CONNECTS November 2013
ROUND SQUARE
BELIZE SERVICE TRIP
UNDER THE BIG TOP
FAMILY & FRIENDS CARNIVAL
FIELD HOCKEY PROVINCIALS HOSTED AT AMBLESIDE
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Braden O’Donnell (centre), Nick C. (left) and Trevor S. (far left) snorkeling near the Mexico rocks dive location in Belize.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2013
step right up to the big top This month was packed with exciting events and new initiatives. Collingwood hosted the BC Senior Field Hockey Provincials, Wentworth held the first Parents’ Council Friends and Family Carnival and three Morven students were chosen to play at Carnegie Hall in New York. On page 7 you can read journal entries from the teachers who accompanied students on the service trip to Belize. With so much going on at both campuses, be sure to read each month’s issue of Connects to stay up-to-date. Enjoy!
3........Senior Field Hockey Provincials 5..........................Belize Service Trip 7...................Taking to the High Seas 9..........................Under the Big Top 11........................Stopping to Reflect Scott Rickard gets a pie in the face at the Big Top Family & Friends Carnival on Saturday, November 16th, 2013.
SENIOR Field hockey provincials
field hockey PROVINCIAlS
The senior field hockey team had a great and busy season, including five tournaments. The girls came together as a team to fight for one of the top spots in the province.
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During the season, the team went on an overnight trip to participate in the Friendship Cup. This was an opportunity for the team to bond and learn to trust each other on the field. Playing both AA and AAA teams, the girls illustrated their strength as a team and started to believe in themselves. They quickly realized that they had the potential and ability to go beyond their expectations. From that point forward, the team focused on improving each and every game they played. ISA’s and then a tough UBC tournament made the team even stronger and more focused.
Coaches, Ashleigh Gold, Sara Bruner and Catherine Underwood cheer their team on.
Their final regular season tournament was the Pumpkin Classic in Kelowna, where skill, desire and unity came together to bring success. The team continued its winning streak, taking the North Shore Championships, their pool at Provincials and the AA BC Bronze medal! Congratulations to the girls for a very successful season. Catherine Underwood
Members of the senior field hockey team, celebrate a win.
ALIX SIGNS WITH INDIANA university Big 10 Conference, which is so powerful and prestigious that it has its own cable tv network. Indiana University is getting a very talented athlete. Alix is coming off a great summer of golf where she placed 2nd in the BC Junior Girls Championship and won a gold medal with her BC teammates at the Canada Summer Games. She has played for the Collingwood golf team since she was in Grade 8 and has been playing in top-notch tournaments across North America and Europe for years now. This will help her when she steps into the tough world of university golf. Alix k. signs with Indiana University in Collingwood’s University Guidance Centre.
Alix Kong officially signed her Letter of Intent with Indiana University in Collingwood’s University Guidance Centre. Alix is one of the top young golfers in BC so a number of American universities had shown interest in her, but after much research she decided that Indiana is the place for her. And what a place it is. Indiana is a member of the
Alix will captain the Collingwood golf team for the second straight year this spring. Last year, the team qualified for the BC Championships, but hopes are high for an actual medal this year as the now wily veteran, Alix, will be leading a group of very strong Grade 10 boys. If everyone plays to his or her full potential, Alix could be finishing her amazing Collingwood career with a gold medal in her hand. Dave Speirs
WENTWORTH’S NEW sports COURTS Wentworth’s new outdoor sports courts were completed in October. As part of our initiative to create more outdoor play space, having the courts on the west side of the building has mitigated some of the congestion on the upper play fields, allowing students more access to safe play space. So far, the courts have been busy at recess and lunch, as students work on their skills and play all sorts of games. Occasionally, we even lose a ball or two to the ocean! For students to be fully engaged in their learning, they need to play, and this is a great opportunity for students to have fun in a safe, outdoor space. Sharifa Samuels
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belize service trip
journal entries*
November 2 Just a little update while we have a semi reliable internet connection...Last night, we all discussed our goals and fears for the trip, thinking forward to what we all want this trip to be- a great service opportunity and a chance to expand our roles as global citizens. November 3 The day began like any other in a tropical paradise‌ fifteen minutes later, however, the monsoon hit. Braving the rains, we made it more than 3/4 of the way to our beach clean up before, completely waterlogged, we pulled into the aptly named Tranquility Bay. There we hunkered down in a dockside canteen to wait out the storm. Finally, after lunch, the rains had subsided and we resumed our journey only a few hours behind schedule.
Oliver J. snorkeling along the barrier reef just off Ambergris Caye
BELIZE SERVICE TRIP
November 6 Today, everyone is waking up in the middle of the Belizian jungle.Yesterday, having completed our beach clean-up, we ventured out into the crystal clear waters aboard a catamaran, bound for a nautical adventure along the barrier reef. Along the way, our guides spoke to us about the history of the coral reef and the lands that surround them. We heard about the various species of aquatic life we would see as the guides spoke with great passion and conviction about a land they very clearly love. November 8 Over the past two days, we have been busy channeling our inner Picassos and Monets and painting the exteriors of the outer building complexes of the new office wing at the Armenia Government School. It has been hot and, at times, grueling work, but the students are all really getting into it and having a lot of fun. At the end of the day, tired, exhausted and covered in almost as much paint as we left on the walls, we debriefed. Students discussed the nature of our service in Armenia. What have they found to be the most rewarding? James K. and Daniel C. at a government school in Armenia
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* Sections were taken from the complete journal series which will be made available soon on the school’s website.
