All for One, and One for All

June, 2012
Volume 1 Number 4
Features
All for One, and One for All
P.1 -The Three Musketeers
P.2 -Chaplain’s Message
P.3 -Kindness Matters
P.4 -Guidance Wing/DECA
P.5–6 -Graduation Information
P.7-8 -Coop Information
P.9 -PHAST/Waterloo Fair
P.10 -Writing Contest
/
P.11 -SHSM
P. 12-13 -Sports
P.14 -Arts/Mudpuppy Chase
P. 15 -Charter Challenge
P. 16 -Home Build
P. 17 -Dates to Remember.
P. 18 -Letter from Administration
Last month, St. Mary’s tradition of superior student drama was carried
on with the performance of The Three Musketeers. The cast was
wonderful and each night the show improved until a near flawless
performance on Friday night.
With over fifty students (some for the first time) in the cast and
crew, this play provided a wonderful learning opportunity. The play
provided a chance for some veteran student actors to also step into a
leading role.
Mr. Cheeseman wishes to thank the cast and crew for their time
and efforts, and the many parents, relatives, and staff who supported
the play.
Chaplain’s Message
Annabel MacDonald
I share this quote many times
“Sometimes when I feel
overwhelmed or just too busy
that I don’t know where to
turn next, I retreat—I back
away from a stressful
situation and regroup”
- just like we did on this
retreat.
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity
under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to
die,
a time to plant and a time to
uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time
to build,
a time to weep and a time to
laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to
dance,
a time to scatter stones and a
time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to
refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to
give up,
a time to keep and a time to
throw away,
a time to tear and a time to
mend,
a time to be silent and a time to
speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
This past May I completed my 102nd retreat in the past 5 years
at St. Mary’s. To retreat as a spiritual definition is: a period of group
withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director .
I agree with this definition, but to retreat also means to just
back away from the stressful and busy time of being a grad, to play as
well as have some quiet time – before we head back for exams.
That is exactly what 175 grads and teachers did on May 22 at
Tim Horton’s Onondaga Farm. It was something quite special to see
students stumble out of four packed busses to begin their ice breakers
with the well trained camp leaders who led them through a day of rock
and rope climbing, flying squirrels, tile and mask making, eco pods and
digital photography. This was fun. The meals were outstanding. The
students gathered in one room to learn Superman’s grace led by Mrs.
Strassburger and her keen superheroes.
The only time that you have to live, dear grads is here and
now. The only time you have to love is here and now; and the only
time we have to serve God is here and now.
When you are tempted to look backwards or forwards, consider
this: you are in the time and place that God intends you to be. This is
God’s time and God’s place for your lives. Every season of life is a gift
from God.
You are a gift to us. Your presence these last four years and at
the retreat has been well appreciated. We thank you for this gift.
As we concluded the retreat you come to the end of your high
school journey. During these past four years you discovered your own
individual gifts and talents. You discovered that these gifts and talents
made up your school body. As you leave this school, take what you
learned and carry it with you on your next journey in life. Allow others to
discover what we learned from you.
Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. God Bless
you in all your future journeys.
Kindness Matters Receives Community
Recognition
The Optimist club recently
awarded St Mary’s High School
with one of their prestigious
awards to acknowledge and affirm the school’s
proactive attempt to reduce bullying and create
a kinder school community via its Kindness
Matters campaign.
Two grade 11 students, Jessica Leblanc and
Crystal Hegedorn attended the recognition
dinner and proudly accepted the award on
behalf of the school.
Where Kindness
Matters Everyone
Matters
On May 17th St. Mary’s marked
international anti-homophobia day by
hosting a morning panel presentation.
Approximately twenty classes came to Alumni
hall to hear St Mary’s students (past and
present), of a sexual minority, speak openly
about their lived experience and share their
hopes for a more inclusive and accepting world.
A number of special guests from the school
board were in attendance to lend their support
to this important event. Student and staff in
attendance were very moved by what the
panelists’ shared. They were impressed by each
speaker’s courage and very touched by their
stories that often included struggle and pain to
get to the place where they accepted
themselves and tried to help their families do
the same.
