On The Trail - February, 2001(Back to Publication Main Menu)

Index

As we embark on a new semester, I want to take this opportunity to extend a sincere welcome to new students and families to our school. We are all pleased to have you as part of our Mount Royal Community.

Not only do we start our second semester but we also begin preparations for the 2001-2002 school year. Our visits to our neighborhood elementary schools have been completed, and we look forward to our Open House for students currently in grade 8. On Thursday, February 8th, 2001 at 7:30 p.m., we will have the opportunity to highlight our school and programs to future students and their families. We are proud of our school and excited about the chance to showcase Mount Royal. As well, we will begin pre-registration for current students during the week of February 12th.

While preparations are underway for the next school year, we look back fondly at the accomplishments of our students during the first semester.

• The Senior Cheerleaders won the dance competition at BRIT
• the Senior Boys' Volleyball team were runners-up in the city championships and represented our city at the provincials where they received the Sportsmanship award
• our Junior Girls' Volleyball team were silver medallists in the city championships
• the Trumpet newspaper were recognized as the best school newspaper in the large school category
• our Basketball teams continue to represent our school well and will soon be competing in the city championships
• the wrestling team is beginning what might be a championship season
• our musical, Bugsy Malone, was a huge success where it drew a full house in each of its performances
• our music groups provided excellent performances
• the large number of students who are excelling in their academic courses is commendable.

Our thanks are extended to all coaches, supervisors and staff for the time and effort they devoted to our extra-curricular programs. As well, we wish to acknowledge the great support provided by our parents in encouraging your sons and daughters to participate and in attending our many school activities. We extend our thanks to all of you.

As we enter semester two, we encourage parents/ guardians to continue to be involved in the education of your students. Feel free to call us if you have concerns or questions. Please visit us during the upcoming parent-teacher interviews on March 15th (6:30 to 9:00 p.m.) or March 16th (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.). We welcome and appreciate your involvement.

Brian Hilsen, Principal

When: Monday, June 25th, 2001 Where: Centennial Auditorium What: Ceremonies 2:00 p.m. Banquet 6:00 p.m. Dance to follow

Eligibility: Have not graduated from a secondary school. Have paid all compulsory school fees and graduation fee. Have the potential to meet the Department of Education requirements for Graduation (24 credits).

A student's graduation eligibility will be determined by these requirements and could change if the student does not successfully complete their second semester.

Meeting these minimum graduation requirements will not necessarily satisfy entrance requirements for all post-secondary institutions. Any questions about graduation requirements or post-secondary education programs should be directed to Mr. Al Farrell at 683-7825.

Meeting Dates: -- Every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the library at 7:00 P.M.

Chem Free After Grads were organized to maximize student safety and ensure that there is no illegal activities. The Mount Royal Chem Free After Grad Committee is made up of dedicated parent and student volunteers who are committed to this cause. The event is separate from the formal graduation organized by the school. The Chem Free After Grad party is held after the formal graduation at the Centennial Auditorium.

Where: Louis Pub on Campus U of S When: Monday, June 25th, 2001 after formal graduation (1:00 a.m.- 6:00 a.m.) Who: Future Graduates & their Escorts Why: Provide a safe and memorable grad party with no illegal activities Activities: Hypnotist, Casino, Food, DJ, Video Games, Pool Tables, Prizes & More Transportation: Volunteer Parent Drivers & MD Ambulance Cost: $60/ Graduate; $15/ Escort (optional)

Future graduates and parents can buy down their ticket price and boost their son/daughter's name into higher prize categories. How? By fundraising Past: Chocolate Sales - worth $25/every case sold Tart Sales - worth $5/every 4 flats sold Magazine Sales - worth $5/every subscription sold Now: Bingos - worth $25/every Bingo worked Next: Valentine auction, car washes, decorating, and any other upcoming fundraising suggestions! Prize Tiers: Tier I No Fundraising - your ticket cost is $60 + tier I prize category Tier II Fundraising $1-$99 reduce your ticket cost up to 100% + tier II prize category Tier III Fundraising $100+ - completely pays for your ticket + tier III prize category

Three fundraisers to date: chocolates, butter tarts & magazine subscriptions have netted a profit of $1654.77. To date businesses in the community have donated $300 in cash and some prizes. Bingos are our major source of funding. Our phoning committee has done a remarkable job filling all 9 bingos at Lucky Bucks on 22nd. Punctuality is essential in maintaining our license. Ensure that you are there one hour prior to start time. If you still wish to work a bingo, please call one of the committee members to be placed on a waiting list in case a cancellation occurs, or if future bingo dates are available.