While a damp activity and one that required a fair drive, it was certainly informative, thanks to our very able guide, Abel, rather aptly named, don’t you think?
Ainsley B. making new friends with the students at the Armenia Government School
Perhaps the evening’s most passionate words came from Riley who said, with great conviction and determination, “I want to learn, most of all, about the kids here - to ask them questions about their lives and REALLY get to know them.” Our students are really making an effort to engage with the world around them and, as leaders, we are very proud of them and excited to think they will be even greater citizens of the world upon our return to Vancouver in a couple of days. Time now to visit the Mayan ruins! November 9 Yesterday morning, we trekked out to the Mayan ruins that we climbed despite driving rain and cool winds.
Following up on the day, we asked the students to think back on the trip as a whole and point to a moment where they thought another student had really gone above and beyond. I was very impressed with the moments the students pointed to : from Nick carrying Alanna when she couldn’t walk any further to Daniel quietly leading the way. In the end, we asked all students to remember to recognize those in their life who go above and beyond and to strive to do likewise in their own lives. We are now about to sit down to our last dinner in Belize and an early bedtime following our last debrief, so I should leave you all here. I hope you have enjoyed reading about this trip as much as I have enjoyed living it. Thank you for lending us your children and for believing in Round Square. I believe the students have made you all proud and, hopefully, you will hear many great stories upon our return tomorrow! Thanks again and all the best, Braden O’Donnell and Heather Ross
taking to the high seas At the end of October, a group of Collingwood students took to the high seas for a Tall Ship expedition around the Gulf Islands. The schooner Maple Leaf was our home for days as we cruised from island to island and anchored in a number of different harbours. Despite some severe fog and very little wind, everyone on board learned a great deal about sail training and how to operate a tall ship. The Maple Leaf had no mechanical advantages to help raise or lower the sails. All the hard work was done by hand, sweat and a lot of teamwork and communication. While the students arrived as a group of individuals, by the end of the trip, we left as a tightly knit crew that worked well together. On the last day, we were able to beat the time set by last year’s group for raising all the sails. This was a great highlight and definitely a moment of huge pride! While on board, we were treated to amazing food, some breathtaking scenery and a great evening of programming by our own students. Any activity that involves a piñata full of candy and a polar dip is always a good time!
tall ships
One of the biggest highlights was on the second last day when a school of Dall’s porpoises played in the bow wake of the Maple Leaf for about an
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hour. Then, all the resident Orcas of the Pacific Northwest came together in our area. The ship was surrounded by roughly 85 orcas for a little over two hours! It was incredible. This was an amazing trip and everyone had a great time with lots of good learning and laughter. We all recommend that anyone who is interested look into this for next year! Andrew P. & Andrew R. This year’s crew: James A. (exch), Emily B., Alana D., Mika E., Simon F., Michael G., Chris K., Sanders L., Nick L., Andrew P., Andrew R., Natalie W., Chris W. and Zach Y. Teacher Crew: Ms. Kimberly Desjardins and Mr. Dave Pool
touring potential universities Many of the important pieces of information in the university research process don’t come from flipping through a viewbook, attending an info session or navigating a website – they come from stepping foot on campus and experiencing the life of a university student. In November, University Guidance Counsellors Michelle Embury and Derek Wong accompanied a group of 14 students on the Fall Colours Eastern Canadian University Tour and visited 13 universities in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario. The students toured a variety of campuses – from Acadia University, a small, rural campus with 3,400 students, to the University of Toronto, a large, urban campus with 83,000 students. They connected with Collingwood alumni currently studying at these universities to hear their personal experiences, meet admissions staff, sit in on university classes, and dine at residence cafeterias. Choosing a university is a momentous decision and tours like this one, help students to make the right decision for themselves.
Students stand in front of University Hall at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.
stopping to reflect
L:R Students in the drama theatre, one of the five satellite assemblies on Remembrance Day. Rodger Wright, in the lecture theatre, was streamed live to all students throughout the school.
On Remembrance Day, five different ceremonies were held simultaneously at the Morven campus. Various students performed live or via videotape, which was then broadcasted to all the house groups around the school. It was a large undertaking, but the hard work of the IT department and the participation of students and staff made this Remembrance Day a memorable occasion.
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under the big top in the New Gym, parents and children alike stood in awe as Circus West delighted the crowd with their many feats and tricks.
pc family & friends carnival
Some of the highlights of the Carnival include the very famous and well attended Dunk Tank and Pie Toss. Many teachers, such as Shelley Sung Cole, Ashleigh Gold, Andrew Shirkoff, Roger Hatch, our Heads of Schools Lisa Evans and Ian Kennedy, plus Rodger Wright were good sports as they got ‘pie-d’ and dunked repeatedly by our students.
