FENELON FALLS SECONDARY April 2009

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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Trillium Lakelands DSB

PRINCIPAL’S COMMENT

It is hard to believe that another school year is drawing to a close. Many awesome events have taken place over the course of our school year that continue to prove F.F.S.S. is the best school in our Board when reflecting on the accolades of success in academics, athletics and extra-curricular school activities. “Falcon Pride” soars high throughout our wonderful school and supportive community. I would like to thank all students, all staff and all our community members for your dedication in making F.F.S.S. the amazing place it continues to be.

As we approach our year end, June exams and culminating activities, students should continue to work towards their goal of academic success in each of their courses. To our graduating students; your four-year goal of completing your diploma requirements will soon become a reality as you plan for the next stage in your life. I wish the best of luck to each and every single one of you in all your future endeavours.

Use of Cell Phones

Given the nature of the electronic age we live in and understanding the use of the cell phone to stay in contact with family, we are asking students to follow these expectations of appropriate cell phone use at school.

1. Students must have their cell phones turned off when they enter their classes. Cell phones are to remain turned off for the duration of the class. During breaks and lunch, students may use their cell phones.

2. If students do not follow this expectation, their teacher will take their cell phone until the end of the period, and then it will be returned. We want to ensure that the learning environment is not interrupted by a cell phone disturbance.

3. If the cell phone concern is not resolved and there continues to be a problem with interruptions to the classroom from the same student’s cell phone on a repetitive basis, the cell phone will be given to that student’s Vice-Principal by their teacher. The Vice-Principal and student will meet to discuss the consequences of future cell phone interruptions. The cell phone will be given back at the end of the day.

4. If, after these steps of intervention, there is still a problem in class with the student’s cell phone, the Vice-Principal will contact home and arrange a plan where the cell phone stays at home and the parents/guardians will need to utilize the main office to contact their student while at school in case of emergency.

We expect students to employ respect and responsibility with their cell phone while classes are in progress from 8:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dress Code and Warmer Weather

With the change of weather for the better, we hope, there also comes a change in the clothing worn by students. I would like to remind both students and parents that proper clothing should be worn at all times while attending F.F.S.S. Please remember the six “B’s” which cannot be shown – Backs, Bellies, Bras, Breasts, Buttocks, and Briefs/Boxers!

School Council

Our next School Council meeting is Monday, May 11^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. If you are interested in joining us, please drop in. This will be the last School Council meeting for this school year.

Next year’s School Council meetings will take place on the third Monday of every second month starting in September. Following meetings will be held in November, January, March and May.

Important Future Dates

PA Day – Friday, May 1^st- (no classes)

Pre-Exam Mark update week – May 25^th to 29^th

Athletic and Student Events Moratorium – June 15^th to 17^th

EXAMS – June 18^th to 23^rd (Exam expectations and schedule to follow)

Graduation Ceremonies – Friday, June 26^th at 8:00 p.m.

Attendance = Success

Interesting piece of data from Semester One … our students had a 99% success rate in achieving their credit(s) if they had missed fewer than ten classes.

OSSLT – Grade 10 Test of Literacy

Grade 10 students completed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test on April 2^nd. The grade 10 test is based on the reading and writing expectations in all subject areas up to the end of grade 9. Reading activities cover a range of topics and include both multiple choice questions and short writing tasks to demonstrate comprehension and the ability to make connections to the text. Along with several short writing tasks, students must also complete two long writing samples – a news report and a series of opinion paragraphs. Achievement of the OSSLT is required for a diploma from all Ontario secondary

schools. Students develop literacy skills in all areas of the curriculum. In order to facilitate success on the OSSLT, all grade 10 students also participated in practice sessions for the seven consecutive weeks prior to April 2^nd. We feel confident that the students were well-prepared and ready to write the OSSLT. EQAO will send the results to individual students before the end of the semester.

Student Dental Coverage

Since 1987, the HKPR District Health Unit has administered the Children In Need of Treatment (CINOT) program to pay for urgent dental treatment of children under fourteen years of age. Children whose families are not recipients of social assistance, do not have dental insurance and are unable to pay for treatment may be eligible for this program.

