On The Trail - June, 2003 (Back to Publication Main Menu)

Index

Principal's Message

The school year has once again flown by and June is upon us. At year- end it is important to acknowledge the many contributions made by students, staff and parents/guardians in helping make this another excellent year. We appreciate your involvement in, and support for, the many programs and activities at our school. Our congratulations are extended to all those who have been recognized for outstanding achievement over the course of the school year. To each of you thanks.

Graduation will take place on Monday June 23, 2003. Thanks and best wishes to our graduates. You will soon become part of the Mount Royal Alumni. Thanks for your many contributions over the past four years and always remember your high school. A committee has been established to set up an Alumni Association. There have been some initial meetings. If you are interested in being part of a group that works to spread the good Mount Royal word please give us a call at the school or visit our web site.

As is always the case at this time of year we must say farewell to a number of staff members. Mr. Weidenhammer, Mrs. Samborsky, and Mr. Hamre are superannuating. We thank them for their many years of service to our school. Mrs. Pittman will be on maternity leave. Ms. Olain will move from our satellite program at Bridges to Mount Royal. Mr. Bond, Ms. Carroll, Ms.Langlois, Mr. Eng, Mrs. Olsen, and Ms. Antonichuk will be transferring to other system schools. Each of these people will be missed at Mount Royal. We wish them well in their new assignments.

In the fall we will welcome Mr. Wright (Science), Mrs. Newton (Royal West), Mr. Dalen (Royal West), Ms. Gallagher (Bridges), Mrs. McCrae (English), Mrs. Palmer (P.E./English), Mrs. Kaiser (Mathematics), Mrs. Gonzalez (English), Ms. Reimer (English/Work Education), Mrs. Berry (Home Ec), and Ms. Ford (Mathematics) to our staff. We are very pleased to welcome them to Mount Royal and look forward to their contributions in the future.

We have had a great year. We have moved forward in our second year as a Community High School. We have had a first annual mini traditional pow wow and our first ever student forum. We have recently conducted another student profile to determine how we might best meet the needs of our diverse population and look forward to the excitement and challenges a new school year brings. Mount Royal Collegiate means many things to many people, but the most important are the friendships that are established within our walls. I have very much enjoyed my first year as principal at Mount Royal. I can say without hesitation that we have a very energetic, focused and committed staff and we look forward to serving this community for a number of years to come. Again, best wishes to the class of 2003 and to all of you an enjoyable and restful summer.

Basil Hughton
Principal

On the morning of May 8th, 2003 our enthusiastic grade 9 MDA group boarded the bus for Banff. Despite fears of "winter" weather in Alberta, our spirits were high. Our first stop was at the Tyrell Museum in Drumheller where students explored the work of palaentologists and the evolution of our world. At 7:00 P.M. we arrived in Banff. After unpacking we relaxed at the Hot Springs.
Friday morning began with a half day of hiking in and around the Bow River. The opulence of the Banff Springs Hotel intrigued us. The Gondola Ride up Sulfer Mountain was a high point. Mr. May provided many historical factors of the area. During the afternoon, we visited the Banff Arts Centre. After a tour, students were given the opportunity to create plaster drama masks. They made great Mother's Day presents! The evening was spent water-sliding and socializing.
By 7:00 A.M. on Saturday, we were packed for Calgary where our first stop was the Olympic Park. Students were fascinated by the displays and "hands on" activities. The Zoo was the highlight on Saturday afternoon. The new African Serengetthi was open and the primates were a popular attraction.
The teachers on the trip included Mr. McNarland, Mr. Ferguson, Mrs. Breen and Ms. Kwasnik-Senger. Guest historian was Mr. May. Thank you to Mr. Gurel, our wonderful bus driver. Also, thank you to all the parents for their full support.

The following are student comments about the education and social value of their trip:

"Museums are one of the most valuable resources we have. They provide us with detailed information about many events from the past. Museums provide us with many, many educational facts, from animals to dinosaurs, from homo erectus' to human beings and many more. Scientists spent their entire lives trying to improve our museums and bring more and more historical facts into our world to teach us about how things were, thousands and thousands, even millions of years' ago. Many things have taught us about how we should live or even how we lived, but none with greater value than museums.
Many hours were spent fundraising for this trip, but all was worthwhile. This trip was exceptionally good, educational and exciting. It was a great experience to learn about some of the past events and the history of Banff. This trip was very rewarding, education and social-wise, it gave us, the students, a chance to bring our class closer, even closer than it already was. It gave us an opportunity to get to know some of our classmates better and also to accept some of the newer students into our tight bonded class. This trip was extremely rewarding and it was a lot of fun to spend time with our MDA class. I hope there would be another opportunity like this in the future years of high school at Mount Royal Collegiate."
- Susan Thai

