Challenge Your Limits · JUNE 2016 Beginning in the Second Semester at Murdoch Mackay, students set...
Transcript of Challenge Your Limits · JUNE 2016 Beginning in the Second Semester at Murdoch Mackay, students set...
Murdoch MacKay
260 Redonda St.
Winnipeg, MB R2C 1L6
Phone: 204-958-6460
Fax: 204-224-5920
www.mur.retsd.mb.ca
Principal
Mr. John Muller
Vice-Principals
Mrs. Carol Kovacs
Mr. Don Kupiak
RETSD Board Office
Phone: 204-667-7130
Challenge Your Limits JUNE 2016
Beginning in the Second Semester at Murdoch Mackay, students set out to
challenge themselves in the following areas:
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
KINDNESS
EXCELLENCE
INTEGRITY
Why? These are the five core
values of Murdoch MacKay.
From February to June,
teachers reinforced these
values with a class lesson and discussion. Every month, students had a
chance to receive a ballot for their positive words and actions. Winners of our
draw were rewarded with a prize. Congratulations to all Murdoch students
for reaching your goals and contributing to a positive school year.
Murdoch's Got Talent was held on Friday, May 20th and showcased some of
Murdoch's most talented students. There were singers, musicians, jugglers,
unicyclists and computer animation. A true showing of Murdoch Excellence!
MURDOCH’S GOT TALENT
BEST BUDDIES, HOOPING
IT UP!
Message from Administration...
For more details and other dates throughout the year please check our website at:mur.retsd.mb.ca and click on Murdoch MacKay Collegiate website
Calendar
June 13 - Locker clean out
June 15 - Last day of classes
June 16 to 22 - Semester 2 final exams
June 28 - Graduation Dinner/Dance
June 30 - Report Card pick-up
September 7 - First day of classes
A most sincere thank you to our students and their families for the tremendous support shown to us throughout the school year. We have been proud to work with your children and look forward to continuing to guide them on their educational journey should they be returning for the 2016-2017 school year. For those families leaving us for new pursuits, we wish you the very best as well. A special farewell to our graduating students. It has been our privilege to share in your learning and we do indeed invite you to seize each day as a new and exciting adventure regardless of where your path takes you. We are proud to call you alumni, and know that you will continue to be great ambassadors for our school.
As this year comes to a close, we wish all of you a safe and restful summer break!
AAA finished its year with a celebration hosted by the division at the Canad Inns on
Thursday May 26th. All the high schools’ AAA teams came together to enjoy stories of success,
mutual respect for our different initiatives, and to honour seven individual AAA members with
a particular Teaching. Murdoch MacKay’s own Jarrell Cook was gifted with the drum of
Wisdom for his attention and consideration of his mentee at our sister school Harold Hatcher.
Part of the story shared about Jarrell is as follows:
“Jarrell has been an amazing mentor to a young boy...at our sister school Harold
Hatcher. He has been unfailing in his attention and commitment to his mentee. Jarrell’s
mentee looks forward to time spent reading, talking, and just hanging out with him.
Jarrell’s calm manner, full presence, compassion, and straight forward common sense
approach are not only gifts he brings to his mentee but also to his other classes. When
thinking about the seven teachings and thinking about Jarrell, the sacred teaching
Wisdom comes to mind. He thinks about things, about others, and about ways he can be
useful for others, then he acts accordingly. This is a remarkable ability in one so young.”
- Ms. Dudek
Jarrell is reminded, as all AAA mentors are reminded, by Elder Wanbdi Wakita, to keep
walking and learning in their own particular teachings and to share their gifts with others.
ABORIGINAL ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT
Murdoch AAA
Jarrell Cook
MURdoch fashion technology news
Here are some highlights:
March
The grade 12 Applied Textiles class joined forces with Silver Jeans Co. once again this year
for the Silver Jeans Competition. Students use pre-existing denim garments to deconstruct
then design and construct something new and fun. The garments are then brought to the
Silver Jeans Co. headquarters here in Winnipeg where their design team puts them
through the ringer and judges the outfits. The garments are judged based on wearability,
creativity, saleability, and construction. Three students each won $1000 for their designs:
Agnes Gusowski, Rae-Lynn Skoropad and Miriam Weiss.
April
Students competed in the Skills Canada Manitoba Competition in two different categories.
Fashion Design: students are asked to design, pattern make and construct a suit jacket in
6 hours, very Project Runway! It's a stressful situation with audiences watching and a vari-
ety of other competitions taking place in the same room.
