CONNECTS JUNE 2013
HEADMASTER’S CLOSING REMARKS 2013 YOUR TARTAN FUND DOLLARS AT WORK LEADERSHIP 11 DESOLATION SOUND
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Grade 7 Commencement assembly
IN THIS ISSUE JUNE 2013
3 5 7 9
CLOSING REMARKS
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TARTAN FUND DOLLARS AT WORK LEADERSHIP 11 DESOLATION SOUND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY THUNDERBIRD MENTORING WENTWORTH STUDENTS CLIMB FOR A CAUSE CALIFORNIA CUP GROOS WINS THE WRIGHT CUP ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS YEAR END CONCERTS
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STUDENTS PERFORM AT JAZZ FEST STUDENT WINS AT SPRUCE MEADOWS DADS, LADS & GRADS RUGBY TOURNAMENT COMMENTS FROM NEW STUDENTS & FAMILIES THANK YOU PARENTS’ COUNCIL ATHLETIC AWARD RECIPIENTS
WRIGHT ON...CLOSING REMARKS Excerpt from the Headmaster’s remarks to students at the 2013 Senior Closing Ceremonies I would like to offer a few thoughts as we enter summer holidays and give you a tidbit of advice. These thoughts come from some observations and comparisons of your life as a student now, and my life as a student back in the Stone Ages when I was in high school. First of all, I admit up front that your educational experience is far richer and more relevant than mine was back then. Mine was basically blackboards and chalk, dictated notes, memorization, rote learning and a lot of daydreaming. These days your life is exponentially more complex, sophisticated and faster than my sleepy existence in high school, where I just had two concerns – 1) playing hockey and 2) would I ever get a date. And in the end, I did manage to play a lot of hockey at least. In your life, you have literally at your fingertips through iPhones and Tablets etc., access to a worldwide treasure trove of information present and past. But figuring out what is true and what is useful is the real trick. Your parents and your school worry that you’re bombarded with this information, before you’ve really developed the capacity to edit, filter and understand it. This is not your fault, but it is a dilemma. It means you’re growing up so much faster than I did at your age where life was a lot simpler. You have an astounding array of communication devices available to you…and you deal very well with them. You are fabulous multi-taskers, able to carry on multiple conversations while studying and changing for basketball. I’m quite jealous, but at the same time, I’m concerned.
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It is not about the tools you and I use to a certain extent. I certainly love my iPhone and my CBC and Toronto Maple Leafs apps. These are all liberating, transformational inventions, and frankly incredibly useful new arrows in education’s quiver. But, it is the pervasiveness of the Internet and the solitude of using the devices that connect with it, that is cause for alarm. I have real concerns about the pace of your life, about the expectations thrown at you at such a young age and about only learning about things at the surface. Although it sounds Draconian, there are real chances of your devices replacing human intimacy and personal contact. The speed and superficiality at which everything unfolds for young people today may not allow them to do a few things that I feel are critically important, things that I had a luxury to do as a boy. Maybe you can do some of these things this summer. I’m just going to mention three. 1) Doing something in depth: In the 140 character universe of the Twittersphere and with so many thoughts conveyed in slickly produced sound bites, I worry about young people being able to gain intimate knowledge about something in which they are passionate – having the luxury of delving beneath the surface of a topic and reflecting and manipulating in their minds a new idea. We have to keep this hope in mind as educators and emphasize critical thought and reflection in our curriculum, but hopefully you can really drill down this summer – study, experience, or read about something that fascinates you. 2) Doing something outdoors: Seeing the world from a trail, or a mountain slope, or a canoe or a
kayak without being plugged into an iPhone, should be part of everyone’s experience this summer. Having the time to experience the natural world, to hear it, to sense it, to appreciate both its beauty and its power is enormously important and can have a profound effect on a life. Fortunately, many of you get this exposure through our Explore programme, and with your own families on holidays, but in the headlong rush for academic standing and university placement we should always find the time for a walk in the woods.
