CONNECTSJune 2014

Congratulations

GRad 2014

Cover: Alex O. laughs during the Valedictorian’s Speech at the 2014 Commencement Ceremony at Klahanie Park.

Inside: Students in Mr. Nick Allen’s Grade 5 class prepare for their World Leaders Summit at the Wentworth Campus.

Back cover: Philanthropist and former Paralympian Rick Hansen speaks at the 2014 Commencement Ceremony at Klahanie Park.

June 2014

inside this issue

10 Wright on

12 Grade 7 Commencement

14 2014 Commencement

21 Dads and Lads Rugby

Lessons from the Frozen Pond

FROM VISIONA collection of our best photographs from June

Headmaster Rodger Wright hugs a stuffed animal, a gift from a former student, as he moves out of his office at the Morven Campus. The Glenmore Wing closed on June 6 and is scheduled to be demolished in the coming weeks.

From Vision: GoodBye, Morven

Left: Joel A. looks for trash during the Grade 7 Service Beach Clean Up at Ambleside Beach. In their last service project of the year, four Grade 7 classes picked up garbage from Ambleside Beach to John Lawson Park.

Right: Grade 3 students and their dads play in the Father’s Day Dodgeball” game at the Wentworth Campus.

From vision: Service & Dodgeball

6 CONNECTS

“

FROM VISION 7

Sam M. plays with her kindie buddy Isabel M. during the Grad-Kindie Farewell at the Wentworth Campus.

From vision: Grads and Kindies

10 CONNECTS

WRIGHT ON 11

wright onAt the Morven Closing ceremonies this year, I

took the text of my final little message for the year from a predictable source. It came from a book on hockey. It actually came from the quintessential Canadian book on hockey, called The Hockey Sweater. Written by Roch Carrier in 1974, it tells the story (that is particularly painful to me) of a young French Canadian boy — die hard Montreal Canadiens fan — whose mother ordered him a new hockey sweater and the store sent by mistake a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater. Worst of all, his mother made him wear it out on the rink when all his buddies were wearing the red, white and blue of the Montreal Canadiens.

I’ve been reading this book this spring to the grade 3’s which was exciting while the Habs were in their deep Stanley Cup run, and my beloved Leafs were, as usual, golfing. The grade 3’s love the ending, but I particularly love the beginning. If you look on the back of an old 5-dollar bill you’ll see an outdoor hockey scene and be able to read Carrier’s first paragraph on the bill.

This is it: “The winters of my childhood were long, long seasons. We lived in three places — the school, the church and the hockey rink — but our real life was on the hockey rink. Real battles were won on the hockey rink. Real strength appeared on the hockey rink. The real leaders showed themselves on the hockey rink.”

For hockey rink these days we could substitute dance studio, theatre stage, jazz ensemble, rugby field, service project, canoe trip—many things. Carrier was saying that important unscripted lessons in life are learned when you are in a team setting doing something with purpose that you like.

You learn so naturally about working closely with others to achieve your goals. In Carrier’s case it was putting the puck in the net, but in life it could be building a business or building a family. It takes

self-control, determination, patience, awareness of the needs of others, respect and tons of trust.

For all of the students, whether you are remaining at Collingwood or moving on, I would challenge you to remain involved in as many team or group undertakings as possible in the future. My background is in team sports and I’ve learned so much from them, but it

doesn’t have to be team sports. There are so many other opportunities at Collingwood and beyond to join a group, be it a choir, dance troupe, a club or an excursion to India, and discover a compelling and fun way to learn about yourself and to learn about how to get along and get ahead.

So my message today is to seek out these types of opportunities for the rest of your life. Seek out opportunities of doing something in a team environment and discover the joy and personal growth possible in working with a likeminded group of people doing something that matters to them all, and that is fun for you.

Seek out opportunities of doing something in a team environment and discover the joy and personal growth possible in working with a likeminded group of people.

Lessons from the frozen pond

Grade 7 commencementBy Rheanne Stevens

On Monday, June 16, Collingwood celebrated the second Grade 7 Graduating Class from Wentworth. This was a group that went above and beyond. They didn’t just hold classes in the new science labs, they used them to their greatest advantage, culminating in an assessment that included chemistry experiments, critical analysis, research skills and use of available technology. They were there when the seeds of Round Square were planted last year, but it was their enthusiasm and commitment that helped the programme grow this year into one where there were numerous initiatives from ivy pulls, to the Whistler Water One Climb, to Mini-We day to the Jasper trip.

They followed strong athletes who went before them, using their successes and failures to learn from in order to lead them to impressive feats in many areas including on the soccer field, the basketball court, and notably the rugby pitch where we took home the Grade 7 ISEA cup for the first time in Collingwood history.

12 CONNECTS

As our grade 7 students head off to the next stage of their journey, at Morven and beyond, they will use the many leadership skills that they have developed in their time at Wentworth. They will consider their passion and be the change they want to see in the world. More than that, they follow the example of those that came before them, and identify others that have so much potential for greatness. They will be those first few courageous followers who will be instrumental in the real movement towards change. They have demonstrated that they learn from others, build on the success of others, and follow a path that takes them to remarkable places.

