CONNECTSMay 2014

Wentworth Science

Expo

Cover: Matthew S. demonstrates a smoke cannon during the Wentworth Science Expo assembly on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.

Inside: Jack A. races for the North Shore League Championship on the Richard Juryn Memorial Trail in North Vancouver on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Jack A. finished 4th in the race.

May 2014

inside this issue

10 Wentworth Science expo

12 Young round square in Jasper

16 Sr. tennisB.C. Provincial Champs!

20 You Go Girl!

FROM VISIONA collection of our best photographs from May

Wyatt A., right, goes down a water slide during the Grad 2014 BBQ at the Morven Campus on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. The Class of 2014 hosted a school-wide BBQ with water fights and bouncy castles.

From Vision:GRAD BBQ

Top: Zach D. uses an otoscope to inspect a stuffed animal’s ear during a “Teddy Bear Clinic” in Ms. Kathrin Zimmermann and Ms. Katherine Chin’s Junior Kindergarten class at the Wentworth Campus on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Right: Junior Kindergarten students work with volunteer doctors to learn about immunizations, stethoscopes and other medical procedures.

From vision: TEDDY BEAR CLINIC

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FROM VISION 7

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FROM VISION 9

Shae V. heads the ball during Sr. Girls Soccer’s 3-0 loss to Windsor Secondary at Windsor on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. With the loss, Collingwood was eliminated from the playoffs but finished third in the league.

From vision: SR. girls soccer

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Wentworth Science Expo

The Wentworth Science Expo is an annual school-wide celebration of Science.

This year, our Expo was heralded in with an assembly that focused on science across the grades. Notable highlights were the fabulous presentation made by our Grade 2 students about penguins followed by a live heart dissection performed by Grade 5 students and led by Collingwood parent, Dr. Haddad.

The rocketry and robotics teams closed the assembly with explosive results much to the delight and applause of the house.

The following week of May 20–24, science was on display throughout our school. In our foyer, the main display had Lego Robotics, rockets from the Grade 6/7 Rocketry Club, Grade 6 Electronic Toy Projects, Tech Club projects, etc. Two main events of the week were the Grade 7 Earthquake Structures Competition in the gymnasium and the two rocket launch demos run by our Rocketry Club on the field. These highly anticipated events showcased science at its best; they were an excellent conclusion to our Science Expo and an exciting week at Wentworth!

By Matthew Parker

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Left: Grade 2 students give a presentation on penguins during the Wentworth Science Expo assembly on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.

Right: Mr. Matthew Parker and Grade 7 students demonstrate student-built submarines during the assembly.

YOUng Round Square Visits JapserBy Young Round Square

On May 9–14, nine Young Round Square students, Ms. Johnson and Mr. Kennedy went to Jasper on a service and leadership trip. After flying to Calgary we drove through Banff, Lake Louise, and toured the Columbia Ice-fields before arriving at Palisades Educational Center in Jasper. During our four day stay we worked with Parks Canada to restore trails and protect sensitive grassland areas while learning about the various ecosystems, wildlife, regional history, geography and environmental issues.

While participating in activities and adventures like canoeing on Lake Edith, hiking Maligne Canyon, soloing on the Athabasca River, summiting Whistlers Mountain and creating nature art, we focused on developing our leadership and teamwork skills. We were introduced to the concept of Round Square 'Barraza Groups' which enabled us to facilitate group discussions, while honouring

different perspectives and opinions. We also had a video conference with three schools in Australia that are working on developing similar skills. We shared stories, experiences and made numerous connections with respect to leadership, global awareness and our responsibilities as leaders now and in the future.

In summary, the grade 6/7 Junior Round Square Jasper trip was a phenomenal adventure. It has helped us learn how to develop leadership skills, provide service, connect with people around the world, learn about our environment, and was an awesome adventure! We covered all the ‘IDEALS’ of Round Square!

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MICHAEL SMITH CHALLENGEBy Heather Dow

Every year Collingwood’s Science 10 Enriched students participate in UBC’s Michael Smith Science Challenge: a national competition written by students in Grade 10 Science. The competition emphasizes logical thinking, and covers material in the science curriculum common to all provinces.

This year over 3000 students nation-wide competed in the event, and Collingwood had a fantastic representation in the awards.

Out of the 30 students who wrote the challenge, eight students received certificates of achievement. Lucas P., Zuzanna S., Alan W., Georgie W. and Nathan Y. all placed in the top 25% of Canada, while Liam H., Emily H. and Simon F. finished in the top 10% of Canada.

These students drew on their previous knowledge of science and their other courses to problem solve their way through some very difficult questions. They should be very proud of their accomplishments! Congratulations to all our students!

Clockwise: Nathan Y., Alan W., Emily H., Simon F., Zuzanna S., Liam H., Georgie W. and Lucas P.

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explore: A recapBy Brei Souza

Our Grade 9 Spring Program ran from April 17 to May 9 and this marked the final culminating Explore trip for these Middle School students! In this program, students have the opportunity to choose their activity, either kayaking or hiking. Students who chose hiking went on a four day, three night backpacking trip on the Juan de Fuca Trail which is located on the Southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Students who chose sea kayaking went on a four day, three night trip to the Gulf Islands. With more leadership and independence than previous trips, students had the opportunity of taking on the challenges of both a potentially new activity and organizing themselves and others.