More parents are needed to support other upcoming fundraisers. We still have a long way to go to reach our goal.

We will require parents to help chaperone, drive and work casinos during the evening at Louis'. If you can donate your time, please call one of the committee members.

We would like to thank all the parents and students who have devoted their time and energy for this event.

THANKS TO YOUR HELP THIS EVENT WILL HAPPEN!

Please call any one of the committee members; Holly @ 384-5281, Diana @ 384-8590 or Lynn @ 382-9303, if you have any concerns.

From: Your Chem Free After Grad Committee.

Post Secondary. General University of Saskatchewan application workshops have been scheduled in Student Services. Students have the opportunity to obtain "conditional acceptance" early in the Spring. This helps U of S applicants to better plan their future. Applicants to other post-secondary programs are dealt with on an individual basis.

Scholarships/Bursaries. All grade 12's contemplating post-secondary education should consider applying for this kind of money. Student Services supports students applying in a variety of ways. See or phone Mr. Farrell @ 683-7825 for details.

Library Hours -- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Thursdays closes at 1:05 p.m.)

Students can come to the library with classes or on their own to do research and homework.

Internet Access & Computer Use is available once an acceptable use agreement has been signed. To do so, see our librarian, Mrs. Godin before or after school. Other computer use, such as word processing is also available.

The integration of English & Social Studies have kept grade nine MDA students busy. Students were able to explore their creative writing skills with Shelly Leedahl's writing workshops. Students further developed their dramatic skills in a Shakespearean Drama Workshop with Dwayne Brenna, head of the drama department from University of Saskatchewan. On December 22nd, we held our Medieval Feast. Students dressed up, prepared 12th Century food, dances and enjoyed the time period. Students also handed in their year end portfolios and created videos for Romeo and Juliet which are very amusing.

In the New Year, MDA has been working on Prairie Voices in English & Social Studies. We become familiar with local poets and writers.

On January 13th, students held a bottle drive to fundraise for their spring trip. Thank you to the parents who provided a garage, transportation of students and trucks to haul cans to Sarcan. We are about 3/4 of the way there! We anticipate another fundraiser in early February. Thank you to the many people who support us!

In semester 2, students will take Science/Math/ Information Processing in a compressed, integrated format. They will continue fundraising through their English class.

On March 22nd - 24th, an exciting tour to Edmonton will be highlighting the band and choir students from MRCI. The band will be performing in the Alberta International Band Festival at the Winspear Centre. The choir will be having a clinic/workshop with a prominent choral director in the city. Visits to the Science Centre and West Edmonton Mall are part of our itinerary. Stay posted for more details!

Mount Royal's Choral Singers have had a successful fall season involving singers from grades 9-12. This daily performance-based class has performed in five elementary schools as well as in school concerts for Remembrance Day, Dinner Theatre and Christmas. As well, they have worked hard to fundraise for their upcoming trip to Edmonton in March, by selling chocolates and holding bake sales.

Although the semester is over, the singers will continue extracurricular practice, Wednesdays at noon to perform for Open House and in Edmonton.

Thanks singers for an excellent effort this year!

The Mount Royal girls curling team had a successful season. Our veteran curlers have improved since last year and our new curlers are learning the game quickly. Stefanie Foster, Becky Hanson, Rachel Boden, Jennifer Rendell, Jessica Leslie and Jamie Dereniwsky are the active team members and Nyree Wagar and Tami Greene attended most practices. We look forward to seeing all the curlers back next season and welcome any new curlers as well. The curling season begins in October and runs until Christmas.

The Junior Mustangs are having a competitive season. Sam Seto represented the team at the one-on-one contest at BRIT. Sam played well but lost out in the Semi-Final. The city championship will be played February 14th, 15th, 16th & 17th at Walter Murray.

The Senior Boy's Basketball team is having the most successful season in years. The team is always dangerous with an explosive style of play. BRIT 2001 has been the highlight of the season up to this point. The Mustangs played extremely well and entered the BRIT record books by winning a game which went into 4 overtimes. Mustang basketball takes the show on the road in February with the Morander Invitational Tournament and the Luther Invitational (Regina). Team members include: Wade Holowaty, Michael Linklater, Ian Klassen, Mike Martin, Steven Kwok, Kent Earle, Scott Bevan, Mike Robertson, Logan Hoehn, Jesse Trefiak, Ryan Lynchuk, Edo Kazic and Jamey Hughton. Coaches are Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Patterson.

