CONNECTS JANUARY 2013
GRADE 8 WINTER EXPLORE KEY PROGRAM GLOBAL LEARNING
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Wentworth’s Christmas Carol Service, December 20th
IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2013
04 06 08
SR. GIRLS BASKETBALL EUROPEAN TOUR GRADE 2s VISIT PENGUIN POINT EMMA GIBSON’S IMPRESSIVE BLOG ON HURRICANE KATRINA COLLINGWOOD ALLIES CLUB BACK PACK BUDDIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION: DANCE SHOW WINTER 8 EXPLORE
* Mea Culpa
10 12 14
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE SKYPE INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST BEN HEINE ART STUDENTS AT WORK OPEN HOUSE VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS KINDERGARTENERS AT PLAY THE RETURN OF HOCKEY UPCOMING EVENTS/CALENDAR ARTS MAG IS LIVE CAV PROM 2013
Due to a very unfortunate oversight, we missed noting that Emily Kelsall, Gr. 9 wrote the Christmas poem in the December issue. Thank you Emily for your wonderful creativity.
SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL EUROPEAN TOUR
Over the holidays, members of the Sr. Girls Basketball team, led by Ms. McLaughlin and Mrs. Dow, packed their bags for 12 days of adventure and basketball in Copenhagen, Denmark; Lund, Sweden (for the 35th edition of the Lundaspelen tournament); Gothenburg, Sweden, and finally Asker, Norway - a suburb of Oslo.
The Lady Cavs were lucky to travel with the winners of the U16 girls division, Hogsbo Baskets, up to Gothenburg for their next stop. Staying at the Hogsbo facilities, the Lady Cavaliers were impressed with the tradition and vision for the future that this club team had. While in Gothenburg, staying with Hogsbo, the team practiced twice a day, enjoyed a private movie showing, shopped in an 8-block mall, and visited the local science center, the Universium.
In Denmark, the team viewed such sights as Copenhagen City Hall, the Hans Christian Andersen monument, and Stroget, the pedestrian mall, and rang in the New Year twice- once in Copenhagen and then again at 9:00 am the next morning- Vancouver time. January 1st, the Cavs were one of 250 teams from ten different countries at the Lundaspelen; an extremely prestigious tournament that features top competition from various club teams around Northern Europe. Playing against fantastically skilled players, the Lady Cavs (despite being outmatched in some cases), fought valiantly through jet lag, Christmas illnesses, and some unfortunate injuries to finish third in their pool. Perhaps the most impressive event of the tournament for the Lady Cavs to witness was the championship game, where teams were marched out on the floor to bright lights and swirling smoke, as each player was introduced and fans cheered louder than the energetic music playing in the stands. The speed, skill, and effort with which these games were played were inspiring and the lucky winner walked away with the unique Lundaspelen trophy the silhouette of the town’s cathedral and a golden basketball on top.
4
The team also played the Hogsbo Baskets U18 team, which featured two girls who had returned from playing on the Swedish Jr. National Team, and the Jr. National team coach.
Highlights from the game included three pointers from Maddy Williams and Rachel Borrill, as well as, a compliment from the opposing team coach that the Lady Cavs made them play harder and that Rachel Borrill was a very impressive player. After Gothenburg, the Lady Cavs jumped on a train to Oslo, Norway for the last stop of the trip, and possibly the most anticipatedthe home-stay with the Asker Aliens Basketball Club. Over the next two days in Asker/Oslo, the Lady Cavs got to experience a Norwegian school, meet the Mayor of Asker, play against Jr. National players from Norway, have a private tour of the Oslo Opera house (the Operahuset), see the Palace of the Crown Prince of Norway, tour a ski jump facility, and feast on a Norwegian delicacy - WAFFLES! On January 11th, the adventure came to an end. The girls said good-bye to their amazing host families and headed back home to Vancouver. The team is extremely grateful for the support received from the school (Ms. Evans, Mr. Speirs, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shirkoff, Ms. Churchill), their parents who gave them
up for the holidays, and the many Scandinavians who were helpful and generous along the way. The team will be getting ready to return again in 2015... will you be joining them? -Morgan McLaughlin, Sr. Girls Basketball Coach
GRADE 2s VISIT THE PENGUINS AT THE AQUARIUM
L:R Mia Sandreli spots a starfish, Max Augustus (and Regan Tam) hoping the penguins will go for a swim, Christopher Parker checking out the frog habitat.
