What’s in a Number? Pre-U Results…That’s What!

CONCORDIAThe results are in! Well, most of them, and the members of the Pre-U Class of 2011 have a lot to be proud of.

With so much of the Pre-U year focused on applying to university, awaiting the inevitable admission decision is an unnerving time for our students. The last month has been a whirlwind of highs and lows, with the crush of a refusal and the exhilaration of a university acceptance sometimes being experienced within minutes of each other.

But once the emotions settle down, it’s time to for that major, life-changing, decision – where am I going to be next year?

Not everyone has finalized their university decision yet, but when our 25 students cross the stage on May 19th at their graduation ceremony, this is what I know:
• 52% of the students will be attending university in the United States
• 38% of the US-bound students were accepted at universities that have admission rates under 15%
• 75% of our students who applied early to US universities were accepted
• 100% of the students who applied to UK universities were accepted
• 87% of the class has been offered admission scholarships
• 50% of one of the most prestigious scholarships at a top Canadian university were offered to our students (4/8)
• 100% of the Pre-U students will join the Class of 2015 at a university somewhere in the world beginning September 2011

The Pre-U Class of 2011 may be small in number, but they are mighty in many ways. And although, I’m not one to quantify the Pre-U experience—after all, Pre-U is about so much more than just getting into university— the numbers do speak for themselves and are a great reflection of the overall success of our Pre-U students this year.—Kim Tulloch, Director of University Advising

DQ 2011: Broadening our Montreal Perspectives

DQ_SiglerBlog_18Apr2011The coming of April brings about a shift in the overall mentality of students, and the city as a whole. Snow is melting, sun is shining, the Habs are battling it out in the playoffs, and it’s time to re-discover the wonders of the outside world. The increasingly pleasant weather evokes a dormant passion in us all to explore new ideas, and how better to kick it off than LCC’s 12th annual Destiny Quebec conference: an event for Montreal youth to discuss pertinent issues and current events.

In recent years, our committee has oriented itself towards global and environmental themes such as “A World Without Oil” and the eminent global water crisis. This year however, we chose to go with something a little closer to home. We elected to focus on a most beautiful and cosmopolitan city: Montréal.
Over the course of the one-day conference, which took place on April 12, we sought to explore the various facets of our city’s unique character, and speculate on how it will evolve with increased immigration, globalization, and population. As the city faces challenges and changes in the years to come, our goal was to broaden the delegates’ understanding of, appreciation for, and responsibility to the city that we will one day inherit.

The day began with a small reception hosted by our headmaster, where my co-chair Kasha and I had the pleasure of meeting with several of the seminar speakers before the conference began. Our keynote speaker, Mr. Alexandre Trudeau, kicked things off with our opening assembly, where Senior School students and other delegates gathered. Mr. Trudeau’s remarks were highly engaging as he took us through the history of Montreal and emphasized how the city has always preserved a diverse, accepting, and multi-cultural identity. He concluded by asserting that Montreal will continue to develop and flourish as Canada’s most cosmopolitan city and lead the way towards a progressive and innovative future.

Following the general assembly the delegates broke off into five different seminar sessions led by 10 different thought-provoking speakers, covering a wide array of topics: business/economy, public/social institutions, infrastructure, culture and festivals.

After two hours of discussion in our smaller groups, we gathered in the WLAC (Webster Learning Activity Centre) for a break and to share ideas. It did not take long for us to realize that everyone had been inspired by their seminar discussions. Disagreement on certain political issues sparked an intense debate between Mr. Patrick Cigana, Director of “Projet Montreal,” and Professor Saeed Mirza of McGill University concerning Montreal’s infrastructure problems. The former CEOs of Alcan and Positron, two of Canada’s biggest industries over the last decades, used their acquired wisdom to lead an exceptional “Business” seminar. Messrs. Culver and Weiser had some stiff competition however, as students laughed up a storm with the Just for Laughs Chief Operating Officer, Bruce Hills, and explored Montreal’s arts & music scene with retired teacher and prolific musician, George Doxas, in the “Festivals” seminar.
Other delegates were able to travel through the world of Montreal’s sports with former Expos commentator and journalist Rodger Brulotte, and enhance their perspectives on Montreal’s situation as compared to rest of the world with Mr. Trudeau’s extensive worldly experiences and knowledge in our “Culture” discussion. The remainder of the conference attendees talked about the future of our great city’s academic and social infrastructure, as well as public works projects such as the new MUHC with the Director of Marionopolis College, Len Even, and local urban planner, Mélanie Veilleux.

Refreshed yet stimulated by the break, the delegates broke off into their second block of seminars. Discussions were even more intense than the first set of seminars as the delegates and speakers eased into the rhythm of the conference.

