What's new at Sharbot Lake High?

Nov 18, 2010

As of Nov. 8, a bald-headed vice principal for one. In an effort to raise funds for the School to Community program at SLHS the student council organized their second annual Teacher Torture event.

In mid-October four jars were put out in the school’s cafeteria and students were invited to donate to the jar of their choice. This year’s winning jar led to Vice Principal Gary Greer undergoing a full head shave by manufacturing teacher Lyle Young at lunch on stage in the crowded cafeteria on Nov. 8.

Greer was happy to lose his locks in this student council fundraiser for a worthy cause and the event raised $170 for the School to Community room. The program’s educational assistant Josh Goodfellow said the money would either be used to purchase a smartboard or else more equipment for the classes new Snoezelen Room.

Also new at the school this year is a wall-mounted defibrillator. The defibrillator is used on anyone experiencing cardiac arrest and can go along way in saving lives, especially when emergency services are not immediately available. Sudden cardiac arrest or SCA can happen to anyone anywhere at any time and it is for that reason that defibrillators are appearing at many public arenas school, and other locations.

Last year a program headed up by MP Scott Reid allowed the school to acquire four training defibrillators for school staff and students in the grade 9 Phys. Ed. program in last year’s second semester. Because an actual defibrillator never arrived following the training, Principal Heather Highet applied on line to the Mikey Young at Heart School Defibrillator Program and one arrived at the school just three weeks ago. Highet explained, “So at our last meeting all staff were trained how to access and use it. We're very excited to have one here at the school and now all grade nine students as part of their Phys. Ed. program will not only get First Aid and CPR training but will also learn how to use the defibrillator.” Highet also pointed out that the new unit will be beneficial to all the community organizations who use the school facilities. Now at every exit in the school, little red signs read that there is a unit on site.

Physical Education teacher Bryan English and grade 10 student Cadence Cumpson (photo right), who was trained in using a defibrillator last year showed me the wall-mounted unit. It can be accessed by anyone in need and includes recorded instructions and diagrams for operators who have never received prior training.

Cadence said, “ It's a great thing to know so that if a student is ever down and in cardiac arrest and no other adults are around, we can use it ourselves. Having one here at the school definitely makes you feel safer.”

Bryan English agreed and added that from now on all grade nine students will be trained how to use it.

Photos: 22740 teacher Lyle Young shaves vice principal Gary Greer at SLHS

22746 grade ten student Cadence Cumpson and phys-ed teacher Bryan English with SLHS new defibrillator.