3) Doing something face to face: I worry about all of us being fixated on our devices and tend to lament (and I’m just as guilty as anyone) the erosion of interpersonal “live” exchanges. There is the classic cartoon of two friends at the same table texting one another and then smiling and saying “LOL”. We can tend to get blinkered by the ease and anonymity of email and texts, and forget that so much vital communication is conveyed through tone, inflection and body language. When you can be someone’s friend by just clicking on an icon, you miss out on letting friendships slowly develop. This summer we should all try to find time to get into good old-fashioned conversations, face to face. In conclusion, all of the students here have had a radically different everyday school and life experience to what I had had growing up. I’m not saying mine was better, in fact I don’t think it was. The important thing from Collingwood’s point of view is to be aware of the new and very real pressures on young people – the pace of your life, the constant change all around you – and not only help you become nimble, resourceful, managers of this cyclone, but give you some opportunities at School, and insist, whenever you can
to slow down and concentrate on one thing to get outside and mess around to look people in the eye and try to communicate more personally
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YOUR TARTAN FUND DOLLARS AT WORK WENTWORTH ROBOTICS
Students who are members of the Robotics club at Wentworth try out the new robots purchased with Tartan Fund dollars
We are excited to announce that we now have five “Roamer Too” floor robots, thanks to The Tartan Fund. These come from the UK, and are new products to the market. In fact, these are the first “Roamer Too” floor robots in Canada! “Roamer Too” floor robots are reprogrammable: they include procedures, output and input, and have variable speed, volume and strength. These robots talk back, which is useful to correct programming errors. The Tartan Fund has also enabled the purchase of an additional twelve Lego NXT kits for the older Wentworth students, and we are eagerly awaiting the release of the new Lego EVO3 version in the Fall.
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All our robots were demonstrated during the Grade 6/7 Science Expo in May. Here are some comments from our young roboticists: “They’re cool! It was hard to get it to turn properly. I liked using pens with it to draw shapes.” Derrick “It was fun. I liked controlling the speed.” Siah “I liked programming Roamer Too. It was fun when we made a formation dance with five of them.” Soham “I liked how it could go very fast. You can program it to do dances.” Daniel Paul Klintworth and Matthew Parker
LEADERSHIP 11 DESOLATION SOUND
The Leadership class of 2013 had the privilege to go on a six-day kayak excursion through the spectacular islands of Desolation Sound. The intrepid participants on the trip were: Austin W, Michael Y, Jovin N, Merat G, Katie H, Grace T, Christine J, Silver M, John C, Storm M, Carlos S, and Owen S. The expedition offered a chance to practice our leadership skills in a safe and enjoyable environment. After many classroom seminars, it was exciting for everyone to put everything previously learned to the ultimate test by having the chance to lead the group for half of the day.
On this trip we were able to enhance our kayaking abilities and learn safe ocean navigation skills. Though the weather wasn’t at its best everyone was able to look past it and enjoy the utter beauty of Desolation Sound. We even had some sunny weather and made the best of it by going for a swim at Unwin Lake. This trip made us realize how important and effective it can be to get away from school for a little while. Forgetting about homework and exams for the six days was refreshing and we were all able to come back more motivated to finish the year strong. Next year Collingwood will send another group of students on another trip and the legacy will live on. I encourage everyone to consider this rewarding and unforgettable adventure, I can ensure you that you will not regret it! Katie H, Grade 11 student
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SERVICE
What could be more fun than paint, sun, tools, enthusiasm and a keen group of Grade 11s and 12s? Absolutely nothing – the students in their hard hats, steel-toed boots and work gloves always get down to business for a Habitat for Humanity build or for a session in the North Shore Restore. Several of our students have participated in Habitat for a couple of years and they have watched the townhouse unit go from frame to almost completion; this progress has been very rewarding and worthwhile for the participants. Collingwood students have left a lasting legacy through their efforts and labour, and the volunteer co-ordinators appreciate the work ethic and attitudes of our students. “Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to mobilize volunteers and community
partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.” Currently the students have been assisting with the building of a 27-townhouse community in Burnaby, in which families must also give 500 hours of their own labour called “Sweat Equity”. Habit revamped their volunteer opportunities to include our students in community events, at the North Shore Restore, and in weekend builds. Working side by side with members from the community helps our students appreciate their lives and gives them the opportunity to see how others live. “It’s so much fun to give back in a tangible way. I get to see our achievements and see accomplishments first hand. “ Grade 12 student
Looking for something to do over the Summer holidays? The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is offering a 2 for 1 Admission coupon that can be found on their website here: http://www.spacecentre.ca/school-coupon Students may print the webpage and present the coupon at time of admission to Guest Services. The coupon expires on Monday, September 2, 2013.