5
7
SCHOOL LIFE GIBSON’S IMPRESSIVE NARRATION OF HURRICANE KATRINA Human geography is the study of the relationship between people and places. In AP Human Geography, the Grade 12 class was tasked with writing a creative narrative/essay/short story based on a natural disaster- more importantly, to address the effect the disaster had on people and the resulting displacement it caused. This project was born out of an idea to make writing fun and creative, and brought together by Jennifer Hobson and Maryelise Citton. The project began last year in the AP Human Geography course and was designed so that students would learn; •about natural hazards and their effects on the human population ( a requirement in this course) •how to write narrative non-fiction •how to cite sources using Chicago style- endnotes and bibliography The challenge was accepted by Emma Gibson, a Grade 12 student at Collingwood who chose to write a narrative blog (Everyone is Leaving) on the events that occurred during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. “I had to choose a recent event, and I thought of writing about the earthquake in Haiti but found it difficult to find accounts on natural disasters in third world countries where the language was not English, and the accounts of the disaster were biased in the news”. With Hurricane Katrina, Emma found many accounts online, in blogs, and in pictures. Unlike other countries where censorship is an issue, it was easy for her to find differing views on the event and English accounts directly from those that were most
6
affected by the disaster. In one of her entries, she so elegantly addressed this; “I’m glad somebody will write about what they have seen, not just what their government told them to see.” For inspiration, and to achieve an authentic portrayal of the Katrina experience from the victim’s point of view, Emma watched the documentary, When the Levy Broke, by renowned filmmaker, Spike Lee. “There were eye witness accounts from people talking about their experiences, and images that you didn’t see in mainstream media of spray painting on buildings”, she explained. Emma wrote about these painted messages in a post, “This one here-” a man in our boat, who identified himself as John, pointed to
sprayed markings on the outside of a house. “It means the Texas National Guard has checked it. The Tx means that. The 0-0 means no survivors, no corpses.” When asked if she would consider a career in journalism, Emma said that she has thought of it; however, her interests lie in government- more specifically, in affecting change through policy management. With the possibility of studying Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carlton University, it is only the beginning of an inspiring life for Emma Gibson.
To read more of Everyone is Leaving, click here. Excerpt from Everyone is Leaving, “I have seen hell. In my darkest nightmares I will see this place, I will be a man holding his dying father, I will be a woman screaming for the loss of her dehydrated child, I will be a toddler in a pool of urine. I will walk over used needles and eat spoiled food. I will feel my heartbeat slow as my medication runs out, and the light will disappear as my dry eyelids close… But these are my dreams, and someone else’s life. “
COLLINGWOOD ALLIES CONQUER DISCRIMINATION Individuality… Tolerance… Acceptance. Collingwood Allies This fall a small, but mighty, group of Collingwood students along with 2 Collingwood faculty members started the “Collingwood Allies”. The purpose of the Collingwood Allies it to provide a safe space for all Collingwood students by encouraging and empowering students to act as vital “allies” to one another. The Collingwood Allies will promote open-mindedness and inclusiveness and are firmly against all forms of discrimination (queerphobia, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, classism, discrimination based on religious affiliation, etc.) Through regular meetings, socials and fundraising events the Collingwood Allies will provide a warm, supportive place for all students and an opportunity for students of all grades to meet “like-minded” classmates. Meetings will be held Mondays after school in room 4. All are welcome.
7
SCHOOL LIFE BACK PACK BUDDIES Child hunger is both an educational and social problem, and has been a significant issue in our society. Many children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches during the school year go home to meager or no meals on weekends. They are deprived of many essential nutrients, and are at risk of developing serious health problems. In 2007-2008, 130,300 children aged 12 to 17 lived in households with what has been called “food insecurity”, including 20,000 children where the food insecurity was severe. Although this issue is hidden behind often firmly closed and private doors, there are many youth in our own community who are in need of healthy, balanced meals to take home for the weekend.The Collingwood “Backpack Buddies” program works to fill that nourishment gap. This project is spearheaded by Joanne Griffiths and Collingwood alumni
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY DANCE SHOW
8
Emily-Anne Griffiths, along with several Collingwood students and teachers. On Fridays they deliver backpacks with child-friendly, non-perishable, easily consumed and vitamin-fortified food to the students of Grandview Elementary School and Queen Alexandra Elementary School.
GRADE 8 WINTER EXPLORE The final week of the Grade 8 winter program marks the completion of Explore 8 for students. Remarkable learning was demonstrated and fond memories were made each week as students participated in daytrips up Cypress, preparation days at school and exploration of beautiful Manning Park (3 day/2 night cross-country skiing and winter camping experience). Each day, the students enjoyed the unique terrain of Manning Park and developed strong cross-country ski skills. Spending a night in cabins, the groups practiced community living and cooking in a kitchen. Overnight winter camping took place at Lone Duck group campsite, where students cooked over their camp stove and slept in tents. This was an amazing opportunity for thriving in a winter environment. Winter Explore has a strong emphasis on self-care and reliance, as well as, teamwork. It also gives the students a perfect opportunity to build on their skills from Grade 8 Fall Explore.
The Grade 8’s will have fond memories of playing handball on skis and the amazing evening walk they enjoyed under the stars. The Explore team looks forward to further developing the students’ outdoor skills next year, in Grade 9 Winter Explore. It is the appreciation of the natural environment and the implementation of the skills learned, that benefits students in all aspects of their lives.
