Mountain Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:47 PM (15 years ago)

Taylor Marchant, grade 12, prepares the outfit for C3PO. Photo by Kevin Anderson

Edward Deavu, grade 9, holds his paper mache guitar.

Tony Wleh, grade 9, with his guitar designed as a gas mask.

Sara Trudel, grade 12, drew her self-portrait using chalk pastels.

Nick Tupper, grade 9, sculpts Goofy during lunch.

Cosmetology designs include braiding by Rachel Clark, grade 12 and an evening up-do, right, by Alice Selig, grade 12.

Various handmade crafts including aprons and rice filled frogs.

Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:41 PM (15 years ago)

ART GALLERY



Artwork by Ashley Giudice, Grade 12


Artwork by Frank Filice, Grade 12


Photo by Cynthia Nguyen, Grade 11


Artwork by Isabel Knez, Grade 12


Artwork by Justin Picone, Grade 12


Artwork by Katherine Belitski, Grade 12


Artwork by Petra Srdic, Grade 12


Artwork by Stefania DeMartino, Grade 12

ARTICLES

Cardinal Newman celebrates Charles Darwin
Cardinal Newman Science students



Charles Darwin is one of history's most famous scientists, one of the few scientists whose name is well-known to the general public. But how much do you really know about him, or about why he's so famous?

The CN science department held a 200th birthday party for Charles Darwin on Feb.12 – complete with birthday cakes. Science students participated in The Beagle Scavenger Hunt – a school-wide search for clues and conclusions based on Darwin’s epic 5 year journey around the globe. Grade 12 biology students designed and created board games based on Charles Darwin’s life and work. Grade 11 students even had the opportunity to interview our very own “Mr. Darwin” on the morning announcements!

As a follow-up, His Excellency Bishop Bergie will be talking to the grade 12 religion and biology students about the Church’s position on evolution and Darwin in April. No doubt it will be an exciting discussion to look forward to.

But you may ask yourself – why Darwin? By celebrating Darwin we are celebrating human curiosity and ingenuity – Darwin’s work is a testimony to science; an appreciation of verifiable knowledge that has been acquired solely through observation, inference and deduction. As Darwin himself said: “There is grandeur in this view of life... from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”

The life of a soldier
The “Me to We” Group

“I don’t want to go to school! Why can’t I just stay home today?” These are often the comments that escape the mouths of students as they wake up early in the morning and prepare to begin yet another day of school. To them, school is a waste of time that could be spent on “much better things.” But to others, having the opportunity to go to school would be like winning the lottery.

Imagine, instead of waking up to a healthy breakfast, a warm shower, and a home-made lunch, you wake up to the sounds of gunshots, but do not understand what is going on because you are only a child. You are dragged up off the floor where you sleep by men in uniforms who burst into your small home that does not even have clean running water. They carry large loaded weapons, take all of your family away or kill them, and just like when you were a small child and got separated from your parents in the store, you are confused, scared, and alone. Your only options are to die, or join the uniformed men as they offer you protection with frightening threats.

This situation is the harsh reality for many child soldiers throughout the world. Children are often targeted as they are vulnerable. Although governments try to eliminate these militia groups (if there even are governments present in the regions) they are often helpless. The problem is most visible in Africa, but is also present in several Asian countries, parts of Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration programs have been established in many countries to help former child soldiers return to their communities. However, they lack funding and adequate resources. The United Nations has raised global awareness on the abuse of child soldiers. In 2002, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was passed, which prohibit governments and rebel groups from deploying children under the age of 18 in any form of armed conflict. February 12th has also been deemed Red Hand Day, in order to commemorate all of the child soldiers who have died.

It is up to us to take a stand against this injustice and to protect those who cannot protect themselves. For more information on child soldiers and how you can help, visit http://www.child-soldiers.org/childsoldiers/some-facts or http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/childsoldiers/whatsgoingon/; and remember – “Be the change you wish to see!”

Cardinalmania
Holly Hlacar, Grade 11



Newmanites may be known for their talent in sports and academic excellence, but what many don't know is that inside those CN walls there are sparks of creativity and innovation waiting to be released through the prized CN Yearbook. The 2007-2008 Epsilon theme, appropriately titled “Yesterday and Today” was inspired by Beatlemania.
What better way to capture the full impact of our experiences at Newman than through the example of The Beatles’ impact on popular culture during the 1960s!

The Beatles album art was used as inspiration for layouts and pages throughout the yearbook and no small detail was missed as the dedicated yearbook committee incorporated the vision of The Beatles to make it their own. It was definitely “a hard day’s night” for the members of the committee as they devoted long hours going well into the summer months, not to mention their commitment throughout the year by snapping photographs at school events and getting to know the student body.

To attract more people to the committee, members spread the word about their year-end tradition: all the creators buy food, break a coconut and end up staying at the school until the wee hours of the morning to finish. The Yearbook Committee’s efforts have certainly pulled through as the 33rd Epsilon acquired a second place rating in Canada.

The one I write about
Lisa Skrtich, Grade 11

I know we have nothing in common
I am somehow comfortable with this fact
I am so scared to put my heart in your hands
Because I am afraid you will not keep it intact.

I am not saying I want to give you my soul
Or will love you with all my heart
This is not that type of poem
I just want us to have a fresh start

I hate to see you miserable
When I think I could make you happy
I hate when you ask me for relationship advice
I have no idea how I ended up as your ‘go-to’ buddy

I just wish you would make up your mind
And put my heart to rest
Work out what you need to work out
And hopefully it will be for the best

I wish you could know how much you mean to me
Without me having to tell you
You are the one I dream about
You are the one I write about, too

Westmount Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:41 PM (15 years ago)

Arasta Kadir - Untitled, acryllic on canvas, grade 12, Portfolio Course

Josephine Macharia Portrait with Hands, acrylic on canvas, grade 12, Portfolio Course

Amanda Mersereau Untitled, acrylic on canvas, grade 12, Portfolio Course

Jonathan Au-portfolio Course Untitled, acrylic on canvas, grade 12, Portfolio Course

Anthony Butler Portrait with Hands, acrylic on canvas, grade 12, Portfolio Course

Amanda Mersereau, grade 11, ink on paper

Jonathan Au- Portfolio Course Grade 12- Oil Pastel on Paper

Kyle Stewart-Portfolio Course Grade 12-Mixed Media on Wood

Zack Bryson-Portfolio Course Grade 12- Ink on Paper

Delta Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:40 PM (15 years ago)

Rebecca Smith, grade 10

Amy Provo, grade 12

Jessica Hyde, grade 12

Jennifer Sever, grade 10

Parkside High School 28 Aug 2009 5:39 PM (15 years ago)

Historical Fiction at its Finest
Tracy Chevalier’s excellent adaptation entitled Girl with a Pearl Earring
Shelley Bowen, Grade 12

Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is a thoroughly engaging novel about the life-changing experiences of a quiet girl named Griet over the two years that she serves the famous Delft painter, Johannes Vermeer. It is hard not to like this obedient and kind soul, for she struggles with yearnings such as love and an escape from poverty. Her life is a fairly lonely one as she slowly finds herself growing apart from her family whilst living as an outsider in the Vermeer’s home.
With the exception of the painter himself, the rest of the Vermeer’s don’t take kindly to this strange Protestant girl living amongst the Catholic faith. Even fellow servants think that Griet is trouble as they watch and judge her every move. The real trouble begins, however, when the artist takes a liking to the new young servant, allowing her to assist him in his work.
Griet is granted a privilege that no other family member has – helping Vermeer in his studio. As he will not even allow his wife Catharina to enter the studio, this causes a great amount of tension within the household. Griet first begins her work by cleaning the various still-life objects that Vermeer will paint later in the day. As she gains his trust, Vermeer then allows her to grind his paints and even the immense responsibility of purchasing the colour from the apothecary. As if these “privileges” haven’t caused enough tension amongst the family, matters only get worse when Vermeer agrees, at a friend’s request, to paint Griet.
These moments in which Vermeer paints Griet are the most spellbinding of the book. Chevalier’s descriptions are so acute that the reader can feel Griet’s nervous emotions as she sits as still as possible under the close eye of the awe-inspiring man that she has grown to love. Her inner struggle is then augmented by jealous Pieter, the butcher’s son, who has made it known his intentions to marry Griet. The young maid, however, is devoted to her master, obeying his every wish. She is so obedient that she agrees to wear his wife’s pearl earring for the painting, despite the fact that she knows it will lead to her downfall.
Chevalier writes with the same extreme care that Griet takes when cleaning Vermeer’s studio. While she is very quiet and obedient, the reader can see how full and confused Griet’s heart is; her emotions are magnificently conveyed across each page. Readers also have a clear image of what Vermeer himself may have been like, and his remarkable character draws the audience further into the book. There is no doubt that Chevalier’s charming adaptation of this famous painting is wonderfully told, encouraging the reader to delve further into the mystery behind Vermeer’s work.

Hands
Beth Austerberry, Grade 12

I lay my hands down on the sticky linoleum of the counter where I sit. It is 1:14, and with nothing to do but wait, my eyes fall downwards towards them. The table is coated with something, juice; carelessly wiped away leaving a thin adhesive residue that glues my hands to the table. I pull them away, watching intently as the dark skin stretches away, peeling off like gum scraped from a shoe. My hands are those of a labourer. Their cancerous brown colour hints at the hours spent toasting in the sun, creating the coffee coloured spots that dapple the back of my hand. Age has creased the skin, creating deep grooves that ripple the supple skin as I clutch my coffee mug. It’s but a membrane, thin and diaphanous, exposing narrow canals of indigo beneath the surface: the veins. Weaving together like the fibre of a rug, they are faintly visible beneath the loose sheath of tanned skin.

I begin to tap the fingers of my left hand, creating a slow beat on the counter, a hollow, nearly inaudible sound resonating through my body. The fingers that strike the table are my fathers. The broad nails, translucent, hiding a raw pink beneath, are short. Each one chewed away until the soft fleshiness underneath becomes nearly visible at their chipped edges. The calluses that personify the hard dry tips of my fingers are the same ones my grandfather had. Calluses created from long hours in his shop, teaching his son the craft that he would eventually teach me. My knuckles are knotted pine, extending from the joints into the gnarled boughs of my fingers. As they rap against the table, my fingers lead my eyes to the back of my hand. Three sinews bulge forward routinely, shockwaves passing through each as the fingers come into contact with the hard surface. The tendons move in circuit, stark and terse against nude skin. A magnificent machine of muscle and ligament, the years have done no damage to my hands. The joints still move like a well oiled contraption, the outer tendons reaching in, grasping for the center before returning to their place and restarting the course.

I silence the beat and let my hands turn lazily, exposing wan palms. Their surfaces appear mottled from the passage of blood, flushed at the points where they’ve rested on the hard linoleum. My palms are traced with three major lines, great crevices intersected by the mess of smaller lines that create a road map at the end of my arm. My eyes move to my fingertips, each with a unique pattern of lines and shapes; the abundant loops and swirls that create my individuality. These contours, twisting simply into loops and spirals are only mine. It’s like the tale they tell you in the forest as a child; the rings of the tree tell you its story. The rings of your palms and your finger can tell an entire history. Hands that have spent their whole life working, characterized by a roughness, abrasive as they brush against your cheek. That is what I am staring down at. I am staring down at my life. I turn my hand back over, poised upon the table, a slight bend in each finger. I count the joints, starting at my thumb, 1, 2, 3… until I reach my wrist. …15. 15 conveyors of motion. The gears that twist and turn, a system of cogs that allow these hands to create and build. I lace my fingers together, the digits curling intertwining without effort, hinges conditioned by years of use. The digits drop into the dimples between the knuckles like pieces into a puzzle. I can’t stop staring.

A pale white hand falls on top of mine, slender white fingers and perfectly manicured nails mock my dark leathery fists. A lean wrist bears a shining gold watch .It is 1:30, I want to look up, to stare into my daughters eyes, but right now, I need a moment with her hands.

Parkside DECA Chapter does it Again!
Olivia Hoskin, Grade 11





Now what exactly is “it”? Well, “it” would be not only competing, but also succeeding, at the 30th Annual DECA Ontario Provincial Competition, held last week in Toronto. On Thursday, February 5th, the Sheraton hotel downtown became a temporary home for close to 6000 business and marketing students, 50 of whom were from Parkside High School. Students from all over Ontario came together for a two-day conference, with the common goal of competing to qualify for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California.