Gold Medalist: Aurora Donaldson
Silver Medalist: Sarah Betz
Job Skills Demonstration: students are asked to teach a skill to a panelist of celebrity
judges. This year's MUR competitor chose to teach the art of Fashion Rendering.
Silver Medalist: Rae-Lynn Skoropad
MAY 4 & 5
Murdoch MacKay Fashion
Tech Students showed us
what they can do!
Murdoch student volunteers enjoyed setting up for this years fashion show
May
All of Fashion Design
and Technology
student's in grades 10
through 12 participated
in the 36th annual
Murdoch Fashion
Show. All garments
were designed and
constructed and
modeled by our
students in our very
own Clanscave Gym.
Students strutted their
stuff on stage, worked
backstage, and planned
the whole event! There
were approximately
700 more attendees
this year than last!
Way to go kids!
June
Aurora Donaldson will be travelling to Moncton, New Brunswick, to compete in the Skills
Canada National Competition where she will vie for the title of National Champion. She
will be competing over two days against provincial champions from across the country. The
competition is fierce and the national champion then gets the opportunity to vie for World
Champion in Abu Dhabi in July of 2017. Regardless of the outcome, she has been working
hard and will make Murdoch and Manitoba proud!
In addition, the grade twelve Entrepreneurship students are settling down post-show, and
are working in a factory style setting creating baby buntings to donate to the charity of their
choice: The Manitoba Children's Hospital. These buntings will be cozy for both new babies
and their parents.
Denise Miller
MORE MURDOCH TALENT
In the Metal Fabrication Program at Murdoch MacKay, the Projects and Testing
students tested for their CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) tickets. Every student
obtained at least one CWB ticket, with two students - Evan Lefko and Dane
Derewianchuk receiving their "all position" tickets (5 tickets each). In all, Forty
tickets were earned by 15 students; a tremendous feat for high school students.
DigiGirlz Days
From left to right: Grace Minsky, Reanna Ramkalawan,
Kosi Hasani and Alaya Capella
Four Murdoch MacKay students had an amazing day at DigiGirls.
Microsoft offers technology programs that target youth and is a one-
day event, held at multiple Microsoft locations worldwide. It is
designed to provide high school girls with a better understanding of
what a career in technology is all about.
Grace, Reanna, Kosi and Alaya interacted with Microsoft employees
and managers to gain exposure to careers in business and technology
and had an inside look at what it's like to work at Microsoft. This
exciting event provided these girls with career planning assistance,
information about technology and business roles, thought-provoking
exercises, and interesting Microsoft product demonstrations. By
participating in the Microsoft DigiGirlz Day, these young women found
out about the variety of opportunities available in the high-tech
industry and can explore future career paths.
Clansmen Athletics Awards Banquet
When: Monday June 13th from 11:45 - 1:00
11:45 - Doors Open
12:00 - 12:30
Athletic Awards Presentations
12:30 - 1:00
Lunch provided by Sevala’s. Prizes!
Where: Susan Auch Gym
Who: Free to All Clansmen Student Athletes, Coaches, and
Staff Supervisors who participated during the 2015 - 16 school
year (Athletic Fees have to have been paid to attend).
What: Awards, Door Prizes, Luncheon
Why: To celebrate our athletic accomplishments and thank
our coaches, volunteers and student/athletes for their time and
efforts.
IT’S JUNE, MUST BE TIME FOR GRADUATION
June brings with it thoughts of summer and Graduation. Classes are wrapping up, exams begin and the final preparations for
our Graduation Exercises are upon us. Tuesday June 28th is that very special day. Here is a timeline of events for that day and
some of the exciting things our Graduates and families can expect.
12:15 – Graduates to meet at the Convention Center Hall B (3rd Floor) to put on Cap and Gown and line up for Convocation.
1:00 – Doors open for guests to enter the Convocation Hall C Skyview.
1:30 – Convocation begins with Processional.
Barney Charach Photography will take pictures of each Grad receiving their Diploma (pre-orders taken or you can order pic-
ture on site). Rebekah Eckert to deliver Valedictorian Address.
3:45 – Approximate completion time for Convocation. Graduates to return Cap and Gown to the racks on the concourse (3rd
Floor).
6:00 - Doors open for the Graduation Dinner and Dance – York Ballroom Convention Center. Make sure you have your tick-
ets.
6:50 – Parade of Graduates (Grads will meet in the Lobby outside of the Main Ballroom and walk in together to their seats.)
7:00 – Introduction of the Master Of Ceremonies – Ashley Williams
7:02 – Grace and Dinner Served
Menu
Variety Basket of Bread
5 Leaf Salad
Chicken Ballantine
Suzette Potato with Steamed Seasonal Vegetable
Chocolate Supreme Cheesecake
Coffee or Tea
8:00 – Speeches.
