2
Superintendent
E. Kazimowicz
Trustees
Anna Abbruscato
Thomas Thomas
St. Francis Xavier Secondary School
50 Bristol Road West, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3K3
Tel: (905) 507-6666 Fax: (905) 568-1026 www.stfxss.org
e
• Richard Hae had the highest
Grade 12 Graduating average in
all of Dufferin- Peel CDSB (
99.34%) Richard is currently
enrolled in Health-Sciences at
McMaster University. Over the
past five years, three of the
graduating students with the
highest averages in DPCDSB were
from St. Francis Xavier Secondary
School.
The new Ministry strategy reflects
the values outlined in the Ontario
Catholic Graduate Expectations
and the Virtues for Catholic
Education. As stated in the new
strategy:
School Council Chair
G. Williamson
ll
Our school community strives for
excellence and last school year
the following students were
recognized for their individual
achievements:
“Inclusion is not bringing
people into what already
exists; it is making a new
space, a better space
everyone.”
Continued on Page 11
for
PAX
Chaplain
D. Sheldrake
ce
Ms. K. Twedochilb
Mr. M. DiPasquale
Mr. M. Hibbitt
Ms. T. Salinger
Ms. J. Hebert
Ms. L. Gomez
S
Vice Principals
L. O’Leary
G. Scanlon
D. Mariani
J. Horvath
On April 8th, 2009, for the first
time in the province of Ontario,
the
Minister
of Education,
Kathleen
Wynne
introduced,
“Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive
Education Strategy – Realizing the
promise of Diversity”. The new
policy will continue to advance
the three core priorities of the
Ministry of Education:
1. Improve student achievement
2. Reduce the gaps in student
achievement
3. Increase public confidence in
our education system
Ex
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
FIDE
Principal
N. Mant
Ontario is Canada’s most diverse
province and St. Francis Xavier
will continue to be one of the
most diverse Catholic schools in
the province.
oting
This year we welcome to our
administrative team a very
experienced Vice-Principal, Mr.
Jim Horvath. Mr. Horvath was
Vice Principal at St. Marcellinus
and Loyola Catholic Secondary
School. We also welcome the
following new teachers as part of
our teaching faculty:
•
Faith-Anne Mendes, the
recipient of the Principal’s Award,
was also the recipient of the
Diversity Cup Scholarship Award.
This award is presented by the
Peel Regional Police Services to
one student from the Peel Board
and one student from the Dufferin
Peel Catholic District School
Board. Faith-Anne is currently
enrolled in Political Science at
Queen’s University.
Prom
As my sixth year as Principal of
St. Francis Xavier Secondary
School commences, my shared
vision for our Catholic Learning
Community is to continue to strive
for
excellence
in
Catholic
Education and to continue to be a
beacon of “hope” for all our
students. It is evident by our
achievements and growth in
enrolment (2306 students), that
our school community is blessed
with excellent teachers, support
staff and students.
AM
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
EXCELLENTIA
OR
n
ce
in
Ca
tholic Educat
io
n
Contents
Chaplain’s Corner
Page 2
Page 4
Guidance
Page 5
Student Council
Page 6-7
Homecoming Dance
Page 8-9
H1N1 Information
Principal’s Message Cont’d
Page 10
Page 11
TigerTales
Editors
AM
Principal’ s Message
OR
EXCELLENTIA
IDE
IshbaFRaja
S
Yasmin Natt
PAX
Art Directors
Mr. A. Lombardi
Ishba Raja
Yasmin Natt
Layout
Rollen D’Souza
Contributors
Kristine Ang
Cathleen Ang
Production Manager
A. Lombardi
Mr. Horvath, New VP
Page 12-13
Senior Sunrise
Page 14
Around the School...
Page 15
Catholic Education
Page 16
Music/Math Departments
Page 17
TigerTales is published
4 times a year by DACX ,
the Digital Arts Club Xavier.
Issues are published in
September/October,
December/January,
March/April, and June.
Student Voices
Page 18
Contents copyright ©2009
Digital Arts Club Xavier
Extra, Extra...
Page 19
Xavier Cross Country
Page 20
Outdoor Mass @ FX
Page 21
Digital Arts Club Xavier
St. Francis Xavier SS
50 Bristol Road
Mississauga ON, L5R 3K3
Phone: 905.507.6666
Fax: 905.568.1026
www.stfxss.org
Staying Real
Page 22-23
Production Coordination
A. Lombardi
Circulation
3000
DACX
Digital Arts Club
Xavier
3
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Mrs. D. Sheldrake,
Chaplain
We were blessed with
sunshine for the outdoor
opening school mass on
September 18 which all
students and staff attended.
We
began
with
the
processing of the papal flag.
The mass was planned by the
Chaplain’s Crew members
who were involved in every
aspect of the mass such as
procession, readers, altar
servers, and offertory. The
teacher band shared their
musical talents and provided
excellent music. The tech
team did a great job with the
sound. Many thanks to all
who were involved in the
set-up and contributed to
the success of the mass.
The Chaplain’s Crew is
a group of 80 students from
grade 9-12 who have applied
to volunteer to take on a
leadership role in ministry
through the activities of the
chaplaincy office.