Parkside is proud to be sending seven students to ICDC, which will be held from April 27th to May 4th. Here the students will attend a conference with over 15,000 DECA members from across the United States, Mexico, Germany and various other countries. They will either be competing, or attending leadership conferences such as the Leadership Development Academy (LDA), the Senior Management Institute (SMI) or the Chapter Management Academy (CMA). With approximately one sixth of Parkside’s student population as current DECA members, it’s no surprise the chapter continues to be successful in landing qualifiers for this prestigious International Conference and Competition.

The qualifiers as well as the whole chapter worked tirelessly through days of dynamic competition. This included role-plays, multiple choice tests and presentations entailing anything from pitching sales ideas, giving input on our current economic state, or knowing in exactly what order stock rotation happens. Whatever the task, Parkside students jumped right on it. Along with the seven students who will be attending ICDC, 12 members were awarded for placing an honourable top 20 in their competitive events. Parkside congratulates its DECA members! Whether a top 5 placing was won, a top 20 or anything else, you have truly proven your Parkside PRIDE!

Hayley…. 2019
Hayley Elliott, Grade 11

Hayley Elliott is seventeen years old and is currently enrolled in grade eleven. In grade eleven Hayley will be taking yearbook, physical education, co-op, math, English, civics and parenting. Hayley is taking yearbook to help her towards one of her dreams photography. She is also taking parenting to learn all the things you need to know to be a great parent. Hayley took physical education, math, English and civics because they are compulsory courses. She took co-op to gain work experience and realized that she wouldn’t like to work at Tim Horton’s because of smelling like coffee all day. Hayley’s dream is to have a family and be the best parent possible. When Hayley was in grade ten she was interested in fashion and took the fashion course. She is a hard worker and makes the grades she deserves. At the moment, Hayley’s goal is to pass all her classes and graduate from high school. She has a wave line of peers, and she is happy.

In grade twelve Hayley plans on taking fashion arts, art, English, food and nutrition, and a four credit co-op; also if there is a course on photography she would most likely take that instead of fashion arts.

Outside of school, one of Hayley’s favourite hobbies is scrapbooking; she does layouts on just about everything. One of her favorite scrapbooking books she has done is the one about her and Kyle because it’s a memory of all the good times and stupid things they did together. Hayley loves to watch movies; you could say it is a hobby too. Three of Hayley’s favourite movies are Step Up 2, Cinderella story and Another Cinderella story because they’re about making your dreams come true and fighting for what you believe. Hayley loves to watch One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill is a show about teenagers and the good things and bad things they have to go through. It’s a show Hayley can relate to because she has been through the same things. One thing that is on the show is that two friends are in love with the same boy, or another one is when one of the characters proves to her best friend that people can change. Another hobby of Hayley’s is going quadding, dirt biking or snowmobiling with her boyfriend Kyle. When doing this she gets to spend time with Kyle and it’s exciting to see how fast you can go.

Kyle Krilyk has been dating Hayley for two years now, and even though they have had a twister of times, they are still together. Hayley and Kyle try to spend as much time together as possible but sometimes it’s hard. Kyle and Hayley’s relationship is very strong and they help each other through everything and they’re there for each other no matter what. Hayley’s one major dream is to marry Kyle and have a loving, caring family with him.
Now when it comes to her life ten years from now, it’s up in the air. After graduating from high school, she intends to go to college. Now that she is scrapbooking and taking pictures, she would like to take photography and explore the joy of it. Although she knows that photography isn’t just like looking at something and “snap” you’re done, she knows there is more to it than that. If Hayley attends college but fails in the direction of photography, then her next choice would be to take courses to do with clothing and hopefully to work in a store or in the fashion industry. She is undecided at this moment about which one she will take, but one thing for sure she knows she wants to be a graduate from college. In addition to finishing college, she would like to hopefully have a good job and have a loving, caring family.

Hayley is a country girl and would like to continue down that road, once she marries Kyle. She would like to stay living in the area she live now to be close to her family. She would never live in an apartment because it is just too small. Her dream is to live in a big house with a pool, hot tub, big backyard, and a big garage for her car and Kyle’s dirt bike and stuff. She wants a truck and a baby blue convertible. She has no idea how she will afford this kind of house but it’s nice to dream. Hayley and Kyle will split the responsibilities equally. Her aim is to have two kids, one boy and one girl. She and Kyle would definitely make good parents because they both are very observant, outgoing, willing to try new things. Their daughter they say will be more like Hayley as it is in most cases and their son will be like Kyle. Kyle is kind of worried but having a son because they’re usually like their father and Kyle does some crazy things and doesn’t really want his son to do them as well, where Hayley think it’s all good as long as he’s safe. Their daughter would not be a big worry; she’ll turn out fine just like her mom, but her dad will be very protective when it comes to boys.
Yes, this is Hayley’s dream and where she sees herself. It could change but that is a risk she is willing to take. For now Hayley is having fun with her life, and is excited for more adventures and experiences to come.

“Feelings”
Maddison O’Connor, Grade 10

The words are flowing silently,
The world fights back so violently,
When did it start?
When will it end?
How many soldiers will we send?
The sorrow in their eyes,
Their deafening cold cries,
All because of greed, anger, revenge

The Common Journalist
Caitlin Teed, Grade 12
The 2008 U.S. Presidential election had me completely immersed in all the pre-election buzz that was circulating around the world. As I was reviewing election articles, I stumbled upon an intriguing piece in the Times Online. It not only talked about the forthcoming election but also focused on the impact of this event on the arts and the current economic turmoil. This article really appealed to me because of my own connection to the Arts - a reflection of my work with the Theatre Arts and Instrumental practice.
The article was titled: “What Will a New President Do for the Arts?”, a simple question, but with a variety of answers. This piece caught my interest and it really inspired me to pursue a career in journalism. My initial response to this article was one of astonishment; I could not believe that so many variables could influence this one aspect. The author continued to make connections to other elections, as well as to popular culture. I realized that this was what a journalist must do every day: make connections, explore possible outcomes and ask the right questions.
The ability to relate a number of issues all to one significant event was, in my opinion, the strength of this article. The author’s purpose is diverse: he entertains, educates and influences readers regarding the topics, situations or environments that affect their lives. I enjoyed his assumptions and comparisons. The article showed me that you can look at things from a larger scope, taking a look at the political world and incorporating other topics into it.
I am fascinated by the way those journalists can write their articles to inform and even persuade an audience. I am interested in the issues that we are faced with today and intrigued by the hidden truth that is yet to be uncovered. This article showed me that journalists don’t look at only one answer. They question everything. Like a domino effect, one event will trigger another. It not only influenced me but inspired me to think outside the box and to look at things from multiple perspectives: to view the world with not just one question, but many.

Students were asked to discuss their ideas about the texts selected for study in the high school English curriculum. Here is a sample of their responses:

“I think more modern, recent novels should be read and analyzed. An example of this is Life of Pi, or other books that have won such prestigious awards such as the Mann Booker Prize. These novels are obviously ingenious and could become the classics of the twenty-first century.”
Sophie Lee, Grade 12

“It is still important for our generation to have an understanding of why the classics are called masterpieces, but the emphasis the high school curriculum puts on them is insane. With a handful of important projects riding on novels teenagers can’t focus on, or find interest in, I for one, have more trouble trying to even pass the class.”
Emma Spears, Grade 12

“One thing is very certain – students need a choice. They should not have to read out-dated crusty, dusty old scrolls in school, but rather some novels to which they themselves can relate and are interested in.”
Ruan Beukes, Grade 12

“I’m sure that most of our parents read many of the same books we study when they were in high school thirty years ago. Maybe some cult writers like Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk and Irvine Welsh should get a bit more exposure. There are a lot of really great and intriguing books out there that whoever’s making the decisions can’t seem to find.”
Joel Blanken, Grade 12

“There are numerous genres from the last century that have shaped generations, yet the youth of today are never exposed to these works. For example, beat literature is completely overlooked in the curriculum, yet, for its time, it was a seriously influential movement that paved the way for contemporary authors. The classics can still be taught, but there should be a stronger focus on how they related directly to contemporary novels instead of being featured on their own.”
Nicole Levaque, Grade 12

The Doll
Caitlin Teed, Grade 12

Who put me here in this cliché?
A plastic world is all I see.
It hurts me to remain this way,
And I despise not being free.

This flawless body is not me.
I dream to run and hide away
And live among humanity.
It hurts me to remain this way.

They move me so that I obey.
I want to tell them that I see
Beyond their foolish acts of play;
And I despise not being free.

I yearn for my identity,
As I remain the same each day
Here in this shroud of fallacy.
Who put me here in this cliché?

Alone I am in my dismay.
Enough of this soliloquy!
You cannot hear me when I say
A plastic world is all I see.

Who put me here?

“Wolves Running in the Sunset”
Jacob Hutchinson, Grade 11

How I did this on the computer:
I found an anime sunset with nothing else on the picture.
I then used the paint program to draw the wolves one by one and tried to make it look cool when you could see their shadows and their side that was black from the sun.

I picked wolves because they run around free and are able to travel without a worry in the world.

Rousseau Public School 28 Aug 2009 5:36 PM (15 years ago)

ART GALLERY

Maria Diorio, grade 6

Abbey Clarke, grade 6

Maddie Amodoeo, grade 6

ARTICLES

MLK 2009
Luke McConnell and Ghalib Alasaad, Ms. Fawcett’s Class, Rousseau Public School, Grade 6


The Rousseau Primary and Junior Choirs at MLK2009, conducted by our teacher, Ms Fawcett). Photo by Brenda DellaMaestra

The Peace Flower
Sarah McGibbon, Grade 6, Ms. Fawcett’s Class, Rousseau Public School



Make a peace flower with your friends,
Different colours of petals: the fun never ends!
With your fingers make a little peace sign,
Got it? OK! You’re doing just fine!

Place your hands at the wrists, together
To form a little peace flower or maybe better!
To make a flower that stretches 'cross the land,
Everyone together, hand in hand.

R.L. Hyslop Elementary School 28 Aug 2009 5:36 PM (15 years ago)

The 2008-9 R.L. Hyslop Dimes for Dollars Team
Team Leader, Jessica McNaught, grade 7, Publicist, Rebecca Gallant, grade 7, Treasurer, Alyssa Atkinson, grade 8, Assistant/Designer, Jessica Mulay, grade 5, Designer, Abby McNaught, grade 5, Assistant, Jessica Forester, grade 5, Teacher Leader: Vera Rehill, R.L. Hyslop School

In May 2006, two grade 4 students were assigned an enrichment Research Project to investigate Hamilton Food Share. The students research HFS on the web, visited the Hamilton Food Share warehouse and interviewed staff, wrote a report, presented a project and raised money through school collections. The project continues to date as "Dimes for Dollars", Children Helping Children, supporting Hamilton Food Share.

Every September students from grades 5-8 complete application forms applying for Dimes for Dollars Team positions: Team Leader, Assistant, Treasurer, Publicist, and Designer(s). The D4D Team meets once a week to plan the once a month collection, count money, plan the bulletin board in the school lobby, write school announcements, write announcements for students' agendas, and plan special theme collection days. Collection themes have included Meet the Teacher BBQ Hawaiian style, Hallowe'en Crazy Costume Collection, Christmas Season Candy Cane-o-grams, Puppy Poster Give Away and plans are under way for a special Valentine collection.

Since May 2006, the Dimes for Dollars Teams have collected over $4,000 for Hamilton Food Share to raise more than $40,000 of food for local food banks, and charitable and emergency organizations. Dimes for Dollars is a wonderful way to get children involved in volunteerism and learning about the importance of charitable organizations. We hope that other schools will start "Dimes for Dollars Teams" to raise funds for Hamilton Food Share and help relieve hunger in our community.

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:34 PM (15 years ago)

Renaissance Puzzle Painting: Angel, AVI 3M students

Renaissance Puzzle Painting: Madonna, AVI 3M students

Terra Nostra by Nicholas Soares, Grade 9


Byzantine Self-Portrait bu Keiran Magee, Grade 10

Barton Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:33 PM (15 years ago)

Do you honestly realize the amount of damage we are causing when we light up that cigarette, drive our Hummer SUV, or even just in asking for that plastic bag? Our landfills are piling up, our air is being horribly polluted, and yet people think they are doing their part by simply recycling and using their green bin. It helps, but in order to really stop global warming we have to change the way we live. We can’t continue to be as hypocritical as my father and the countless other people in the world, because if we do we will all be fighting over this important issue for nothing. Every little thing we do add up, and eventually the Earth won’t be able to take it! Do you want your children to live in a world where the air and water is so polluted that not even the human race can live in it anymore? Hopefully not.

