Colin Edwards, a long time staff member at the North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne, was not someone who craved the limelight.

However, to this day, he has been remembered as someone who lived his life to the beat of his own drum while also putting NAEC students front and center. It was with that in mind that a special school-wide ceremony was held at NAEC on October 23, naming the school's new Outdoor Education Centre in his honour.

Edwards, who succumbed to cancer in 2006, began teaching at NAEC in 1973. He later became vice principal, but then he asked to go back to the classroom since it was teaching that most inspired him.

The special ceremony was led by Sarah Sproule, lead student success teacher at the school, and included words from school principal Angela Salmond, who summed up the opening of the center as the final culmination of an innovative outdoor education project called “Learning From Our Roots”.

Seed funding from provincial government paid for some of the construction materials for the building. Over the years though, most of the funding required to complete the project came from numerous and very generous donations from the local community and the ongoing fund-raising efforts by students and staff at the school.

The project, which got underway several years ago, included the planting of seedlings on school property; the purchase of numerous outdoor learning materials such as camping equipment, top of the line archery equipment; and finally, the construction of the outdoor education centre. The centre is a one and a half storey post and beam structure that is just under 400 square feet. It which was designed and constructed by former NAEC teacher Mr. Rasenberg and his construction students with the help of Ms. Sproule and Mr. Sissons.

It is now the hub of the school's outdoor education program, housing houses all of the school's brand new camping and archery equipment, and it is where receive instruction prior to heading out into the great outdoors.

A sign in front of the building has a loon, a maple leaf and the Bon Echo rock - three things that Ms. Sproule said she felt Edwards would have appreciated and been proud of.

Principal Salmond said that the school's outdoor education program enables all students at the school to access “not only the 80 plus acres of the school property but also the multitude of lakes and other outdoor learning opportunities in the area.”

She spoke of Colin Edwards as a “teacher, colleague and a friend, someone who believed in tapping into students' interests so that they could reach their full potential, while also providing opportunities and second chances to students that extended beyond the classroom.”

Colin's widow, Grace Edwards, also spoke at the event and expressed her gratitude and surprise at the honour. “This school meant so much to that man,” she said. “He lived and worked in the area and he gave back to the area. He always felt that if you wanted to make a change you had to do so from the inside out and in education, that meant not forcing a square peg into a round hole.”

NAEC students Amey Sauvageau, Jared Salmond, and Taylor Salmond spoke about their own personal growth as a result of the outdoor education at the school. Student Lucas Parks-Delya read the testimonial of a younger student involved in the school's archery program. It is one of the best archery programs in the country and NAEC is the first school in Ontario to become a part of it. Following the ceremony, an official ribbon cutting at the new building. Conservationists of Frontenac Addington President Ron Pethick and grade eight student Tim Shire performed the honours. Following that, a number of students demonstrated their prowess with bow and arrow.

Ms. Sproule, along with fellow teacher Mr. Sissons, raised $7,000 for the project and she was also instrumental in bringing the national archery program to the school. She said she is thrilled to have the new center up and running.

“I am very passionate about outdoor education and believe that students should spend as much time as possible outside. I really believe that some students do not necessarily learn best in a conventional classroom and the goal here is to reach out especially to those students. These programs give, especially to those students, a reason to come to school and something that they can be successful at.”

Staff also hope to purchase snowshoes in the near future.

Photo: Sierra's dad, Sean Baldacchin assists in her Locks for Love donation at NAEC

At the NAEC's final Pride Assembly for 2011, which took place on December 16, four young students were invited by the school's vice principal Mr. John Mooney to present a cheque to Carolyn Hasler, Chair of the Flinton Relay for Life. The cheque for $1734 will benefit cancer research, and represents the total amount that the 219 elementary students at the school raised at this year’s Terry Fox run, which took place in October. Cheque presenters included: from grade two, Emma Mc Fadden; from grade three Sasha Berndt, and Jakob Acosta-Vlasic; and from grade four Sierra Baldachin. The four students were chosen to make the presentation, since together they have raised close to $3,000 by cutting and donating their hair to either Locks for Love or Angel Hair for Children, two organizations that make wigs for patients who have lost their hair while undergoing cancer treatment.

The four students’ efforts, along with the cheque, brings the school’s total to just under $5,000, something the school can definitely be proud of. Following the presentation, student Sierra Baldachin invited her dad Sean to the stage to assist her in cutting off her 86 cm waist-length locks, which she has been growing since birth. Sierra’s grandmother died from cancer, and Sierra recalled the self-consciousness her grandmother experienced due to hair loss while undergoing her treatments. So for Sierra, cutting off her own locks made perfect sense. “I'll miss having long hair and I won't be able to do as much with what is left but I know that getting it cut will definitively change some people’s lives and that makes it all worth while.”