We are pleased to advise that effective January 1, 2008, the CINOT program has been expanded province wide to include youth up to and including seventeen years of age.

Be There

Be There is a research-based, multimedia campaign that inspires parents and community members to become more involved in their children’s education. Ordinary moments become extraordinary when adults relate to their children during the daily routines of life. Teachable moments are everywhere. Research proves that parent involvement has a significant impact on student success. It only takes a small increase in parent input to see measurable results in student output! Be There is not a program or curriculum. It requires little effort to implement. It’s a media campaign in which the creators and the media do the work. You just champion the cause! The TLDSB Be There parent and community engagement campaign will run for two years from February 2009 to January 2011. For more information visit www.tldsb.on.ca/bethere.htm or call Catherine Shedden in the Director’s Office.

STUDENTS TO CELEBRATE

Each month F.F.S.S. looks for “Students to Celebrate” among the many outstanding students of the school. Students can be nominated by any staff member and can be nominated for a variety of reasons such as attitude, academic achievement, athletics, extra-curricular involvement, community involvement and character. A male and female student from each grade is selected from the nominees and their pictures are displayed in the "Celebrate" showcase for the month.

November

Grade 9 Courtney Jones, Jeremy Johnston

Grade 10 Valerie Craig, Matt Bates

Grade 11 Caleigh Crockford, Adam Woolfrey

Grade 12 Constance Prentice, Brandon Stewart

December/January

Grade 9 Taylor Stevens, Brandon MacEachern

Grade 10 Christine Oldridge, Levi Macey

Grade 11 Gabrielle Van Schaik, Mike Francis

Grade 12 Shanna Steele, Alan Craig

February

Grade 9 Jesse Beers, Kristen Parro

Grade 10 Dylan McManus, Michelle Hall

Grade 11 Dusty Short, Alyssa Graham

Grade 12 Cassie Gardner, Taylor Nichols

Congratulations to all nominees and winners.

ART DEPARTMENT

Watch for our tenth edition of S.O.F.A. (Showcase of Fine Arts) to happen on Wednesday, May 27^th at 7:00 p.m. Join us as we “raise the roof” in the main gym and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our Dramatic, Musical and Visual Arts students! See you there!

Grade 8 Bobcaygeon Students Visit F.F.S.S. for an “Out of This World Experience”

Recently, F.F.S.S. hosted Mr. Coulter’s grade 8 students from Bobcaygeon Public School on their visit to the Drama Studio where they viewed the play Earth: Investigation of a Murder, and participated in Drama and Earth Sciences workshops.

Earth: Investigation of a Murder is a murder mystery written by the grade 11 Drama class that includes original music and dance sequences. In the play, the planet is discovered dead and CSI investigators from Earth’s sister planet, Mearth, are sent to investigate the cause of death and to find the killer.

After viewing the play, students broke into workshop groups led by the grade 11 Drama class to learn about different forms of drama. Students worked with sources such as Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to create tableaux, scenes to music, choreographed movement and a choral reading presentation. Students also learned about the drama

studio lighting and performed their forms of drama on stage with lighting provided by the grade 11’s. The last portion of our day together included learning about “Time Travel Theories”, “Looking and Listening Back in Time” as well as “Earth’s Thermostat”

with Ms. Telford and her grade 12 Earth Sciences class. In groups, the grade 12’s led discussions about perception and fluidity of time, how the speed of light affects our sense of time and how Earth has naturally maintained a relatively constant temperature over time. This was a unique opportunity for us to pair Science with the Arts while also raising awareness about environmental responsibility. An entertaining and educational time was had by all!

Jewellery Making Workshop

Grades 9, 10, and 11 Visual Arts students at F.F.S.S. participated in an exciting week-long workshop with jeweller Susan Watson Ellis from Haliburton April 14^th – 17^th. They learned metal working techniques to shape, file and create hammered designs to produce personalized ID bracelets using bronze and nickel-silver plates. As well, students learned to wind, cut and assemble chain links to complete their ID bracelets. The workshop was sponsored in part by the Ontario Arts Council, and F.F.S.S. Visual Arts. Visit Ms. Zernask’s Guest Artist page on the F.F.S. S. Homepage to see more!

LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

On April 17^th, Mr. Johnson’s media classes embarked on a field trip to Toronto. Students attended a screening of “Monsters vs. Aliens,” the first film shot entirely in 3D. Afterwards, the group made its way to the MuchMusic studios located at the corner of Queen and John Streets. While there, students comprised the studio audience for a live taping of Much On Demand.

On June 4^th, a bus load of students will head to Stratford to enjoy a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” starring Colm Feore as the title character.

Thirty-seven students enjoyed the sites of London, Paris, and Rome between April 10^th and 19^th .

Preparations for a trip to China, scheduled for April 1-11, 2010, is also underway. There will be a second parent information night on April 22^nd at 6:00 p.m. at the school. Please contact Mme. Rocheleau for information.

Once again, our 4U French students are planning for performances of French plays at the end of May, early June. These plays will be ‘taken on the road’ and performed for elementary school students in the Board.

Trip to Italy – July 2010

Bell'Italia

Students are invited to experience Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy, next summer. Ms. Pam Stroh and Ms. Kelli Chiasson are planning a nine-day trip with EF Educational Tours to visit these historic and architecturally stunning cities in early July, 2010. Some of the highlights of this exciting excursion are: Venice: canals, St. Mark's Square and Cathedral, a glass-blowing demonstration, Doge's Palace; Florence: birthplace of the Renaissance and the Italian language, Ponte Vecchio, il Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, leather-making demonstration; Rome via Assisi birthplace of Saint Francis: Vatican City, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. As this tour is offered during the summer, students (and adults) may opt to stay longer in Europe for a minimal fee. Application forms and information are available from either Ms. Stroh or Ms. Chiasson at 887-2018.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

The Math Department is having a very busy second semester. In February the grade 9, 10, and 11 University of Waterloo Math Contests were written. The top students in the grade 9 Contest were Daniel Jansen, Robert Crober and Kathleen Wood. In grade 10 our top placers were Brittany Griffith, Christine Oldridge, Matthew Bates, Cailin Burmaster and Holly Palmer, and in the grade 11 Contest , Shawna Buren and Tahne Buren were at the top. Congratulations to all participants.

All of the members of the Math Department are involved in board-wide professional development projects, including assessment development, lesson study and principles of questioning strategies.

The Math Centre is a very busy spot these days providing extra assistance in any Math course. It runs daily from 11:15 –11:45 a.m. in Room 201, and all Math students are encouraged to make use of it.

The grade 9 EQAO testing will take place on June 10^th and June 11^th, and final exams begin on June 18^th. It is never too early to start preparing!

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

A strong Health and Physical Education curriculum provides a solid foundation for learning within a healthy school environment. We understand that a good curriculum is just one piece that contributes to our learners becoming healthy and active for life. It is a first step. Together with high quality instruction and resources, a healthy environment, and family, school and community support, we have the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of our students. We offer many inclusive activities that encourage participation and make our curriculum enjoyable for all involved. We believe that our programs offer students the choices they need to be physically active long after they leave our school.

The focus of the Health and Physical Education (H&PE) curriculum is to help students develop a commitment and a positive attitude to lifelong healthy active living and the capacity to live satisfying, productive lives. Our Health and Physical Education teachers have the opportunity to help students develop critical living skills that will make a long-lasting impact.

At the heart of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum are the goals that students will:

-Experience the joy of movement;

-Maintain and improve physical fitness which results in improved learning in all subject areas;

-Understand that making healthy choices leads to living a full and balanced life;

-Develop a personal commitment to daily physical activity;

-Develop skills to support life-long participation in physical activity.

The Ontario Curriculum, Health and Physical Education (grades 9-10, 11-12 policy documents) provides the framework for Health and Physical Education programs at the secondary level.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Some of the grade 9 classes will soon be involved in a regeneration experiment. They will be "operating" on some planaria (flatworms) and over the course of a few weeks will, hopefully, be able to observe the growth of two heads instead of one. Wouldn't it be great if humans were also capable of this!

The grade 11 College Biology class has been trying to determine who has the dirtiest mouth in the class - hopefully it won't be the teacher's! All of the students have taken swabs from their mouths and are culturing their bacteria in a sealed petri dish. Daily observations have been ongoing and the “winner” will be determined shortly.