An Rx for Faulty Vision - The Key to Seeing What We Miss
Meghan Sheppard, grade 12

I got locked out of my house on Friday. How? Strangely, no forgotten key or fight with my siblings was involved. Actually, my parents went to Pennsylvania for a hockey tournament, locked all the doors, and left me a key on the counter. Inside!
Later, after having enlisted the help of my neighbours, testing every key they owned, and calling my grandparents in desperation, I finally unlocked the front door. As I prepared to do my homework, I discovered I couldn’t find my Physics textbook. Hurriedly looking everywhere, I finally gave up in disgust, only to have my sister hand it to me two minutes later. “You searched there three times,” she said disbelievingly. “How could you not see it?”
Truthfully, we humans often miss the small things, the small details. Details like leaving a key inside a locked house. It’s not that we deliberately choose to forget certain facts. Glaringly obvious though they should be, we tend to be blind to the concepts and things that are right in front of our faces.




Dear Alarm Clock
Tyler Rubini, grade 12

Alarm clock, you fiend,
Why do you mock me so?
Yet again, I am dragged from the oceans of dreamland,
Into the brutal light of the day.
Images of unshod maidens and creatures of the dark alike
Melt away before your staccato tones
Which pierce my ears like the sword of a hated enemy.

Perhaps at some point,
In the distant past, of course,
Humanity performed some transgression upon your kind.
Or perhaps you are simply tired of being hit,
Slapped,
Whacked,
Beaten,
And cursed at every morning.

Regardless of the reason,
I hate you, alarm clock,
Just as you hate me,
And no matter what you do,
I'll hit the snooze button just the same.


Imagism
Tyler Rubini, grade 12

Apartments
Its hair a porcupine of antennas,
The tower block watches the city,
A silent sentinel against cerulean skies.

Trinity
A dreadful flash hangs on the horizon,
With the warming glow of souls
Rising to meet the stars.
A candle in Reaper's darkness.

Vegas Suburb
Verdant fields back on desert,
And natural fights unnatural,
Each new house another strike.
Both sides lose.

Motion in Fog
Nebulous shapes
In the murky soup of a city street
Come and go like fish in water,
Illuminated in brief by passers-by.


The Wrong Trail
Meghan Sheppard, grade 12

There was a sweat stain forming on his back. Andy Carlyle could feel it in the way the fabric of his oversized t-shirt clung to him. His brow was slick with sweat, and he panted as he reached for his water bottle, wishing he could obey his aching legs and allow his feet to stop pedalling. The trail couldn’t continue to climb forever; it had to slope downwards sooner or later, and he would finally be able to coast.

“Coming up behind you!” The shout was a courtesy call that every racer had been instructed to use, and Andy instinctively moved to the right of the narrow path. The biker behind him moved to the left, but instead of passing, he continued riding until they were next to each other. “You’re Andy, right?” Andy glanced at the man beside him, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Robert McDougal had made a point of introducing himself before the race began that morning. “I told you I love your bike, didn’t I? Man, I wish I had a custom-made Divinci like that! I know everything about bikes. Ask me anything, and I’ll know the answer. I know the biggest brand names, the best stores, and the newest accessories.” Robert sounded breathless, his words coming in spurts as he panted.

“Yeah, you told me earlier.” Andy was unsure whether it was his lack of breath, his annoyance at his fellow biker, or a combination of both that made his tone so short.
“Wow, this uphill is really killing me,” Robert continued, oblivious. “I mean, I’ve been riding a lot this summer, but this is really getting to me.” He swiped a sweaty hand across an equally wet forehead and took a long sip of water, gasping as he finished. He slowed down slightly, and Andy seized the opportunity, forcing his complaining legs to rotate faster, desperate to get away from his newfound friend.

“Well, we’re almost at the final checkpoint,” Andy called over his shoulder, glancing at the GPS fastened to the handlebars of his expensive indulgence.
Fifteen minutes later, Andy arrived exhausted and sore at the campsite that was the last checkpoint of the day. “I’m too old to be doing this,” he muttered as he wheeled his bike through the area of the park reserved for the racers. It was almost dusk, and most campsites were already taken by bikers who’d arrived earlier.

“Dad!” A teenage girl made her way through the small crowd that had formed around the dilapidated swing set referred to as a playground, and made her way to Andy’s side. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it. I rolled in fifty minutes ago.”

“Very funny, Lisa,” Andy sighed, running a tired hand through his greying hair. “I don’t think I’ll survive two more days of this, though. Right now, all I want to do is shower, eat, and sleep.”
“Then it’s a good thing I got the tents set up already,” Lisa said, leading the way past the playground and down a worn path. “You’ve managed to survive huge corporate takeovers. I don’t think a few days of physical activity will kill you. And besides, you’ve got a great bike.”
Andy was unable to resist rolling his eyes at the last comment. “So I’ve heard.”

“Here’s our campsite,” Lisa interrupted him, pointing out the small tents that she’d chosen especially for this race. “What were you saying?” She sat down at the picnic table and turned back to her dad.

“Remember the guy I was talking to before the race? The one who was drooling over my bike? He caught up to me during the race and told me again how much he liked it.”
Lisa snorted. “You mean Robert McDougal? He’s weird. I was talking to him, and he told me that he’s from Alberta.”

Andy raised an eyebrow. “So?”“So? Don’t you think it’s weird that someone would come all the way from Alberta to participate in a race for cancer? Besides, there’s more. Ben—he’s another biker I met— said that Robert told him he rode here from Calgary.” Lisa crossed her arms and shook her head, looking skeptical.

Florence Meares Public School 28 Aug 2009 10:19 AM (15 years ago)

Each week, The Hamilton Spectator presents a page of news from local schools. It's a page for students by students. Today we feature Florence Meares Public School.

Alexander's Public School 28 Aug 2009 9:36 AM (15 years ago)

Each week, The Hamilton Spectator presents a page of news from local schools. It's a page for students by students. Today we feature Alexander's Public School.

The Highschool Glory

The blood, the sweat, the tears

The laughter, cries and cheers

Fast break, shake and bake

Pump fake, love and hate

Five souls intertwined as one

If this game is to be won

‘Cause in this league

Its not about the cash

It’s all about the love,

Not a paycheck or camera flash

Only four years to prove it you have what it takes

To be the big man on campus,

cause you scored twenty-eight

“SWISH” is like a cry from heaven, as if God himself

Came down and whispered, “Nothing but net”

The angels sang the “chorus”, the crowd can’t stop roaring

Everytime I hear the story,

of the highschool “Glory”

One Last Shot

As I dribble down the court

I hear the whistle blow

The ref yells out two shots

And sends me for a free throw

I make my first shot it goes down with a swish

But for my second shot I could only wish

I really want to make it

Go ahead and save the game

But instead I airballed and felt really lame

Coach called a time out and said I want the ball

Steal it on the throw in and we will win it all

The center throws the ball in and our player jumps in front

He throws his little hands up and the ball goes bump

Its in the air now and it is right where I can see

So I jump as high as I can and it lands right on me

I dribble to the three point line, stopped and popped a shot

But next thing that I knew it bounced right out

The teams scrambled for a rebound, we’re still trailing them by three

But out of nowhere out team grabs the ball and throws it back out to me

I try to take the three again and this time it’s a swish

I never could have done it without our team’s dish

My coach said I saved the game with my Hail Mary shot

He jumped up and down and celebrated quite a lot

We’re going to the championship

Hooray Yee-hah Yippee

We never could have done it without Patrick Cassidy

ABC

Erica Hollingsworth (grade 8)

ADRENALINE –it rushes through me, and I start to get in the zone

BROTHERS –my competition and my encouragement

CHASE –the gold and the dream

DEFEND –your title, and show you still deserve it

EXCELLENCE –is what everyone here is achieving

FRIENDS –and family are here to support us every step of the way

GROUND –your turf and the worst nightmare to those who fall

HOME –is where we celebrate our victories and forget our defeat

INTEREST –in your competition - Are they really that good?

JOKES –the media stings, but don’t let the jokes control you

KIDS –they see you as a role model and you live up to it

LOVE –is the only way to describe how you feel about what you do

MOVEMENT –change of direction and change of feeling

NEVER –let go of your dreams. Hold on.

OPEN -your mind to new training and new hopes for tomorrow

POWER –it’s mind over matter. Mentally and physically

QUIET –block out the noise, the jeering and the booing

REST –you’re tired, so take a break

STRENGTH –you’ve trained a lot for this

TRAINING –new techniques, new coaches, and passion

UNDERDOG –so you lost a few times…just get up and keep going

VARIETY –don’t compete the same 30 million times

X-TREME –tension, competition and a desire to win

YELLING –from fans, coaches, family and haters

ZEN –calm, cool and ready to race

Top Ten Books Made into Movies

1. Twilight

2. Marley and Me

3. Harry Potter

4. Bridge to Terabithia

5. Inkheart

6. Holes

7. Clique

8. City of Ember

9. Coraline

10. Little House on the Prairie

Top Ten Authors

1. Cornelia Funke

2. Eric Walters

3. Roald Dahl

4. Kate DiCamillo

5. Jean Little

6. Judy Blume

7. C.S. Lewis

8. Laura Ingalls Wilder

9. Gordan Korman

10. Christopher Paolini

What’s Hot and What’s Not

Hot

True Friends

Respect

Showing Kindness

Positive words

Intramurals

Jump Squad

Reading great books

Including everyone

Making New Friends

Volleyball

Our Band and Choirs

Following our Tribes everyday

Not

Bullying

Snowball Fights

Negative words

Fighting

Hurting Others

Not Including everyone

Selfishness

Soccer

Golf

Not Following our Tribes Agreements

A Child’s Hand

Michael Parent (grade eight)

This is a sculpture of a child’s hand, but it represents so much more.

The life behind this particular hand is like most, but not like all lives. This hand has not experienced poverty. However, this hand represents a child reaching out for help, like those of children and their families who live in third world countries.

No matter where a child or person lives, their life or any other is important. These lives are reaching out for help and must be saved.

Their life is important, so you should care for it as if it were yours.

Your parents’ love you and they would never want you to leave their lives. Well, it is the same in third world countries. These children are dying and we need to help. Not only are children experiencing extreme poverty but so are many adults as well. They all need help. Poverty can be a lot of things –a minimal amount of money or food, lack of shelter, little or no education, only a few pieces of clothing. We have the power to help.

Move from Me to We by helping other that are suffering from poverty around the world. All you need to do is lend a hand and help. You can help by giving your time, money, lover or prayers.

What’s wrong with helping?

What’s wrong with giving?

Nothing!

So, just try, no harm donw, reach out and lend a HELPING HAND.

From Me to We

Samantha Lynn (grade 8)

What do you do when you wake up in the morning? Brush your teeth, floss, eat breakfast and then go to school. You might do these things, but there are many children all over the world who don’t get to. No breakfast, no school. To make matters worse, some children no longer have their parents to look after them because of sickness or war.

Have you ever taken a minute to realize how lucky we are? Most of us eat at least three times a day, we go to school, have proper shelter, time to play and medications for when we are sick. Not to mention that many of us have those extras, like iPods, computers and new clothes and the money to buy more.

But we also have the power to make a change.

Let’s go from Me to We.

St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School 28 Aug 2009 5:13 AM (15 years ago)

This week’s Spectator Literacy Project was facilitated by Carol D’Alves.

Full School Name: St. Thomas More Catholic District School Board

School Information:

Principal: Susanna Fortino-Bozzo

Grades offered: Grade 9-12

1045 Upper Paradise Road

Hamilton, Ontario

Main Contact: Carol D’Alves

Phone: 905 388-3030, Ext. 322

ART GALLERY

Untitled on paper by Chantelle Johnson, Grade 12

Waterdown Secondary School 10 Jun 2009 7:56 PM (15 years ago)

Waterdown Secondary School
215 Parkside Drive
Waterdown

Principal: H. McGregor
Vice-Principal(s): W. Gillis, D. Merlino
Pulse Page Coordinator: Amy Nilsson

How many people, whether it be you, your neighbour, or a stranger, do you see throwing their cigarette butts on the ground? Sadly, although these people may not know it, every time they throw a cigarette butt on the ground, they contribute to one of the contributors to the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarettes littered yearly worldwide (Yahoo News, 1999). Cigarette butts are the most littered object worldwide (Nobutts Ply. Ltd., N.D).

Now, I am not here to nag the community of smokers to stop smoking, but rather sounding out not only about the massive environmental damage that cigarette butts cause, but also the economic costs that discarded butts create.

