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.

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.

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!

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! :)

EDITED: Stamford Christmas Season off to a Cheerful Start:

Edited Santa Claus Parade Article by Madison S.

Despite the freezing temperatures on Saturday November 27, Stamford had one of the most impressive presences at the annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. More than one hundred students across all grades as well as a handful of staff members volunteered their time and smiles to help spread some holiday cheer to the children and adults alike who gathered along the downtown route to watch the procession.

Leading the Stamford group was the cheerleading team, chanting "Are you ready for Christmas? Yes we are!” and waving their pom poms in the air. Following closely behind was the impressive Stamford float, built and decorated by students from the tech department. Last but certainly not least, was the swarm of Stamford Hornets, including their very own Harold the Hornet mascot.

Clad in trademark orange and black along with Santa hats, reindeer ears, and "Spirit Enhancers", Hornets successfully combined school and holiday spirit. Stamford students put smiles on the on-lookers' faces with their waves, good holiday wishes, and even our spontaneous Christmas carol sing-alongs of classics like “Frosty the Snowman”. Countless children held out their hands for a high five from Harold the Hornet, and he did not disappoint. Members of SOSAID passed out pencils to children lining the streets.

Stamford's participation in the Santa Claus parade has always been a lasting tradition. Based on the success of this year's float presence, it will continue to be an anticipated event in the years to come.




~
I was going to write about the Santa's sleigh float built by construction students but it never worked out for me to get an interview so I don't think I have enough information to comment on it.

Santa Claus Parade

Hi All,

I'm just wondering where we stand with this... Kaye was a participant and offered to write it up, but I suggested that Madison and Shelby might have already started on it.

Do we have pictures or video?

Article Ideas

Hey everyone, just some ideas for the Christmas issue.

I could write an article about Coffee House which is December 9th. I could mention the auditions (since I'll be helping out with them for Student Council), how many people came out, the actual event, etc.

Madison and I talked about collaborating for the Feeder School Tours and Winterstock also taking place in December.

New Job Up For Grabs...

Every Year Mr. McInerny, Mr. Rysdale and many others rally to raise thosands of dollars in cash, food, toys and household items to support families in need.

By the middle of Decmeber, Mr. Mac's room (59) will look a little like the North Pole. Who would be willing to cover the drive, interview Mr. Mac, find out some of the history etc etc..?

Job OP ;)

Staff of iSting,

Attached is an electronic copy of my Remembrance Day Assembly Speech for your use.

Also, can we have a staff member come out to cover Anime Club. We meet Thursday after school in the library. We wish to promote our club with an article and want to publish some events we have coming up. The organizers are Rebecca Maynard and Emma Chesher.

Thanks guys! Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the next issue!

Yours Truly,

-Mr. Azzopardi

Gender Wars

You don't even have to look at this article. I was just there, so figured I would write something.
This is the report from Junior lunch, I don't know what happened during Senior lunch.


Stamford's cafeteria was buzzing with excitement during lunch on Wednesday November the 17th for the "Gender Wars Pizza Lunch". Student council provided two pieces of pizza, one cookie and one can of soda to students who payed $3. All students had the opportunity to sign up for the second "Gender Wars" of the year. One guy and one girl faced off in the ultimate match: to put on a frozen t-shirt. The two contestants twisted, slammed and pulled in attempts to unravel the frozen t-shirt. The shirts were frozen solid and it didn't seem possible that they could be put on. The war nearly ended in a standstill but the girls pulled through and pulled their t-shirt on to earn a Win for the females.


by Kaye Puhakka

Remembrance Day

November 11th brought the whole school under the dimmed gymnasium lights to Stamford Collegiate's Remembrance Day assembly. Mr Azzopardi welcomed all teachers, students and guests in attendance at the event and welcomed guest speaker, Mick Storm. He spoke about the wars Canada has been involved in and the experience of having a brother involved and killed in the war. Many were shaken by the man's thoughtful presentation.The choir, dressed up in sharp black shirts, beautifully sang "Song Of Peace" and "Good Riddance". 

The grade nine open drama class did a dramatic presentation of the popular Remembrance Day poem "In Flander's Field". This was followed by a "Tableau" interpretation of the song "With My Own Two Hands" performed by the grade ten drama class.  The senior drama class ended with a dramatic presentation called "The Hero Within" about the war and how people remember which ended with a song. It depicted different scenarios and the hurt and loss people suffer when loved ones go away to war. 

A video by Michael Cunningham featuring various songs, war pictures and short clips was shown to the silenced crowd. All were quiet in respect and remembrance. A song was performed on the bagpipes and "The Last Post" was played by Zach Morris on the trumpet during the two minutes of silence at eleven o'clock. Stamford's own concert band performed "Sabre Dance" to finish of the assembly with a bang. 

The assembly's theme, "2 minutes of silence, 58 minutes of celebration" was embraced by all those participating and in attendance as they remembered the lives lost and celebrated the freedom those individuals brought us.


By: Kaye Puhakka

Movember Article

(Adapted from the information written by Mrs. Janik. I want to make sure she has appropriate credit.)

Moustaches for Men’s Health

Everyone knows that November is the eleventh month of the year, but how many people have heard of Mo-vember? Thanks to Mrs. Janik and a group of brave male teachers who volunteered to grow moustaches to help raise funds and awareness for men’s health, Stamford has been doing its part to spread the word about this increasingly well-known charity event.

A combination of words “mo” (slang for moustache) and November, “Movember” challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men's health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple: start Movember 1st clean shaven, and then commit to grow a moustache for the entire month of Movember.

The moustache becomes the "ribbon" for men's health, the means by which awareness and money are raised for the number one cancer affecting men, prostate cancer, and given directly to Prostate Cancer Canada.

Movember originated in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, partly as a joke to grow moustaches. In doing so, the men involved were surprised at all the discussion generated surrounding men's health, simply by sporting a moustache. Inspired by the Pink Ribbon Campaign, the original Mo Bros set themselves on a path to create a global health movement. Movember now takes place in Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland.

“The Pink Ribbon Campaign has empowered women to be proactive with their health, reminding women to do DIY breast examinations,” says Mrs. Janik. “My hope for Movember is for men to share the camaraderie the Pink Ribbon Campaign has brought women. As men grow their moustaches they are reminded daily throughout Movember, every time they look in the mirror or have an unusual itch under their nose, why they are participating in this fundraiser.”

Women can register for this charity as well. “As a woman supporting Movember, I am called a Mo Sista,” Mrs. Janik explains. “It is important for us women to support our Mo Bros with fundraising, just like they have supported us throughout the years by wearing pink ribbons.” Joining Mrs. Janik as Mo Sistas are Mrs. Barette, Mrs. Devitt, and Ms. Hunter.

To date, Stamford has raised a total of $1030, with more donations expected to come in throughout the rest of Movember. Among the male teachers participating are Mr. Azzopardi, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Gittins, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Hurtubise, Mr. Kamminga, Mr. Martin, Mr. McBurney, Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Taylor.

To register, or to financially support Team Stamford Collegiate this Movember, go to http://ca.movember.com.

Special thanks to Mrs. Janik, whose information provided the basis for this article, for all the time and effort she has been into organizing Stamford’s team for the fundraiser and raising awareness.

Student Teachers Article

New Faces In Stamford Nation

Throughout the months of October and November, you may have noticed some unfamiliar faces around the crowded, bustling halls of Stamford Collegiate. You may have even walked into your classroom one morning and wondered “Who’s that person sitting in that desk in the corner?” That person was probably your new student teacher.

Last month, Stamford welcomed five student teachers from the Concurrent Education program at Brock University in St. Catharines. Assigned to an associate teacher in our teachable subject area(s) who would offer guidance and share their knowledge, each student teacher took over at least one class in order to gain practical teaching experience in a real school setting. Mr. Sinke has been teaching Grade 9 and 12 Science with Mr. McBurney; Miss Ives has been teaching Grade 10 History with Mr. Costantino; Miss Grainger has been teaching Grade 9 Girls’ Physical Education with Mrs. Zizian; Miss Gorman has been teaching Grade 10 English with Mrs. Devitt; and Mr. Fife has been teaching Grade 9 Geography with Mr. Hunter.

Stamford also welcomed a student teacher from Niagara University in New York. Mr. Murphy has been responsible for three classes. He is currently teaching Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society with Mrs. Barette, Grade 11 Psychology/Sociology with Miss DiPardo, and Grade 11/12 Drama with Mrs. Menotti.

This week, Stamford says farewell to the five student teachers from Brock University. Mr. Murphy will continue his teaching block here until mid-December. As a whole, we are grateful to the staff and students of Stamford Nation for the warm welcome we received and especially to our associate teachers, who have provided us with countless insights and valuable lessons that we will take into our own classrooms someday. We will fondly remember our four weeks at Stamford.

Hot Off The Press! Psycho!

Before the opening night of the thriller Psycho, cast and crew are rehearsing along the clock. It is 15 days (as of press time) before they open the curtains for the first time. I had the privilege to sit down for the Monday November 8, 2010 rehearsal and have this to say: see the play on opening night. I was very impressed with the acting ability, props and lights. I was able to view the stars in action and must say that they have worked hard to bring the soon-to-be audience the best performance ever; they worked weekends and after school (I left when the sun went down). Here are the details, please go!

Cast:

Norman Bates/ Mrs. Bates - Alex Smith

Lila Crane - Annika Henderson

Sam - Ethan Gando

Arbobast - Kyle Lowe

Marion Crane - Aurora Cullen

Mr. Lowery/Simon - Tylor Neelin

Cassidy - Kelly Howard

Caroline/ Mrs. Chambers/ Waitress - Liz Randle

Sheriff Chambers - Matt Connor

Desk Clerk/ Police Guard - Justin Drouin

Directors: Phil M & A. Menotti

Cost: $5 Student & $7 Adult

Play Time: 1 ½ Hours

Matinee: November 16, 2010 - November 18, 2010

Evening Shows: November 23, 2010 - November 26, 2010

Chair Fundraiser: The profits from this event will go towards new chairs for the James Cameron Theatre. You can also donate towards new chairs at the Stamford Collegiate website

Movember

Movember

The "mo" is slang for moustache. "Movember" challenges men, in the month formerly known as "November," to change their appearance and the face of men's health by growing a moustache.

The rules are simple: Start Movember 1st clean shaven, and then grow and groom a moustache for the entire month of Movember.

The moustache becomes the "ribbon" for men's health, the means by which awareness and money are raised for Prostate Cancer Canada.

The Pink Ribbon Campaign has empowered women to be proactive with their health, reminding women to do DIY breast examinations. My hope for Movember is for men to share the comraderie the Pink Ribbon Campaign has brought women.

As men grow their mo's they are reminded daily throughout Movember, everytime they look in the mirror or have an unusual itch under their nose, why they are participating in this fundraiser. Men of all ages must take positive action with their own health, diet, exercise and lifestyle, with annual check-ups.

Movember was born in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, partly as a joke to grow moustaches. In doing so, the guys involved were surprised at all the discussion generated surrounding men's health, by simply sporting a mo. Inspired by the Pink Ribbon Campaign, the original Mo Bros set themselves on a path to create a global health movement. Movember now takes place in Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland.

As a woman supporting Movember, I am called a Mo Sista; women can register for this charity as well. It is important for us women to support our Mo Bros with fundraising, just like they have supported us throughout the years by wearing pink ribbons.

To register, or to financially support Team Stamford Collegiate this Movember, go to ca.movember.com.

Ms. Janik

Grade Eight Day

Encompassed By Future Prospects?

Wednesday November the third was grade eight day at Stamford Collegiate High School. Students from elementary schools in the area arrived and filed into the gym with new "Stamford" teeshirts for their welcome assembly. Banners sporting the names of each school and their colours shone above the orange and black bleachers. The choir started the assembly off with a bang, singing "Don't Stop Believing". Mr Azzopardi introduced each school and each in turn cheered loudly. These kids all have great spirit so hopes are that they will come to Stamford Nation for grade nine. Speaking about all the fantastic clubs and opportunities to get involved in at Stamford was student president, Joelle. (Is it spelled like that?)

A Stamford Collegiate spirit video was shown to the students. It featured the Hornet Mascot dancing in the hallway and students displaying Stamford spirit. Stamford Cheerleaders ran into a chorus of cheers from the feeder schools. They cheered and demonstrated some stunts then got the crowd involved in a Stamford chant.

Mr. Azzopardi spoke a bit about high school to the students. "Look around. See all the people around you? You will make friends with people from other schools and by grade twelve you will have lots of friends." He spoke about the big day; graduation day, which led into a graduation video featuring students singing and dancing to "What I Like About You" by The Kinks.

Vice Principal Mrs Burns welcomed students and talked a bit about what is called Stamford Nation: "What is Stamford Nation? We are Stamford nation because all of the people here..."

After the assembly the students were divided up into eighteen groups. They were intermixed with students from other schools in order to encourage socialisation with unfamiliar people and to meet new friends. The groups went to the cafeteria to eat lunch then enjoyed tours around the building. Overall it was a very noteworthy day, and much thanks is given to all those who were involved in making this special day a success.


By: Kaye Puhakka

Ten Ways You Know You're a Hornet - Few Quick Ideas

Ten Ways You Know You're a Hornet - Kaye Puhakka


10. Your favourite colours are orange and black
9. You've bumped into somebody in the hallway
8. You don't bite, you sting
7. You've been lost at least once in your school
6. Halloween is your favourite holiday
5. You've been to a football game even if you have no idea what's happening
4. You have said "boo!" when someone wears purple
3. You've had pizza from Little Caesar's for lunch
2. You have the best teachers ever
1. You attend the coolest school ever; Stamford Collegiate

Halloween Issue -Feedback

Hi All,

I got a nice email from Mr. McInerny that I thought I'd share:

"Mr. Pierce,

Very impressive!!! Love the look and read of the iSting. You all do excellent work...I'm going to insist that all Stop Drop and Read students Period 1 on Friday read the entire edition, then tell me about what they've read. Kudos to all involved. Can't wait for the next edition. I'll see if some photo students will climb on board.

Mac"

Now, I thought it might be good to post all kinds of feedback here, not just the positive stuff. I think the reason that this issue is better is because we took into account the constructive criticism from the first issue.

I would welcome any and all feedback, repeat whatever you hear. The next "change" I could see us moving toward would be in terms of content. We've got some great serious stuff... I'd like to put something in a little lighter in the next issue.

Any ideas for a fun piece? Like a top 10 list maybe? How about "Top 10 Signs You're Hornet?" We could even work collaboratively on that.

Ok...so the next issue is Remembrance Day (should come out on the 15th). What assignments can people commit to? Who is on Psycho again? Who can write up the Remembrance Day assembly? Is there anything else?

Madison and Shelby's Eco Summit Article

Eco Summit (we still need a title)

On the beautiful, sunny morning of October 27th, some members of Stamford's Eco Freaks along with seven other schools had the privilege of visiting Niagara College to learn about their environmental initiatives.
The day began with an educational walk on the Wetland Ridge Trail lead by two Niagara College students. We then moved into the greenhouse for a unique insight of the environment in which plants are grown, followed by a delicious three-course meal served by Niagara College's own culinary students.
Once our minds were full of knowledge and bellies full of food, the eco schools journeyed to Woodend Conservation Area to share experiences and efforts to promote sustainable living. Mr. Serbina brought Stamford's own Hans and Fuut to display his creative ideas of bringing awareness to important environmental issues.
Everyone that attended the Eco Summit took something away from the experience. From sharing both our positive and negative impacts on the environment with other schools, we learned how to make changes to reduce our carbon footprints.
During our day spent at Niagara College, we observed all kinds of different research-intensive projects, such as using native plants for green roofs, and promoting the preservation of biodiversity. After sharing initiatives with other high schools, we realized that even though we don’t have the resources that Niagara College has, we can still make a significant impact on the environment.
The Eco Freaks realized that even the smallest actions, from eating litter-less lunches to turning off the lights when you leave a room, can make a difference.