Let’s Talk About Learning
By Darius Davidson, Grade 12
Image credit: studentvoice.vsb.bc.ca
Everyone sees things through a different lens. For a long time, students have been placed into classrooms where teachers teach them based on their educational methods. Not every student learns the same way, though; some are kinesthetic learners, while others are visual learners. Students are bound to feel discontented with the way they’re taught at one point or another, but up until recently they hardly got the chance to openly discuss about the current educational system and design the future of education.
On January 31st, over 230 students from secondary schools across the entire Vancouver School District came together at the Roundhouse Community Centre for the “Let’s talk about learning” student forum. Continue reading…
StyleWatch: Mr Ferguson
By Darius Davison, Grade 12
Hi Warriors! It’s Darius Davidson back to report on the most stylish teachers to step foot in the halls of Windermere Secondary. This month we have an interview with Mr Ferguson, who has since moved to Killarney Secondary; Windermere has lost a great principal and an even better dresser, and everyone at the Word will miss him very much.
Q: How would you describe your fashion sense?
A: “[I am] a lazy guy, who doesn’t like shopping all that much. I bought some suits, ties, etc. some time ago, always meaning to refresh it, but as stated: I don’t like shopping all that much.”
Q: What do you think of the fashion of the students of Windermere?
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StyleWatch: Ms. Soo
By Darius Davidson, Grade 12
Hi! This is Darius Davidson, and I’ve been on the reckless prowl for stylish teachers in the
uncharted territory of Windermere Secondary. The teacher who caught my eye was Ms. Soo, for her choice of clothing on the 70’s decade theme day, so I went right to work and asked her some of the questions that you may be wondering about.
StyleWatch: Ms Byrne
By Max Miller and Darius Davidson, Grade 12
Hello again, Warriors! Welcome back to StyleWatch, where we interview your favourite teachers and staff members to find out why they dress the way they do! This month, we have an exclusive interview with the latest addition to the school’s English and Drama departments, Ms. Byrne!
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Warrior Adventures – The Journey Begins
(Click for hi-res!)What a twist! How will our hero get out of this one? Go to the front page of the Word Website and vote for one of the two options below:
A) BARGAIN FOR HIS FREEDOM
B) FIGHT HIS WAY OUT
StyleWatch: Ms. Taddei
By Darius Davidson, Grade 12
Hey Warriors! It’s really been a while, but StyleWatch is now back, providing you with an up-close look at the fashion style of teachers here at Windermere Secondary! This time, the spotlight has shone on our principal, Ms. Taddei. If you want to know more about her, then today is your lucky day!
Q: How would you describe your sense of fashion?
A: Flexible. I am quite flexible with my clothing choices. Sometimes I can be professional and conservative, and other times I can be casual and laidback. That way I can switch from moment to moment. I like my casual wear so I can work on my fitness. The weekend is the only time when I get to be very casual by wearing sweats, fitness clothing, and t-shirts.
Q: How did you decide on what to wear today?
A: I made my decision by looking at the weather. It was going to be sunny today, so I wore light clothing with light colours such as beige.
Q: What do you think about the sense of fashion of the Windermere students?
A: It’s casual and trendy, which I would expect from most teenagers. The casual comfort and trendiness are great!
Q: If you could return to an era of fashion, what would your choice be and why?
A: The late 60’s. At the period of time when I was going from elementary school to high school, jeans, t-shirts, and mini-skirts were very popular. Bell-bottoms and boots were considered very nice and trendy at the time, too!
Q: What are some of your fashion pet peeves?
A: Big shoulder pads. Back in the 80’s, women would wear big shoulder pads that were connected to their blouses. I don’t like that. Also, I don’t think giant holes in jeans look very attractive.
Q: If you could dress up as anyone, who would you want to be and why?
A: I would just wear jeans and a t-shirt. I like that look because I like being comfortable.
Q: What has been your most memorable Halloween costume and why?