The Mount Royal Boys & Girls Volleyball Camp will once again be held just prior to school beginning in the fall of the 2001-2002 school year. The exact dates will be determined when the official school year is set. The camp will be open to boys and girls in grades 7-12 in the 2001-2002 school year. Instructors will include some of Saskatchewan's top high school club and provincial team coaches as well as people with university and provincial team experience as players. Application forms should be available at Mount Royal Collegiate in mid April. Contact Keith Cote for more information.

The Senior Cheerleaders captured the gold medal at the BRIT showcase cheerleading competition and took silver in the sideline competition.

The 37th annual Junior Girls Basketball tournament will be held on Thursday, February 15th, Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th, 2001. There are ten teams involved in the draw so we will be playing two games on Thursday at 6:00 and 7:45 p.m.

There will be an admission charge (students with student card - $1.00, Adults $2.00 per day). Our concession is available throughout the tournament. 

Mount Royal held a meet (tournament) called the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 13th, that drew over 175 wrestlers from the West side High Schools. Seventy-five came from Mount Royal, including 10 female competitors. Congratulations to 9 of our wrestlers who finished first!

The purpose of the meet was to introduce our novice wrestlers to the sport in a large training session. Having said that, the competition was strong and coaches could see improvements even throughout the day. The wrestling season continues with duels on February 1st, 8th, 15th, and March 1st; tournaments in Calgary on January 27th and in Regina on February 4th. City championships are at ABCI on March 13th & 14th, and Provincials are in Regina on March 23rd & 24th.

Please note that the wrestling schedule has changed from past years. This year there is an East and a West division. Mount Royal will wrestle all West division teams and two East division opponents. With a veteran ladened team, Mr. Hanke and Mr. McDonald have high expectations for the season.

The time has come once again for Mount Royal students to choose their classes for the next school year. We encourage students to check pre-requisites for their preferred post-secondary program before selecting their MRCI course for next year.

The following steps will be used to complete the process.

1) Monday, February 12th - Homeroom teachers will distribute Course Selection booklets, and course request forms in their period two classes.

2) Tuesday, February 15th - Students will return their Course Request forms to their homeroom teacher. The request form must be signed by their parent/guardian. Homeroom classes will transfer their requests onto scan sheets.

It is very important for students to return these forms on time. The reason is because, both program offerings and instructional staff is based upon the information gathered. Please help us in this process.

Another important reason to have your completed form handed in to your homeroom teacher is to ensure your class requests being confirmed.

As we complete semester one and begin a new semester, a number of staff changes have occurred. Among those who are leaving are Ms. McGonigle (Home Economics), Mrs. Bartoli (Secretary), Ms. Hein (English), Ms. Booth-Peterson (Bursaries Education) and Mrs. Janis (LSWS). Two of our teachers will be returning from leaves, Mrs. McCrae (English) and Mr. Hansen (English).

We want to extend a welcome to Mount Royal Collegiate to Ms. Grant (LSWS) and Mrs. Brusky (Home Economics). We look forward to your involvement in our school program. 

Effective January 30th, 2001

It is your responsibility to attend all classes. A parent or guardian must explain all your absences as early as possible. Your absences will be treated in the following manner:

a) Teachers will remind you regularly of the attendance policy.

b) At or before five absences, your teacher will phone home and explain the situation to your parent/guardian, or talk to you if you are living on your own.

c) At six absences, a letter will be sent to your home to inform your parent/guardian that your attendance is a concern.

d) At eight absences in a class, you and your parent/guardian will be asked to sign a contract with your teacher. Signing this contract means that you agree to have no more than two absences in that class. A copy of the signed contract will be forwarded to the grade administrator.

e) If the contract is broken, you may be removed from the class.

Exemption: If any of the ten absences are substantiated by medical certificate or by compassionate circumstances, they may not be counted as part of the ten. All extended absences will be judged on an individual basis.

Lates: In terms of absence, two lates count as one absence.

A number of our current staff members are graduates of Mount Royal. They are: 

P. Patola (nee Nash) '82	S. McLean (Senior Pin) '85	D. Isbister '85	G. Thiessen '87
D. Fisher '88	K. Tryon '91	A. Fairbrother '93

Look for more interesting "tid-bits" in the next newsletter.

