General
- Does Rockway receive any funding from the provincial government?
Rockway receives no government funding for its program or facilities. Our school program and our facility are supported through tuition financial support from Mennonite Church Eastern Canada generous donations from donors sympathetic to the cause of Christian Education as well as from some school rental and investment income.
- How do I apply?
Each applicant must fill in an Application Form and attach their most recent Report Card along with any relevant information related to an Individual Education Plan. There is a $100 non-refundable Application Fee that must accompany each application. This fee will be applied to your first tuition payment.
- Who gets accepted?
Check out “Rockway at a Glance” in our Calendar for information on the acceptance process.
- When will I know whether my child is accepted?
Returning students must reapply for admission not later than January 31 of each school year. Once acceptance letters have been sent to these students by February 28 we begin to issue Acceptance letters to new applicants. The goal of the Admissions Committee is to have the final acceptance letters sent not later than April 15.
- Is financial aid available for families who need it?
Yes, there are some scholarships and grants available upon demonstration of need. Many Mennonite Church Eastern Canada congregations also support their students to attend Rockway through various forms of Student Mutual Aid. Please contact Director of Community Relations for more information. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted by April 30.
- What is included in tuition? top
Tuition covers all costs for activities that are compulsory for a class or grade level. This includes musical instruments necessary for any instrumental music course at any grade level. No additional student activity course graduation or field trip fees will be levied. Students must however purchase their own textbooks and pay for optional activities or materials of a personal nature. Details about optional athletic team fees international exchanges and much more are available in our Calendar.
- Are parents expected to do fund-raising over and above tuition? top
No, there is no formal expectation for parents to do any additional fund-raising as part of enrolling their children in the school. That said, we must fund-raise approximately $350 000 annually in order to ensure the viability of our program. Rockway continues to thrive only because of the generous support of parents and many others within our constituency. Parents should be aware that students who are part of International Cross-Cultural Exchanges are expected to do fund-raising.
- How do I pay for tuition? top
Tuition is payable monthly from August to May by cash cheque or automatic funds transfer (AFT). Account statements are mailed to each family on a monthly basis.
- Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer in the school? top
Yes, at the start of each school year parents are invited to consider volunteering for our school’s Banquet Committee, Display Committee, Host Family Committee, or to be part of our amazing Auction Extravaganza held each November. Other opportunities for parents to support teachers and students are planned each school year.
- Who operates the school - and how is Rockway’s Board of Directors structured? top
Check out “About Rockway” on our website for further information.
- How many teachers and staff work at Rockway? top
Approximately 50 teachers and staff are employed by Rockway (including full and part-time teachers and staff).
- Does Rockway’s Calendar follow local Public and Roman Catholic school holidays? top
Yes, as much as possible, Christmas and Spring Break are scheduled to coincide with regional Public and Roman Catholic schools. School generally begins the day after the Labour Day holiday.
- In what ways does Rockway communicate formally with parents? top
- Parents receive our Update (a monthly newsletter) mailed to them on the 1st day of every month. This mailing also includes a monthly account statement.
- The weekly Rockway Flash, part of our school’s website, contains important information about school events for the coming week. All parents who indicate an interest will have a reminder to look at the Flash emailed to them every Friday afternoon.
- Teachers in grades 7-9 place daily homework assignments and projects on our Homework Link on the Library page of Rockway’s website. Teachers in grade 10-12 offer similar information frequently focused on larger project and assignment deadlines.
- In the spring of each year school administration plans a Parent-Principals’ Forum during which parents are invited to provide direct feedback to the school.
- Parents also benefit from 2 Parent Forums planned each year on topics of relevance.
- How do students get to Rockway? top
Students come to Rockway via individual family arrangements or local city transit (we are located 1 block from a bus stop on King Street). The school offers support for families in organizing car pooling and in addition a parent run school bus brings students in from Milverton with stops along Fisher Hallman.
- Is Rockway a boarding school? top
No, Rockway does not provide boarding facilities on campus. We do, however, have a Host Family Committee that assists students in finding suitable host families. All Rockway International students must live with an approved Rockway Host Family.
- How Do I Apply to Host an International Student? top
Rockway looks for qualified host families each year to provide a welcoming and safe home stay program for our International students. For more information contact Tom Bileski, Director of Community Relations.
Learning top
- What is Rockway’s current student enrolment? top
Our student enrolment for 2011-2012 is 302 students.
