I'm not sure if you have heard it through others, but I will not be returning to Stamford in the fall. I will be transferring to Eden High School in St Catharines. I am excited for the new opportunities there but I am still sad to have to leave my friends, teachers and iSting. I wish future writers the best of times and bylines. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything.
yours Truly,
Kaye Puhakka
Friday, June 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Grade 9 Pledge to Graduate?
Grade 9 Students Pledge to Graduate
On Tuesday, January 18, Stamford’s grade 9s took part in a ceremony where they pledged to graduate as part of the Class of 2014.
The nearly-200 students met in the cafeteria where they began a two-line procession into the gymnasium, led by Student Council members Andrea Wurster and Andrew ___. Presiding over the ceremony was Mrs. Brady, Stamford’s guidance counsellor, and Mrs. Merante, the Student Success teacher. To continue the afternoon’s events, Stamford’s Class of 2010 valedictorian, Phil Marinucci, offered some words of advice and encouragement, urging the grade 9 students to make the most of their high school education by becoming involved in extracurricular activities. His words resonated with everyone in the gymnasium. Stamford’s principal, Ms. Harrison, then delivered some of her own words of wisdom to the future graduates.
Following the speeches, each grade 9 student was called onto the stage to receive a diploma, just like a real graduation ceremony. Ms. Harrison and vice principal Mr. Gittins waited on stage to shake their hands and offer congratulations. Upon receiving his or her diploma, each grade 9 then signed a large banner, which was adorned with nearly 200 signatures from the Class of 2014 by the end of the afternoon.
The future graduates returned to the cafeteria where they celebrated their pledge to graduate with cake.
- Is there anything else that should be included??? I think it probably needs more of a conclusion because this one is rather abrupt but I couldn't think of anything at the moment. Thanks.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
New article
Hey everyone,
this is my latest article, please let me know what you think!
thanks,
Madison
In her last three years of high school, grade twelve student Sara Reeb has been frequenting the stage at all of Stamford’s showcases for musical talent. The singer-songwriter has performed at Winterstock, Coffee House, the Remembrance Day Assembly, and even had a significant role in last year’s production of the musical, “Hair”. Sara writes her own songs, taught herself to play the guitar, and has a steady following of viewers on her YouTube channel. Over one hundred YouTubers have subscribed to her videos, but she’s not looking for fame.
How does it feel to know you have over 6000 views on your YouTube channel?
Kinda weird, haha.
Did you ever think that many people would watch your videos?
No!
Does that make you feel proud or is it all just weird?
It’s weird, but it’s a good weird. It’s an exciting thing.
How would you describe your music?
I don’t know, haha, acoustic. I actually don’t know how to describe it. Just acoustic music.
I noticed on your YouTube channel that you’ve listed Ratt and Poison as some of your favourite bands. How do you go from listening to that genre of music to writing acoustic music?
No idea, it’s really weird. I listen to complete opposite music than I play. I like a lot heavier stuff to listen to but at the same time they [heavier bands] all have slow music.
Did writing acoustic music come naturally to you, or was it more related to the fact that you don’t have a band to make music in the genre that you listen to?
Yeah, pretty much. I can do their stuff in an acoustic version.
Would you want to be part of a band one day and try it for real?
I don’t think so, I don’t think I have the voice to suit it.
How long has music been a part of your life?
I’ve been playing guitar since grade ten guitar class, singing, I’ve been taking lessons for seven years. I started putting it all together in grade ten.
How did you get started writing songs?
In grade six for a poetry assignment. Me and my best friend were writing a poem together and we’re just like “let’s make a song!” and it was the worst song I’ve ever written in my life but we thought it was phenomenal. It was a song about trees, it was great.
Some of the videos you’ve posted on YouTube mention collaborations with other musicians. Do you have any plans for more collaborations in the near future?
I write with TK. I don’t very often, I find it really difficult to write with people.
How did it go when you two wrote together?
It actually went well just because we kind of respect each other’s territory. He did the guitar part and I wrote the lyrics.
So how’s it been for you learning to play the guitar?
It’s hard, haha, it’s very hard. I’m not that great.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Playing left handed because being forced to play right handed at first was not fun. Having to re-string guitars, having to pay more for guitars. I don’t really know a lot about guitars.
Do you still get nervous before you perform?
Yeah. I do. A lot. Unless, I find if I’m performing my original stuff it’s not bad, but if I’m doing a cover of something, I get really freaked out. Just because everyone knows it. If it’s my song and I mess up they don’t really know.
What’s the most memorable performance you’ve done so far?