Candis Clarke, a grade eleven student here at Mount Royal, has been selected to be one of two Canadian young people to represent our country at the United Nations Summit in New York City. She will accompany a Canadian Senator at this conference where the issues of Children's Rights will be discussed as well as issues as labor, camps, and sweat shops. The Summit is January 29th -February 2nd. We would like to congratulate Candis on her selection it is a great honor for her and Mount Royal Collegiate.

Kadane, a grade twelve Mount Royal student, has been chosen by the Canadian Students Commission to participate in the project "Young Women Connect" conference in Toronto from January 25th to 28th, 2001. This conference of young women from across Canada is a combination of interactive workshops, working groups, panel presentations, and facilitated discussions. Issues discussed will focus on a variety of topics related to racism, violence, and poverty.

Terri-Lynn Hill and Stephanie Foster were selected to be part of the Saskatoon Public School Board's Janapese Exchange program. They will leave for Japan on April 13th and return on April 27th.

Congratulation to the 11 students who competed in the Canadian Open Mathematics challenge on November 29th, 2000. Results should be in early February. See Mr. Ouellet in room #239 for more details.

• The eleven students were: Ramin Hallaji-Dezfouli, Logan Hoehn, Devin Hyde, Melissa Back, Karlene Hamm, Jonathon Miller, Thai Hoang, Paul Du, Bunthan Prak, Jeannette Vu and Andrew Tremblay.

The Pascal (gr. 9), Cayley (gr. 10), and Fermat (gr. 11) will take place on Wednesday, February 28th, 2001 at 8:30 in Open Area #2 (Room #243). Good luck to all participants!

• Practice sessions for these contests will start on Monday, February 5th during the lunch hour in room #239.
• All participating students must pick up an activity release slip from Mr. Ouellet.

Grade 12 students interested in competing in the Euclid and Descartes math contests must register with Mr. Ouellet in room #239 before Tuesday, February 6th. These contests will take place on Wednesday, April 18th (Descartes) and Thursday, April 19th (Euclid).

Student Crimestoppers

Student Crimestoppers is an organization that wants to make Mount Royal a safe and friendly school. They are again pleased to sponsor a student assembly on Tuesday, February 13th during periods four and five. The guest speaker, Mike Ryan, will share his experiences as a former member of a drug ring. His message is one of hope and change.

Keep your eyes and ears open, you'll hear more from Student Crimestoppers in semester two.

CAREER EXPO -- March 12th 16th, 2001 -- Flexi-Coil Place, Saskatoon

Grade 11 and 12 students from various divisions are invited to register for a one-hour interactive presentation from 16 sectors, as well as 4 or 5 general workshops (entrepreneurship, self-marketing, etc.). Students will attend three pre-selected workshops in one day that week.

Parents and members of the community are invited to attend two Community Nights during Career Expo week. Topics will include Hottest Future Job Prospects and Becoming Your Child's Career Mentor.

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is an organization that helps and supports immigrant and refugee, youth and families in making a successful transition into their new community and country. The Open Door Society is currently running five programs that may interest youth and families.

• Homework Help. Students are matched up with a tutor that can help with assignments, prepare for tests, or just practice reading or writing English. (January-April 2001)
• Nobody Is Perfect. Classes for immigrant parents who have children from new born babies to six years old. (January 25th - March 24th, 2001)
• Cross Cultural Parenting Program. For immigrant parents with school age children. (January 17th - March 24th, 2001)
• Food For Thought. A program run by Saskatoon District Health and the Saskatoon Open Door Society for immigrant moms to be or previous participants. (February 5th - March 26th, 2001)

If you are interested in any of these programs or have any questions, please contact the Saskatoon Open Door Society at 653-4464.

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of John Smyth, a former principal of Mount Royal Collegiate. He was a dedicated leader and was committed to making our school the best it could be. His energy and strong leadership helped build the positive reputation of Mount Royal. Our thoughts are extended to his family over the loss of a dedicated husband, father and educator. His contributions to our school will live on forever.

Greetings and Happy New Year! We have received so much information at the last two Parent Council meetings. In December, Mr. Al Farrell, from Student Services discussed the process of guiding the Grade 12 students through their timetables and classes in preparation for Graduation. Mr. Hilsen brought us up to date on the numerous activities that have been going on at Mount Royal and what to look forward to in the New Year. Did you know that Mount Royal prepared and delivered 38 Christmas Hampers? Our School has other community interests as well. We have a lot to be PROUD OF!

