CONNECTS OCTOBER 2012
WRIGHT ON MEET THE COLLINGWOOD CLOSERS FINDING THE RIGHT FIT WITH THE COLLINGWOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE TEAM COLLINGWOOD CELBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Terry Fox Run, Morven Campus, September 27th, 2012
IN THIS ISSUE OCTOBER 2012
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WRIGHT ON... Meet the Collingwood Closers
UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AT COLLINGWOOD Finding the Right Fit KINDIE BUDDIES KEVIN MENG SHINES AT MUSIC COMPETITION
MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBALL SEMIS COLLINGWOOD SWIM TEAM TERRY FOX RUN BREAKING RECORDS
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ENCOUNTER TRIP GRADE 2s VISIT YEW LAKE ROBOTICS AT WENTWORTH MORVEN’S ROBOTICS CLUB
GRADE 4 OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOUNDER’S DAY 2012 IN THE NEXT ISSUE
ZANNA DON’T MUSICAL NIGHTS AT COLLINGWOOD
WRIGHT ON... COLLINGWOOD CLOSERS
Closers are important on any team. The Detroit Tigers had Phil Coke to close out several games in their glorious sweep of the dreaded Yankees. At Collingwood, we have our University Closers, three talented and creative educators who are not only chocking up the wins (finding the right university fit for each student) but putting our School and our standards on the radar of universities worldwide. Michelle Embury, Brian McDonald, and Derek Wong are not “all” married to each other, but they are all married to providing first class university counselling to Collingwood students. In this edition of E-Connects, you will discover some of their innovative and groundbreaking activities deployed by Michelle, Brian, and Derek which are all aimed at 1. exposing and educating our students on the banquet of opportunities in tertiary education in Canada and abroad;
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2. developing an intimate knowledge of university programmes and admission requirements that they can factor judiciously into each student’s application; 3. cultivating relationships with admissions personnel in Canada, the US, and the UK; and 4. harnessing our own alumni to give insight, advice, and advocacy on different university programmes and campus life. If you ask any of our grad families, these Closers integrate all the above into the whole university decision making process and the crucial stewarding of the student’s application. The goal of the exercise is to place a grad in a post secondary situation where they have the greatest chance to thrive, grow, and be happy. Michelle, Brian, and Derek – The Collingwood Closers!
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UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AT COLLINGWOOD: FINDING THE “FIT” IS JUST THE BEGINNING Before our University Guidance counselors have even met with your Grade 9 student, they have logged hundreds of hours with Admissions officers at countless colleges and universities across Canada, the United States, and the UK. The goal is to discover what these schools are looking for in candidates, and then to bring that “intel” back home to match up with the next fresh crop of university bound students. The partnership forged between our University Guidance counselors and Admissions officers at hundreds of institutions yields many results. Our counselors have helped to shape policies used to screen Canadian applicants at many schools in the US and UK. In fact, this past month, at the national conference for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Michelle Embury was invited by Oxford University and the University of Edinburgh to present with them on helping students prepare a competitive application to the UK. By looking outward they bring current perspectives back to Collingwood and help to create the best recipe for success for each individual student by helping them define what they are seeking in their post-secondary experience and by finding the right “fit”. Finding that fit requires many thought-provoking discussions between counselor and student. Each student is challenged to reflect on “what is it that I want to accomplish?” and “what kind of experience am I seeking?” Our counselors find that there is a good amount of myth-busting to be done
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in these early stages of building a relationship with a student. Myths such as “Ivy League schools are the only place to get a great education” are debunked as students are exposed to a plethora of universities around the world offering top-quality programs that previously might not have been on the student’s radar. Students begin building their list of schools to apply to, and if any are in the US, they also have to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests, which are required for consideration at most, if not all, colleges and universities south of the border. Students can enroll in Planning 11, which is integrated into the student’s existing school day. In this class they can explore the application process in fine detail, including writing and refining essays to be included with their application. Prepping for the standardized admissions tests also occurs in Planning 11. Students review vocabulary, work on their critical reading skills, review complex mathematical concepts and generally explore many strategies for successful outcomes on these tests. Some may think that a sheaf of acceptance letters is the end of the road for our University Guidance counselors, but that is far from the truth. For months, and often years, each student has been honing in on what post-secondary institution they want to attend, what program
Back to Front: Michelle Embry, Christy Shandler, Brian McDonald, Derek Wong
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UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE they want to pursue, and why. Once a student has the slate of acceptances before them, the challenge of choosing the right offer begins. Our counselors are there every step of the way to help students with this key step in the process of determining their post-secondary future. The work of Collingwood’s University Guidance counselors continues beyond graduation. The last critical element of their job is to reach out, establish and retain relationships with Collingwood alumni. At every college and university they visit, they also make a concerted effort to reconnect with former Collingwood students, so they can hear first-hand about their experiences at a particular institution. Hundreds of hours of video are recorded and brought back to home base, so that our current students can learn what the “real deal” is at a university or college that they are considering. This process is invaluable in keeping alumni engaged and in touch, as well as helping our current students make informed choices about
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post-secondary opportunities. If you ask Brian McDonald, Michelle Embury, Derek Wong or Christy Shandler about what their priorities are in University Guidance, you will hear a unanimous answer: “Our first priority is the student. Our second priority is the student. And our third priority is the student.” This is evident in everything that they do from information meetings for students and parents, road trips with students to tour universities across Canada and the U.S. and meet with faculty and Collingwood alumni, to individualized student planning sessions and follow up. And from the constant buzz in the University Guidance Centre, it is clear that students are the #1 priority. Your child’s future is in very capable and committed hands. Barb Labounta, Director of Communications and Marketing, Collingwood School
2012 Collingwood graduates at Commencement
KINDIE BUDDIES
Grade 12s meet their kindergarten buddies for the first time.