- How big are Rockway’s classes? top
Rockway’s grade 7-10 classes have a target maximum of 24 students per class. Our average class size in grades 11 and 12 is 16 students.
- When does Rockway’s school day begin and end? top
Classes run from 8:20 am until 3:25 pm. In grades 10-12 we run 5 “senior classes” - each 71 minutes long every day.
- Is Rockway’s program inspected by the Ministry of Education? top
Yes, Rockway is an accredited private school in the province of Ontario. As such we are required to meet identified curricular teaching and policy standards all of which are inspected and approved by Ministry of Education inspectors on a bi-annual basis.
- Are there learning supports available for students who need them? top
See the “Student Services” section of our website for information about the learning supports available from teachers Guidance Counselors Teaching Assistants and our Resource Room along with private and student tutors.
- Resource Room and Teaching Assistants: This year have an equivalent of 2.5 full time Teaching Assistants who support students in their learning. Our Library houses a separate Resource Room where individual and small groups of students (primarily in grades 7-9) who are in need of remedial support or learning accommodations as defined by their teachers can go to work with our Teaching Assistants. This year we have approximately 30 students with Individual Education Plans.
- Tutoring: Students are also supported in their learning through our Peer Tutoring program and opportunities that teachers create for help outside of the classroom. Our Student Services department offers many supports including a range of private tutoring options for students who require this.
- Learning Accommodations: Rockway accepts students whose learning program needs to be accommodated but who are able to handle the regular grade level program with appropriate and available accommodations and support. We seek to offer academic support to students even as we are also aware that our high school program is an academic one leading students to post-secondary university and college destinations.
- Does my child need to purchase their own textbooks? top
Yes, every student purchases their own new or used books. These purchases are made on the first day of school. It is each student’s responsibility to care for their own books. At the end of each school year students can return their books to the school in order to receive a book credit for books that are sold the following September. This credit can be applied to the following school year’s account. Students who graduate or leave the school for other reasons can return their books for resale following which a refund will be forwarded to them by cheque.
- Does each student get their own locker and day planner? top
Yes, each student from grade 7-12 is assigned a locker on the first day of school. In addition every student is issued a Planner / Organizer at the start of each year in which they are strongly encouraged to track homework assignments tests and other school related activities. Organization is a key to student success!
- When can students go the library to study or do research? top
The Library is open Monday 9:30 to 4:30; Tuesday and Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm; Wednesday from 10:00 to 4:30 and Friday 9:30 am to 2:15 pm.
- What supports does Rockway offer in terms of computers for students? top
Rockway has two networked labs, (one Mac and one dual boot), each with 24 computers. One lab is located in the library which is used regularly by individual students or booked out by particular classes. Each student in the school is designated their own computer account where they can save their own work and research sites. All students in the school must sign a Computer Use Agreement at the beginning of each year.
- How often do students get Physical Education? top
Grade 7, 8 and 9 students receive PE for three 71 minute classes each week. Grade 10 PE is offered on an every-other-day schedule for the entire year. (Rockway students are strongly encouraged to enroll in grade 10 PE for a minimum of 1 semester.) Grade 11 PE and grade 12 Kinesiology are courses offered in each semester.
- Does Rockway have any unique course requirements? top
There are a number of requirements that Rockway has built into its program of studies.
- Religious Studies: All students must enroll in Religious Studies classes from grade 7-11. Students in grade 12 are strongly encouraged to enroll in an optional RS course - Philosophy: Faith Seeking Understanding. Religious Studies classes are offered on a credit basis for students in grades 9-12.
- Music: All students in grades 7-9 must take music as part of their program. We believe that choral music and music appreciation are important in a well-rounded education. Students in grades 7-8 also have instrumental music (strings or brass woodwinds) built into their program in a “blended” manner. Rockway’s strong tradition of music making is important to student learning and to the music tradition of our support constituency.
- Physical Education: All Grade 10 students are strongly encouraged take PE for a minimum of 1 semester (the Ministry of Education requires PE only up to the end of grade 9). We are convinced that student learning is enhanced with an ongoing focus on physical activity beyond grade 9.
- International Language: Grade 10 students are also strongly encouraged enroll in a 2nd language (either German or French) for 1 semester in their grade 10 year (the Ministry of Education requires French only up to the end of grade 9). We are convinced that in our “global village” students are broadened and enriched through 2nd language acquisition. In addition it should be noted that Rockway’s France - Germany Exchange is open only to students who continue with French or German language study in their grade 11 year.
