Crusader News
Official Student Newspaper of St. Paul’s High School
The History of Halloween
Adam Haleis ’25
Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is a widely celebrated holiday that takes place every October 31. Whether it is picking out the perfect costume or deciding what neighbourhoods give out the best candy, children across the world have grown up enjoying the celebration of all things death and macabre. However, since childhood, many have been informed by their parents that Halloween is associated with Satanic elements and that there is a darker meaning behind the festivities. So where does the holiday get this reputation from? And are the festivities purely innocent, or is the devil in the details?
Continued on page 2.
No Confidence in Government
Gabriel Arias ’27
On September 4, 2024, Jagmeet Singh announced the end of the Supply-andConfidence Agreement with the Liberal government. The leader of the New Democratic Party posted a campaignstyle video on his social media page confirming the tearing-up of the coalition and that the NDP would no longer back the Liberals. However, by surprise, Singh confirmed that he and his MP’s would support the Liberals in a non-confidence motion vote days later. Therefore, the question arises: will the NDP continue supporting the Liberals?
Continued on page 3.
Holdout – A Short Story
Michael Wolanik ’25
For the first time in recent memory, the Crusader News will be releasing a fiction serialization. Written by contributor Michael Wolanik ’25, we will be releasing one part each issue, culminating in the finale in June.
Michael Wolanik writes on page 8.
Editor’s Note
With the start of a new school year comes new opportunity. For many, this will be their last year at SPHS, while for others they have only just embarked on this journey. This is our first issue of the 2024-2025 school year, our 82nd year in print. This newspaper is your newspaper. Written for students, by students, we invite anyone to put in their two-cents on the goings of the day. Whether you are a photographer, artist, writer, or designer, there is room in The Crusader.
Maury Lavitt ’28 writes on page 4.
An Undefined Prodigy
The Rise and Fall of Alex Albon Ferris Yeung ’27 writes on page 10.
Isaac Lavitt ’25 writes on page 7.
Halloween: A Religious and Historical Analysis
Adam Haleis ’25
Contributor
Continued from page 1.
Halloween’s origins date back 2000 years to an ancient Celtic festival. The festival, which was called the Festival of Samhain, celebrated the end of the harvest season, the departed, the beginning of winter, and the end of the Celtic calendar.
The celebration lasted three days from October 31 to November 2. Ancient Celtics believed it was a period where the barrier between the spiritual world and the physical world was lifted, allowing spirits to crossover much more easily and making them more powerful. During Samhain, people would dress up as evil spirits by wearing animal skins to ward them off as they believed it would stave off curses.
In the 5th Century, as Christianity expanded, Catholic missionaries found themselves in modern day Ireland, home to the Celts. The missionaries found it easier to convert others by incorporating Christianized versions of formerly Pagan celebrations to the Roman Catholic Calendar. The practice of celebrating Samhain later became All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day; these are practiced on October 31, November 1 and November 2 respectively. During these observances, instead of idolizing curses and druids, the focus is more on the commemoration of the saints and the souls of those who have passed during the year. The festival was still held, bonfires were lit, and costumes were made, but it was now done to honour Christian heroes.
In 1776, a group of Catholics attempted to assassinate the Protestant monarch, King James I, in the famous Gunpowder Plot. One of the conspirators, Guy Fawkes, become a symbol for the Protestant triumph over the Catholics. The holiday Guy Fawkes Day was then celebrated, with much merriment, including drinking, feasts, and fireworks. The celebration’s use of feasts later was incorporated into modern day Halloween.
In the 19th century, due to the Potato Famine, many Irish families moved to North America bringing their traditions and practices. The use of Jack-o’-lanterns, ‘trick or treating’, and dressing up in costumes for All Hallows’ Eve all transferred during
this time. It wasn’t until 1927, when the practice of ‘trick or treating’ was mentioned in newspapers, that the practice spread across North America.
Despite Halloween’s negative reputation among religious households, the practice of All Hallows’ Eve began with good intentions. The celebration has developed over centuries from ancient traditions that honoured the deceased and celebrated the change of the seasons to the modern-day celebration of death and souls. The Christianisation of these formerly Pagan traditions transformed the festival into a time for remembrance and community. In that sense, Halloween celebrates creativity, happiness, and builds a sense of community among neighbourhoods today.
Father Mulvihill: A New Face at St. Paul’s
Thomas Bernardin ’25
Religion
Editor
In June 2024, the St. Paul’s community unfortunately had to bid farewell to Father Michel Boutilier. For over 40 years, he was the cornerstone of all that pertained to the Jesuits and the Catholic faith in schools across the country. “Boots,” as he is fondly called by the community, left to become chaplain of Brebeuf College School in Toronto. As Fr. Boutilier departed St. Paul’s to embark on a new journey, Father Conlin Mulvihill stepped into his place as chaplain. He has been a wonderful addition to the school community.
Fr. Con Mulvihill was born to a Catholic family in Arnprior, Ontario and grew up near his home parish. In Ontario, Father attended Arnprior District High School where he experienced some interior drift from faith, but never outright doubted it. Upon high school graduation, Fr. Mulvihill took undergraduate religious studies courses at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Fr. Mulvihill had felt a sense of attraction to the priesthood ever since he was in grade school, but the idea of becoming a priest in his youth became a calling in university. In his final semester of his undergraduate degree, Father took a
course on the works of English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins who was a a 19th century Jesuit priest. This sparked Fr. Mulvihill’s interest in the Society of Jesus; he desired more information on the Spiritual Exercises and the formation of the Jesuits. He later discovered that the professor of this course was a knowledgeable former Jesuit himself.
there were two years of teaching, followed by four years of theology studies in Toronto: all that needed to be completed prior to ordination. This long process required to become a Jesuit was one to remember; Fr. Mulvihill said the experiences and people who guided the discernment of this special vocation were remarkable
When Fr. Mulvihill formally began the process of becoming a Jesuit priest, he spent two years as a novitiate, then two years studying philosophy at St. Michael’s College and Loyola University in Chicago. After,
and life-changing. He reflects, “I have never met anyone who left the Jesuits before ordination who didn’t leave with some sense of gratitude for the formation he received.” After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Mulvihill
served at Loyola High School in Montreal, St John’s College in Kingston, Jamaica, and at St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg. He also was the university chaplain of St. Mary’s in Halifax, a member of the Jesuit formation in theology studies in Toronto, and, most recently, the Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Parish in Winnipeg.
Now, Fr. Mulvihill is the residing Chaplain of St. Paul’s High School. He is continually growing every day, living out the spirituality of St. Ignatius. This particular fondness of Catholic spirituality has allowed him to live more gracefully and to deal with moral shortcomings. Fr. Mulvihill offers many services to the school, including daily Mass in the Martyrs’ Chapel at 8:00am and counseling Grade 12 students in the Spiritual Exercises. Moreover, he will soon be offering the opportunity for students to go to confession.