These
students have made a
commitment to lead and
4
support the faith life of the
school community over this
year. They are involved with
planning and leading masses,
liturgies, prayer, grade 9 and
10 retreats, and social
justice projects.
who started Free the
Children, an organization
started by Craig when he was
12 years old, that raises
awareness of issues children
face overseas and calls us to
action.
In response to Christ’s
call
to
us
to
show
preferential option for the
poor, we participated in a
food drive to support the
Knight’s Table on Kennedy
Road. Knight’s Table is a
soup kitchen run by the
Knights of Columbus and
serves meals to 150 people
each day. They also support
hundreds of needy families
each week through their
food bank.
On October 28 our
annual Walk for ShareLife
will take place. Students
will collect pledges and walk
in support of the ShareLife
initiative of the Archdiocese
of Toronto.
ShareLife
supports 29 Catholic social
service agencies in the GTA,
offering assistance in areas
that include children and
youth, families at risk, men
and women in need of
shelter and support, abuse
counselling, single and teen
parents, the elderly, recent
immigrants and refugees.
Students listened to a
reflection about Covenant
House, a shelter for youth
supported by ShareLife, and
the story of a boy named
Johnny, who was alone and
abandoned and turned to
Covenant House. They gave
Johnny hope and a future
and we become a partner in
this hope given to others
when we support ShareLife.
We
acknowledged
that we have much to be
thankful for as we gathered
together
for
our
Thanksgiving
prayer
services. We remember that
at the most basic level, we
are
thankful
for
the
wondrous and most precious
miracle and gift of life, our
life, and all human life.
A group of Xavier
students have been selected
to attend the Youth Forum at
the When Faith Meets
Pedagogy Conference on
October 22 where the
keynote speakers will be
Craig and Mark Keilburger,
Yours in faith,
Mrs. Sheldrake
GUIDANCE CORNER
As we begin this school year, I think of all the
doors that are opening for you. It is important
to open each door as you journey through challenges, new adventures, academics, extracurricular activities, hardships, family concerns,
transitions, new ideas and experiences.
You can do anything you think you can. Be an
optimist, open the doors and learn each lesson
as you walk through. Be strong enough to ask
for help when you need it. Ask your counselors
for assistance. Be kind enough to help others
when they need it. The experiences of our
lives open doors and provide steps of opportunity for knowing who we are, learning our
strengths and interests, and making choices
towards the life we would like to live.
I came across a poem to share with you all,
written by Mary Katherine Lidle:
Look at me
I’m walking through a door
My life is changing and it’s just perfect now
No more doors for me
They’re too hard to get through
I’m staying here where it’s safe No, child,
Those doors are a part of you
You can’t ignore them
‘Cause they’re there
You’ve got to go through them
Who knows what you’ll find
You’ve got to meet their trial
If you don’t, you won’t be what you should
become
There are always gonna be doors and you
Can’t stop ‘em from comin’
You’ve got to go through them to grow
It’s called change
Look at the wildflower; it changes all the time
always blossoming or closing up, sprouting or
withering
You’re scared to go through these doors
Into the unknowing, “into change”
You don’t know what’s going to happen
You don’t know what change is going to bring
Listen to me
Go through those doors with hope
Go through those doors knowing change is the
future and you’re part of it
You don’t know what change is, that’s why you’re
scared
Change is the sun booming over the horizon
Scattering rays of hope to a new day
Change is a baby lamb meeting the world for its
first time
Change is growing from a young child to a young
woman
Change is beautiful; you will learn to love it.
Now, think about which door of change
is waiting for you….Remember to be yourself,
Stay Real, and learn the lessons. Keep your
journey alive and keep it real with meaning.
Our very own students wrote a book
entitled “Staying Real.” Let’s do our best to
make it a living document, so stay tuned for
our “Staying Real” corner, and feel free to
submit any pieces of writing to me, so that we
can share with others, your experiences, challenges, new adventures, and the doors you
choose to open.
God Bless you all, we’re here to support you.
Ms. Keaveney
5
STUDENT COUNCIL
Hey Xavier Tigers! Let me begin by saying
what an honour it is to have been elected as
your Student Council Prime Minister for the
term of 2009-2010. I am definitely excited
about making this year an enjoyable year for
everyone at this school. The year has already
started off with an awesome Homecoming
Week that took place in early October. The
Pep Rally was amazing! It’s so nice to see that
our school has so much spirit. The
Homecoming Dance was also a lot of fun and
a huge success. I’m hoping everyone enjoyed
that event, and for those of you who didn’t
get to a chance to make it out, don’t worry!
Student Council has many more fun-filled
events planned out for the next few months,
as well as great campaigns surrounding
important social issues affecting today’s high
school students. I strongly encourage
everyone to take part in these events and
campaigns and GET INVOLVED! (Grade nines,
I’m looking definitely speaking to you). Make
your high school years memorable and
worthwhile. You’ve got four years here at
Xavier, so be sure to get the full high school
experience! I look forward to working with all
of you. Together, I’m sure we can make this
year an amazing one.