On this day, many students and staff
wore purple shirts to show their support. This
special event was planned and facilitated by
the schools PRISM group. PRISM stands for
Pride and Respect for Individuals of a Sexual
Minority.
The school has received many
supportive phone calls from teachers from
other schools (both Catholic and Public) and
parents and community members who are
glad to see that St. Mary’s is trying to
ensure that all its eagles feel
safe and welcome in the nest.
We gathered on the
field to form a giant
human heart. We wore
pink (anti-bullying),
purple (anti-homophobia),
red (love and kindness), or
white (their uniform). The
heart represents our
commitment and ongoing support of
this year's Kindness Matters campaign and
that together, we can make a difference in the
world.
From the
Guidance
Wing
STUDENT SCHEDULES
Students will pick up their schedules for 2012-13
on the registration days Aug 28 and 29.
Guidance counselors will be available during registration to help students with timetable issues.
The last day to make changes to your timetable
(ie missing a course, pathway changes, incorrect
sequencing of courses) will be Tuesday, September 11.
NEW ESL STUDENTS
The NOW program will take place from Aug 2830 for our new ESL students.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Students are encouraged to complete their 40
hours during the summer, especially if they are
going into grade 12.
STUDENTS NOT RETURNING
If your child is registered for September but now
not returning, please contact the guidance department ASAP at 519-745-6892 ext 5632.
SUMMER SCHOOL RESULTS
Reports cards for summer school are available
beginning August 7th at the Summer School
Head Office - 151 Weber St. S in Waterloo.
ICDC in Salt Lake City
Recently, several members of our DECA
Chapter went to the ICDC (International Career
Development Conference) in Salt Lake City.
Attending were thousands of students
from around the world including a few hundred
from Ontario. Ellen Kirwin and Jenny Phan
competed and won first place in a team event at
the Toronto Provincials, thenwent to compete for
an international prize. Anthony Nguyen and
Christina Voll went for the Leadership
Development Academy while learning many
skills that will assist them in being future leaders.
Deven Daranyi attended a Charter
Management Academy where he was taught
skills to help prepare him to lead our DECA
Chapter. Of course they were all supervised by
our very own Mr. Devlin.
Although it may seem as all they did was
work, these five students had a chance to
experience some great things such as a tour of
the Olympic Park. They also met thousands of
students from all over including people from
North Carolina, New Mexico, Washington,
North Dakota, and many other places. It was a
fantastic trip that they will never forget.
Hopefully there will be another trip
next year to Anaheim, California. If you
would like to sharpen your business skills
and have a
chance at
some
amazing
social
networking
you can
aspire
higher with
DECA.
Graduation Reminders
Mrs. McCormick
As soon as the last graduation gown was hung up after this year’s
ceremony, we started to get organized for our next celebration on October 4, 2012 at
the Centre in the Square.
Grads enjoyed new spirit wear including sweat pants and a new spirit scarf.
Their retreat was held once again at Tim Horton’s Onondaga farms. They enjoyed a
catered breakfast served by their own Admin team.
We would like to thank all staff members who worked many hours to provide
these events for our graduating class.
Thank you to Graduates who returned their Community Service Hours on
time. Those who did had the chance to win a Special Edition Graduation Scarf.
Congratulations to:
Alejandro Alarcon Daniel Vargas
Brock Murovec
Lorissa Becker
Carly Wagner
Nathan Rodrigues
“Follow your
dream”
Pamula Brule
“Live, Love, Laugh”
Sara Byrne
“Goodbye staff and
friends. SMH is
awesome”
Simon Garcia
“The
greatest
among you is he
who serves”
Evan James
“Never
regret
anything that
makes you smile”
Sofiya Boyko
Parham Hejabian
Sarah Adams
Zac Bandura
We trust that our grads will take the support of their teachers and coaches and
the confidence given to them to move on to their next stage of their journey. We wish
our grads the best of everything and look forward to seeing them again on October
4th at the Centre in the Square.
