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.

On December 11, the Senior Girls’ volleyball team travelled to Loyalist College for a tournament consisting of eight teams.  The girls’ first game of the day was against the strong Marc Garneau team. The girls all played well and won the first set 25-22.  During the second set, Marc Garneau came out fighting and, although the girls got behind, they were able to gain momentum.  Marc Garneau eventually ended up winning the second set 25-22.  After dropping this set, the Lady Panthers did not drop another set during pool play, playing undefeated against St.Theresa’s, Quinte Secondary School and Nicholson.  This propelled our girls into first place for pool play.  The girls were once again up against Marc Garneau in the semi-finals.  The Panthers came out strong and won the first set 25-16.  During  the second set,  Marc Garneau weren’t going to give up without a fight and came out guns- a-blazing, winning the second set 25-22.

Well, our Lady Panthers did not want to give Marc Garneau another victory. They took care of business in the third set and punched their ticket to the finals, winning 15-12. The girls were very determined and ready to take on Cobourg West.  The Lady Panthers came flying out of the gates and did not look back. Our girls were just too strong for the Cobourg team. They won in straight sets 25-12 and 25-15.  The Panthers should be very proud of their victory and what a way to end off an impressive first week of league play in KASSAA. 

The tournament victory would not have been possible without the tournament MVP Rachel Neadow, who continually came up with huge plays and great leadership; Courtney Meeks’ and Sarah Armstrong’s strong service points and great passing; Jen Cota and her consistent and smart play on the court;  Dana Mika taking her game to the next level in important games; Tricia Gray always being ready and getting key points when she was called upon; Sami Stencell and her great passing and HUGE Serve; Kaitlyn Wilkes and her awesome passing and great job in the Semi Final and Championship match; and of course the set up kid Nicole Domen who always does a great job setting up our powerful swingers!!!  Great job ladies and congratulations.

Photo: Johnny Vinkle hitting, (check out the height) with Skyler Howes and Callum McGregor covering the hit. Photo courtesy of Diana Billingsley

The Senior Boys Panthers headed to Mackenzie High school in Deep River on November 17 after winning two in eight of their KASSAA season. The team was seeded sixth at the EOSSA tournament and played Renfrew High School in their first game. Both games were extremely close, though the Panthers lost the first two sets to Renfrew, and in the second game played Rideau HS with Rideau coming out on top in the end, taking the first two set 25-20 and 25-30. Sharbot Lake coach Mark Elliot, who has been coaching volleyball at Sharbot Lake since 1985, was pleased with how the team played. “Our guys played exceptionally well. They picked up most of the other teams’ hits, blocked well and were really powerful at the net.” Elliot said even the opposing team coaches felt the Panthers might have stood a better chance if the circumstances had been a bit different and if our team had been seeded differently. Following the Renfrew game, the opposing coach told Elliott that the Panthers likely could have been third or fourth in the other pool and that if that had been the case, they likely would have made it into the semi final round.

Panthers middle hitter John Vinkle had “a mammoth tournament”, Elliot said. “I have never seen him play that well and everyone had their eyes on him… Setter Skyler Howes also had a great tournament and was consistent throughout.” Hats off to the Panthers who had a great season this year and for making it to EOSSA for their first time since 2003. Coach Elliot is already fired up for next year. “We have a number of juniors coming up so we might just be that much deeper and stronger next year and in fact might just be looking at giving OFSSA a go” Things are looking bright for Senior Boys Volleyball at SLHS.

Photo: SLHS graduate and Elvis Tribute Artist Stephen Goodberry will performing at SLHS on Nov. 4

Ladies looking for an evening of fine entertainment that will benefit two worthy causes should get a ticket while they last for the upcoming “Girls Night Out With Elvis” fundraiser on November 4.

