Good Decision Making Matters

There is a great deal of discussion around the events of last week that resulted in a nurse taking her own life. What was thought to be a prank by a radio station turned into something much bigger and more significant. It also leaves a number of questions for society.

Jacintha Saldanha by all accounts was a quality nurse who cared a great deal about her patients and her profession. One family member is quoted as saying “People are saddened – it is still all very raw. She was well known and well liked in the community and she will be a loss. She felt especially privileged to work in the hospital in London – everyone is deeply shocked and saddened.”

We often talk at LCC about appropriate actions and decision-making. Who makes a decision to phone a hospital to find out personal information about people and their illness? At what point in the decision making process did these people ever think that this could go wrong or what they were doing was hurtful? Is everything acceptable for radio or TV ratings no matter what privacy is taken for granted? Just because the prankster thinks it’s funny, is it really funny? Why didn’t the bystanders, other people that knew about the prank, do anything to stop it?

The lesson is very clear now, way too far after the act and decidedly after a serious incident occurred, people realized their wrongdoing. They too are now saddened by their actions. What gives the right of someone to harass other people so an innocent person is harmed?

At LCC we have polices and procedures in place to stop harassment and bullying. We strive to provide a safe and secure environment in which to learn. We have people such as Ms. Shadley and Ms Grostern to offer support. . But often it’s bad decision making and reflection after the fact that are difficult to deal with.  It is our hope that you will think before you act and in all cases be kind to all people. In the end no one gets hurt with kindness.

If you wish to have your say on this subject, join me on Twitter: StevePoplar@lcc, #prankshurt. –Steve Poplar, Assistant Head – Student Life

Bullying: Everyone’s Business

Blog_NoBullyBullying 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.

Middle School Pride: Grace Dart Community Service Concert

2012_2013_MS_GraceDart_Concert

I haven’t been involved with Middle School Pride for long, but I’ve already put forward an initiative. Since the beginning of October, Zoe Doyle ’16, Rebecca Ross ’16 and I have been planning a community service opportunity for members of the grade 8 band.

Fifteen students signed up to perform a concert for the residents at the Grace Dart retirement home last Saturday. I have to say, I had fun! Helping the elderly has a different feeling to it than other community service opportunities, such as helping kids or collecting food for food drives. It’s different because I know one day I’ll be in their position, and having students volunteer allows for different relationships to flourish.

My friends who helped me with this project also found the experience rewarding. The whole time, everyone was smiling and willing to help the residents as much as they could.

Pendant deux heures de service communautaire, les élèves ont aidé les résidents. A la fin de notre concert, nous avons servi du jus aux résidents. Pendant deux heures, il y avait beaucoup de travail à faire.

Au début, Rebecca et Zoe ont contacté la tante de Rebecca, qui travaille à Grace Dart, puis pour les deux dernières semaines, j’ai travaillé sur les chansons pour le concert. Puis, Micheal Di Giorgio et moi avons interviewé Mme Corbeil, une des résidentes. On lui a posé des questions à propos du concert et on a décidé qu’avant la fin de l’année scolaire, on va revenir à Grace Dart pour faire un autre concert. — Christina Papageorgakopoulos ’16

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

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

Australia: My Exchange Experience @ Radford College

My Australian exchange trip was a big step for my parents and myself. My scariest thought was not knowing what to expect during my time in Australia. My friends warned me that I’d miss them, and that I was going to have a hard time catching up on all the drama, gossip and school work. The 24 hours of flying across the world felt like an endless amount of time to think such thoughts.

As we finally came close to landing in Sydney, the beautiful view was astonishing. The tension built up as I passed through customs. It was official: I was finally in Australia! Within the first few hours of landing, we had begun the journey. The next three days were spent doing numerous activities. We stayed on the edges of city centre, the perfect distance between Bondi Beach and the Westfield mall!

On the very first day, I was immediately impressed with what Sydney had to offer in the way of views and architecture. We made our way up to the top of the Harbor Bridge. The spectacular view from the bridge walk was as surreal as this whole experience. In my opinion there could not have been a better activity to bond with the family and break the ice.

On day two, since it had been stormy, we decided to spend the day at Westfield shopping centre in Sydney. There I discovered Australian and American styles aren’t all that different. While walking around, I was introduced to sausage rolls (didn’t quite enjoy those), boost juice (fell in love), and Hawaiian pizza (surprisingly eatable).

Day three was rather wet. We started off the day with a jet boat ride viewing the city, which was magnificent. After drying off and changing, I was ready to experience Australian culture. We saw street shows, ate at Australian restaurants, and took Sydney transport. Then on to the best part of the day, SURFING LESSONS! Taking a two-hour surfing lesson was the highlight of my day. I was actually able to stand up, which was surprising, but left me ultra sore the next day. Bondi Beach was GORGEOUS! I’d love to go there again one day.

After driving back to Canberra and having a picnic with Lauren’s friends, I thought I was prepared to face Radford the following morning. However, I was wrong. I felt very welcome by the school, but stressed about making the right first impression, and making friends.

Day two at Radford was much better, as I felt more confident and began to communicate with some of the other students. Speaking at the assembly on my third day of school was not my favourite part as I’m not fond of public speaking but everything went well.

A week later, Radford asked me to say hello and introduce myself at assembly, which consisted of 1000 students in the hall. Thinking back to the previous week where I had to stand in front of the year group, I felt this was going to be much more difficult. After I spoke, I was happy that I’d done it early on in the trip when I barely knew anybody rather than towards the end when I’d recognize everybody’s faces.

Now being close to the end of my exchange, I realize I could not have had a better experience. I’ve had the most amazing involvement with the school and students and I would do it all over again if I could. I’ve formed bonds with people that I’ll keep in touch with for as long as possible. I’m truly sad that this trip is coming to an end, and looking forward to getting more involved with Round Square. –Chelsea Silva-Martin ’14