Turning it Up to Eleven

The music room is at maximum capacity, as students hurriedly bring in extra stacks of chairs to accommodate their audience. There’ll be less room on the dance floor, but at least those have been eagerly anticipating the Rock School’s latest showcase event will be able to experience the growth of both the program and its students to its full effect.

The Rock School program is unique in that it is the only program in the Lower Mainland that, in addition to the musical curriculum, also includes a woodworking portion of the course. It allows the students to construct and design their own guitars and basses, and many performed with their own creations that night. In addition to this, all avenues of the creative process are explored: from the song writing to the performance itself, the students are given a well-rounded perspective of the music as an art and an industry. Their show that night was essentially their midterm mark, with all bands being graded on both their sound and stage presence.

The myriad of genres being performed is a reflection on the students’ differing talents, but each set flows with astonishing smoothness into the other. Many performers, in fact, played in or guest starred in each other’s bands.

The night began with Calm Through the Chaos, a metal band performing numbers such as “Basketcase” and “For Whom the Bells Toll”. Next was the indie-folk duo Kyle+Noah, who played “Robots” by Dan Mangan, “City of Angels”, “Comin’ Home”, as well as debuting their original song, “Motion of the Ocean”. For their final song, Kyle was joined by Jordan Young of Boston Sushi for the duet, “Lucky”. Crudely Drawn was next, performing covers of “Your Guardian Angel” and “Could Have Been a Lady”, as well as their original songs “I Procrastinate”, “Intergalactic Highway”, and “Friend Ship”. Next was A Chance of Wolves, playing a fun and varied set ranging from Taylor Swift’s “You Belong to Me” to “Yoshimi” by The Flaming Lips. Solo artist Riley Davis took to the microphone next, to Switchfoot’s “This Is Home” and The Fray’s “All At Once”.

It was then Boston Sushi’s turn to dominate the stage and the music room with their powerful covers of “Hand Grenade”, “Moving to New York” by the Wombats, the Foo Fighters’ “But, Honestly”, “Use Somebody” by the Kings of Leon, and “The Fixer”.

Finally, the night’s whirlwind of musical styles concluded with the death metal band Manufactured Faith, performing “The Fading Line”, “Beneath Dying Skies”, “Apex”, and ending the show with the song “This Could Be Anywhere in the World”.

THSS’s Rock School program has proved time and time again that when it comes to their passions, they are absolutely fearless; both on stage and in their music. From here, they will continue to pen their original songs, and are currently working on recording and compiling a CD of their work. Judging by their growth and maturity from the beginning of the year to this halfway point, they promise to bring their performance to another whole new level at their year-end show.

Be a Part of the Ripple Effect

Photo: Andrea, Sam and Sara, who are all members of Ripple Effect, at the recent Bow River Basin Council meeting that they attended

Being green is a definite trend these days and teens are taking action in their communities to further eco-causes.

In March 2009, 10 junior high and high-school students from all over Calgary interested in saving the environment formed a group called "Ripple Effect - Calgary Current," in association with the United Nations Association in Canada.

As a member of this group, I can say that we, the youth in Calgary, think that our planet is worth saving and that we can help, one step at a time. Member Ivan puts it perfectly: "If we educate people on the importance of water, and what it means to others in different countries, all of us would be more likely to take care of this valuable resource."

Through this group, I've learned that each Calgarian uses almost 500 litres of water every day. Just imagine 250 two-litre pop bottles filled with water; it seems like a big number because it is - and that's just one person in one day! But, if everyone started adopting certain habits, like taking shorter showers or turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, we could eventually reduce this number.

As you've probably guessed, Ripple Effect - Calgary Current is focused on water awareness and conservation. In order for us to educate others though, we first have to be educated ourselves. So last July, we sent two members, Erin and Laura, to Niagara Falls to participate in an International Joint Commission water forum, and in September, we all went rafting down the Bow River to learn about its ecosystem. Recently, we've sent members to the Bow River Basin Council Water Forum and to the Canimun in Vancouver and later this year, we intend to participate in the Model Arctic Council in Whitehorse.

With all the information we gather and learn from these experiences, we also feel the need to share this knowledge with Calgarians. So we prepare presentations about the reality of our water issues versus society's view on water issues and take our presentations to groups around the city, such as a recent presentation to a group of Brownies from the Girl Guides of Canada. After all, did you know that it takes 435 litres of water to produce only one loaf of bread? If that's how much it takes to produce one loaf of bread, think of how much water it takes to produce something huge like a car!

The youth are the future, so we need to make sure that the youth of today are aware of these issues so that they can do something about it!

It's up to us, the youth of Calgary, to take action and help save our environment. So be green - everyone's doing it and it's the right thing to do for our world.

