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November was a time to remember those who have gone before us, the communion of saints, loved ones and those who have served to protect us. We are very proud of the way our Grade 12 students continued the tradition of leading the Remembrance Day ceremony in the Cathedral. Student leadership was evident as the boys were involved with composing, conducting, singing, and

performing music and prayer that helped us all solemnly honour those who sacrificed their lives so that we might enjoy peace.

In November, Coach Quinn and Coach Rod took our Senior High School Volleyball team to North Bay to compete at the provincial level. This was the fourth time in the past six years that the Choir School has gone to the OFSAA Tournament—an impressive record for our volleyball program! Meanwhile, our Elementary Intermediate Volleyball team brought home the Divisional Pennant. The support of the school community for the entire volleyball program has been greatly appreciated.

In the past month, we welcomed Mme. Comeau onto staff as our Grade 5 and 6 French teacher. Bienvenue, Madame!

We’ve held off publishing the December newsletter so that we could include photos of the wonderfully entertaining Massey Hall concerts. As a school community, we are so proud of our choristers, our conductors, and our alumni. Not only is it gratifying to be able to share that talent with the general public, but these concerts (including the concert in the Cathedral Basilica for TCDSB schools) also provide us with an opportunity to evangelize—to remind people that Christmas is about the Incarnation—in an increasingly secular world.

In contrast to the premature commercial celebration of Christmas, the season of Advent is, for us, a time of anticipation and preparation. Our choristers and conductors are now working hard to prepare for the various liturgical services that lie ahead.

On behalf of the staff here at St Michael’s Choir School, I wish all of you blessings during the Christmas season, the peace of Christ, the company of loved ones, as well as rest and renewal as we head into 2017!

Barry White, Principal

After many weeks of hard work, it is hard to believe that Christmas at Massey Hall is now behind us. What a thrill it was to work with Matt Dusk for this year's concert! From the Elementary Choir right up to the alumni, everyone sounded fantastic, and the concert was a joyful celebration of the season. I want to extend my thanks to the staff who volunteered their time over the weekend —your dedication is such an asset to the success of the Massey Hall concert, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who came out. It was especially nice to be joined by Mr. Soares, Ms. McMillan and Mr. Hume—their assistance was essential. I also wish to recognize Ms. Thorne and Ms. Rosser-Davies, whose management of the many details and challenges of the concert ensure that it runs smoothly.

I also want thank the parents who work to make these concerts a success, especially the members of the Massey Hall committee, under the leadership of Colleen Mahoney. This group has been meeting since January to help prepare us for Christmas at Massey Hall. Special thanks are also due to the volunteers who assisted with CD sales. I know it was a particularly busy year with Matt Dusk's recordings in the mix! Many thanks as well to Pina Povolo and all the parents who came out all day to feed the boys during Dress Rehearsal. And to Michael Ortelli and the team at BOLD, thank you for creating the striking visuals for this year's concerts.

Finally, to Mr. Cheng, Dr. Cichocki, Ms. Conkey and Ms. Dunn, to Mr. O'Meara and Mr. Tamayo, to Matt and his band, and most especially to all the choristers young and old: Congratulations on a joyful and festive concert! You have surpassed all expectations and I am proud of each and every one of you.

I look forward to seeing all of you at next week's Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent, and at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. I wish you all the joy of the season, and best wishes to you and your family for 2017.

Stephen Handrigan,

Director

Newsletter 03-04 Dec. Annual Christmas

Concert, Massey Hall, 3:00 p.m.

05 Dec. P.A. Day, Elementary

and High School

08 Dec. Feast of the Immaculate Conception; Anniversary of Miss

Mann’s Death

11 Dec. Lessons and Carols, All

Choirs, 3:00 p.m.

16 Dec. Civvies Day

23 Dec. Last Day of Classes,

Regular Dismissal

24 Dec. Christmas Eve Mass

5:00 p.m., Elementary Choir

8:00 p.m., Sunday Sr. Choir

11:00 p.m., Saturday Sr. Choir

25 Dec. Christmas Day Mass

12:00 noon, Junior Choir

26 Dec. 2016–06 Jan, 2017

Christmas Break

09 Jan. 2017 School Starts

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Mark it

Swim Team 8, 15 Dec, Ryerson, early morning; *Note: J Innes closed for maintenance, 12 & 19 Dec cancelled

Meetings & Practices

CONGRATULATIONS!