With the new “green” attitude that people have adopted in recent years, this issue should become a major concern as cigarette butts each take approximately ten years to biodegrade completely (Benalla Rural City, 2008). For the massive two million tonnes of waste per year they create (Enviropoles, N.D), discarded cigarette butts play a major role in the destruction of our environment. Consider these disturbing environmental costs:
One cigarette butt may contaminate 40 litres of water (Shire of Yarra Ranges, N.D) threatening the drinking and swimming water both used by humans and wildlife.

Marine life such as fish, whales and birds that live in marine areas swallow cigarette butts (CoastKeepers, N.D), containing 4000 toxic chemicals (PBS kids: It’s my life, 2006), mistaking them as food.

Discarded cigarette butts can cause fires which lead to the destruction of many animal habitats.

In addition to the environmental costs, cigarette butts also cost society economically. Littered cigarettes on our sidewalks, streets, and beaches leave the area in which they were discarded to be a disgraced, unappealing place to local residents and tourists. Other costs are:

Park, hotel, restaurant and local government employees are paid to pick up the butts (Clean Virginia Waterways, N.D).

Discarded cigarette butts can set buildings on fire.

Tourist areas may lose money when tourists will not visit beaches or parks because of number of cigarette butts littering the grounds.

Undoubtedly, cigarette butts are a neglected problem that have major environmental and economic costs. These costs will continue to rise unless we take immediate action. It is quite simple to reduce the amount of cigarette butt litter. If we all opt for some achievable solutions such as providing smokers with easily accessible places to discard their butts, spreading awareness by educating community members, creating a refundable disposal program, and volunteering in a litter cleanup we can all start to reverse the negative environmental and economic effects that some have caused.

Seatbelts and Cigarettes
Smoking in cars harms children
Jessica Reddy, gr. 12

It is considered illegal for a child to ride in a vehicle without a car seat, or a seatbelt to keep him safe. Why then, with evidence to prove that second-hand smoke is harmful to a child’s health, even in a car with the window rolled down, is it not illegal to smoke in a vehicle occupied by children?

The fact is, parents and other adults alike continue to light cigarettes while in the car with children. Most parents know the damaging effects that the toxic substance may have on the younger passengers in the backseat. There are many, too many health risks to children exposed to second-hand smoke. Children’s immune systems are less developed. Children also absorb more tobacco smoke because they breathe in more air relative to their body weight. As well, children have yet to grasp what they should and should not have to tolerate. Therefore, children are less able or less likely to complain about the smoke. These factors make the effects of the smoke even more dangerous to children than to adults.

What’s worse is that children are easily influenced, especially by the actions of their parents and role models. With this in mind, children exposed to the smoke are more likely to take up smoking themselves, and the harmful cycle will continue. Smoking carries enough health risks to adults as it is… do we really want the damaging effects on our children, our future, to continue?

Children exposed to second-hand smoke are exposed to many serious health risks, such as: reduced lung capacity, more ear infections, double the risk of bronchitis, croup and pneumonia, and a higher risk of heart disease. The list goes on. The children may even have lower test scores in math, reading and logic. Smoking with children in the vehicle should be banned, plain and simple. We cannot continue to let our own selfishness and weakness harm innocent children.

There are over 4000 chemicals in a single cigarette; none of these chemicals is beneficial to our health, or the health of our children. Smoking with a child or children in the vehicle should be banned completely. We, as responsible adults, need to take action. Quitting smoking is the best solution to the problem, albeit the most difficult. Alternatively, there is the simple act of not smoking near pregnant women, infants, children and even teenagers. Children should be kept in a smoke-free environment. We have a duty to protect our children – which is why we expect they wear seatbelts while in an automobile – unless that safety measure is to be extinguished as well.

A Lonely Traveler
Samantha Paczay, gr. 12

A lonely traveler walks in a barren desert
She is thirsty
Life is parched, dehydrated
The cloudless sky blank and bare
Like a freshly cleaned slate
She guards her heart, a cactus in the desert
She looks for shelter but there is no relief

She comes upon a grassy field
The flower’s sweet aroma calls her closer
The suns warmth caresses her skin
Sleeping beauty’s awakening kiss
Her heart floating in a sea of bliss

In the distance a white tidy house
Shaded by the glorious tall green oaks
She walks up to the big welcoming door, looks around
“This is where I belong”

Circus
Jade Onufer, gr. 12

If only a dove were to fly
My soul would unfurl
Like the bloom of a cala lily
White, and chaste, and soft

There is a terror that is masked
A story that is costumed
A red-nosed clown, over-dramatic,
Laughing at the counterfeit tales

Into the circus flooded with nightmares
Rusted with strength and prayers
Surrounded by truth and dares
I watch as the disguises stride by

Their voices are full of money
Money that I will refuse
As if I were Saint Margaret of Cortona,
Sending a letter to my confessor

I plaster my ears with my hands
Praying my head will not hear
What awful speech they murmur
Brain-washing my hope

If only a dove were to fly
My silence would cease
Like a well-rested fiddler
Awaking from a slumber

Chicken Coop
Kim Schotsman, gr. 12

The old wooden door
Squeaks as it opens

Inside a faint light
Can be seen

The light outlines
The dirty brown chickens

The brown wooden boxes
With pointed-pieces

Of yellow-brown straw
Engulf two white eggs
The rice-sized chicken pellets
Are scattered on the floor

The red water bucket
Is nearly frozen with ice

Dusty cob webs
Strung from corner to corner

The large red rooster
Sticks his head through

The square chicken door
And gawks at the chickens

A harsh breeze
Comes through the door

While the chickens huddle
Closer together

The Betrayal of Fox: A Fable
Lainey Darlison, gr. 9

The young Fox usually felt at peace when he hunted for food, but today something made him uneasy. The farm where he usually hunted had an eerie silence.

The farm was owned by a wealthy farmer who had struck oil the previous year. Now being a man of society the farmer took great joy in hunting with his hounds and his thoroughbred horse. Fox was a large threat to the chicken coop as that was Fox’s favourite feast. The Fox had many close encounters with the farmer on his journeys to the farm. Aggravated by Fox’s actions, the farmer set a trap for Fox in the forest.

After returning from his hunt Fox was about to enter his home when he felt the weight of a lion’s jaw on his tail. Unable to free himself Fox called for help and after a few moments Fawn replied.

“Why did you cry for help Mr. Fox?” asked the Fawn. “Are you in pain?” questioned Fawn.

“The farmer at the bottom of the glen has imprisoned me in the metal trap.” Fox explained.

“It looks painful.” Fawn expressed.

“No it’s not too bad, quite painless.” Fox said.

“Really?” asked Fawn.

“No not really it is very painful.” Fox said sarcastically.

Fawn did not catch Fox’s sarcastic remark and continued to help Fox out of the trap. Fox was not able to walk very well and was in considerable pain. The two heard the faint howls of a pack of hunting hounds. Fawn lifted fox into a hollowed out oak tree so that he would not be sought out by the hounds. As the farmer approached the fox’s secret hideout Fawn slowly moved toward the farmer.

“Have you completed your side of the agreement?” questioned the farmer.

“Yes he is in a hollow oak tree one hundred feet north from where you stand,” Said Fawn. “What about your part of the contract?” asked Fawn.

“You are granted full privileges to my produce and to my barn during harsh weather.”

“Thank you Sir I must return to my family.”

And with that the farmer found Fox and at long last ended the chase.

*A man may smile yet be a villain*

The Road

Amanda Geiger, gr. 12

Wailing mothers and children run down the crowded street

Death reverberates deafeningly through the city

The stench of hatred pollutes the air and suffocates the innocent

Red flames rise from crumbling remains to meet a smoke filled sky

Blameless victims flee their homes like startled birds that fly

Here I walk, across the world, on a long and winding road

To my left and right, I am surrounded by Mother Nature

The never-ending fields are filled with bright, colorful petals and vivid green leaves

The path that I saunter down cannot be more different from the streets that the innocent trod

We all deserve to walk the same path, long, and winding, but filled with wonder and splendor

I hope some day they can join me on my path, and the world will be as one

The Bear and the Moose
Mitchell Kieft, gr. 10

Two years ago in the heart of Snake Forest there was a Bear and a Moose. They crossed paths one day and have been friends ever since. But Moose never realized that bear was a horrible liar. Bear was also a story teller, and told Moose lots of stories that he always believed.

“Last Tuesday, a hunter came up to my wife and told her that potatoes were going to fall from the sky on the first of October” said Bear. “OH NO! I better make my house stronger to protect it from the potatoes” said Moose.

Over the next two weeks Moose spent all his time preparing his house for the falling potatoes. The first of October came and potatoes never fell from the sky. Moose was upset because he spent all his money and time preparing his house and it was not true. Moose realized that Bear was always lying to him and getting him in trouble. One fall day, Moose planned on going into the forest on his own to find some food.

”I don’t think that you should go into the forest on your own; there are hunters out right now. It is dangerous” said Bear.

“I don’t believe you. You are always lying to me and getting me into trouble. I am going on my own to get some food” yelled Moose.

Moose went out into the forest to get some food. While he was looking around, he heard a noise. He got a little frightened but never though anything about it. All of a sudden, he felt this shooting pain on the left side of chest. He fell to the ground in pain. He looked at his chest and saw blood shooting out of him. There was an arrow stuck inside of him and he had no one around to help him. He laid there helpless, thinking about how he should have believed Bear this time. He should have not gone into the forest alone.

“Liars are not believed even when they tell the truth”

Art Gallery

Old Times by Stephanie Rotz, Grade 11

Rushing Water by Nichole Poirier, Grade 11

Carnival by Shankia Thomas, Grade 11

Release Me by Carlie Woodworth, Grade 11


Keys by Jess Cervoni

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School 10 Jun 2009 6:55 PM (15 years ago)

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School
1715 Main Street East
Hamilton

Principal: Glenn Cooke
Vice-Principal(s): J. Thomas, C. Pillinini
Pulse Page Coordinator: Gary Watson

Environmental Studies students complete trust building activities at McMaster University’s Altitude Centre.

Students study wetlands while camping at Algonquin in October.

Environmental Studies students collect fish samples in Grindstone Creek to assess water quality.

Created by Tanner Jackson, Bekah Short and Natasha Hill (all Grade 12)

You Are What You Eat
Natasha Hill, Grade 12

Farming has existed since nearly the beginning of time. People in general have relied heavily on farming as a means of support. For thousands of years, long before this commercial age existed, humanity “made do” with all organic farming. It wasn’t until recently, generally speaking, that humankind turned to advances in technology that do not support organic farming. This approach includes different methods to raise farm animals, fight off pests and increase crop productivity. But these methods are responsible for causing a higher negative outcome then positive. The use of antibiotics, hormones and animal remains are some methods used in commercial farming. Artificial hormones, although often banned and very expensive, are injected into the animals to accelerate the growth process, and increase milk production. These animals are packed closely together in their confinements, and many of them are treated poorly. This leads to outbreaks in diseases, and a constant dosage of antibiotics is given to keep the animals alive until butchered. Nonetheless, when we eat this meat, we are ingesting large amounts of antibiotics. In turn, our bodies become immune to their bacteria fighting abilities, and super strains of resistant disease causing germs are born. Cheap feed is unfortunately the first choice for many commercial farmers, often at the cost of animal and human health. The remains of other livestock are often fed back to the farm animals, and this can lead to serious diseases. This practice contributes greatly to mad cow disease. If this meat is consumed by humans, it is extremely dangerous. The use of pesticides and herbicides is also another method, but has since been banned in most countries. They fight pest infestations, getting rid of insects and weeds, but are highly toxic. These poisonous chemicals have been found in the crops themselves, and have lead to public health concerns. The pesticides have been linked to many diseases and disorders, including birth defects, poisoning, infertility, damage to the nervous system, and potential cause of cancer. Another method used is genetic engineering, transporting traits from one organism to another. There are many concerns about genetically engineered foods and animals. With regards to genetically engineered crops, allergic reactions are a large concern. These foods can also increase the spread of disease throughout the world by making bacteria even more resistant to antibiotics. Genetically engineered organisms can also be harmful to the environment, and to date there is no solution available to the damage gene pollution causes. Therefore it is very important to go back to the original natural way of farming, the better way, to protect the environment, the soil, and most of all humanity.

Movie Review: Who killed the Electric Car
Josie Burgess and Michelle Georgeoff, Grade 12

With the current economic crisis, car companies are again looking at alternate fuel sources. The 2006 movie “Who Killed the Electric Car?” examines the history of the development of an electric car and attempts to explain what has stopped this technology from reaching dealerships across Canada.

