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May ~ 2011
J R / S R Prefects,
arts
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athletics
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H I G H
N E W S L E T T E R
Senior high citizens, graduation , PAC & bursaries
J unior high citizens , letes & news
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page 4
ath -
A message from your Headmaster
As
the landscape of independent education in Calgary changes, it becomes increasingly important for an organization to determine what makes it unique and then create ways to protect and celebrate that uniqueness. I have been asked on several occasions to summarize what makes Rundle unique, and for over 25 years the message has not changed: small class sizes. It’s not a secret formula, but one that has allowed Rundle to continue to provide individual attention to our students, giving them the best chance possible at success. Along with small class sizes, Rundle has extraordinary teachers dedicated to shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. As Rundle has grown, so have our programs. We are also unique in that we have four distinct campuses providing all levels of exceptional education in a small school environment. This unique quality does have its challenges, and at the heart
of that challenge is communication within our community. Rundle is fortunate to have a rich and diverse community that includes alumni, parents, past and present, students, faculty and staff that believe in Rundle and support its mission. We understand the need to provide consistent communication between our separate campuses; we are motivated to bring our thriving communities together, from our primary students and families to each year’s grade 12 graduating classes, of the College and the Academy. We want all our students and families to feel part of the entire Rundle community. We understand the importance of our senior students acting as role models for the younger ones and the excitement of graduating on to the next school. While we work to create a plan that will see our programs come together in the near future, we are proud of the cross-campus programs that our administrators have created to encourage
a sense of unity amongst our schools: a spirited game of floor hockey between the College and Academy Elementary; shadow day for the grade 4’s at the High School; numerous leadership presentations; joint athletic programs and humanitarian travel trips with the Academy and College; and the most recent Safari Under the Stars fundraiser event. This recent evening saw students from our primary through to high school join together for a very special night to raise funds for orphans in Kenya; your principals and faculty are making great efforts to bring our communities together. We are making great strides to create a strong sense of community for our students; we need to ensure that you as parents feel that as well. As a first step, I would encourage families to visit our individual program websites and browse through the newsletters. This is a great place to find out what our Rundle students are doing and share in their success. Join your school’s PAC and work
Student
services update
page 5
with your principal to develop opportunities for cross-campus involvement. Understand and celebrate each of our unique programs and the diverse educational opportunities available. If you are looking for more information, see the administration team at your school. If they are unable to assist you, please contact me. If you have ideas on ways to increase our Rundle community communication, please email Leslie Tecklenburg, our Director of Development for Rundle College Society, at tecklenburg@rundle.ab.ca and we will work together to address all suggestions. Rundle will continue to evolve and grow without losing sight of what makes us unique. We will maintain the high standards of excellence in education for our students. We will celebrate our success and address our challenges. Together we can create the school that you envision for your son or daughter. Thank you for your continued support. Dave Hauk, Headmaster
Prefects
May ~ 2011
Prefects is a student leadership group first started at Rundle in 1999 after two grade 12 students attended a leadership conference and came back filled with ideas to improve the school. One of these ideas was to establish a student council that would help facilitate activities, fundraisers and special events in the school.
If a student is not selected as a Prefect in their grade 10 year, there is still the opportunity for them to apply in both their grade 11 and 12 years. As part of the application process, current Prefects need to re-apply each year. We accept students with a variety of interests and a strong desire to take on a leadership role. If you are interested, send an application letter
to Mr. Goettel or Mrs. McClements by Friday, May 20. Your letter should include: • Past leadership roles you have taken on within and outside of the school • How you are going to give to the school community • How you see your role as a Prefect
Rundle teachers inspired
M
Art Achievement On Saturday, March 19, three students participated in the Climb and Run For Wilderness Calgary Tower Mural Painting Competition 2011. The competition’s theme was “Alberta Native Species in Its Habitat”. With no specific style requirements defined, the team of Hannah Cawsey, Alifia Kapasi and Taylor Welsh produced a mural depicting a black bear club in front of our school’s Rundle Mountain. The team placed first in the senior high students competition. Congratulations, artists!