It was a night to celebrate a class of students with tremendous intellect and talent who will certainly impress at Morven next year.

All the best in your future, Grade 7s. It has been an absolute pleasure having you here at Wentworth.

NEWS 13

Opposite: Lisa Z., right, gets ready with her friends for the Grade 7 Commencement Ceremony at the Wentworth Campus.

Left: Mackenzie K. reads the poem “Where Eagles Fly”.

Bottom: Students file into the gymnasium for the Grade 7 Commencement Ceremony.

14 CONNECTS

Class of 2014 Valedictorian Andrew R. hugs his mom, Tina, after delivering his address at the 2014 Commencement Ceremony.

NEWS 15

2014 Commencement Collingwood School bid farewell to the Class of 2014

at this year’s Commencement Ceremony at Klahanie Park on Monday, June 23, 2014. Andrew R., the Class of 2014 Valedictorian, spoke about the resilience of his class in the face of “grit.” He also took time to thank his parents. “Over twelve years, all of our parents have given us the world and I know that all of our accomplishments, hopes, dreams and futures are because of the love of our parents,” Andrew said. “So on behalf of my fellow graduates here, I thank our parents for literally everything.”

16 CONNECTS

Top: Students wait to be piped in before the ceremony.

Right: Mr. Roger Hatch, left, was named an honourary member of the Class of 2014.

NEWS 17

Clockwise: Students listen during a speech. // Philanthropist and former Paralympian Rick Hansen addresses the audience. “I wish you all the best on your journey,” Hansen said. “I know that you are constantly buffered by challenges but ultimately it is your tools and skills that you’ve acquired and your positive attitude that will help you go forward and make our world a better place. You are not our future — you are our today.” // Class of 2014 Valedictorian Andrew R. delivers his address. “We are proud of what our community has accomplished in building the future of our school,” Andrew said. “We look forward to seeing our school continue to grow in the future.” // Gabrielle L. takes a selfie before the ceremony.

18 CONNECTS

NEWS 19

Left: Head Girl Mikayla M., right, hugs a friend after receiving her degree.

Below: Members of the Class of 2014 throw their graduation caps in the air during the group photograph.

Wentworth AthleticsBy Benoit Truscott

A MESSAGE TO THE COACHES:With the small amount of time that each coach and

their respective players have together, they are asked to make a group into a team, and a team into a machine that produces and exhibits the lessons of that coach —be it courage, commitment, strength in victory, strength in defeat. The work these coaches put in throughout the year is immeasurable. Without their care and passion, the athletics program at Wentworth would cease to exist. Both the students and myself appreciate you more than you know — thank you, coaches, for all that you do.

A MESSAGE TO THE ATHLETES:Over the course of the year, goals, points, baskets,

and tries are scored. Blocks, steals, and tackles are made. Skills are taught, lessons are learned, tears are shed…hopefully not always in that order. In an environment such as Collingwood, there are so many great opportunities for our students strengthen their foundation and to galvanize their existence and identity within the school; the Athletic programs and teams are

fantastic and endless. This makes each window small — but, if you really want it, the potential to reach the stars within that window is immense.

So often, we look so far into the future. We focus so much on the achievement of our goals and results that we wish to have. Of course, goals, dreams, and hopes are essential in our lives — they are what drive us and push us to continue.

But, they are not what teach us nor are they what force us to learn and improve. The true value of our goals, dreams, and hopes lies in the road we take to achieve them — the lessons we need as athletes, students, and as human beings are almost always found in the process and not the outcome. Without even realizing it, you have learned so much this entire year about yourselves and what you are capable of.

Collingwood Athletes: as you move onto your next challenge, be it at Morven or Wentworth, do not forget the lessons that the ‘road’ has taught you and will continue to teach you along the way.

20 CONNECTS

Dads and Lads RugbyBy Dave Speirs

The Dads and Lads rugby game has been a Collingwood tradition since 1996. In its first two years, the game was actually full-contact, but thankfully for all involved it quickly became a touch game, which saved the boys further embarrassment after losing the first two matches. It also made it a far more inviting prospect for Dads who were not keen on being “smashed” by their teenage sons.

As the years passed, rugby alumni were invited to join in and the event became known as Dads, Lads and Grads. This year was an exception as the alumni had their own touch game to coincide with the Roger Hatch Rugbyman’s Dinner and Roast. Thus, this year it was just the 2014 team versus their dads. Thankfully, the dads were bolstered by the Collingwood rugby coaches who provided some playing expertise as well as a very liberal interpretation of the rules, especially when it worked in the Dads’ favour.

For Bailey S., Coach Speirs’ son, the Dads and Lads game provides a fun and good-spirited end to the rugby season.