Probably at the Regional Battle of the Bands. I was the filler. I think it was the worst performance I’ve ever done, but it’s definitely the most memorable. I like, broke the music stand and the chord for my guitar didn’t work so I had to mic it. It was terrible. It was exciting though. I talked to all the different bands.
Did it go over well?
Yeah, it was good. They didn’t really pay attention to the filler anyways.
Still, it’s a good opportunity right?
Yeah, for sure.
What’s the best piece of encouragement you’ve ever received?
Probably from my dad. If I were to sing completely off key he would think it’s great anyways. It’s great.
So he’s your biggest supporter?
Yeah, definitely. He says “one day I’m gonna drive your tour bus!”.
Is there any song you’ve heard that you wish you could say you wrote?
Yeah, Happy Birthday! Everyone knows that song! I don’t even know who wrote Happy Birthday, but everyone would know it and in the back of your mind you’d be like “oh I wrote that”.
Is that something you hope for in the future, to maybe have your songs played on the radio?
It’d be awesome to have people know them. I don’t necessarily know if I want to be famous, but I definitely want to continue making YouTube videos. I do want to still perform.
Would you consider pursuing music as a career in the future?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I want to be a famous rock star or anything because the odds of that happening are like, 0, but I definitely want to do something with music. I want to go out and study music or study vocals.
Was there anything in particular that caused you to realize this is what you want to do, or was it just sort of a gradual thing?
When I started playing guitar, started teaching myself, I found that if I found a simple guitar riff I could just easily put lyrics to it and I was just like “oh, that’s pretty cool!”. It’s like a diary but not written down. I just kinda realized, “oh I like this”.
And are your friends and family supportive of that or do they encourage you to have something else to fall back on?
They’re a little bit of both ways. Everyone in my family’s tone deaf, no musical ability at all- so they don’t really understand it. They still support me but they’re kinda just like “wow, is that even a career?”.
But you’re still going to do it.
Yeah. I’m going to do it anyways. Who cares.
To listen to Sara's music, go to www.youtube.com/user/mascara166, and for updates about new songs or performances search "Sara Reeb Music" on facebook.
this is my latest article, please let me know what you think!
thanks,
Madison
In her last three years of high school, grade twelve student Sara Reeb has been frequenting the stage at all of Stamford’s showcases for musical talent. The singer-songwriter has performed at Winterstock, Coffee House, the Remembrance Day Assembly, and even had a significant role in last year’s production of the musical, “Hair”. Sara writes her own songs, taught herself to play the guitar, and has a steady following of viewers on her YouTube channel. Over one hundred YouTubers have subscribed to her videos, but she’s not looking for fame.
How does it feel to know you have over 6000 views on your YouTube channel?
Kinda weird, haha.
Did you ever think that many people would watch your videos?
No!
Does that make you feel proud or is it all just weird?
It’s weird, but it’s a good weird. It’s an exciting thing.
How would you describe your music?
I don’t know, haha, acoustic. I actually don’t know how to describe it. Just acoustic music.
I noticed on your YouTube channel that you’ve listed Ratt and Poison as some of your favourite bands. How do you go from listening to that genre of music to writing acoustic music?
No idea, it’s really weird. I listen to complete opposite music than I play. I like a lot heavier stuff to listen to but at the same time they [heavier bands] all have slow music.
Did writing acoustic music come naturally to you, or was it more related to the fact that you don’t have a band to make music in the genre that you listen to?
Yeah, pretty much. I can do their stuff in an acoustic version.
Would you want to be part of a band one day and try it for real?
I don’t think so, I don’t think I have the voice to suit it.
How long has music been a part of your life?
I’ve been playing guitar since grade ten guitar class, singing, I’ve been taking lessons for seven years. I started putting it all together in grade ten.
How did you get started writing songs?
In grade six for a poetry assignment. Me and my best friend were writing a poem together and we’re just like “let’s make a song!” and it was the worst song I’ve ever written in my life but we thought it was phenomenal. It was a song about trees, it was great.
Some of the videos you’ve posted on YouTube mention collaborations with other musicians. Do you have any plans for more collaborations in the near future?
I write with TK. I don’t very often, I find it really difficult to write with people.
How did it go when you two wrote together?
It actually went well just because we kind of respect each other’s territory. He did the guitar part and I wrote the lyrics.
So how’s it been for you learning to play the guitar?
It’s hard, haha, it’s very hard. I’m not that great.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Playing left handed because being forced to play right handed at first was not fun. Having to re-string guitars, having to pay more for guitars. I don’t really know a lot about guitars.
Do you still get nervous before you perform?
