The Value of Co-Curriculars

Posted on December 19, 2012 by admin

In the online edition of the Globe & Mail last week an interesting article appeared with the headline, “Extra-Curriculars Increasingly Seen as Essential to Student Success.”

This article came on the heels of an eight-year study of close to a half-a-million Canadian students, showing a strong positive correlation between student participation in clubs and teams and overall academic success in school.

The article also referred to a study in the USA in 2009 that followed 8,000 students for a decade after completion of high school. It found that students who participated in clubs and sports went further in university and earned better salaries in their respective chosen professions.

These findings are not surprising. As a school we have deliberately integrated a host of activities into our daily school experience for decades, knowing that merging these so-called “extra” activities into your educational experience is actually essential to a well-rounded education, character development, leadership and the ability to team effectively with others.

Not mentioned in the Globe article is the largest study ever conducted with adolescents: the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health – data and opinions from 85,000 American students in 1995 and in follow-up research waves until 2008. The study focused on factors that prevent negative outcomes for young people: violence, drug use, early pregnancies, and school dropouts. Only two factors emerged as having a notable impact on diminishing these negative factors: solid family relationships and/or a strong sense of connection to school.

Note that philosophically, a number of years ago at LCC we changed the designation of “extra-curriculars” to “co-curriculars.” It might seem insignificant, but we see an important difference. Rather than see activities outside the classroom as “extra,” we see them as complimentary to the academic program and with enormous benefits on academic achievement, character development, self-confidence and improved overall mental health.

All of this is a reminder that teachers are not just professional academics and subject specialists. They care the full development of students. That’s why they offer support to clubs & activities, coach, advise, and guide our students.

In the same issue of the Globe & Mail was news about Ontario teachers’ current “work-to-rule” status. Due to a contract debate with the government, public school teachers across Ontario are currently refusing to coach, supervise clubs and activities. They are even refusing to write letters of recommendation for universities. It’s a real pity and frustration for tens of thousands of students.

As Headmaster, I take great pleasure seeing student involvement in co-curriculars. Whether it is arts, athletics, clubs, service or international leadership opportunities, it is often these activities which challenge students most, develop new skills and strengths, and forge important memories from the school experience.

This week’s holiday concerts were great examples of student achievement. Congratulations to all musicians for making beautiful music: fantastic performances and great teamwork.

And what better example of excellence and creativity in co-curriculars than the LCC Players recent performance of the “Laramie Project.” Consider the words of your teachers in follow up emails:

“A marriage between art and social commentary that will cause pause for reflection for all students.”—Mr. Ted Shaw

“A Powerful and courageous piece of theatre.”—Mr. Brian Moore

Our LCC Players could have chosen a light comedy and all their friends would have laughed and moved on. But the students took the road “less travelled.” They were courageous and as a school community, we have all reflected on Matthew Sheppard and every other student we know who is different from the mainstream. We have been reminded that we need to invite not exclude – be more open not closed-minded. Thanks for the important reminders and for moving our hearts and souls.

Happy holidays to all! —Chris Shannon, Headmaster

Bullying: Everyone’s Business

Posted on December 5, 2012 by admin

Bullying is a very important topic that’s receiving a lot of attention, especially on the heels of some highly publicized teen suicides in Canada. LCC is involved in some special research on this topic with leading McGill Professor Shaheen Shariff. We hope to receive useful feedback later this year.

In coming to grips with bullying, I believe it’s important to first recognize that all people want to do well and be liked. A long time ago, American President Abraham Lincoln referred to this as “the better Angels of our nature,” essentially recognizing the positive in all people. But People don’t always get along and some kids can be downright nasty to others. Why? I think it’s because in addition to having different tastes or preferences, children are also naturally impulsive and lacking in self-control. Sometimes when jealousy or frustration enters the fray, impulsiveness wins and some children and teens exercise influence by acting out against others.

The other day I noticed an interesting quote on the wall just outside our counsellors’ offices: “Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.” So true, but so hard. In addition to succumbing to impulsiveness, the pressure to conform amongst teenagers is strong—and it is sometimes very hard to stand out or stand up for something unique or different. Sometimes when students present a different view or perspective, they invite strong criticism, and even taunting. In the face of this, teachers and parents need to help create environments where our kids have the courage to hold true to their convictions and will not tolerate any form of unwarranted critique.

