CLIMATE CHANGE SPECIAL EDITION
A Note from #NDSocial Justice Environmental Tips - En Francais by Norah Frye
The Social Justice and Eco Clubs have been approached by a student at our school, Sierra Pearce, who has brought forward an initiative which has taken off in many parts of the world. This worldwide movement was started by a young student from Sweden named Greta Thurnburg. This young girl went on strike from school each Friday to sit in protest outside her government building. She was soon joined by millions, and has since led national and world organized marches for climate. European governments have already begun to make changes, and we want Canada to be next.
As you’re no doubt aware, climate change is a real issue. The seas are rising, natural disasters are one after the other, and pollution kills millions every year. To show solidarity for this movement, our school will be “striking” the lights out for two minutes each Friday starting on Friday, April 26th during morning announcements. We ask that during these two minutes, students can go on their phones and give a "like" and re-post the movement with the pictures that will be posted on the ND Instagram and Twitter. Students will use the hashtags #fridaysforfuture and #strike4climate to spread the message. We can only bring about change if we make our voices heard, and this is our chance to do it. Below are some videos of Greta Speaking at the U.N. conference on climate change and another from The Guardian. Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFkQSGyeCWg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjsLm5PCdVQ 
Vertical Divider
|
'Strike the Lights' @ ND
By Sierra Pearce
Students have been striking from school around the world each Friday to demand government action for climate change. There was a global strike on March 15, which had at least 1.6 million strikers, and has already sparked some European governments into changing policies. This whole movement started with Greta Thurnburg, who went on strike from her school each Friday starting last August, and since has gained countless supporters. Notre Dame will be supporting this movement with “strike the lights” each Friday. On Fridays we will turn all classroom lights out for two minutes in the morning. During this time, students are asked to go on the ND Social Media (Instagram @insidend) to like and share the movement using hashtags #fridaysforfuture and #strike4climate. Greta Thurnburg was 15 years old last year when she began the strike. Since the movement has exploded worldwide, and she has received both the Prix Liberté and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Thousands of students have been striking each Friday to demand governments treat climate change as a real crisis, and many schools have been showing their support for the movement in creative ways. Notre Dame’s “strike the lights” will enable us to show support for and spread the movement. Students will have the time with lights out to go on the Notre Dame Twitter and Instagram and repost or retweet with any social media they like. Whether you post on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, remember to use the hashtags #fridaysforfuture and #strike4climate for the movement. This movement is Notre Dame’s chance to lead change in Canada, and demand newer, better systems to deal with this climate emergency. We cannot fix this crisis by doing the same things we have in the past, and we must be heard. Greta began the movement in Sweden and sat outside her parliament building each Friday. Since then, the last global strike had at least 1.6 million protesters on all 7 continents, and 125 countries together to fight the lack of serious government action for climate change. Greta is on Instagram and Twitter @gretathurnburg and posts regularly about updates in the movement. There is also an official Facebook page: Global Climate Strike. By following, liking, and reposting you are helping to make it impossible for governments to ignore the climate crisis any longer. Some European governments have already began changing fossil fuel systems as a result of this movement, and now it’s time to bring that change to Canada. To learn more about the movement, you can visit: www.fridaysforfuture.org, where our school movement is now registered! 
|
NOOSES OFF - YEE HAW!
By: Carmen Poolakese
This year the Notre Dame Drama Community brought to the school “Nooses Off”. The play was run by Ms. Paradis with help from Ms. Dineen and Ms. Briggs, supported by a strong crew of stagehands and techies. Nooses Off was a performance about struggling actors putting on a play… and the important word is 'struggling'! This play kept the audience on their toes, the cast was hilarious and energetic from start to finish; The crowd loved it!
The cast was very prepared and the crew was very organized, this was a very professional production. Sarah McLaughlin played Oboe, the playwright who became increasingly frustrated by the incompetent troupe ruining her artistic vision. Meanwhile Sammy the Stage Manager (Holly Marini) tried her best to keep the whole thing from going off the rails. Shannon Campbell's Jackie had the most at stake, as a talent scout was watching the whole thing go down, and she tried to rise above the chaos in front of her. But with Costume Designer Estrella (Samantha Takacs) generally failing at her job, and Marvin (hilariously played by Emily Perrino) bumbling about, Jackie had her work cut out for her.
These actors did an amazing job, empowering other students to join clubs like the Drama Club; And the entire cast and crew succeeded with an outstanding performance keeping the atmosphere fun and entertaining.
This year the Notre Dame Drama Community brought to the school “Nooses Off”. The play was run by Ms. Paradis with help from Ms. Dineen and Ms. Briggs, supported by a strong crew of stagehands and techies. Nooses Off was a performance about struggling actors putting on a play… and the important word is 'struggling'! This play kept the audience on their toes, the cast was hilarious and energetic from start to finish; The crowd loved it!