- What kind of diploma do graduating students receive? top
Upon graduation students receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma which is recognized by post-secondary institutions everywhere. In addition students who have successfully fulfilled the Religious Studies and service requirements of our school will also receive a Rockway Diploma.
- Must students write the Ontario Literacy Test and complete Community Service Requirements? top
Yes. All students must successfully complete the Ontario Literacy Test and complete a minimum of 40 hours of Community Service in order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Where do Rockway graduates go after high school? top
90% of Rockway’s graduates pursue study in post-secondary university and college institutions. The remainder of our graduates will pursue service and work alternatives - though the majority of these students will also pursue studies at university or college.
- How is Rockway’s academic program regarded by post-secondary institutions? top
Rockway has an excellent reputation for preparing students very well for university and college studies. Of the 90% of our graduates who pursued university and / or college studies last year 92% were accepted into their first program choice.
- What opportunities exist for parents to contact teachers? top
All teachers have voice mail and email which are both used extensively for communication with parents. Parent and teacher meetings are scheduled as needed to discuss individual student concerns while regular parent-teacher interviews are scheduled through the school year.
- Is Rockway’s program semestered or full-year? top
Students in grade 7-8 learn in courses that are offered for the full year. Grade 7 and 8 students are scheduled to take Family Studies Computer Art and Design & Technology in quarter-year modules through the year. Aside from this all their courses are offered for a full year. Apart from a few exceptions almost all courses for grade 9-12 students are semestered.
- How many high school periods are taught each day? top
Most semestered high schools offer a 4 period day. Rockway offers five 71 minute semestered classes each day. This extra class affords opportunities for students to earn additional credits. This is particularly important in the context of a compressed 4 year high school program.
- How often do students receive Report Cards? top
Students in grade 7-8 receive an initial Progress Report at the end of the first six weeks of school. In addition three formal Report cards are issued each year - in early December late March and at the end of June. Students in Grade 9-12 receive 4 report cards each year - at the mid-point and end of each semester.
Opportunity top
- What kinds of extra-curricular opportunities exist for students? top
Rockway offers many extra-curricular opportunities for students. In Music, students can participate in choirs instrumental and voice ensembles, a Stage Band, Music Council, and a variety of off-campus performances and tours. A vibrant Drama program includes formal drama presentations for students in grades 7-8 9 and 10, as well as grade 11 and 12. These performances include opportunities for students to act, as well as be involved in off-stage support in tech set building props and costuming. In addition, a faith-based drama troupe opens many drama opportunities for students. Many Athletic opportunities are planned for students, including competitive teams (Basketball Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Badminton Cross-County Track and Field 3-Pitch...) depending on the grade level of students. In addition, intramural opportunities and lunchtime gym access for students are provided. Students can also participate in Leadership (Student Councils for Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12) and a variety of Clubs [Athletics, School Newspaper (Ramblings), Social Concerns, Environmental Concerns, Yearbook (Lighthouse), Digital Media, Politics, as well as other opportunities.
- Does Rockway plan Cross-Cultural Exchange programs for students? top
We believe that building cross-cultural awareness and friendship is important for all students. Each year we plan a Grade 7 and 8 cross-cultural exchange with students from the Mattagami First Nation Reserve near Timmins for which students can apply. Our Grade 11 German and French language students can participate in a France-Germany Exchange with students from Gymnasium Weierhof a sister school in Germany for 17 days each summer. Finally our Grade 12 students can participate in an exchange with Xindu #1 Middle School in the People’s Republic of China for 21 days or a 14 day service and learning trip to Guatemala. Both of these cross-cultural experiences are scheduled during the month of March to coincide with our 2 week March Break.
- Are field trips encouraged by the school? top
Many learning opportunities are planned to extend student learning into our wider community. These field trips include opportunities to extend our English program (every grade 9-12 student sees a Stratford play as part of their English program each year) Art (visiting Art Galleries locally and in south-west Ontario) Science (the Ontario Science Centre ecosystem studies...) History / Geography (Crawford Lake Niagara Escarpment...) and much more. All costs for local and regional field trips which extend our academic program are covered within tuition fees.