WENTWORTH’S MUSICAL TALENT SHINES ACROSS CANADA This summer, our very own Kevin Meng, a grade five student at Wentworth, came in second in the 9 year old category at the Canadian Music Competition held in Toronto. Kevin passed the first round, April 22nd, the second round on April 24th and qualified for the National level in Toronto, July 24th, where he got 92%. Kevin performed the concerto in D major 1st Movement by Franz Joseph Haydn, a prolific Classical composer from Austria. Kevin’s skill and obvious talent was clear for all to see. You can watch Kevin performing this piece here on youtube. Congratulations Kevin!
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SCHOOL LIFE
Sr. teams, Groos and Houssian, after hard fought Sr. final won by Groos 12-8
Equal opportunity Headmaster (note his jersey) throws out Mackenzie house , the eventual Jr. Winners in round robin first handball at start of first ever House Sports Tournament action against Houssain house
MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBALL SEMI-FINALS: MACKENZIE VS. SENFT Masses of 8 and 9 students came out to watch this intense match. Students filed in early to get a seat for the semi-final. Reporters stood outside the change rooms trying to get injury details. Coaches and management kept their cards close to their chest. As the heavy favourites, Senft jumped out to an early lead. Not looking back, they kept building on their lead. Then, all of a sudden, like an earthquake the gymnasium shook, the crowd went silent, and Mackenzie’s Defensive wall stood up. The comeback was on! Shift by shift, goal by goal Mackenzie inched their way back into the game. Finally they tied up the game and the intensity could be cut with a knife. There was fire in all the athletes’ eyes but Mackenzie would not be denied this ultimate comeback victory. With seconds left Mackenzie pulled off the unthinkable and scored the final goal to go up 9-8 and win the match! After the game I ran into one of the fans – Ben Basran – How was the game Ben? “It was great – end to end action – all you wanted in a playoff game!” With enthusiasm like that you know that House League intramurals are off to a great start! Michael Payne, Physical Education Teacher, Morven
COLLINGWOOD SWIM TEAM
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Collingwood swim club competes at the ISA tournament hosted at UBC
2011 CAIS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TERRY FOX RUN RECORD BREAKING DONATIONS
On September 27th, 2012, Collingwood continued the legacy of the Terry Fox Run. All students were dressed in their House colours and with smiles on their faces ran or walked in honour of Terry Fox, who travelled across Canada to raise money for cancer over 20 years ago. Many students and staff wore stickers declaring whom they were running for, further reinforcing the intent for this annual event. With numbers just in‌Last year we raised $11, 906. This year, both campuses’s raised a record breaking amount... Together the Collingwood School Community raised $21 494.33!!!! Once again proudly continuing the cause that has changed the lives of so many across Canada and the world.
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SCHOOL LIFE
ENCOUNTER XIX RETREAT On September 28th the Encounter XIX candidates set out for the first retreat of the year. The group consisted of mainly grade 12s with six grade 11s and six teachers. Thankfully, the weather cooperated for them over the weekend, allowing them to go on hikes and play guitar around the fire pit. The leadership team guided by Dr. Bob Corbett, Ms. Lisa Evans and Ms. Fiona Morris did an excellent job of organizing the activities for the candidates. John Choi eagerly stepped up with fellow Co-Rector, Sofia Thompson, to be the Co-Rector and did a fantastic job. Before their return, the Rectors were proud to announce the new Rectors for Encounter XX and XXI. Congratulations to Connor McRae, Sarah Won, Leigh Sawchyn, and Michael Morrey, who are looking forward to leading the next Encounters in February and March. Sofi Ferguson, grade 12 student
GRADE 2s VISIT YEW LAKE On a sunny Wednesday at the beginning of October, the grade 2s went on an adventure to Yew Lake. They set out on a mission to observe nature at its finest! A few of the things they learned were why sway back trees are the way they are, what rotting rock is and what sphagnum moss looks like. They used their curiosity (and magnifying glasses!) to take in the beauty of the area. Some of the highlights of the trip were seeing gigantic mushrooms, as well as watching birds while having lunch by the lake. Overall, it was a brilliant day!