The event was the brainchild of Chris Bertrim, who wanted to raise funds for two passions of hers - breast cancer research and Sharbot Lake High School’s yearbook. Ladies will be entertained by award-winning Elvis Tribute artist Stephen Goodberry, who it just so happens is also a graduate of Sharbot Lake High School. Goodberry, who has been performing as Elvis for just over a year and a half, has been climbing steadily in the ranks. He placed 12th out of 120 artists at this year’s Collingwood Elvis festival and fourth at the Tweed Elvis Festival this past summer. His spot on singing and on-stage antics will be sure to warm up the crowd and make it a night to remember.

Chris said she approached Stephen about performing at the event and Stephen instantly obliged, saying that he'd be thrilled to return to his old high school for a night of fun. The $20 ticket includes a silent auction and a chance to bid on a number of items donated by local individuals and area businesses. Chris also promises a number of secret surprises that will take place throughout the evening. For more information or to purchase tickets call SLHS at 613-279-2131. The fun will take place at the school on November 4 beginning at 7:00 PM.

The Sharbot Lake Panthers took on the Marie-Rivier Dragons in back to back junior and seniors games in Sharbot Lake on October 18. The junior Panthers started out strong, winning the first two sets of their game 25-19 and 25-11. It didn't take long, though for the Dragons to finally find their groove and they fought back hard, winning three in a row 25-19, 25-20 and 15-9 and clinching the win. Junior Dragons coach, Christelle Belec, said after the game, “It took the boys the first two sets to get used to the ceiling height and the size of the serving space but after that they played very well.”

In the seniors’ game that followed, the two teams battled hard back and forth, with Sharbot Lake winning the first set 25-20. The Dragons came on strong in the second, proving they were up for a fight, and took the second 25-21. In the third, Panthers Johnny Vinkle and Collum McGregor made multiple thunderous spikes, helping to put the Panthers back on top, and they took the third 25-18, making a win seem imminent. In the fourth the Dragons proved they were not ready to call it a day, and though the Panthers took an early lead, by mid-set they had lost it and were down 6 points, which they could not recover. In the end they lost the set 25-18. In the nail-biting fifth, Sharbot Lake once again took control early with a quick 4-1 lead. The Dragons turned on the fire and by mid-set were leading 7-6. In the end the Panthers were not able to turn it around and the Dragons finished them off with a flick of their tails, winning the final set 15-8 and taking the win.

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: New SLHS vice principal, Mr. David Russell

Students and staff at Sharbot Lake High School need no introduction to their newly appointed vice principal, Mr. David Russell. A long-time teacher at the school, Mr. Russell has taught many subjects during his seven-year stint there, including law, phys. ed., technology, social studies and media arts.

As a result of his experience, he brings to his new post an intimate knowledge of not only the school curriculum but also of the students and staff, which he says is a huge benefit. “I have a great rapport with both students and staff and have also over the years worked with numerous teachers who had a long history at the school, so I feel I have a real understanding of the school’s history and culture.”

Russell, who lives in Tamworth with his three children and his wife Wendy, who also teaches at SLHS, grew up in Scarborough and prior to beginning a second career as a teacher, worked as a technician and in management at Bell Canada for 12 years. In 1991 he graduated from McMaster University with a history degree and did his practical teacher training at Durham University in Durham, England.

Before joining the Limestone District School Board, Russell taught for eight years at Dunbarton High School in Pickering, a large school with close to 2000 students - 10 times the size of the student body at SLHS. “The nice thing about a smaller school like Sharbot Lake is that everyone knows everyone and every individual feels like an integral part of the bigger picture,” he said.

In the role of vice principal, Russell said he is looking forward to the challenge that comes with dealing with “something different everyday” as well as the opportunities that come with having a wider impact on a greater number of students and on the school as a whole. He mentioned a few goals he would like to achieve as vice principal: first, to provide a fun and positive atmosphere for both students and staff at the school; second, to ensure that all students pass their literacy tests; and third, to help students reach their highest academic potential.

Asked about possible drawbacks to coming to his post as an insider, he replied, “Managing the change in relationships might be an issue in that I am now in more of a disciplinary role with the students and in more of a critical role with the staff. But, that being said, so far that has not been a problem at all.” Instead Russell sees his history at the school as an overall advantage. He looks forward to working with Principal Heather Highet, with whom he says he shares a similar overall approach. “We see eye to eye on a number of things and tend to approach things with a similar outlook, which makes for a great working relationship.”