Additional Guest tickets are available for purchase for $5 per ticket. Contact
Ms. Spiewak in the main office. You may purchase up to 3 additional tickets per
graduate.
The graduation class of 2012 nominated valedictorians
Jessie Brush and Zac Bandura. Congratulations.
Future Graduates Helping
the Community
Well done to all the grade 9, 10
and 11 students who started earning their
community service hours already. Some of you
have been quite busy and have been helping
your community in extraordinary ways.
Congratulations to several busy community service participants:
grade 9, Hyewon Ji and Samuel Longpre; from grade 10, Rose Weishar and
John Gilbert and grade 11 Anita Syty and Dustin Etmanski (missing from
photo, Rose Weishar.
Graduation Retreat and Breakfast
Co-operative Education Works
Cooperative Education Leading the Way
to Future Pathways
Cooperative Education and Experiential
Programs offer a wide range of
opportunities to students and create
many partnerships with employers.
Our Career Fair was a tremendous
success. Over 100 students displayed
their career boards and offered
information about their jobs. We had the
participation of various businesses as well
as colleges and universities that provided
necessary information for post-secondary
choices for our student population.
We wish to congratulate all
participants in this semester’s Co-op
Career Fair for their hard work and
dedication at their placements
throughout the semester, but also on a
job well done during the event. Students
were well versed in their job-related
duties and responsibilities and had a
great deal of fun communicating that
knowledge to the community.
We extend congratulations to
this semester’s Career Fair winners:
Mike Bierhals, Karri Schlegel,
Nguyen Thi , Stephanie Lucas,
Brandon Watchorn, Michelle Duchesne,
and Tigisti Fresgi for having the most
creative display boards.
Finally we thank the employers,
the community, St. Mary’s students and
families for their support and
commitment to the Cooperative
Education Programs at St. Mary’s and we
look forward another successful year in
2012-2013.
C 3: Co-op, Careers, Choices
Co-operative Education Placements
Answer Precision
Augsburg Fortress
AYR Kaufman
YMCA
Blessed Sacrament
BMO
Breslau Animal
Hospital
Canadian Martyrs
Canadian Army
Reserves
Canadian Mental
Health Assoc.
Chris Walker
Fitness
Clarke Melville
Law Firm
Conestoga College
G A Masonry
Gerrie Electric
Giffen LLP
Good Life Fitness
Grand River
Hospital
Guess
James Richard law
John Sweeney
JT Bakery
Keyko Auto Service
Kitchener KIA
KW Art Gallery
KW Boxing
Academy
LA Fitness
Mgsr. Haller
Mr. Rooter
Our Lady of Grace
Pioneer Pet Clinic
RONA
Royal Auto Body
Salus Marine Wear
Shiels Electric
Shoppers Drug
Mart
Ski ‘n’ Cycle Hut
Spots for Tots
St Bernadette
St Paul College
St. Aloysius
St. Anne Kit}
St. Timothy
Sullivan Auto
Sunbeam
Sunny Daycare
Suzy Shier
Team Truck Centre
The Record
Tonyc salon
Victoria Place
Wal-Mart
Waterloo Regional
Police
WCDSB
Winston Park
World Gym
YW Kids Day Care
Zehrs Markets
THE PHAST PACES READING AND WRITING
We are completing the third year of our PHAST PACES Reading
Program sponsored by the research Branch of Sick Kid’s
Hospital.
PHAST PACES is a yearlong specialty course offered at
the
Applied level. Research suggests that when high school
students, who have difficulty with reading and or writing, are exposed to
fundamental decoding and comprehension strategies, brain neuropath ways are
created. This results in an improvement in reading and or writing skills.
This program works! We have seen excellent results with our LD student
population. If you wish more information regarding this excellent program, please
contact the Special Education department at St. Mary’s.
The Waterloo Region Heritage Fair
Nine of our Grade 10 history students participated in the 1 st Annual Waterloo Region Heritage Fair held at the
Waterloo Region Museum. The students were required to research an area of Canadian history and submit their discoveries
using the medium of their choice at a school level history fair.