This is an intriguing movie that informs you on the mystery behind the disappearance of the electric car. The movie begins by explaining the history of the electric cars and how it has always been dwarfed by the internal combustion engine. Beginning in 1990, the government of California mandated that 10% of all vehicles on the road be zero emission vehicles by 2003. By the summer of 2004 all of these electric cars had been destroyed.

In the format of a murder trial the movie tries to assess who is to blame for the death of the electric car. It raises a number of interesting questions revolving around who really makes decisions regarding the products we buy, what role corporations play, and do governments have the right to tell corporations what products to produce based on the well being of the general population.

Overall, I think this movie is good for informing the public about the issues around the electric car and why it didn’t seem to succeed in the state of California. They don’t just accuse one person or corporation for the murder of the electric car, but instead they put the blame on many different people and corporations. After watching this movie I personally think that the killing the electric car was not the smartest idea. If you are interested in the revival of the electric car then I highly suggest you watch this movie to help you understand the issue better.

How Green are You?
Bekah Short, Grade 12

How would you measure how environmentally friendly you are? What are the things that you are doing that can measure how educated and committed you are to the planet?

Scoring Key: 0 for an answer of No, Never

1 for an answer of Not usually

2 for an answer of I’m not sure or I might

3 for an answer of Usually

4 for an answer of Yes, always

1. Do you only wash your clothes as a part of a full load 0 1 2 3 4

using cold water?

2. Do you recycle at home? 0 1 2 3 4

3. Do you turn off lights / appliances when you leave a room? 0 1 2 3 4

4. Do you turn the water off when brushing your teeth? 0 1 2 3 4

5. Do you compost at home? 0 1 2 3 4

6. Do you use solar powered products at home? 0 1 2 3 4

7. Do you refuse to use pesticides in your gardens or lawn? 0 1 2 3 4

8. Do you use reusable fabric bags from the grocery store? 0 1 2 3 4

9. Do you turn the heat in your house down at night? 0 1 2 3 4

10. Do you walk or ride a bike for short trips? 0 1 2 3 4

My total score is: ______

If you got: 0-15….

If your score was between 0 and 15, you need to clean up your act. You don’t need to start making life altering changes but you may be harming our planet and you need to improve. Try to get a friend or family member to make some changes with you while you’re at it.

If you got: 16-25…

If your score was between 16 and 25, you’re about as green as the average person. You’re not contributing horribly to global warming but you’re not helping as much as you could. Keep doing what you’re doing but start making small changes to make yourself even greener!

If you got: 26-40…

Congratulations! You are doing an excellent job in trying to save our planet. The only thing left for you to do is spread the word. Convince friends and family members to be as green as you and together we can all make a difference.

The Environmental Studies Program at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued financial support.

St. Jean de Brebeuf Secondary School 10 Jun 2009 6:14 PM (15 years ago)

Even though you may feel tired and weak to get out of bed or off the couch to go practice, you feel motivated to know that your teammates and coach are by your side to help and to encourage. Swimming is one of my favourite activities and I wouldn’t give it up for the world!

Queensdale Elementary School 10 Jun 2009 4:07 PM (15 years ago)

Queensdale School offers a unique educational environment where both Regular Hearing Students and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students are exposed to quality daily learning. Our enrollment of 202 students is comprised of ten regular Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes and two Deaf/Hard of Hearing Classes. Queensdale School offers an Umbrella Before and After School Child Care Program.

The Deaf/Hard of Hearing program has a more than 30-year tradition at Queensdale School. Students with a specified hearing loss are eligible to enter our half-day Preschool at two years of age. We also offer Deaf/Hard of Hearing Programs at the Junior and Senior Kindergarten level and Primary (Grades 1,2 and 3 levels). Trained specialist teachers of the Deaf teach these classes. Queensdale Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program offers a wide range of communication options to address the individual needs of students with a hearing loss. Parent input is valued in determining communication methods.

Family preference combined with the expertise of our specialized teachers and based on student need, allow us to individualize program delivery. Communication options, as deemed necessary, include oral speech, auditory verbal strategies, signed English as augmentative support and picture exchange methods. Students receive both individualized and integrated programming.

Queensdale Elementary School

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6
67 Queensdale Avenue East
Hamilton ON, L9A 1K4
Phone Number: (905)387-5744
Fax Number: (905)387-3995

Facilitator: Angie Ricottone

Save China's red panda
Timothy MacDonell, Queensdale School, Grade 5 – Mr. Parson’s Class

Did you know the red panda is endangered? The color of red panda is what people remember the most. The red panda lives in China. There are adaptations. We should help save the red panda.

Appearance
The red panda has one of the most amazing appearances. It looks like a raccoon with a red and white striped tail. It has black eyebrows and a white and black nose like a giant panda.

Habitat
The red panda lives in China with the giant panda. They eat a diet of bamboo and small animals like rats and mice. The red panda likes to live in the rainforest. The trees and other plants are what give the red panda a home. This is why they live in the rainforest.

Predator or Prey
The red panda is predator and prey. Humans hunt red panda for there fur coat. The red panda is not eaten, it is hunted for their bones to make tools. The red panda hunts small animals making them the predator for other animals. This is why it is predator and prey.

Adaptations
The red panda has fascinating adaptations. The red fur makes it hard to see in fall. They are able to hide from predators in the trees. The long sharp claws make it protect itself from other animals. The bamboo is hard to get through and they cut it down with their long claws. Without these adaptations the red panda would be extinct like the dodos bird.

Endangered
The red panda needs help. They are hunted for their fur because they have peculiar markings all over its fur. The red panda is often hunted or caught and sold as pets. This is why we need to help the red pandas.
The red panda is so fascinating and also endangered species. Save the red panda! Once they are gone we can never get them back. If this happens a circle of life will never be the same.

Hockey
Brian Dowling, Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Hockey
Ice, cold
Slap shot, Active, Passing
Puck, Defence, Referee, Offence
Skating, Checking, Fast
Aggressive, Tough
Stanley Cup

Greensville Elementary School 10 Jun 2009 4:02 PM (15 years ago)

Greensville School is a small rural community that has a long tradition dating back to 1848. The school is a one floor plan in the shape of an ‘L’ with wheel chair access. It has a large grassed area as well as tar via which includes a soccer field, baseball diamond and creative playground. Many renovations were completed over the last 3 years.

The school is well established with many families continuing to return to the have their children attend the school. We serve 267 students from JK to grade 5, on a traditional day schedule. Greensville is a caring community deep in tradition including a Christmas Concert and “Fun Fair”.

Greensville enjoys the services of over 90 volunteers, who support the learning needs of the children on a daily basis. We promote healthy eating providing daily milk as well as alternating pizza or hot dog days each Friday. We have been quoted as “A leader in Parental Involvement” by senior management. Parents are actively involved in all facets of planning and decision making. Representatives from the School Council and Home and School are members on our School Improvement Planning Committees.

Greensville Elementary School

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5
625 Harvest Road
Phone Number : (905) 628-6221
Fax Number : (905) 628-8343

Facilitator: David Harper

Art Gallery

Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Sleeping Children Around The World
Jenna Reyenga, and Natalya Kosubovich, Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

Did you sleep in a bed last night? Were you warm and comfortable? Well think about the less fortunate children around the world. They do not have beds, let alone a home. They spend their nights and many more to come huddled in streets or anyplace possible. Students at Greensville School want to make a stop to that! We can not support everything, but we can at least give them a bed roll so they can sleep comfortably and not be cold. The students at Greensville School are hosting a fundraiser and 100% of the money raised is going toward bed rolls.

Greensville School used to collect money for UNICEF. We are not able to do that because the boxes are not given out to schools anymore. We are now donating to SCAW, (Sleeping Children around the World.) Maybe your school would like to join us!

Top 10 Excuses for Forgetting Your Homework
Liddie-Beth Palmers, Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

1. It dropped in the mud puddle getting on the bus.

2. My friend borrowed it to copy it and did not give it back.

3. My dog was so hungry he ate it.

4. My sister scribbled all over it by accident.

5. It fell out of my backpack and got lost.

6. My father spilt his coffee all over it.

7. I accidentally dropped the paper in the campfire.

8. I dropped it on the road and the garbage truck ran over it.

9. I flushed it down the toilet by accident.

10. I was out all night and I did not get a chance to finish it.

Domestic to Wild
Alex Perron, Grade 5, Mr. Harper’s Class

House Pets
Playful, Obedient
Barking, meowing, chirping
Fur, Feathers, Claws, Paws
Running, Scratching, Sleeping
Wild, scavengers
Strays

Spring
Jade Silveira, Grade 5, Mrs Kosempel’s Class

Spring
Drip drop rain falls down
Everybody runs around
In the misty air

Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School 9 Jun 2009 9:41 PM (15 years ago)

This week’s Spectator Literacy project was facilitated by Francesca Grilli.

Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School is located on 100 Panabaker Drive in
Ancaster, Ontario. It is a brand new school community that has only existed since September 2004 and has only been in its current site since February 2005. The Principal is Nat Gallo and the Vice-Principal is Sara Cannon. Both have brought a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the task of leading a new school community into the future. The superintendent is Remo Presutti and the trustees are Sergio Manchia, and Carolyn Cornale

Bishop Tonnos is a school of the future. It began as only a grade nine and ten school but is adding an additional grade each year and its first graduating class will be June 2007. This allows the staff and students to grow into the exciting state-of-the-art facility they call home.

The building itself has a greenhouse, technologically advanced cafetorium, a triple gymnasium with suspended wood floors and a fitness centre that is second to none. The school offers all sports teams from midget to junior and senior. As well the traditional clubs and activities are offered here, including student council, band, stage crews, and talent show.

Bishop Tonnos is a school whose motto is “One school. One Goal. One Lord.” We have been putting our motto into practice by being active in many community fundraisers including “Rooftops in Grenada” and Tsumani relief.

Though we are new and small, we are already being noticed and plan to be an important part of the future of Catholic education in this community.

School Information:
Principal: Nat Gallo
Grades offered: Grades 9-12
100 Panabaker Drive
Ancaster, Ontario

Main Contacts: Francesca Grilli
School Phone: 905 648-4989

Art Gallery

Artwork by Morgan Herrell, Grade 12

Artwork by Simone Sitar, Grade 10

Artwork by Rebecca Barnard, Grade 9

Artwork by Ali Montesanto, Grade 9

Artwork by Jasmine Park, Grade 10

Artwork by Simone Sitar, Grade 10

You are my beloved, yet you are my enemy,
Why must my only love be born for my only hate?
Our love is sacred and tainted,
So for our sake we must abandon these burning emotions for they only lead to pain.

Your family destroyed mine, leaving me utterly alone.
Those closest to me even ask why I fell in love with one such as you?
All I can do is stand there, holding back tears,
Yes your kin stole my throne, but I cannot deny my heart…

We are of different worlds.

“A beautiful, bloodstained tragedy,” one might put it,
But how can it be labelled “tragic” when we’ve experienced the joys of our love?

People tell me that I shine more brightly nowadays,
And my feelings are so plain to see.
But it is a painful love;
One which eats away at my soul,
I wish to follow my own path, but my duty gets in the way,
My role is to take back my country from those who reign upon it.

We could be a magnificent romance, greater than any before,
But I can never be a part of such a story, no matter what we do.
Like the Montagues and the Capulets we are, forever torn apart.

History may remember me as a great ruler, one which suffered.
Or perhaps as the fool that let happiness pass right by…
One thing is for sure, I will die alone no matter my title,
For I want no other by my side.

So pure but dreadfully forbidden,
I wish upon you every happiness one may have in life.
Farewell and good luck, we shall not meet again,
Angels of Heaven do weep for our bleeding hearts.

Audieu, mon amour

Let our light never end…

“Blue dress, or pink skirt?” I questioned myself while going through my closet. You see, my friend, Jen, had decided that she would set me up with one of her friends, a blind date. I’ve been nervous, excited and a bit doubtful all day about this situation. Could it turn out to be a fun night? Thoughts of possible locations for this night ran through my head. Would we go to the movies? Would he pay for my ticket? Or maybe we would go out for dinner at some fancy restaurant. This night had endless possibilities, and by sitting here wondering I was not going to get anything done. So, I ran my fingers through my curly, brown hair and applied some navy eyeliner to help my blue eyes stand out.

I would have preferred going to the open-gym to play some volleyball tonight, one of my favourite hobbies. If those were my plans for tonight, I would have avoided being nervous, and sweating through what was now a third shirt.