At the January meeting we saw the new Mount Royal Course Selection Book. It is an excellent overview for students and parents. Be sure to look for it. Mr. Bob Bevan and Mr. Brian Hilsen went through the improved time scheduling for Math, proposed new courses changes to staff and so much more.

Mr. Don Morgan, the Board Chair and Mr. Dan Danielson, our Trustee will be our guests at the February 7th meeting.

Come to Parent Council learn more about our school. IT'S A GREAT PLACE!

Next meeting -- Wed. February 7th @7:00 MRCI Library. 

Children of Separated and Divorces Parents. This group is designed to help children identify and work through their feelings of loss and grief, while encouraging them to feel good about themselves.

Parenting After Separation & Divorce For Non-Custodian Parents. Issues addressed in the group will include: what children need, children's experience of separation and divorce, how parents who do not live full-time with their children can maintain a strong bond with them and managing new parental relationships.

Children Exposed to Violence in Families. The group includes topics such as: positive problem solving skills, expressing feelings, stress and anger management.

Children & Grief For Children Who Have Experienced the Death of a Parent or Sibling. This program will provide children with a safe and supportive environment to grieve and begin the healing process. Children will learn to better understand the concept of death and develop coping skills with issues of loss, grief and change.

What Do You Think? This program is intended for adolescent girls Grades 9 to 12. The purpose is to promote healthy self-esteem, provide opportunities to discuss issues that have an impact on adolescent girls, allow them to learn about themselves as individuals, and encourage peer support. The goal is to promote personal growth through participation in a variety of activities using different mediums to express feelings, thoughts and ideas.

"Changing The Inner Voice" Women and Self Image. This program is intended for women who would like to better understand the way they think and feel about themselves. The workshop will look at the dynamics of our self-perception and provide opportunities for self-growth. Attention is paid to the societal context of women's lives.

For more information on any of these programs, please call 244-7773.

 On The Trail - December, 2000 (Back to Publication Main Menu)

Index

With the approach of the Christmas season, our staff would like to extend best wishes to each of you.

Our fall has been one filled with many events and activities and we continue to appreciate and recognize the involvement, commitment and successes of our students and staff. Our Academic Awards Assembly provided us with an opportunity to recognize the achievements of our students. Congratulations are extended to all recipients and we thank the many parents and guests who attended this important event. As well, our grade nine students were involved in a "Take our Kids to Work" program in November and reports indicate that the experience was beneficial for our students.

Congratulations are also extended to the many students and staff who were involved in our outstanding musical production, Bugsy Malone. Organizing such a production requires tremendous commitment from all those involved and because of this commitment, the musical was well received. Our performing arts program in our school continues to excel and we look forward to many more opportunities to see our students perform.

The Remembrance Day program was held on November 9th and we extend our sincere thanks to all students and staff who were involved in the ceremony. It was well received by all those in attendance and was our best ever.

Our athletic teams and club activities continue to represent our school well and we thank the many students, staff and parents for contributing to a successful program.

We had the opportunity to host two major tournaments this fall, "Mustang Volley" and the "Royal Tip-Off Classic". Both events were well organized and we extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of students and staff volunteers who contributed to the success of these events. We also acknowledge the support provided by community businesses. Thanks to everyone for helping to make both tournaments among the best in the province.

It is our wish that the holiday season provides all of you the time to relax and the opportunity to spend time with family, friends and relatives.

Have a Merry Christmas and the best for 2001!

Meeting Dates: Every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Library at 7:00 P.M.

The planning of this year's Chem Free After Grad is already in full swing. We have held three parent/student meetings, October 25th, November 9th and December 12th. At these meetings we have focused on what we will be doing at the After Grad and also the fundraising needed for it to happen. Without your HELP it will NOT happen.

We would like to thank all the parents and students who participated in our chocolate sales, butter tart sales and magazine sales. We still have a long way to go to reach our goal AND NEED YOUR HELP!!!

We have also applied to work some Bingo's and we would encourage parents to assist when called upon. Bingo's will start after December 31, 2000.

Members from our Chem Free After Grad Committee attended the City Wide Chem Free After Grad seminar. It was helpful and gave us several good ideas.

