Rundle College Athletic Wall Inductees

Sam Patton ‘19

Congratulations to the 2019 Inductees Rundle College Alumni Athletic Wall

JAKOB CHICOYNE ‘19 Simon Fraser University Clan Golf

JORDAN LAPINS ‘19 Babson College Beavers Volleyball

SAM PATTON ‘19 Simon Fraser University Clan Wrestling LIAM KRAMER ‘19

University of British Columbia

Thunderbirds Cross Country

MEGAN MORRISON ‘19 Queen’s University Gaels Soccer

SURYA RANGANATHAN ‘19

Acadia University Axemen Football

BADMINTON | BASKETBALL | CHEER | CROSS COUNTRY | FOOTBALL | GOLF | SOCCER | TRACK | VOLLEYBALL | WRESTLING

College Reflections

Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter. For the past 14 years of my life, Rundle has not only played an integral role in my education, but has also provided me with a true sense of meaning for the word community.

As the youngest of five, with two brothers already at Rundle, I initially struggled to establish my own identity, and to also find a uniform small enough to fit me at the tender age of three. Rundle became a place that cultivated some of my fondest memories through my childhood, to the present day.

The extent of these early memories span from valuable lessons learned in Ms. Cook’s pre-school and kindergarten classes, to the unique opportunity of being able to sing at my own brother’s grade twelve graduation with our fourth

Community Anna Walls ‘20

grade choir. At the time, I couldn’t fathom that eight years later, I too would graduate — yet under very different circumstances. Although the uncertainty of our current situation has been trying, and caused our whole community a great deal of anxiety, I feel as though there’s comfort to be found in the irreplaceability of the experiences and sincere connections Rundle has granted to its students.

For example, I can fondly reflect upon the many relationships I developed over the years with both my peers and teachers. In classes of 14 there was no shortage of familiar faces, and strong bonds between students and teachers were not uncommon. These smaller classes not only allowed our teachers to get to know us as individuals, but for us to see them as individuals as well.

Still ingrained in my memory, is the quaint and soothing nature of Ms. Ross’s grade nine science class. Her patience and positive energy was a refreshing take on material that may not have kept my own attention, if not for this passion in teaching and the care she held for all of her students. Fast forward to my transition to high school — a new wing of the school, meant a new set of faces that I would come to know quite well in three short years. Who could forget Ms. Step’s bubbly personality radiating throughout the Rundle hallways, or the time and effort she put into getting to know every single one of her Math 30 students aside from their academic timetables? Her creativity in motivating our maybe not-so punctual period one class never waned, as we couldn’t help but laugh at the display sign she created for a reputably late student.

Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter. “ “

Additionally, Ms. Pidkowa’s passion for social studies and current global issues was infectious. Her teaching even helped inspire me to pursue political science as my major in university this upcoming year.

Mr. Franklin and Mr. Forman, both Rundle veterans, have also provided me with key insights as well. Firstly, the decision to join robotics was inherently outside of my comfort zone, and if not for Mr. Franklin’s enthusiasm and encouragement I would have missed out on the opportunity to acquire a new skill in STEM, as well as the meaningful friendships cultivated in preparing for international competitions.

Secondly, Mr. Forman’s emphasis on R+ values extends far beyond the rugby pitch; he encouraged students to continuously build on their character and seek out all that the Rundle community has to offer. Every single teacher brought personable qualities to their classroom, fostering a sense of community among the student population as we all transition to the next chapter. I truly don’t believe in the idea that there is one type of “ideal Rundle student”; instead, individuality bolstered by Rundle’s values created a shared experience for us all. To me the word “community” wasn’t defined by the uniforms we all wore, or the grey and burgundy lockers we all know so well; it was the personable qualities present within Rundle’s education, and the efforts put in by its staff to foster memorable and different opportunities for every single Rundle student that cultivated a sense of community.

Although I never imagined March 12 as the last day that I would get to wear the signature black sweater, or the final time that I would sit in a Rundle classroom with all my peers (not to mention the grade 12 lounge), I am heartened by the efforts of our whole community in the wake of these unfortunate circumstances to maintain an air of positivity for all Rundle students. For example, the efforts to recreate certain extracurriculars and offering unique opportunities such as online cooking classes aided in keeping students engaged and connected to our school.

Additionally, Rundle’s creativity and devotion in creating a special experience for all of us to finally walk the stage in our cap and gown can be seen as a reflection of Rundle’s character. The class of 2020 may not get the picturesque ending to our high school experience that we envisioned, but our year most definitely will be one for the books as ours is a story like no other.