“I guess I can’t wear that tonight,” I said to myself while putting on a different shirt. It was 6:37 pm. I still had twenty-three minutes to pull myself together. I was not always this nervous. The problem was my biggest fear was rejection. If this entire night turned out to be a dud, and Mr. Anonymous made it clear that he was not interested at all, I don’t think I would be able to get over it. I had always been good at everything I had done, especially sports, because they are one of my special talents. All through high school, I had good grades and I had lots of friends. I had never disappointed anyone. However, in this situation, I did not think I could control what would happen. If this man did not like me from the start, his impression of me would not change. I had gone this far in my life without being rejected, but this was a whole new situation. I knew nothing about this guy, not even his name! I was avoiding thinking about awkward circumstances.

I picked up my favourite necklace and fastened it around my neck. It was 6:49 p.m. Eleven minutes until the moment of truth. I sprayed some perfume and applied a neutral colour lipstick. Then it hit me! If this guy was so great, as my friend Jen had said he was, why didn’t she keep him for herself? It is only natural that when you meet a great guy, your first reaction would not be to set him up with someone else. What if I ended up getting rejected by a loser? That would be even worse! I would never forgive myself. Then the doorbell rang.

“Hide!” I yelped. Not exactly the best first reaction, but after that last thought, I could not follow through with this! I decided I would hide behind my bed, until he left. I checked the clock, yet again, and learned that it was 6:55 p.m. He was five minutes early, no wonder I was unprepared. I needed those five minutes to build myself up, and calm myself down. Now I knew I would not be able to go through with this date. The doorbell rang again. I realized this guy wasn’t going to give up so easily. In a way, I felt bad but I had no idea what else to do. The doorbell rang for a third time. It was only then that it finally hit me. By hiding behind my bed, I was never going to accomplish anything. How could I get over my fear of rejection by just sitting here and avoiding it? I needed to face my fear!

“Wait Up!” I yelled to the mystery man before I lost my chance to conquer my fear.

“Hello Ellie,” he greeted as I finally opened the door. As we walked toward his car, I felt a sense of real accomplishment, and I knew as the night grew on that this feeling would just grow stronger.

Untitled

Rown Firth-Masi, Grade 10

As I walk through my front door, I walk towards her, afraid to tell her of my choice. She sees me, and comes towards me, a smile across her face. I don’t know how I can say it to her, to tell her that I will be gone for a long time, or that I may never come back.

“Hi there,” she says, quick and to the point. “Where were you yesterday? You didn’t call.”

I don’t answer, just stand there, trying to marshal the thoughts roaring around my brain into order. “I-,” I started then stopped, uncertainty filling me. I try again, this time adding, “Signed,” before I break off.

She can tell something is wrong, and the smile leaves, bewilderment taking its place.

“What is it?” she says, softly, without any force.

I look into her eyes, and take a deep breath. “I- I’m going to be away for a while, I don’t know how long”.

“What do you mean? Where are you going?”

A much longer pause this time, and I bow my head, afraid to look, afraid at what I might see in her eyes. It is then when I speak, “I signed up. I’m going to Iraq”.

A weight lifts off my chest at these words, but it is slammed back when she reacts. I look up and see tears forming in her eyes, a frown crossing her face. She looks straight at me and says one word, a simple word that I can’t answer, “Why?”

I am silent, unresponsive, and again she asks the question, with volume and force. Louder and more hysterical she gets, crying and wailing. Shame courses through me and I reach out to her, trying to give her some comfort. She slaps my hand away and hits me in the arm, anger and despair alternating across her face. Then it stops and she starts to look calmer, until she has stopped crying.

I again try to reach out, needing comfort as much as she does, but she pushes me away again. Tears come to my eyes and I sit down on the floor. I look at her and she turns, going to a back room, unable to face me.

I really do cry then, wailing into my arms. My brain is coursing with emotion. Anger, fear, despair, and so many others flood through me. I think about why things went so wrong. All I was trying to do was to do a service to my country, to help us overcome this period of war. I stand and prepare myself, ready to comfort her. I move towards our bedroom and slowly open the door.

The room is empty, looking neat and tidy. I look around and see a note on the bed, in her neat, slanted writing. I start to shake and almost start crying again, but I seize control of myself and reach out for the note with trembling hands.

‘I have to go away for a while. I don’t know where or for how long but if you come back, I will find you. Until then, goodbye’. I sit down heavily and put my head in my hands. I remember why I chose this, the ads, commercials, politician backing it. I stand up and start to pack what little things I can bring and I don’t leave the house until my Call to Duty comes.

5 years later…

I am back, finally, I am back. I step down from the plane surrounded by my fellow soldiers. I look around at those who have come to see us, hoping beyond hope that she will be there, a smile on her face. But there is no one. Quietly, I head towards the exit. I resolve to start searching for her the very next day and I am ready to make things better.

40 years later…

My life is drawing to a close. As I sit here in a hospital bed, I know that death is close. No matter how cheery and optimistic the nurses and doctors act, I can tell. It has been 40 years since I returned and I never did meet her again. In the second year of my leave she contracted brain cancer and although she hung on for 2 more years, it killed her. As death comes for me, I have made a realization. The ads, commercials, and politicians that influenced me are uncaring. All in all, they were all started by the same man, he who runs our country. And it is he that starts these conflicts, but it is never he who fights them. Instead, he chooses to use us, to get things done. I will die with the following question in my mind: Why do they always set the par and why do they never fight the war? An odd question, but a truth, a puzzle that will never be solved by the people of this country.

What is He Thinking? Banning Water Bottles Not a Good Idea!

Rhiannon Russell, Grade 12

It’s bad enough that schools sell greasy burgers and fattening poutine, but removing water bottles from school vending machines? Not a good idea.

Hamilton Public School Board trustee, Tim Simmons, recently announced a strategy to remove bottled water from local public schools because such plastic bottles are made of polyethylene, a chemical harmful to the environment. When these bottles are not recycled, they are dumped in landfill sites. The polyethylene from the bottles then seeps into the soil as the bottles decompose. While Mr. Simmons’ intentions are admirable, his logic is faulty.

Students should be encouraged to drink water instead of less healthy drinks such as pop, juice, and coffee. Water is essential to the human body for hydration, proper digestion, and the flushing of toxins. Plus, water is relatively inexpensive in comparison to carbonated beverages.

If school boards were to remove water bottles from school vending machines and cafeterias, would the same then be done with pop and juice bottles? Simmons seems to be focused on bottled water, not bottled beverages, but plastic pop bottles also contain the same harmful chemicals. Removing bottled water would likely result in increased sales of bottled pop and juice. Would there even be a reduction in the overall number of plastic bottles being discarded?

The problem is not really the plastic bottle. The problem is the lack of available recycling. Schools need to do a better job of improving recycling opportunities. Each classroom should a have a blue box and students should be taught how to properly use it. Students will recycle if it is convenient for them to do so.

Banning the sale of water bottles will only encourage students to drink less healthy beverages. By continuing to sell bottled water and by promoting recycling, schools would be doing their part to encourage healthy lifestyles and to help keep the environment clean.

Highland Secondary School 9 Jun 2009 9:35 PM (15 years ago)

Highland Secondary School

Highland Secondary School
310 Governor’s Road
Dundas

Principal: J. Langsner
Vice-Principal: G. Woodcroft
Pulse Page coordinator: P. Haygarth

For forty years Highland Secondary School has been celebrating academic excellence.Our mission statement is: Highland fosters a safe, positive learning environment while maintaining academic excellence and opportunities for personal growth.

Built originally as an occupational and technology magnet for students in Dundas and Flamborough, Highland has evolved into a fully comprehensive secondary school that is able to provide a balanced program for all students.

The four A’s of Highland are: academics, arts, athletics and altruism. Over seventy percent of our graduating students pursue post-secondary education. Forty percent of our graduating class were Ontario Scholars.

We are one of the top ranked schools in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for credit accumulation, EQAO success, scholarships and awards. However, our real success is making our school a family. With 880 students we are small enough to know all our students, and large enough to offer a diverse curricular program. Our caring and supportive staff provides support and encouragement both in the classroom and in the many extra-curricular clubs and activities. We are a small school with a big heart.

Best Products

1. Microsoft word. This is a fantastic product. It allows for quick, simple essays, and provides a spell check function. This program is wonderful for me, as my handwriting is awful, and it allows the people reading my work to understand it. The spell check function is simply wonderful for people with poor spelling. Thus, Microsoft word is easily the most useful computer program I know of.

2. The book. I understand that this topic is rather vague, but I am having difficulty narrowing it down. I enjoy most books, even though I prefer fiction the most. Books allow an easy, simple transfer of information over a short period of time. They are fun to read, and are very useful for learning new things.

3. The hamburger. The hamburger is one of the best tasting (albeit unhealthy) foods in the world. It combines tender meat (if well made) and a crispy bun (if well made) with rich sauces and flavours (if well made. I see a pattern here). However, it is a challenge to find a hamburger which is not affected by the evils of fast food. As a result, good hamburgers have become an endangered species, much like the gray wolf, and sanity.

Worst Products

1. The iPod. This is a demonic tool created in order to avoid the social scandal known only as talking? Since when did speaking face to face become taboo? The answer is simple: since the invention of the cell phone and iPod. (See the next entry for my rant about the cell phone). The iPod encourages anti-socialism, being solitary, and even hurts your ears. All of that sound going into your ears at point-blank range will inevitably cause damage, maybe even permanently. Also, the portability of the music makes sure that you will never have to stoop so low as to talk to someone.

2. The cell phone. The cell phone is nearly as bad as the iPod. (Though not quite) The whole idea of text messaging someone while standing two feet away is downright staggering. Even text messaging from far away is silly: talking over the phone provides a lot more room for emotion than seeing text appear on a screen. I blame the companies which create these small, portable engines of destruction for the fall of western society. Why else has the teenage population devolved from smart, sophisticated people to semi-barbarians, intent only on swearing and trying to look "cool"?

3. The carrot. This final product will not have a long rant attached to it. I merely dislike it due to its disgusting taste and unappetizing texture. I cannot eat a carrot without shuddering, and it is an effort not to retch in disgust. The carrot is quite likely my least favourite food, or at least one of them.

Kyle Fisher: Precision Percussion
Danielle Klassen, Grade 12

Dundas band, The Dirty Nil, has acquired a local fan base as their emerging talent gains recognition.18 year old Kyle Fisher, one of two band members, plays percussion. "I'm the base of the equation," he said about his role in the band. As drummer, he keeps the pace of a song and a steady rhythm.

Fisher's passion for making music was sparked in the grade seven school band. "I played the saxophone. One day another percussionist was needed, so I migrated to the back," recalls Fisher. Once on percussion, Fisher was instantly attracted to the drums.

After getting his first drum set at age 14, Fisher enrolled in some lessons at the Waterdown School of Music. There he learned some essential fundamentals of the instrument.

Apart from his love for music, Fisher's interest in playing for a rock band was triggered somewhat by an underlying desire for attention. "I've always been second to everyone. I wanted to be noticed," admits Fisher.

In the junior years of high school, Fisher and fellow band member Luke Bentham played with other acquaintances who have since gone off to create other bands, leaving Fisher and Bentham to form their own project.

With Bentham on lead guitar and vocals, and Fisher on drums, the duo became an established band, The Dirty Nil. "Dirty refer to our grungy sound, and Nil as in zero, because compared to other bands we have so few members," explains Fisher.

As Bentham and Fisher grew closer their band was able to evolve into what it is now. "We've learned each other's breaking points." Bentham writes all the words to the music, and together they perfect the alternative-pop sound. The band released a self-titled EP in June 2008 featuring 6 of their most popular songs.

Their appearances at "Casbah", a popular Hamilton concert venue, and playing at various Coffee Houses have given their band a strong fan base.

The band has become acquainted with many other local bands as well as many influential people on the underground music scene. Their reputation has attracted the attention of Ric Taylor from CFMU, McMaster's campus radio. Taylor has interviewed the band on air many times and included them in his column for the View, a Hamilton newspaper.

Kyle Fisher has high hopes for the band's future, "We've been told by a lot of people we could do really well," he said. A follow-up album to their EP is set to be released in the summer of 2009.

Julia Lord: A Little Basketball Wonder
Rianka Singh, Grade 12

Today, Julia is the starting point guard on the Highland Hawks Senior Girls basketball team. Lord, who stands at only 5'1, much shorter than the average player in the league, is the charge that powers her team.

Lord had a very successful season this year. She led the team to multiple victories against various teams in the Hamilton school board. Recently, she was awarded most valuable player at the White Oaks Invitational Tournament in Oakville.