"I think that this trip has very strong and useful education values. It teaches us teenagers that there is a lot more than a television set or our play station 2's; that there is a whole world out there to be explored. While I was on this trip, I did not once think about television or any of my toys because I was having so much fun with my friends admiring this great country of ours. I also think that this trip brought people together because we took the time to get to know each other because there, there are no labels, we are all people with feelings and opinions that care for one another. I am really glad I came into MDA,"
- Jesus Newsham

"I had an absolute wonderful time in Banff. This trip was everything I thought it would be, and more. I learned so much and I had a great time while learning. It was very interesting listening to Mr. May's stories. They were enjoyable and educational. Traveling to the different sites in Alberta was also very educational. The museums were awesome and amazing to walk through. I learned so much at every place we traveled and I had a great time while learning. This trip taught me a new way of learning that works and that I enjoy. We worked together as a group, co-operating together and we also worked hands on! It was a great way of learning
The entire MDA class had a great time together. We all bonded and got to know each other even more. Even if you didn't really like someone, you put your differences aside and worked together. The class was very respectable and mature on this trip and nobody made anybody an outcast. This is why the trip turned out so well.
- Jenielle Henderson

Congratulations to all Mount Royal Creative Writers. This year's crop of wordsmiths are incredibly talented. Winners in the 2003 Literary Contest are:

• Jr. Poetry - Jennifer Greyeyes
• Jr. Prose - Joshua Epp
• Sr. Poetry - Jessica Fauvelle
• Sr. Prose - White Eagle Spyglass

Royal Prisms are available to purchase from Mrs. Patola for a mere $5.00. Pick up a copy and enjoy Royal's gifted writers and wonderful artists.

The windup for the club was held on May 27th after an active Semester 2. With a core of a dozen students meeting weekly at noon on Tuesdays, the activities included guest speakers, discussions, videos and music. A recent highlight was Pie In The Eye. Some staff members volunteered to be "targets" for pies thrown by students who paid for the privilege. As well as a fun diversion, the event helped I.S.C.F. raise $1,000.00 that was directed to World Vision relief and development in Iraq.

LIFE SKILLS WORK STUDY PROGRAM

The Life Skills Work Study Program would like to thank the following businesses for their contributions to, and participation in, our Work Education Program.

These businesses welcome our students and provide them with the opportunity to learn valuable work skills. Thanks to all!

What a year it has been! In a very short time, Royal West has established itself as "the place to be" for students who are 18 years or older and are trying to finish their Grade 12. Flexibility and the mature campus-like atmosphere are two reasons Royal West students identified as to why they have enjoyed their stay. The dynamic teaching staff has plans for next year. To meet the needs of their students, classes over the lunch hour will be offered and new course offerings such as Phys Ed 30, General Art 30, Creative Writing 30 and Physics 30 have been added to give our students more options.
More plans for next year are in the making. A big thanks to Travis Myrol and Teri Bear who will be leaving our staff. We wish you all the best. We appreciate all that you have done to make the inaugural year a successful one.

Please look around your house for books which belong to Mount Royal Library. These should be returned to the library as soon as possible to allow us to prepare for the needs of next year's students. Books can be dropped off at the main office or library any time. Thank you.

FOLLOWING THE STANGS!
DID YOU KNOW …Rebekah Klotz was a member of the Jeff's CrestWear Volleyball club that captured the Provincial Juvenile Girls' club title?

Mount Royal is proud to recognize Kendra Panko for her initiative and community spirit. Kendra took it upon herself to make bracelets and necklaces that were sold in the school store. Her endeavors raised $52.00 which the Mustang Feedbag matched. A total donation of $104.00 was made to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Kendra's grandmother, who passed away one year ago with cancer.

Congratulations to the new executive

The Volleyball Camp runs August 20th , 21st and 22nd for a total of 18 hours of instruction by top club, high school, university and provincial team coaches. The cost is $90.00, which includes a T-shirt. The camp is open to girls in Grades 7-12 in the 2002-2003 school year. The camp is open to boys in Grades 4-12 in 2002-2003 school year. Get your application in early! For more information contact Keith Cote at (work) 683-7800 or (home) at 374-5094 or check out the website at: http://schools.spsd.sk.ca/mount/volleyball/mainpage.htm Check out News Events: Mount Royal Volleyball CampForms are available from senior high school coaches, the main office at Mount Royal Collegiate, the Field House, Cosmo Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Center, Lawson Heights Civic Center, both Sport Checks, Olympian Sports, Al Anderson Sports, Jeff's Crestwear, Y.M.C.A., Mayfair Sports and Doug's Spoke and Sports.

Plato is a computer-based learning program that allows students to assess what skill level they are at in a specific subject area and work from that level to develop further skills. The Plato Learning Program is a recognized curriculum for students in Grades K - 12. Assessment tools, modules for each core subject area and tests between modules help students progress at their own pace through the grade levels. The Plato Program is currently being used in many Saskatoon schools to compliment the regular curriculum.