Finally, he has spiritual advice for the students of St. Paul’s this year. “It would be a good idea to start by honouring the religious background of your family, if this is available to you. Be honest and open yourself to the mystery of being religious. It is almost impossible to find this path on your own, and don’t forget to ask for the help of others when you need it.”
So, the next time you see the friendly smile of Fr. Mulvihill brighten the halls, say “hello”, share a conversation, and be grateful that another extraordinary Chaplain graces the St. Paul’s community.
NDP Pulls Support for Liberals
Gabriel Arias ’27 Arts and Culture Copy Editor
Continued from page 1.
The Supply and Confidence Agreement was a deal under which the Liberals received support from the NDP on confidence votes and supply (which trigger an election if failed) in exchange for legislative commitments on NDP priorities. This arrangement began in March 2022 and was set to assist the minority government until June 2025. But after 30 months of support, Singh stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he had informed Justin Trudeau that the agreement was dead. He stated that, “The Liberals have let people down and don’t deserve another chance.” Singh said he will be running for Prime Minister and is preparing for a
greater battle: against Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party.
In an interview held by CBC News, Singh said he will not support the Conservatives, claiming they plan to cut pharmacare, healthcare, dental care, social programs, and pensions. Singh stated he and his
Rather, he decided to back the Liberals once again, even after the deal was scrapped. When asked why he’s supporting a government that he disapprovingly described previously, Singh said that, although Trudeau has been a bad leader, “Poilievre would be even worse”.
The Bloc Quebecois also vot-
calling him a ‘liar,’ a ‘fake,’ among other unsavoury terms since he suspiciously went from condemning the Liberals to backing them up in only a matter of days.
He stated, “The people of Canada cannot trust anything that he says.” The motion, with the op-
party are here to stop ‘Conservative Cuts’ and to win the next federal election. Weeks later, Poilievre put forward a non-confidence motion, calling for an early election, which Singh did not vote in favour of.
ed with the NDP against the non-confidence motion by the Conservatives, despite the misgivings Bloc Leader, Yves-François Blanchet, had about Trudeau. Poilievre has condemned Singh,
position of Liberals, NDP, and Bloc members, was voted down, meaning there will not be an early election. However, a federal election still awaits, and it will sure be a tremendous one for Canadians.
“They’re eating the dogs!” Fact-Checking this Claim
Contributor
On September 10, the US had their second presidential debate of 2024, a face-off between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. During the debate, former president Trump made the statement, “In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in.
They are eating the cats. They are eating the pets of the people that live there.” Trump is referring to a rumour that has been circulating around X, formerly Twitter, that Haitian immigrants slaughtered local animals and ate them.
Many pro-Trump accounts, including Vice-Presidential candidate JD Vance, promoted this idea.
Haitians nationwide began facing hate and violence after this, centred in Springfield, Ohio. Since the debate, more than 30 bomb threats have been sent to government buildings, city officials, and even schools. Haitians have faced
verbal and physical harassment, and some now fear attacks or retribution. The New Yorker did an interview with Viles Dorsainvil, a Haitian leader in Springfield, who runs the Haitian community support and help centre there. “I’ve been experiencing the worst of America, in terms of how a leader, through his speech, can denigrate or marginalize or divide a community and create harm to a vulnerable group of people by firing up his base for his own political ends,” says Dorsainvil. Dorsainvil also reported that homes of Haitian peoples have been vandalized and have had windows broken. He also reported that Haitians no longer feel safe in Springfield, and that some have left the town.
Due to this hate, CNN asked Vance (who, according to Trump, brought the rumour to his attention), “Can you affirmatively say now that that is a rumour that has no basis with evidence?” Vance deflected, accusing the media of not paying attention to the issue until the memes came out. Reporter Dana Bash then responded with the fact that it wasn’t just a meme and was a serious accusation. Vance then countered, “If I
have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” suggesting that there in fact was no real evidence to the claims made in the debate and that the rumours were overblown. According to Bash, Ohio’s department of natural resources reviewed over 11 months’ worth of 911 calls, and they only found 2 that suggested Haitian immigrants were killing and taking geese out of parks, but the police found no evidence to those claims. In the end, it is important that Americans and people around the world recognize that not everything you see on TV or social media is real, and, although many deny it, racism is still a very real and serious issue.
Davis Cordeiro ’27
Manitoba Government Restricts Device Usage in Schools
Maury Lavitt ’28 Contributor
Let’s just admit it: we use our phones a lot. Most of the free time we have, we are mindlessly scrolling on social media or texting our friends. Any chance we get, we check our phones. In the hallway between classes, during the car ride, and at home, we don’t realize just how much time we spend on these devices. All that time, which will amount to about 14.5 years in your lifetime, could be much better spent on productive tasks. Your phone is a large distraction from getting work done, especially at school.
In August of this year, the Manitoba government recognized that fact and implemented a ban on cellphones inside classrooms. This ban’s purpose is to minimize classroom distractions. The ban com-
pletely prohibits cellphone use during school hours for students K-8. The Manitoba Minister of Education, Nello Altomare, explained, “We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students… [and] these provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and class time is spent on learning”. He also went on to say that cell phones can also cause depression and anxiety in children and prohibiting them
in schools will mitigate those effects. For high school students, cell phones will only be banned during class time, with breaks and lunchtimes being fair game for cell phone use. Teachers for grades 9-12 will be allowed to instruct students to use their cell phones in class for educational purposes. “We also believe that schools are places to learn about responsible digital citizenship… and schools can play an integral role in helping students become
Time May be Ticking for Short-Form Content
Haolin Tong ’28
Contributor
There is no question that shortform content is addictive, especially for a younger audience that has lots of time available. These Reels, TikToks, and Shorts allow viewers to digest more content in less time and can be extremely entertaining. However, as more and more people gravitate toward bite-sized videos, the question becomes: should short-form content be banned?
I, along with many others, believe short-form content should be banned for its addictive nature, impact on neurological health, and the spread of misinformation due to it.
First, the addictive nature of shortform content stems from its ability to deliver instant gratification, providing a quick form of entertainment that triggers the brain to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical, and the endless scroll feature plays towards the release of this chemical,
allowing viewers to consume video after video with minimal conscious effort. Additionally, most social media platforms provide content that resonates with viewer interests, enhancing their engagement. This combination of instant rewards and minimal thought makes shortform content especially addictive.
Regular consumption of shortform content forces our brains to reshape how information is processed. The rapid-fire nature and short duration of these videos can lead to shorter attention spans and can be detrimental over the long term, especially when trying to stay focused on a specific activity for extended periods. When your brain is accustomed to consuming one-minute snippets of content, you lose patience for more meaningful experiences. Moreover, continuous overstimulation will cause mental fatigue and make learning new information more difficult.