The Last Few Stressful Months of School

As school slowly winds down and summer break is less than three months away, the stress starts to build up for many grade 11 students. Many will be entering their final year after the summer and need to keep up their good grades in hopes of continuing their education at a post secondary institution.

The libraries are packed and usual hot spots for social hangouts, are empty. Study groups are present instead of house parties. The whole atmosphere starts to change and the tension, can literally, be cut with a knife.

Everyone's absorbed into their own thing, studying as much as they can, wanting to get the best possible marks. It’s ironic how the last few months of school are supposed to be carefree and fun, because in reality, many students feel the pressure at this time of the year. It can have a negative effect on anyone especially with extremely difficult courses like chemistry, physics and math with finals worth up to 40% of your entire grade. On top of that, some students have to deal with provincial exams, adding even more pressure and stress.

Of course, hard work is essential in getting the grades you want but the downside is how much time doing all this work can consume. Stress is something teenagers deal with all the time but it’s not like we're experts at dealing with it. On the bright side, after all the exams and studying are over, the stress disappears and you can let loose for two whole months and enjoy summer!

Biking for Cancer

Photo: Presenting the cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The annual Bikeathon fundraiser is one of the oldest traditions at McNally High School in Edmonton where the students bike in teams for 24 hours. This year was no different and the Bikeathon began with a blast of energetic high school students eagerly biking away to raise money to bring about more awareness about cancer research.

On March 11-12, 12 teams participated, each with approximately 12 team members. The opening ceremony began with a speech by Lori-Ann Muenzer, who is well-known as a Canadian Olympic gold medal cyclist. She helped inspire students about not giving up hope and believing in one’s dreams. This was one of the most unforgettable moments in McNally’s history.

Similar to previous years, prizes such as the “Best Team Name” and the popular “Smallest Carbon Footprint” were rewarded to teams. The event concluded with a cheque presentation to a member of the Canadian Cancer Society, leaving students in the gymnasium proud of their achievement. McNally raised $45,000 this year for the Canadian Cancer Society and an accumulated $242,000 over a span of 11 years through the various Head Shaves, Athletic Events, Grad Pancake Breakfasts and of course, the Bikeathons hosted by the school.

As Brandon, one of the grade 12 students biking away said, “ The Bikeathon is not only a great opportunity to help victims of cancer but it also enlightens young people like us to be involved in just a fraction of the struggle many families experience daily. It is truly amazing what a small group of young people can do in spreading cancer awareness and touching everyone’s hearts while saving the lives of many others.”

The success of this event lies behind the scenes with the organizers who helped plan the event as well as the cooperation and enthusiasm of the student population.

How Green Are Your School Supplies?

Have you ever thought about how many trees it takes to make pencils? Well, Vancouver-based architect Matty Scolozzi sure has!

In 2005, Scolozzi developed Earthzone, his own line of pencils made of 100 per cent post-consumer newspaper. Bonus: not only is the pencil made from recycled items, its shavings can also be recycled.

Including regular HB pencils as well as pencil crayons, the collection functions as well as, and claims to last longer than, traditional pencils. So if going green is important in all aspects of your life, check out Earthzone.

Available at Chapters.

Casey Council Creates a Sense of Community

In 2006, grade 10 student Jennifer Smulders noticed that that there wasn’t a lot of school spirit taking place at Bishop Carroll High School, so she decided to do something about it.

She created the Casey Council, with the sponsorship of teacher (and her mother) Mrs. M. Smulders. The council started out with only seven members, and was named after the school’s mascot, Casey the Cardinal. Together, these founding members started the Casey Council tradition of providing scorekeepers, linesmen, a chain gang and a concession at all Cardinal home games as well as getting members to attend away games to support Cardinal athletes.

This self-funded council is dedicated to promoting school spirit. At all sports games, fan bleacher seats, pom-poms and door prizes are given out. Every person who works at the games as linesmen, scorekeepers or in the chain gang earns $10, but every member of Casey Council has agreed to donate that money right back into the council. That money is used to pay for the bleacher seats they give out, the programs and the cost of materials for the Casey Council sweaters, among many other Casey Council-related events.

Kate, a grade 10 member of the council says, “I like helping the school... if you can't be an athlete, be athletic support.” Meanwhile, Michelle, a grade 12 student says, “It's fun helping out our athletes!”

Aside from supporting Cardinal athletics, the Casey Council also helps with the blood donor clinic, organizes pep-rallies, and last year organized the first successful school dance in 12 years. The new president of Casey Council, grade 12 student Kaleigh Jamieson says, “I am an active member of this school through Casey Council and I love making a difference at the school I attend.”

