Math Help Centre Offers Valuable Resource

“It’s not that full right now, but just come back the week before a test or an exam,” Mr. Pat Giommi, Head of Mathematics, says knowingly, nodding to the two students who have set up shop in the Math Help Centre. It’s lunch time, and Mr. Giommi is here to answer math questions. From tests to homework, anything mathematics is on the table. And even though attendance waxes and wanes depending on the school calendar, the centre is a valuable resource: at least one teacher from the mathematics department is present to help senior students at lunch and after school until 4:30 p.m., every day except Tuesdays and Fridays. “I think it’s a great resource that benefits me a lot,” says William Li ’20, who can often be found at the centre working through tricky problems. “Sometimes when I have tests or questions I don’t understand, I can just drop in based on my schedule and get help from teachers. They offer solutions and provide suggestions on how to solve the particular types of questions I have if I ever see them on future tests.” Despite its availability, Mr. Giommi says many students don’t take advantage of the resources the Math Help Centre provides. During the lunch hour, students are encouraged to bring their lunches and eat while they work. Bringing a friend is an even better idea, says Mr. Giommi. In his message to parents, Mr. Brown, senior diploma program teacher stresses, “The Math Help Center is an excellent pillar of support for students that is readily available at lunch time and after school. Although a tutor is a form of additional support, we encourage students to first utilize the resource that is already funded by their tuition.” Sally Jones ’20 agrees that the centre is a valuable resource. “I’ve found it helpful to have that one-on-one time when I can get all my questions answered,” she says. “If I had to sum up the math centre I would say it’s highly supportive and one of a kind,” says Dylan Sprang ’22, another frequent attendant. “It allows students to study, learn and simply discuss math with their teachers, or get the perspective and abilities of another mathematics teacher. I think it is one of the unique things about GNS and I am proud to be a part of it.” The Math Help Centre schedule is posted outside of Simpson 105. Any senior student is free to drop in on any day of the week over lunch or after school until 4:30 p.m.