For the hikers, the splendor of traveling along the west coast of Vancouver Island with the wide Pacific Ocean to one side, through the rainforest, over headlands and crossing beaches is both physically challenging and visually exhilarating. Highlights over the week include, beautiful coastal vistas as well as seeing river otters, sea lions and eagles. These students, taking each moment for what it was, had so much fun on the muddy trails, playing games, and “ninja” on the beach. Students were proud of taking on challenges and their accomplishments. Pushing themselves out of their comfort zones showed them that they could do more than they thought they could! An Explore teacher commented on the students being commited to social bonding, and being inclusive of everyone. Thus, making friends with others that they didn’t have before this experience. In Explore, this is a piece we are dedicated to

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fostering within our programs, so we were very proud of this happening and more importantly being led by the students.

For the kayakers, they started out learning new skills and knowledge that enabled them to travel safely on an ocean that is at the every whim to changes in weather. After learning about our kayaks, packing gear in water tight hatches and learning how to paddle and steer, students embarked with the challenge of traveling as a group and navigating currents and waves. The magnificent cliffs of Valdes Island and the shocking history of DeCourcey Island bring a thirst for knowledge and inevitably leave a personal impact. Highlights from the kayaking groups were enjoying beautiful weather and calm seas. One group took the challenge of head winds in their travels. The students had very strong leadership skills. Many students took and owned their leadership tasks and then some. This year all our groups made it to Blackberry Point which doesn’t always happen and this shows that the students were all strong paddlers. One group was very fortunate to enjoy a one hour show of 2 orcas spy-hopping and tail slapping less than 100m away from their kayaks. At nighttime, students enjoyed contributing to the campfire, and having deep social bonding. As always, the experience of kayaking itself for the students is such a fond memory.

This marks the final and culminating experience for these middle school students. For most they have had three years of unique outdoor experiences which we hope they will continue to explore further in their senior school years and beyond.

I learned to constantly challenge myself through the Explore trips. You never know your abilities until you try something new; if you do not take risks you will never move forward. I learned to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

“

Sr. Tennis: Provincial Champs!By Al Rose

Our Senior Tennis team capped off a wonderful season with a 8-3 victory over a very good Carson Graham squad on Saturday. This marks the seventh consecutive BC crown and eighth in nine years for our Senior team. Wins over Princess Margaret (10-1), Southridge (9-2), St. Michaels (9-2) in the quarter-finals, and Okanagan Mission (7-4) in the semi-final match set up the exciting final.

It was a final match that had a great start as we built up a 5-0 lead and never looked back. In the final match Colton K. and partner Liam H. played flawlessly as they quickly won two points for the Cavaliers. Our girls doubles teams of Tina H. and Amy Y. won both their matches as well. Sam S./ Neeki A. each won a point as did our mixed doubles duo of Kyla J. and Alex O.

The boys doubles team of Brendan A. and Nathan Y. fought a superb match as they won a tense tie-breaker set by a 7-5 score. This team improved dramatically as the tournament went on. When Isaac D. completed a fantastic boys singles victory over an excellent opponent, Collingwood’s victory was sealed.

Throughout the tournament other victories were recorded by Isabelle G., Richard Z., Jay A. and Tim L. Winning honours at the tournament were Isaac D. (top boys singles player) and the dynamic boys doubles team of Colton K. and partner Liam H. (tournaments top boys doubles team).

The team will surely miss its four graduating players, Sam S., Isabelle G., Alex O. and boys team captain Colton K. Also a special thanks to all of the parent volunteers at the tournament.

Isaac D., pictured here in a singles match against Rockridge Secondary at Murdo Frazer in North Vancouver on Monday, May 5, 2014, was named top boys singles player at the B.C. Provincial Championship.

Witness for the prosecutionPhotos by Taehoon Kim

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On May 20–22, 2014, students starred in the courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution written by Agatha Christie.

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You go, girl!By Julia Clarke

I amand I am another teenager who is scared for my future.”

EMILY K.“

Anyone who has chortled at Emily K.’s hilarious speeches for the last five Public Speaking Finals will laud her comedic talent. These skills will also be on display at Amateur Night at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club on June 18.

But Emily has a serious, campaigning side to her personality too, and the cause that most galvanizes her passion is that of climate change. Those of you who have been reading the The Globe and Mail and The Province lately will know that the intrepid teen delivered a deputation to the West Vancouver Council on May 5. At the beginning of her 15 minute address she announced “I am Emily Kelsall, and I am another teenager who is scared for my future.” Her proposal, inspired by the ideas of an environmental group called “Our Horizon,” is simple and eminently practical. It asks that a by-law be passed making it mandatory in the municipality for all gas stations to use climate change warning labels, similar to those used on packs of cigarettes. These warnings would be placed on the plastic sleeves of gas nozzles where many stations currently attach ads. A mock-up label pictures a caribou and calf walking in the snow, accompanied by a warning that climate change could lead to the extinction of 30 per cent of the Earth’s species. She pointed out to the Council that they could play a starring role in a huge, worldwide

change. She said that they could initiate a change in society that will never be forgotten; that in the future school textbooks would refer back to the decision made by a small municipality as the beginning of a new universal attitude.