At LCC we are serious about upholding some core values: respect and diversity. Respect means respect for self first, and for other students, teachers, staff, campus visitors (opponents in athletics especially). It’s the glue that holds together our community. It’s how students move forward; it’s why they help each other, why teachers reach out and assist. Respect is our foundation.

Diversity—We also celebrate difference at LCC – whether cultural, linguistic, religious or sexual orientation. Students have a right to be different and the right to be themselves, without interference, slander or harassment and certainly no form of bullying is ever acceptable.

As a society, I believe we are more aware and more tolerant of difference than ever before; difference as a strength. However, ignorance still lingers. We do not live in a lily-white world where all is pure. Not all are as accepting as we might hope.

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the online world that teens inhabit. It’s okay for them to have some independence, but some young people use this as cover – and hurl electronic insults about kids they don’t like.

Note that digital harassment is not going away. But we can stand up against it and together help teens from being victims or cowardly hiding behind their computer screens, sending messages they might later regret.

Finally, let’s consider the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Bystanders are those who are in the background – observers. That could be any one of us as a witness at almost any time. Yes, bullying and harassment is everyone’s business. If you see it happening, make it your business. We need to stand up for each other.

As health educator and motivational speaker Scott Fried said to our our high school students last year, “each student is enough!” Each one is a valuable member of our school community. They need to be able to emerge and to be themselves, without interference.

Respect and celebration of diversity: Let’s make sure we can live and celebrate that ethos every day! No exceptions! –Christopher Shannon, Pre-U ’76

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*** Note, to promote dialogue on respect, difference and anti-bullying, our students are taking to the stage. The Senior School LCC Players have chosen a play based on real-life events and sensitive issues around difference and degrees of acceptance. Come see “The Laramie Project” performed in the Chamandy Auditorium in on December 12 & 13 @ 7 pm.

Sortie au théâtre: << Douze hommes en colère >>

Posted on November 22, 2012 by admin

Groupes de Droit 10^e année, PREP 10^e et 11^e année

J’ai beaucoup aimé, cette production présentée par le théâtre Denise-Pelletier. Je n’ai pas lu l’original de cette pièce écrite par l’Américain Reginald Rose, cependant c’était facile à suivre et en général l’histoire était vraiment bonne! << Douze hommes en colère >> présente des acteurs qui jouent si bien leur rôle que nous avons le goût de croire qu’ils existent vraiment. De plus, je pense que les costumes et la mise en scène étaient bien adaptés à l’histoire. En général, j’aime les histoires de mystère et celle-ci était vraiment unique. L’écrivain était vraiment intelligent, car il nous amène subtilement dans la vie d’un jeune homme accusé pour le meurtre de son père. Nous suivons cette histoire par l’entremise des jurés qui doivent décider de sa culpabilité. Pour conclure, j’ai aimé beaucoup et c’est une de mes productions favorites. – Liane Vonniessen ’14

Pour la classe de français, nous avons vu une pièce de théâtre appelée << Douze hommes en colère >>. La pièce raconte l’histoire d’un jury à New York. J’ai tellement aimé cette pièce pour plusieurs raisons. En premier, les acteurs ont été incroyables. Ils m’ont convaincu qu’ils étaient vraiment des jurés. Aussi, quand ils criaient ou se fâchaient les uns contre les autres, ils avaient l’air réellement fâché. Deuxièmement, les acteurs ont été capables d’apporter de l’humour dans la pièce de théâtre même si elle concernait un sujet sérieux. Finalement, ils parlaient clairement et c’était facile de comprendre tout ce qu’ils disaient. J’espère que nous pourrons voir plus de pièces de théâtre comme celle-là dans le futur. – Maxwell Wiltzer ’13

