Committee’s Message
Welcome back everyone! We hope you had an awesome summer and are now ready to have an amazing school year! Hopefully, the first week of school wasn’t too painful… Anyways, for you grade eights that are probably wondering, what the heck this is, well it’s Windermere’s very own Newspaper, called the Windermere Word. It is written by the students, put together by a committee of dedicated and hard working students, and produced for the students; everyone is welcome to write for it! There is a new issue that comes out on the first Wednesday of every month, known as Word Wednesday. Plus, the whole week is referred to as Word Week. Lastly, if you have any suggestions for us or would like to write for us then don’t hesitate to email us at whs_word@yahoo.com.
On Behalf of the Word Committee,
Gurjita Gadey
To Whom It May Concern:
September is always a busy month. Students and teachers are both still transitioning from summer to school and we always zip by this month. However, don’t forget these important dates that are coming up sooner than you think:
Sept 21st – Fire Drill
Sept 24th – Grade 8 Sports Day
Sept 29th – Picture Day
Oct 3rd – Moon Festival
Canada Line
By: Emily Chan, Grade 11
“Next stop – Richmond Brighouse.” This announcement was heard throughout the new rapid-transit system, notoriously named the ‘Canada Line.’ This line is full of promise, new beginnings, new jobs for 1, 4000 employees, and it will hopefully give a more “eco-friendly” name to Vancouver. Although this new line was created and built for the 2010 Olympic games, it will be in use far after that – 100 years, to be exact! The 19km of tracks link Vancouver to Richmond and the YVR Airport, so visitors will be able to access the city without the use of a vehicle.
In fact, I was lucky enough to ride the Canada Line just last week. As I entered the station, a smile spread across my face as I realized that this skytrain line isn’t only to get from one place to the next – it’s a place to reconnect with friends, to visit places you’ve never been before, and to realize the importance of being “eco-friendly.” The idea of community was thrust into my face in one point of my excursion. My cousin and I had our bikes, and we were trying to get to Aberdeen Station. We went across the bridge by our bikes, which was an amazing and beautiful sight. But once we got across the bridge, we were lost! There were no signs to direct us to the next station, so we were lucky that we chose to turn right. Once we got to Brighouse Station, we had to wait THIRTY minutes until a train came that we could get on – and once we got on, we were stuffed into there like a can of sardines. As we were riding, we realized that we had to get off at the next stop – and looked around in horror as we realized that not only were we going to have to push through people to get out, but also the door was on the opposite side of the train! Once our station came, we apologized profusely as we continuously injured people trying to get out. When I successfully got off, I looked back. Guess what I saw? Every single person near the door was holding the door for us to get out safely! That’s when it hit me – the importance and relevance between the Canada Line and community.
Hey, Did You Hear Michael Jackson Died?
By: Mitchell Agostinho, Grade 12
Do the titles, the King of Pop, MJ, The Gloved One, and Jacko; ring any bells? 
They should unless you’ve had your eyes shut and your fingers were in your ears all summer long. On June 25th, 2009 tabloid magazine TMZ was the first to announce the passing of a legend. At the age of 50 years old, Michael Jackson died. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was instantly covered by flowers and other signs of condolences. His children were left devastated and all around the world the jokes about him and little boys were instantly forgotten. Neverland streets were filled with mourners and celebrities who had lost their king. During a large elaborate memorial, they celebrated his style of music, highly publicized personal life, and way of being which made him a major cultural icon for four decades.
Michael was born on August 28, 1958; the seventh child born to Joe and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana. At the early age of 8, his musical talent was discovered as lead vocalist of The Jackson 5. Rolling Stone magazine called him “a prodigy” with “overwhelming musical gifts,” and he “quickly emerged as the main draw and lead singer.” His breakthrough began while playing The Scarecrow in The Wiz, when he met Quincy Jones; the man who would change his life forever. With Quincy Jones, Michael produced his debut album, Off The Wall.
American Journalists = 12 Years in Labour Prison?
By: Cassandra Ly, Grade11
The many, many countries that exist in our world live under different forms 
of healthcare, economic values, and one of the biggest driving forces to these factors, the government. Some may be more open to the outside world, encouraging citizens to put in their opinions while others rather keep themselves isolated. North Korea or also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a single-party and self-reliant state, currently run by Kim Jong-Il, the president. Therefore, many limitations are enforced towards not only North Korean citizens, but also visitors of the state. Laura Ling and Euna Lee, two young journalists are reporters for Current TV, an Al Gore run production located in San-Francisco. Laura Ling, 32 and Euna Lee, 36 were detained by guards at the North Korean border on March 17th, 2009 for “illegally entering the country.” They were taken in for filming and interviewing female refugees that were near the border of China, which was officially announced in May.
You Know What Grinds My Gears?
