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.

Photo: Sydenham's Golden Eagles soar out of the Panthers reach

Sydenham’s and Sharbot Lake’s junior girls basketball teams squared off in Sharbot Lake on Oct. 20, with the Golden Eagles giving the Panthers a run for their money. Sydenham took an early lead and maintained it throughout, never once giving the Panthers an in, though there was lots of action at both ends of the court. The Panthers played a great passing game but failed to get the ball in deep when it counted and by the end of the first quarter Sydenham was up 10-0. In the second the Golden Eagles’ leading scorers Emily Bennett and Katie McNicols shone bright and scored multiple points, increasing their team’s lead by 19 points. Sharbot Lake’s Anna Baker put the Panthers on the scoreboard late in the quarter for the first time and the quarter ended 23-2. In the third, Sydenham scored another 13 points, widening their lead, and the Panthers scored 4 more, ending the third 34-6. In the final quarter the Panthers turned it on, penetrating the net and scoring six more points, their best in any one quarter but it was too little too late. The Eagles took the game with a final score of 38-12. Panthers’ coach Ben Moser has struggled in the past to get players out for the junior girls’ team, and said he was thrilled to have 13 young and enthusiastic players this year. “We have a very enthusiastic team who are very excited to play. Right now we are working on our offense and while winning is not our focus, the main goal of the year is to improve at every game.” The Panthers, who have yet to win a game this year, are definitely improving and Thursday’s game was in their coach’s estimation “by far their best defensive game to date”.

Sydenham’s co-coach Mark Richards said his team is having a great season so far. Mid-way through the season the Golden Eagles have won 6 and lost just 2. Richard said the team’s strength is their speed and defense and he is currently having the players focus on their fast breaks. High scorers for Sydenham on Thursday were Emily Bennett, who scored 12 and Katie McNichols who scored 8. Richards says he hopes the team improves every game and is working hard to get the Golden Eagles ready for the playoffs.

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: Mr. Hulls grade 7/8 class and their gargoyle creations at LOLPS

No one was more surprised by the enthusiasm students had for a recent art project than their teacher, Mr. Lee Hull, who introduced a 3D gargoyle project to students in his grade 7/8 class at Land O' Lakes PS in Mountain Grove. “Two-dimensional art projects are common but I wanted to challenge students with a 3D project that focused more on sculpture than flat 2D design,” he said.

The gargoyle project had students researching these ancient architectural ornaments that first appeared in ancient Greece and Rome and later were common in Gothic architecture all over Europe. Who knew that these grotesque creatures, often hybrids of mythical, god-like and phantasmagorical creatures, also served a functional purpose; for example, as spouts to drain water away from rooftops?

Students spent two and half weeks on the project, first researching the topic, then designing on paper their own gargoyles, which they then set about modeling of clay around a Styrofoam insert mounted on a wooden dowel. “One of their goals was to make sure that their gargoyle was visually interesting from every angle, and to do so, they were encouraged to explore a number of clay techniques including bas relief and other textural surface applications,” Hull said. Like all great art projects, the resulting gargoyles are as individual as the students who created them. There were hybrids of pigs, elephants, birds, dragons, fish, foxes with intricate defining features that included tusks, horns, fins, wings, woven beards, buck teeth, antennae, tentacles, chains, plus a huge variety of horrid noses, mouths, ears and eyes, each caught in various expressions of ghoulish grotesqueness.

The students loved the project and not only learned how to create a three-dimensional work of art from modeling clay, but also about the history of these fascinating architectural ornaments. “While the project is an art project, we were also able to tie language and history into the mix,” Mr. Hull said. He has plans to further the project and will invite each student to write a fable about their creature later in the term. The 26 completed works have been mounted and are currently on display in the school library, just in time for Halloween for students, staff and visitors to the school to marvel at.