rs. Golebiowski and Ms. Montgomery recently attended “The Power of Women” conference. Seven accomplished women spoke about their successes, failures, and insights into the challenges women face in our society. Leslie Stahl, of 60 Minutes fame, passed on wisdom acquired over her 50-year career in journalism, focusing on the role of changing technology and how it affects our youth, media, politics and
communication. Barbara Corcoran, a real-estate mogul and the star of ABC’s Shark Tank, revealed how to be successful in the workplace. One of the main messages she left us with was the role of fun in any working environment. Fun breeds innovation; a fun workplace recruits and retains the best people. 64-year-old Suzanne Somers brought the house down with her passionate discussion of women’s health. Ten years ago, her fight with
After applications are reviewed, you will be contacted for an interview with administration and the Teacher Coordinators. Your application will be posted in the school for students and staff to read. The grade 10’s, grade 11’s, administration, and teachers will then vote on who will be the Prefect representatives for grade 11 and grade 12 next year. If you have any questions, please talk to Mr. Goettel or Mrs. McClements.
breast cancer motivated her to study the role of hormones in all aspects of human health. She also got us to think about the cumulative effects of the toxins on our skin, chemicals in our foods, and poisons in our air, to which she believes the rise in cancers and autoimmune diseases have a direct correlation. The day was orchestrated by emcee Jessica Holmes, one of Canada’s top comedic talents. Both Rundle teachers agree that it was one of the most valuable professional development days they’ve ever had.
R e a c h f o r t h e To p t e a m f i n i s h e s a m o n g b e s t i n p r o v i n c e
Rundle’s
Reach for the Top team has finished fourth in the province overall, making this its most successful season ever. The tournament, hosted by Webber Academy, was held on Saturday, April 16. Teams from Edmonton, St Albert, Ponoka, Red Deer, and other communities competed first in a round robin format. Rundle finished second in our pool with a 3-1 record, advancing to the
semi-finals. Edmonton’s Old Scona was too strong for us this time, beating us in both the semis and the thirdplace match. However, our team held its own, giving a strong opponent with lots of experience a run for its money. A special thank you goes out to the graduating team members - best of luck with the rest of the school year and in all of your future endeavours.
We know you’ll make Rundle proud. Congratulations to Ashifa Hassam (gr. 11), Megan Johnston, Janine Jomaa, Monica Matow, Thomas Singleton, Duncan Warltier, and Adam Wasyliw (all gr. 12). Team members are asked to touch base with Mr. Machin regarding the team wind-up.
The Rundle Anthology
Tr a ck a n d f i e l d
is a wonderful collection of ar t, creative writin g a n d p h o t o g r a p hy f r o m
Track and field practices are still going strong. It is great to see so many students coming out. The practice schedule will be posted in both gyms. Just a reminder that to try out and qualify for the track and field team, athletes must contact the proper event coach to try out for events, and attend practices as attendance will be taken. If you are unable to attend practices due to other team commitments, but would still like to compete with the team, talk to your event coach. Event results will also be taken in Jr and Sr Physical Education classes to
determine who will be participating at the ISAA track meets.
our senior high students. It is compiled and pub l i s h e d b y s t u d e n t e d i t o r s. Please submit work to Ms. Montgomer y befor e t h e M ay l o n g we e k e n d . Electronic submissions are prefer red: mont g o m e r y @ r u n d l e. a b. c a
The senior high meet dates are as follows (see junior meets in the junior high section): CISSA Championships May 17 at Glenmore Athletic Park City Championships May 28 at Glenmore Athletic Park Provincial Championships June 3-4 at Foote Field, Edmonton
Reminder: The senior high Friday, June 3.
beach day is on
Intramural floor hockey
T
he intramural floor hockey championship game between The Winners and Proxy Hatch was a spectator’s delight. Great athleticism
was displayed by both teams. In the end, The Winners prevailed to become the 2011 Intramural Floor Hockey Cup Champions. Thanks to all participants, and congratulations to The Winners: Davy Braakman, Ajap Boparai, Izak Winnicki, Keenan McVeigh, Joel Lindsay and Elliott Allen. The next intramural activity is badminton.
May ~ 2011 We are pleased to invite you to Rundle College’s
2011 Art Exhibition Opening Celebration Senior High Citizens of the Month Since the beginning of the school year, Chelsey Sherloski has displayed her maturity. She is very kind and respectful to everyone, a conscientious student who looks for ways to keep involved in the school and does so with a constant smile. She is not concerned about personal gain; she is just willing to help, and she does this in a very professional manner. Chelsey recently had a role in the school production of The Crucible.
