Revolutionary Renovations at Notre Dame

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A shot of ND's newly painted Spectrum.
By Rachel Heaney
​Notre Dame; this name holds a lot of history, meaning and legacy. We are the Fightin' Irish, and there is a reason for this name; we are known for of our constant strength, determination and perseverance through obstacles. We are fighters and will not give up through any challenge. However, because Notre Dame has always been people driven, we are constantly changing as a community and school. We are changing the face and image of Notre Dame day by day, through new attitudes, new additions, and recently through revolutionary renovations. 
 From April through September, a project was underway that would forever change the face of the school. This project, that cost millions, was funded by the schoolboard, with the goal to give ND a more modernized, polished look while providing much needed upgrades across the school. Cosmetically, as you walk through the hallways, you will notice lockers have been replaced with new ones, to reflect the school colors of navy blue, grey and white. The hallways have been repainted with a similar color scheme. As you enter the gym you will notice it has become more modernized, with new colors and logos, yet the past traditions of the school still shine through.  Structurally, a new workroom has been added (for the Religion Department); which has a more open, and welcoming look. Two classrooms (Rm 138 and 139) have been turned into project-based learning classes which allow for more student success. Lastly, new bathroom stalls and showerheads in the changerooms give these areas a much-needed upgrade. The changes that would have the biggest impact on the efficiency of ND students happened in the areas of technology, The Learning Commons and the heart of ND; the football field. ​

A Warm Welcome From
Student Council ​Presidents
Sophia & Kayla

My Last First Day at ND

By Sophia Divita
I BLINKED AND NOW I’M IN GRADE 12! Who would have known how fast four years can  go by. It’s absolutely crazy to think that this is my last “first day of school” at Notre Dame. My grade and I  have only one more year to leave our mark here at Notre Dame. I hope that when we leave, the younger grades will remember our school spirit and continue to pass it down. 
 
It seems like just yesterday that I was wandering the halls for the first time, trying to find my first period French class. I was lost, confused and extremely overwhelmed; So much has changed. This year, I walk in with my Prefect shirt on and a smile on my face. My four years here at Notre Dame have changed me into a completely different person. I used to be relatively quiet, now I am Co-Prime minister of student council with one of my best friends Kayla Power, I am Head Prefect and Class President of Business Leadership. I no longer stress about raising my hand in class, finding my way to the bathrooms or admitting when I need help. It’s a good feeling to walk through the front doors seeing familiar faces, knowing that you belong in the Notre Dame community. 
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Notre Dame's March
*Teacher Feature*
*Athletes of the Month*

ND Field Hockey:
​Great Expectations

By Daniella Lopez
Both are reigning HCAA champions, both have high expectations, both are high caliber teams; the Junior and Senior Girls Field Hockey teams are set on proving they have the ability to defend their trophies. “Obviously last year we had a good run,” says Emily Clark, a fourth year Field Hockey Player, "and this year we want to defend our HCAA title.” 

That doesn’t seem like too much to ask considering the Senior Girls Field Hockey team won their season opener 2-0 on September 17th against St Ignatius of Loyola.

Since that game the Senior team, has gathered momentum,  posting an undefeated record  thus far. “The girls have been working on their skill development and are supportive of one another,” says Capri Dennis a senior student on the Field Hockey Team. Claudia Fornal another senior student says, “Being able to be on a winning streak at the beginning of the season is a really great feeling to have!” While Emily Clark adds, “hopefully we can keep the ball rolling.” 

2019/2020:  Fightin' Irish Football Returns

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By Spencer Texiera
A new school year brings new expectations, which has never been more true for Notre Dame’s Jr. and Sr.  Football programs.

The junior team currently sits at 1-1 on the season,  after destroying Assumption in a 17-0 blow-out victory and surrendering a close game to defending champs Holy Trinity. The junior squad’s solid play this season can be largely credited to a superb defensive unit that has allowed just one touchdown through two games. Standouts so far this season include freshman Right Guard/ Defensive End Ethan Delught and Defensive Tackle Tegan Anderson, who have excelled in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. Which, according to Left Guard Grant Kennedy, is a major strength of the junior team. 

