CONNECTS December 2013
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
CELEBRATING THE SEASON THROUGH MUSIC
SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS
COLLINGWOOD FAMILIES GIVE
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Grade 6 and 7s sing carols at the Christmas concert at Wentworth.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DECEMBER 2013
seasons greetings
It’s that time of year again! After a very busy and successful term and a half, our students are ready for a break for the Holiday season. But before you depart on your holiday trip, with homework and projects just a memory in your rear-view, take a moment to read and to enjoy this Holiday issue.
3.............Holiday Message from the Headmaster 5....................Service Initiatives at Collingwood 7...............Robotics Team Competes at Kwantlen 9.......................................Christmas Concerts 11..........................................Santa Breakfast Wentworth teachers, Samantha Lyzun and Katrina Tucker, celebrate the season and compete for the best Christmas sweater.
Click here to watch Mackenzie discover Holiday happenings at Collingwood School.
wright on... time will tell
holiday greetings from the headmaster
Mandela underwent quite a metamorphosis while in prison. Upon his release, had he continued being the subversive and defiant Mandela imprisoned almost three decades before, there is a good chance that apartheid would have prevailed in South Africa into the 21st century, perhaps until today. However, since a compassionate and reconciliatory Mandela emerged from jail in 1990, his country was able to shed apartheid forever.
3
The busy build up to Christmas this year took a thought provoking twist for many of us at Collingwood with the death of Nelson Mandela. As a School there were so many lessons to learn by reflecting on Mandela’s remarkable life. His stamina and attitude in prison showed the uplifting nature of the human will. His ability to embrace and forgive his captors showed the power of “turning the other cheek”. However, my big takeaway while watching the various tributes and documentaries was just how much Mandela had changed since his early days in the African National Congress. He was at his core the same man at 60 as he was at 26, but the years matured and changed him, enabling him to do extraordinary things. As a young lawyer living in Johannesburg in the 1950’s, Nelson Mandela became involved in anticolonial politics, joined the ANC and helped found its Youth Wing. He cut his political teeth in the ANC’s Defiance Campaign, and was appointed Superintendent of the organization’s Transvaal Chapter. He was repeatedly arrested for seditious activities, and although initially committed to nonviolent protest, he co-founded a militant arm of the ANC and aligned himself with the South African Communist Party in launching a sabotage campaign against the apartheid government. When he was thrown into jail for life much of the world, including the US and Britain, labeled him a Marxist terrorist.
The reason this particular Mandela lesson resonates with me is that I’ve seen over my many years as a School Head drastic changes in individual students, which obviously don’t have the historic significance of Mandela’s change, but nevertheless, on a personal level are just as profound. I recall a girl who was clumsy and withdrawn in grade 3 and ended up captaining a provincial winning field hockey team. I remember a boy who was shy and struggling in grade 6 and wound up being the freshman year president at Dartmouth. As we all know, we continuously change throughout life. Driven by biology and shaped by experience, the most radical transformation takes place in our first 15 years. This is the time when our children are living with us and often driving us crazy with their inconsistency, their work habits, their choice making, their fill in the blank. Parents being parents need to deal in the moment and can’t be blamed for fretting about how their kids are doing today. However, from time to time we should allow ourselves the luxury of taking the long view, and not get too fussed about our “underperforming” 10-year-old. There is nothing wrong with battening down the hatches, giving them opportunities, loving them to bits, and letting them mature. Perhaps they won’t change the world like Mandela did, but they’ll probably change themselves. Merry Christmas. Rodger Wright Headmaster
A Grade 12 and his Kindie buddy celebrate the holidays at the Santa Breakfast at Morven.
coats for cold During the holidays, Collingwood School works together to help the local community enjoy a warm and delicious festive season. One of the ways that Collingwood does this is with Coats for Cold. A service initiative that helps bring gently loved coats to people who need them. Eva C. is the student leader for Coats for Cold, and recently she took the time to explain her role and this wonderful initiative. Why did you choose to volunteer for Coats for Cold? Coats for Cold is a project that collects winter clothes and all proceeds go to Covenant House to support homeless youth. I volunteer for Coats for Cold because it is a meaningful initiative. Although we may not be aware of this, we are lucky to have sufficient supplies to stay warm. However, there are less-advantaged youths who do not have access to warm winter clothes. It is important to help the less-advantaged and raise awareness.
How can people help? People can help by volunteering at the Covenant House, or donating supplies or money.
My fellow leaders and I help organize and promote this event to the Morven community. From collection boxes to mentor class announcements to tallying house points, everything is well organized!