A warm welcome to Mme. Michaud’s sweet bundle of joy— their new baby daughter, Manon Thérèse Michaud, born on Nov. 2,

2016 at 8:15 a.m. The SMCS community sends the Michaud family our best wishes.

07 Dec. CSPC Meeting,

Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

09, 16, 23 Dec. Lunch

Program

Parent Council

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Junior Choir

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Conducted by Maria Conkey

Conducted by Teri Dunn Elementary Choir

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Tenor Bass Choir Conducted by Teri Dunn

Grade 12 Class

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CLASS OF 2017 PHOTO BY ALEXIS CHENG

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Massed Choir

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COURTESY OF SMCS YEARBOOK CLUB

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Matt Dusk & His Band

SMCSAA Choir Conducted by Vincent Cheng

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Senior and Junior Choirs

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C H O R A L N E W S

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Remembrance Day

Lest We Forget

November 11 PHOTOS BY PINA POVOLO

S C H O O L N E W S

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This November, our grade 10 class took a trip to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for our Civics course. It was a truly enlightening experience as we went through the formality of a small tour,touching upon various topics we had studied in class, all while learning new and interesting things. The real highlight of the class trip to Queen’s Park was at the

By Louis Scaramuzza and Nikolai Dimitrov

Have you ever wanted to see water turn into wine? Or wondered how to make smoke rings? Or if you can safely set your hand on fire? Well, Mr. Collins’ grade 3 class got a chance to find out this month. The grade 10 science class put on a very successful show for the grade 3s this month. The high school boys worked extremely hard on their experiments and put on quite a show for the younger kids. Beyond the experiments

Grade 10 Science Class Impresses Younger Boys Photo and Article by Ms. J. Buckley

Grade 10 Trip to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

COURTESY OF ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

mentioned above, we had the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano (which may or may not have stained the science lab ceiling), coloured flames, hot ice, a glow-in-the-dark volcano, and more fire. Congrats to everyone involved, and we look forward to developing the project next year.

end of the tour when we sat in for Question Period. Watching the MPPs debate over current issues in our society was the purest form of democracy that we are privileged to have. It was a truly enriching experience—many thanks to Mme. Suite for arranging a trip that our class will not forget.

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Article and Photos by Ms. M. Dovigo

House Captains Attend Safe Schools Symposium

Robotics Club Grant By Ms. A. Ferreira

A big thank you goes out to Christian Sforza on behalf of the Robotics Club! Christian applied for and received grant money that will be put towards future club needs. Club leaders are carefully planning how to best use these funds, and we look forward to the enhancements this grant money will make to our program. Thank you, Christian, for taking the initiative to apply and for your continued commitment to Robotics at SMCS!

Youth Arts Program

Article and Photo by Ms. A. Ferreira

On the evening of November 30, a

group of SMCS students attended

the Youth Arts Program reception

at the Legislative Assembly of

Ontario. The purpose of the

program is to showcase artwork by

talented Ontario students in Grades

7 to 12.

Our participating artists were Luke

Bonellos, Logan Liut, Tristan

Gysling, Benjamin Norton, and

Taras Rawlinson. Their artwork will be displayed throughout

the Legislative Assembly Building from December through

March.

Congratulations to our SMCS artists!

On November 17, John Baszak, Michael

Cuenca, Matthew Riola, and I had the

opportunity to attend the Safe Schools

Bullying Awareness and Prevention

Symposium at Bishop Marocco/Thomas

Merton School.

Along with other students

from other TCDSB

schools, we learned about

the many student-led

initiatives that create

awareness about

inclusivity, as well as being proactive in

creating a safe and welcoming school

culture.

The keynote speaker was Wesley Williams,

better known as Maestro Fresh-Wes. After

establishing himself as one of Canada’s top

musical artists, Wes decided to expand his

resumé, take acting

classes and pursue

another artistic career.