Cette pièce de théâtre m’a vraiment impressionnée pour de nombreuses raisons. Premièrement, à cause du fait qu’il y avait un seul décor pendant toute la pièce et ils ont quand même réussi à garder l’attention du public. Deuxièmement, chaque acteur s’est démarqué par son style unique, peu importe l’importance de son rôle, il a excellé dans sa performance. En effet, les acteurs ont tous parlé avec conviction en évoquant beaucoup d’émotion, même si quelquefois c’était un peu exagéré. Finalement, j’ai trouvé que les spectateurs sont restés bien attentifs à cause du texte très intéressant, des blagues et des commentaires sarcastiques.– Samantha Mashaal ’14

J’ai beaucoup aimé les pièces de théâtre que nous avons vues dernièrement. Les acteurs étaient vraiment crédibles dans leurs rôles. C’est un élément qui m’a beaucoup aidé à comprendre la pièce. Par exemple, on pouvait voir la solitude et la tristesse dans le juré qui croyait l’accusé coupable jusqu’à la fin de la pièce. Quelque chose d’autre que j’ai aimé, c’était la façon dont le metteur en scène a réussi à utiliser un seul décor pendant toute la durée de la pièce. Ce n’est pas souvent que l’audience reste aussi captivée quand il y a juste un décor. Finalement, j’ai beaucoup aimé la pièce les << Douze hommes en colère >> et je le recommanderai a tout le monde. – Stephanie Shannon ’14

La pièce << Douze hommes en colère >> était captivante et intéressante. En toute honnêteté, je me suis rendu à la pièce de théâtre avec des attentes très mitigées. Cependant, cette pièce m’a tenu attentif tout le temps et j’étais très impressionné. L’histoire était excellente. Il avait beaucoup de suspens et je voulais tellement savoir le verdict des jurés. Aussi, les personnages étaient fantastiques. Les acteurs jouaient leur rôle tellement bien que je commençais à détester les mauvais personnages, comme celui qui parlait toujours de baseball. D’autre part, j’adorais le personnage principal qui fut le premier à semer le doute raisonnable dans la tête des autres jurés. De plus, je pensais que voir un jury et la méthode judiciaire était très intéressant. En fin de compte, j’ai beaucoup aimé la pièce. – Ryan Dimentberg ’14

Je pense que les acteurs ont fait un travail excellent. Ce n’est pas facile à divertir une salle remplie d’étudiants pendant deux heures et demie. Ils s’exprimaient très bien, on pourrait vraiment sentir leur colère. Cependant, ils ont aussi incorporé assez d’humour pour que le public soit toujours engagé. Le décor était simple, mais réaliste et il permettait aux acteurs à faire beaucoup de mouvements. – Sarah Salzman ’13

Dès le premier moment de la pièce de théâtre << Douze hommes en colère >>, j’étais ébloui. Presque toute cette pièce était parfaite; autant les personnages, le son ou les éclairages. Je n’ai rien de mauvais à dire. J’ai bien aimé l’histoire et j’ai trouvé que les comédiens ont très bien joué leurs rôles. Je trouvais aussi que les sons ont été bien utilisés pour montrer la colère que les personnages ressentaient par le biais de bruits d’orage. L’éclairage était aussi bien fait dans l’histoire. Finalement, je trouvais que la pièce de théâtre présentait très bien certains problèmes sociaux présents en Amérique du Nord, dont la peine de mort. – Adrien Perlinger ’14

Pour plus d’informations au sujet de cette pièce de théâtre, veuillez consulter le lien ci-dessous :

http://www.denise-pelletier.qc.ca/piece/id=18

A Remembrance Day to Remember

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

Every year, we commemorate the Canadian veterans, but each year that passes is also one less year that these heroes will be around to tell their stories. That is why I knew my trip to Ottawa was going to be special and so important. Remembrance Day has always been for me about the moment of silence, but today it was not about silence, but about sounds. Today I heard the sounds of war, and the sounds of freedom, but most importantly, I had the incredible opportunity to listen to the veterans telling their stories.

The sounds of war all began with the first firing of the cannon shot and the 21 shots that followed. It thundered through the air, jolting everyone to awareness. The shots were unexpected and a little terrifying, and I just had to grin and bear them. So what must it have been like to be on the battlefield to hear shots like these, a noise that was not only deafening, but also a threat to life? We cannot imagine and we mustn’t even try. We can only cherish our free country and be thankful for the veterans who gave it to us.