Furthermore, incomplete or misleading facts in short-form content can lead to misconceptions about matters such as science, history, or law. For example, on 20 August 2022, a short-form was posted on TikTok, claiming that Disney World was battling the Florida govern-
citizens that won’t be easily distracted… and know when they’re becoming less efficient,” Altomare stated in a CBC radio interview.
Altomare also believes that teachers will play an important role in the execution of this ban. He says that they must be exhibiting “proper digital citizenship” in the classroom to be good role models for students. Altomare believes that students will reflect this positive behaviour, making the transition much easier for schools. Most teachers agree with the ban, with St. Paul’s Mr. Ridley saying, “When you want to take someone’s childhood away, give them a phone. It’s a good thing that we’re limiting this in schools and protecting our young people”.
While many students are unsatisfied with the limitation on their personal freedoms, the Manitoba government and Nello Altomare both believe it is beneficial for all students. While it will be a hard transition, we will have to come to terms with the ban and embrace it as an opportunity to improve ourselves and become better, and less distracted, people.
ment in court to get a resort exemption that allows anyone who’s over 18 to drink on Disney property. The TikTok video garnered millions of views in a matter of days, leading thousands of people to believe it and drink under the legal age. The sheer speed of consumption allows claims to go unchallenged, and facts to go unchecked.
In conclusion, while short-form
content may offer quick entertainment, its negative effects on students cannot be ignored. The impact of short-form content on the accuracy of public information, along with its effects on brain health and its addictive nature, all lead to the conclusion that it should be banned. Ultimately, students must be healthy, well-informed, and critical thinkers, even if that means saying no to gratifying short-form content.
Video Games
Solomon Khokar ’28
Contributor
Video games have become an integral part of our weekly routines. From kids enjoying Minecraft, to adolescents playing NBA 2K, and adults engaging in word scramble games, video games span all ages. Whether we like it or not, video games are here, and they are not going away anytime soon. The average person spends roughly 7 hours a week playing video games according to Forbes. Considering this, should we be concerned about how this multi-billion-dollar industry affects us? Of course, if you spend a considerable amount of your time on anything in life, it’s going to have an impact.
When used appropriately, video games can have a positive impact on our lives. A study from the University of Dundee in Scotland in-
volved three classes from three different schools ranging from ages 10 to 11. One group played a learning game on the Nintendo DS called Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training for 20 minutes; the second group used a technique called “Brain Gym” (a series of physical movements thought to improve brain activity), and the third group learned regularly. At the end of every week, they took an age-appropriate test marked out of
PlayStation 5 Pro
Steven Kosa ’25
Contributor
Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been a massive success. Four years later, in hopes of riding consumer enthusiasm, the PlayStation 5 Pro version has finally been unveiled and confirmed for a release date of November 7, 2024. Nevertheless, this new version comes with a plethora of new features and caveats that may turn many players off.
The main selling point of the PS5 Pro is its upgraded specs. The console boasts 8K resolution and a GPU with 67% more compute units (a measure of resource expenditure). Its memory is 28% faster than its predecessor, rendering games 45% faster. It also includes AI upscaling for a sharper picture and enhanced raytracing, allowing light rays to be rendered at double the speed of the original PS5. The internal storage of the console has been increased from 825 GB on the base console (or 1 TB on the slim model) to 2 TB. The console’s lead architect, Mark
Cerny, explained in the console showcase that the main goal of these features was to eliminate the need for players to choose between ‘Performance’ and ‘Fidelity’ modes. Following these enhancements, several PS5 games will be updated for the new console, including the console’s best sellers such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.
While these enhancements are impressive, many problems prevent this version of the console from becoming the definitive one. First, the console is not cheap, costing a staggering 959.99 CAD. If that wasn’t bad enough, the console will not come with a disc drive installed, meaning that people who prefer physical games will have to spend additional money for an external reader. For comparison, the original PS5 cost 629.99 CAD and featured a disc drive packaged in.
To make things worse, the console’s enhancements are, in truth, quite meager compared to how they sound. Images of the original PS5 gameplay compared to PS5 Pro gameplay show few differences aside from far-off details being slightly clearer. For the hefty price, the improved graphics are not enough to sell most peo-
100. The mean score for the group that played the video game drastically increased, while the increases for the “Brain Gym” and regular learning groups were minimal. The study lasted for 10 weeks. The main takeaway is that video games can have a positive impact when used non-excessively. In this case, it was proven that there are positive applications for video games that extend beyond recreation.
Furthermore, even if you were to play a non-educational video game, you may end up improving memory functions, specifically related to navigation or visuo-spatial memory. The reason is that, in video games, remembering the location of important landmarks or items is crucial. This function of video games naturally stresses your brain, improving memory.
However, in many other cases, video games end up being misused, most commonly through addiction. Excessive use can result in massive changes in the brain. These changes can lead to long-term behavioural problems and disrupt the natural development of the brain, affecting our mental health.
If you were to ask me about video games, I would say they are great when not used excessively. They can help us improve visuo-spatial memory, learn new things, and have fun. However, they can easily become detrimental and out of control. If you want to play video games, moderation is key. Just don’t let it morph into something that can control your life.
ple on getting this console, especially if they already have a PS5.
So far, the reception of the PS5 Pro has been very mixed among players. The price and overall lackluster improvement in graphics have turned many people away from purchasing the console. This is the
second Pro version of a console Sony has made, the first one being for the PS4. If this is the direction Pro consoles are going, that’s not a good sign for the overall future of game consoles if companies are allowed to charge so much while delivering so little. Only time will tell how those future consoles will fare.
Artemis II
Jainesh Sasikumar ’27
Contributor
The Apollo 17 mission left the lunar surface on December 14, 1972, carrying the last humans to have walked on the moon. Over half a century later, Artemis II is now planned to take humanity back.
The mission comprises of four astronauts from Kennedy Space Center, tasked with performing a flyby of the Moon and returning to Earth. They will be the first crew to travel beyond Earth’s orbit since Apollo 17. The mission plans to test the Orion spacecraft, collect data on the crew’s performance in space, and determine the feasibility of long-term human habitation on the Moon. The Artemis program builds on the Apollo space program which aimed for Moon exploration and human sustainability in space. Apollo 17 was the last mission in its series,
marking humanity’s final landing on the Moon until Artemis III, planned for September of 2026. The intense 8-to-10-day flight will
test the Orion spacecraft’s abilities for outer-orbit space exploration, and potential landings on other terrestrial bodies such as Mars. The Artemis program will emphasize long-term presence, building a foundation for astronauts to sustain lunar exploration for weeks to months. This differs from the Apollo missions such as Apollo 17, whose crew only stayed on the lunar surface for 3 days.
Technological advancements over the last 50 years are one reason prolonged lunar exploration has become a possibility. One such technological device is the Power and Propulsion Ele-
ment spacecraft, which contains a multinational orbiting command module—in other words, a spaceship that can provide power and propulsion to support missions around the Moon.
Artemis II has a launch date set for September 2025. Launched by NASA’s new SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, the crew will travel in the Orion module around the Moon. After completing its flyby, they will return to Earth, providing information for future missions.
