- "If it is meant to be, it is up to me."
- Take a risk: If invited to a function make the effort to attend it. You may meet a unique individual who recognizes your talents and may even offer you a job.
- Network: Make as many friends as possible and more importantly, find a mentor.
- Volunteer: It is worthwhile to give back to the community.
Mayor Crombie privately spoke to our Deca students. She congratulated their accomplishments at provincials and wished them success at internationals.
Many thanks to Jordan Gray who organized the event.