A: My most memorable Halloween costume would be the huge bee costume I wore when I was at Lord Byng Secondary, because it was that time when the Bee Movie was out. I was the Byng Bee! As a child though, I would dress up as either a hobo or a hippie. At Van Tech, I was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
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!
It’s okay! Try to get to know some of the people in all your classes. Maybe you’ll have similar interests with them. You’re bound to make one friend that you can hang out with during the break and lunch. Then when you’re sitting in the cafeteria eating lunch with that one friend, you will be introduced to more friends! If you’re shy, you still need to try to take initiative.
3. I made a lot of friends on the first day, but I don’t feel right with some of them. They keep asking me to do things for them that I think isn’t right. How do I get out of this?!
When you’re in grade 8, you’ll make lots and lots of friends, but you won’t know if they’re right for you until later on in high school years. If you’re starting to feel uncomfortable with some of your friends, then maybe they’re not really meant to be your friends. Talk to them and tell them how you feel, even if it means you might stop being friends with them. Eventually, you’ll meet those friends that you’re very comfortable with anyway!
4. I hate my course schedule! All my friends don’t have the same classes as me! I NEED TO CHANGE MY COURSES!!
Most of the time, your courses can’t be changed unless there has been a mistake with your timetable (such as being put in a regular English class when you are supposed to be in ESL), because it could mess up your whole timetable. Sometimes it just can’t be helped, right? It’s okay if all your friends don’t have the same classes as you. You can still hang out with them during the break and lunch, or after school. Plus, you’ll surely meet new friends in your classes along the way. On the other hand, if you are really having trouble with a certain course, you can always talk to your counsellor. However, that is by no means a guarantee for a course change!
5. What’s Friday school? I-block? I’ve never heard of these before!
If you are in Friday School, you will be staying in the cafeteria after school on Friday for about an hour or so, and do homework or study under teacher supervision. Students usually get sent to Friday school by their teachers when they have either misbehaved, or been late or absent (without any absence slip written and signed by a parent/guardian) for class multiple times. On Thursday, classes start later because of I-Block in the morning. I-Block occurs from 8:35-9:25. This is usually when assemblies take place. Unless it is mandatory for you to go to school for a meeting or tutorial during I-Block, you can sleep in!
6. I get hungry all the time, and all the food I bring from home never seems to satisfy my hunger! Is there only food available during lunch, and how much does everything cost?
There are many ways to get food at school! During the break, you can stop by the cafeteria, school store, vending machines, or by the main entrance to buy all sorts of goodies. The prices are fairly reasonable too. During lunch time, you can stop by the cafeteria to buy the entrees or the daily soup, made using freshly grown ingredients from our courtyard garden, not to mention that you can still go to the vending machine or school store for some yummy ice cream. Also, pizza is sold once a week!
7. How is it possible to balance eight courses? That’s so much! Can’t I get a free block? I’m going to be so stressed out :(
It’s very much possible, especially with the Day1/Day 2 system that was mentioned earlier. After school on Day 1, do the Day 2 homework that you couldn’t finish the day before, and vice versa. That way, you manage to complete the homework due the next day. If you’re really struggling with getting your homework done, you can always ask for help from friends, teachers, or parents, or get help after school from our tutors at Homework Club. Unfortunately, a grade-eight student is not allowed to get a free block; all eight blocks must be filled. Free blocks, also called spares, are usually given to Grade 11’s and 12’s. If you’ve taken a completion course in summer school for a course you are expected to take next year, then you may be eligible for a free block.
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 am 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. Being elected to the Toronto City Council and then surprising every other prospective candidate when he was elected federal NDP leader, Layton tirelessly helped improve the society of Canada. For instance, he worked to help improve TransLink in BC. He was a great man who had a lot to offer, and, unlike most politicians, he didn’t seem the slightest bit power-hungry. Layton truly cared about his people. Before his death, some of the last words he said to the public were an aphorism that has become embedded in the hearts of many Canadians,
“Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair.”
May you rest in peace, Jack Layton.