Yeah. I do. A lot. Unless, I find if I’m performing my original stuff it’s not bad, but if I’m doing a cover of something, I get really freaked out. Just because everyone knows it. If it’s my song and I mess up they don’t really know.
What’s the most memorable performance you’ve done so far?
Probably at the Regional Battle of the Bands. I was the filler. I think it was the worst performance I’ve ever done, but it’s definitely the most memorable. I like, broke the music stand and the chord for my guitar didn’t work so I had to mic it. It was terrible. It was exciting though. I talked to all the different bands.
Did it go over well?
Yeah, it was good. They didn’t really pay attention to the filler anyways.
Still, it’s a good opportunity right?
Yeah, for sure.
What’s the best piece of encouragement you’ve ever received?
Probably from my dad. If I were to sing completely off key he would think it’s great anyways. It’s great.
So he’s your biggest supporter?
Yeah, definitely. He says “one day I’m gonna drive your tour bus!”.
Is there any song you’ve heard that you wish you could say you wrote?
Yeah, Happy Birthday! Everyone knows that song! I don’t even know who wrote Happy Birthday, but everyone would know it and in the back of your mind you’d be like “oh I wrote that”.
Is that something you hope for in the future, to maybe have your songs played on the radio?
It’d be awesome to have people know them. I don’t necessarily know if I want to be famous, but I definitely want to continue making YouTube videos. I do want to still perform.
Would you consider pursuing music as a career in the future?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I want to be a famous rock star or anything because the odds of that happening are like, 0, but I definitely want to do something with music. I want to go out and study music or study vocals.
Was there anything in particular that caused you to realize this is what you want to do, or was it just sort of a gradual thing?
When I started playing guitar, started teaching myself, I found that if I found a simple guitar riff I could just easily put lyrics to it and I was just like “oh, that’s pretty cool!”. It’s like a diary but not written down. I just kinda realized, “oh I like this”.
And are your friends and family supportive of that or do they encourage you to have something else to fall back on?
They’re a little bit of both ways. Everyone in my family’s tone deaf, no musical ability at all- so they don’t really understand it. They still support me but they’re kinda just like “wow, is that even a career?”.
But you’re still going to do it.
Yeah. I’m going to do it anyways. Who cares.
To listen to Sara's music, go to www.youtube.com/user/mascara166, and for updates about new songs or performances search "Sara Reeb Music" on facebook.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Stamford Musicians On 3 Day Tour
Hey everyone, this is my article about the Feeder School Tour. Let me know what you think! I'm not sure how to finish it.
- Madison
For students in the Music Department at Stamford Collegiate, the first sign of the Christmas season is marked by a visit to each and every elementary school in the surrounding area. The "Feeder School Tour" is an annual event organized by Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Barette. Members of the concert band as well as the choir make stops at FJ Rutland, Riverview, Princess Margaret, Battlefield, Heximer, Simcoe Street, and Valley Way over the course of just three days.
Upon arriving at all of the various schools, the band and choir members worked as a team to unload instruments and equipment from the buses and set it up in the gym. To start off each performance with a bang, Mr. Taylor led the concert band in a performance of the tune "Sabre Dance", most commonly recognized as the Buffalo Bill's theme song. Under the direction of Mrs. Barette, the choir followed, performing three songs from their repertoire including the hits "Don't Stop Believing" and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)".
The tour not only gave the students at local elementary schools a chance to see what musical extra-curricular activities will shortly be available to them as Hornets, but also provided an outlet for members of the concert band to gain performance experience before participating in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival scheduled to happen in February. Students from all seven elementary schools listened as the band performed the three festival songs, hand-picked by Mr. Taylor. One song in particular caused an interesting reaction from the audience. While the band performed the song titled "Dinosaurs", which featured the use of wine glasses and a giant cardboard tube, audience members clapped along to the intense rhythm, using their arms to represent the snapping mouth of a dinosaur. Students at Battlefield enjoyed this song so much, they chanted for an encore.
Stamford students were not the only ones to shine and showcase their musical talents. Mr. Taylor was on the lookout for the next big superstar in each elementary school; and there was no shortage of kids to choose from. Three eager volunteers at each school belted out a section of their favourite Christmas or holiday carol from atop the conductor's podium. Song choice varied from school to school; but of course classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" frequented the microphone. Contestants were judged by an expert panel of three choir members, but the votes were cast by their class mates' enthusiastic claps.
- Madison
For students in the Music Department at Stamford Collegiate, the first sign of the Christmas season is marked by a visit to each and every elementary school in the surrounding area. The "Feeder School Tour" is an annual event organized by Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Barette. Members of the concert band as well as the choir make stops at FJ Rutland, Riverview, Princess Margaret, Battlefield, Heximer, Simcoe Street, and Valley Way over the course of just three days.