Michael Brewer is an extremely polite and respectful individual. He quietly celebrates his many successes with modesty and reserve. He leads by example through a calm demeanor and easy-going attitude. Congratulations, Michael.
Will Carter is an excellent student, athlete and positive leader. His easygoing, friendly personality and great sense of humor make him enjoyable to be around. His outstanding attitude and strong work ethic make him a force to be reckoned with on the rugby pitch and in everything he pursues. He has a genuine love of life and is a real team player. The children at MCF in Kenya were delighted with their new friend, Amanda Grant. She demonstrated kindness and an empathetic spirit. Through her positive work ethic and perseverance, she was a notable leader. Her beautiful dance at the MCF fundraiser portrayed her natural talent and altruistic spirit. Amanda is also a disciplined and diligent student, always striving to meet the high goals she sets for herself.
G r a d u a t i o n , b u r s a r i e s a n d PAC
Plans
continue for the 2011 Graduation Ceremonies and the admin team has already met with the grads. The afternoon ceremonies at the Jubilee Auditorium will be on June 8, commencing at 1:00 pm. All parents, friends and students are welcome to attend the ceremony; we will have designated seating. We hope that you can all come and support this year’s graduating class! The evening program, including the dinner and dance, will be held on June 10 at the Red & White Club. Questions should be directed to Ms. Baird. Letters containing details were mailed to parents April 26, and we hope that requests for additional guests are submitted as soon as possible so that we can do our
best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to congratulating the Graduating Class of 2011!
We are very pleased to announce that once again this year we will be offering bursaries to students attending summer leadership programs. During assemblies we will explain to the students the criteria and procedures for applying. The deadline for applications (submitted to Ms Baird) is Friday, May 20. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Baird.
Thank
you to the many parents who attended the April 18 PAC meeting. There has been a strong response to the issues around diploma exams and we thank everyone
As Jared Reinhart finishes his final year at Rundle, he leaves behind a legacy of determination that has helped him meet his academic goals. In addition, Jared has been involved in the athletic program, including volleyball and rugby. He shows a willingness to learn and to go beyond the status quo. His kind heart was most evident on the Bahamas trip, during a visit to a hospital’s pediatric ward.
Taryn Knorren consistently and enthusiastically demonstrates leadership and initiative. She was the initiator of “Cobra Convoy” and a valuable participant on the Guatemala trip, and took a leading role in The Crucible. She represented Rundle in the Alberta Legislature as a participant in the “MLA for a Day” program. Taryn respects and is respected by her peers and teachers. She is a venerable influence in generating Rundle spirit and culture. who has taken the time to write a letter to the Minister of Education, Dave Hancock. Another thank you to Steven Leitl for his presentation regarding Party Host Liability. For further information on both of these presentations, find the minutes from the meeting on the Rundle website under the parents/staff section. The PAC will be hosting a staff appreciation luncheon on Thursday, May 26. Hospitality Coordinators Joyce Crilly and Jennifer Young will be sending out an email. Please help out by donating a dish or your time. This is a chance to show your support for our incredible teachers, administration and support staff. Please join us at the PAC Annual General Meeting on Monday, May 16, at 7pm in the multipurpose room. Executive elections will
Thursday, May 26 2-4 pm Great Hall Gallery Participating artists will be in attendance. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided. The Fine Arts Department would like to thank our art students, their families and the staff for their participation and help in organizing this event. We are looking for parents to host the Exhibition. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ms. Levesque with your name, number and what you can provide (food, beverages, dinnerware and/or a cash donation). Thank you for your support.
be taking place at this time. We are also looking for volunteers for 2011/2012 school year positions of Hospitality Coordinators and Volunteer Coordinators. Wine and cheese will be served. We will be running two more used uniform sales prior to the end of the school year: Tuesday, May 24 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Orientation Day for grade 6’s Tuesday, June 21 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm Jr. High Awards Evening If you have any gently used uniform items to donate, please drop them at the office a couple of days before the next sale dates. If you want to send a cheque with your child, it can be made out to the Rundle College PAC. Thank you to all those who have donated items in the past. The Mully Children’s Foundation also thanks Ms. Dunsford and crew for hauling a large duffle bag of clothes with them to Africa.