9 13
2012-2013 EXCHANGE PROGRAM The International Exchange programme was established during the 1992-1993 school year to offer students the unique opportunity to experience a new country, culture and lifestyle with the safety net of a host school and family. This experience empowers students to broaden their horizons, gain international perspective and become more self-aware. Out of the necessity to confront challenges outside a familiar support network and comfort zone, students often return as more confident and mature global citizens. Exchange candidates are in Grade nine or ten and are both proactive and enthusiastic about making the most of the experience; these individuals act as ambassadors of Collingwood School and fully immerse themselves in all aspects of school and family (or sometimes boarding) life while studying at their exchange school. These host schools are either members of the Round Square organization or schools which have been selected for their first class reputations and commitment to the global exchange experience. Some of the countries that have recently hosted Collingwood students include Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, India, South Africa, Germany, Japan and Bermuda. This year Collingwood hosted 17 students from four different countries and 17 of our Collingwood students participated in the exchange. Our host students had a great time learning about our community and traveling in Vancouver. If you’re interested in the experience, you can talk to Barbara Thureau on how you can be a part of the next exchange.
10 14
FRENCH AP STUDENTS INTERVIEW ARTIST BEN HEINE
The French 11AP students have been studying the theme of Beauty and Aesthetics (Arts and Self-Expression). In the process, they learned about Belgian visual multidisciplinary artist Ben Heine. They read about him, listened to interviews and watched a documentary by Davide Gentile. They also created their own Pencil vs Camera work inspired by Ben Heine. The culminating part of this was to meet the artist via skype to ask him questions that they have. Ben Heine is an incredibly talented artist and the most generous individual and his participation in this worthwhile activity is greatly appreciated.
ART STUDENTS AT WORK
11
15
SCHOOL LIFE OUR AMAZING PARENTS We had a tremendous turnout of prospective applicants at our second Open House on January 21st. More than 100 individual families attended the morning and evening sessions – some families attended both sessions! The Admissions Department extends a big thank you to our dynamic and articulate Wentworth Student Ambassadors and our Morven Admissions Stewards who led a whopping 91 tours on this day. In addition, our Parent Council members and our Chinese and Korean parent translators provided invaluable service on both campuses throughout the event. Thank you to all of our student and parent volunteers for your warm, welcoming and positive contributions to the success of our recent Open House. Our final Open House of this school year is on Monday, March 4th from 9am-noon and 6-8pm. We currently have very limited availability in select grades for the 2013-2014 school year. If you know of a family whose children would benefit from a Collingwood education, please be sure to encourage them to apply soon and to contact our Admissions Department to arrange for a private tour of either campus (admissions@collingwood.org).
12
CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS
Mahasti Mofazali is a Languages teacher at Morven, and in addition to her role at Collingwood, she is an AP reader for the French Language and Culture exam and has graded exams for over 8 years. A consultant/presenter for AP Canada, she presents in different provinces; this year, she presented in Toronto, Regina and Vancouver. In June, Mme. Mofazali will be going to Cincinnati to mark AP exams.
Edel Vo has been a teacher at Collingwood since 2000. She teaches Grade 11 and 12 Physics, and Grade 10 pre-AP Science. She also leads the Robotics Club, who performed well at their first tournament last year in November. Most recently, Mrs. Vo was promoted to President of the British Columbia Association of Physics Teachers, BCAPT- a huge honour! Congratulations on your stellar achievement!
A teacher seeks to inspire a love of their subject in their students; for Walentyna Karcz, the teacher became the pupil as Baxter Robinson (‘07) returned to Collingwood to teach AP Economics students the nuances of Externalities. For Walentyna, it was an honour to have her former student, protégé, return to the very classroom where he was inspired. In April, Walentyna Karcz will take four exceptional students to the Harvard Economics Competition at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.
KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS AT PLAY
12 13
CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF HOCKEY
UPCOMING EVENTS/CALENDAR Hungry for Changes 1/31-2/01 CAIS Gr. 7 Boys’ BB Tournament 1/29 - 2/2 Sr. Boys’ Cav Classic 2/ 01- 2/02 Morven Science Expo 2/4 - 2/7 Gr. 6/7 Science Expo 2/4 - 2/7 Askable Adult Workshop 2/5 Gr. 6/7 Quebec Trip 2/7 - 2/12 Long Weekend 2/8 - 2/11 Chinese New Year 2/10 Valentine’s Day 2/14
ARTS MAG’S LATEST ISSUE
14
On January 18th, students at the Morven campus celebrated the return of hockey by wearing their favourite team’s jerseys.
Arts Mag is out, to take a look at the newest issue, you can check it out online at http://artsmag.collingwood.org/index.php
Cav Prom 2013
COLLINGWOOD
SCIENCE EXPO FEBRUARY 4th to 7th