Kathy Go
Prime Minister, STFXSS Student Council
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER STUDENT
COUNCIL 2009-2010
Prime Minister:
Deputy Prime Minister:
Secretary:
Kathy Go
Tina Tran
Shreya Podder
Minister of Finance:
Matthew Botelho
Eunice Kwon
Minister of Public Affairs: Kelly Le
Sarah Boo
Minister of Social Affairs: Rachel Ann Oba
Daina Marsh
Minister of Co/Extra Curricular Affairs:
ChrisSoranno
Stefanie Chan
Athletic Rep:
Grade 12 Rep:
Grade 11 Rep:
Grade 10 Rep:
Grade 9 Rep:
6
Ryan Northfield
Michael Fernandez
Canute Gomes
Ashwin Lal
Juliano Correlli
Robert Apolito
STUDENT COUNCIL
Exclusive
Interview With
Grade 9 Rep:
Robert Apolito
by: Cathleen Ang
Robert Apolito, one of
the
three
newly-elected
Grade 9 representatives, has
given us the inside-scoop on
what it’s like to be a part of
the student council.
change the menu and make it
cheaper.” When I told that
person that it doesn’t work
that way, he said, “Why can’t
you just force them?” Sorry,
but it’s just not possible for
me to force them to change.
CA: That’s true. What do you
think of the other student
council members?
RA: They’re all really nice.
Most of them memorized my
name in a day, except one
person, who thinks my name
is Richard.
CA: What do you like about
student council?
Robert Apolito
Cathleen Ang: First of all, congratulations on being elected.
So, how do you feel about
being elected?
Robert Apolito: I love it! At
first a lot of people said congratulations to me, like you
just did. It was “Congratulations,” and “Thanks,” over
and over again. The day after
I was elected, some people
were mad at me because they
had expected me to change
the school completely. Those
expectations are too high—it’s
not possible in one day. One
time, someone came up to me
and said, “Go to the cafeteria
manager and force them to
at 2:15. So if I didn’t read that
email, I’d be in trouble
because I would have missed
4th period.
CA: It’s good that you saw it
then. So tell us, what are your
intentions for this year?
RA: I don’t really have any.
Whatever the students want
me to do is what I want to do.
CA: Other than that, do you
have any ideas?
RA: Well, I want there to be
more fun events, like pep
rallies, for example. Basically
it’s so that students can have
fun.
RA: There are a lot of perks.
For example: I get to go to
Homecoming for free. There’s
a retreat, and we get our own
room with a blanket because
the couch is gone. A computer
is available for us to use, and
I get community service hours
too. Student council is a lot of
fun.
CA: And the final question: Is
there anything you want to
say to all the students out
there?
CA: Is there anything you
don’t like as much?
CA: Thank you for your time.
Do your best and help make
this year unforgettable!
RA: Well, many people think
it’s all fun and games, but it’s
not—it’s a lot of work. The
first meeting was really
long—we stayed until about 5
o’clock. Oh, and I get a lot of
emails. For example, I got an
email saying that I need to
miss 4th period to set up for
Homecoming, and then at 9
o’clock at night, I get another
email saying that I don’t have
to miss it, I just have to leave
RA: For the in May, I’ll say,
“Did you have an awesome
Grade 9 year? Vote for me and
you’ll get an awesome Grade
10 year!”
Robert working hard at
the Homecoming Dance
Photo credits: Cathleen Ang
7
HOMECOMING DANCE
By: Kristine Ang
This year’s homecoming
dance was a huge success! On
October 8th from 6-10 pm,
students danced “all around the
world” in Xavier’s cafeteria.
Attendees had fun dancing and
socializing with their friends
and schoolmates. Throughout
the dance, many were laughing
and smiling as they danced to
the beat. And of course, there
were the people who were
acting like goofballs and having
fun entertaining their friends.
Many of the people I
talked to were happy to pose
for the camera, though a few
were incredibly camera-shy and
resorted to running out of the
shot while their friends popped
poses and grinned. Of these
camera-shy
people
are,
unfortunately, most of the
teachers.
Most
of
the
teacher-chaperones
insisted
that I keep my camera pointed
away from them. Though I did
get Ms. Michalska in one photo.
8
HOMECOMING DANCE
Thank you to the Student
Council members who worked
hard before, during, and after
the dance to ensure its success.
They stayed after school setting
up the cafeteria, with all the
balloons and
streamers that
some attendees unfortunately
popped and ripped apart upon
arriving. During the dance,
Student Council handed out
drinks and pizza, managed the
“baggage,” and handled all the
tickets.
Thanks guys for making it so
much fun for everyone!
Thank you also to all the
teachers who chaperoned the
event. Unfortunately, you had
to break up couples who were
dancing inappropriately, though
there were constant reminders
that the Catholic Code of
Conduct was in effect. Thank
you for all of your hard work!
9
H1N1 VACCINE INFO
This year it’s a
different flu season!
The H1N1 vaccine is your best protection.
New Clinic Hours.
Sorry, our clinics are closed from Sunday, Nov. 8 to Wednesday, Nov. 11 because we don’t
have enough vaccine to operate clinics. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We will re-open all of our clinics Thursday, Nov. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 14.
Please see below for hours of operation.
• To get the H1N1 vaccine:
– Come to a Peel Public Health H1N1 Vaccine Clinic – see schedule below
– Check with your family doctor
• Pregnant women and those who have children aged 6 months to one year should contact their doctor to see if
he or she can provide vaccine. If not, they should call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 between 8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. The shots will be administered through
special Peel Public Health settings and specific obstetric practices.