Ju n i o r H i g h C i t i z e n s o f t h e M o n t h
May ~ 2011
Hayden Munn has been a member of the cross country and basketball teams and is presently a member of soccer and track. He is also a very hardworking student who achieves excellence in all his classes. Hayden gets along and works very well with all members of his class, no matter what the task. It will be remarkable to see what Hayden accomplishes next. McKenna White is a positive contributor in all of her classes and is working diligently to maintain her academic success. She takes on any challenge with a positive attitude. McKenna was involved in cross country and the junior high drama production earlier this year and is currently training for track and field season.
A t h l e t e s & F i n e A r t s
Hayden Bryant is an exemplary citizen at Rundle. Academically, he succeeds with a conscientious approach to everything he does. His involvement in sports has included volleyball, basketball and track, and he always gives 100% to his team. He is well liked by his classmates, thanks to his calm demeanour.
Safira Keshavjee is a kind, gentle and noble young lady who excels in many areas. Her willingness to help others is just one of the many ways she strives to make a difference each day. She has ‘Shaved her Lid for a Kid’ twice, raising funds for the Kids with Cancer Foundation. She is respected by her peers, who often look to her for advice, as well as by her teachers, who admire her perseverance and dedication.
Vo l u n t e e r i n g , s t u d y s e s s i o n s and track & field
more. Bring your lunch!
gram. Ms. Baird and Mr. Buchanan will have a meeting with students in the second week of May, and parents
stories from people who have benefit-
should expect a letter outlining the
ted from the centre’s programs. The
details that week as well. Should you
students, staff, and parent volunteers
have any questions, please do not
then helped serve lunch to over 600
hesitate to contact Ms. Baird.
clients. It was an eye-opening and worthwhile experience. Thank you to Doreen Ma, Alia Rausch and Wendi
Poirier-Amon’s homerooms went to
Stewart for helping to transport the
the Calgary Drop-In Centre as part
students and spending the morning
of our school-wide volunteer initia-
with us.
“Online Resource Page” posted outside the library door and direct yourself through some online study skills workshops at a time that works for you!
Junior high athletes must participate in the Junior High Intramural Track & Field Meet on May 3. The junior
CISAA Championships
The students were given an orientaJack Evans (9)
Can’t make a session? Pick up an
high track meets are as follows:
tive.
Chang Chang Chen (9)
a week (the specific day varies and
taking, memory, concentration and
include a dinner and formal pro-
On March 8, Mrs. Kim’s and Mrs.
by Ms. Woods in the library once
nization, time management, note-
It will be held at Stage West and will
Jonathan Phung (8)
junior high student. They are held
exam preparation & writing, orga-
the date for the grade 9 graduation.
Bonnie Wearmouth (8)
Evans is our local “Renaissance Man”. He has earned unanimous respect in his artistic, academic and athletic endeavours. He has the mind and the motivation to take on all that life has to offer, and he does so with impeccable poise. Intelligence, talent, passion and a “wicked” sense of humour – Jack has it all.
sessions teach strategies to help with
June 13 on their calendars; this is
Ian Morris (7)
Jack
will be announced each week). The
All grade 9 students should mark
Sophie Brown (7)
Spencer Calvin is the student council president. He has been a very dedicated, enthusiastic and positive leader, having striven to ensure that he is representing his peers well. In the classroom, he is a positive role model. As a member of the badminton and rugby teams, he always gives his best effort. When you want a person to get the job done right, Spencer can be counted on.