Winning students at that level went on to compete at the regionals against other schools in Kitchener, Waterloo, and
Cambridge. In addition to having their projects judged by a number of community representatives, they participated in a
variety of activities including egg candling and blacksmithing. It was a great experience for all those involved and our students
represented St. Mary’s with maturity and integrity.
St. Mary’s participants in The Waterloo Region Heritage Fair were Meghan Bishop, Justin Bourbonniere, Alexandra
Czajko, Lindsey Greidanus, Kristian Kolosnjaji, Aidan McDonnell, Thi Nguyen, Aryn Obermeyer, and Stephanie Siadul.
Two of our students were awarded prizes for outstanding achievement at the regional level. Aidan McDonnell won
the Waterloo Historical Society Award for his project on the Evergreen’s Motel nd Lindsey Greidanus’ project on Canada’s
Comic History earned her the top prize. She was named the Ontario Provincial Delegate which means she will go on to
compete in the Waterloo region at the Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair in June.
Congratulations to all of the students who contributed and good luck Lindsey!
Excellence in Student Writing
Once again, St. Mary's is pleased to celebrate excellence in student
writing. In early spring, students are encouraged to submit their original
works of personal narration, non-fiction essays, short stories, poetry and
playscripts to our in-school contest.
Our winners' works advance to both the
Waterloo Region contest and the local OECTA
contest. This year, we had 4 students win at
each of these levels and one student - Eilish
Toohey - win at the provincial level for her
memoir "Dear Old Shirley" - a wonderful
account of how she made a "pilgrimage" to the
gravesite of one of her favourite writers, Lucy
Maude Montgomery. We are proud of all our
young writers who so generously share their
creative talents through the written word.
Waterloo Region Contest Winners
Ellish Toohey, Savannah Voll, Meghan McKenna,
Taylar Graves
Local OECTA Winners
Savannah Voll, Alex Kiciak, Ellis Toohey
In-School writing contest
Meghan, McKenna, Shiane Screpnek, Alex Kiciak, Ellish Toohey, Melanie Garrett Absent: Shelby Dixon, Rose Weishar,Taylar Graves, Savannah Voll
Are you a Specialist High Skills Major?
The Specialist High Skills Major is a program that encourages grades 11 & 12
students to learn more about their career by focussing their education on a
specific employment sector.
Students participate in industry training, gain experience in a co-op placement
and take classes related to their interest.
This month, students participated in a variety of training sessions including: Leadership,
Incident Management, Coaching, Suicide Prevention and Conflict Resolution training.
Majors offered at St. Mary’s
Arts & Culture
Business
Construction
Energy
Health & Wellness
Hospitality & Tourism
Information & Communication
Technology
Justice & Community Safety,
Emergency Services
Manufacturing
Sports
Transportation
Questions? Please contact
Tara Fitzgerald at
(519) 578-3660 or
[email protected]
Our Arts & Culture
students visited the Homer
Watson Art Gallery to
learn techniques in Figure
Drawing with well-known
artist:
Anne Marie Hadcock
Hospitality & Tourism
students participated in a
workshop from Select
Service Catering on how
to open their own
catering business
Skills
Visit www.highskills.ca
Sports Page
All Sports results available at
sportstats.ca
Students
MAJOR AWARD WINNERS of the Year 2011-2012
Daniel Krukowski
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Yemarhi Mutuku
Senior Male athlete of the Years
Angela Mercurio
Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Jaimie Phelan
Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Derek Rivard
Spirit Award
Bernie Pickett
Coaches Collin Hood Award
Shawn Ertel
Chris Sabourin Contribution to Athletics Award
J.C. Reinosa
OFSSA Colin Hood Male Recipient Award
Jessie Brush
OFSSA Colin Hood Female Recipient Award
Princess Maranan
District 8 Academic Elite Jr. Female Elite Award
Liam Dowling
