Waterdown Secondary School

Waterdown Secondary School
215 Parkside Drive
Waterdown

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

Butt Out
Francine Barlow, gr. 12

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

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

This week’s Spectator Literacy Project was facilitated by Mary Jo Renzella.

St. Jean de Brébeuf Secondary School

School Information:

Principal: Margherita Lawlor

Vice-Principals: Ken John

Rocco Valeri
Peter Messina

Grades offered: Grades 9 - 12

200 Acadia Drive
Hamilton, Ontario
L8W 1B8

Art Gallery

Pop-up art in the Mannerist Style by Jessica Oddi

Pop-up art in the Mannerist Style by Whitney Collins

Mural of Atlantis by Jennifer Shamo and Angelika Felinska

Mural of Atlantis by Jennifer Shamo and Angelika Felinska

Rock Show poster by Nicolle Colada

Mirrors
Alicia Gallant, Grade 12

Eyes the colour of the ocean
Hair like rays of sunshine.
This was not you, but what you desired.
So you knocked out life as it were a game of dominoes
And you were competing for first prize.
So silly to compare the innocent millions whom you tortured and destroyed,
Those who loved their children and their children loved them
And who were separated without consolation.
And killed.

For when they looked in the mirror, they did not exhibit Aryan features.

Skin of the night
We need the night, its beauty helps us sleep.
The night is as valuable as the sky.
But you protest.
You enslaved the night for your daytime needs
With no reward for the back breaking,
The snap of the spine spills money in your pocket.
But they weren’t human, of no worth.
For when they look in the mirror, their skin resembles the night.

Gliding down the runway
Sashes of fabric flowing this way and that.
Your body resembles a stop sign, but
They only stop to admire you.
She starves herself to only taste a bit of that sweetness,
The sweetness of envious stares
To seduce those who refuse her.
She is not you, so she is ugly.
You paint your face, you pass on the first, second, and third courses,
You flaunt the bones that protrude from your velvet skin.
She cries pain and confusion from her naked eyes,
and pinches at her extra skin, so she likes to call it
Because nobody tells her she’s beautiful.
For when she looks in the mirror, she doesn’t look like you.

Do you not see that you are the enemy?
I hate mirrors,
No.
I loathe you, mirror.
Because when people stare at you, you show them reasons that they do not add up.
They do not add up to what they want people to be.
They tear up their insides so that you show them a different outside.
Without mirrors, all they could do is reflect on themselves, their heart.
Why do they judge them based on their reflecting in you?

You are just a piece of glass, or whatever.

It dopes not matter.
I do not fear for my luck if I break you
Because the only reflection I long to see
Is the reflection in God’s eyes.
He told me I’m beautiful.

We Are ‘Proud’ and ‘Artistic’ Braves!
Jessica Oddi and Nicolle Colada

Proud and Artistic Braves!

As proud Braves, we are born ready from the start to think from instinct and natural style. As Braves, we rely on our abilities to create and distinguish ourselves as noble and effervescent characters. At St. Jean de Brébeuf, the seniors are the leaders of the pack and for the forth coming students, they are acting as the beacons and guides to their futures. This is when senior students have their moments to shine as they express themselves through achievements in academics, athletics, and in our community. Despite the many hardships and adversities that are thrown our way as a school, we learn to deal and deliver our very best with all the responsibility, naivety, and keen determination to step up and take on the senior world.

Incredibly talented athletic teams, and intelligent Honour Roll Recipients, could easily define senior students, but it is the inventive flair of SJB’s Art students that highlights Brébeuf=s community as a whole. Most of the time the dedication and perseverance of our students to fashion the pieces of artwork is undervalued by many people. No one can truly understand the hard work that Art students strive for in both art class, and in extracurricular activities, unless it is a first hand experience. Part of the Brave community are the artists who progress up a steep mountain of success and open doors to great opportunities in the times ahead.

Upon entering senior year, a vast world of uncharted territory is unlocked. Unlike those who simply attend an Art class for credential purposes, there is a significant handful who attend because they want to be there. A Brave artist’s purpose is to develop identity and to justify our outrageous propensity to strive for a masterpiece. Through various studio assignments, students are given the privilege to express their personalities, while still receiving the basic fundamentals for art techniques. For example, a grade eleven class is currently working on a studio to express the importance of heroes. This assignment requires multimedia uses such as paint, collages, and printmaking in ink, to create a poster of a hero that one personally chooses.