Lord's accomplishments can be much attributed to her dedication to the sport of basketball. Lord trains regularly, making her one of the most agile players on the court. Her ability to move quickly on the court makes up for her lack of size and provides her with a certain edge over her competitors.

Lord is a feisty player who is constantly aggressive and stops at nothing to get the ball in her hands. It is this fighting attitude that earned her the name "Mighty Mouse", coined by head coach of the Highland team, Keith Gould.

As the team readied for the playoffs, the pressure for high performance play from Lord mounted. However, despite her natural talent and enthusiasm, the season ended too short for Julia.

"Julia is a great player. She is a leader on the team and we used her in every game," Coach Gould stated about the necessity for Lord to bring her A-game.

After high school, Lord hopes to continue playing basketball. Her goal is to play on a varsity team in university. However, if this does not work out, she will without a doubt play the sport for fun.

"I have grown up playing basketball, and I am not ready to give it up yet," Julia responded, when asked about her plans on continuing to play.

Julia Lord is an extraordinary basketball player and an elite point guard in the city. Her spunk on the court results in a copious amount of success bringing a great deal of pride to Highland Secondary School's athletic department.

Penelope: A Movie Review
Chelsea Cowan, Grade 12

Every heart melts when a good story with romance, intrigue and true love come together on the big screen. Penelope, originally a novel written by Leslie Caven, is captured perfectly in this film. It is a blend of genres, including comedy, romance and drama. Thus, it has something for everyone, including men, women, and even children. It is truly a family film.

Christina Ricci, as Penelope, portrays a vulnerable yet strong woman. The storyline is set with the premise of this twenty-something year old woman who is born with a family curse that would affect the rest of her life. She was born with ears and a nose of a pig! However, the curse can be broken if she marries a 'blueblood'. Penelope's mother now goes on a quest to find her the perfect match. Penelope goes through many trials to realize what's truly important in life. James McAvoy plays Johnny Martin, the perfect love interest on screen. Both characters are different and the same in many ways. You long to see them together throughout the film.

Many issues are dealt with in this film; the main topic is to love yourself for who you are. I recommend seeing this film to any teenage girls; the underlying message makes it well worth it. This refreshing film stands apart from all the other movies that are pumped out and mean nothing. Penelope is most definitely one in a million.

What makes this film so intriguing is the fine line between reality and fantasy. The talented director, Mark Palansky, did an excellent job on the film. The viewer will be captivated by the storyline. Everything from the camera angles, lighting and bright colours will mesmerize the audience and make each scene that much more inviting and magical.

Penelope becomes hidden from society. Her parents don't want the wrong attention and decide to hide her in their home. She spends most of her life in her very creatively designed loft upstairs. The loft shows many of Penelope's hobbies and interesting clothing. Many of these elements develop the character even more.

The innocence of Penelope brings a fondness to the character. The lack of knowledge and socialization contribute to her naivety. However, at the same time she can be a very strong and wise woman. All these factors make her enduring and relatable.

The wide varieties of characters make the plot more dynamic. We witness the collaboration of all sorts of people, including the friendly bartender, or the mysterious and comforting Annie, (Reese Witherspoon), who befriends Penelope. All these people come into Penelope's path to self discovery.

Often, Penelope feels unloved and unwanted. Desperate moments with potential suitors result in one heartbreak after another. All lead to the adventure she needs to take in order to assume control of her life. She feels desperately that she needs to escape the life she fears she will always have. The plot shows that a hopeless state is not as hopeless as it may look, which leaves the audience with the lesson that there is always hope that lies around the corner.

It is easy to associate this film with Beauty and the Beast. However, instead of the man being the beast and the woman falling in love with him, this time the man falls in love with the woman and loves her for who she is despite her outer flaws. Her mother constantly reminds her that she is not her nose; however, she lacks loving Penelope for who she is. Penelope eventually does learn to love herself for who she is, inside and out, which is the lesson we can all learn.

There is nothing bad to say about this film. It is a movie that is great for a date, mother daughter outing or even for a family. The variety of genres will certainly reach a wide audience. If you love magical fantasies and romances like Bridget Jones’s Diary, where true love is always found no matter what you look like, this film is for you!

Heidi
Nicole Weisensee, Grade 11

I once had a best friend named Heidi. We had grown up together and I was as welcome in her house as I was in my own. We created so many memories together, memories which haunt me now. But there's one specific night which keeps coming back to me. It reminds me of the one thing I keep trying to forget. We were at her house, lying on her bedroom floor, talking until the first rays of the morning began shining over the trees.

"We'll go to England, sit in a café and write!"

"Shopping too. We have to go shopping in London."

"Of course," I smiled at her from my spot on the floor. "We'll do everything, and we'll do it together. Always have, always will."

Heidi yawned as she propped herself up with her elbows. Looking over at me, she said, "Ally, what would I do without you?"

"You'd die." I said seriously, getting up to hug her.

Never had I wondered what I would do without her. And now she's gone. It's not even that she's moved away. She's gone to a place from which she can never come back, and there's nothing I can do to save her this time. There are no words that I can say to her, no hugs I can give. All our plans were swept away in a moment. In the end, death was stronger than life as it stole her away from me. All I have left now are the haunting memories of a girl who once was, and the friend I once had.

Me
Sari Morris, Grade 12

As I walked through those gates I could finally see,
The person I was meant to be.
A future so bright it could light up the sky,
And I almost let it all pass me by.
I was scared of the future and what it would hold,
And dealing with the responsibilities of getting old.
But you can’t freeze time and stay a kid forever,
So have fun with all of life’s endeavors.
I am now ready to be all I can be,
And discover the different sides of me.

Art Gallery

Jessie Sawyers, Grade 12

Abbie Fisher, Grade 11

Aaron Aylward, Grade 12

Alex Witherspoon, Grade 11

Glendale Secondary School 9 Jun 2009 9:14 PM (15 years ago)

Principal: J. Whitwell
Vice-Principal: B. Woof, T. Nieuwenhuis
Pulse Page Coordinator: J. McGilchrist

Issues of Human Rights Struck Me
Carissa Borowitz, Grade 12

The issue of human rights struck me for the first time at the age of thirteen and it started to torment my way of thinking. The story of children in Kenya, who did not live a life of peace or equality, was the beginning of my passion for change and commitment for those in need. During the last four years, I have been working with an organization called Connecting Countries: Adopt-A-School, as a youth speaker and ambassador, an organization Zarwa Zarifi and I helped create at the age of thirteen. This is when I made the decision to travel to Ecuador to volunteer with Leaders Today, an organization through Free the Children.

After months of working and fundraising for my trip, which was close to $4,000 with all expenses included, the end of July had come. I thought it would have been hard for me to leave everything behind and be selfless for two weeks of my life. I had plenty of nerves, but it didn’t stop me from getting on the plane.

I left my family, friends, technology and the warm weather all behind me. All my connection to people and technology was turned off and stored away before leaving my house. For most teenagers, this is the not the way they would picture their summer, which confused me. Other than myself I brought my hiking backpack, which included about four sets of clothes and other necessities. Only the simplest things were needed to create the most memorable moments in my life.

As my excitement grew, I met amazing people at the Toronto Airport before departure. Although, we were delayed one night in Miami, California because a volcano had erupted in Ecuador, we eventually arrived.

A few days was spent in Quito, Ecuador, a very populated city and could have been compared to Hamilton in certain ways. It was not until we drove eight hours, to where we would be working, that the culture started to stand out. We were situated at the top of a mountain where we stayed in cabins, and ate together in a main hall. The rural area was very basic and extremely cold because we were in the mountains. Throughout the day, we would travel about forty-five more minutes to school, called Huacona La Merced, an indigenous community that housed about 240 people and they lived on less than two dollars a day.

The 26 of us were made up of teenagers from all over the world, who all had the same intentions and goals. We worked for 10 days straight, about 5-6 hours a day. This included the renovation of school classrooms, playing with the local children, and starting a water project for the community.

Our group played hard, and worked even harder. In 10 days we were impressed with our accomplishments, and left our mark with a designed and painted mural on the school’s wall. Together, we tasted new foods, became close friends, toured, discussed issues, took pictures, and laughed like crazy.

During my whole trip, it was like I was living a life of pure happiness. It made me think about the choices I make in my life and how I could help myself live happier. The two weeks that I was gone, I did not miss texting, talking on the phone, or surfing the web; although, I will admit that I was slightly craving a Carmel Macchiato from Starbucks.

The attitude of those living in Ecuador, with next to nothing, is incredibly positive. What I was not used to was how welcoming, polite and respectful the people in Ecuador are. If you did not wave or smile at the person walking by, that was offensive. I think this is why it was so easy to adapt to Ecuador culture, and so simple for me to forget my life style in Canada. It made me realize the things I take for granted, and things that I used to stress over are actually not important at all. It is difficult for some people to understand this concept, because we do live in a materialistic world.

For the first month after returning home, it was a culture shock. I would sometimes say to myself or others, “I wish I was still in Ecuador.” I found myself smiling at people on the streets in Hamilton to only get a disgusted look in return. It was difficult for me to adapt back to North American culture once again, I didn’t look at that fact negatively, but as motivation to help us create attitudes like the people that I met there.

My view of the world has changed dramatically. During my trip, I educated myself about a third world country, and now it is my plan to educate others on the issues in Ecuador and other countries in need. Ecuador was another step in my life, to educate myself and stay involved. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a life changing experience and is up for a challenge. I know I am only one person, taking small steps to help others, but it really only takes one person for others to follow.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – A Feminist Perspective
Natasha Germana, Grade 12

Once upon a time, in a forest of corruption and turmoil, there was a young, successful female officer named Goldilocks, whose accomplishments did not come from her beauty. She sought out the home of Mama and Papa Bear, in search of 30Ibs of smuggled honey.

Goldilocks came upon the cottage with a search warrant in hand. When she knocked, no one answered, but the door was ajar. The home seemed normal enough; however, it was empty of any creature. At the table in the kitchen, there were three bowls of steaming porridge.

Goldilocks remembered her assignment: find the honey. No honey- smuggling bear could resist adding a little honey to their porridge, so she decided to taste each one.

She tasted the porridge from the first bowl and grimaced, “Too spicy!” Next, she tasted the porridge from the second bowl. “Blech!” she spat, “Too salty!” Finally, she tasted the last bowl of porridge and sighed, “Ah, this porridge is just right. Sweet, sweet honey!” Goldilocks exclaimed, “but where would they hide it?”

Once she searched all the kitchen cupboards, she decided to try the living room. She thoroughly examined the bookshelf containing trophies and pictures with political icons belonging to Mama Bear. In a rush, Goldilocks needed to search the top of the shelf, but could not reach. There were chairs she could use though. She tried the first chair and muttered, “This chair is too big.” Then, she tried the second chair and, exasperated, said, “This chair is too big, too!”

When she tried to climb the last chair, it broke beneath her weight. As a responsible female who knew the hassle of household maintenance, she kindly placed the pieces on the coffee table and out of the way. The last place she checked was on the second level of the cottage.

On the second level she found three beds. This was the last place the bears could hide the honey within the cottage. Goldilocks searched the first bed. It was too hard. The honey jars would have cracked. Moving carefully, she searched the second bed, but it was too soft. It would not be able to conceal 30Ibs of honey. When she tried the third bed, she discovered the half-filled jars of honey and signaled for backup.

It was then that the Bears returned home for their porridge and they did not seem pleased.

“Someone’s been eating my porridge,” growled Papa Bear.

“Papa, I want a divorce,” said Mama Bear.

“Someone ate all my porridge!” cried Baby Bear.

“Someone scuffed my chair,” growled Papa.

“Papa, I’m taking Baby Bear with me,” said Mama.

“Someone broke my chair!” cried Baby.

They proceeded upstairs.

“Someone’s been rifling in my bed,” growled Papa.

“I’m an independent woman. I don’t need you to support me anymore,” declared Mama.

“There’s someone in my bed with our honey!” screamed Baby.

Goldilocks braced her weapon and shouted, “You are under arrest for the smuggling of honey from Wal-Hive!”

Goldilocks’ conclusion and success of the case came from years of hard education, wits, and uncanny ability, not from her appearance or simple-minded luck. Mama and Papa Bear served equal amount of time in the County Forest Jail for being collaborators in the honey heist. Baby Bear moved into a new home where two independent and accomplished women adopted him.

And that was their happily-and-female-approved ending.