With persuasive powers like these, it might not surprise you that Emily recently won the title of top BC impromptu speaker at the Provincials, held at Crofton House on May 1st and 2nd. The grade 10 student, competing for the first time in the senior section against students who also hailed from grades 11 and 12, spoke in the impromptu format three times. After three minutes preparation time she spoke for almost five minutes on very different topics: ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Depression” and “Hakuna matata.” The key to impromptu speaking is confidence. Many people who can deliver fine prepared speeches experience difficulties when parted from a script. When her coach, Julia Clarke, asked her to give some advice to those who want to improve their off-the-cuff speaking abilities she said,“Don’t think of any kind of speaking as giving a speech to a crowd, but as having the chance to connect with the individuals in an audience. When I do my best I am focused not on what I am going to say next, on my enunciation or any other presentation qualities, but on forming a connection with each person. I want listeners to think,

“I want to know that person. I’d like to go and say hi.”

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Canada-Wide Science FairBy Edel Vo

Grade 11 student William B. is currently challenging the Physics 11 Enriched course. Challenging the course means that he does not attend classes but he is responsible for learning everything in the Enriched curriculum. In addition to writing all the unit tests, William was required to carry out and complete a Regional level quality experiment in order to meet the laboratory requirement of the course. He conducted an investigation on the Physics of Curling, which in the end, not only met Regional level quality, but earned a Gold Medal, and a UBC Science Entrance Scholarship for Physics and Chemistry! This stellar achievement at the Regional level qualified William to join the Canada-wide Science Fair Team. William did exceptionally well in the Nationals, earning the following awards:

1. International Summer School for Young Physicist Award: sponsored by Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics — $2500 value

2. Excellence Award, Senior Bronze Medal: sponsored by Nuclear Waste Management Organization — $100 value

3. University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship: sponsored by University of Ottawa — $1000 value

4. Western University Scholarship: sponsored by Western University — $1000 value

William received a total of $4600 in awards and scholarships — an outstanding achievement!

Congratulations, William!

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Grade 1 Mother’s dayBy Helen Gould

As has been a Grade One tradition for many years, we invited all of our mothers in for a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration. The mothers were treated royally, enjoyed a visit with their children and shared an array of delicious treats. The highlight of the celebration was the reading of toasts that the children had written to honour their mothers.

On Saturday, May 3rd, five of our Wentworth students competed in the annual Gr. 5-7 Elmacon Math Contest, held at UBC. The contest is gruelling and highly competitive. Students enjoy three rounds of competition: the ‘Sprint Round’, the “Target Round’ and the ‘Countdown Round’. During the ‘Sprint Round’ students are given 50 minutes to complete 26 math problems. The “Target Round’ consists of three sets of four questions, each of which must be completed in 15 minutes. Finally, the top ten students from the first two rounds face the gruelling ‘Countdown Round’ which is a verbal one-on-one competition. Our five students did exceptionally well with special note going to Gr. 6 student, Kevin M., who made it to the final ‘Countdown Round’, placing 10th overall. Well done!!

Elmacon math contestBy Helen Gould

This past April, the Morven Campus held a very successful clothing drive in support of the Battered Women Support Services (BWSS). This initiative was brought forward by Grade 11 student, Tina S., who has volunteered with BWSS for the past two years and is very passionate about this cause. The BWSS is a local charity that focuses on the empowerment of women in our society. All of the donated clothing is being sold at their downtown shop — “My Sister’s Closet”. Of our donations, Samantha Kearney, the Manager of BWSS Retail Services & Programs, said this:

“‘Powerful’ is how we describe gifts like yours at Battered Women’s Support Services. With your support,

giving backBy Amy Camblin

we are able to keep our doors open to thousands of girls and women experiencing violence and abuse each year. Each month, BWSS offers free and confidential counselling sessions to over 40 new women. Each month our support reaches out to over 150 women with nearly 100 new intakes through our vital programs and services including crisis support, legal advocacy and our employment program. Thank you Collingwood School for your support of Battered Women’s Support Services!”

For more information about how our giving is making a difference, you can visit BWSS at www.bwss.org. Students interested in getting involved with volunteer opportunities should see Tina S. for more information.

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Sounds of SpringPhotos by Taehoon Kim

A very successful year for Collingwood’s music program finished with the “Sounds of Spring” End of Year Concerts at the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver, May 27-28, 2014. With numerous gold medal wins in festivals this year like the Kiwanis Music Festival and the Seattle Heritage Music Festival, Collingwood’s musicians continue to impress!

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Clockwise: Sahib M. performs with the Grade 12 Jazz Combo; Natalie W., second from left, entertains her friends while waiting backstage; Mr. David Buchan conducts the Concert Choir; Ryan S. performs a solo with Band 8/9.

Back cover: Michael S. performs a solo with the Grade 12 Jazz Combo.