NAEC Vice Principal Mr. Mooney had nothing but praise for the efforts of the students at the school. “Part of the education we teach today is character education, which is all about helping students to see how they can make a difference and be a positive force in society. So by publicly recognizing and celebrating both the students’ group and individual efforts, I feel that we are showing them that they can indeed make a positive difference in the world.”

The school held their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 21, and guests were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the local food bank.

Photo: Wilf Heggart shows off his completed snowflake.

On November 28, students from the Grade 11/12 Art class traveled to The Glass House in Kingston to learn how to make stained glass sun-catchers.  Profits from the November 16 “Northern Highlights” Art class booth subsidized the trip. Students had made glass jewellery, candle holders and coaster to sell at the art show.  

At The Glass House, students learned about the origins of stained glass, and were then guided through the process of making their sun-catcher.  Usually, a beginner’s class lasts 6 hours, but due to time constraints, the time was cut in half because the staff of the Glass House had pre-cut the glass. The sun-catcher was in the shape of a snowflake, with different colours of blue glass, iridescent glass and glass beads.  

Students were still required to grind the glass pieces, and then foil them with copper foil.  After this, they painted flux on the copper foil and soldered their pieces together. It was a very labour-intensive process, and students only stopped for about 20 minutes to eat lunch before continuing their creative process. All the students had completed their project by the time the bus arrived to take them home.  

Students really enjoyed this trip, and it seems likely that this will be an annual occurrence for Grade 11/12 students.

Empty Bowls Project a Big Success Submitted by NAEC

NAEC will delivering a cheque to the food bank this week.  The Empty Bowls Project at “Northern Highlights” netted a total of over $250 for the local food bank, along with two bags of non-perishable food items.  NAEC’s Grade 11/12 Art class produced bowls, which were sold for a minimum donation of $5 and filled with chili made by the Grade 9 girls Physical Education class or soup made by the Grade 9 Academic French class.  These delicious meals were accompanied by wonderful bread made by the School to Community class.  The materials for the bowls were donated by the Arts and Humanities Department, so the only cost associated with the project was the cost of the food.

People were delighted by the various choices of bowls, which came in all shapes and sizes, and a variety of glazes.  Students produced nearly 60 bowls, and only a few were left by the end of the night.  

Staff, vendors and visitors also enjoyed the food that went into the bowls, and the bread that accompanied it.  It was a hearty meal. The chili ran out, and the leftover soup was donated to the NAEC Lunch Club program

NAEC has been very active in supporting the Food Bank over the last few months, and will continue to support this very important community service.  Principal Angela Salmond remarked, “It is so good to see so many classes working together for a common good.  This shows how our “Whole School” community is unique and serves our community at large.” 

NAEC students were very evident at the Limestone District Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, on April 4. 15 students competed in a variety of competitions, and a packed bus of 48 spectators and supporters turned out to cheer them on. Students watched their peers and others in a variety of activities which showed the many career opportunities in technology.

Terry Murphy researched and prepared a speech on the topic of Technology and then presented it in front a panel of judges and spectators for the Prepared Speech event.

In the Graphic Design contest, Morgan Wood and Natasha McIsaac each designed a poster, brochure front and t-shirt, and brought the finished products with them, along with a note book of rough work. They completed an intensive interview and presentation of their designs individually with a panel of expert judges.

For the Desktop Publishing challenge, Drake Murphy, Zach McQuigge and Will Kehoe planned and created a design for a bakery, using CS5 Photoshop. They created a logo, business card, sign and menu. Will Kehoe won the Bronze Medal.

Competitors for Team NAEC in “Team of two 2D Animation” were Megan Cruickshank & Summer Russell and Mike McEwen & Devon Salmond. Mike McEwen & Devon Salmond won Silver Medals. Students planned, created and presented an animation using CS5 Flash. This was the first year NAEC competed in this event.

Students brought two examples of their work, took a written test on Photoshop knowledge, went on a photo shoot and produced polished work for the Photography competition. Competitors for Team NAEC were Rebecca Kelsey, Carly Bond, Courtney McDowell-Yateman, Shannon Dorion, and Kayla Cuddy. Kayla Cuddy won the Gold Medal and will represent the Limestone District School Board at the Provincials at RIM Park, Waterloo, on May 1 & 2.

Ms. Buck’s class is bowled over!by Valerie Allan

Miss Buck’s Grade 5/6 class at NAEC will be eating their cereal and soup out of brand-new bowls. 25 students made pinch pots prior to March Break. The pots dried over the break, and were fired the first week back. Students then made a field trip to the Secondary side to glaze their bowls with dish-washer and microwave-safe glaze. The bowls were fired again, and students were able to take home food-safe bowls to show family members.