The cast was very prepared and the crew was very organized, this was a very professional production. Sarah McLaughlin played Oboe, the playwright who became increasingly frustrated by the incompetent troupe ruining her artistic vision. Meanwhile Sammy the Stage Manager (Holly Marini) tried her best to keep the whole thing from going off the rails. Shannon Campbell's Jackie had the most at stake, as a talent scout was watching the whole thing go down, and she tried to rise above the chaos in front of her. But with Costume Designer Estrella (Samantha Takacs) generally failing at her job, and Marvin (hilariously played by Emily Perrino) bumbling about, Jackie had her work cut out for her.
These actors did an amazing job, empowering other students to join clubs like the Drama Club; And the entire cast and crew succeeded with an outstanding performance keeping the atmosphere fun and entertaining.
|
“Such an amazing cast and a well done show. I look forward to next year's play!” said one patron. Thanks to the wonderful drama club, crew, actors and directors, the play was a huge success. A special thank you goes out to Mr. Wozney and Mr. Leyland for building the sets! Unquestionably this amazing performance brought the spirit to our school, and should make us all proud to be among such talented individuals. The future is bright for ND Drama and unquestionably, everyone is looking forward to the play next year!
Vertical Divider
|
|
ND Students 'Venture' Into Leadership:
The 2019 Leadership Convention
By Danielle Gravina
The Notre Dame Business Leadership Class is proud to present our 16th Annual Business Leadership Conference on Friday, May 3rd, 2019.
Throughout the past fifteen years, the Business Leadership Class has been successful in running a conference with respected and prestigious speakers, each with an inspirational message. Through this year’s theme ‘Venture: Dare to Discover’, our student-run conference, with the help of our organizing teacher Ms. Power, looks to share this experience with the community once again. We hope to inspire students to be brave, take risks, and dare to discover their leadership potential.
We are happy to announce that our keynote speaker this year is Hayley Wickenheiser. The event runs from 9:00am - 1:20pm and includes breakfast for all attendees, two session speakers, a keynote address, and a meet-and-greet with all of the speakers.
Ticket sales begin the week of April 15th, 2019 in the spectrum for ND students. Members of the surrounding school community are also welcome. If you have any questions please contact Danielle Gravina, student CEO of the 2019 Business Leadership Conference, at ndceo19@gmail.com.
The Notre Dame Business Leadership Class is proud to present our 16th Annual Business Leadership Conference on Friday, May 3rd, 2019.
Throughout the past fifteen years, the Business Leadership Class has been successful in running a conference with respected and prestigious speakers, each with an inspirational message. Through this year’s theme ‘Venture: Dare to Discover’, our student-run conference, with the help of our organizing teacher Ms. Power, looks to share this experience with the community once again. We hope to inspire students to be brave, take risks, and dare to discover their leadership potential.
We are happy to announce that our keynote speaker this year is Hayley Wickenheiser. The event runs from 9:00am - 1:20pm and includes breakfast for all attendees, two session speakers, a keynote address, and a meet-and-greet with all of the speakers.
Ticket sales begin the week of April 15th, 2019 in the spectrum for ND students. Members of the surrounding school community are also welcome. If you have any questions please contact Danielle Gravina, student CEO of the 2019 Business Leadership Conference, at ndceo19@gmail.com.
#NDSemi
Vertical Divider
|
Mental Health Week @ NDDuring the week of May 6th to 12th, we recognize Mental Health Week because we all have mental health and move along its continuum depending on the stressors in our life. Mental health is about more than just being happy. It’s about feeling good about who you are, having balance in your life and managing life’s highs and lows. It affects our thoughts, feelings and actions. One in five Canadians experience a mental health struggle each year and that is why it is so important to talk about how to be overall healthy.
We can improve our mental health just like our physical health. Being proactive and doing things on a daily basis makes a huge difference. Here are some strategies to try:
Students in the Business Leadership class have activities planned for Mental Health Week. Monday- chalk collage, Tuesday- positive message cookie, Wednesday- gratitude wall, Thursday- games outside on the field and Friday- make a healthy smoothie on the blender bike. The Business Leadership students will also be going to the elementary feeder schools during the month of May and doing wellness activities with the grade 8 classes. |
ND April Sports Round-up
Spring Sports Season has just gotten underway, and the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish are out to collect some Championships to add to our collection!
This Spring the Irish will take to the field in:
This Spring the Irish will take to the field in:
- Soccer - Jr & Sr. Teams will compete in both the Boys & Girls divisions. ND Sr. Girls Soccer seeks a return visit to OFSAA!
- Baseball - ND Baseball looks to get back to OFSAA after narrowly missing a birth last year
- Softball - The new leadership of Mrs. Gatza, Ms Dineen & Ms. Niksic has us hopeful for a Spring Championship!
- Lacrosse - The Boys Lacrosse Team looks to build on their OFSAA Season last year, and bring home some hardware this year!
- Ultimate Frisbee - Mr. Bryson & Mrs. Kerwin tell me that the skies the limit for this years Ultimate team! (A bit of a frisbee pun there… 'skies the limit'… get it?)
- Track & Field - Outstanding performances in Fall Cross-Country have us hopeful for more ND Athletes competing at OFSAA!
- Girls Rugby - This Varsity team, made up of girls from Grades 9 - 12 are off to an 2-0 start and have already had some impressive individual performances in tournament and league play!