He is the author of

the critically

acclaimed book, Stick

to Your Vision.

Endorsed by the former governor

general of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, as a

“plan for action”, the book shows

individuals how to define their vision,

how to achieve it, and what to do once

they are there.

Wes hopes to be the inspiration for

many by expressing himself through his

music, acting and speaking. With his

new book, Wes hopes to empower his

community because his community has

empowered him in many different ways.

We also heard from PC Megan McGarry

from the Divisional Policing Support

Unit of the

Toronto Police

Service. PC Mc

Garry spoke about

being a responsible

digital citizen by

‘Stop, Block and

Tell,’ and being the

change in preventing cyberbullying.

It was a great day and we are looking

forward to creating our own Safe School

Presentation for St. Michael’s Choir

School.

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Navigating High School with Guidance

Every year during the month of November, grade 9 students are given the opportunity to explore different career options. Many thanks to our alumni, community partners, parents, and guidance department, who have supported the Take Our Kids to Work initiative. This program supports students and helps them discover different pathways to success by giving them a real world introduction to a career. As part of the journey, students should be answering the questions from their pathway plan: Who do I want to become and what are my opportunities?

Thanks to the various parents who have provided us with pictures.

I would like to remind all grade 9 to 12 students that they should be actively completing their “MyBluprint” Pathway Plan to 100 per cent each year.

A. Peacock

Department Head of PHE/Guidance

Athletic Director

Take Our Kids to Work COURTESY OF GRADE 9 PARENTS

Gianpaolo Povolo Lucas Ben

Ben Troian

Danver Santos

Shayne Joseph & Alexander Schwab

Carlo Fernando

Guardian Angel Mentorship Program By Mme. H. Suite

The alumni of SMCS continue to be active participants at our school. Their engagement in various activities, from singing at Tenebrae during Holy Week and at our Christmas concerts at Massey Hall, to their regular visits to the grade 10 Careers class as guest speakers, are just a few examples. The vital role that they play in the lives of our students provides a strong sense of community and brotherhood which goes beyond the realms of the four walls of the classroom. It is worth mentioning that our alumni’s unwavering commitment to

the school is exhibited once again in the Guardian Angel Mentorship Program, which reinforces the school’s motto of “Being a Man for Others.”

The students of the grade 10 Careers class will be mentored by the alumni in various capacities in terms of character building and development, career guidance, the strengthening of their faith, and other aspects, all of which will create a significant impact on their lives while at the Choir School and beyond.

https://smcs.entripyshirts.com/

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From the Secretary’s Desk

Can you believe that we are only a few weeks away from Christmas?

Firstly, I would like to congratulate everyone for a great Massey Hall Christmas concert! It was a different, but very unique performance this year. We should all be proud because I’m sure we brought a lot of joy to many people. Student Council would like to thank all the students, conductors, staff, administration, Music Department, Parent Council, volunteers, and anyone else involved in making Massey Hall a great success.

Secondly, Christmas is a time for presents; however, not everyone is fortunate enough to receive any. That is why the Social Justice Club is running a Toy Drive. We encourage all of you to donate toys that will be given as gifts to the less fortunate. Make sure that the toys are new, wrapped, and state the age range and gender. The class that donates the most will receive a prize from Student Council, so make sure you donate a lot of gifts!

I hope all of you enjoy the Christmas season, and may you all have a Happy New Year!

Vince Tameta

Student Council Secretary

Intermediate Volleyball Takes Divisionals

This year the Intermediate

Volleyball team started off with a

bit of a rocky start. On the day of

the divisional tournament, there

was a conflict with the school trip

to the theatrical performance of

Matilda. Most of the players still

wanted to participate in the

tournament, but unfortunately, we

had already paid. Due to this, some

of us were unable to attend at first,

but thankfully Matilda was moved

to a different date for those on the

team. This bump in the road never

stopped the team from giving up their lunchtime to practise and prepare for the tournaments ahead.