The following mission, Artemis III, will last 30 days and will include a manned landing on the Moon. Artemis II is a fascinating mission, designed to lay the foundation for further human exploration of the Moon. This mission is vital for the future of space exploration as it will provide valuable information about the history of the Moon and increase our knowledge of our own planet.
As Artemis II nears its launch, the dreams of people across the globe will travel with these astronauts as they embark on a quest to unravel more secrets hidden in the cosmos.
Porphyrion: Where Size Meets Cosmic Mystery
Connor Oger ’25
Contributor
On September 19 of this year, the featured cover article in the scientific journal Nature was the discovery of what co-author and astronomer at the University of Hertfordshire, Hardcastle, called “possibly the largest object that we know of in the universe”. Named “Porphyrion” after a giant in Greek mythology, this supermassive black hole was discovered at the center of a galaxy roughly 7.5 billion light-years away from Earth. Dating to when the universe was just 6.3 billion years old, half its current age, this black hole emitted two enormous plasma jets that pulverized the record for the longest ever recorded. With a span of 23 million light-years, it would take one hundred and forty Milky Ways in laid lengthwise to match its size.
Technology astrophysicist Martijn Oei, the research used the Low-Frequency Array Radio Telescope (LOFAR) to observe the Cosmic Web (a large structure that links intergalactic space) but instead discovered ten thousand new pairs of massive plasma jets which are emitted by black holes. In its infancy, the universe existed as a hot, crowded place. Due to its size, Porphyrion’s plasma jets have expanded beyond its host galaxy, invading greater portions of the Cosmic Web. This has led scientists to theorize that Porphyrion may have heavily impacted the universe’s early growth. “If distant jets like these can reach the scale of the cosmic web, then every place in
the universe may have been affected by black hole activity at some point in cosmic time,” states Oei. As research progresses, shocking discoveries made through Por-
Harry Shaw ’28
Contributor
Imagine you are trapped in space with no way to get back to Earth. Sounds like a sci-fi horror novel, right? Well, fiction has taken the form of reality for two astronauts, and it’s much more underwhelming than you think.
American astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore departed from Cape Canaveral on June 6 of this year to the International Space Station, on Boeing’s spacecraft Starliner, with plans to return eight days later. The crew’s mission was to test Starliner’s operations with a human crew. However, problems arose long before liftoff.
phyrion have caused the scientific community to doubt even the limited knowledge we have about black holes. Porphyrion is a radioactive type of black hole, one that prefers releasing energy through radiation and aggressive solar winds instead of plasma jets. Hardcastle posits, “What we’re learning from the large number of giants [large plasma jets] is that this must be a relatively common occurrence.” Oei is also curious about how these far-reaching jets have influenced their environment, specifically how they have spread magnetism. Magnetism is an important part of the universe as it allows planets such as ours to survive, but its origin is an ongoing mystery that these jets could provide a clue to.
These new studies have suggested that radioactive black holes may be just as capable of jet pulses as traditional jet-mode black holes. It is now known that this is also a long-standing occurrence, having existed for most of the universe’s inception. LOFAR has covered 15% of the night sky, thus far leaving much room for the discovery of more behemoth structures through the unravelling of the mysteries of the universe.
The Starliner experienced a helium leak that delayed the launch. After ignition, two additional helium leaks were discovered. Even more mayhem ensued as the control thrusters failed, and the crew had to troubleshoot them. Due to the issues with Starliner, the pair stayed onboard the ISS while the spacecraft returned to Earth. In a virtual interview on September 20, any hopes of a Starliner return were dashed when Williams and Wilmore said they would be returning using Space X’s Dragon spacecraft.
NASA made an official statement that the astronauts will return next year. Williams and Wilmore will continue their work as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew. The Expedition mission left on September 23 with two crew members, Nick Hague and Aleksander Gorbunuv, who will join Williams and Wilmore for their return in February.
Despite haphazard circumstances, the duo seems to be enjoying their time in space. In an interview, Williams said, “This is my happy place. I love being up here in space.” When they return, they will have been in space for 243 days, and no doubt they will have many tales to tell about their journey.
Deadpool & Wolverine: Peak Cinema or Lousy Fan Service?
Mauricio Barrientos-Garay ’26 Science and Tech Copy Editor
Alden
Minuk ’26 Deputy Editor
Deadpool & Wolverine was highly anticipated, starring idols Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. And while it was a fun movie to watch, it was held back by a shallow antagonist, rushed ending, and poor incorporation of the multiverse into the film.
Let’s start with the good. Deadpool & Wolverine excels in its humour, masterfully incorporating a vast spectrum of jokes throughout much of the film, without those jokes feeling excessive or forced. The humour is complimented by an intentional choice of cameos that appear
throughout the film, one of the most notable being the fan-favourite yet largely incoherent Gambit, played by Channing Tatum. These cameos blend nicely with the humour and synergize well with the main cast, while also being involved in the electrifying fight sequences. Tangentially, these battles are wonderfully choreographed and generously violent, without the limitations of a PG-13 rating. Furthermore, the writing in Deadpool & Wolverine is pithy, with a heavy dose of flippant irreverence. Wolverine’s backstory is uncharacteristically serious for a Deadpool movie but flows well within the overarching story.
This movie’s purpose, however, was almost entirely for fan service.
The movie did an incredible job in this aspect as it gave exactly what fans were looking for in the overthe-top fight scenes, cameos from memorable old characters, classic Deadpool humor, and, of course, Wolverine’s return. The main issues are that the villain felt a tad shallow, the ending was rushed, and it was yet another multiverse movie which feels like Marvel boilerplate by now.
The villain, Cassandra Nova, was not a great villain. With little development of character or obvious motive throughout the story, she seems only to want the world to burn. Her motive for trying to destroy all of time was that one person betrayed her. Now this may be partly since she has spent a lot of time in a glorified
trash heap, but still, it seems extreme. The ending was not much deeper. It was rushed, and everything worked out too well for the main cast. This makes sense as it is likely meant to be the end of Deadpool’s arc, but it feels like he and Wolverine should have died at the end to complete the story. However, through the magic of plot armour, they live. It also feels like the Time Variance Authority went from enemies to friends in a puny amount of time. Traditionally, Wolverine stories do not end happily, which makes it feel a bit odd that everything worked out so seamlessly here.
As with a lot of Marvel films, Deadpool & Wolverine had a multiversal aspect to it. This was not done horribly, as it was somewhat necessary to preserve the canon of Wolverine’s death. However, multiverses are quickly becoming Marvel’s only gimmick, and nobody wants to watch yet another multiverse film from Marvel. Overall, the Deadpool & Wolverine movie is worth watching for the violence, cameos and jokes, but its flaws are showing a larger crisis of creativity within Marvel.