If you have any questions concerning our Chem Free After Grad, please do not hesitate to call any one of the committee members - Holly @384-5281, Diana @ 384-8590 or Lynn @ 382-9303.

Lastly, we would like to encourage as many students/parents as possible to help out. Remember that Chem Free After Grad is for the benefit of all graduates to ensure that they have a safe and memorable graduation night.

WITHOUT YOUR HELP THIS EVENT CANNOT HAPPEN!

A special thanks to all of those who have already participated.

From: Your Chem Free After Grad Committee

The 1920's have become a legendary decade. This was the era of jazz and the Charleston, of short-skirted, bob-haired young women and fellas who were the cat's whiskers. New pleasures like the cinema, radio, dance-halls and motorcars became available. But it was also the time of prohibition, when all drinking was banned. Soft drink parlours known as "speak-easies" flourished. These places were controlled by gangsters and it is here where they sold illegal drinks. The 1920's was a decade of unparalleled crime and corruption. And so the stage was set for the upcoming Mount Royal musical, Bugsy Malone, a comedy! Nearly 50 students have been dedicating hours of their time to attend rehearsals, paint props, sing songs, learn dance steps, and prepare to offer the best in theatre for their audiences.

Ms. Browne is the director, Ms. Summerfeldt is the assistant director, and Ms. Pittman is the musical director. Mr. Jim Wells and his assistants, Jeannette Vu and Bunthan Prak, have been energetically working on props for the play.

Matinee performances were held on December 6th, 7th and 8th. The Dinner Theatre held on the evening of Friday, December 8th was tremendous! A final evening performance hit the stage on Saturday, December 9th.

The following are the names of the cast and crew of Bugsy Malone: Danielle Aasen (crew), Brittney Balfour (crew), Grayson Bond (violin player), Krysten Bond (Razamataz), Chelsea Boyd (Blousey), Andrew Burke (Dandy Dan, audition act), Crystal Carlson (Dotty, ballet audition act), Anthony Clarke (ventriloquist, baseballguard, soundman, Loonie B.), Ashley Conn (reporter, d&o, undertaker, audition-brawling sisters), Michelle Conn (girl singer - Lily, Pickett, audition - brawling sisters), Jonathan Derry (Leroy, undertaker, reporter), Mitchell Fehr (Snake Eyes, Dummy, d&o, mugger, diner in restaurant), Michelle Fisher (Tallulah), Stefanie Foster (d.d. Doodle, O'Dreary, the Great Marbini), Stevie Friesen, (d.d. Laughing Boy), Jasmine Giesbrecht (girl singer, Tillie), Miranda Gurel (barber, paperboy, d&o), Debbie Gustafson (waitress, Velma), Miranda Hagel (d.d. Benny Lee), Becky Hanson (English Reporter, Pop Becker, Smolesky), Christine Hanson (Shoulders), Byron Hnatuk (technical crew), Jamey Hughton (f.s. Knuckles, d&o, audition act), Kristen Johnsen (Olivia de Velt, reporter, d&o, barrell singer), Troy Klassen (Fizzy), Nickolas Koupantsis (Bugsy), Erika Lanzer (Flash Frankie, Joe, d&o, Canajun reporter/dinner), Brad Lavertu (f.s. Ritzy, d&o, mugger), Justin Lavertu (f.s. Roxy Robinson, Baby face), Megan Litterick (radio announcer, d&o, mugger), Alicia Leedahl (Louella, undertaker, d&o, reporter, barrell singer), Kevin Marissen (crew), Browyn Martens (girl singer - Daisy, Blousey understudy), Amanda Michener (undertaker, d&o, reporter, barrell singer), Kyle Nowosad (crew), Katrina Olson (Lena Marelli, f.s. Louis, d&o), Nathan Perkins (Fat Sam), Jason Phipps (crew), Brent Roberts (technical crew), Theresa Ross (f.s. Angelo, d&o, baseball guard), Veronica Sellar (Shady, restaurant diner), Mathew Spratt (Bronx Charlie), Jennifer Stewart (girl singer, Bangles), Michelle Stonehouse (crew), Megan Wilchynski (maid, baseball guard, audition act: accordian), Quinn Wilchynski (Loretta, opera singer), Lisa Wright (d.d. Yonker, Seymore Scoop).

October was a very exciting and busy month for grade nine MDA students and teachers. We took learning into the community on many occasions.