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The Special Education Department has been busy this year with many special events as well as a change in the look of the Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.’s). Parents should have received an updated copy of the I.E.P. last semester and by the end of semester two, transition plans should be included with all I.E.P.’s. Please contact Ms. Edmonstone if you have questions or concerns about the implementation of your child’s I.E.P.

Upcoming Special Education events include a Character Education workshop hosted by staff from The Kinark Outdoor Centre for students in our Learning Strategies courses in April. Our Practical Academic and Life Skills Students (PALS) visited the sugar bush in early April, and will participate in an Outdoor Activity Day with other Lindsay area schools in May, as well as participating in Special Olympics bowling and track and field events in May and June.

Identification, Placement and Review Committee (I.P.R.C.) meetings, part of the annual review process for students who are formally identified, are also occurring in April and May according to the schedule below. If your child has been identified through the I.P.R.C. process, you would have received a letter of invitation in the mail in early March. Please contact Ms. Edmonstone at 887-2018, extension 32013 for more information.

Grade 9: Wednesday, April 15^th or Thursday, May 7^th

Grade 10: Tuesday, April 21^st or Wednesday, May 6^th

Grade 11: Tuesday, May 12^th or Thursday, May 14^th

Grade 12: Tuesday, May 26^th

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

April and May are a busy time in the Student Services Department. Graduating students are receiving offers from the colleges and universities. The bulk of these will be sent out by the end of May. If your sons or daughters did not apply or wish to reapply to another program, both the university and college application centres’ websites have information regarding program availability. Students can book an appointment with Mr. Warren or Ms. Browne who will help them sort through the websites.

OSAP (student loans) applications are available online at the end of April. If applying for a post secondary loan, students can go to www.osap.gov.on.ca. The application cannot be completed until students have accepted an offer at a specific college or university. There is also the local Weldon Bursary available to all graduates of the City of Kawartha Lakes attending university or college or entering an apprenticeship program. Applications are available in the Student Services Office.

Graduation is on June 26^th at 8:00 p.m. Some students still need to complete their community service hours. Students who did not have the forty hours required to graduate were sent letters in February. All community service hours must be into the Student Services Department by June 12^th to ensure that all graduates’ names appear on the Program. If students want to be considered for the non-academic graduation awards, these hours need to be submitted by May 15^th. The Awards Committee will be meeting towards the end of May and need as accurate a graduation list as possible.

Course selections for next year are now completed and the timetable is being built. Shortly, Option Verification Forms will be going home. Please review these with your children and return them, signed, ASAP! If you have any questions or concerns about the choices, please indicate these on the sheet or contact the Student Services Department.

STUDENT COUNCIL (SAC) NEWS
We hosted dances in September, December, and February, and would like to once again thank all the chaperones and attendees who made fun nights possible. We hope to see you at the last dance of the year on May 8^th! (See below for details).

Several of our members went to the National Me to We Day at Ricoh Coliseum in October and were inspired to start a Me to We Club (see the blurb in this newsletter). Join us and “be the change you want to see in the world!”

Also in October, we hosted “Funny Money”, a presentation from the Investor Education Fund, to learn key money managing tips. Staff and students are still talking about what they learned and how much fun it was!

We have a few items of Falcon clothing still available! If you want vests, toques, scarves, ¾-sleeve shirts, or long-sleeved shirts, contact Ms. Alton in the Math Office, or ask one of your SAC members.

Description and Prices (tax included):

Vests (L to XXXL) - black with an embroidered Falcon logo and the word “Falcons” ($50)

Toques - black with an embroidered Falcon logo ($10)

Scarves - black with an embroidered Falcon logo on one end and the word “Falcons” on the other end ($15)

Long-sleeved shirts (M to XL) - black with “Falcons” down the sleeve and a screened Falcon logo on the back ($20)

Long-sleeved fitted shirts (S to L) - black or white with “Falcons” on the sleeve and a screened Falcon logo on the back ($20)

¾-sleeved shirts (S to L) - white with red sleeves, the word “Falcons” on the front, and a Falcon logo on the back ($20)

The Food Source’s 6^th Annual Pasta Challenge

In February, we competed against all of the high schools in the Board to see who could collect the most macaroni and cheese per student. Thanks to donations from the students and staff, and a generous donation from the Lion’s Club of Fenelon Falls, we reclaimed the title! The Food Source supplies eighteen food banks and supports fifteen School Breakfast programs. Approximately 2,500 people use these Food Banks each month (40% are children). The Food Source distributes food to Food Banks in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, among others. Thank you for helping us help others! Thank you for thinking “We! instead of Me!”