• Children under 6 months of age should not be vaccinated
• Children under 10 years of age will require 2 doses. There must be at least 21 days between the first and
second vaccine.
• If you think you might have the flu, wait until you are better to get vaccinated.
• The H1N1 vaccine is FREE.
Priority will be given to people under 65 years of age with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart,
lung or kidney disease or those receiving treatments for cancer or other illnesses that might affect the immune
system) and their caregivers; people who live with infants under 6 months of age, immunocompromised people,
and those who cannot be vaccinated; children 1 year to 5 years of age; and health care workers.
Brampton
Peel Public Health H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
November 12 to 14, 2009
Brampton Soccer Centre
1495 Sandalwood Pkwy. E.
11 Indell Lane
Airport Rd./Walker Dr.
via Clark Blvd.
Mississauga
International Centre
6900 Airport Rd., Hall #6D
Blessed Trinity Catholic School
2495 Credit Valley Rd.
Caledon
Albion Bolton Community Centre
150 Queen St. S.
Thurs-Fri 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thurs-Fri 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thurs-Fri 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thurs-Fri 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thurs-Fri 3 – 8 p.m.
Schedule is subject to change. Check www.peelregion.ca for changes and additional clinics.
• For quicker registration, bring your health card and/or driver’s license.
• Bring an interpreter if needed.
• Children under 14 years of age need consent from their parent/legal guardian to get the vaccine.
For more information about the H1N1 vaccine clinics and the H1N1 virus, visit www.peelregion.ca or call
905-799-7700. Caledon residents call toll free at 905-584-2216.
HTH-0030 09/11
10
Stay healthy. Get the H1N1 vaccine.
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Principal’s Message continued
from page 2
As Ontario continues to be the
province of choice for more
than half, 52%, of the
newcomers who arrive in
Canada, many of these
newcomers, 50%, settle in the
GTA. Therefore the new
Ministry strategy for inclusive
education calls for the
following:
• the Ministry will provide
direction,
support
and
guidance to the education
sector, so that every student
has a positive learning
environment in which to
achieve his or her highest
potential;
• each school board is to
develop and implement an
equitable
and
inclusive
education
policy
and
guidelines for the board and
its schools;
St. Francis Xavier Administration 2009-2010
been successful in promoting
these strategies and will
continue to improve upon the
successes.
On a personal note I would
like to thank
our parent community for
their continued support. I
would also like to extend a
special welcome to our new
Grade Nine students. Finally,
I offer best wishes to all our
students in this new school
year of 2009 -2010; continue
to be involved in the variety
of extra-curricular programs
we offer in the Arts, Music,
Drama, Athletics and other
numerous clubs.
God Bless.
N. Mant
Principal
• each school is to create and
support a positive school
climate that fosters and
promotes equity, inclusive
education and diversity.
This ministry strategy states
that inclusive education is a
foundation for excellence
that meets individual needs
and eliminates barriers to
promote a sense of belonging
and community in our schools.
Here, at St. Francis Xavier
Secondary School, we have
St. Francis Xavier Office Staff 2009-2010
photo credits: Krishma Geer
11
NEW V.P. ON THE BLOCK
Mr. Horvath,
Let’s Talk.
By: Ishba Raja
So, after a little over
a week, I was finally able to
get a chance to interview
the very busy Mr. Horvath. It
seemed like the only way I
might be able to talk to him
was if I got into some
trouble and was sent down
to my V.P, which coincidentally was Mr. Horvath.
Anyways, it was time
to get to know the new guy.
Pull his leg a little, shake
him up a bit, and show him
how bad we students can
be. Just kidding, it was time
to figure out who he was,
and who we were dealing
with. Though he seems
intimidating, it turns out he
isn’t, he’s really nice and
quite fun to talk to…
Tiger Tales: Where do you
come from, your heritage?
Where were you born, and
your birthday? Oh that is if
you mind revealing your age
to us.
Mr. Horvath: I am from a
Hungarian Background. I was
born
in
Tillesonburg,
Ontario, and I am 50 years
old, born in the month of
December.
TT: Rumour has it that you
were an ex-cop? Is that true,
or false?
H: Let’s keep it a rumour.
TT: Has Teaching always
been your first profession
choice, or did you have
other ambitions?
H: Yes, teaching has always
been my ambition.
TT: Why did u choose to
come to Xavier? Where have
you worked before?
H: Well, it isn’t really your
choice as an administrator. I
worked at Loyola, and St.
Marcellinus, and now Xavier,
and by the way Xavier is
definitely the best school.
TT: Are you just saying that
because you teach at Xavier
now?
H: Ha-ha, no I’m not. It
really is the best school.
TT: When it comes to
students, are you more
lenient or discipline?
12
Mr. Horvath
H: Pro-student. I provide
what is best for the student,
and it depends on the situation. If I need to be lenient I
will, and if there needs to
be some discipline I will provide more discipline. But
definitely pro-student.
TT: What would students not
know about you by simply
looking at you?
H: I grew up on a farm, a
tobacco farm, and no I
didn’t smoke it and I still
don’t smoke it.
TT: What are your hobbies?
