Clubs
At Ursula Franklin Academy, clubs can be started up when students with a common interest get together and work with a staff sponsor. There are almost no limits to the clubs which can be started at UFA. Many of these clubs use the unique Wednesday sessions and meet for one or two Wednesday periods.
Here are some of the clubs that are currently active at UFA.
Chess
Description: Chess club members participate in Wednesday sessions throughout the year. They train the central organs of their bodies (their brains) and learn how to play chess and analyze chess games and puzzles. Students of all skill levels are welcomed, but must be prepared to actively participate and learn!
Teacher Supervisor: Yevgeny
Environmental Alliance
Description: The Environmental Alliance is a group of concerned students that are committed to raising awareness about environmental issues, and to reducing our environmental impact as individuals, a school community, and as citizens of the world. Thanks to all our efforts in the 2008/2009 school year, we achieved gold status as an EcoSchool!
Activities, Fundraisers, and Events: Recycling Program, Earth Day assembly
Teacher Supervisors: Ryk
FAA (Franklin Athletic Association)
Description: The FAA is responsible for managing various teams and fundraisers. Members are elected at the end of the school year and take over their positions the following year. The FAA hosts many fundraisers.
Activities, Fundraisers, and Events: UFA Idol, Athletic Banquet
Teacher Supervisor: Ryan
Guatemala Project
Description: The Guatemala Project is a student initiative that was started in 2005. It is our goal to raise awareness about the social and political situation in Guatemala and to undertake actions to support social justice work in Guatemala.
Teacher Supervisor: Oriana
Improv Team
Description: The improv team has been part of UFA culture for nine years. This year former student Tycoda Gileki coached the team, a very exciting twist to our improving tradition. The team did very well, taking silver in the Zone playoffs and moving on to the Regionals at the Al Green Theatre for the Canadian Improv Games. Congratulations on a great year everyone!
Teacher Supervisor: Glenda
PALS
Description: The PALS (People Acting as Leaders of Spirit) are a group of students who are enthusiastic and welcoming. They organize all the events that relate to grade 8 and 9 students, to help make the transition from elementary school to high school easier for everyone.
Activities, Fundraisers, and Events: Grade 9 Retreat, Grade 8 Potluck, First day of school activities, Grade 8 open house
Teacher Supervisors: Ali
Radio Club
Description: Radio Club gives you your morning announcements, including the National Anthem and the announcement board outside the main office! Our club works hard to start your day off with helpful information and a cheery attidude!
Members: Erin, Jon, Elliot, Kate, Gianna, Thomas, Andreas, Josh, Arthur, Clementine
Robotics
Description: The Robotics team participates in a closed double Wednesday session where the members learn how to build and program Lego NXT Mindstorms robots. Throughout the year, members refine their skills and participate in multi-school competitions.
Teacher Supervisor: Sam
SASS
Description: SASS aims to deepen our understanding of sexual and gender identity as well as confront homophobia and transphobia. Students talk about relevant current events and issues, organize events, watch films, and discuss. Anyone is welcome, and members are never asked about their sexuality.
Activities, Fundraisers, and Events: Rainbow Day
Teacher Supervisor: Caitlin
The Franklin (School Newspaper)
Description: The Franklin is the school newspaper. It is designed and written by students, with guidance from teachers. Features include puzzles, interviews, opinion articles, and horoscopes.
Teacher Supervisor: Matt
Student Council
Description: Student Council is the elected student government responsible for organizing various student activities and debating and resolving issues that effect the student body.
Activities, Fundraisers, and Events: Grub Day, Pizza Orgy, School Dances, Student Council Elections, Carnival
Execs: Rachel, Jonny, Mab, Nathan, Dino, Elliot, Kirtan
Grade Reps: Eli, Andreas, Reka (Grade 9); Sundy, Wyatt, Kate (Grade 10); Oliver, Gianna, Bridget (Grade 11); Kwame, Erin, Willie (Grade 12)
Teacher Supervisor: Seth
TI
Description: During the double Wednesday session, the TI members work on various Audio-Visual, Networking, and Tech Support projects throughout the school. TI members are in charge of such tasks as fixing the WiFi system and creating and maintaining the school website.
Team Leaders: Kelsey (online newspaper), Heather (environmental alliance), Jerrica (UFA TV), Clementine (school website)
Teacher Supervisor: Ryk
Yearbook
Description: The yearbook committee is a small group of committed individuals who work to create the yearbook each year. Members work with Photoshop and take pictures of other students to use in the yearbook. There are various Wednesday sessions related to yearbook, such as Design a Yearbook Cover.
Editors: Julia, Alec, Claudia
Teacher Supervisor: Andrea