Pedal for Hope (a.k.a. Cops for Cancer) is here on April 24^th! This fundraising drive goes a long way in supporting pediatric cancer research. If you are interested in collecting pledges, shaving your head or cutting your hair to provide wigs for cancer patients, please contact Ms. Alton. We look forward to the assembly on the 24^th and if you’re motivated to donate after that, please go to the Math Office.

President and Vice-President in Ottawa: Grant Leeder and Laura Backman will travel to Ottawa at the end of April to meet with Barry Devolin, M.P., and other student leaders for a look at the parliamentary system and to gain leadership experience. We look forward to hearing their report.

Upcoming Events:

· Dance on May 8^th (7:30-11:00 p.m.): Video Dance - entry-fee discount to those who make a donation to our ongoing food drive. There will be games and prizes so we hope to see a lot of people out for the last dance of the year!!

· F.F.S.S. will hold a Blood Donor Clinic on Monday, May 4^th in Gym 3. Please help save lives!

· Group of Seven Elections on April 20^th. Candidates are: Kyle Gavin, Caitlin Macnab, Oriona Rendon, and Megan Strong.

· Group of Seven Conference for student leaders on April 30^th at Kinark.

· Grade 12 nominations and voting in early May for Executive Council: Valedictorian, Class President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

· SAC Elections will occur in late May.

TECHNICAL STUDIES

The Ontario Marine Operators Association has presented teachers and students from F.F.S.S. with a $1,000.00 grant for its Powersport and Recreational Marine Technology program.

Over forty students were on hand as Peter Muir, a Technology Education teacher at the school, accepted the cheque in a presentation that took place in the Careers in Boating and Georgian College exhibit at the 2009 Toronto International Boat Show.

Although many high schools offer Small Engine programs, what makes F.F.S.S. different is its program is dedicated solely to marine.

“If we could find ten high schools like this one, we would be set,” says Brian Allen, manager of the Skills Development program for the OMOA. “Fenelon Falls Secondary School will be an incredible source of future students for our various marine training programs and, subsequently, our future marine engine technicians.”

What better fit could you find? An association looking to recruit new people into an industry and a high school that focuses on that industry!

TEAMS

Fenelon Falls Falcons are O.F.S.A.A. Snowboarding Champions!

F.F.S.S. has always had a strong Ski and Snowboard program. This year’s excellent season ended March 4^th at Georgian Peaks with Fenelon Falls bringing home a gold and six silver medals.

The sport of snowboarding is both an individual and team sport. Each Giant Slalom race consists of two runs for each athlete. Both runs count for a combined time. Athletes race to achieve individual times, but are also part of a team. A team consists of five riders. At any given race the three best combined times of the five riders on the team count towards a team score.

On March 4^th at Georgian Peaks Resort in Collingwood, the Falcons competed at the O.F.S.A.A. Snowboarding Championships. Fenelon Falls qualified two male teams and two female teams, with a total of eighteen athletes.

Fenelon’s top female team tied for fourth place but as a result of a tie breaker, finished fifth out of over forty of the best female teams in Ontario. The team consisted of Jen Mizell, Chantel Coulter, Brittany Oliver, Jenna Puk and Sarah Skuce. Falcon female team captain, Jen Mizell, finished in second place individually. Jen also finished second last year at O.F.S.A.A. Her dedication to the sport has helped foster a strong team spirit and promoted the sport of snowboarding to other female athletes at F.F.S.S.

