Scadding Court Community Centre, Room 3, 707 Dundas St. West (at Bathurst), Toronto M5T 2W6 Classroom: 416-393-0845 Contact: craig.morrison@tdsb.on.ca (Oasis Alternative S.S.)
Bored of Education?...
Skateboard of Education!!!
As of September 2009, Room 3 in the Scadding Court Community Centre will house the Oasis Skateboard Factory reengagement program.
As the first school site in the TDSB fully dedicated to offering all subjects with a skateboard design and street art focus, the Oasis Skateboard Factory helps students earn Gr. 9/10/11 compulsory & elective high-school credits over 1 or 2 semesters by running a social justice and community focused entrepreneurial business where they learn hands-on to build skateboards, design original custom graphics, work with local artists and community partners, market and display their work and have the opportunity to receive an honorarium.
Call the Main Office of Oasis Alternative Secondary School at 416-393-9830 for Information Session dates.
craig.morrison@tdsb.on.ca
- D.I.Y. - Handcrafted - Artisanal - Local - Socially Responsible - Alternative, Experiential Education -
Co-Chairs: Ted Hunter & Norah Jackson, ted@roarockit.com, norah@roarockit.com, 416-938-4588 (Roarockit Skateboard Company)
Parent/Guardian Reps: Maureen Skinner, maureenskinner@hotmail.com, 647-378-7521, Kim Skinner, kimberley.skinner@td.com, 905-436-9798
Community Partner Rep: Ryan Rubin, info@longboardliving.com, 416-939-8723 (Longboard Living)
Promotions Point Person: Gary Genosko, genosko@lakeheadu.ca, 647-389-8007
Student Council Rep: Carly Bond, jl.bond@hotmail.com, and the OSF Rep Team: Moises "TRNE TRKS" Frank & Lauren "Lou" Ablack
Student Nutrition Program Rep: Naomi Takasaki
Student Studio Technician: Carly Bond
Teacher Advisor: Craig Morrison, craig.morrison@tdsb.on.ca, OSF Classroom: 416-393-0845, Personal Cell: 416-888-0640
Past Students:
This year, my last year of highschool, has been amazing! Spending my last year at OSF has been the best year of highschool to date. Craig, our teacher is the best teacher in the world. He makes class fun for everyone. Learning how to make a skateboard was one of the best experiences ever. I learned how to start an entrepreneurial business and I plan to eventually open up a skateboard shop. I’m looking forward to the next semester when I start designs for my own custom skateboard line. With the help of Craig I was able to receive all my credits which was amazing because in my old school I usually only received about half my credits every year.
- Adam, Age 19
Well, I’d have to start off by saying how great Ted and Norah of Roarockit are…without their generosity, there would be no OSF. They mentor us in everything we need to know about making good quality skateboards…from shaving and sanding to molding and staining, they’ve always been there to lend a helping hand. In the classroom we learn lots of cool things, like sticker and button-making, spraypainting, colour and design techniques and stenciling (which would have to be my favourite). You can make a stencil of anything, all you need is to know how to simplify it and what to keep and what to cut out. For once I actually feel like I am learning stuff I can use in life. This is a program I feel any kid would dream to go to, and I am very lucky for the opportunity. I’ve learned skills that I can use forever and it’s all thanks to Craig – our wonderful teacher – and Ted & Norah at Roarockit.
- Tori, Age 16
Craig has played a major role in me passing this year…keeping me motivated to come in. He has changed my view towards school…it can be interesting and useful in real life too. Best teacher I ever had!
- Andre, Age 16
I credit a lot of my success to the teacher…he really puts a lot of effort into helping us get our work done and set up gallery viewings and fieldtrips. Everyone in the OSF wants to thank our main partner Roarockit for helping us with the skateboard building process. The impact of all this on me is huge…I went from having an average of 50% in my prior school career in two previous schools to 75% with Craig because I am more motivated by his assignments (and the $$$ honorarium).
- Tristan, Age 17
Craig helped me with so much; if it weren’t for him I definitely wouldn’t have done so much this semester. I’ve learned a lot in this class that I’m definitely going to use in the future….This program is amazing…what kind of school teaches you by doing things hands on, like going to local galleries or making skateboards and designing a graphic for a sponsor?
- Dillyn, Age 17
I think this is the best program ever. I’ve learned so much and Craig helps me so much. I would usually skip at other schools but we can get an honorarium here for our hard work. I think this program should get more funding because it is amazing and it gets a lot of students excited about school.
- Tanya, Age 18
I think the program was amazing. I loved the art focus and I learned that I don’t necessarily have to have already been an amazing artist to create amazing art. I loved making a skateboard and it was really cool that it was actually bought by someone. It felt like I was making something real and not just some stupid school project. I think Craig made me try a lot harder than I originally would have because even on the days when I didn’t think I cared about school, he cared enough for the both of us.
- Sarah, Age 17
Craig’s awesome, really understanding and he helps us out no matter how frustrated I get with school. Roarockit is a great partner and they support us to make really awesome skateboards….Craig puts fun into school while we are doing hard work on our credits. This program should get continued funding because the school gave me success!
- Casey, Age 17
This program is amazing! Craig is an inspirational teacher who has given many students the confidence to succeed. The courses are extremely engaging and assignments are well organized and a blast to be part of. Being part of OSF has inspired me to take my learning and work farther than ever… and being in art shows and getting the positive recognition was super encouraging. It’s good being in such a chill environment with cool students, a great teacher and community partners like Roarockiit. Being rewarded with credits and sometimes even an honorarium (cash!)…Sweet deal!!!
- Alexander, Age 17