May 24 (3-6pm) at Webber
tion about the centre and also had
Academy. We will be running all
the opportunity to listen to personal
3000M, all 400M and Bantam girls’ and boys’ high jump. May 25 at Rotary Challenger Park in the NE
Drop-in Claudia Wilde (FA) Christopher Horton (FA)
study skills training ses-
sions are currently available for any
South Central Zones June 1 at Glenmore Athletic Park
STUDENT SERVICES Post Secondary Newsletter May 2011
exam
Checklist for Parents of Kids Going Away to University A great checklist was written by some parents of the Class of 2006 regarding their experiences in preparing their sons and daughters to move away to university. It is a very valuable document, still very much up-todate! You can download it at http://www.rundle.ab.ca/high/presources-secondary.php Order Your Final Official Transcripts! The transcript that includes your June Diploma Exam results MUST be sent to the universities you have applied to. You will need your Alberta Student Number and the school code for Rundle College: 9952. The cost is $10 per transcript. Order them through Alberta Education at http://education.alberta.ca/ students/transcripts.aspx. Exception: you DO NOT have to apply for transcripts for post-secondary institutions in Alberta. Summer School The first day to begin registering for summer school courses at Chinook Learning Services is May 9th. You will need a prerequisite form signed by a school counsellor. See http://www.chinooklearningservices.com /SummerSchool/SumSchool10-12.html for more information. Summer Programs There are numerous summer programs for students. Several are not associated with post secondary institutions, yet others are. One example is the University of Toronto Medicine & Law Youth Summer Program. For more information check out their website at www.ysp.utoronto.ca/medicine.
US College Admission Tests ACT: The next test date is June 11th with a registration deadline of May 6th. Go to www.act.org to register. SAT: The next SAT testing date is on June 4th with a registration deadline of May 6th. Visit www.collegeboard.com to register. Scholarships Alexander Rutherford Scholarship The early deadline for this scholarship application was May 1, 2011. Students can still apply, however they are asked to do this as soon as possible. Applications can be found at online at http://alis.alberta.ca/hs/fo/scholarships/ info.html?EK=11.
Dr. Ernest and Minnie Mehl Scholarship One award of $3,500. Based on academic achievement on diploma exams and financial need. Applications are available in Student Services. Students must apply by June 1, 2011.
Ms. Sarah Dunsford, Director of Student Services 403-250-7180 ~ dunsford@rundle.ab.ca
Rundle Travels The World trips of spring break 2011
Guatemala Ali Droppo Coming from the life I live, meeting my basic needs is a given; obtaining the things I want takes priority in my mind. It’s not about whether I’ll be able to afford an education, food, or
even shelter. It’s about whether I’ll get those Alexander Wang sandals I’ve been drooling over for weeks, or front row tickets to the Lil’ Wayne concert. Living in a city like Calgary, and going to a school like Rundle, gives us very different priorities from many people in this world. Guatemala was an eyeopener. It gave us some much-needed perspective. Over March break, twenty-one students flew to Guatemala with four chaperones to join forces with the Hearts & Hands Foundation and provide humanitarian aid to the underprivileged by building efficient and healthy stoves in their homes. Going into it, I knew I
would be changing the lives of many Guatemalans, but what I didn’t know was that they would also change mine. Sure, Guatemalans don’t have fancy houses, Range Rovers in their garages, or the ability to buy something just because it catches their eye, but what they do have is so much more valuable. They have a community and an overwhelming sense of hope, which in turn brings them true happiness. They have nothing, but they have everything. Walking down the street, everyone makes sure to greet you as they pass, with a smile, a nod or even a short honk of their horn. Many stove-building groups arrived to fully prepared meals waiting for them at the homes they visited. When was the last time you cooked your electrician a meal for fixing a few loose wires? To us, it was a couple hours of our time moving around a few cement blocks. To them, it was the start of a better life. How refreshing it is to leave behind the
They were so fascinated and excited to have us there and they were so happy to receive the little toy, as they had so little.” Brittany Shewchuk “…Cindy, the little girl who followed us around all day while we were working, and never stopped talking to us in Spanish even though we didn’t understand.” Jennifer Cozzi “…The warmth and love from the people whose homes we visited.” Evelyn Anderson “…The day we met a family with a little girl that had Down Syndrome. Out of all the kids we met she was the happiest to have us around. We had lunch with her family; it was a great day.” Sophia Kuhn
materialism that creates such a shallow happiness and enter a world where there is so much more to life. Being in Guatemala taught me that a little hard work will take me so much further in life and give me a much greater satisfaction than any item ever could. This country and its people truly are diamonds in the rough, and I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life. Thank you so much to the sponsors, and especially the teachers who made this trip possible.