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MORVEN’S ROBOTICS CLUB The Collingwood Robotics seed germinated in 2010 when Daniel Hong approached Mrs. Shirley Frykberg, the Head of the Science Department, and asked if the school would sponsor a robotics team. The team included Daniel as the leader, Jeffrey Kim, John Li and Chris Wang. Mrs. Frykberg agreed and Collingwood Robotics is now in its 3rd year. The team has evolved into a class of 13 Grade 11 and 12 students who are currently working on three robots. There is also a group of highly motivated Grade 10s who are building their separate robot outside of class time. The Robotics bug has spread to the Junior grades too, with Beebots and Probots in the elementary grades and a Robotics co-curricular club for junior and intermediate level students. Robotics is special and totally hands-on. The students are always engaged in planning, designing, building and re-building their robots in preparation for this year’s competitions. The students learn to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. There is a lot of opportunity to develop and exercise their leadership qualities while working with their teams. At the competitions, it is amazing and exciting to watch all the teams from different schools share, collaborate and problem solve together as one big team – 21st century learning in ACTION!
ROBOTICS AT WENTWORTH
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SCHOOL LIFE GRADE 4 OUTDOOR SCHOOL-CAMP SUMMIT At the Wentworth campus, the Grade 4’s recently returned from outdoor school where they took classes at “Camp Summit”, an outdoor education facility in a stunningly beautiful location just north of Squamish.
came into contact with at Camp Summit, is really the way that good teachers spend their days.
The children, their counselors and the grade four teaching team boarded the buses early on Monday morning, ready for a three-day, two night experience that would enhance their social studies and science curriculums. The reality is, that in addition to the vast learning about habitats, local eco-systems, food systems, and navigational techniques, there was so much more going on.
You can read the full transcript, Pushing the LimitsGrade 4 Outdoor School, on Collingwood’s Learning Mindset blog at http://learningmindsets.weebly.com/
Rheanne Stevens, Director of Intermediate and Middle School Program
The children bonded as a community, making friendship bracelets together, singing silly songs around the campfire, snuggling in sleeping bags and talking by the light of their flashlights. They placed themselves in uncomfortable situations that helped them learn about what they are capable of, what it feels like to set a goal and succeed. Perhaps the greatest learning for me came not from the successes, though, but from the children who struggled. They weren’t the fastest or strongest or most adept at a given challenge, but it was their attitude that struck me.
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Facts can be found at the touch of a button, but deep learning about community, risk-taking, commitment and perseverance is something that the internet can’t deliver. Searching for authentic tasks and challenges that allow for significant learning, like the ones the children
One student climbs to new heights at Camp Summit.
FOUNDERS’ DAY 2012
L: Jeannie Senft (First Chair of Collingwood School Foundation) with Rodger Wright and her daughter, Lauren R: Nick Geer, founding parent and First President of the Founding Board of Governors speaks at our Founder’s Day assembly.
Founders’ Day was celebrated on October 5, 2012 at the Morven campus. The event began with an assembly where founders, guests, faculty and students were introduced to the new Houses by Headmaster Rodger Wright and were captivated by Nick Geer’s fascinating account of the school’s early years. Deputy Head Bob Corbett then brought everyone up to date on the recent expansion of the Wentworth campus and Headmaster Wright took them on an animated tour of what the new Morven campus will look like. It was wonderful for all in attendance to see how far Collingwood has come in less than 30 years. More significantly, it was an opportunity for the assembled faculty and students to thank the founders for all they had done to make it possible.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE CAPILANO WATERSHED PROJECT On Oct 9th, 2012, the entire grade 8 class had a special assembly to learn about the Watershed project that would be part of their studies this fall. Lead by Jessica Richmond (Explore), the project extends across all disciplines and provides students with a variety of opportunities to explore water concerns locally and to better understand global water issues. SPECIAL EDITION CONNECTS ANTI-BULLYING Coming next week, this special edition will focus on the support systems and strategies currently in place at Collingwood, as well as future intiatives, and useful information and links for parents and students.
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SCHOOL LIFE ZANNA DON’T On Tuesday Sept 11th the entire Grade 10 class, all 118 of them, went to see the production of “Zanna, Don’t”. This was a musical, performed as part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival and was put on by “Awkward Staged Productions” – which features youth actors/actresses, sound crew, setting design, musical pit ..etc. The play tackled issues of respect for diversity specifically around sexual orientation in youth culture and was a creative way to explore this dialogue through music and dance. An honourable mention goes out to Cara Tench- our dance teacher, who was the lead Choreographer and Trevor Smith (grade 11) who worked as our Sound Technician for the show.
MUSICAL NIGHTS AT COLLINGWOOD Our Musical Nights group attended their first event of the season on October 18th: the opera, “La Boheme”. Puccini’s most famous opera was sung in Italian, and presented by Vancouver Opera at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Our group of Grade 8-12 students was transported back in time to the Latin Quarter of 19th century Paris to witness the poignant love story of Rodolfo and Mimi. Everyone was moved to both laughter and tears throughout this four-Act opera. For many of them, La Boheme was their first opera experience, but it will most definitely not be their last! 16
Collingwood students at La Boheme
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