Editors’ Message
Hey Warriors!
Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year! We hope everyone had a restful and fun-filled summer break as it is time to get back into the swing of school!
After 68 days of relaxation, you might notice that quite a few people are finding school to be anything but smooth. Without a doubt, the start of a new school year is a big transition for most, if not all, of the students. This is especially the case for those who have been oversleeping and feeling lackadaisical almost every day over the last couple of months. However, there is no need to worry at all! Hundreds of students around you feel the same way too. And like any other high school year, you will soon find yourself enjoying the time you get to spend with your friends – both old and new – and looking forward to your favourite classes.
The Windermere List
By Thea Sample, Grade 11
- Windermere Secondary’s 50th anniversary: December 1, 2011
- Jeff Hyslop: Once a graduate of Windermere Secondary, and the Phantom in Canada’s traveling production of The Phantom of the Opera
- Etymology of “Windermere”: (more…)
The “Ethical” Oil from the Tar Sands
By Sydney Emo, Grade 10
Alberta is home to a huge oil reserve known as the Alberta tar sands, or the Alberta oil sands. The reserve is worth billions of dollars and produces about 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, with an estimated total of 175 billion barrels of crude oil available for further extraction.
There has been a lot of controversy regarding the impact this large industry has on the environment and the people living in the area. Although it creates jobs, there are many health risks involved in working around so many toxins for days at a time. However, despite of being fully aware of the hazards, workers from local communities and other provinces have no other option but to work there due to their desperate need of income.
The oil companies are drilling everywhere they can, even on land that does not belong to them. Sadly, the local residents feel powerless as individuals to make the government and oil companies more environmentally and socially responsible.
Burns Bog, “The Rough Diamond under Tons of Garbage”
By Tammy Lee, Grade 12
Burns Bog is a remarkable natural site located in the suburban region of Vancouver, and it is the largest raised bog on the west coast of North America. Although it may not be as acclaimed as the “gem in the city” we know as Stanley Park, Burns Bog is considered to be the “rough diamond buried under tons of garbage,” due to the endless garbage disposal at the landfills located right on the edge of the peat bog. (more…)
Norway Massacre
By Thea Sample, Grade 11
July 22, 2011, was anything but a peaceful day for the people of Norway. Anders Behring Breivik, a 32-year-old right-wing extremist and assassin with neo-Nazi views, killed at least 77 people in a rampage. His first attack took place in the country’s capital, Oslo. A van containing half a ton of explosives blew up right outside the office of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, leaving 8 people dead and 10 others severely wounded. Immediately after the bombing, Breivik travelled to Utøya, an island belonging to the Labour party’s youth organization, which was holding a camp for about 600 youths interested in learning about democracy and getting more involved in their country’s politics. Breivik went into a 90-minute shooting spree that caused the deaths of 69 teenagers, including two 14-year-olds and seven 15-year-olds. (more…)
September Horoscopes
Aries – You won’t have much luck with your locker this coming school year, which will suck! Hopefully, you can find a way around it.
Taurus – You are still stuck in summer mode, and it won’t be long before you’re wishing for summer to come back! But just chill out! You have almost a year ahead of you, so might as well enjoy it as it goes.
Gemini – This entire ‘back to school’ thing is going to come down on you like a smack in the head. Just try your best and you’ll make it through.
Cancer – Click here for more!
September Advice Column – Newcomer Edition
For all our newly arrived grade-eight Warriors and those who have joined us from another high school, here is some advice for the problems and issues you might encounter.
1. I’m so scared of high school! What if the teachers give me too much homework and if I fail my exams! I don’t want to repeat grade 8!!!
Don’t worry, you won’t repeat grade 8 as long as you pay attention in class, do the homework, and study effectively. (Remember: studying for too long without rest is NEVER a good idea! Your memory and learning are enhanced only when your brain is active, so distribute your study time wisely!) Luckily, our courses run on a Day 1/Day 2 schedule. If your teacher assigns you homework on Day 1 and it’s due the next class, you’ll have two days to finish it – there is plenty of time! Also, teachers do a great job of preparing you for final exams, and there are lots of tutorial blocks and Homework Club if you need extra help!
2. I just moved into the area and I’m really shy and people don’t really notice me. I really want to make some new friends, but I don’t know how. Help!
Back-to-School Comics
By Josephine Wong, Grade 12
Click for high resolution! 
Click for high resolution!
HST Rejected
By Max Miller, Grade 12
So much has happened since Gordon Campbell’s government introduced the Harmonized Sales Tax to British Columbian citizens, that it’s hard to believe it’s been scarce more than a year since. The HST raised taxes on everything from groceries to haircuts to 12%. It was introduced shortly after the Liberals, led by Gordon Campbell, were re-elected on the platform that they would not raise taxes this way. Because of this decision, Campbell became one of the least popular politicians in Canada, and he stepped down from office in March 2011.
Rest in Peace, Jack Layton.
By Darius Davidson, Grade 12
On August 26th, 2011, it was pouring rain – not surprising as we do live in Vancouver. But coincidentally, just before that it was all sunny……and Jack Layton was still alive.
At 4:45 a.m. Eastern Time, 61-year-old Jack Layton lost his lengthy and agonizing battle with cancer, passing away peacefully in sleep. Layton was a famous Canadian social democratic politician and Liberal Party Leader of the Official Opposition. Being a native Quebecer from a family with a rich heritage in politics and activism, it was natural that he had such passion and perseverance in what he did. Being the student council president of his high school predicted that he would one day become a great politician. From there on, he kept climbing. Despite a few setbacks and losses, Layton eventually rose to the top of his career. Continue reading here!
Editors in Collaboration: An In-Depth Look at 2011 England Riots
By Editors of The Windermere Word
On August 6th, a large riot broke out in Tottenham, North London, and the disturbances quickly spread to other areas of England, such as Bristol and the Midlands. The scale of chaos was unlike anything the city had ever seen. The riots lasted for five days, during which five people were killed, another two hundred injured, and more than $300 million worth of property was stolen or destroyed. Nonetheless, tragic as the riots were, they shed light on a number of social justice issues the citizens face daily.
Book Review: Born to Run
By Jenn Lin, Alumnus
“Born to Run” (2009) by Christopher McDougall
McDougall’s book will inspire you to get on your feet and change the way you think about our ability to run.
Writing with a fractured and dramatic narrative style, McDougall weaves several stories into one highly climactic ending. He writes about a tribe of runners who live in the Copper Canyons (Northwest Mexico); a series of ultra-marathons and the amazing individuals who run them; and finally, a historic race between old and new, organized by a mysterious man known as Caballo Blanco.
In the process, readers learn about McDougall’s personal struggle with running. (more…)