StyleWatch: Mr. Parker
By: Darius Davidson (Gr.11) and Max Miller (Gr.11)
Returning after a short hiatus, this is StyleWatch, in which our brave Word contributors interview teachers at Windermere to learn more about their personal style, as well as the types of clothing they like and dislike. This month’s victim interviewee is Mr. Parker, one of our English teachers!
Q: Can you describe your dress style?
A: I’d say formal/casual in the sense that I wear a dress shirt and tie; even when I’m out I like to dress more formally than most other people. In the classroom, I like to put forth an effort. I think if I present myself professionally in my career, it reflects in the students. That’d be my style, I guess. I don’t know if you can define that.
Q: What do you think of the dress style of the students at Windermere?
A: There’s a uniform in this school: black tearaway pants with the white shoes and the white jacket that’s sort of puffy. And you wear that and that’s the extent of it. Apart from the school uniform, there are a couple people who do it differently, but for the most part it’s conforming to and fitting in with whatever the current trends are: sportswear, jock wear, or white shoes with a white jacket.
Q: Do you have any fashion pet peeves?
A: There are a lot of different things I don’t like – I hate jumpers, and stuff like that. On women, I don’t really like that look at all. And the shorts that go into the one big piece. I am really not fond of that at all. For some reason, I really don’t like the over-makeup, such as lots of red lipstick. Overall, I find it to seem not real. As for guys, I think there are a lot of guys who wear shirts that are two sizes too small and they’ll wear that shirt out all the time. And uniforms again: a group of guys wearing the EXACT same outfit. The uniforms drive me nuts.
Q: If you could return to an era in fashion, which would you return to?
A: Definitely the 20’s. Shirt and tie. I have always dressed like that. Even in high school. I have pictures of me at formal and prom dressed like that when everyone else was in traditional rent-from-Moores tuxedos. Definitely there was more elegance involved. I think everyone dressed really elegantly, and that’s my style.
Q: Is there any character you would like to cosplay as?
A: Oh! I’d dress up as – and I didn’t even really like the movie – the guy from “Tron”. Just because that’s such a different style, all leather and lit up? And you could walk into a place and everybody’d be like “oh look at me I’m a pirate of the carribean” – I’m Tron! I’m lit up! Look at my arms! You can see me from across the room! And I’m not even a big fan of “Tron”. The movie was kind of terrible, but that’s a costume that you’d see and you’d be “wow look at that.” “I’m Tron! ” That’s all you’d have to say, just keep saying that.
Q: What other teacher do you think has a good fashion sense?
A: Wow, I’d better choose carefully. I don’t want to offend anyone… Mr Wiebe. An excellent dresser.
December’s Warrior of the Month
AAAANNDD here are your December Warriors of the Month: Tiffany Tran, Darius Davidson and Max Miller in Grade Ten!
CONGRATS TIF, DARIUS AND MAX! HOW DO YOU GUYS FEEL?
M: Surprised. I didn’t even know I was nominated – does that make me a bad person? Anyways, my ego is inflated enough as it is. This isn’t helping.
D: Surprised, like a little boy walking upon his parents putting presents in the tree
and eating the milk & cookies specially prepared for Santa. I’d like to give a special shout out to all the kitties in the world! Especially one kitty~ : )
T: Um kind of surprised?
LOL@ THE COOKIES THING! MY DAD EATS THE COOKIES I LEAVE OUT FOR SANTA!
NEXT QUESTION: WHY DO YOU GUYS THINK YOU WERE NOMINATED?
M: I don’t know but let me tell you, it’s long overdue - hey, see?! It’s the ego!
D: I think we we’re nominated because of Max. He’s got like secret connections in the underworld and he’s always making these shady deals with men in big, scruffy, black suits. Yoh, wait a minute! Why are you asking this question? You already told all of us why we were nominated! We were nominated because us three devoted students (With the exception of Tiffany because I like to exclude her for fun) had organized the canned food drive that was on Halloween.
T: no idea?
HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE MIDDLE OF A TOOTSIE POP?