District 8 Academic Elite Jr. Male Elite Award
Ainsley Nantes
District 8 Academic Elite Sr. Female Elite Award
Sam Baxter
District 8 Academic Elite Sr. Male Elite Award
Spring Recap 2011-2012
BANTAM AND JUNIOR
WCSSAA LEAGUE
SENIORBOYS RUGBY
WCSSAA CHAMPS 2011-2012 CWOSSA SILVER MEDALIST, MATT FULLER LEAGUE MVP
GIRLS RUGBY
D 8 FINALISTS
BOYS SLO-PITCH
WCSSAA SEMI-FINALISTS
Girls SLO-PITCH
WCSSAA –FINALISTS
GIRLS SOCCER
D8 CHAMPS, CWOSSA SILVER MEDALISTS, OFSSA PARTICIPANT
Boys Soccer-
D8 FINALISTS
JR BOYS GOLF
D8 FINALISTS
GIRLS GOLF
FINALISTS
SR BOYS GOLF
D8 CHAMPS
TRACK AND FIELD
ANGELA MERCURIO—GOLD TRIPLE JUMP AND SILVER LONG JUMP,
JAIMIE PHELAN—SILVER 1500M—BEN FLANAGAN BRONZE 3000M
From the
Arts Department
Co-Curricular Music
This semester was busy and exciting for co-curricular music groups. The
audience at the Spring Concert was amazed at the progress made by the
Junior Band (which included Grade 8 students) who only started playing
their instruments in September.
The Senior Band, Pit Band and Hypercussion went on a musical
tour of elementary schools and performed for enthusiastic audiences
ranging from J-K to grade 8. It was a fun-filled, jam-packed day of setting
up, performing, taking down, travelling, and doing it all over again several
times. Hypercussion joined the Senior Band for Black Magic Woman, featuring Tiago Figueiredo
on guitar. Liane Miedema played a sweet solo in For My Lady, Johanna Pavia rocked out on
vocals in Hit the Road Jack and I Got the Music and Brian Sandoval almost got whiplash with his
enthusiastic head-banging dance.
We look forward to another exciting year of performance in 2012/2013.
The Downtown Mudpuppy Chase
On Sunday, May 12, 8 students from SMH participated in the
3K Downtown Mudpuppy Chase in Kitchener. This is the first year
St. Mary’s participated as a school team. Students raised money
for KidsAbility. Our school total was $1260.00
Congratulations to Cameron, Allie, Tristan, Jake, Chase,
Jeremy and student chaperones Max and Hannah. Special
congratulations to Chase who was the highest individual fundraiser and was presented with
an Ipod.
We had great food after the race which included wraps, salad, cookies, and energy
bars. Thanks to Mrs. Karl and Ms. Stilwell for organizing the student group.
Presenting our Argument
Arblina Badal,
Lauren Johnston,
Rio Maligaya and
Samantha Nolan
travelled to the Ontario
Court of Appeal to argue
their Charter Challenge case
before Justice O'Connor and two other
panelists .
These students were provincial
appellant finalists from a province wide high
school competition. They argued their case
against the respondent provincial finalists
from Cawthra Park Secondary School in
Mississauga.
The students did not win the majority
judgement but very persuasively convinced
one of the three justices resulting in a
partial win through a dissenting opinion.
Their oral advocacy was professional and
well reasoned.
I am very proud of their
accomplishment and am honoured to have
the privilege of
Mr. Baumgartner
teaching them.
Home Build
As students taking part in the Community Home
Build program, we had the privilege to frame a house
working with BrantHaven Homes. Our work consisted
of analyzing floor plans, site layouts, building walls and
floors, and constructing door and window frames.
Our co-op supervisor, Mr. Sanders, worked
vigorously with our class of sixteen students
challenging us with great efficiency to complete our
home, the Elodea B.
BrantHaven Homes together with our district
school board were very supportive and aided us in
every way possible through this semester.
Community Home Build is a course that runs
through all seasons, enabling us to partake in a hands
on learning experience out in the carpentry field
through snow, rain, hail, and heat.
Our class worked through many difficult
conditions but was able to thrive with the support of
many. The Elodea B has been a great learning
experience and, some students may say, has been the
best decision they made during their years at high
school. They highly recommend this course to anyone
interested in the building industry.