During the divisional tournament, we truly came together as a team and everyone played

exceptionally well. We went undefeated and won every set until the finals, where we won in the third

set. Defeating all these teams made us very excited for the games to come. We played with true

sportsmanship and continued to show friendship towards one another. After the divisionals, the

practices got noticeably more intense and we greatly improved as a team. At the regionals, we

continued to show great sportsmanship no matter the result of the games. As the captain, I can truly

say this team experience brought us closer together as brothers and made each player exceeded their

own expectations. I would like to thank the players, and give a special shoutout to our coaches, Mr.

Tarascio and Mr. Humana.

TEAM MEMBERS

Grade Seven Grade Eight Coaches

Jonathan Adams Julian Addesa Mr. Tarascio

Luke Bonellos Michael Adragna Mr. Humana

Samuel Krzeczunowicz Daniel Avila

Benjamin Norton Xavier Hollott-Lo

Cameron Pardy Scott MacDonald

Justin Ngo

Konrad Orlowski

Timothy Stocker

Aidan Young (C)

By: Aidan Young

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Senior High School Volleyball Goes to OFSAA

Team Members

Coaches Front Row Back Row Ms. M. Quinn Joshua Perez Christian Umipig Mr. R. Humana David Ribeiro Benedikt Licht Emilio Ortelli Thomas Clifford Derek Li Francesco Mannella

OFSAA, North Bay, Ontario. November 23–25 PHOTO COURTESY OF OFSAA

Last month, our Senior Boys Volleyball team

journeyed to North Bay for our school’s third

OFSAA Championship. Despite being one of the

smallest participating schools, our eight-man team

managed to beat the odds and qualify for OFSAA.

Our coaches held intense practices twice, and

sometimes four times, per week to keep our minds

and bodies in OFSAA-ready shape. While we did

our best to balance homework, after school

rehearsals and our volleyball practices, our coaches

helped keep us motivated and always reminded us

of our end goal.

We arrived at OFSAA with our team and two coaches,

Mr. Humana and Ms. Quinn, with hope and pride for

having come this far. Some die-hard SMCS fans joined us

the following day. Thank you to Mr. Berringer, Mr.

Clifford, and Mr. and Mrs. Ortelli for buoying up our

morale! Despite losing at OFSAA, we were still happy

and proud. Although we were very tired when we left,

we knew that we had played our hardest. We gained

more appreciation for the game and developed an even

stronger bond with our team.

Our season was filled with ups and downs. We could

sum things up by saying: “Top 20 in OFSAA, but first in

your hearts!”

By David Ribeiro and Thomas Clifford

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Important Dates: CSPC Meetings December 7, February 8, April 6, May 25 Lunch Program December 9, 16, 23

Please note the following:

Friday, Dec 9: Pizza

Friday, Dec 16: Mr. Greek

Friday, Dec 23: Christmas Lunch—Swiss Chalet (originally Subway)

Friday, Jan 13: Lasagna (no change)

Thursday, Jan 19: Pizza (originally Swiss Chalet)

CSPC UPDATES

Send us an email and get involved today!smcslunch@hotmail.com and smcsparentcouncil@gmail.com

Now recruiting:

Class Parent Representatives The Parent Council has some Class Parent Representative vacancies. In this role, class captains would act as a liaison between the council and the parents. The class captains would assist with communication between the class and Parent Council. If you are interested in this role, please contact us at smcslunch@hotmail.com. Current Class Representatives: Grade 3: Liezle Trinidad Grade 4: Adrian Lo Grade 5: Chris Rawlinson Grade 6: Vacant Grade 7: Katy Wright Grade 8: Stephen Gardner Grade 9: Vacant Grade 10: Vacant Grade 11: Vacant Grade 12: Vacant

Lunch Program Thank you to all the parent volunteers, new and old, who took days off from their busy schedules to feed 280 boys and staff, lugged food up and down five flights of stairs, and trekked back and forth from Massey Hall. Thank you to all of our student and parent volunteers who make this program possible! If you would like to assist with the Lunch Program, please email smcslunch@hotmail.com.

CSPC Family Fee Thank you to all those who have sent in their donation.

Annually, CSPC requests a CSPC Family Fee in lieu of a fundraising event. The 2016/2017 CSPC Family Fee is a contribution from each family to enhance the academic experience for St. Michael’s Choir School and benefits 100 per cent of all students at the school. The 2016/2107 CSPC Family Fee is $50. Items supported through previous year’s fees include support for the library resources, Parent Speaker series, student leadership, classroom activities, athletics programs, and graduation activities, among many others.