H: Well, being a VP doesn’t
give you much time on your
hands, however I played a
lot of golf over the summer,
ad I enjoy travelling. I have
been all over Europe, the
Caribbean Islands, and I
would like to visit Australia
when I retire.
NEW V.P. ON THE BLOCK
TT: Most scariest story that
has happened to you?
H: This happened to me
when I was about 6 years old.
After working on the farm, at
the end of the day we would
all go to the pond for a swim.
My big brother said to me
said to me, “its time you
learned how to swim,” and
then he threw me into the
pond. I came up three times
before someone saved me, a
really scary day for me. I
never forgave my brother for
that. Ha-ha no I did, eventually.
just so quiet and peaceful
when it lifts you up, and
even though you are high
above the ground it just
makes you feel, safe.
TT: A toy that you have
always wanted but never got
in your childhood?
H: Lego, my birthday was
always
combined
with
Christmas.
TT: Would you rather:
Sky dive or bungee jump?
Skydive.
TT: What is your favourite
color? Food? Movie? Book?
McDonalds or Burger king?
Right now, McDonalds
H: Favourite colour is green,
but it’s quickly turning into
blue. Favourite food is Hungarian food, my mom makes
the best. Don’t have a single
favourite movie, but I am
into Si-Fi’s, and I loved Star
Trek. I haven’t read a book in
a while, but I have to read
“Child of Woe” by Maury
Blair once I get the time.
TT: Most extreme thing you
have done in your life?
H: I have water skied, gone
downhill skiing. The next one
isn’t extreme but was very
cool for me was when I went
up in a hot air balloon. It’s
Tim Horton’s or Starbucks?
Tim Hortons
Apple or orange? Apple
Pepsi or coke? Pepsi
TT: Biggest fear?
H: I would say rock climbing;
it is just too high up with
nothing to hold on to. I am
not afraid of losing money or
losing my home but when it
comes to speaking to an
audience of 20-30 thousand
people, I am
terrified.
So there you have it.
Though he looks really
intimidating, and he gives
the vibe off as a mean VP
that you would never want to
have to deal with, it’s totally
wrong. He’s just a regular
person like anyone else, no
secret super powers like him
being able to hear your
thoughts and sense your fear
and feed off of it. No fangs,
or a craving for human
blood, not even a wand, just
a regular guy, or that’s what
he tells us…
TT: Were you a jock in high
school, or the school nerd?
H: The jock. I was on the
basketball, volleyball, and
the football team. I was the
junior and senior played of
the year for football. I
placed 6th place in all of
Ontario for the midget boy’s
long jump, and I won a silver
medal in senior basketball.
13
GOOD MORNING XAVIER
L^gbhk
Lngkbl^
by: Ishba Raja
Rise and Shine Seniors
of Xavier! On Friday, October
16th, 2009 a number of grade
12 students participated on
this lively event, where they
woke up early to watch the
sunrise together. At about
6a.m a number of grade 12
students turned their alarm
clock off, and got up to get
ready to watch the sunrise.
Bundled up in a warm jacket,
a blanket, and mittens, gathered on the field at 6:45a.m
14
to watch the beautiful sun
come up and welcome us
with its warmth and beauty.
Though it was one
cold morning, no one paid
much attention to it with
what was going on. The
event was filled with singing
from different tigers, some
stand-up comedy (thanks to
Mr. Cormier for his amusing
joke that will remain a
secret between all those who
attended), and of course
muffins, and warn hot chocolate for all. It was a morning
spent with your friends, talking about whatever came to
mind, and just “chilling”,
literally, in the cold. But
again it was worth it, definitely, all of us, huddled
close together to share some
body heat, and we stood
there and watched the sun
embrace us with its light.
The senior sunrise
signifies the start of the
senior year. It welcomes the
students to the beginning of
their last year at Xavier. The
last year that will become a
memorable one, and one that
you will cherish for years to
come. This is the year, the
year that will make you or
break you. However with the
right determination and the
hard work I am sure you will
be able to achieve anything
you set your heart on. So, get
up you tigers and leave your
mark in this school!!
AROUND THE SCHOOL...
Business Makes the
World Go Round
by Mrs. J. Huber, Teacher-Librarian
The Power of An Hour!
Be an In-School Mentor!
Make a difference in the life of a child in as
little as one hour a week by volunteering to be
an In-School Mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Peel in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board matches
elementary girls and boys with a caring adult
mentor. Matches meet for one hour each week
from September – June during school hours and
on school property to share in fun activities
such as playing board games, baking or playing
sports. The result – increased self esteem,
better grades and improved relationships with
family and peers.
Children are in need of mentors in our schools
and we need your help. You can make a
significant difference by volunteering or
encouraging your friends and family to mentor
a child in a school in their neighborhood.
The In-School Mentoring Program is currently
offered in 25 DPCDSB schools across Peel. Call
905-457-7288 or visit www.bbbspeel.com for
more information.
Welcome to all the students who have registered for Business Courses this semester. You
will be acquiring valuable skills which will be
transferable to any future endeavor you may
pursue. If you acquire six Business Credit
courses you are eligible to earn a Business
Studies Certificate upon Graduation.
Not only does the Business Department have
valuable courses and interesting field trips
under the guidance of experienced and passionate teachers, it also has exciting clubs and
opportunities for volunteer work. DECA, our
business club, has approximately 80 members.