Closing presentations took place at 2 pm in the Chamandy Auditorium where we listened to LCC alumni John Christou ’95 and Alec Mathewson ’95 break down Montreal’s film industry with great enthusiasm. They explained the difference between independent and unionized filmmaking, and elaborated on the process of movie production as a whole. Mostly, they described the challenges and perseverance that their profession requires, and emphasized the diversity in style and concentration of creativity that our city proudly houses.

After their presentation had finished and the closing address was made, delegates said their goodbyes and poured onto Royal Avenue with somewhat different perspectives from when they arrived earlier in the day. They were more sensitive to Montreal’s opportunities, challenges and needs. At the conference end, we encouraged the delegates to make the best of their newly acquired knowledge by embracing their respective roles as citizens of Montreal.
As we look forward, and with the anticipated drop in Montreal’s English population, it is our generation’s duty to preserve Montreal’s cosmopolitan heritage and keep it on course towards a better tomorrow. This DQ conference took a small step in ensuring that today’s youth are on track to do just that (photos). — Greg Sigler ’11, Co-Chair, Destiny Quebec 2011

Pondering the Future of Montreal @ LCC

What’s the future of Montreal? This was the focus of this year’s annual Destiny Quebec student leadership conference held this week at LCC. What an excellent topic for those of us who live in this great city. (view gallery)

DQ2011_28Congratulations to DQ 2011 student Co-Chairs Kasha Bonneville ’11 and Greg Sigler ’11 who guided an enthusiastic committee of student leaders. After months of planning, students investigated this question with visiting experts. This was done through the lens of our aging infrastructure, evolving university and health care institutions, the vibrancy of Montreal’s culture, and emerging areas of economic challenge and leadership in the city.

Keynote speaker Alexandre Trudeau presented a fascinating perspective to all Senior School students and visiting delegates. He noted that in Montreal – and indeed everywhere in the West – we need to be aware of the challenges emerging from new economic superpowers China and India. We need to respond with innovation. In Mr. Trudeau’s words, our future success is dependent on being “flexible, tolerant and imaginative.” I know our students are up to the challenge and will emerge as confident leaders who will steward Montreal into the future with care. –Chris Shannon, Headmaster

Celebrating our Planet Earth

EarthWeekAnother year has passed since our last Earth Day and Environment Week at LCC. Unfortunately, on the global scale it’s easy to feel gloomy about the general state of the environment. Climate change is a huge topic, and while politicians around the world debate the issues—as they did at the Copenhagen Conference last December and only implement minimal change—we all ask, what is really being achieved?

I believe that at the grassroots level, people are more aware that the environment matters. Individuals, not governments are making a difference. People are more responsible and accountable, not because they have to, but because they want to.

How about within our own school community? Have we made progress by reducing our footprint and becoming greener? Are we building a more sustainable school?

I am proud that we have made a number of advances. Yet, I will be the first to assert that we have yet to develop broad universal “buy-in” and consciousness. For too many people in our school community, environmental changes remain only skin deep. More effort is still required to embed sustainable practices into our daily lives.

We have made achievements and some notable progress. Consider the following:
 We have made the environment and sustainability one of the seven pillars of our school’s current strategic plan.

 We have significantly reduced our energy consumption at the school in recent years thanks to some initiatives we implemented three years ago.

 Under the leadership of Ms. Scattolin and Mr. Olive, the LCC Green Team and a host of students have made notable changes including implementing a composting program.

 Our Sustainability Committee, made up of student, faculty, and Board representatives meet regularly outside of class time to consider new directions for our school.

 We have developed a Sustainability Mission Statement that will soon be endorsed by our Board and will define school practices well into the future.

 Our Board has made a commitment to build a sustainable green “Learning Commons” and we are aiming to construct a gold LEED-standard building.

 The environmental curriculum has been enhanced for students and interesting activities are available beyond the classroom.

 Creative and engaging “environmental video minutes” have been presented at school assemblies.

 Our focus has been on initiative and change, not window-dressing.

Clearly, LCC has made an open commitment to become a greener and sustainable school. The rest is really up to our students. At assembly this week, I was direct and asked students from grades 7 to 11 if they cared. Is environmental progress something they see as important or do they see it as someone else’s responsibility? Will more leaders emerge from our student body, or will students simply accept bad habits that we know we cannot sustain? What is our students’ vision of environmental management, as it will likely be the defining issue of their adult lives?

These are difficult questions. I hope we address them head on in the coming year. In the interim, remember that this is Earth Week and the importance of celebrating all the elements that make up our very fine planet. The other evening I left school following a short, light rain shower that had refreshed our now green fields. The smell of the dirt and the grass was fantastic; a reminder of how quickly the natural world adapts from a barren, Montreal snow-covered winter. Miraculously, our fields develop into the beautiful natural green space our school community enjoys from spring to fall.

