Une visite au Musée

Posted on December 20, 2012 by admin

Vendredi passé, la classe de PREP 11^e année a visité le Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. Plus particulièrement, nous avons vu l’exposition sur l’impressionnisme. Ceci était la collection de Sterling Clark, un collectionneur d’art passionné. Nous avons eu le privilège de participer à un tour guidé pendant une heure. Notre guide nous a expliqué tout ce que nous devions savoir sur l’art de cette époque. Nous étions très impressionnés par les artistes qui étaient regroupés dans cette collection. On a regardé des œuvres provenant de peintres comme Renoir, Manet et Monet.

Notre visite au musée était non seulement intéressante, mais aussi éducative. Les impressionnistes ont créé des peintures avec des arrières plans abstraits. C’était intéressant de réaliser que chaque artiste avait un style différent des autres. Par exemple, il y avait certains artistes qui utilisaient des motifs complexes et beaucoup de couleurs vibrantes. Cependant, d’autres utilisaient des couleurs très sombres et simples. Cela nous permet de voir les styles différents des artistes de ce temps. De plus, c’était commun pour les artistes de peindre au même endroit pendant plusieurs jours. Ceci leur a donné la chance d’interpréter le sujet selon plusieurs points de vue, couleurs et attitudes. L’époque impressionniste a aussi introduit le style de pointillisme, qui consiste à faire de l’art en utilisant seulement de petits points.

Nous comprenons maintenant mieux la différence entre l’impressionnisme, le symbolisme et le réalisme. Après la visite au musée, nous sommes allés dîner dans un restaurant et nous avons mangé beaucoup de pizza! Pendant ce repas, nous nous sommes détendus et nous avons partagé nos réflexions sur l’exposition. – la classe de PREP 11e année

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

Good Decision Making Matters

Posted on December 11, 2012 by admin

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

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.

Middle School Pride: Grace Dart Community Service Concert

Posted on December 5, 2012 by admin

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