For Mr. Hull the project was hugely successful and one that he is sure that his students will remember and learn from. “For a teacher the fun happens in the classroom when students outdo your expectations. Instead of falling back on existing fads and trends, the students came up with their own original ideas and, in doing so, gained confidence in their own abilities. And when this kind of thing happens in the classroom, that is the best part of teaching.”

by Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist

The Canada Council on Learning October 2011 report states that internationally, Canada is losing its competitive edge with education at each stage of learning from preschoolers to senior citizens. One of its key findings? “Early childhood education and learning (ELEL) affects a child’s health, well-being and skills development, yet research indicates that 25% of Canadian children entering school lack the foundation needed for successful acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills.” (www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Newsroom/Releases/20111011FutureLearning.html )

The report does not point the finger at educators or parents, but rather criticizes Canada’s disjointed system of policy creation with respect to education. And it highlights the impact of early childhood education on lifelong learning.

But who are the early childhood educators in children’s lives?

In 2008 the Institute for Research on Public Policy cited 2004-5 Statistics Canada data showing that (excluding Quebec) 35% of Canadian preschoolers were cared for by an unlicensed childcare provider, neighbour or relative. Licensed care (regulated home childcare, daycare, and kindergarten programs) was 42% while care by a parent or family member in their home was 23%. (http://www.irpp.org/choices/archive/vol14no12.pdf)

In Ontario, with the introduction of full day learning, these percentages will change for children from 3.8 to 6 years of age. For children under 3, however, there will likely be increased reliance on unregulated childcare. Funding for licensed childcare programs and fee subsidies for families needing childcare is low. Yet the employment and career needs of families with young families remain high.

If, as these two reports suggest, children need more help to develop early literacy and numeracy skills prior to school entry, and about one third of young children are cared for in unlicensed settings, then we need to recognize and support the important work of home childcare providers.

Home Child Care News is an online resource that is new this fall. It has been developed specifically for home childcare providers, foster parents and family members who care for infants, toddlers or preschoolers in their homes. Home Child Care News features literacy, speech and language information and tips. Those who visit the site can post questions or comments. Ideas generated through these posts will help guide the focus of future editions of Home Child Care News.

Home Child Care News includes activities for supporting children’s literacy development in the kitchen, during outdoor or active play, craft times and more. There is a featured story caregivers can share with children each month. For caregivers living in the northern regions of Hastings or Frontenac Counties, or in Lennox & Addington County, a limited supply of free books is available for home libraries. As well, there are downloadable resources for all caregivers to help support the early and emergent literacy needs of children in their care. Home Child Care News also invites face-to-face networking through childcare support groups in Kingston, Napanee and Belleville.

Those who care for young children in their homes contribute significantly to our society. They enable economic stability for families with young children. Home childcare providers are positioned to be prime educators in children’s language and literacy development.

By visiting Home Child Care News each month for new editions, we hope home childcare providers will know they are valued and supported.

Home Child Care News can be found at www.homechildcarenews.com

Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32)

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.

Photo: 2011 SLHS Valedictorian, Kaitlyn Hannah

Amid countless shout outs of “I love you”, and photo ops taken by family and friends, Sharbot Lake High School graduates of the 2011 school year received their proper due at the school cafeteria on October 7, where there was standing room only. Kaitlyn Hannah, who is currently attending Ottawa University, was chosen as this year’s valedictorian. An ardent reader and writer, Kaitlyn was honoured with numerous awards and bursaries during the evening, including the school’s Writer of the Year Award. She was also recognized for her work on student council as well as on the 30-Hour Famine, Remembrance Day, and the students’ social justice committees. Kaitlyn was also active with the Student Vote movement. SLHS teacher Lorraine Ryan introduced her as an example of “Finding your passion and doing it well, keeping your individuality while creating a community of support.”

Kaitlyn had the final word of the evening and her humble and humorous speech invoked the memorable journey that students take, from fledgling grade nine newbies to confident, aspiring graduates entering the world that awaits them.

“These are definitely the most formative years of our lives and it is here that we find out who we are and where we want to go,” she said. She spoke of the intimacy of the small high school where one teacher can teach you three classes and coach you on a team: “Where you have had at least one long conversation with every student in the school and where our motto -'We are family' is completely true.” She spoke of the memorable school trips, the school dances and the way the students banded together over the years to help those in need. She also spoke of the diverse skills and talents of each of her classmates and how these varied skills will help to serve them in their upcoming years. In closing, she left the students with a few words of advice. “1. Strive to be like Mr. McVety in every way possible. In so doing, you'll be sure to succeed. 2. Always remember the people that you met in high school and don't let those friendships die. 3. Don't work too hard - life is short, have fun.” Finally she said, “Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning.”