This week, I hope you will participate in some of our Earth Week activities. I also hope you will find time to connect with nature and remember how blessed we are in Canada with so much open space and exceptional natural beauty. We all have to accept responsibility for stewarding what native Canadians have always called “Mother Earth.” Let’s all care for her with passion and a true sense of responsibility. —Chris Shannon, Headmaster

Olympien Yannick Lupien inspire les élèves de secondaire I

Voici des extraits de commentaires d’élèves de 7e année après la visite de Yanick Lupien.

YannickLupienL’olympien Yannick Lupien est venu rendre visite à Lower Canada College le mardi 13 avril 2010. C’était une superbe idée car il m’a inspiré à travailler plus fort pour avoir ce que je veux dans la vie. J’ai aussi aimé sa détermination pour devenir un nageur olympique et un pompier. Il m’a montré que si tu veux réaliser tes rêves dans la vie, il faut que tu travailles fort. Je ne le croyais presque pas quand il nous a dit que toute sa carrière a commencé parce que sa mère a acheté une maison avec une piscine creusée et elle voulait qu’il apprenne à nager. Yannick Lupien est, et va toujours être une grande inspiration pour moi. —Adrien Perlinger ’14

Yannick Lupien m’a impressionné. Quand je l’ai vu rentrer dans le Chamandy, il était tout content de nous parler. J’étais impressionné par ses histoires; il se levait tous les matins à 5 h pour nager, ensuite aller à l’école, et finalement nager après l’école. Je pense qu’il est cool et il est devenu mon idole. Je vais prendre ses conseils et suivre mon rêve : jouer dans la LNH. —Zack Bélanger ’14

Je trouve que la présentation était très cool parce qu’il nous a expliqué des choses importantes, en même temps, il est drôle et amusant. Il est allé aux Jeux Olympiques deux fois et a nagé avec l’excellent Michael Phelps. Yannick est très costaud, il mesure 6 pieds 5 et il vient d’une ville appelée Elmer. Je vais toujours me souvenir de cette présentation. —Alex Desgagnes ’14

Yannick m’a appris de ne jamais abandonner nos rêves. —Kevin Ly ’14

Avec son enthousiasme et son charisme il nous a encouragé à toujours faire de notre mieux. Il nous a dit de continuer et de ne jamais arrêter une activité même si tu n’es pas le meilleur. Avec ces mots inspirants, plusieurs enfants vont continuer de poursuivre leurs rêves. Qui sait, peut-être quelqu’un en septième année ira aux olympiques! —Victoria Van Ryswyk ’14

J’ai vraiment adoré l’écouter parler. J’ai beaucoup appris de lui, ça m’a permis d’apprécier tout ce que j’ai. Quand il a parlé de ses difficultés pour nager tous les jours avant l’école, j’étais tellement surprise. Normalement, pour moi, quand je nage une longueur, je suis si fatiguée que je m’arrête tout de suite. Il m’a appris de ne jamais abandonner. Bien sûr, je ne vais pas nager 10 kilomètres, mais faire du mieux que je peux! —Kaitlin Markus ’14

J’ai vraiment aimé son discours. Il a vraiment ouvert mes yeux sur mon futur. Il nous a expliqué comment bien réussir à l’école et de ne pas abandonner nos rêves. Je serais content s’il revenait nous parler. —Eric Tellier ’14

Yannick Lupien est un homme très gentil et inspirant. Il a dit, « Quand vous travaillez pour quelque chose, vous êtes récompensé ». Même quand on se moquait de lui, il a continué à travailler très fort. Il était très chanceux d’avoir une famille qui le supportait. Il racontait toujours des blagues qui nous faisaient rire. Yannick est vraiment un champion. — Sonia Toy ’14

Il m’a tellement inspiré que je suis encore sous le choc. Il nage environ 10 km par jour, tous les jours! Après avoir célébré la nouvelle année avec notre famille et nos amis, il nage! En plus d’être un nageur professionnel, il est également pompier. Il sauve des vies, nage, il persévère (même avec une infection aux oreilles) et gagne sa course, c’est une source d’inspiration. —Claudia Melka ’14

M. Lupien nous a expliqué que rien n’est facile, il faut travailler pour obtenir ce que tu veux. Il a aussi mentionné que même si des gens se moquent de toi à cause de ton sport, il ne faut pas arrêter de faire ce que tu aimes. Il faut toujours croire en toi, même si les autres doutent. J’ai beaucoup appris de sa présentation. C’est une personne qui motive beaucoup les jeunes. —Luca Saputo ’14

J’ai pensé que la présentation était extraordinaire. Yannick m’a fait beaucoup rire, il m’a également montré qu’il ne faut jamais abandonner. Il donne son 100% chaque fois, il ne lâche jamais. —Nathan Reid ’14

Une personne très sage a dit : « Dans la vie, les trois choses dont vous avez besoin pour réussir sont; la persévérance, la persévérance et la persévérance. ». Cette personne fantastique, a réussi à motiver les adolescents, ce qui est une chose de très difficile à accomplir! Je m’appelle Lola Flomen ’14, et mon héros est Yannick Lupien.