(November 19, 2019) Student Trustees, Clareynze Ceria and Julia Tkachuk provided a report at the November 19 Board Meeting of various activities that have been happening at St. Thomas Aquinas High School from academics, sports and the arts.
Socktober
At their October report, the Student Trustees spoke about 'Socktober', where all students are asked to bring socks to warm the winter for people in the Neechee Friendship Center. 'Scotober' was a huge success. The school collected a basket filled with pairs of socks that the homeless people could wear. The staff in the center were very grateful to receive the socks that had been collected and the students are happy to be able to help and give back to the community.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day was held last Monday, November 11. Students and staff gathered in the gymnasium as a community to commemorate and honour the soldiers who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war and conflict to fight for our rights. The school took time to pray for the families who have lost their relatives during the war and the students were well-reminded of the efforts to fight for our freedom.
Annual Pep Rally
Students Halle Tyrell and Mason Barclay hosted St. Thomas Aquinas High School's annual pep rally this year. It was a good way for students to have a bit of fun, free from stress. There was lots of dancing, loud cheers, games and raining candies and chocolates. This was a day to celebrate the school's accomplishments.
Ontario College and University Applications
For students as well as teachers, November is one of the busiest months of the school year. It's a time for students to consider their post-secondary education. Ontario applications are taking place this month. Mrs. Hercun offers tutorials during lunch to help prepare graduates to apply at universities or colleges of their choice.
Take Your Kids to Work Day
Grade 9 students participated in Take Your Kids to Work Day, where students are given a privilege to have a day off from school and spend time with their parents at their workplace. This experience gives perspective to students on what working looks and feels like in the real world.
Wellness Wednesdays
During the month of November, Mrs. Jackson and the student council organized wellness Wednesdays for students and teachers to relax and let go of all the stress. 'It's A Dogs Life' brings in puppies for everyone to play with. The health unit also set up booths about physical and mental health to help cope with stress as well as mental and physical health.
Religious Education Trip
On November 18, the grade 11 and 12 students went to Winnipeg to visit a Jewish synagogue, a Hindu temple, a Gurdwara, and a Mosque. After covering most of these religions in class with Mr. Duhaime, Mrs. Stevenson and Mr. Brunton, the students had many questions and were very thankful for the opportunity. They were able to develop a better understanding of these religions and related them back to Christianity.
Music
The choir will be leaving bright and early for tomorrow's 9 am performance in Winnipeg. The students are hopeful and excited to perform in front of other choirs and adjudicators that can help improve their skills. They have also been preparing for the Christmas concert that will take place on December 4th. The band students have started fundraising for their trip to Chicago with enthusiasm and dedication. Mrs. McNulty's grade 11 Culinary Arts class has started brainstorming ideas for Gourmet Cabaret, which will take place on December 18, with performances by music students.
Sports
November has been an extremely busy month for the Saints' sports teams. Both of the boys' volleyball teams and junior girls' basketball team won NORWOSSA and continued their season. The senior boys travelled to Marathon for NWOSSA bring home gold once again and will be travelling to OFSAA tomorrow. We would like to wish the team luck on their crazy journey. The boys' hockey team will also kick off their season tonight at the Kenora Recreation Center against the Red Lake Rams.
With the winter months quickly approaching, the students and teachers of St. Thomas Aquinas take a step back and reflect on the first half of the semester. They continue to astound the community with their gifts in sport, art and academics. We are forever grateful for those who have helped us come this far. Thank you.