By: Jenny Ho, Grade 11
You know what really grinds my gears? The new HST (harmonized sales tax). In late July of this year, Premier Gordon Campbell and Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced that they would follow in Ontario’s footsteps. Effective next Canada Day (July 1, 2010), taxpayers will pay the combined GST (goods and service tax) and PST (provincial sales tax) on many basic goods and services. This includes all prepared food products, school supplies, magazines, work equipment, bicycles, non-prescription medicines, personal services, restaurants, real estate, admission fees for movies; the list goes on and on. The only things that are exempt from the HST include basic groceries, fuel, books, children’s clothing, hygiene products, and new home purchases up to $400,000.
The 12% tax grab will benefit major businesses (also known as Campbell’s best friends). For example, one of Campbell’s sponsors during the election was B.C. Rail. As you all know, friends help each other out and “scratch each other’s backs”. Since B.C. Rail has done Campbell a favour, he must now return it. They will be able to claim and receive their HST rebates in all cases. In other words, the HST will reduce sales taxes paid by business, and reduce administrative costs. Although it may be beneficial for businesses of all kinds, the HST proves to be extremely unappealing to the public. On average, consumers will pay an extra $1.9 billion with the HST a year. “Not a dime of the HST will pay for healthcare, education or social services”, quotes Bill Tileman, creator of “NO BC HST” Facebook group. “This is the single biggest thing we can do to improve B.C.’s economy”, Campbell is contrarily quoted. Maybe it’s just me, but does anyone else think that he was intoxicated while proposing this?
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Shout Out To the Grade Eights
By: Alyssa Goncalves, Grade 12
For all of us oldies, we can look back and, as if it were yesterday, still freshly remember the first day of high school. The excitement of meeting new people, followed by the jitters of hoping to not get lost. Yeah, we all remember the good old days.
However, no one remembers this better than the new additions to our school: the NEW grade eights. That’s right! This article is a personal shout out to you guys as we welcome you to your first few weeks of high school! By now, many of you might have noticed that all the stereotypical things that supposedly happen in high school do not happen. If you happen to get stuck in the locker, it is not because someone shoved you in there. It was because you, yourself thought it would be cool to see if you actually fit. Trust me; we’ve all done it. This year will be one where you will learn a whole bunch of new things, meet new people, and learn even more about yourself. I strongly encourage all of you to get involved in something you love or are interested in.
Beers, Barack and Racial Bias
BEERS, BARACK AND RACIAL BIAS
By: Puneet Riar, Grade 12
On July 16th, 2009 controversy surfaced when black Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates returned home to the US after a trip overseas and found the door to his home jammed. The taxi driver and Gates made an effort to pry the door open but failed. Gates then went through the back and into his house. During this, neighbour Lucia Whalen, witnessing the incident immediately called 911. (more…)
Food For Thought
By: Jenn Lin, Alumni
A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a CNN blog (via wordpress.com) and saw a 
headline that read something like, “Organic food not as nutritious and costs more.” Apparently there were studies done to prove that conventionally grown food was just as nutritious as organic food. 90% of the article was devoted to explaining and proving that organic food is not more nutritious and you’re also getting ripped off; but 10% actually noted that indeed, most people would say they don’t buy it because of nutritional value. (more…)
Underninteens: The Real Education
By: Neelam Khare & Peggy Lam, Alumni
This summer, the two of us set off on a journey to discover Canadian issues. It started off with just a vision to go to Montreal and learn French, but soon transformed into a two-year project with a lot of planning and fundraising. Our goals included making a documentary on social justice and environmental issues, connecting with youth, and capturing the stories of minority groups. (more…)
Back to School Hatred
By: Valerie Wong, Grade 11
3 Reasons Why Kids Hate Going Back to School
Reason 1 – WE DON’T WANT/NEED TO BE REMINDED!
Advertisements for special deals for back-to-school shopping start airing on radio and television from late July to early August. Also, since many summer school students don’t get out of school until the first few weeks of August, they definitely don’t want to be reminded that they only have 4 weeks before the educative incarceration begins again. Don’t let stores like Old Navy and Staples tell you that you need to start shopping for school before you’ve developed a flip-flop tan. (more…)
Horoscopes September 09/10
Horoscopes, September ‘09
Aries You may have some trouble solving problems. Think things through before deciding on important decisions this month and you’ll be fine.
Cancer Be cautious this month. Lack of communication will result in a bad outcome, so make sure you’re on the same track as everybody else.
Taurus Enjoy yourself and make time for some relaxing things this month. It may be the last time you’ll be able to enjoy yourself this year…
Top Ten Ways to Spend the Summer
By: Venus Wan, Grade 12 
Chilling with friends
Catching up on sleep
Shopping
Travelling (more…)