Creativity stemmed from each unique piece of work is admirable since students spend endless hours working to perfect it. Senior year is also a great time to become involved with extracurricular Art as well. Many events at SJB – such as the annual Rock Show, semi formals, school plays – often ask for volunteers to create posters, set designs, and decorative pieces. Luckily at Brébeuf, there is a Senior Art Group which participates in after school workshops. Students who want to express their artistic faculties get a chance to do something for the school that isn’t from the classroom. The opportunities are endless. The projects span from SJB activities to our community, as well as to projects for the Hamilton Wentworth Roman Catholic District School Board.

Art opportunities are a great way to get our artwork known. Another important aspect of this Senior Art Group is to prepare future artists for college or university. We are able to attend after school meetings to get help on things such as portfolio requirements, practicing and applying new techniques, and obtaining answers to any art related questions.

We ‘are’ proud Braves and our artistic expressions permeate throughout the school and throughout the community. As seniors, we have developed our maturity and insights into life through our art.

Riddle Time!
Catherine Gainham, Grade 12

Who can sew life in an instant, and take it just as fast;

Can travel to present, future, and past?

They can make something from nothing if just given their space;
It can be done quickly or slowly, but most go at an amble pace.

These persons are everywhere, maybe even next door;
They are not uncommon; you just have to look more.

Add up all the clues and tell me what is,
The name of the persons with the profession of this?

(Answer: A writer!)

The Jungle
Jessica Adamczyk, Grade 12

What a strange place, he thought as he walked slowly down the broad and lengthy path looking around. He had no idea what he was doing here; he felt out of place. He had been here before, but had it always been this big? He looked straight ahead, walking: right, left, right, left. Maybe if he didn’t look to the sides he wouldn’t come across anything scary or … anyone. The thought frightened him, and he shuddered. He was looking for one person only. But after exploring this bizarre place, he had almost forgotten who.

He came to this place with her just this morning. It seemed like it had been hours since they separated, but he really didn’t know. She was yelling some gibberish to him, something he got annoyed with so he paid no attention. Thinking back, she probably told him that they should stick together. I can do whatever I want, he thought confidently with a hmph.

He continued walking. The ground is so slippery, he thought and then – Ouch! The boy slipped and landed right on his backside. Oh boy, he frowned. That’s gonna hurt later. Just then someone came towards him – who was it? Was it going to help? Was it going to hurt him? It was so ...big, he thought. Instinct kicked in and he jumped off of the hard, cold ground and ran far away from the hand that reached out to grab him. Whew! Safe, he thought as he hid in another path. He took a few deep breaths while calming down. Still hidden, he looked around. Why hadn’t he noticed before? There were tons of that kind – the kind that tried to grab him. It was so … so … weird. He had never seen so many of them in the same area at once. He almost felt claustrophobic. He didn’t see any of his kind. Why would there be? He was forced to come here. The boy knew it would be a bad idea to begin with.

Walking at a quicker pace, he still looked around. The place was very green, he noticed. All different shades of green too – deep green, light green, mint green, pale green – all coated on leaves or exotic looking … fruit, was it? But that wasn’t the only colour. There were vibrant reds and bright oranges. He noticed the colour yellow high up as well.

With all of the confusion and unfamiliarity, he had forgotten why he had separated from her a while ago – he was on a mission to get one thing, and one thing only. He realized that he had been off track completely. But what was his track to begin with? What he was looking for could have been anywhere, so he really didn’t know where he had looked already, and where he hadn’t for this crucial item he was searching for. Not one item, actually. He was looking for a bunch of its kind.

A wave of panic swept through him a second time – what if he was never going to get out of here? What if he stayed here forever? What if one of those things tried to grab him again? He started breathing heavily and he heard whispers. He felt eyes from high up stare down at him but he didn’t stick around to find out from whose head the eyes were peering. He ran faster, faster, faster not stopping to look around. Big gasps of air filled his lungs, and a terror so great filled inside of him. His surroundings became blurry – he was so dizzy. Everything started spinning, spinning, and spinning faster. I’M NEVER GOING TO GET OUT OF HERE! he though frantically until – “Daniel!” He stopped and looked up. Relief welled over him, but that was quickly replaced by fear. “Daniel Peter Johnston! I told you NEVER to leave my side when we’re at the grocery store! You are in big trouble, mister. When your father hears what you did – you will be in trouble. Yes, you will, boy.” Daniel’s mom grabbed his small hand and pulled him quickly away from his mission.