Memories Following our two-week trip to Guatemala, the students were asked to respond to the following: The thing I will remember most about our trip to Guatemala is... “...Skipping rope with the Guatemalan kids; all I had to do was count the number of jumps in Spanish and it was the greatest game ever.” Taryn Knorren “…Seeing the children’s faces light up when we brought them simple toys such as jump ropes or balls to play with.” Hannah Cawsey “…Rosita, the little girl whose family we built a stove for. She was incredibly intelligent, easily pleased, extremely friendly and she had Down Syndrome. She put stamps and stickers all over her coloring sheet and when she ran out of room there, she moved on to put the stamps all over faces and arms. Despite her family’s lack of funds, the mother made us tortillas, eggs, salsa and guacamole on the spot to thank us for the time we’d spent on the stove and
“…I will never forget the people that we met and the friendships that were made.” Ally MacDougall “…The volcanoes!” Aaron Potter with Rosita.” Carolyn Dunk “…The children, and how happy and grateful they were to receive the small gifts we brought.” Christina Welch “…The new relationships that were made, especially with our Hearts & Hands employee, Ray, even though we had to overcome the language barrier. We had the opportunity to put a stove in his home. He told us how his wife did not want to live in Uspantan because she was from Guatemala City, so she told the police that he was threatening her. She took their two daughters to the city and he now has to pay child support and a huge fine. The stove we built meant a great deal to our group and especially to him.” Janine Jomaa “…The landscape of this amazing country. Guatemala is covered with lush forests and there are brilliant volcanoes everywhere.” Andrew Buckley “…The 30-minute hike high into the hills to build our third stove of the day. The family had 5 little boys and they were so thrilled to see the Frisbee that we brought for them. Constantly, even while we were working, they threw the Frisbee around, smiling and giggling as I tried to catch it from all angles.
“…The acts of generosity from everyone around me - the students, the teachers I travelled with, the Mayan people… every day, someone gave something they could not “afford” to provide relief to a friend in need…humbling, to say the least.” Ms Woods “…The warmth and generosity that emanated from our students each day as they went off to build stoves and meet Mayan families, and the smiles upon their faces when they returned each night to relay their day’s experience with the rest of the group. They were so touched and affected by the opportunity to interact with the Mayan people.” Ms Baird
Kenya/Tanzania
Sarah Dunsford [chaperone] Rundle’s grade eleven Travel Club, including twenty-one students and three teachers, went to East Africa this spring break and had an unforgettable time. The trip started on March 24 with a tour of London, England during our extended layover. While there, the group was able to visit many amazing sites, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Parliament buildings, and Westminster Abbey, the location of the royal wedding. After the quick tour, we arrived back at Heathrow Airport and caught our flight to Nairobi. After arriving in Kenya’s capital, we travelled over 170 km to the Mully Children’s Family Ndalani location and were greeted warmly by hundreds of children. As our bus pulled up, they sang to us and gave us bouquets of flowers. What a great beginning to our stay!
Our time at MCF gave us a chance to take part in the everyday life there. Our activities included playing sports with the children, attending classes with them, building the foundations for their church and kitchen extensions, hearing the children’s inspirational life stories, and, most importantly, interacting with them and developing lasting relationships. Rundle students were even able to sing to their new “MCF Family” in one of their performance nights: we presented The Arrogant Worms’ “Rocks and Trees” to teach them about Canada, as well as K’naan’s “Waving Flag”. We also paired up with the MCF Mission Choir to sing a greeting in Swahili, a stanza of the Kenyan national anthem, and a beautiful version of “O Canada.” The most difficult part of the trip was saying goodbye to our friends at MCF! This part of the trip really impacted the
participants. James Stader feels that this experience helped him discover how diverse distant cultures can be from his own. Lauran Cole concludes that her idea of success has changed. She now believes success is measured by how many lives she has changed for the better, rather than how much money she makes. Chevonne Codd speaks on behalf of the group when she says that this experience will stay in all of our hearts for years to come. After being at MCF for six days, we made our way to Tanzania for a five-day safari adventure. After a five-hour drive through Nairobi morning rush-hour traffic and a short plane ride, our group landed in Arusha, Tanzania.
We went on our first game drive that afternoon at Lake Manyara and had spectacular views of zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys and hippos – they were the first sights of many! During the safari, which also included the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, we saw lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, rhinos, hyenas, cape buffalo, ostriches, and so much more. It was a thrill to see animals in the wild up close. We returned to Calgary on April 5 to cold snow and warm hugs from family and friends. The trip was truly memorable; every one of the students had an amazing time and could not have asked for a better experience!