Juvenile Delinquents Turned Heroes: The Outsiders
Isaac Lavitt ’25
Editor-in-Chief
Drama has always been central to St. Paul’s mission to create well-rounded individuals. From the earliest of Jesuit schools envisioning drama to teach morality, to the elaborate sets of the 1980s, to the rise from the pandemic hiatus, those involved in SPHS drama are part of a tradition that stretches back generations. Since COVID-19, St. Paul’s has produced four plays: Shakespeare at SPHS, 13 Past Midnight, The Wizard of Oz, and The Odyssey
As we begin this next school year, the Dramatic Society has been at work rehearsing for their next piece. Thus, it is with pleasure that we announce that this year’s Winter dramatic production is The Outsiders.
Many of you will remember The Outsiders as the book which you were forced to read in Grade 7 or 8 ELA. Centring on a family in gang-gripped Tulsa, the sto-
ry explores friendship, violence, and class through a tale of struggle and resilience. Our protagonist, young Ponyboy Curtis, is a 14-year-old member of the Greasers, the working-class gang in the city. After a violent class with the Socs, the rival gang, one is left dead, forcing Ponyboy to flee the city with his friend Johnny.
In this exile, Ponyboy discovers the importance of family, friendship, and wonder for the world.
This year’s play features many longtime members of St. Paul’s Drama. Owen Taylor and Isaac Lavitt, who have featured in all St. Paul’s productions since the pandemic, will be playing Ponyboy and Johnny re-
spectively. Also in Grade 12, Steven Kosa will be playing fellow Greaser Two-Bit, and Daniel Stipanovic will be playing the doctor in the hospital scene. Ponyboy’s brothers Darry and Sodapop will be Keenan Patterson and Drayton Perrault, and Lewis Vanesse will perform as Dallas Winston, a battle-hardened Greaser with a troubled past. Socs will be performed by Sammy Larson and Derek Barrientos, with a supporting cast of many others. SMA students Maria Sophia Naba and Sophia Santa-Brygga will perform female roles along with St. Paul’s student Maury Lavitt. This main cast will be complemented by over 20 supporting actors.
Behind the scenes, stage crew is designing and building the sets under Mr. Sterner’s guidance. The costumes are designed by Ms. Ridley and Mme. Toutant, with help from Owen Taylor. Acting is directed by Ms. Walker and fight sequences by Mr. Daman.
To support our actors, take part in a century-old tradition, or just have an entertaining evening, pick up your tickets online for December 5, 6, or 7.
Stay Gold.
Holdout
Michael Wolanik ’25
Contributor
A tall, metallic figure approached a flattened structure that submerged into the earth. As the door opened to the building, it rubbed their hands together in giddy. Bunkers were found less and less these days, so finding one that never went online might as well have been hitting the jackpot. Sure, a few bots had probably looted the place, but none had quite the trained eye as Optic. As they walked down the stairs, the hum of electricity could be heard. This struck Optic as odd, finding an offline bunker with power that had never been recorded. Optic grabbed scrap metal as it walked, occasionally finding dismembered appendages which would be sold for a hefty bonus.
As Optic walked, the bunkers walls seemed to tell a story. Burnt metal and shrapnel littered the sides of the bunker and inactive turrets lay motionless on pedestals. The black spherical cameras on the sides of the tall android’s head looked over the scene with curiosity. Optic continued down the gruesome hallway, eventually finding a small figure crouched by a light. As Optic approached, they realized the figure wasn’t crouched at all and was in fact just that short. The rectangular droid stood tending to some plants, with a small sapling sprouting from a crack in its head. Small patches of green moss littered the frame of its body. On the end of each arm was a tool, a hose on one and shears on the other. After a few moments, they turned their square head, and two small yellow lights looked up at Optic.
“You have not been shot? I find this news quite surprising.” the small robot said, as it continued to tend to the plants that lay in front of it.
“Is that supposed to be a threat?” Optic replied.
“No, it was a simple observation. All who have entered before you now lay as rubble and yet you, an unimpressive scouting vessel, walk in with no scratches on you.”
“I must be special.”
“Do not kid yourself. The turrets must have finally run out of ammunition.” The blocky figure sneered.
“How should I address you, moss-covered android?”
“Trim will suffice.”
“I am Optic. It is sufficient to meet you, Trim.” Optic looked about for a while, retrieving as much scrap as their storage compartments would allow before returning to Trim. “Your assistance is required, bot.”
“I am already doing what I was programmed to do. Whatever job you have is not worth my time.”
“Do you not realize the treasures that lie at your feet? With all this metal I could go to Forge and purchase/acquire? whatever I want!”
The conversation was cut off as alien radio waves filled the air. A look of understanding was shown in Trim’s posture as it turned to Optic. “You know what? I will take you up on that offer if we aren’t scrap in five
A lanky android with burn marks around its mouth roared, “Listen up, oil drinkers, I will put it bluntly: this mission will leave you like scrap. There is no intention of grabbing our corpses, as oil reserves are ninety-seven percent depleted. All the remaining oil is heading up to command. Lieutenants and the like are sending their crews on wild chases to get materials. We either raid this bunker or we fail trying!” With that, the party of metal men jumped from the helicopter they had arrived in. Once landed, they dusted themselves and tightened the springs in their legs. The signal was given over the radio and the group jumped through the air, into the bunker.
As the turrets rattled off rounds, Trim quickly plucked the packets of seeds it had been collecting and started to waddle against the
minutes.” With that, the sentries whirred to life and pointed where Optic had originally descended. Suddenly, explosions rattled the bunker as uninvited bots descended the steps and launched themselves towards Optic and Trim.
a tube coming out the top of their head and have blackened mouths, but—”
“—Keep quiet, would you? I personally value my consciousness,” Trim snapped as it shuffled against the unlit side of the bunker.
“With all due respect, I do not think they are here for you. What could you possibly give them?”
“I reside here. They will want my information, and my programming will not allow them to have it, so they’ll rip me open and dig through my head.”
“You don’t have to be so graphic,” Optic muttered, climbing out of the bunker to see the helicopter above their heads. The vastness of the desert surrounded the bunker, though this was the normal state of things. Occasionally, a crater would show itself upon the earth or an old ruin of a building could be seen, but the world was dry, lifeless. The helicopter paid no heed to the two androids as they walked out into the oblivion. “We are going to Forge’s shop,” Optic chimed as they walled.