8:45 – Music, Dancing and Photo opportunities near our famous arch.
Midnight – Celebration ends at The Convention Center. Be sure to get your Designated Driver to sign you out before you
leave.
SKILLS MANITOBA COMPETITION
JOB SEARCH SKILLS
Congratulations to Brieanna Nenka for receiving the
Silver Medal in Job Search Skills at the 2016 Skills
Manitoba Competition.
Brieanna Nenka RECEIVES
SILVER!
Brieanna spent
numerous hours
preparing for this
competition, where
she completed a
proficient cover
letter, resume, and
portfolio presented at
a professional
interview.
Day of Pink: Murdoch MacKay Visits Arthur Day April 13, 2016
PAGE 10
BEYOND THE HURT TRAINING
Arthur Day students
Murdoch MacKay Students...
PRESENTERS:
Matthew Roy
Kyla Rodrigues
Tyler Phrakonekham
Carter Heintz
Caleb Nash-Wollman
Sarah Lyons
Kendall Roy
Athira Rajitha
Kaitlin Haklar
Grace Minsky
Arena Mann-Baxter
RUN FOR WOMEN 2016
Congratulation to the staff and student who trained and participated I the 5 km Run For Women in
May. The cold day did not damper the spirit of celebrating the connection between exercise and mental
health in women. Ms. Mann-Simpson appreciated the dedication and commitment of training 3 times
per week so that all were ready to run/walk. Way to Go! LOVE. YOU.
On Thursday, April 21st,
Individualized students and
Best Buddies gathered
to put on their Annu-
al Spring Concert
to showcase their
musical expres-
sions with
Music
Thera-
pist, Allison
Shiach, from
the Murdoch Mac-
Kay music therapy
program.
It was a fantastic evening of
celebration to this year's
theme "Spread the Love" as
many students sang, played
an instrument, danced or
shared original lyrics
through music. The love was
truly felt in the theatre
that evening and stu-
dents and staff were
very proud!
-Allison Shiach, BMT-
MTA
Music Therapist
Best Buddies: Annual Spring Concert
PAGE 12
Reflections from the English Hallway….
“Why do I have to take English?”
“I will never write an essay in my life after high school.”
“I know how to speak English; this class is dumb.”
“I hate English.”
ords and phrases that burn my ears, and bring tears to my eyes. However, I have realized in
the last decade of teaching, that it is sad, but true; English is not everyone’s favourite subject.
In fact, there are very few people who enjoyed their high school English class. This has be-
come evident as I meet new people in my life who inevitably ask what I do for a living.
“Oh, you teach?” As their eyes become bigger, and their face has a slight smile, as they remember that favor-
ite teacher that helped them become a better person, that Kindergarten teacher that sang so nicely, and
helped them learn how to tie their shoes, or that Grade one teacher that smelled good and baked cupcakes,
or maybe their junior high volleyball coach, who taught them how
to curve that wicked serve, and the high school teacher who took
attendance? Or looked the other way when they ditched to get a
Slurpee?
“What grade?” The conversation continues, and as I reply, “high
school”, the smile slowly fades, as the memory of that horrible
four-year stretch of puberty, bad relationships, tough classes,
gym dances, zits, wanting to disappear into the lockers, but need-
ing to be cool enough not to get shoved in one, seeps back into the
memory bank. Many are glad that prison sentence is over, and
are very happy repeat offences are impossible for the rest of their
lives. It was so difficult back then to maintain themselves, rela-
tionships, and grades, maintaining the balance between parental
order and the teenage chaos they craved. Many people were una-
ble to make space in their world for the life-changing bond be-
tween subject teacher and themselves.
Next, their brains automatically flash to a phenomenon they no longer understand, those pubescent aliens
they see at the mall, with their pants down low, their long hair dangling in their eyes, swearing and bounc-
ing around like rabbits in a field, or glued to their cell phone squeaking and squawking at the latest “tweet”.
These people I am talking to have forgotten that at one point, a few
decades ago, they did the exact same thing, a right of passage, at-
tempting to be the coolest mall rat in town, with the exception of the
cell phone, but really, who didn’t crank call someone from the mall
phone, laughing and running away, an experience well worth that
quarter your earned from your allowance!
“Oooh, that’s tough, how do you manage?” Their excitement is dissi-
pating, and they are wondering how a five foot two, Ewok manages to
control a class of 25 gaggling pubescent geese for ten months of the
year.