Minutes later, in the parking lot, Mrs. Johnston said angrily to her son, “What were you thinking, Daniel? Going off in a busy grocery store is very dangerous! Someone could have taken you!”

“Sorry Mommy,” Daniel replied sheepishly. “I just wanted some cookies.”

A ‘Driving’ Viewpoint!
Stephanie Di Bartolo

The Ontario government has proposed a new law that has caused teenagers all over the province to enter into a state of shock as they watch their freedom get shredded before their eyes. A zero blood alcohol level for all drives aged 21 years and younger, a ban on more than one teenage passenger, and zero tolerance for speeders are the rules that are being discussed throughout the government and are most likely to come into effect.

Though establishing a zero blood alcohol level and being tougher on speeders will improve the safety of our roads, teenagers should still be allowed to have as many passengers as there are seatbelts in a car. As long as alcohol consumption and speeding are being controlled, the number of passengers in a car should not have any effect on the driver.

This also brings about the question of what families will do if they rely on a teenage son or daughter to drive their siblings to school in the mornings, or what a group of students will do if they all car pool together?

A much more dangerous situation that this could lead to is a designated driver being able to drive only one friend home at a time, leaving the rest to fend for their own rides. This could lead them to getting behind the wheel and attempting the drive home. All of this could have been avoided if these friends were able to be dropped off by a completely sober friend.

We must also consider the pollution that all of these extra vehicles will cause if a group of teenagers have to take several separate cars to get to a destination when they could easily have taken only one or two cars. Just as we try to clean up our planet and encourage “earth-friendliness”, we are being forced to add even more cars onto the roads.

Dozens of petition web sites have been launched to get teenagers to sign up against this new rule, such as the popular Facebook group containing more that 120,000 members. Here, you can find links to e-mail your MPP, as well as the Premier, Dalton McGuinty, with your opinions regarding this law.

A Swimmer’s Life
Justin Morassutti

A typical teenager has a daily routine of waking up to go to school, staying in school for the day, going home, watching TV, eating at a normal time, doing some homework, going to a part-time job and maybe even finding time to hang out with friends.

Now picture my routine! I wake up four times a week at 4:15 a.m. to go to swim practice in a freezing cold pool. Later, at school, I find myself falling asleep in my chair as I feel like my eyelids weigh 500 pounds. When I arrive home, I start my homework, eat a snack, then I’m off to practice again at the pool for the next two to two and a half hours. This allows me no time for a part time job, let alone any down time. I eat dinner by 8:30 p.m. and then try to finish my homework before going to bed.

I am in the Junior National group for the Hamilton Aquatic Club. Last year the club produced twelve Olympic qualifiers; which is the most they have ever had. Even though none of them made the team, most of them may be ready to swim for the Olympic team because of how tough they are, and noticing the youngest swimmer was only 14 years old! The group alone swims a minimum of seven times a week. There are three morning practices and four evening ones. On top of this, one could swim all weekend from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 at a swim meet. Swim meets are usually once a month, and depending on one=s swimming level, weekend swim meets can occur once or twice a month. But if you make the finals, which is the top eight to ten swimmers in an event, you can return at 5:30 p.m. in the same evening in order to swim for a chance at taking a medal and beating your previous time.

At swim meets, the swimmers are able to socialize with fellow team mates which is great because the only time to do so is either before or after practices. The team unity strengthens once the cheering begins. When you hear your name being cheered, it makes you want to win even more.

There are tons of positive things about being a swimmer which many people don’t know about. Swimming is the best physical sport because it builds muscle and it eliminates body fat. Other benefits include mental fitness. A swimmer gains a mental mind able to accomplish anything! You make friends with other swimmers and they are the people you see more than anyone else in your life.

Swimming is a grueling and challenging sport where one must be mentally and physically tough. You have to motivate both yourself and your teammates in order to finish a set on a high note and to stay strong without getting tired too quickly. Once you hear the words “last one!” from your teammates and your coach, you feel both tired and satisfied knowing that you were able to accomplish the goal of that practice and hearing the words from your coach “great job today!” also makes you feel good to know that you made it and didn’t give up.

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

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

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