They say one needs to be in good shape to be in war, and the Canadian War Museum provided a station with some fitness tests to determine whether you, the visitor, would be eligible for the army. Your feet must be flawless, and your vision, optimal. You have to be a certain height, and even your teeth are subject to an examination. Basically, you had to be perfect, but even perfect wasn’t enough. In fact, soldiers never measured up to the standards set by the sergeants who would yell at them and punish them, as I learned first hand from a soldier who trained for the potential outbreak of the Cold War. His main message? Grin and bear it, just like the case of the cannons. And our veterans did just this, becoming the definition of resilience.

During the moment of silence at the Remembrance Day ceremony, I felt a sense of peace I had never quite experienced. Differences in religion, beliefs and cultures melted away, as even the buses stopped to pay their respects. But, being outside in the wind, rather than listening to silence, I listened to the flapping of the Manitoba flag I had been given to hold, which rippled along with the flags representing all the Canadian provinces. For that moment, all people, from all provinces were united as proud Canadians, just as the soldiers would have been united while fighting overseas, despite their differences or reasons of enrollment, their only option being to struggle together to survive.

November 11^th is not really about remembering, but about listening. And the part of this trip that I will remember the most was shaking hands with the veterans and listening to their stories. It’s astounding to think that the very hand that I shook once shot bullet after bullet, drove aircrafts into enemies, or steered a massive naval ship. I know I would be terribly traumatized by such an experience, but these men and women were so polished and humble that had I not been aware of all their medals hanging from their navy blazers, I would never have guessed that they had participated in World War II. Their tales are even more bewildering. One told me about a shell that landed right next to him and blew out his ear. Another was scorched by a gasoline leak. The pictures on the wall of the war Museum brought WWI stories to life as well: One that stood out in particular was a soldier that carried a teddy bear with him everywhere as a good luck gift made by his daughter – only later to be killed in battle. A letter not yet mailed that his son had written was also on display. It is heartbreaking to realize how such humane people lived in such an inhumane environment, drinking rum for breakfast and dog biscuits for dinner. Yet they still had hope, I realized, as one woman, who was a military vehicle driver, showed me pictures from her Halloween party in a tiny hut during WWII.

While I always make sure to wear the poppy every Remembrance Day, the poppy took special meaning this year, when I placed it on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. The veterans, known, and unknown, will forever be an inspiration to me, for truly having principles, not just saying that they do, because when one truly has values, they will sacrifice every last bit to adhere to them. I admire them for their unmatchable courage, because in the past and on this day, I’ve learned about war, studied war, and saw pictures of war. But I still don’t know what war is. And even in my wildest dreams, I know I never will. –Josephine White ’14

Solisterra Take Two: The Art of Parging

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

Three weeks ago, the grade 9 and 10 enriched math classes were invited to go on a community service trip to the town of Kazabazua in Quebec. The moment this was presented to me, I knew I wanted to go. Three hours later, my form was already handed in. I could not wait to go back to Kazabazua for the second year in a row.

There we slept in a straw bale house at the Solisterra Eco-Cottages. We were going to stay for two nights and work for two days. Our task was to build a straw bale shed that would create solar energy by using solar panels and be used as a storage room. Straw bales were going to have to be modified and sewed together to make the walls. The entire shed was going to have to be chicken wired. And finally, the walls of the shed were going to have to be parged with a mixture of cement, sand and water. So much to do!

The highlight of my trip was learning the art of parging under the guidance of Andrew the expert. Saturday consisted of applying the first layer of parging on the walls of the straw bale shed. Making the parging was a lot of fun. We got to observe how adding different ingredients changed the texture and stickiness of the parging. Covering the straw bale walls was my favourite part of the process, as I applied this gooey playdough-like substance with my hands. Needless to say, I got very dirty.

During our two days, we got the chance to learn and work with unbelievable people. We learned about our natural environment, about the importance of trees, solar energy and the art of parging. We spent two full days in the cold, working nine hours a day to complete our project. We are happy to say that the shed was successfully built with no complications. What a wonderful experience!—Zack Shine ’15