“I did not ask where we were going. I was glad I was not going to have to listen to gunfire for a few hours, but if I must listen to you, this may be worse.”
wall. Optic followed closely behind, taking in the sight of bots exploding into fireballs. “They must be oil drinkers; I am surprised any of them still have power. I always thought they would look more disgusting based on the things you hear about them, but they do not look that different. Sure, they have
The turrets had rattled on for hours, emptying shell after shell into the invaders. A lone figure lay in the corner, oil covering its body. It had managed to weld the holes, but it had lost most of its oil in the process and was feeling static buzz about in its head. The gunfire stopped and the turrets clicked: they were out of ammunition. It was a brutal scene. The entire battalion lay on the ground, littered with holes. The lone survivor crawled across the floor, ripping into the chassis of a soldier and drinking from its oil supply. It went from body to body, ripping them open and taking whatever gas it could get. Next, it looked at its Lieutenant and ripped free its memory. The soldier had always wondered what the grand plan of the war was. As the bot inserted the memory, an emptiness filled every inch of its body. The Lieutenant had never known why they fought; it simply followed orders. This sent rage through the machine, and it started to rip at the fallen soldiers and attach their pieces to itself, forming Compound.
To be continued...
Worst to First: The Bombers’ Tumultuous Season
Bronny James
Rodmehr Filizadeh ’25
Business Editor
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers came into the 2024 season with high expectations. The Blue and Gold had appeared in the Western Final every season since 2018 and had made four straight Grey-Cup Finals, winning two of them. The Bombers would once again be led by CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian, Brady Oliveira, Western Division CFL All-Star quarterback, Zach Collaros, and a receiving core that included the likes of Dalton Schoen, Kenny Lawler, Nic Demski, and Drew Wolitarsky.
The 2024 season started with a Grey Cup rematch between the Montreal Alouettes and the Blue Bombers—a game they lost by a final score of 27 to 12. The Bombers also suffered their first of many injuries—an upper-body hit to star receiver Kenny Lawler that forced him out and would later turn out to be a fractured arm. Lawler wouldn’t return
until Week 11. As the Bombers continued, they dropped three more games to the Ottawa Redblacks, B.C. Lions, and Calgary Stampeders. Over this three-game stretch, the Bombers lost All-Star receiver Dalton Schoen for the season to a non-contact injury and then lost QB Zach Collaros in Week 4 against the Stampeders. Marred by injuries, the Bombers limped out to a 0-4 start to the season. The Bombers finally got into the win column vs the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 5, courtesy of backup QB Chris Streveler, while starter Zach Collaros sat out with injury. Collaros would return the next game, and the Bombers made it two straight wins in a wild 41-37 affair over the Calgary Stampeders, leaving them at a still-inexplicable 2-4 record after 6 games. The Bombers then bungled a low-scoring affair to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, then another game in overtime to the Toronto Argonauts to sit at 2-6 headed to Vancouver for an August 1 matchup against the B.C. Lions.
Fast forward eight games to the time of writing and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers sit at 10-6, securely atop the West Division, on an eight-game win-streak, and looking again like the team to beat in the CFL. Offensive coordinator Buck
Pierce’s offense has started to have some semblance to the Bombers offense the league is used to, thanks in part to the emergence of new talent Ontaria Wilson and Kevens Clercius, as well as the veteran presence of players like Lucky Whitehead. The Bombers defense has proved to be stingy despite having injury troubles of its own: linebacker and locker-room leader Adam Bighill is on the six-day injury reserve and offensive lineman Stanley Bryant has just returned to the lineup after yet another. The Bombers still have injury trouble—backup QB Chris Streveler was injured in the Banjo Bowl and remains out—but the Bombers have learned to make things work without key players.
The Blue Bombers have their last regular season game at home versus the Toronto Argonauts before heading to the playoffs in hopes of once again vying for the Grey Cup.
The Summer Transfer Window of 2024
Abdulkarim Arara ’28
Contributor
Every year from June 14 to August 30, the soccer world goes through a time of change. Many clubs receive new additions to their rosters while other clubs save vast amounts of money by losing members of their team. This period allows clubs to improve their squads or make renovations within their facilities and stadiums while granting players time to rest. Every year, the transfer window has multiple gamechanging transfers which change the trajectories of many clubs. Last summer’s transfer window was especially exciting with transfers costing up to 95 million EUR (141 000 000 CAD). Many of these highly anticipated transfers have helped teams improve their squad and increase their win percentage.
This year, the highly anticipated transfer of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint Germain to Real Madrid shocked the world as it was revealed
to be a free transfer, when a contract is not renewed. This is regarded as, “The most expensive free transfer in history” as Mbappé is currently ranked as the fourth most valuable soccer player in the world, valued at over 180 million EUR (260 million CAD). For seven straight years, the offensive prodigy has played for Paris Saint Germain. After years of rejecting other clubs, Mbappé decided to leave Paris Saint Germain and head to Real Madrid, opening a new and exciting chapter in his career.
Julian Alvarez’ transfer from Manchester City to Athletico Madrid is also unprecedented this season, holding the crown for the most expensive transfer in the 2024 summer window. The young World Cup winner and goal scoring machine for Manchester City is Athletico Madrid’s second-most expensive transfer to date, a tribute to his youth and talent. Athletico has confirmed that Alvarez has signed a six-year deal with the club,
creating many opportunities for the young Argentinian prodigy.
Spanish Euro-winning midfielder Dani Olmo has also transferred from RB Leipzig to Barcelona this summer. For 60 million EUR (90 million CAD), Dani Olmo has signed a six-year contract with Barcelona. From Croatia, Dani Olmo went to RB Leipzig in January of 2020. He played there for almost four years, guiding RB Leipzig to win the Bundesliga for their first time. Speaking about his departure, Olmo says: “It was indescribable to play for this club and in front of these fans. It was a dream for me to move from Croatia to Leipzig four and a half years ago.” This legendary player has just started his career and will continue to succeed at Barcelona.
The 2024 summer transfer window has changed the course of many players’ careers such as Kylian Mbappé, Julian Alvarez, Dani Olmo, and many more aspiring players. This will change the outcomes of many games and competitions due to how impactful these players are to their squads. Mbappé will certainly reform the offense of Real Madrid while Dani Olmo will significantly aid in Barcelona’s midfield, which may shape the future of these clubs and the sport.
Enze Chang ’28 Contributor
Bronny James, son of LeBron James, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the fifty-fifth overall pick (second round) in the 2024 NBA draft. The question on everyone’s mind remains: Will Bronny be able to replace his father and become the new “king” of the NBA?
Bronny’s career began early, in Junior year of high school. He played 43 minutes, scored 25 points, chased down 6 rebounds, and got 9 assists when he was only 18 . LeBron was averaging 21 points and 6.2 rebounds for his junior year when he was playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Bronny continued, attending the University of Southern California for one season and was ready for the NBA draft at the age of 19. However, his statistics were not great. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. During the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves for their preseason opening on October 4, Bronny scored 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound in 16 minutes. Many fans were excited to see Bronny’s performance in the Lakers’ first regular season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22. For fans, this game helped determine if Bronny had the potential to surpass his father or not. So, can Bronny really surpass his fa-
ther and join the ‘Greatest of All Time’ debate? He is not strong or tall enough to be a forward, is not good enough to make plays like Chris Paul, nor does he shoot like Stephen Curry. However, this does not mean he cannot be a star in the future. Since he was drafted quite recently, there is still time for him to work on becoming a star in the NBA. On the other hand, Bronny’s little brother, Bryce James, is attending his senior year in Sierra Canyon High School, and is eligible to be drafted in 2026. The only question left is if LeBron James will re-sign his contract and play with both of his sons.