Upon arriving at all of the various schools, the band and choir members worked as a team to unload instruments and equipment from the buses and set it up in the gym. To start off each performance with a bang, Mr. Taylor led the concert band in a performance of the tune "Sabre Dance", most commonly recognized as the Buffalo Bill's theme song. Under the direction of Mrs. Barette, the choir followed, performing three songs from their repertoire including the hits "Don't Stop Believing" and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)".
The tour not only gave the students at local elementary schools a chance to see what musical extra-curricular activities will shortly be available to them as Hornets, but also provided an outlet for members of the concert band to gain performance experience before participating in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival scheduled to happen in February. Students from all seven elementary schools listened as the band performed the three festival songs, hand-picked by Mr. Taylor. One song in particular caused an interesting reaction from the audience. While the band performed the song titled "Dinosaurs", which featured the use of wine glasses and a giant cardboard tube, audience members clapped along to the intense rhythm, using their arms to represent the snapping mouth of a dinosaur. Students at Battlefield enjoyed this song so much, they chanted for an encore.
Stamford students were not the only ones to shine and showcase their musical talents. Mr. Taylor was on the lookout for the next big superstar in each elementary school; and there was no shortage of kids to choose from. Three eager volunteers at each school belted out a section of their favourite Christmas or holiday carol from atop the conductor's podium. Song choice varied from school to school; but of course classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" frequented the microphone. Contestants were judged by an expert panel of three choir members, but the votes were cast by their class mates' enthusiastic claps.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Anime Club Creates Tightknit, Welcoming Community
Hey everyone,
This is my finished copy of the Anime Club article. Please let me know what you think! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated as always.
Although Stamford’s Anime Club is the newest addition to the extra-curricular activities available to students, it’s off to a fantastic, promising start. Founded by student leaders Rebecca Maynard and Emma Chesher, as well as Stamford art teacher Mr. Azzopardi, Anime Club meets after school on Thursdays in the library. For those who don’t know, anime can be defined as a Japanese style of motion-picture animation; but take one look inside the library during a meeting and you will clearly see that many Hornets are already familiar with the definition and culture of it all.
Members of the Anime Club have no shortage of activities to take part in every Thursday. The club focuses on anything anime related, from magna to television shows to costumes and characters. Typically, a meeting consists of watching or creating videos, sharing original artwork and comics, and/or discussing favourite characters.
Mr. Azzopardi is quick to instill the idea that diversity of talents and interests is welcomed, even encouraged. When discussing the idea of a collaborating to create an original comic sometime in the future, he stressed the importance of all roles in the process. “We need artists and idea people”he says.
No matter what area your interest in anime is rooted, the club will cater to you. Self taught anime artist and club member, Josh Collins-Koehn, gave a drawing tutorial during one of the previous meetings. He has been interested in the genre since he was young and began to learn the creative art style in his teen years. “[Anime Club] is a place where everyone who likes anime can get together and discuss their common interest” says Koehn.
For Dominique, it’s a place where she can express her creative thoughts and ideas through the written word. She is and always has been interested in anime and fantasy, but noticed a lack of others to share her passion with. “I have loved anime since I was little but never actually found other people who liked it until now” she seems excited as she talks fondly of the club. During meetings, she likes to spend the time sharing comics and stories which she has been working on in her spare time with other members. Through these stories, she says she can “let [her] fantasy come alive”.
Many of the members shared Dominique’s problem before they joined; a lack of friends who shared their passion for the Japanese art style. I spoke to many people that expressed their excitement to finally find a group of people that appreciated their unique interests. Club member Michelle had this to say: “Everyone here is accepted”. Even though not everyone enjoys the same shows or characters, Mr. Azzopardi says the club is founded on the idea of “respect for each other and the ideas of the anime”.
In the future, the Anime Club is hoping to plan a trip to Anime North, a popular Anime convention in Toronto. They are in the process of coming up with fundraising ideas, so if you’d like to support their cause or join in on the trip, listen for announcements with those details.
New members are always welcome, and there is a no-commitment, open door policy in effect. You don’t need to be an expert on all things anime to join, either. If you are interested in learning more about the culture, or if you’re already an avid follower, come to the library on Thursdays after school to check it out, learn something new, and make some new friends while you're at it. Meetings will start up again on the first Thursday after Christmas break under the supervision of Mr. Rysdale.
This is my finished copy of the Anime Club article. Please let me know what you think! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated as always.