THUNDERBIRD MENTORING Thunderbird Mentoring is a local service program that Collingwood has been supporting for a number of years. Every Monday after school a group of Grade 10 to 12 students head to Thunderbird Elementary School in East Vancouver. The Collingwood students are matched with one to three buddies from the Thunderbird Kids First program and they work with them throughout the year. The Kids First program targets at-risk students and our Senior School students prove to be excellent role models. Collingwood students participate in a variety of activities with the children and some of the highlights from this year included: impromptu skits, pizza baking, games in the gym, singing, tutoring and art activities. The activities are not what makes the program work: it is the supportive feeling that is formed between the two groups. The bond that is created leaves a lasting impression on all of the students in the program and there is no doubt that Collingwood students are making a difference in our local community. “I was really moved when my buddy came to visit our school, he held my hand all afternoon, looked me in the eye and used my name. What a difference from September!” Grade 10 volunteer
WENTWORTH STUDENTS CLIMB FOR A CAUSE Several Wentworth and Morven students, staff and parents participated in the ‘Whistler Water One Climb’ event on Saturday, June 22nd. Hundreds of climbers dressed in blue flooded the Grouse Grind to raise awareness and funds for clean water. Following the grueling hike to the top, Spencer West who campaigns and speaks all over the world for this same cause, greeted us. His speech was an inspiration to continue to raise further awareness, as a donation of just $25.00 will ensure clean water for one person in Kenya, for life! The more accessible clean water is, the more accessible education is for young girls and women in this part of the world. Thank you to the dedicated Young Round Square members who joined the ‘One Climb’ campaign!
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SCHOOL LIFE GROOS HOUSE TAKES THE WRIGHT CUP The launching of our new House system at Morven has really galvanized the competitive juices of our students and faculty. It’s been so pleasing to see so much positive and collaborative energy expended to ensure that ‘MY’ House is at the top of their game and collectively leading the charge to achieve top notch results in all scheduled Academic, Arts, Athletic and Service activities; after all, the WRIGHT CUP WAS ON THE LINE. Roger Hatch, Senior Headmaster
Final Ranking: Groos Houssain 1st 2nd
Senft
Mackenzie
Geer
Byrd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
FIELD HOCKEY TEAM AT THE CALIFORNIA CUP
The California Cup was an amazing trip and an ideal time to come together as a team, with a strong work ethic and a desire to compete. The girls’ field hockey team attended the Cal Cup, a large three day international tournament hosting over 130 teams in thirteen divisions.The first two days of our trip were spent exploring the Los Angeles area of California, visiting Disneyland, Malibu and having a great practice. The night before the tournament, we were all nervous, yet very excited for what was to come. The first two days of the tournament were designated for round robin pool play, where we won two exciting games and lost two hard fought battles. This placed us 3rd in our pool, which meant we were matched up to play against one of our hometown rivals, the West Vancouver Adanacs, during the playoffs. The game was a tough match up, but the team played extremely well. Throughout the tournament, each player improved in various aspects of the game, which brought us closer together as a team and made us eager to compete in our future Collingwood field hockey endeavours.
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Morgan M, Grade 9
GROOS
HOUSSAIN
SENFT
MACKENZIE
GEER
BYRD
STUDENT LIFE STUDENTS PERFORM AT JAZZ FEST The Jazz Band performed at Robson Square on June 22nd for the International Jazz Festival. After a rather wet morning, the clouds parted, the crowds came out and the band was amazing as they brilliantly represented Collingwood. There were other comparable acts, though our students were simply stellar! Congratulations to the students and Mr. Perkins!
MAEVE WINS AT SPRUCE MEADOWS Maeve Scarborough, Grade 11, began riding at the age of 10 and has been competing ever since. Recently, Maeve competed at Spruce Meadows “National” and “Continental” Tournaments in Calgary where she won one of two scholarships awarded annually at the National Tournament. This scholarship of $1000 from Royal and Sun Alliance is awarded to a junior rider who, in the opinion of a panel of judges, displays consistency and successes in the various jumping competitions throughout the tournament and who stands to gain the most benefit from the scholarship. Congratulations Maeve!
