ALTERNATIVE TENTACLE 15
A Virtual Exhibit of Student Artwork from alt9 TDSB
"NOTHING CAN STOP THE ALTERNATIVE TENTACLE!"
It's the 15-year anniversary of Alternative Tentacle, the annual Secondary Alternative Schools' art show by the alt9 family of schools within the TDSB! Our ongoing collaboration with Xpace Cultural Centre highlights the creative work done by students who have not fit into the mainstream experience of high school and have chosen an alternative. TDSB alternative schools have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the arts and have had a large number of students go on to post-secondary art institutions or cultural sector employment in Toronto and beyond. Alternative Tentacle 15 is a springboard and launching pad for young artists as they move on to future learning and creative experiences.
This year alt9 is proud to present a virtual online viewing of Alternative Tentacle 15!! That's right, NOTHING CAN STOP THE ALTERNATIVE TENTACLE!... and nothing can stop us from celebrating our youth. They are incredible and we are proud to say that not even COVID-19 can prevent them from sharing their talent, their stories, and their creative passion.
Adam Passarello &
Craig Morrison
Teachers
For the past fifteen (!) years, Xpace Cultural Centre gears up for Alternative Tentacle, one of the most exciting exhibitions to take over our gallery every Spring.
Before we know it, a whirlwind of young artists have transformed our space and our walls are suddenly jam-packed from floor to ceiling with photos, paintings, stencils, stickers, you name it!
It's always a burst of fresh energy to work alongside these young, up-and-coming artists to celebrate the end of an era and welcome a new cycle of learning, creativity and entrepreneurship.
This year, as we all know, is a bit different. Although the artwork isn't being set up in person, us folx at Xpace are very excited to embrace the digital realms and co-present the first-ever VIRTUAL Alternative Tentacle exhibition!
A huge congratulations to all the artists. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and we can't wait to see what you bring into the world on these next steps in your journey.
See you online!
Alexia Bréard-Anderson
Director
Xpace Cultural Centre
ALT9 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WEST
alt9 is a community of staff and students from nine alternative schools across the city of Toronto sharing eleven different sites. Our schools engage students by learning in and from the vibrant communities that we reside in. All of our schools offer small and engaging learning environments. Each alternative school has its own focus and program, but as a community we share in the same educational values; we make education relevant and we endeavor to make every student successful.
As a Platinum EcoSchool, City School's mission is to ensure that youth engage critically in their own academic and personal growth by exploring socially relevant issues, examining diverse perspectives, and taking part in a friendly, nurturing and open community. We stress the importance of social justice, environmental awareness and informed citizenship, and provide students with a window on the world that is global and green.
Find joy in learning again at Contact! A permanent CYC & Social Worker helps students achieve success in all areas of their lives. We offer small classes, a caring & inclusive environment, and adapt to the unique needs of each student. Contact has vibrant Co-op, Credit Recovery & Extra Credit programs, a comprehensive digital media program with professional design and sound software, a strong Phys Ed program, and packaged courses that help students earn compulsory credits in a more engaging manner.
EYA offers an inclusive space where students flourish academically, socially, and in their personal growth. Our programme seeks to include student-directed, arts-focused, and social justice-oriented education and provide opportunities for innovative, experiential learning that address the whole student. Students refine their critical thinking and teamwork skills as they collaborate on relevant projects with real-world applications. Our youth grow to be independent, self-governing adults while learning to appreciate connectedness - to their peers, to the school community and to the world
Inglenook Community High School is a small, friendly alternative school close to the historic Distillery District in Toronto. Inglenook thrives on success through holistic learning and community.
At Oasis ASC, teachers deliver an arts-and-social-justice-oriented curriculum based on evidence which demonstrates that student achievement is heightened in schools that provide high quality arts education. Through visual, media, performing arts, and equity education, our teachers plan exciting projects to help motivate students to earn credits. Teachers encourage students to think critically and empathetically about the world around them.
All OSF courses are offered with a skateboard and street art focus. Students earn credits by operating a socially-responsible entrepreneurial business where they learn to build skateboards, design original graphics, work with local artists, market & display their own work and receive honorarium at the same time.
Unique in Canada, we offer academic and applied level programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students who are able to work independently with some guidance. Our program covers LGBTQ history, literature, and issues as well as a lunch program, class field trips, access to LGBTQ community events, and co-op education.
SEE School is a safe, small, caring community for students who have challenges with engagement, attendance, or mood. Our supportive staff provides Applied and Workplace curriculum through engaging in-person classes with a focus on personalized hands-on learning.
SEED is a diverse academic alternative community, dedicated to providing a free, democratic and constructivist learning experience.
At Subway Academy II we provide an independent study program to folks in Toronto under 21 who require a flexible school schedule and are ready to take more responsibility for their learning.
West End Alternative nurtures the whole student with creative, collaborative, and cross-curricular learning opportunities in an accepting community of learners.
WEA is a school where students earn credits towards their OSSD while producing culture, developing their personal well-being, and building self-advocacy skills. Students find direction in their lives while advocating for equity and their own space in the wider world.
Secondary Alternative Schools West
Toronto District School Board
132 St. Patrick Street, 1st Floor,
Toronto, ON, M5T 1V1
(416) 396-0956