On October 3 we boarded buses and headed over to the University of Saskatchewan for half a day. A highly motivated graduate student at the Museum of Antiquities entertained us with myths and legends of Ancient Greece and Rome. Following this terrific presentation, we visited the Millennium Display at the Diefenbaker Centre. It was once in a thousand years opportunity! The display complimented the grade 9 social studies curriculum.

October 11th was a warm sunny day - just perfect for a day of physical activities at Shekinah. Students travelled to 5 Stations where they needed to cooperate and plan strategies to overcome physical obstacles. Thank you to the parent volunteers who spent the day supervising activities.

After academics and athletics, drama is a must! On October 17th Mr. Feheregyhazi from Persephone Theatre offered a backstage tour. We watched set designers and stage crew at work. Mr. Feheregyhazi explained many of the technical aspects of theatre with passion and knowledge. Students enjoyed the afternoon viewing W.O. Mitchell's classic Who Has Seen the Wind.

Shelley Leedahl shared her expertise as a professional author on October 25th. She read "Spades", a mystery that absorbed all the audience. In a writing workshop, she focussed on descriptive use of language. She motivated and encouraged young writers to pursue their dreams.

Within the curriculum, Mr. May and Ms. Kwasnik-Senger have been integrating Medieval/Elizabethan history and literature. On November 17th Mr. Gorman shared his enthusiasm for Ninja technique and weapons. On December 11th Dwayne Brenna from the University of Saskatchewan Drama Department provided a Shakespearian Drama Workshop. He made Romeo and Juliet come alive! This unit of work will culminate in a Medieval Feast on December 22nd. Students will be cooking medieval dishes, dancing to Elizabethan tunes and will dress up for the occasion.

Fundraising is going well! We have had successful sales in chocolates, popcorn and Sunsweet products. Students have been gathering cans and worked parent teacher interviews. We will take a break over the holidays and hope to do a bottle drive early in January. We encourage people to save their cans and bottles for this event. Again, thank you to all the parents and community who support us.

"Being part of Parent Council has made me feel that Mount Royal is my school".

Each meeting the parents who attend Parent Council are updated on class information, programs, events, new directions, etc. and we realize the strength and security within our school. We have the opportunity to get to know the administration and the teachers.

Join us at any meeting - you are always welcome. Get to know your child's school and make Mount Royal your school, too.

The schedule for meetings for 2001 is as follows:

Jan. 10 - New School Programs/Course Selections

Feb. 7 Regular meeting

Mar. 7 New Beginnings

April 4 Regular meetings

May 2 Wind-up

Meetings begin at 7:00 P.M. in the LRC. Hope to see you there.

Lynn Earle, President

1. 1. The Saskatoon Newcomers' Club is for women who have moved to Saskatoon within the last 3 years. We promote friendship, have monthly dinner meetings, and have special interest groups for ladies and couples. Come and meet others from across the country and the globe. Please call 688-8131 for further information.
2. 2. WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE An exciting new project is taking shape in Saskatoon. Construction began in May, 2000 on a centrally located building adjacent to the YWCA, which will house 6 partner agencies (Catholic Family Services of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service, Saskatoon Family Service Bureau, Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre, Saskatoon's United Way, and the YWCA of Saskatoon.) There will also be space to accommodate other non-profit, community-based agencies. Working together, these agencies can implement an innovative model of delivery to provide better and more creative services. We are asking for financial support to reduce the mortgage and therefore allow more dollars to be directed toward services to enhance the lives of children and families.If you wish to become "a citizen of The Village", through your financial support, please send your gift to:
   1. Saskatoon Community Service Village c/o 345A - 3rd Avenue SouthSaskatoon, Sk S7K 1M6 For more information call 975-7700.
3. 3.COACHES NEEDED for Zone 5 Baseball (Boys and Girls - From Squirt to Bantam) Send an application to P.O. Box 20053, Saskatoon, SK S7L 7K9 or call Nancy at 384-9220.
4. 4. Smart Presents: CAREER EXPO

Grade 11 and 12 students from various divisions are invited to register for a one-hour interactive presentation from 16 sectors, as well as 4 or 5 general workshops (entrepreneurship, self-marketing, etc.). Students will attend three pre-selected workshops in one day that week.

Parents and members of the community are invited to attend two Community Nights during Career Expo week. Topics will include Hottest Future Job Prospects and Becoming Your Child's Career Mentor.