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Saturday, November 16th, the Wentworth Campus was transformed from a school into a magical circus where prizes were won, fellow teachers and our Headmaster were ‘pied-d’ at the Pie Toss and delicious treats were enjoyed. Right at 10am, our Ringmaster, Jon Borrill, welcomed families down the red carpet and into the halls of the first Parents’ Council Big Top Carnival.
While the Dunk Tank and Pie Toss surely drew a crowd, the Bottle Stall sold out in record time. Big Daddy was a huge hit with those brave enough to take a picture with the friendly snake, and the Candylicious Candy Shop had kids bouncing through the halls. The Photo Booth was a delight as students dressed up in costume to pose for the camera.
There were many venues to visit. Students sang under the strobe lights in the Coko Karaoke Room, while others got a full makeover in the Sparkle Studio. The Midway was filled with the sounds of children laughing as they ate cotton candy, filled up on popcorn and tested their accuracy and luck at the prize stands. Across the school
A huge thank you goes to Parents’ Council for all of their hard work and efforts, all of our volunteers who made this event fun and memorable and for our donors and sponsors who helped to make the Carnival the best show on earth- or at least West Vancouver!
L:R Melissa Fiorvento and Mirjana Popescu, Under the Big Top Co-Chairs, along with Monica Clemiss, Parents’ Council Chair, flank Jon Borrill, Ringmaster for the Carnival. Playing in the bouncy castle was a real treat for many little Circus visitors.
under the big top
parents’ council family & friends carnival
public speaking finalists
On Monday, November 25th 21 students from Grades 8-12 competed in the Public Speaking Finals at Kay Meek Centre. There were three main speech types that students competed in: serious, dramatic monologue and humourous. Students delighted the judges (Gabrielle Loran, David, Petitpierre, Louise Wright, Roger Hatch, and Mandy Richmond) with their funny, persuasive, and at times thought provoking speeches. The Middle School winners were: Savin N. (A Unique Home for Girls), Emily B. (To My Owner: A Cat’s Eye View), and Madeleine L. (Idiot’s Guide to Book Genres). The Senior School winners were: Evan L. (Lies), Ben B. (Branded) and Chris C. (Mark Etting). Congratulations to the winners!
return to learn, return to play Collingwood’s Return to Learn, Return to Play protocol is our specific concussion management procedure and directs our care for each of our students with a concussion as they return to both the classroom and physical activity. These procedures and policies have been developed from research done by Dr. Charles Tator at the University of Toronto, the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) organization and OPHEA (Ontario Physical & Heath Educators Association).
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We encourage all parents to familiarize themselves with the specifics of this policy. This is particularly important if your son or daughter plays a contact sport for Collingwood or any other team or club. Detailed information on this policy and a variety of parent resources are available here.
students off to carnegie hall
(L:R Siu L., Yundi L., Christopher H.) Congratulations to Christopher H., Siu L. and Yundi L. who successfully auditioned against hundreds of students across North America to be accepted in the Honours Concert Series in New York. They will be performing with the Honours Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in February 2014.
Great News! In just six weeks we have raised over $208,000 in funds and pledges for this year’s Tartan Fund, leaving us with less than $42,000 to go to reach our goal. Our sincere thanks to all of you who have already shown your support, with gifts ranging from $50 up to $10,000. With the continued support of our families, we hope to reach our goal of $250,000 by December 31st and get an early start on our Tartan Fund projects in the New Year. We’ll be calling more parents in the weeks ahead to ask for support, but there’s no need to wait for a call - you can donate now online here - and get your 2013 tax receipt! Please click here to watch our video about the exciting projects in this year’s annual campaign.
Members of the Farnsworth Invention cast during dress rehearsal.
CHRISTMAS concerts
CHRISTMAS
‘tis the Season Christmas Concerts at the Wentworth Campus Dec 2, 5:15pm - Kindergarten Dec 3, 5:15pm - Grade 1 Dec 4, 7:00pm - Grades 4 -5 Dec 10, 7:00pm - Grades 8 - 9
CONCERTS
What is Dance?
Dec 2, 6:30pm - Grade 2 Dec3, 6:30pm - Grade 3 Dec 5, 7:00pm - Grades 6 -7 Dec 11, 7:00pm - Grades 10 - 12
Expressions VIII: What is Dance? The 8th annual student choreography production showcases exploration in movement and passion for dance. Using the power of creativity and composition, these budding choreographers create dance in all different forms and show us what dance really means to them. Dec 18, 7pm $10 Morven Campus
upcoming DATES/events • • • • • •
12/10 - Gr.8-9 Christmas Concerts at Kay Meek 7:00 - 8:30pm 12/11 - Gr. 10-12 Christmas Concerts at Kay Meek 7:00 - 9:00pm 11/8 - Term Break, School Closed 12/16 - Gr. 8-12 Carol Service at West Van United Church 12/18 - Student Choreography Dance Show 7:00- 8:00pm 12/19 - Last day of Classes before Christmas Break for JK- Gr.12
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Grade 2 students learn about the sun, water, air and soil during Science.