Pinch pots are one of the earliest forms of pottery. Students simply make a ball of clay and then press their thumbs into it, turning it, until it gradually becomes a bowl. The students worked very slowly and carefully, to make sure their bowls were an even thickness and height. While the bowls were drying, more than one high school student remarked that the grade 5/6 bowls were better than the bowls they made in Art class.

Students chose a variety of glazes to decorate their bowls. Some chose special glazes that produced a dramatic finish when fired, due to crystals in the glaze. Others chose a colourful under-glaze to paint designs, and then finished with a clear glaze. The results were some very attractive and useful bowls. No two bowls were alike in shape or decoration. Each student ended up with a unique bowl.

The Limestone District School Board funded the kiln, part of the rationale being that the kiln would serve both Elementary and Secondary students. Last year, several classes made tiles for Mother’s Day. Principal Angela Salmond is proud of the way North Addington works as a whole school. “The spirit of collaboration between teachers at the school has been increasing over the last couple of years. It contributes to the feeling of family which is part of the NAEC experience,” she remarked.

In 1965 Gwen Leroux started working in the administration office at North Addington High School. She was still there when the school was renovated and opened up as North Addington Education Centre. A couple of years later she had a child and quit her job.

“I thought that was the end of my working life at North Addington,” she recalls.

But after a year went by she came back to work on a part-time basis, and eventually went back full-time. She’s still working at North Addington, and for a long time she has been the secretary in the Student Services Office, which is located exactly where the administration office was located when she first came to the school.

After 46 years, she is one of the longest serving employees in the Limestone, or any other school board in Ontario.

Last spring her colleagues at NAEC decided to nominate her for a Barry O’Connor Support Staff award and in June she found out that she was the winner for 2011.

She was celebrated at the NAEC commencement services in June, and this week she formally received her award at a meeting of the Limestone Board of Trustees in Kingston on Wednesday night, November 9.

In describing Gwen’s work at NAEC, Principal Angela Salmond wrote the following: “Gwen is known for her humble, gentle manner and her belief that her incomparable contributions are merely ‘part of her job’.  The ‘job’ that Gwen Leroux has performed for the last forty-six years with dignity and grace has allowed and promoted student, teacher andadministrator success and it is with great pride that we congratulate her on this achievement.”

The day after receiving the award Gwen was likely back at her office, carrying out her duties. She said that she has no plans to retire.

On October 31, 11 students from North Addington Education Centre canvassed the community in their costumes; not for candy or treats, but for non-perishable food items.

At least two students were stationed in each community: Flinton, Northbrook, and Cloyne. The response was overwhelming. Most people had a stack of food, and were not reluctant to contribute to the community. Throughout the collection process, students were asked to perform tricks, and they sang, danced, and recited poetry. There was a pick up location in each community, as the food was collected on Halloween night. The event and pick up were supervised by a staff member.

“It’s such a great idea. It’s incredible to see the kids out there supporting their community and having fun, and it makes it a lot easier for people to donate when the food is picked up at your front door. I hope this program continues”, says Cheryl Hartwick, a community member who graciously told many people about the campaign.

In total, students collected 431 items, which will help the food bank through the winter season. Kendra Wilson was excited to share that she’d definitely be doing this again next year. Students visited the food bank to see the stocked shelves and the effects of their actions. Taylor Salmond said, “I got a warm feeling when I saw all of that food. I can’t believe we helped do that”. Salmond also suggested that students dress up as soup cans next year, so the community knows right away who they are, and collaboration with staff has already taken place to make these costumes for next year.

John Mooney, the vice-principal of NAEC, was excited to show his support for the event: “North Addington is a part of the community and we are so appreciative of this partnership because it allows us to support the food bank. I am extremely proud of our students and grateful for the support our students have received”.

On November 16, the Northern Highlights Craft Show will be taking place at NAEC. Staff and students are participating in the ‘Empty Bowls’ project. Between 3-6pm, soup will be sold and the proceeds will be donated to the local food bank. Students in the art class have created bowls that the soup will be served in. For a minimum donation of $5, you can enjoy dinner, take home the bowl, and support the food bank!

While this event helped stock the shelves, the winter and holiday seasons are a busy time for the food bank. An attempt was made to go to as many houses as possible, but if your donation was missed, please call North Addington at 613-336-8991 and ask for Ms. Bovard; we will pick up your donation. For those requiring assistance, please contact Land O’ Lakes Community Services at 613-336-8934. Those wishing to donate food, please call Karen Anderson at 613-336-8934 (leave a message if there is no answer).

Photo: Tracy and Sandi Hook of Hook's Rona Store in Northbrook

Students at NAEC are working together to run an Empty Bowls Project on Nov. 16 at the Northern Highlights craft show at the school.