You can catch the junior squad face off against Christ the King on October 3rd during our annual Pink Day and then against Saint Thomas Aquinas on October 10th!
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ND’s Senior Squad opened the season with a devastating loss at the hands of Corpus Christi, but hopes have never been higher. Coach Wozney told me that he expected the team to bounce back after the loss and represent the Fighting Irish like true professionals….  and bounce back they did,  defeating Assumption in their second game of the season to improve to 1-1 on the year. 

Following the game, Owen LaCroix gave some insight into the team’s game two success. “In the Corpus game, team chemistry wasn’t there, it wasn’t a strong team effort. In game two against Assumption things started to come together and the team was playing as a complete unit.”

The Senior squad played HT on Friday and despite leading 34-17 in the 4th quarter, was able to close out a hard fought game 37-34 in overtime to record their second win of the year.   The boys mental toughness was on display alongside their physicality in this grueling matchup.

You can catch the seniors next on Pink Day (October 3rd), when they take on Christ the King,  and then Sept 10th when the Annual Luciani Bowl returns to Notre Dame's home turf.

SPOTLIGHT ON CLUBS:  Drama Club & Green Squad

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Within the ND Green Squad, a group of environmentally conscious students work together to brainstorm and advocate for our school to become a more environmentally friendly place. By creating posters and announcements, our group runs a variety of campaigns that call our school into action to help the earth! If you’re interested in being a part of an inclusive team and spreading the word about our cause, then join the ND Green Squad today!  Watch the InsideND Instagram account for green initiatives and meeting dates!
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The mission of Drama Club is to spread the enjoyment of participating in and watching drama through activities, performances, the creative process and workshops. We seek to promote the primary purpose of theatre which are to entertain, educate and enlighten.

Any Notre Dame student can get involved in drama club by coming to weekly meetings where we play games, improvise, learn acting techniques and do just about anything related to drama.
If students are interested in taking on a bigger role in Drama Club, they can apply for a position on the executive committee. Executive members are the fearless leaders of the drama club. They are responsible for running club activities, as well as spreading the drama bug to all of ND!

The ND Drama Club meets Wednesdays after school in Room 113.

ND September Sports Update

Welcome Back Notre Dame Sports Fans!  2019/2020 brings another school year,  and another chance for ND to prove that we are cream of the crop in the HCAA!

Watch this space for updates throughout the year!

Here is your September 2019 Notre Dame Sports Update.
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Jr Field Hockey - This upstart team got off to a rocky start,  but show tremendous promise.   Almost all of the HCAA Championship Team from last year has moved up to the Sr. Squad,  leaving this years team to carve their own path and chart their own course to the HCAA playoffs.  Under the steady hand and tutelage of returning coach Ms. Caroline O'Brien the sky is the limit for this young team
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Sr Field Hockey - Lead by the scoring of Abigail Yakiwchuk and strong goaltending of Capri Dennis,  our Sr Girls are off to an undefeated 3-0 record on the season.   This crew is a force to be reckoned with and heaven help those who try to stand between these girls and an OFSAA berth!

Baseball -  Moved to the Fall this season after a soggy Spring sidelined much of the season last year.   Lead by the bats of Owen Caissie and RJ Mayor and Noah Bertin,  our boys in blue are off to a hot start!   The Baseball Fightin' Irish are 3-1 in league play and look to be a threat deep into the playoffs!

Football - Both Fightin' Irish teams (Jr & Sr) have started the year 1-1,  see the story above for more details!


Golf - The Irish Golf Team enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather,  but did not acheive up their potential...  there's always next year!

Ultimate Frisbee - Like Baseball,  Ultimate Frisbee has been moved to the Fall Season.  Now an OFSAA Competitive Sport,  the Irish look to establish a winning reputation in this upstart fall sport.