War and Peace
Ena Karadza, Grade 12

During my early childhood I did not possess the privilege of growing up in a calm and systematic country like Canada. I spent the first six years of my life in Bugojno, Bosnia all through the catastrophic, heart-breaking, and distressing Bosnian War. The war lasted three long years from March 1992 until November 1995, but felt like a century for most of its inhabitants. Many Serbian army leaders conducted widespread killings, mass rapes, and ethnic cleansing through the use of concentration camps. My dad, Nihad, at the age of thirty-one was among one of the soldiers fighting for Bosnia and their human rights. The moment I was born I had my dad wrapped around my little finger. We would go everywhere together, from the market to buy fresh chicken to the park around the corner. Once he entered the army I barely saw him due to its rigorous and excessive training, which took place from early in the morning to late at night. Whenever he came home my spirits rose to the roof and a grin spread from ear to ear. A memory that I will never forget is the fact that the soldiers were served only one snack for the entire day, besides their meager lunch, consisting of a piece of bread and some soup. The snack was a little package of peanut butter that I found scrumptious when my dad brought it to me the first time. From then on, he saved his little snack for me every day and brought it home to me after a long and tiring day, smiling mischievously as he hid it behind his back pretending that he had eaten it. Every night I would stay up however late it was and wait for him, sitting anxiously on the couch. It never mattered to me whether or not he had brought the peanut butter for me; just to know that he had made it another day was more than enough. I was his right hand man when I was little. If you saw my dad walking down the street and bothered to look a couple feet down I would be there gripping his hand in mine. On one occasion, during the war, we went out to buy bread and he was carrying me on his shoulders singing a song that I loved. Suddenly, gun shots broke out from the hills surrounding the little city and my dad began running to a building for cover like a true soldier. As he was running, with me on his shoulders, I recall looking around at the people around me scampering and panic driven. I did not cry or scream. I simply took my two-year-old hands and covered my dad’s eyes with them as if I was protecting him from the brutality of the world we lived in. We safely returned home to my distraught mother that day without any physical injuries, but emotionally we had wounds that could never be healed. That very night my parents decided that they could no longer raise me and my yet to be born brother, Enad, in a war crazed country. As the war drew to a conclusion, the blood stained curtains had finally been lifted only to reveal its remaining two characters – loss and heartbreak. However, even with the war and its bombs, fires, deaths, shots, and tears, my memories will always stay in the time that my dad and I shared linking hands and whistling a good tune.

Art Gallery

Trapped
Alex Orm, Grade 11 Media Arts, Ms. Middleton’s
This artwork represents my other self which I do not show the world. It shows that I feel trapped and that I have no where to go.

Alter Ego
Caitlynd Trowbridge, Grade 11
My alter-ego montage shows me in a mood that I don’t normally show. In my montage, I am trying to express that I feel very alone, like I don’t belong to anything and that I can’t get out of that situation.

Surrealism
Rehab Sadeq, Grade 11

For my surrealism class assignment, I made a guy on a boat on half land and half water with a Pegasus with wings above. Breaking Dawn was designed at the bottom of the picture because it influenced me by showing that nothing looks as you think it does. The book, Breaking Dawn, also inspired me by teaching me that anything is possible and imagination can take a toll on you at times.

Self Portrait
Isabella Khau, Grade 11, Pencil and Wallpaper

Green Acres Elementary School 8 Jun 2009 5:10 PM (15 years ago)

Green Acres Elementary School is a JK-8 school in Stoney Creek that was opened in 1957. The student enrollment is currently at 330, including two special classes: Intermediate Comprehensive and Grade 1 Speech and Language. There are approximately 25 staff members including teachers, educational assistants, caretakers and administrative staff.

Green Acres Staff demonstrates dedication to the students, families and each other as we work as a Professional Learning Community. Our school’s Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles were developed in 2003 to reflect our commitment to student achievement and are proudly posted throughout the school. To learn more about Green Acres and how we support students in their academic pursuits, please click on the following link;

Green Acres School

45 Randall Avenue
Stoney Creek ON, L8G 2K8
Phone Number: (905)662-7021
Fax Number: (905)662-6236

Pulse Facilitator: Alana Hudson

Social activism and volunteering are forefront in the minds of many Green Acres students.

An Interview with Nick Davies

(A Student at Green Acres who is involved in Community Outreach)

Matthew Grant and Berkcan Hikmet, Ms. Hudson class, Grade: 8

Matthew: What form of activism are you going to do?

Nick: We have these shoeboxes; we put toys and home essentials, in it. No foods or drinks since they would probably expire before it got to them.

Berkcan: When are you going to do this activism?

Nick: I am not exactly sure when we are going to do this. I suspect it is going to be around Christmas time.

Matthew: Why are you going to do this activism?

Nick: I believe that kids all around the world deserve a good Christmas.

Berkcan: Be specific, what type of stuff are you putting in the shoeboxes to perform the activism?

Nick: We are putting in toy cars, Barbie dolls (for girls). We would not put in toy guns/ slingshots because it would teach the kids receiving them, bad behaviour.

Matthew: Where are you going to do this activism?

Nick: I believe that we are going to do this in our school with Aimee Heffmann in my class.

Berkcan: Where are you delivering these packages?

Nick: Homeless people will probably come to our school (Green Acres), to pick up whatever happens to be in the box.

Matthew: What do you call this whole thing?

Nick: To be honest, I do not know if there is a name for it but what we are doing is giving back to other people. We care about other people and in our Early Act Leadership Group; we are doing a variety of activities that will put others ahead of ourselves.

Matthew/Berkcan: Thank you for this interview.

Nick: You are welcome.

Art Gallery

Volunteering poster by Rachel Stephens

Volunteering poster by Gemma Costello and Liza Samadi

Hillcrest Elementary School 8 Jun 2009 10:22 AM (15 years ago)

Hillcrest Elementary School

40 Eastwood Street
Hamilton ON, L8H 6R7
Phone Number: (905)549-3076

Hillcrest enjoys a healthy relationship with its School Council. This partnership allows many student-centered initiatives that support both fundraising and curriculum needs.

Changing the world one girl at a time
KayLee St. Pierre
Classroom Teacher: Mrs. Marchis

“ I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same…compassion is the greatest form of love a human can offer.” Rachel Scott

Last year at Hillcrest we introduced the Go Girls program. We had a lot of great discussions and did a lot of fun girl things. This year, we have more of a purpose! In Go Girls, we use a lot of peer positive role models. Rachel Scott is the main role model we are focusing on this year. Rachel was just seventeen when she was shot in the Columbine School shooting on April 20 1999. Since Rachel’s death, we are left with one challenge. Go out of your way to speak and act with kindness, and maybe we can start a chain reaction.

At Hillcrest we want to carry on her legacy, and want to show kindness to ourselves and others. Go Girls is going to build a chain, and whenever we see people speaking or acting with kindness we add a link to the chain. In the beginning of March, all of the Go Girls groups in the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) will join together and link their chains. Our goal is to make the chain long enough to wrap around the Educational Center.

As a grade eight student myself, this program has helped a lot with my self-esteem, my relationship with my mom, and my fellow students. When I graduate I will really miss this program.

All the girls in the Go Girls group firmly believe that “We can change the world!!”

Hillcrest International Travel Fair

Marissa McNally & Maemaegawauhnse Richardson

Classroom Teacher: Mr. Alagappan

Principal Buttle attends the travel fair

Since 2006, Miss Serra’s Grade 2 class and Ms. Coulson-Hallas’ class have teamed up to demonstrate the many different communities around the world at Hillcrest’s annual travel fair. Many staff and students have shown up to experience this cultural event.

The Hillcrest Travel Fair is all about displaying and showing all of the different types of cultures that we have in Canada, and around the world. The students demonstrate these communities by making various types of displays with different foods and clothing from all over the world. The students also had a chance to show off their media skills by making several types of brochures, posters, and persuasive letters.

Each student chose one country to do their presentation on. They had to research and got to learn about their country and other countries in the world. Ms. Coulson-Hallas’ class focused on learning how to keep Canada’s environment clean.

Past and future participants are excited about the annual fair as well. Current grade 2 student, Johnathan Fryer said, “I am looking forward to choosing a country, doing a presentation, and bringing in food.” Former travel participant, Neil Fink, stated, “We would taste food from all over the world. One of our classmates brought in Pakistani food that was like a panzarotti with peas and chicken. It was so good. I think it was called a samosa.” The older students who visited the fair had a lot to say as well. DJ Clyke, a Grade 7 student stated, “There were tons of people. The food was very different, and it is always scary to try new food. It was good.”

These students have had the opportunity to learn many valuable skills from this experience and they will be able to take these skills with them for the rest of their lives. Many students will be able to participate and learn from the fairs to come.

You-Me Rocks

Class 63, Miss Pergentile’s class

Class 63’s You-Me rocks

The grade six classes at Hillcrest have a connection. In visual arts, students were asked to paint a rock using colours that represent their personality. Each rock was distinctive but also had a symbol of connectivity. A gold line was painted on each rock as a metaphor for a thread of light passing through each element. The circle shows continuity – no beginning or ending either in concept or design. The goal of the project was to show a likeness between people and cultures, at the same time, showing the unique nature of each. Students were asked to reflect on their rock when they were complete and saw the project as a whole. Here are some of their responses:

“When I was painting my rock I did 4 or 5 layers because I could not choose what to do. Then I decided to use red and green because I love Christmas. The gold represents classes working together like a team and like a family.”

Nicole, Grade 6

“The blue is active when I feel like I want to play. Gold is paradise for when I feel great. Black is sleepy for when I am tired and I want to go to sleep. White is happiness for when I feel happy. Green is daylight for when I am playing outside.”

Ricky, Grade 6

“Red is anger, yellow is happiness, pink is love, green in courage, blue is sadness and black is stress. The gold is keeping me together!”

Josh, Grade 6

Poet's Corner

The Wolf
Michael Swayze
Classroom Teacher: Mrs. Ellison

White as snow
Lightning fast
Soft fur
Smells fear
Blue eyes
Deadly like a black panther
Howls in the dead night
Ruthless
Red stained teeth
Silently strikes
The wild wolf

Who Am I?
Brittany Chippett and Maham Shahid
Classroom Teacher: Mrs. Ellison

My petals are smooth
As butter,
And soft like
A baby’s bottom.

I do not like to brag,
BUT,
My beauty says it all.
Exotic, wild
Are my middle names.

Baby cheek pink defines
My colour
BUT,
Do not be mistaken.
I might bite.

I am attracted to bees,
Cake mouth watering
Bee’s, buzzing, bizarre
Flies, flying, fast.

Who Am I?

Pay It Forward
Room 219
Classroom Teacher: Mrs Poad class, grades 6-8

Students pictured left to right: Jennifer Luangxay, Kayla Wood, Shawn Hammer, Amy Atkins, and Enis Haziri.

Room 219 Paying It Forward

Kayla Wood

In our class we learned about something called “Pay it Forward “and we have been practicing. “Pay it Forward “is about doing something nice for someone for no reason. You just do something kind to be nice. Maybe the person that you are nice to will do something nice for someone else. Then that person will do something nice for someone else and it keeps on going. If we all do it we can make the world a better place. Sometimes it is just a smile or if a family member is sick, I make them chicken soup.

Amy Atkins

“Pay it Forward” is all about helping other people. Today I held the door open for people who had lots of things in their hands. Sometimes, it means helping someone when they are hurt or making them laugh if they feel sad.

Kanisha Kuhun

This is all about an act of kindness. It can even save your life. When I was little (about 5 years old) a car almost hit me and my friend Stephanie was eleven years old. We were walking across the road. The car was coming so she pushed me onto the sidewalk. The car hit her leg and broke it, but she was ok. I will always remember that she did such a good thing to help me so I always try to be nice to other people now. It will make the world a better place if we even help one person a day to feel good.

Nadia Bailey

In “Pay It Forward”; we try to help people to make another person feel good. If someone was hurt or sad, I would try to make them feel better. If someone has to wear the same clothes all the time, I would give them some clothes. I would try to make them happy.

Paul Malleau

“Pay it Forward” is all about being nice to people. Sometimes we pay people back for what they do but now we “Pay it Forward “so even if they are not nice to us, we are nice to them. We are Paying it Forward to the Sleeping Children Around the World because we have had a Penny Drive and raised over $800 to send to the children who do not have a nice place to sleep . Last year, we raised over $1000. Maybe the kids in Africa will pay it forward to other kids too.

The best way I can “ Pay it Forward” is to help other people who have groceries to carry . I can hold the door open for them. I can try to make the world a better place by smiling more and being nice to everyone.

Regina Mundi Catholic Elementary School 7 Jun 2009 10:36 AM (15 years ago)

“Symmetry” photographed by Angelina Noto-Campanella and Jennifer We

sley, Grade 7.