Students can come for one week, two weeks, three weeks or all four weeks. A typical day at the Plato Summer Camp will be:

11:00 - 12:00 am Computer-based Learning
12:00 - 1:00 pm Recreation / Nutrition Break
1:00 - 2:00 pm Computer-based Learning

Registration Information
Application Deadline: June 13, 2003

Application forms can be picked up at either the main office or Student Services. Please fill in a registration form complete with teacher comments and parental approval and submit it to Nina Henry, Community School Coordinator, Mount Royal Collegiate. Participants will be notified as to their acceptance into the program by June 20th.

Plato Camp Specifics

Where: Mount Royal Collegiate, 2220 Rusholme Road, Saskatoon

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Dates:
Week 1: July 7 - 11, 2003
Week 2: July 14 - 18, 2003
Week 3: July 21 - 25, 2003
Week 4: July 28 - August 1, 2003

Location: Plato sessions will be held in the Library. Recreation and nutrition activities will take place in the various locations.

Class Size: 20 per week
Program Cost: FREE
For Information call Nina at 683-7822

We are in the process of forming our first Student Mediation Team at Mount Royal. Students selected to the team will attend a fun-filled camp at Shekinah on June 25th - 27th. At camp, they'll take part in orienteering, games tournaments, the Flying Fox, and training in the areas of conflict resolution and mediation. Mr. Dewar, Mr. Neufeld, Mr. Smith and Ms. Henry will be at the camp leading and taking part in activities with students.

We would like to thank the Saskatoon Rotary Club for providing funds for this camp and training experience. We would also like to thank the Rotary for partnering with our school to help develop a Restorative Justice Program. We hope that our collaborative efforts will result in many new program opportunities for students, staff and the community in 2003/2004.

ACADEMIC AWARDS BANQUET

The annual Academic Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Mount Royal Home and School Association, was held on Thursday, May 29th, 2003 in the school cafeteria. A total of 240 students, relatives, friends and staff members attended this enjoyable event. Our Senior Pin-Elect, Claire Robertson, and our Senior Watch, Paul Sywanyk, chaired the banquet; greetings were given by Assistant Principal, Mrs. S. Figley and Mount Royal Association representative, Mrs. Lynn Earle.

Congratulations to the following students on their accomplishments:

ARTS FAIR

The Arts Fair was held at Mount Royal Collegiate May 29th and 30th. The following students were recipients of awards:

TIME CAPSULES

Mr. Weidenhammer is retiring from Mount Royal. During the 1979 to 1981 school years, he taught Grade 12 classes and has kept PersonalValues Time Capsules as he promised he would. He still has sealed statements from the following students: (They may be picked up at the main office.)Sharon Warren, Owen Wright, Darren Elliot, Dale Chuhaniuk, Val Gustafson, Duane Hart,Rolfe Isaak, Dale Mykytyzyn, Beth O'Donnell, Susan O'Donnell, Darren Schroh, Darwin Steil,Todd Tyson, Jace Waldner, Sheryl Arnold, Dave Gessell, Jeff Jiricka, Dawn Smith,Sheldon Snatinskhy, Robert Wurtz, Tracy Shaw, Sandy Brown, David Bilsky and Colten Edwards.

ATHLETIC AWARDS 2002 - 2003

SENIOR AWARDS

FROSH/JUNIOR AWARDS

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Fred Fentiman Award - Kris Kulbida & Rebekah Klotz

A Mount Royal Thank You to An Outstanding Volunteer: MANPREET KAUR
Manpreet is a special person who has volunteered over 200 hours of her time this year tutoring Mount Royal students!!! From 8:30 A.M. until noon, three times a week, Manpreet has been in room 107 working with Grade 9 to 12 students who have come to her seeking help in math and science. Manpreet provides one-on-one instruction, explains concepts, shares knowledge, and encourages students to do their best.
Thank you, Manpreet!

The Canadian Blood Services extended their appreciation to all students and staff who donated blood at the clinic on May 6th. Seventy-three individuals registered with 58 units collected. Since each unit of blood can help save lives of up to four people, two hundred and thirty-two patients in Saskatchewan hospitals will benefit from this clinic.

HELP NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
Due to high demand, we are seeking additional volunteer families for Family-to-Family Ties, a rewarding a successful family friendship and mentoring program for Saskatoon families in need. This is an opportunity for your whole family to become involved.

Training and professional support provided.

For more information, call Terry, Trish or Shirley
at Catholic Family Services @ 244-7773.

THE SASKATOON YOUTH ORCHESTRA

The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra, Saskatoon Strings, and Double Bass Program invite applications from interested and qualified young musicians. The Youth Orchestra plays challenging music and serves musicians aged 12 to 20 who have been serious students on orchestral instruments for several years. The Saskatoon Strings serve young people aged 9 to 14 who play orchestral stringed instruments. The Double Bass Program accepts beginners who have had some musical experience and are large enough to play the instrument. Please call the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra at 955-6336, e-mail syo@sasktel.net or contact Mrs. G. Pilon, Registrar, at 249-4040 for more information.

From all the staff at Mount Royal Collegiate,
we wish you a safe and relaxing summer!