They learn about business, go to competitions
with other business students, often win, and
most exciting of all they go on international
trips to compete with international students.
Business students also help run the St. FXSS
Tuck Shop. They learn first hand about product, inventory, marketing, cash flow and the
myriad of other skills needed to operate a
storefront. Not only those skills but volunteer
hours are earned!
Take Business Courses, join DECA, volunteer at
the Tuck Shop and you will be gaining experience for a lifetime.
St. Francis Xavier History
Department offers
New York City 2010
OPEN TO SENIOR LEVEL STUDENTS
(grade 11 & 12) Seats still available
see Mrs. DiMichele or Mr. Leung for
packages before January 2010
Friday May 14, 2010 to
Monday May 17, 2008
4 Days and 3 Nights
Parent Information night will be held in
the school library date will be announced
in January 2010.
15
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
The Value of
Catholic
Education
by: Aaron J. Pinto
Centuries ago, in the Temple
of Apollo at Delphi, Greece, a
small inscription read: “Nosce
te ipsum,” which in English
means “Know thyself.” The
oracle puzzled people for
ages, and I myself found it
quite vague until my Catholic
education
illustrated
its
meaning for me.
Good morning administrators,
teachers,
judges,
fellow
students,
ladies
and
gentlemen. My name is Aaron
Pinto from St. Francis Xavier
Secondary School and today I
will be speaking to you about
the
value
of
Catholic
education.
“Know thyself” – what a
fascinating
phrase
that
inspires a great deal of
thought. Personally, I believe
this phrase represents the
ideal of understanding human
behaviour,
morals,
and
thought, because ultimately to
understand oneself is to
understand other humans as
well. It is only through
Catholic education that I have
received this whole new
perspective on life.
Without a doubt, the Catholic
curriculum strives to form and
16
educate the entire person –
which is the body, the mind,
and
the
soul.
Catholic
education is not a matter of
being taught math and history
by priests and nuns, as some
mistakenly think it is. It’s
really about forming the mind
simultaneously with the soul.
Most importantly, religious
education
enables
and
encourages students to grow
religiously, spiritually and
morally into informed, caring
and contributing members of
society. Its teachings establish
a sense of unity and spiritual
mindfulness. Fundamentally,
Catholic education is a
synthesis of culture, faith and
life, which is reached by
integrating
all
different
aspects of human knowledge
and virtue in light of the
Gospel.
Understanding our Catholic
background and beliefs in an
effective cultivated manner,
develops,
reinforces
and
encourages Catholic attitudes
and values. This allows each
student to gain a sense of
self-actualization and allows
them to harness their mind to
value the true meaning of life
- which is something beyond
materialistic needs.
Indeed, it is utterly amazing to
combine what society expects
from us and reassuring it with
what God tells us. In a Catholic
school environment, we are
able to experience God’s love
for each human being. In class,
a motivated discussion or
silent reflective prayer helps
us come to terms with
problems or challenges we are
facing in life. Things like this
affirm a student’s basic
goodness: to promote their
dignity, to honour their
fundamental rights, and to
develop their gifts to the
fullest.
Each day that I go to school,
the education that I receive
helps me grow to be a better
person. It helps me in
developing good personality
traits that are in Jesus’
teachings, in remembering the
important things in life and in
appreciating
all
of
my
blessings. Truly, if I had not
gone through the Catholic
education system, I would
definitely not be the same
person that I am today.
Ultimately, Catholic education
has immense value to each
being. For myself, it has
formed me as an entire
person, one who loves learning
and serves others joyfully. In
this type of environment, I
truly came to “know myself,”
and I could not be better
prepared for the road ahead.
Let me just say, Catholic
education is like a “pearl of
great value.” Even in these
challenging times, it is up to
us to treasure and protect it.
MUSIC/MATH
Interested students should
see Mr. Virtue.
The
next
set
of
contests,
the
Waterloo
contests, are written in
February, with top scoring
students eligible to write a
follow-up contest written in
April. Registration will be
announced in late December.
A
“math
contest
preparation” club has been
initiated this year for students
that want to improve their
performance
on
math
contests. We meet Tuesdays
in room 221.
Xavier Music
by:Mr. Vespa and Mr. Hibbitt
Extra Help in Math
As we enter the 2009-2010
school year, FX music once
again will have prepared
many different performance
engagements that our school
community can be part of.
With the program serving over
250 students of the school,
there are many bands to be
parts of. From our grade 9’s in
junior band to FX Jazz, we
cover many different musical
instruments and styles.
Dates for Xavier Music are
as follows:
Oct. 29
Nov. 4
Dec. 10
TBA
Music Class Trip
Awards Night
w/ Jazz Band
Feeder School
Concerts
Christmas
Concert at
the School
Grade 8 Night
Music Festivals
May 13
TBA
Spring Concert
Wonderland Trip
Dec. 3
Dec. 9
School liturgies throughout
the year
FX Music will also be looking
for venues to play to better
serve the outer community of
Mississauga Central. We will
keep everyone posted!!!
Math Contests
by: Mr. Virtue
St. Francis Xavier students
have already begun writing
contests. The National Math
League contest is a series of
six contests that begins in
October and finishes in April.