Elodea B
BrantHaven
Homes
Dates To Remember
August 22-24
Newcomer Orientation
8:00-4:00pm
August 23,24,27
Head Start
9:00-12:00pm
August 27 & 28
Link Crew Training
9:00-3:00pm
August 28 & 29
Registration-All grades
9:00am-3:00pm
Triple Gym &/cafeteria
Bus Pass & Student Card Photos
September 24-September 27
Niner Week
September 25
Niner Assembly
Cafeteria
September 26
ESL Information Night
6-7:30pm
September 26
Opening Liturgy-P.2
September 26
Ryerson University Presentation
2:00pm–LSR
September 3
Labour Day-no classes
September 27
Opening Assembly—P.1
September 4
Late Registration
Gr. 9-8:15-8:50am
Gr. 10 to 12-11:00-1:00pm
Cafeteria
September 28
Spiritual Development
No classes
September 4
First Day of Orientation
Gr. 9 at 8:55-12:00-Gym
Gr. 10 to 12-1:00-2.30pm
Homeroom
September 5
First full day of school
School uniform must be worn
September 14
Last Day for Student
Course Change
September 20
McMaster University Presentation
2:00pm Cafeteria
September 21
PD Day no classes
September 24
School Council Mtg.
6:30-8:30pm
Boardroom
October 3
Western University Presentation
9:15am Alumni Hall
October 4
Graduation
Centre in the Square 7pm
October 8
Thanksgiving-No classes
October 11
Photo Retake Day
October 15
University of Waterloo
& St. Jerome College
9:30am-Alumni Hall
October 15
Progress Report
Distribution
October 16
Canadian National
Math League
October 18
PD Day-P. 1 & P.2 only
No classes in the pm
October 18
Student/Parent/Teacher/
Conferences
1—8:00pm
October 19
University of Windsor
10:30am-Alumni Hall
October 24
Conestoga College
Presentation-9:30am
Alumni Hall
October 25
Academic Awards Evening
6:45-8:15-Triple Gym
October 26
Wilfrid Laurier
Alumni Hall –2:00pm
November 6
University of Guelph Presentation
Presentation-9:30am
Cafeteria
November 7
Take Our Kids To Work Day
November 13
Brock University
Presentation-9:00amLibrary Seminar Room
November 14
WE DAY
November 19
Mid Term Report Card Distribution
November 19
School Council
6:30-8:30pm
Boardroom
November 23
PD Day
No classes
This year, like many years in our rich history, we again saw students perform
outstandingly in local, provincial, and international events. We celebrated our
student activities as they excelled in the DECA Chapter, the Heritage Fair, the
Waterloo Region and OECTA Writing Contests, and in our own drama production, in
our Coop Education placements, many sports teams, and the Home Build program.
Through their generous mission collections for a total of $16,465.15 and
fundraising activities of over $10,000 for our local and Global charities, including
the building of our second school in Kenya, St. Mary’s community actively lives up
to our mission statement Rooted in Faith • Learning in Love • Dedicated to
Excellence.
Our liturgies and retreats continue to feed our spiritual life. On June 7, we
gathered on our football field to form a giant human heart–a symbol of our
commitment and support of our Kindness Matters campaign.
Our constantly growing honour roll clearly indicates that academic excellence
is valued by our students. All these successes bring great joy to all at St. Mary’s.
As this year ends, we bid a fond farewell to all of our graduating students and
wish them well as they enter the next exciting phase of their lives.
We say good-bye to our esteemed colleagues Bruce Cameron(Drama),
Maureen Coffey(History), Rob Cardy(PE), Dave Launslager(Vice-Principal). Their
accomplishments have brought praise and honour to themselves and our school as
they inspired us all to accept the challenge of achieving personal best and success.
They are all headed to the wonderful world of retirement. We thank them for their
years of dedicated service to the many students who have passed through the
doors of St. Mary’s.
Finally, we are indebted to all the members of the St. Mary’s community,
parents, staff, students and friends. Your contribution, co-operation and support
make it a pleasure to serve as administrators.