Alex Albon: The Undefined Prodigy of F1
Ferris Yeung ’27
Contributor
Oxford defines prodigy as, “someone crowned with an exceptional ability to do something at a young age.” Alex Albon was given this title when he joined Red Bull Racing in 2019. Since then, Albon’s career has been a bumpy ride, with many moments that have tarnished his reputation as a Formula One driver. His recent move to Williams Racing has completely reversed his public image, yet it remains unclear how the rest of his career is going to play out.
Alex Albon, a Thai-British racing driver, is now in his second year at Williams Racing. Many people would say that his racing career can be summarized in one word: mediocre. However, the more
accurate term is ‘rollercoaster’. Albon was born in London in 1996. With a professional racer as a father, it was quite natural for him to pick up the steering wheel. However, he did more than just that. His youth career was nothing but a success. In 2016, he fell just short of a GT3 championship to a yet unknown competitor, Charles Leclerc, and in 2018, Leclerc defeated him again in Formula 2. Even though he could not take home those two titles, Albon still showed the exceptional maturity and potential he had. With the surprise departure of Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull Racing, a series of domino effects occurred, resulting in a call from Helmut Marko, the “Big Boss” of the Red Bull Racing Team, who was notoriously for his ruthlessness in replacing drivers. Just like that, Albon was now in a Toro Rosso seat for the 2019 season!
The 2019 season was unexpected for all those involved. As the season began, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo’s successor, was consistently un-
Chess on Ice
Miles Lagadi ’26 Contributor
Curling is often regarded as the sport you watch when nothing else is on television during the Winter Olympics. As such, it is very uncommon to see people truly become fans of the sport in the way that people are fans of mainstream sports. However, when someone gains an interest in curling, it’s quite common to see that interest grow into a love for the game.
Originating in Scotland during the 1400’s, curling is a sport played by two teams, each consisting of four players; the teams take turns sliding forty-pound granite rocks down a sheet of ice. Once each team has thrown eight stones, the team with the stones closest to the
derwhelming in race weekends. Red Bull decided to pull the plug on him and promoted the rookie Albon to a full-time spot at Red Bull Racing. During Gasly’s spell in the Red Bull seat, Albon showed massive signs of potential such as at the Russian Grand Prix, where he started at last place on the grid, and took the fifth place the next day, defeating Gasly despite his inferior car. The rest of the 2019 season was fabulous for Albon, as he demonstrated his capacity for growth and pacing at a much quicker rate than Gasly. However, his hopes of a podium finish were demolished by Lewis Hamilton as Albon was taken out with a mistimed dive-bomb. This season set the stage for an even better 2020 season—at least he thought it would.
The 2020 season was nothing but appalling for Alex. In a Red Bull seat, it was always a binary between sink or swim, and Alex went with the former. That year, he finished 7th in the standings, 109 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen. Throughout the year, he showed nothing but disastrous performances and mistakes across the board. By the end of the season, Albon was replaced by a rising driver, Checo Perez. In 2021, he showcased his experience in another way by assisting his successor, Yuki Tsunoda, in his rookie year of racing.
In 2022, the phone-call that Alex awaited finally arrived. A seat in Williams Racing was made available, and he graciously took the op-
portunity, ready to show critics his true capacity. By the end of season, Albon had successfully made his teammate, who was already widely known to be a terrible driver, look like an even bigger fool by completely carrying the team on his back. His 2023 and 2024 seasons were repeats of the previous years; however, this time it was with Logan Sargeant, a rookie known for his atrocious driving, and Franco Colapinto, Sargeant’s replacement. Franco was called up mid-season to Williams Racing after the continuous crashing of Logan Sargeant. In his first races, Colapinto matched the pace of Albon and was quicker in some races. This was rather concerning for Albon as he had over five years of experience behind the wheel, yet he was bested by a rookie who had barely driven the car for a month.
The next fifteen months will be crucial for Albon as there is a brandnew challenger to his throne at Williams: Carlos Sainz, an experienced driver who has won 3 races and has 23 podium finishes in his hands. If Albon can take on this challenge unfazed and manages to come out triumphant, he will be guaranteed a long-lasting future in the sport. However, if he fails to perform against Sainz, he may lose his precious seat in Formula One Racing.
Overall, Alex Albon’s career so far is already extraordinary, but perception is still divided. He will need more work if he wants to engrave his spot in the future Hall of Fame.
centre of the house (the target) is awarded points accordingly. Having one stone closest to the middle of the house is worth one point, two stones closest is worth two points, and so on. This activity is typically repeated for a game of eight or ten “ends”, like baseball innings, unless a team decides to concede part way through the match. Although
ing unique from other sports is not only the intricate strategies, but also the community around the sport.
Curling has a strong community which is made up mostly of people who play the sport, not just spectate it. Therefore, the amount of mutual respect among curlers is extremely high. Community strength is
it may seem inconceivable, there are complex strategies and techniques within curling. What makes curl-
the vast tradition surrounding the sport. Every curling match begins and ends with each member of both
teams shaking hands. Even the rules of the sport are based upon honesty and respect for the game. For example, if a sweeper were to accidentally touch a stone with their broom, they would be expected to immediately stop their own rock and remove it from play. This level of honesty is something that is almost exclusively unique to the sport of curling. The curling community is not only united by the sport itself, but also the curling clubs that the sport is played in serve as social hubs and meeting areas. These clubs often have delicious food such as pizza and French fries.
If you or anyone you know is interested in curling, it is worth attending a “learn to curl” clinic, which can be found at many local clubs. These clinics help new curlers to be introduced to the sport and are quite beneficial for development and learning. As the Crusader Curling team’s season is starting soon, we would love to see some of you there. All are welcome to come out and watch a game, and it would be much appreciated!
Lloyd Voth Volleyball Victory The Walk
Tristain Dang ’25
Contributor
From October 3 to 5, the first annual Lloyd Voth Invitational Tournament was hosted here at St. Paul’s for Varsity and Junior Varsity volleyball. Teams from across the city competed against each other to be crowned a champion.
Lloyd Voth founded the volleyball club at St Paul’s, leading to its lasting success at the school, teaching at the school for over 40 years, and coaching for over 30.
Our Crusader Varsity Volleyball team emerged victorious. Their first two games of pool play against the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens and the Selkirk Royals were a struggle for the Crusaders with each set decided within a few points. Undeterred, the team carried on and managed to win their pool. They then faced
the Mennonite Brotherhood Collegiate Institute Hawks, fighting for the first seat in the playoffs. This game would be their first and only loss in the tournament.