What can people donate? People can donate supplies such as clothing, food, and toiletry items, as well as, by making cash donations (monthly or one-time). Is it important to volunteer? If it is, why?
Covenant House is a shelter for homeless youths. Every year, it provides physical and mental support to more than 1500 street youths.
service initiatives
For youths who experienced family violence and other hardships, Covenant House is their new hope and future.
What is your role as a lead on this service initiative?
Why is the Covenant House important?
5
Eva C. collects gently loved coats to support Covenant House in Vancouver.
Absolutely! Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Not only is it fun, but it also inspires me to make a difference in others’ lives.
the true meaning of the holidays Every year Collingwood School brings the spirit of the holidays to families in need. This year with the funds raised from faculty and staff, the families received warm coats and bedding, toys, books, art supplies, kitchen and personal items, as well as almost $300 in gift cards Thank you to those who donated money, food or gifts to the hampers this year. Because of you, these two families will have a better Christmas.
a festive snack Backpack Buddies is bringing holiday cheer to end the 2013 year. A group of very dedicated students worked hard to pack the bags of food so the children can enjoy a delicious bag of snacks and protein before the holiday break. Backpack Buddies is prepared to deliver 150 bags of snacks to children who are in need. Each bag will contain a homemade gingerbread man, and a handmade holiday greeting from the large Backpack Buddies team of dedicated students. In the New Year, this service initiative will continue, with a Morven collection date in January. Stay tuned for details. We thank you for your continued support. We also extend our warmest wishes to the Collingwood community and to the children of Thunderbird and Queen Alexandra schools during this festive season.
young round square helps local initiative
Young Round Square students from Wentworth visit Morven to help pack bags of food for the Backpack Buddies program.
In November, 12 Young Round Square (YRS) members from Wentworth traveled by shuttle to the Morven campus to help pack the bags of food for Backpack Buddies Program. This group of students (under the leadership and guidance of the grade 8 and 9 students) worked for one hour to pack 150 bags of food for young children in east Vancouver. This initiative will allow 150 children to enjoy healthy meals and snacks. The YRS group was extremely excited and enthusiastic to help with this local initiative. It makes us appreciative and grateful for having access to three full meals each day. We look forward to the next Backpack for Buddies campaign in 2014!
6
science challenge At the beginning of December, Collingwood’s Robotics team competed at the Kwantlen Science Challenge and returned with wonderful results! The Junior Team won the design challenge and placed 1st overall out of 28 teams. Our Senior Team did not bring home the medal, but performed very well. Their homemade trebuchet went 11 meters – an astounding feat considering the obstacles they had to face. The last major win for Collingwood was in 2010; the team that year built a bridge out of 100 popsicles and white glue that withstood 136kg of weight. After this team won, Kwantlen made the bridge challenge significantly more difficult.
academics
acing the test
7
Aidan J. (Gr. 12) completed the challenging PreCalculus 12 math course as a Grade 11 student, earning an amazing 100% in the course and on the Final Exam last June. This sort of perfection at the highest level of high school Math in British Columbia is to be celebrated! Aidan is one of 13 Collingwood students who have earned 100% on the Math Final Exam since we began keeping records in 2002. Congratulations to Aidan and his teacher, Mr. Al Rose.
Future global leaders
Rodger Wright with Holly Schofield and Head of School Lisa Evans, presenting the CFGL awards to Ryan P. and Tay H..
Over the summer, Collingwood students, Ryan P. and Tay H., took time away from their summer break to attend the Center for Future Global Leaders and participate in the CFGL International Academic Competitions. Founded in 2006, the CFGL is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow through educational attainment and character development. Ryan participated in the CFGL Essay contest in persuasive writing and received a score that put him in the top 25% in Canada. He also competed in the Lexicon Challenge in the area of linguistic and verbal arts and scored in the top 10% in British Columbia. Tay
also competed in the CFGL Essay contest receiving a score that put him in the top 10% of those students who competed in the Lower Mainland. Participating in this program, and competing in the resulting challenges, is voluntary. Congratulations Ryan and Tay on achieving such stellar results and representing Collingwood on the International stage. To attend the Center for Global Leaders or participate in the 2014 International Academic Competitions, visit www.iactoday.org for more information.