“Oh, they are lots of fun. I like it. We get each other’s humor.” Think-
ing of my self-sufficient, independently nose-blowing, and shoe-tying
students.
W
“What subject do you teach?” And this is when I cringe, because I know what is coming next, I have experienced
the response to this answer many times. My body habitually reacts, almost as if trying to avoid being hit by a
spitball. My eyes squint, my voice gets lower, almost a whisper, and I actually back away a little bit, trying to
physically distance myself from my answer. “English.” And there it sits, out there, hanging in the air. And it does
hang there for a little while, as the person remembers, those memories flooding back…Shakespeare, Catcher in
the Rye, 1984, The Red Badge of Courage, genres, grammar worksheets, essays, comma usage, public speaking!
Agh! Then their eyes squint a little, remembering that crusty, old English teacher that pontificated about the
proper use of Who and Whom when writing a letter.
“Oh.” “I hated that subject, I don’t think I read one book in high school.” A nervous laugh escapes their lips as
they try to move on as quickly as possible to
the next person. I’m not sure if they think I
am secretly correcting their grammar, or
trying to talk about books with them, (of
which, I would be doing neither) or just an
innate response to get as far away from
those high school memories I now represent.
Left alone, I sigh and think to myself, I just
love books, and talking about life’s journey
and the human experience as we collectively
move through this life as one race on the
planet earth – well, maybe the possibility of
space travel and new civilizations.
However, I have digressed, as many English
teachers tend to do, and if you’re still read-
ing, you may be wondering what all this has
to do with Room 122 at Murdoch MacKay
Collegiate. In order to give students a less
“cringe-worthy” experience from their high
school English class, the Grade 9s and 10s
have been participating in a “Coffee and
Conversation” unit that promotes critical
thinking and awareness of current news
events.
For approximately a month, students
worked in groups of about four to five stu-
dents, examining local issues and then discussing how those issues affected us locally, nationally, globally or all
three. We examined issues like; the provincial election, environmental burials, American politics, the Syrian refu-
gees, the Attawapiskat Crisis, the Dave Wheeler issue, gender bias in the media, the hostage situation in the
Philippines, the use of vaccinations for children, the NFL draft and in particular Laremy Tunsil. Students were
encouraged to think about larger “themes of life” that these topics might fit under, (okay- that part was totally
“Englishy”) and then pull in other issues/articles from news sources that relate to their theme/topic. Once stu-
dents had a good handle on their group topic, other adults from the building were asked to come in and have a
“watercooler” experience with the students. We had a variety of adults within the building attend, from the Prin-
cipal, Vice-Principals to Educational Assistants, Teachers, our Safety and Security Officer, Teacher Candidates,
and even the Librarian, to listen to what the students had to say. They might have even given an opinion or two.
From an English teacher’s point of view, it was pure magic. Students were chatting away, making connections,
listening to others, critically thinking, giving their opinions, and not an essay in sight. No introductions, transi-
tions, conclusions, just talking, listening and thinking. They were excited, and loved it, and the people they were
talking to loved it too. The adults were quite impressed with the depth of conversation they had in 45 minutes. A
pot of coffee, and some pastries, and it was just like a “real-life” experience one might have in the staff room, or
around the water-cooler, even at a party. I did not receive one complaint from students during this time. They left
happy, and I looked forward to the next conversation with them.
Mr. Kupiak, Vice Principal, discusses a current news
topic with students for their “Coffee and Conversa-
tion” unit in English Class.
The thinking part is so crucial, because once we have thoughts, it becomes easier to write, and easier to read to
find out more information. But not all expression of thought is done on paper. Once students leave these high
school halls, they will realize that the four years spent here were just a blip on the screen of life, and that they
were right. Few of them will ever write an essay, or read another book, or write a letter using the proper use of
whom, and not who, or worry about comma placement. But 99.9% of them will hear a news story, form opinions
about it, make connections between that issue and their life, and they will think.
They may even take the next step, voicing to someone else; “Did you hear about…” or “what didja think about…”,
and then it starts, over coffee, a conversation where one person, agrees with, or opposes the thoughts of another
person. And the two will converse, and think together. Thinking is important. Thinking doesn’t fit into a subject,
but it fits into life. “I think, therefore, I am.” - René Descartes
By: Stacey Occhino
A nother school year has come to a close here at Murdoch and I’m
sure everyone feels that they are ready for a break after a busy
final term. As you head off on vacation don’t forget to pack a good book or
reading device, even a journal. Whether it be to a park, the beach, cottage, or a
new destination in your travels, reading, as well as writing, can pass the time
and provide enjoyment and inspiration. If you’re not leaving the city, reading
can be a vacation of sorts; it’s a great way to escape or discover new interests.