Fitting words indeed. Congratulations to all of the graduates.

Photo: Ryan Michie, Geoffrey Murray, Justine Olmont, and students at SLHS launch their recently completed canoe

This year’s grade 11 students in Geoff Murray’s construction class have just finished building a canoe. The project was begun this past June by Murray and Outdoor Education teacher Ryan Michie, and the students and staff celebrated its completion with an official launch at Oso beach on October 11.

Prior to the launch the students had put the finishing touches on the canoe, sanding out its rough interior and weaving the nylon seats in the canoe’s stern and bow. The boat, as visually appealing as it is water worthy, was made from local pine and boasts cherry gunnels. It is similar in style to a second boat that the students began this year and are halfway through completing in this year’s construction course. Murray said that the skills they learned finishing off this boat will serve them well when it comes to completing their second one. Justine Wilmont, a student teacher from Queen’s University who joined the group at the official launch, has been shadowing Murray’s construction class and has plans to continue the canoe theme. She will be assisting students in the class with individual canoe paddle projects that will take place later this year. 

The students were thrilled with both the look and performance of the boat as Mr. Michie and Ms. Olmont got into it, paddled it out onto the lake and landed it shortly after at the government dock. Grade 11 student, Norman Harris, who worked on the canoe, said the project has inspired him to consider building his own boat this year. ”I went to Camp IAWAH this summer and did a three-day canoe trip there, which I loved, so the idea of building my own boat would definitely be something I would consider as a fun and worthwhile project,” he said. All of the students seemed thrilled to see how their handiwork stood the ultimate water test.

Photo: students and staff at St. James Major Catholic school in Sharbot Lake

Students and staff at St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake welcomed the public to an Open House on October 5 to show off their new digs. This past summer the school’s four portables were replaced with four new models, which opened up the school and are providing more space and a brighter atmosphere for students and staff alike.

School Principal, Mike Arsenault, says he is very pleased with the new layout. “Part of our responsibility is provide students with a clean, safe, and ready to use environment so we were looking at what we had and thought of changes that could be made to improve the learning environment. We had to consider the allocation of resources, so we decided to replace what we had with new buildings from another location, rather than trying to repair the old portables.”

The layout of the school has changed considerably and now consists of a larger main hallway and two bigger and brighter classrooms along with a third multi-purpose room, which acts as a library, French room and staff resource center. The back part of the building serves as staff office space.

The school, which is comprised of six staff members and 23 students, celebrated the new changes at an open house that included a blessing of the new school by Father Don Oberwarth, followed by a BBQ and bake sale. Students and staff alike are thrilled with the new accommodations, which were funded by the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

Principal Arsenault said the new buildings attests to the fact that the board regards St. James Major as a very viable school. “The school board’s willingness to put these new resources into place proves to the community that the board strongly believes that this Sharbot Lake school is indeed viable and that there is every plan for it to continue as such.”

Photo: Grade 10 students insert plants for the new butterfly garden.

An eco-auditing contest run by the Kingston Sustainability Centre's "Youth Mentoring Youth" program has awarded Sydenham High a butterfly garden as a reward for the school's environmental awareness. Exactly what does a newly-awarded butterfly garden look like? In this case, it comes as bags of soil, compost and mulch, a lot of pots of plants, shovels, trowels, gloves and water pails. This week, members of the International Society for Conservation Biology (themselves biology students at Queen's) demonstrated planting techniques to two grade ten classes. The garden plot had already been worked up in a sunny spot at the front of the school, and within an hour, the plants were all tucked into the garden, watered and mulched. Western 

Landscape services of Elginburg donated the supplies and initial digging. The plants chosen were native or naturalized ones that will attract butterflies with their leaves, nectar and colour. 

Because this is SHS's garden, the flowers will all be red or yellow, the school colours.