On the boys’ side, we had strong showings also. The top Fenelon boys’ team of Derek Coulter, Dan Pearce, Ben Janke, Dan Jackett and Kaden Arseneau finished second out of over forty-five of the best teams in Ontario. The huge success story of the day was Derek Coulter who helped his team to second place with two amazing races. Derek’s times were better than most level two racers (those with racing experience outside of high school). Derek has shown commitment to the sport and extreme development over his high school career. Derek’s motivation has lead him to be the new O.F.S.A.A. champion!

F.F.S.S. Curling Team

Congratulations to the F.F.S.S. Curling team for their efforts this year. Our men’s and women’s teams played well throughout the season, making it to Kawartha Championships and learning a lot along the way. We look forward to seeing these curlers come together again next year. Best wishes to senior curler and all-round great athlete Sarah Landry as she throws her next rocks toward post-secondary education in September.

Girls’ Hockey

The Falcon Girls’ Hockey team had a very successful 2008-2009 season. The team went undefeated in regular season play with a record of 6-0-2, handing St. Peter’s Secondary School their first loss in three years. The team finished in first place at the end of the regular season. The team continued its success at Kawartha Championships, finishing second and earning a place at C.O.S.S.A. Unfortunately, the team came up short losing 4-2 to East Northumberland Secondary School and this brought their season to an end. The team would like to thank their volunteer coaches Glen Oliver and Tom Thornbury for their time, knowledge, and dedication. Players on the Falcon Hockey team were: Tina Drinkwalter, Kali Graham, Brittany Oliver, Tanya Thornbury, Whitney Berry, Torey Vernon, Lucy Prins, Julia Oliver, Katelyn Rayner, Courtney Tinkler, Theresa Jones, Alanna Klatt, and Kylie Figueira.

Figure Skating

The Falcon Figure Skating team competed on March 31^st at the 8^th Annual Trillium Lakelands District School Board Figure Skating Invitational Competition held in Lindsay. The team was composed of fourteen skaters who competed in various dance, free skate, similar pairs, and team events. The skaters earned points for finishing in the top three and accumulated enough team points to finish third out of eighteen schools. The bronze medal marks the eighth year in a row F.F.S.S. has finished in the top three. Honoured at the event was grade 12 student Laura Van Schaik who won the Toni Carr Memorial Bursary. This bursary is awarded to a graduating student who makes a positive contribution to their local skating club. Members of the Falcon Skating team were: Laura Van Schaik, Heather Cherry, Jessica Boustead, Riley Wilson, Tanya Thornbury, Shawna Buren, Tahne Buren, Courtney Tinkler, Amanda Hall, Jeff Gorrill, Megan Archer, Emma Louden, Jackie Amting, and Crystal Geer.

Wrestling

The wrestlers had another great year! The team was smaller than it has been in the past, but that did not change the determination of the wrestlers. The girls’ team shrank considerably in size due to students graduating and key injuries throughout the year. Despite this, five girls went to the Kawartha Championships and came back with the Girls’ Team Title. This is the ninth time the girls have won this honour since it began in 1998. Fenelon Falls girls have only lost the Kawartha Championship once and are looking forward to carrying on the legacy in the years to come. Kawartha Champions in the girls’ division were; Dakoda Carley, Dana Cheetham, and Lindsay Smith with Libby George and Kayla Donaldson silver medalists. All competed at C.O.S.S.A. and did extremely well. The girls were very close to receiving the Girls’ Team Title for C.O.S.S.A. and lost it by three points to a larger team. Dakoda, Dana and Lindsay placed second in their categories allowing them to move on to O.F.S.S.A.

For the first time in years our boys’ team was larger than the girls’. At Kawartha the boys were in tough matches with several just missing the qualification for C.O.S.S.A. William Ubdegrove and Kyle Dimmer qualified for C.O.S.S.A. with second place finishes at Kawartha. Both continued their success at C.O.S.S.A. with silver medals.

O.F.S.S.A. was a great experience for our wrestlers this year. Fenelon Falls had five members qualify; Dakoda Carley, Dana Cheetham, Lindsay Smith, Libby George and Kyle Dimmer. All were successful in winning matches. Lindsay Smith had an excellent tournament placing fifth overall.

Overall, the team had an outstanding year and is looking forward to practicing for another successful season. Ms. DeShane, Mr. LeClaire, Doc Skeoch and Ms. Switzer are all proud of the accomplishments this year and would like to see the team grow in the future.