Bishop Carroll now has a strong school community that is proud and eager to support its school. Members of Casey Council acquire the tools needed to become leaders of today and tomorrow.

Founder and former president of Casey Council Jennifer Smulders, now a returning graduate, says, “Casey Council has made my high-school experience worthwhile. I am proud to be a Cardinal... cooking those hot dogs, putting up the last of the decorations, or wearing that Casey Council sweater [personally knitted by Mrs. Smulders] makes a difference to everyone at Bishop Carroll.”
This year, there are over 60 members in the Casey Council and even more Cardinals in the stands actually supporting their school on the field. This is a council that makes a difference to the school.

Le Carnaval de Colonel Macleod

A French carnival - or "carnival" in French - is held every year at Colonel Macleod School in Calgary.

Sled races, snow shoeing, bingo, obstacle courses, ice castles, and lots and lots of cotton candy are just a few things that students can enjoy at the event! One of my favourites is something called the sugar shack, where you can get taffy that is made out of maple sap, and you roll it in snow to eat - using clean snow of course! It's a common treat to eat in Quebec and it is so good!

I have to say, the carnaval keeps getting better every year!

Hearts for Haiti

Ever since the horrific events that have taken place in Haiti, students at the Calgary Science School have been finding ways to help.

The volunteerism elective class organized a Valentine’s Day bake sale and a movie night featuring Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with all proceeds going to Canadian organizations helping Haiti. From these two incredibly successful events, the school raised just under $1,800.

Even then, it was not enough. The grade 9 teachers, along with the volunteerism elective teacher, organized a group of students called "The Hearts For Haiti Planning Committee" and together, they came up with another brilliant idea. Recently, a whole day was dedicated to educational activities around the school. Small pink hearts were the tickets to get into the many games, scavenger hunts and skits organized around the school. Students received the pink hearts in exchange for their donations, and as a result, the school had a fun day of giving filled with much hope for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Heroes for Haiti

Last month, a massive earthquake in Haiti rendered millions of adults, families, and children homeless and without the bare necessities. People around the world have rallied to contribute time, effort and money to assist in the recovery.

At St. Martin de Porres High School in Airdrie, concerned teachers and students have established the Heroes for Haiti fundraiser. With a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the month, the school has sent out a challenge to all schools in Airdrie and the Calgary area to either match or beat their donation amount.

So far, Bishop O' Byrne High School in Calgary has contacted the school and has informed them that they have raised $2,000, with more money on the way. St. Gabriel the Archangel in Chestermere has also expressed interest in helping to raise money for the earthquake relief.

Meanwhile, at St. Martin de Porres, teachers and students are raising money to reach their goal through various fundraisers. The main fundraiser will be the 24 Hour Famine, to be held on February 26th. Each student who wishes to participate must raise $200 in sponsorship money for Heroes for Haiti. Minor money raising events have also been scheduled for those who are not able to participate in the main event. One teacher who has been vital to the development of the school’s fundraisers, Robert Braile, is selling Heroes for Haiti pins and buttons, as well as t-shirts with the phrase "Heroes for Haiti" printed on the back.

Being a Catholic school, St. Martin de Porres has taken into account that Pope Benedict XVI has called for international generosity and solidarity towards the people in Haiti who are suffering and need help. He has given his assurance that the Catholic Church will provide immediate and urgent assistance. For this reason, St. Martin de Porres has decided to donate all profits generated from the events to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, an organization which has been contributing funds to emergency Haiti relief.

There is so much we can do to help these suffering people in Haiti. Just like the people at St. Martin de Porres, we each need to play our part and be part of the solution.

Langley Leo Club Pledges to Serve

On January 29, 2010, the Langley Leo Club, which seeks to serve the people and focus on the under-privileged, was created. The highly anticipated night held at the West Langley Hall featured the induction of a group of passionate youth dedicated to serving the community.

Comprised of 50 members, all members are currently students at R.E. Mountain Secondary School. While it may seem like a school-based group, the club has no desire to restrict its members to only people from that particular secondary school.

In association with Lions Clubs International, the Langley Leo Club is now one of the many 5,700 Leo clubs in 140 countries.

Focusing on issues regarding local and international communities, the Langley Leo Club raised over $13,000 for the Christmas Bureau through their kettle drives and have planned future events including making lunch for the people of Gateway of Hope (a new-based homeless shelter in Langley), as well as possibly sponsoring a child in Africa.

Langley Leo Club president Yoon Won Son gave a moving speech, saying, “Truly I believe that the most significant life one can lead is to influence goodness [in] others.”

To become a member of the Leo Club means to ally with those who take action in order to comfort those in need.

For inquiries, email us at: langleyleoclub@gmail.com