With the first day of games finished, the teams had one day of practice before the playoffs. Saturday arrived and the Crusaders faced against the third seed Steinbach Sabres, fourth in the province at the time. The Crusaders played valiantly, deploying many of the skills they worked on in practice. As a result, they beat the Sabres 2-0. Off to the finals, the Varsity team faced a familiar rival in the Selkirk Royals, having barely beaten them two days before. This did not deter the Crusaders as they performed tremendously, taking both sets with a massive margin. The Varsity team claimed their first tournament title of the year and more importantly won the first ever Lloyd Voth Invitational! Sam Di Cresce ’25 won the tournament MVP after a great performance in the semi-finals and finals. This tournament marks a key milestone in the Varsity Volleyball team’s journey to a provincial title run.
Harry Shaw ’28
Contributor
This year, the annual St. Paul’s Walk took place on September 19, with St. Mary’s Academy and Balmoral Hall joining St. Paul’s processing through Assiniboine Park.
It was hosted by the St. Paul’s Student Council in support of the charity KidSport, which provides grants so that all kids under 18 can get involved in sports without worrying about cost.
Activities for the students to enjoy were set up across the park including sack races, cornhole, temporary tattoos, and football, as well as chocolate and ice cream sandwiches. Upon their return to the school, students were greeted with giant inflatables, food trucks, and games. In Murray
Around the School
Hall, a hypnotist put on a show, “entrancing” a group of 20. This was followed by a talent show by student performers and musicians. Throughout the day, there was minor rain; however, that didn’t stop the day from going according to plan.
“It was a unique experience, and I am glad to have had it,” said one St. Mary’s student, “My favourite part was the obstacle course.” It’s clear the students had fun and loved the surprises waiting for them!
The staff were pleased by the event as well. “It was a lot of fun,” said Ms. Janzen of St. Paul’s. “It’s good to be outside and walk through the park, and it’s good to see other people from our school.”
Overall, the day seems to have been a success. With students from all three schools having enjoyed the day, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will be in store for next year?
I, for one, cannot wait for next year’s walk!
Students at The Walk
The Walk Volunteers
Premier Wab Kinew visits SPHS
Halloween Costume Contest Winners
Across
1. An Undefined Prodigy according to Yeung ’27
4. November 2’s honourees
6. Greek Goddess of the Hunt, and a mission to the moon
11. All Hallow’s Eve
12. Paris St. Germain’s ex-star
13. A common greeting
14. The Democratic nominee
15. Ad Meiorum Dei Gloriam
18. The St. Paul’s Dramatic Society’s next production
19. A farewell with many vowels
21. Youtube’s TikToks
22. Our esteemed chaplain
24. The Hammer, a volleyball tourney eponym
26. Entrancer at The Walk
28. An enormity
29. Supply and Confidence Divorcees
31. Siesta-ing
32. Chess on ice or competitive housework depending on who you ask
33. A lifeless puddle, or a featured Marvel hero
38. Light cannot escape their density
40. One way ticket to space
41. A direction for America?
Down
2. Not vague, or a knife without an O
3. Scourge of phones, AKA MB Education Minister
4. Ancient Celtic Halloween
5. To use one’s feet
7. What the ends justify
8. Divided or to divide
9. Republican nominee
10. Instagram’s TikToks
11. Michael Wolanik ’25 epoch
16. A section on page 4
17. A person with Deadpool, or a Gulo gulo
20. Misspelled aquatic mammal, or a town in Manitoba
21. A milk substitute, or a way to introduce yourself in Spanish
23. To motivate
25. A supermassive black hole
27. An ingredient in pumpkin, along with cherry
28. Basketball nepo-baby
30. Hip Hop’s evolution
34. Starliner replacement
35. Short form heavyweight
36. The difference between its PS5 and its successor
37. The island for marooned astronauts
39. A timely reason to lose marks
Image Credits
Haleis ’25 - History of Halloween: Isaac Lavitt ’25
Diversions
Crossword by Isaac Lavitt ’25 Solution found at thecrusadernews.ca
by Heth Nelson Soc ’27
Crusader News Staff
Tomas Tkacik/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Bernardin ’25 - Father Mulvihill: St. Paul’s High School Arias ’27 - NDP-Liberal Deal: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press Global News
Cordeiro ’27 - Donald Trump Pets: Alex Brandon/AP
Getty
Lavitt ’28 - Cell Phone Restrictions: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Mikaela MacKenzie/Free PressFiles
Tong ’28 - Short Form Content: iStock
Kokhar ’28 - Video Games: Girts Ragelis/iStock
Kosa ’25 - PlayStation 5 Pro: Sony Sasikumar ’27 - Artemis: NASA
Oger ’25 - Porphyrion: E. Wernquist, M. Oei, D. Nelson/Illustristng Collaboration Shaw ’28 - Stranded on ISS: NASA/Associated Press
Barrientos-Garay ’26 & Minuk ’26 - Deadpool & Wolverine: Disney
Lavitt ’25 - The Outsiders: Owen Taylor ’25
Wolanik ’25 - Holdout: Allison Carter ’28
Filizadeh ’25 - Bombers: The Canadian Press/John Woods
Arara ’28 - Transfer Window: Real Madrid via Getty Images
Chang ’28 - Bronny James: Jeff Haynes/NBAE/Getty Images
Yeung ’27 - Alex Albon: Williams
Formula 1
Lagadi ’26 - Curling: Esther Ciammachilli / WAMU/DCist
Misc. - School Life Photos: Owen Taylor ’25
Moderator: Editor-in-Chief: Deputy Editor: Chief Copy Editor: Chief Head Layout Editor: Assistant Layout Editor: Religion Editor: Politics Editor: Science and Tech Editor: Business Editor: Arts and Culture Editor: Sports Editor: School Life Editor: Culture Copy Editor: Politics Copy Editor: School Life Copy Editor: School Life Copy Editor: Website Editor:
Laurence Broadhurst
Isaac Lavitt
Alden Minuk
Evan Peters
Ben Lehman
Joseph Lewin
Thomas Bernardin
Maksim Thomas
Castiel Haripersad
Rodmehr Filizadeh
Daniel Stipanovic
Nazar Bobelyak
Aidan Kuo
Gabriel Arias
James Bailey
Mauricio Barrientos Garay
Landon Pinette
John Wilson
Upcoming Events
November 6: Career Day
November 8: All School Liturgy
November 11: Remembrance Day
November 13: Late Start
November 14: All School Assembly
November 18-21: Kairos 90
November 19: Raffle Sale Closes
November 21: Raffle Draw, Early Dismissal
November 22: Parent Teacher Conferences
November 25: PD Day
November 26-29: Mission Week
November 27: All School Assembly
December 4: All School Liturgy
December 5-7: The Outsiders Production
December 6: Christmas Hamper Dress Code
December 11: Late Start
December 12-13: The Freshman Retreat
December 12: Christmas Hamper Dress Code
December 18: Late Start
December 20-January 5: Christmas Break
Comic