“It is really fun for the fathers who have watched

their sons go to battle in rugby get a taste of the game especially if they previously haven’t,” Bailey said.

As usual, there was some “sparkling” champagne rugby played by the dads. This year’s Dad MVP award would have to go to Charles Cleghorn (father of Henry) who was a real lifewire throughout the games. Try of the Day would go to Suki Sekhon (father of Harrison) who followed up a kick and took it on the bounce for a glorious tally! Fun was had by all and Coach Speirs was particularly happy when photographic evidence was provided after the game of him making a break past his son.

Top: Bailey S. chases his dad, Director of Athletics Dave Speirs, during the Dads and Lads rugby game at Klahanie Park. Mr. Speirs has been coaching his son, who is graduating this year, in Collingwood’s rugby program since Bailey was in Grade 9. I think we’ve bonded over rugby and I’ve learned everything I know about rugby from him,” Bailey said. “It’s been a really special experience.”

NEWS 21

“

22 CONNECTS

Grade 7 exploreBy Brei Souza

Grade 7 Explore ran from May 27–30 where the students, Explore team and some Grade 7 teachers spent four days and three nights at the internationally renowned Outdoor Education Centre, Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island. This experience was designed to be a transition from the students’ previous residential camp experiences in Grades 4 through 6 to a more outdoor skill specific experience in preparation for Explore in Grades 8 and 9.

Student activities included introductory rock climbing, a high ropes course, hiking, team building initiative games and nature observation. Most noteworthy, the students participated in a one night wilderness canoeing and camping experience on Upper Campbell Lake and were introduced to “Explore-specific” skills such as self-reliance, backcountry cooking, shelter building, and team work. During this trip, students were introduced to their Explore journals

and guided through reflective activities to maximize their learning during the camp as well as build on their existing knowledge of outdoor concepts.

Highlights for the students included a wonderful hike up to the Bog viewpoint, sailing to their campsite, singing songs and telling riddles while canoeing and sitting around the fire having S’MORES! Some groups had wonderful discussions about being a Happy Warrior especially after doing the initiative tasks. A teacher highlight was seeing the students work independently, set up their camp shelters and cook their dinners. This trip was a huge success and some students even felt it was their best outdoor experience yet. We are all, both students and the Explore team, excited as we look ahead to Explore 8! We hope students enjoy the summer, spending time in the outdoors.

NEWS 23

On a beautiful sunny day in May, eight of us — Brendan A., Joelle J., Schon T., Hailey S., Lisa Y., Emily K., our two fun teachers Ms. Paul and Mr. Field, and I — decided to challenge our leadership and survival skills: we ventured out into the aquatic world of Desolation Sound.

Despite the weather report, the weather gods decided to bestow upon us nice weather. The group got along really well with everyone hanging out together from the very start. We had some extensive knowledge on intertidal marine life, especially barnacles, courtesy of Mr. Field and Ms. Paul as they kept the trip interesting and educational.

Not only did we swim in the ocean, we also swam in freshwater at Unwin Lake — it was unbelievable how cold that lake was! We also held an enormous starfish which we learned was a Sunstar that even ended up sticking to Joelle

and Hailey’s kayak. But the best thing was, we spotted a

pod of orca on our way back to basecamp. WOW! The

sight was, of course, breath-taking. Even though we were

very far away from the orcas, we had no problem seeing

them jump clear out of the water. We had quite a magical

time listening to them as they came by multiple times

while we laid on the tent platforms after dark; it was quite

the west coast experience. As you can see we had some

pretty amazing experiences going on!

I have to admit, we got back to our homes exhausted

and 50 shades darker on only our arms and faces, thanks to

our wetsuits. Note to self: sunscreen is actually important.

I had some monumental moments on this trip and made

some lasting memories that will stay with me forever.

Desolation SoundBy Angela X., Grade 11 student

24 CONNECTS

Left: Adam B. and Mikayla M. give their final speech to the student body at the Morven Closing Ceremonies.

Right, top: Senft House captains Ali B. and Matt C. were awarded this year’s Wright Cup.

Right, bottom: Royce M. and Yoo B. were present to accept the 2014–2015 Entrance Scholarships, awarded by the Admissions Department. Mackenzie B. was also awarded a scholarship.

NEWS 25

Morven Closing CeremoniesBy Janis Clark

The Morven Closing Ceremonies officially marked the end of the 2013–2014 academic year. Outgoing Head Girl Mikayla M. spoke about her readiness to tackle the world after Collingwood.

“Knowing that my future now rests solely in my own two hands is a little frigthening,” Mikayla said. “But the one comfort I fall back on each and every day is knowing that I’m ready. And this isn’t just a feeling inside of me telling me it’s going to be okay. This is a fact. How do I know this? For the past thirteen years I have sat in the exact same spot as you. I have walked the same hallways and talked to the same teachers. My entire adolescent life revolved around one thing: Collingwood. And if there is one thing Collingowod truly excels at above all else, it is preparing young people to thrive in meaningful lives.”