Students from the Grade 11/12 Art classes have hand-made and glazed a variety of ceramic bowls. Ms. Sproule’s Grade 9 Science class and Ms. Bovard’s Grade 9 French class will be making chili and soup to fill the bowls. Ms. Kellar’s School to Community class will be making bread to go with the meal.

Members of staff and the community will offer a minimum donation of $5. They will choose a bowl and have it filled and accompanied by a roll. All profits will go to the local Food Bank. Visitors with large families or fixed income will be able to purchase the meal in a regular take-out container for a lower sum.

NAEC has made the Food Bank a priority in the last year. “We are pleased with the way so many groups have pulled together to help our local Food Bank over the last few months,” remarked principal Angela Salmond, “and this project is another way to help.”

The Empty Bowls Project started at a secondary school in the U.S. and has spread to many countries. L to R) Gabrielle Gagne-Balcacchin, Natasha McIsaac, Heidi Hawley and Shayla Newton show off some of the bowls they made for the Empty Bowls Project.

The Outdoor Learning Centre Project at North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne, which received funding commitments from North Frontenac and Addington Highlands Council during the summer, has continued to gather financial support. COFA (Conservationists of Frontenac Addington) has donated $2,000, and an application has gone in for a four-year commitment from the Limestone Learning Foundation. The Frontenac Trapper’s Council has been approached as well, as have local businesses.

Meanwhile at the school, Grade 9 students were taken for a two-day canoeing trip to Bon Echo in September and attended a session at RKY camp in late September as well. Both trips were related to the kinds of programming that will be offered at the Learning Centre, which will be located in the forested acreage behind NAEC.

Anyone seeking more information about the Learning Centre is invited to contact Darryl Sissons or Sarah Sproule at NAEC (613-336-8991)

Photo: Back Row:  Mike, Terry, Anthony, Desiree, Front Row: Robin, Lydia and Abby

The students of North Addington Education Centre will be suiting up in their favourite costumes on October 31 and knocking on your door! They will be asking for non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the local food bank.

About a dozen secondary students will be spreading out between Flinton, Northbrook, and Cloyne to collect non-perishable food items, instead of tricking or treating for candy. The secondary students organized a very successful food drive last Christmas, and the elementary food drive in June assisted the food bank in stocking their shelves for the summer. The students are not strangers to supporting the community who supports them.

According to participant and grade 11 student, Abby Burtch, “I’m at an age where it doesn’t feel right trick or treating for candy, but this is a really good way to help out and still hang out with friends on Halloween”.

We’re asking community members to contribute what they can. We will be having three to four students canvassing each community between approximately 5 and 8pm. They will be wearing NAEC ID tags and a very large smile. We are going to try our best to visit as many households as possible, but if you have contributions and the food is not picked up, please call Ms. Bovard throughout the week at 613-336-8991 and we will pick it up.

On behalf of students and staff, the principal, Angela Salmond, would like to thank the community for their contributions to our food drive efforts over the last year: “The response we have received is overwhelming. We would not be able to organize events like this without the support of very generous families in this community. I am proud to see students take ownership of the area in which they live.

If you see students in the community and they are ‘trick or eating’, feel free to ask them to sing or dance for your donation; they are prepared to work for your generosity!

Photo: Left to right: Colista McQuigge, Ashley Buls, Rachel Van Dusen, Emma Fuller, Madi Lemke, Aryssa Grant, Megan Cruickshank and Deanna Allen.

Students from NAEC participated in painting a canvas for the Limestone Learning Foundation’s Crystal Ball Gala, which was held October 15, at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston. About 8 schools volunteered for this task.

Canvases from each school had to have a crystal ball in the centre, and a black and silver border. Apart from that, students were free to use their imagination. The NAEC students’ theme was “Diversity Through the Arts”. They chose to make their crystal ball a crystal globe, surrounded by art of different cultures.

Emma Fuller represented India with a picture of the Taj Mahal. Colista McQuigge chose an African musician’s image. Megan Cruickshank depicted Canada’s culture, showing a dog-sled team. Deanna Allen painted a Thai scene, with a dancer and decorated elephant, while Aryssa Grant and Madi Lemke selected a scene featuring a Chinese Dragon parade. The crystal globe and the border were painted by Ashley Buls.

“I was very impressed with the caliber of the work,” remarked Principal Angela Salmond. “I am particularly pleased that the canvas was worked on by both elementary and secondary students, to reflect the unique quality of our school.”

The canvas was received in May, and students started painting right away. They completed the canvas after returning from the summer holiday. Because it was hard for more than one or two students to work on the canvas at once, it was necessary to devise a schedule to get the canvas completed. Students worked in their lunch hours and after school, as well as during the day.