Russell looks comfortable in his new post and no doubt it must be equally comforting for students returning after the summer to recognize a well-known staff member who will now be assisting at the helm.

Photo:  Lloyd Arnold and Carol Belanger

Every Thursday evening between 7 and 9PM the gym at Sharbot Lake high school comes alive with the sound of squeaking rubber-soled shoes and the whoosh of high-speed birdies.

That is the time that anyone seeking a bit of good, clean, social fun and fitness can meet on the badminton courts in the gym and enjoy two hours of non-stop play.

Ron Abbott of Godfrey is almost always there. He mans “the box” and will happily supply racquets and birdies (a.k.a. shuttlecocks) to those in need. Ron has been heading up the weekly sessions ever since retired SLHS teacher Gary Giller started the tradition close to 30 years ago. When Ron is not manning the box he is on the court enjoying a game. “It's such a great way to keep in shape and they say that in badminton you actually use more muscles than in any other kind of sport.” That being said, Ron adds that it is also not a particularly strenuous sport. He can count the number of injuries he's witnessed in his decades of play on one hand. He stressed the fact that it is also a relatively easy game that almost anyone can play and quickly become good at.

The two courts in the gym can hold eight players at a time and usually anywhere from 8-15 players will show up on any given Thursday night. Many of the regulars have been coming for years and to keep games interesting it is pretty common to see teams regularly switch up partners. Ron informed me that a good team is one where “the two players can anticipate their teammates’ moves and who cover each other on the court.” Because the game tends to be one of strategy, two partners who work together will tend to go a long way.”

The more competitive players will tend to seek each other out but competitive play on the whole tends to be a secondary consideration for most. Instead it is a friendly feeling of camaraderie that prevails in the gym.

Ann Temple is the newest player to the sessions and she travels 25 minutes to come every Thursday night to play. “I heard about it from a friend and started coming and found the environment very welcoming, helpful and easy going. Though I wasn't very good when I started I feel I've come along way.”

Lloyd Arnold of Crow Lake, who will be turning 80 in June, has been attending the sessions since moving to the area. He is an experienced player and played in an industrial league in Montreal back in the 1950s. “I have always loved the game and when I moved out this way thought I should get back at it. I have always enjoyed playing the game and it definitely helps keep me nimble.”

The sessions are held throughout the regular school year with breaks for Christmas and in March.

Anyone is welcome to play and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Normally the fee is $5 per semester, though this year the fees were waived due to a surplus in the coffers.

Ron encourages anyone interested to come and try it out. “It’s a lot of fun and usually after a few tries people tend to pick it up pretty quick.”

Players just need to wear rubber-soled shoes and Ron will be happy to get them every thing else they need.

Photo: SLHS students were given the opportunity to safely demonstrate proper techniques for rappelling trees.

On March 4, students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Forestry program at Sharbot Lake High School experienced this old adage first hand. Two representatives from Hydro One, Marty Little and Bob Burke, volunteered their time to speak with the students and to demonstrate proper techniques for rappelling trees. After the Hydro One demonstration, each student was then given the opportunity to safely demonstrate that he/she did indeed “learn the ropes”.

Students in the Northern Forester program, the only Forestry SHSM in the Limestone District School Board, work closely with one another and with lead teacher, Lyle Young as they take the classroom outdoors. At the present time, students have earned their first of seven certifications, chainsaw safety, and enjoy the weekly outings to the woodlot to perfect their skills. Plans are in progress for students to earn other certifications this semester, including First Aid, WHMIS, GPS navigation and Project Wild.

The SHSM Forestry Program is available to students beginning in grade 11 and provides unique opportunities for students. By completing a Specialist High Skills Major, a student earns a red seal on his/her diploma which recognizes that a student has achieved the necessary credits, skills, knowledge and sector certifications associated with a specific industry. More information is available in Student Services.

Special thanks to teacher candidate Eric Weese who organized the experience for the students.