This is open to all grade
levels. Mr. Kozak supervises
the contest. The first contest
was written October 20 and
had over 80 participants.
Students in grade 11 and 12
can currently register for the
“Canadian
Open
Math
Challenge” . This is a rigorous
2 ½ hour contest that will be
written
November
25.
There
are
numerous
opportunities for students to
get after school help in
mathematics.
Help is provided for Gr 9
and 10 on Mondays and
Wednesdays and for Gr 11 and
12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We have many gifted math
students that volunteer their
time to tutor and this also
provides an opportunity for
them to earn community
service hours.
An after school remedial
math
program
especially
designed for grade 9 students
begins in mid-November. This
program is run by Mr.
Fernandes.
In addition, a new program
has been initiated by the
Ministry of Ontario that
provides help for Gr 9 and 10
students
on-line.
The
web-site
is:
Homeworkhelp.ilc.org
Students should speak to their
math teachers for help in
registering for this.
17
STUDENT VOICES
Resilience
by:Jamila Flake
Resilience is a word
that exemplifies personal
drive and integrity. Integrity is
the consistency of actions,
values, methods, measures,
principles and outcomes.
In high school there are many
of distractions whether it is
the negativity of discrimination, the pressures of social
acceptance, or the stresses of
your academic life.
I personally know how it feels
to be discriminated against
and classified as something
that I am not. I felt hurt and I
lost all confidence in my self
because I dwelled on what one
ignorant person believed.
After a while I realized that
only I create my character and
identity, only I can allow
others to influence who I am.
What every person needs to
learn to do is maintain composure when under pressure.
This allows you to think clearly
and understand that what
others want to make of you is
their decision. What is important is what you want to make
of yourself. When you know
what that is, embody it. The
same is true with the social
pressures
of
acceptance.
When I think of high school the
only word that comes to mind
is acceptance. One works for
it for almost all four years.
Students feel they need to
belong to certain groups, of
18
peers. I also felt the need to
be a part of certain groups to
feel whole, but I felt more
partial. Students need to realize that the reality of the situation is that the pressure to be
accepted is an illusion. People
pressure others because they
are unsure about themselves.
When you add another to the
equation or your circumstance
it brings comfort because you
are no longer alone. For
example, sex. Students like to
convince their peers that it is
“social suicide” if you have
not done it yet. Obviously they
are uncomfortable because
they gave up something so
special to the wrong person
and they feel alone. The only
way to feel somewhat better
is for someone to experience
the same feeling. The truth is
there is no rush and that you
should wait. The way I see it is
the pressures of acceptance is
a setback to your character. It
just creates confusion. Here’s
some advice: Continue to
move forward and sustain your
effort despite setbacks. Something that I now empathize
with is the only thing one
needs to understand is them
self. Once you accept who you
are others will follow. In other
words, once you accept who
you are the illusion of acceptance slowly fades away. Similarily, when trying to sustain
your academics life does get
overwhelming. There
are
always distractions when it
comes to academics. I can
understand that most students
do not distinguish what it is
they want to become in the
first years of high school, but
here is some advice: Find what
it is you like to do and work
towards it. The best way to do
so, is to begin with the end in
mind. Once you know what
you want it is easier to work
for it. It is easier to work
towards it but if you do not
persist and focus on your
objectives, even during difficult situations, that vision will
become distorted. If obstacles
do occur, then overcome them
and rapidly recover from the
obstruction.
Being resilient, positive, and
optimistic, is not something
that is easy to do, it is something one practices. Knowing
how to be persistent and
focused, monitor emotional
reactions and remain controlled, are all very hard to
do. That is why one must
discover who they are,
embody it, stay real, and
always begin with the end in
mind. Resilience is something I
have not yet accomplished but
I have grown and mad it part
of who I am. I do still have to
work at controlling my emotions and sensitivity but what I
can proudly say is that I am
thankful to have survived a lot
of the pressures of high
school.
EXTRA EXTRA.....
Successful 5th Annual
Orientation Day Launches
the Full School Year
Grade 9 Transition Program at
St. Francis Xavier S. S.
by: Mr. Somers
The transition from middle school to high
school represents a significant event in the lives
of adolescents, one that necessitates support
from and collaboration among all members of
the community – home, school and parish with
support from teachers, parents, counselors,
administrators and senior students. In order to
pave the way for the smoothest transition
possible, issues involving new academic as well
as emotional, social and spiritual needs need to
be addressed. Orientation Day is a very
important part of the integral activities to
sustaining a smooth Sustained Transition
Program at St. Francis Xavier S.S. Each year the
program has improved to effectively meet the
needs of the students and school community.
Our Orientation Day began on Tuesday Sept. 1st
with our special motivational quest speaker Keith Hawkins. With the encouraging words and
inspiration of Keith and the Mentorship of the
ST, FX Sr. Student Youth Ambassador Council
our grade 9 students will have the support they
need to make a smooth transition throughout
the entire year. We thank all of the dedicated
staff and students for their commitment to the
support and success for Orientation Day as well
as their commitment to sustain the transition
program which creates a strong bridge for a
successful learning experience throughout the
school year for our newly registered grade 9
students.
@ your FX Library
by: Mrs. J. Huber,Teacher-Librarian
Fun facts from your Library:
1.