Although Stamford’s Anime Club is the newest addition to the extra-curricular activities available to students, it’s off to a fantastic, promising start. Founded by student leaders Rebecca Maynard and Emma Chesher, as well as Stamford art teacher Mr. Azzopardi, Anime Club meets after school on Thursdays in the library. For those who don’t know, anime can be defined as a Japanese style of motion-picture animation; but take one look inside the library during a meeting and you will clearly see that many Hornets are already familiar with the definition and culture of it all.
Members of the Anime Club have no shortage of activities to take part in every Thursday. The club focuses on anything anime related, from magna to television shows to costumes and characters. Typically, a meeting consists of watching or creating videos, sharing original artwork and comics, and/or discussing favourite characters.
Mr. Azzopardi is quick to instill the idea that diversity of talents and interests is welcomed, even encouraged. When discussing the idea of a collaborating to create an original comic sometime in the future, he stressed the importance of all roles in the process. “We need artists and idea people”he says.
No matter what area your interest in anime is rooted, the club will cater to you. Self taught anime artist and club member, Josh Collins-Koehn, gave a drawing tutorial during one of the previous meetings. He has been interested in the genre since he was young and began to learn the creative art style in his teen years. “[Anime Club] is a place where everyone who likes anime can get together and discuss their common interest” says Koehn.
For Dominique, it’s a place where she can express her creative thoughts and ideas through the written word. She is and always has been interested in anime and fantasy, but noticed a lack of others to share her passion with. “I have loved anime since I was little but never actually found other people who liked it until now” she seems excited as she talks fondly of the club. During meetings, she likes to spend the time sharing comics and stories which she has been working on in her spare time with other members. Through these stories, she says she can “let [her] fantasy come alive”.
Many of the members shared Dominique’s problem before they joined; a lack of friends who shared their passion for the Japanese art style. I spoke to many people that expressed their excitement to finally find a group of people that appreciated their unique interests. Club member Michelle had this to say: “Everyone here is accepted”. Even though not everyone enjoys the same shows or characters, Mr. Azzopardi says the club is founded on the idea of “respect for each other and the ideas of the anime”.
In the future, the Anime Club is hoping to plan a trip to Anime North, a popular Anime convention in Toronto. They are in the process of coming up with fundraising ideas, so if you’d like to support their cause or join in on the trip, listen for announcements with those details.
New members are always welcome, and there is a no-commitment, open door policy in effect. You don’t need to be an expert on all things anime to join, either. If you are interested in learning more about the culture, or if you’re already an avid follower, come to the library on Thursdays after school to check it out, learn something new, and make some new friends while you're at it. Meetings will start up again on the first Thursday after Christmas break under the supervision of Mr. Rysdale.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Coffee House Article
Hey everyone. Here's what I've written for the Coffee House Article - let me know what you think! I wasn't sure how long to make it. :)
Kris Kringle Coffee House
On Thursday, December 9th, Stamford Collegiate was graced by the talents of many new and returning Hornet performers at the Kris Kringle Coffee House. This evening arranged by Stamford's Student Council was a wonderful opportunity to showcase musical skills and to support other Stamford students in their love for the arts. Every performer that auditioned this year was given the opportunity to take center stage in the festively decorated cafeteria and show fellow students what they can do. The MCs for the evening were Joelle Schonberg and Akash Patel, who even treated the audience with a magic trick. And who can forget round 3 of Gender Wars? Representing the girls was Brittany Delgaty, and for the boys it was Devan Wilson. The girls emerged victorious after playing "Don't Forget the Lyrics" and making the score for Gender Wars 2-1 to date. The Kris Kringle Coffee House was a fun exhibit of talent and there is the possibility of another one coming later in the school year! So if there are any Hornets out there that want to show off their musical abilities and gain valuable performing experience, stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Exams for Grade 9's
Hi Guys!
Coming up after Holiday break, the Exams for grade 9's will start. This might be one of the biggest tests ever for the grade 9s, it will last one week! I've asked some students the same questions on the upcoming tests:
Are you nervous?- Hassan Malik "No"
What exam are you most worried about? - Kali Wright "Math. I'm going to fail"
Will you study during the Holiday break? If so, what will you study? Santiago Maynard "Yes. (I'm going to study) math."
I'll get more opinions soon! :)
Coming up after Holiday break, the Exams for grade 9's will start. This might be one of the biggest tests ever for the grade 9s, it will last one week! I've asked some students the same questions on the upcoming tests:
Are you nervous?- Hassan Malik "No"
What exam are you most worried about? - Kali Wright "Math. I'm going to fail"
Will you study during the Holiday break? If so, what will you study? Santiago Maynard "Yes. (I'm going to study) math."
I'll get more opinions soon! :)
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