DADs, LADS & GRADS ANNUAL RUGBY TOURNAMENT
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WHAT OUR NEW STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT COLLINGWOOD We had no idea what a difference a school could make. Our son has had an amazing year with so many opportunities. We thank the teachers for their devotion to the students, and we are proud to tell our friends (and anyone else who will listen!) that we belong to the Collingwood family! From the first day when our son wore his Collingwood uniform, we knew we had made the right decision. He started to enjoy his new student life at Collingwood and it was a completely different experience compared to his public school. Our son is now dreaming of his future and has started planning for university. We can’t find the words to thank you all for your encouragement, advice and guidance. Three words explain our year: ABOVE AND BEYOND! When we’d been gone for the weekend or a holiday, my daughter would run into her class to give her teacher a hug without looking back at me; that is when I knew my daughter was truly safe, she felt safe and loved. The parents were all great, I loved how everyone got involved and was always there for me when I needed help with a pick up or drop off. My daughter has made some really great friends and I look forward to watching them all grow up together. My only feedback is that it’s been fabulous. Thank you to everyone. We have been very happy with our choice to send our child to Collingwood this year. Grade 7 has been a challenging year academically, but also rewarding. For the first time in a long time, our child likes school again and was very motivated to do well. Our child definitely feels ready for Grade 8. I can honestly say that our children were positively impacted by
many of their teachers. If they were struggling with a concept, there was a provision of extra help at lunch. If there was a slip in performance, we were notified in a respectful, encouraging way. When our kids achieved something admirable, we were made aware of it. It was a big decision for us to make, given the sacrifices involved, but I can tell you that we are all very pleased with our decision to come to Collingwood. As a family we have been very happy and have felt very welcome at our new School. Our child comes home smiling, sometimes tired, but always very positive about the move to Collingwood. Our child has met some very nice kids with similar interests. The past school year has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. She has made new friends, enjoyed learning a wide range of subjects, and won many awards. As a parent, I must say “thank-you very much” to Collingwood School and its dedicated teachers for opening the door for the students so that they can have opportunities to participate in diverse activities. The experience for our son this year has been simply tremendous. The transition has been a very positive experience from the home room teacher, to new friendships who he talks about a lot, to the curriculum and extra-curricular, in particular the opportunity to be involved in sports and music. Our son feels so comfortable there and supportive of the school. I could certainly go on and on about so many of the positive experiences for our son and for our family. I think about the start of the next year and how we could help a new incoming student just as so many welcomed us.
THANK YOU PARENTS’ COUNCIL
Thank you retiring Parents’ Council executive members( pictured left), and welcome to the incoming Parents’ Council executives for the 2013-2014 school year.
STUDENT LIFE
ATHLETIC AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2012-2013 VOLLEYBALL Grade 6 Girls Charlotte Petterson (Co-MVP) Muneet Gill (Co-MVP)
SWIMMING Grade 6/7 Girls and Boys Tim Zhang (MIP) Nicole Basran (MVP)