INTERESTED? Next year’s Travel Club destination...
Information Meeting
France/Spain Our last stop was Paris, which we travelled to on a high-speed train from Avignon. The most memorable event here was our dinner and visit to the Eiffel Tower. The food was delicious and we took two elevators up to the top, where all of Paris could be seen. While attending a Flamenco dance as well as viewing the artwork of Picasso, and the Sagrada Familia cathedral designed by Gaudi.
Inara Dattadeen The grade ten second languages trip this year consisted of 27 students and 4 teachers (Ms. Fitzgibbon, Mr. Martin, Mr. Gibson, and Ms. Wells) travelling to Spain and France. Our destinations were Barcelona, Avignon, Monaco, and Paris. We got to experience the different and unique cultures in these areas and have a taste of what it would be like to live in these countries. As a Spanish student, I had a chance to apply what I have learned, both in terms of the Hispanic language and culture. Going to Las Ramblas and stopping by a few of the hundreds of shops and restaurants there was the experience of a lifetime. What awed me most was that this is normal life for the citizens of Barcelona. I loved Avignon because it was a French town that had the best shopping (in my opinion)! On the way to Avignon, we stopped at a fortified city called Carcassonne. Here we explored this amazing heritage site and ate crepes at a local restaurant. We also took a day trip to Monaco and the scenery and view there was absolutely gorgeous! The weather was warm, the sun was shining, and the Mediterranean Sea was blue and sparkling. Although it is so expensive to live there, I heard many people say that they wanted to stay or retire there. One other occasion while in Avignon was my sixteenth birthday! I will never forget celebrating in France and sitting at an outdoor cafe at night after dinner having a hot chocolate and ice cream with my friends.
Next we were off to Avignon in the south of France, where we enjoyed countryside excursions and crepes at coffee houses.
in Paris, we also visited the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and took a night cruise along the Seine. Although this was not my first time travelling to Spain and France, it was a completely different experience with my school than it was with my family. I had a great time and I have many memories from this trip. I highly recommend this trip for all junior high students who are coming into high school next year and who are taking a language or planning to start one. It’s the experience of a lifetime!
Brielle Cram The first stop on our 10-day adventure was Barcelona, Spain. There we were immersed in the Spanish culture by
Our final and most breathtaking destination was Paris, France. We had the chance to shop the streets of Paris, take a cruise down the Seine River, and explore the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of Marie Antoinette. One stop on our journey that was a ton of fun for all of us was Euro Disney in Paris. We all went on a lot of rides and had a great time with our friends. On our final night in Paris, we ventured to the top of the Eiffel Tower and viewed the city of Paris from there. Not only were we lucky enough to ride to the top,
we also enjoyed a French dinner atop the Eiffel Tower. This trip was truly an amazing experience for all of us and one that we will remember forever. As well, the trip was a bonding experience for the grade ten language students as we all got to know each other better and became closer friends. We, the students, are truly grateful to all of the chaperones for providing us with this opportunity and for making it such a special trip for us. We also highly recommend the language trip to all future grade ten students!
Bahamas
Players visit a child in the hospital.
sugar. Another big highlight of the trip was a visit to the pediatric ward at St. Margaret’s Hospital, to read to and mingle with sick children.
The team celebrates the final game with their hosts.
Bob Forman [chaperone] On March 24, twenty-seven players and four coaches boarded a plane en route to Nassau, Bahamas, to begin the first ever international rugby tour for Rundle College. The tour would last ten days, and include three games against local rugby clubs. The Rundle boys split their first two games with the Potcakes, a local rugby club from Nassau. For the third game, the boys played a friendly with the Cuckoos, another local club, with
teams consisting of players from the Bahamas and Rundle College. Many of the players from both sides said it was their favourite game of the tour. After each game, in true rugby tradition, the players and coaches were treated to the hospitality of the local rugby club; our foes on the pitch quickly became our friends off the pitch. Along the way, the boys were able to enjoy some awesome weather, spectacular beaches, local Bahamian culture, and a cruise to Harbour Island, where the sand was the texture of icing
As all good things must come to an end, the team headed home on April 2, having become members of a rugby fraternity that will last a lifetime.
Jared Reinhart bonds with a baby girl.