If you have not made a contribution yet, it is not too late. Please contact smcsparentcouncil@gmail.com for a form.

Volunteer

This is also an open invitation to get involved. In addition to helping out, volunteering provides an opportunity to connect with other parents and to begin life-long friendships. There are many opportunities to get involved such as the lunch program, multicultural night, attending CSPC meetings and joining the discussion. If you are interested in volunteering, please drop us a line at smcslunch@hotmail.com or smcsparentcouncil@gmail.com.

CSPC is hosting its

second annual Christmas

Lunch from Swiss Chalet

on December 23. If you

are not on the lunch

program and would like

to participate, please

email the office for a

form. Deadline is on

December 14.

If you are an alumnus and would like to sign up to be part of this choir, there is still time! Please fill in this online form to

submit your availability.

The SMCSAA Choir will provide musical liturgy for the services at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on the following dates:

Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 5 p.m. Mass

Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 12 noon Mass

A L U M N I

Join the SMCSAA Choir

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Moments to Remember

Paying tribute to alumnus and CBC producer Sam Levene

In Loving Memory

Richard John Hughes Vicente - Graduate 2010 July 13, 1992 -December 4, 2016

Please keep Richard and his family in your prayers. Vescio Funeral Home 2080 Dufferin Street.

Vistations Saturday, December 10, 2016 – 6:00-9:00 PM Sunday, December 11, 2016 – 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 PM Monday, December 12th, 2016, 10:00am Location St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Address 130 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON

Keep in touch

Call: 416 393-5518 Academic Office

416 397-6367 Music Office

Email: info@smcs.on.ca

musicoffice@smcs.on.ca

Visit: www.smcs.on.ca

Get involved

Like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/stmichaelschoirschool

Follow us on Twitter: @smchoirschool

CSPC: smcslunch@hotmail.com, smcsparentcouncil@gmail.com

Alumni: www.smcsaa.com

ST MICHAEL’S CHOIR SCHOOL

DIRECTOR: Ms. Angela Gauthier Principal: Mr. Barry White Superintendent of Education: Director: Mr. Stephen Handrigan Mr. J. Shanahan (416) 222-8282 - Ex. 5371

TRUSTEES: 2016–2017

Wards

1. Joseph Martino

2. Ann Andrachuk

3. Sal Piccininni

4. Patrizia Bottoni

5. Maria Rizzo

6. Frank D’Amico—VICE-CHAIR

7. Michael Del Grande

8. Gary Tanuan

9. Jo-Ann Davis Trustee for St. Michael’s Choir School; joann.davis@tcdsb.org; www.jo-anndavis.ca

10. Barbara Poplawski

11. Angela Kennedy—CHAIR

12. Nancy Crawford

STUDENT TRUSTEES: Karina Duprovskaya and Rhea Carlisle

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Pina Povolo - Co-Chair Jeannette Goulin - Secretary Christine Rawlinson - OAPCE Rep Luisa Zeni - Co-Chair Angela Racco - Treasurer Kelly Margani - Uniform Liaison

SMCS 2016–2017 CSPC REPRESENTATIVES

ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO

Chancellor: Thomas Cardinal Collins

St. Michael’s Choir School Advisory Board

Ms. Anne Bolger, friend Fr. Michael Busch, Rector, St. Michael's Cathedral Fr. Ivan Camillieri, Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs, Archdiocese of Toronto Fr. Brian Clough, Alumnus William Dunlop, Comptroller, Archdiocese of Toronto Dr. Joseph Gasser, Alumnus, Board Chair Kathryn Lagroix, past parent, Finance Chair Fr. Larry Leger, friend, Nominating Committee Chair James Milway, Chancellor of Temporal Affairs, Archdiocese of Toronto Dr. Constance Price, Office of Formation for Discipleship Mr. Geoffrey Rawlinson, parent, Advancement Committee Chair Mr. Stephen Handrigan, ex-officio Mr. Barry White, ex-officio