Join the Winnipeg Public Library’s Online Teen Summer Reading Club from
July 4th thru August 28th, found at wpl-teens.winnipeg.ca. Register online and
receive weekly E-Newsletters with Trivia, Book Picks, Teen Programs and
more… It’s easy and it’s free! The Transcona Branch is open on a summer hour
schedule and can also provide you with new material over the holidays.
Thanks to all those students who faithfully signed out and returned library
books over the past year. Have a safe summer and best wishes to all 2016
Murdoch Grads in all your future endeavors.
Best wishes,
Ms. Sciberras
Co-operative Education Community Placements 2016:
Life Work Transition 40S & Management 40S
Students enrolled in Career Education have the opportunity to:
Challenge themselves to learn new skills
Make career connections with employers
HAVE FUN!!
A big Thank You to all of the employers who are hosting students this semester:
Wayoata Elementary School Harold Hatcher School
Concordia Place Canadian Diabetes Association
Park Manor Fountain Tire
Southside Electric Alpine Animal Clinic
Rona Home & Garden Safeway
Sears Health Science Centre
ATD Signs & Graphics
The opportunities are endless!!
Students working at Harold Hatcher and Wayoata Elementary Schools assist teachers with providing individual
help for students in need, making connections with students during recess supervision and having fun on field trips and
other school celebrations.
At Concordia Hospital, Health Sciences Centre & Alpine Animal Clinic students are working throughout the
hospital/clinic in Emergency, Day Surgery, Gift and Floral Shop interacting with patients (the furry type too!) & staff.
Our students help to make a difference for many people and pets in this setting.
At Park Manor and Concordia Place students are getting involved in the everyday recreational activities for resi-
dents. From Bingo, coffee parties and friendly visits, our students are helping to brighten the days of many seniors in
our community.
At Southside Electric students are learning about the electrical trade, making money and earning high school credits
all at the same time as a High School Apprentice (HSAP). These students are not afraid to get their hands dirty!
Rona Home & Garden, Sears, Fountain Tire, Safeway & ATD Signs & Graphics mentors are teaching students
the importance of working with a team, communicating with the public and providing specific training for being success-
ful in a retail environment.
Canadian Diabetes Society offered a unique experience that have provided students an opportunity to learn about
the “whole” business. Students have been tasked with helping to plan a major community fundraising event. From start
to finish, students have been instrumental in planning and organizing for this event.
GRADE 12
Apply on-line for Canada Student Loans
Available on-line at www.studentaid.gov.mb.ca anytime- response time is 2 weeks re: assessment
For further financial assistance information check out www.canlearn.ca
Check with your local bank/credit union for information regarding their student loan program
GRADE 11
45 students attended the Career Symposium in May 2016
Students will be called down by October 2016 to start credit checks for their graduation year
GRADE 10
Students participated in a voluntary mental health survey, put out by the RETSD Divisional Mental Health Committee
Summer School
Application forms for RETSD, LRSD, and Wpg#1 are available in the main office. Please check the courses available
and deadlines for applications. You can also access information and applications at:
RETSD- http://retsd.mb.ca/news/Documents/SummerSchool2016.pdf
https://www.lrsd.net/What-We-Offer/Summer-School/Pages/default.aspx (Louis Riel School Division)
https://www.winnipegsd.ca/PROGRAMS/summer-session/Pages/default.aspx (Winnipeg School Division)
University of Manitoba & University of Winnipeg held university registration sessions for our Grade 12 students. Over
60 graduating students have been accepted to either or both schools. Coupled with the number of students who are
attending RRC and schools outside of the city, Murdoch MacKay is seeing quite a growth in post-secondary attendance.
100 Advanced Placement exams were written this month, the most ever written by MUR students. Quite an impressive
number when you consider that would be approximately 1/4 of the grade 11 and 12 population who could achieve their
first year university credit.
Advanced Placement (AP) marks are only available on line. Students need to create a profile at apscore.org. The grades
will be posted by the second week of July. The AP scores are the results of the final AP exams and are used to apply for
University credit in the given subject area and do not impact the student’s final mark at MUR. To access your grades, go
to www.apscore.org
Timetable Conflict for next year? Students who need to make a course/timetable change for September must call the
office in August to make an appointment with a counsellor once they have received their timetable for 2016-17.
Counsellors will be available August 30th, 31st, and September 1st (Tues –Thurs) for course changes. Students are
encouraged to speak to a counsellor in June if they know they will need to repeat a course.