- Are other special events planned for students? top
Students in Grades 7-9 participate in overnight Class Retreats in the fall of each year. A range of Christmas Festivities are planned including class and grade parties and excursions an all-school Christmas Concert and a Christmas Banquet and Dance for all grade 10-12 students. In the spring we celebrate student accomplishments with an Arts / Athletics Awards Evening an all-school Awards Assembly as well as Graduation Ceremonies for students in grade 8 and 12. In addition high school students have dances in the fall at Christmas and in the spring - often coordinated to support worthy social causes in our community and the broader world.
- Is there an attempt to plan cross-grade interaction among students? top
Through the school year our Student Leadership Councils plan all-school spirit days and many other fun cross-grade activities. On a twice weekly basis we share chapels or assemblies together - either as an entire student body (grade 7-12) or in separate grade 7-8 and 9-12 groupings. In addition our entire student body participates in all-school service and fund-raising activities (House of Friendship Christmas Food Drive Work / Service Day Envirathon / Servathon).
- Is there a cafeteria in the school? top
Yes, a full-service cafeteria is available for students to purchase hot meals or a variety of cold menu options daily. Various juices baked goods and snacks are also available from the cafeteria. Pop and candy are not available in the school during school hours.
Caring and Faith top
- What kinds of community service opportunities does Rockway support? top
Rockway high school students, like all other students in the province, must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service as a graduation requirement. In addition our students participate in a full day of Work and Service each fall to support environmental causes and the work of a range of service agencies. Having our entire student body volunteer through the region is a significant piece of the character and faith qualities we wish to instill. Students at Rockway support a vigorous effort to gather food items each Christmas in support of the House of Friendship’s Food Hamper Program. In addition various other service opportunities are planned through the year by teachers and an active Social Concerns Club.
- How are positive relationships between students encouraged? top
Positive and healthy relationships between students emerge when students have healthy role models when expectations for appropriate behavior are clear and when opportunities for students to get to know one another in various settings are provided.
- What kinds of behavioural expectations does Rockway have of students? top
Rockway’s behavioural expectations are spelled out in detail in the Student Handbook that each student receives at the start of each school year. Our expectations are rooted in the word “respect” as we encourage and expect students to develop and demonstrate respect for a classroom learning environment for their classmates their teachers and themselves.
- Rockway is a school with strong roots and ownership in the Mennonite church. Do I have to be Mennonite to attend? top
Rockway is a school which was founded in 1945 by what is now known as Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Our school continues to have very strong theological and structural links with this church conference and to Mennonite congregations within our community. That said Rockway accepts students into its program regardless of religious or cultural background. About 50% of our students come to us from Mennonite families - while 50% reflect a broad diversity of Christian denominations other world faiths and students with no formal or informal religious or faith background.
- Are Chapels mandatory for everyone? How do students with backgrounds other than Mennonite contribute and fit in? top
Yes. Chapels are mandatory for all students to attend. Our commitment is to have every student experience a school in which their unique personality gifts and beliefs can be respected and celebrated even as they learn about living and faith from within a Christian faith and value base. We are committed to respect all students as we engage them with important questions and convictions regarding character and faith.
- How is the Christian faith integrated at Rockway? top
The Christian faith is integrated into our program in formal and informal ways. Formally we integrate and teach Religious Studies Courses in every grade level. These courses are mandatory for all students in grades 7-11. In addition all-school chapels are planned on a twice weekly basis. Further various service and peace opportunities are integrated into our program through each school year. Informally we believe that the modeling of our teachers and staff is the most important ingredient in the integration of Christian faith. The caring of teachers for students and their role modeling in many situations is essential to our faith integration.
- What does Rockway’s Religious Studies program consist of? top
From Grade 7 to Grade 12 all of Rockway Religious Studies courses consist of Ministry of Education approved locally developed courses. Each course incorporates Biblical study stories service opportunities inter-faith dialogue and enduring questions along with projects and opportunities to extend and apply learning. Grade 9-12 Religious Studies courses are all credit based courses. Grade 9 RS is entitled An Upside Down Kingdom while Grade 10 RS is a History of the Christian Church. In Grades 11 and 12 Religious Studies courses are optional for students. However any student wanting to earn a Rockway Diploma must complete a minimum of 1 out of the following 3 Religious Studies courses: World Religions (Grade 11) Philosophy: Faith Seeking Understanding (Grade12).