8
christmas concerts
christmas concerts
WENTWORTH
9
christmas concerts morven
10
Experience Italy & Greece: Rome, Sorrento , Athens, Rhodes & Crete
Courses Sponsored By:
Collingwood School An incredible one-month academic program travelling across Italy and Greece! Trip Highlights: Rome:
Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Catacombs, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps
Sorrento: Gateway to the famous Amalfi Coast, Bay of Naples, Pompeii and climb Mt. Vesuvius, cliffside luxury hotel with private sun terrace Athens:
Acropolis, Parthenon, The Plaka Market, National Archeological Museum
Rhodes: Medieval citadel, site of the ancient Colossus, Island’s rich Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman & Italian history, ancient temples and acropolis of Lindos, fantastic 4-star beachfront hotel Crete:
Ancient ruins at Knossos, picturesque villages dating from the 17th century, full-day adventure at local waterpark, fabulous beachfront resort with incredible rooftop pool and lounge
Customize your trip with incredible optional excursions including: Vatican City, jet-set island of Capri, & stunning island of Santorini
Courses Offered: *English 10, 11, 12
| *Math 10, 11, 12 *History 12 | *Social Studies 11 *Courses are based on a minimum enrolment.
Scan to find out what you’re missing.
community performances
David Buchan and the Collingwood Chamber Choirs sing carols at Christ Church Cathedral with the Vancouver Welsh Man’s Choir.
On November 30th at St. Francis-in-the-Wood the Concert choir, Senior Chamber choir, Intermediate Chamber choir and their accompanists performed to a full house. At the end of their day-long-retreat with fantastic clinicians and some remarkable parent and staff volunteers (Judy Levis, Catherine Bowers, Lorena Jang, Almas Keshavji and Maggie Wang) - the students put on a stellar concert that raised $860.
The monies will be split between two very worthy causes. The North Shore Youth Safe House and the Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Fund. Then on Thursday, December 5th Collingwood performed again, this time at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, featuring our very own David Buchan.
Giving back On December 6th, the Collingwood Chinese Parents’ Club held their annual Christmas Pot Luck Luncheon, graciously hosted at the home of Ming Luo and Qing Yin. Headmaster Rodger Wright presented Justina Hui, Chair of the Chinese Parents’ Club, with the Heidi Daniel Award of Volunteerism. Under Justina’s leadership, the Collingwood Chinese Parents’ Club has grown and become increasingly involved in and supportive of Collingwood events and services from the Lunch Program at Wentworth to the Gala and our annual Tartan Fund Campaign. Even though her son, Colby Yam graduated in 2012, Justina has remained actively involved with the school, both through the Chinese Parents’ Club and as a member of the current Capital Campaign Executive Committee. We were delighted to present this award to Justina and to be a part of such a lovely luncheon. Susan Hazell
12
wentworth
santa breakfast
13
Grade 12s enjoy pancakes with their Kindergarten buddies during the Santa breakfast at Morven.
festive store
Once again Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special trip from the North Pole to join in the fun at the Festive Store! Our shoppers at Wentworth had a wonderful time perusing the wonderful array of gifts and of course, were so excited to be able to shop in secret for the special people in their lives. A highlight of the day was when students got to meet Happy St. Nick, the students were delighted to show him the gifts that they purchased. Thank you to all the volunteers that coordinated this much loved event for the kids to enjoy.
scholastic book fair
14
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
CAV PROM 2014
Old
hollywood FRIDAY . JANUARY 24 . 2014 SUTTON PLACE HOTEL 845 BURRARD STREET . VANCOVER DOORS OPEN 7:00PM DOORS CLOSE 7:30PM $85 PER PERSON ALL SCHOOL RULES IN EFFECT Click here to view the cav prom promo video
house standings backpack buddies
geer
pumpkin carving
groos
house board
public speaking
senft
mackenzie
explore week 1 winners
Dec 2 - 6 was week 1 of the Grade 8 Winter program. To celebrate the hard work and and participation of students on Explore, each week of the program students are acknowledged with an award.
Week 1 winners of the Golden Spoon were: Morgan B., Katherine F., Vanessa L., Eliscia S., Adam L., Matin T., Kyra T., Nicole J., Chloe S. Winners of the Spirit Boot: Nataly H., Eliscia S., Adam L., Amanda F., Alessa H.
upcoming DATES/events • 1/13 - First Day of Classes after Chrismas Break • 1/16 - Grade 7 Welcome to Morven Event 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM Current Collingwood Grade 7 parents and students • 1/20 - Open House at Wentworth and Morven • 1/22 - JK - 7 Class Photo Day • 1/24 - Cav Prom • 1/30 - Unishop Sale 8:45am- 12:00pm Wentworth
connect with us on instagram and facebook @collingwoodschool @collingwoodHM
16
A student feels the rythmn while on the Grouse Mountain One Climb hike.