Grade 7 Girls Bridget Campbell (MIP) Daisy Wang (MVP)
Grade 10 Girls Emily Overholt (MVP) Mackenzie Branham (MVP) Levent Shah (MVP)
Grade 8 Girls Madeline Filewych (MVP) Oceana Sam (MIP) Grade 8/9 Girls Julia Rach (MVP) Sol Lee (MIP) Grade 10 Girls Tina Haertel (MVP) Zoe So (MIP) Michele Ancrum (MVP) Gella Kashanchi (MVP) Hailey Jacobs (CA) CROSS COUNTRY Grade 6/7 Girls and Boys Tom LeBlanc (MIP) Tannis McKay (MVP) SOCCER Grade 6/7 Girls Megan Mauro (Co-MVP) Alexa Bossley (Co-MVP) Grade 6 Boys Michael Kennedy (Co-MVP) Sebastien Geddes (Co-MVP) Grade 12 Boys Taylor Milliken (MVP) Michael Mauro (MIP) Michael Morrey (MIP)
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Hailey Jacobs (MVP) Leigh Sawchyn (MVP) Jordan Angus (CA) CAIS Boys Derek Punter (MIP) Duncan Bustos (MVP)
WRESTLING Grade 6/7 Boys Karna Nilakantan (Co-MIP) Alec Coleman (Co-MIP) Grade 9 Boys Michael Lee (MVP) Arash Toupchinejad (MIP) BASKETBALL Grade 6 Girls Muneet Gill (Co-MVP) Izzy Fry (Co-MVP) Grade 7 Girls Bridget Campbell (Co-MVP) Morgan Border (Co-MVP) Grade 6 Boys Copper Sam (MIP) Tyler Preston ( MVP) Grade 7 Boys Zakir Jiwani (MIP) Bruce Qin (MVP) Grade 8 Boys Andrew Davis (MVP) Carter Armstrong (MVP) Grade 9 Boys Ben Basran (MVP) Victor Liang (MIP) Grade 10 Boys Jovin Narwal (MVP) Keegan Jones (MIP) Grade 11 Boys Kyle Kattler (MIP) Grade 12 Boys John Choi (MVP)
Jack Huebner (MVP) Grade 8 Girls Emma Rastad (MVP) Hazel Atkins (MVP) Grade 9 Girls Rachel Spouge (MVP) Alexa Timlick (MVP) Grade 11 Girls Gabby Zeitler (MIP) Grade 12 Girls Leigh Sawchyn (MVP) Rachel Borrill (MVP) CAIS Boys Carter Giampietro (MIP) Denis Tuck (MVP)
Grade 10 Girls Grace Thompson (CA) TRACK & FIELD Grade 6/7 Girls and Boys Muneet Gill (MIP) Morgan Border (MVP) Grade 10 Boy Brian Lee (CA) Grade 11 Girls Gabby Zeitler (MIP) Grade 12 Girls Grace Thompson (MVP) Lester Lee (MVP) Spencer Morrey (MIP) FIELD HOCKEY Grade 8 Girls Maddie Connell (MVP) Natalie Dalton (MVP)
RUGBY Grade 6 Boys Jackson Harris (MIP) Graeme Niell-Klein (MVP) Grade 9 Girls Hailey Szybunka (MVP) Grade 7 Boys Rachel Spouge (MVP) Bruce Qin (Co-MIP) Kyle Tompkins (Co-MIP) Grade 12 Girls Katarina Angus (MVP) Grade 8 Boys Leah Frome (MVP) Carter Proc (MVP) Hailey Reeves (MVP) Daniel Chete (MIP) TENNIS Grade 9 Boys Grade 9 Boys Jeff Zhou (MVP) Liam Huebner (MVP) Angus Allen (MVP) Alessia Cima (MIP) Grade 12 Boys Marshall Fuller (MVP) Connor McRae (MVP) Taylor Milliken (CA) CROSS COUNTRY Grade 8 Girls Emma Rastad (MVP) Katie Harris (MVP) Grade 12 Boys Lester Lee (MVP)
Hailey Reeves (CA)
Grade 9 Girls Emma Rastad (MVP) Michael Knowles (MVP) Hailey Szybunka (MIP) Brendan Artley (MIP) Grade 12 Boys Iacopo Beltramo (MVP) Aidan Jarrar (MVP) Grade 12 Girls
BADMINTON Grade 8 Girls Sian Shin (MVP) Tracey Chen (MVP) Grade 10 Boys Leon Li (MVP) Grade 11 Boys Leon Li (MVP) Grade 11 Girls Joyce Zhou (MVP) ROWING Conor Kenney (MVP) Andrew Philps (MVP) ALPINE SKIING Natalie Walton (MVP) Owen Snider (MVP) Michaela Vince (MIP) Silver McLaughlin (CA) Alex Oubari (CA) MOUNTAIN BIKING Jack Almond (MVP) Ellis Lynch Neill (MIP) Trevor Smith (CA) CRICKET James Acres (MVP) Lester Lee (MVP) Jeff Sutcliffe (CA) GOLF Grade 12 Zamaan Jiwani (MVP) Amar Mainra (MVP) Pierce Kamensek (MVP) ROWING Grade 11 Girls Madison Mailey (MVP) Brynn Danvers (MVP) Grade 11 Boys Carlo Quicho (CA)
*Coaches Award (CA)
YEAR END CONCERTS
ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
We are pleased to have awarded three Entrance Scholarships for 2013-2014 at our recent Morven Closing Ceremonies. Our three recipients are each top academic students with a record of excellence in athletics, the arts and service. Congratulations to our new students Kaya, Thomas and Chris; welcome to the Collingwood family! Janis Clark, Director of Admissions
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Congratulations
Class of 2013
SPORTS DAY AT WENTWORTH