Varsity Athletics

Participating in sports can lead to the enhancement of work ethic, discipline, time management and organizational skills of students. It has also shown to boost self esteem, energy levels and concentration.

Boys’ Hockey

The Varsity Male Hockey team enjoyed a very successful season in a winter sport season full of surprises at F.F.S.S. The skating Falcons won Kawartha and C.O.S.S.A. championships as well as a birth in the O.F.S.S.A. tournament for the top teams in the province. All players were proud to represent our school and their solid play was noticed by everyone associated with the O.F.S.S.A. event. Congratulations to all involved for an amazing season of hockey!

Mr. Jamieson would like to thank our great staff at F.F.S.S., Mr. Aaron Jermyn, Mr. Ron Druery and all of the players for their time and energy devoted to making us better. A special thanks must go out to our parent drivers who have been so supportive this season. We would be lost without your help.

Have a great time away from the rink!!!

CLUBS

Eco Club

The Eco Club is busy preparing for Earth Day celebrations at F.F.S.S. which will take place Monday, April 20^st to Friday, April 24^th at F.F.S.S. Events will include litterless lunches, Earth colour days, school ground and community cleanup, composting in the cafeteria at lunch, and tree planting. Seedlings will be available all week for students to purchase and these trees will be delivered to students in their homeroom on Wednesday, April 22^nd. As well, the Eco Club is selling 750mL stainless steel water bottles for $12.00 and reusable canvas bags for $5.00. F.F.S.S. participated in Earth Hour on Friday, March 27^th showing their support for climate change and reducing our ecological footprint. All students are always welcome to attend weekly Eco Club meetings held on Thursdays at lunch in room 230. F.F.S.S. is also working towards an Eco School certification. With the continued support of students and staff we should be a certified Eco School by the end of the school year!

New Club at F.F.S.S.: “Me to We”

Looking for new members!

“Me to We is a new kind of social enterprise for people who want to help change the world with their daily choices. Through our media, products and leadership experiences, we support Free The Children‘s work with youth creating global change. Every thought, smile, and choice adds up to a lifestyle that’s part of the worldwide movement of we.”

The Me to We Foundation http://www.metowe.com/main/ is a worldwide movement dedicated to increasing social awareness and advocating for social change locally and internationally: “it has inspired a generation of young people to believe in their own incredible power to raise their voices and truly change the world.” They have built hundreds of schools all over the world and are continuously involved with abolishing child labour, among other projects. The foundation stemmed from the Free the Children Organization, founded by Craig Kielburger. When Craig was twelve years old, he read a news article about a boy his age who was murdered in Pakistan because he chose to rise up against child labour. Craig was deeply disturbed by this article and immediately started doing his part to make a difference. Since then, Craig and his brother Marc have travelled all over the world to get students involved with helping other children who do not have the opportunity of an education. Not only does Me to We promote helping children in foreign countries, but it encourages helping children in your local community. Free the Children and Me to We are based on the premise of kids helping kids, and that is the basis of the ideals of the Fenelon Falls Me to We Club.

This year, nine members of our Student Council attended National Me to We Day and were inspired to start our own club. We came back to our classes with stories that we’d heard, and it made us feel grateful to be living in Canada, where we have the opportunity to do something about the issues that matter to us, including the chance to attend school and get an education. A major goal is to participate in a school building project in Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, India, or China, but we realize there are issues that need to be addressed in our community, too.

On March 23^rd, we hosted Spencer West and Finbar Hefferon from Free the Children. Their tour educates and inspires young people across Canada to work towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. After the assembly, twenty-six students from F.F.S.S.’ Me to We Club attended a leadership workshop with Spencer and Finbar. We are currently planning a “Walk for Water.” We are organizing a walk through town to the water tower to raise awareness about water issues in the world. The date is tentatively set for May 22^nd. We want you to join, too! Join us at lunch on Fridays in Room 201, to learn more.

Anti-Bullying Initiative

On April 14^th and 15^th, approximately twenty F.F.S.S. students participated in a comprehensive two-day training program to gain knowledge, confidence and skills to deliver bullying/harassment workshop presentations to their peers. The training included: