CHSS Chronicle

Out-of-Season Coffeehouse

CHSS's first Coffee House of the year was presented on Wednesday, November 4. The theme was 'The Out-of-Season Coffee House', as seen in the variety of 'holiday' decorations. Eric Armstrong very capably hosted the event and introduced a program of artists performing both original and more familiar songs. All in attendance enjoyed performances of solo vocals, vocals with instrumentation, and small band ensembles.

The school's Global Village Club hosted the event and will give the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity as well as local animal shelters. Thanks to the Club's amazing members who baked and donated a delectable selection of tasty treats. Special thanks to those who volunteered with set-up and clean up; it is very much appreciated. Thanks also to Cathy for the cafeteria space, Mr. Kuiper for website coverage (and clean up! ;-)  ), Emily Hildebrand for the coffee maker, and our CHSS custodians.

(Story courtesy Miss Rose)

{Photo Gallery} 

CHSS School Community Welcomes Twins

CHSS congratulates Mrs. Melo and her husband Poncho on the birth of their twin girls. Valentina Helen (on the left) and Paloma Angeles (on the right) were born at St Joseph's in London on October 26. Valentina is the elder sibling, delivered at 4:26 p.m., and Paloma is the younger, delivered at 4:29 p.m.

Valentina weighed 5 lbs 13 oz, and Paloma weighed 6 lbs, 6 oz.

Pillowcases for Charity

CHSS fashion classes have just finished sewing bright cheery pillowcases for a charity group that helps children feel special while battling life challenging illnesses. ConKerr cancer has established 83 chapters serving children in 96 hospitals and pediatric hospices across the United States, Canada and South Africa. In just over two years, ConKerr Cancer has delivered over 75,000 cheerful pillowcases to sick children. For more information on how to help make pillowcases or make a donation visit ConKerr.

(Story and photo courtesy Mrs. Godkin)

Commencement

com·mence  (kə mens'), v.i., v.t.  -to begin; start. (Webster's College Dictionary)

Commencement marks a beginning for students—a journey down a new path—whether it's work, apprenticeship, college, or university. But commencement also marks an ending, the culmination of the efforts of an entire school community. For parents, it is a celebration of all their efforts: the nagging about homework; the driving to early morning practices; their involvement with their child's school and teachers, and their dedication in obtaining the best for their children.

For teachers, it is also a celebration; we are witness to the results of our work also: it helps remind us of our purpose and role in preparing the next generation, and it keeps us motivated for our daily song and dance routine in our classes.

Commencement is also a celebration for the community, and its support is shown by the over $40,000 that is distributed in awards and bursaries to our graduates. However, Commencement is primarily a celebration for the students. They can look back at their years of hard work and look forward to their future, wherever their paths may lead them.

If you are a graduate, you should take this opportunity to visit the CHSS Alumni page and register so that you can keep in touch with your classmates and the school.

Photo Galleries:

Preparation

Diploma Presentations

Awards and Valedictorian

We Day

On Monday ,October 5, Mrs. Melady and Mrs Godkin traveled to Toronto with thirteen CHSS students to attend the WE DAY rally at the Air Canada centre. WE DAY, the brainchild of Craig and Marc Kielburger, has grown to be the world's largest youth rally.  The underlying message of day was "we can change the world if we work together."

It was a really early morning with the bus leaving at 5:30 a.m., but it was well worth the lack of sleep and long drive as we were able to hear some of the most inspirational leaders and performers of the time. We had the opportunity to listen to messages from Craig and Marc Kielburger, Elie Wiesel (writer, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor), Robert Kennedy Jr. (environmentalist), Jeffrey Skoll (former president of eBay, President of Participant Media),  Spencer West (motivational speaker), Robin Wiszowaty (community development worker in Kenya), Louise Kent (singer, song writer, musician), Jessi Cruickshank (MTV host), and Mike "Pinball" Clemons (former player and head coach of Toronto Argonauts).  Each speaker drew rounds of applause and cheering as did the musicians—Justin Bieber, Hedley, and the special guests for the day—the Jonas Brothers. Mrs. Melady and I thought we would go deaf with all the cheering and screaming when they arrived on stage. 

Our group hopes to work with the Global Village Club and introduce the WE DAY 10 by 10 campaign in the next few weeks. For more information on WE DAY watch the CTV special on October 10. Go to ctv.ca/weday for more information.

(Story and photo courtesy of Mrs. Godkin)

Unity In Diversity

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is pleased to announce the official launch of the
2009–2010 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge National Creative Writing and Artwork Contest.

The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is an annual creative writing and artwork contest that celebrates the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in Canada.

The Challenge is open to youth aged 9 to 18, and provides them the opportunity to use their creative talents to discover how people from different backgrounds have helped make Canada what it is today.

Three winning entries will be selected from each age group (9–12, 13–15 and 16–18) in each of the following categories:

    ·    Original piece of writing in English
    ·    Original piece of writing in French
    ·    Original piece of artwork
 
Additional honours include the Mathieu Da Costa Parks Canada Award—given to the three best submissions featuring the contributions of a National Historic Person of Aboriginal, African or other background to the building of Canada—and the Public Choice Award, which is voted by Canadians.

The winners, accompanied by a parent/guardian, receive an all–expenses paid trip to Ottawa where they take part in an Awards Ceremony hosted by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 19, 2010.

You can visit our website or contact us by phone or email for detailed information about the Challenge:

www.mathieudacosta.gc.ca
1-888-77-MULTI (1-888-776-8584)
mathieudacosta@cic.gc.ca

CHSS Challenge Day Fundraiser At The Clinton Raceway

On Sunday, September 20th, the Clinton Raceway finished up its 2009 season with the Charity Drivers' Challenge and the Ray McLean Memorial. CHSS was thrilled to be the featured charity and the recipient of a generous donation towards the November Challenge Day program. Staff and students were on hand to conduct a car wash, sell popcorn and baked goods, organize a silent auction and raffle, conduct a 50/50 draw, offer face painting and balloon animals to the younger children in attendance, help serve a chicken barbeque dinner, and of course, cheer on the horses and drivers. The CHSS memorabilia table was also a popular spot, with many former students looking through the display of old yearbooks, pictures, and phys-ed uniforms.

The day was a huge success with a total of $8,200 being raised for CHALLENGE DAY. We would like to say thank you to the Central Huron community, the Clinton Raceway, all the drivers, and in particular Jessica Kochis for helping to organize us.

(Story courtesy Lynne Godkin)

{Photo Gallery}

Movie Night—Elementary Students Welcome

CHSS will be hosting its next movie night on Thursday, September 24. Students from the local elementary schools are welcome to attend. Featured will be Monsters vs. Aliens and Imagine That.

DOORS OPEN AT : 6:00 p.m.
Movies begin at : 6:30 p.m.
Bring your favourite lawn chair, air mattress, etc.

Movie Theatre popcorn and pop available. Purchase your tickets at the door. $5 gets you both shows.

Keep up to date with CHSS Movie Nights by joining the Facebook Group.

Digital Photography Club

You are invited to join what I believe to be the first club to extend beyond the walls of the school to also include parents, staff, and alumni of CHSS. More and more people are taking up photography as a hobby, and the main focus of the club will be on sharing photos and offering comments and critiques. The emphasis will be on both inspiring and educating members.

You can visit the Digital Photography Club blog for more information. To join, you simply need to open a free Flickr account, upload some of your favourite shots, and then join the CHSS Redmen Flickr group.

It doesn't matter if you have a simple point and shoot or a sophisticated DSLR camera; the club will help you develop your creative vision. There will be periodic challenges and competitions within the club, and winners will be showcased on the club blog.

If you have questions, come talk to me (Mr. Kuiper) or email me, and I will be glad to help.

Two CHSS Students Make a Difference in the World

This summer, Natalie Klaver and Genelle Reid traveled to the Dominican Republic with Hero Holiday to make their contribution in helping to change the world. CHSS played a significant role with their fund-raising, so that they could make the journey. Recently, the Bayfield Breeze ( a new online newspaper for Bayfield) featured Natalie and Genelle in separate articles.

Natalie's article is available here, and Genelle's can be viewed here.