14 out of 25 Gr. 9 homeroom classes
have already had their Library
Orientation for 2009 / 2010.
2.
3,234 books have been in circulation
during the month of October.
3.
Database usage is amazing. Last year
the most used databases were:
•Encyclopedia Britannica – 80,000
searches
•Ebsco – 53,519 searches
4.
Last year our Library received extra
funds. Now we have: 19,000 volumes
5.
Starting late October Database wor
shops are scheduled for Gr. 10
English Classes.
6.
Our Reading Corner – a favourite place
for curling up and reading.
7.
Students have 24/7 access to all our
online databases:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/STFXS/Library
Sign up TODAY!
Parents and guardians of Dufferin-Peel Catholic
students can stay up-to-date with the latest
board news and information by joining the
Dufferin-Peel eCommunity. Members will
receive the latest news and information by
email, including news releases, school activities
and events, board meeting highlights, school
and bus cancellations, plus useful tips for parents and students. Sign up online at
www.dpcdsb.org.
19
XAVIER CROSS COUNTRY
XAVIER’S CROSS
COUNTRY TEAM
By:Jessica D’Souza and
Alexandra Giannone
Imagine that you’re
running down a thick grassy
field to complete the last 100
metres of your gruelling four
kilometer race. From a
distance, you can see the
finish line, and along the
sidelines, the crowd starts to
roar; all your sweat and hard
work has paid off. This is our
sport and we are Xavier’s
Cross Country Team.
Our cross-country season
began in mid-September, with
one of the largest teams St.
Francis Xavier has had in
recent years. Over the past
month and a half, the team
has met for practices at least
four days of each week,
training for the meets and for
the
major
races,
like
ROPSSAA.
Through the hard work,
perseverance, and practices,
we have started to work
towards our goal: to build a
strong team and improve our
PB (that’s runner’s lingo for
“personal best time”). So far,
we have competed in three
races
and
have
been
successful in all of them. Our
first race, the River Run
Invitational, was held on
September 24th at Heart Lake
Secondary School. The midget
girls team (Nicoya Martins,
Jessica D’Souza, Karen Poveda
and Alexandra
Giannone)
20
finished in first place for their
combined team score and
brought home the first-ever
Cross Country trophy for the
girls’ team. The Senior Boys
finished in 3rd place with a
combined team score of 80.
Conservation
Area.
Two
hundred schools competed,
with
3740
runners
participating.
It
was
a
challenge and the teams gave
it their all and tried their
hardest.
Our second race took
place on October 1st at
Centennial Park, where we
managed to do our best and
also place well for our team
scores. Despite the difficulty
of the course, we worked
together as a team, finishing
with exceptional timings. As
we looked at our scores, we
realized that the midget girls
team was becoming fast
enough to potentially qualify
for the biggest and most
important race of the season:
the
OFSAA
provincial
championship.
Overall, our goal is to
qualify
for
OFSAA
and
hopefully to make it there as a
full team with as many
members
as
possible
participating in it. This year,
we have formed a group of
hard-working,
determined,
and talented runners who
have
kept
persevering
towards their goal. We plan to
accomplish our goal by making
it to OFSAA, and also, making
our 2009 year the most
memorable year for our team.
Warren G. Bennis once said,
“Great
things
are
accomplished by
those who believe they can
accomplish them” and we are
those people.
Our third and most recent
race was the pre-OFSSAA meet
which took place at the Boyd
OUTDOOR MASS@FX
21
STAYING REAL
How Xavier
Keeps It Real
by: Mr. Brandstetter
(Editor of Staying Real)
Staying
Real
is
a
collaborative effort by the
student body of St.
Francis Xavier to
promote the voices
students and their
values.
This book
started off as a grade
nine transition book,
developed
by
Student Council and
the Leadership and
Peer Support Class,
as a way to help
students find their
way through all of
high school’s ups and
downs. But in the
end it turned out to
be more than a
transition book as it
is being taught in
other courses, clubs
and
in
the
mentorship program
in order to develop
leadership amongst students
and get them talking about the
issues that matter the most to
them.
The book offers advice to
grade nines about being
themselves, not giving in to
peer pressure and standing up
22
for themselves when faced
with conflict of any kind.
Topics explored in this book
include how to develop
self-esteem and a positive self
image, how to work through
conflict of any sort including
bullying, sexism, racism and
how to manage personal
relationships in a way that are
positive and life affirming.
Artists and writers were asked
to contribute their artwork,
comics, stories and advice on
topics that include spirituality,
family life, goal setting,
conflict
mediation
and
personal
development.
Approximately one hundred
different students from grade
10-12 created content for this
book and the final result is
both a survival guide
for high school and a
manual for personal
success in life beyond
Xavier’s doors.
All the grade nines
received a copy of
this book during the
mentorship
event
before school started.
Any students who did
not receive a copy can
get one from either
the
Guidance
department or from
Student
Council
during lunches. This is
a great book for
parents to read as
well as a means of
starting
discussions
with their kids on
topics that concern
them.
The articles
offer up the best of what the
student body of St. Francis
Xavier has to offer, and is an
excellent way for students to
focus on developing character.
Comments and suggestions can
be
sent
to
speakupfx@gmail.com.
STAYING REAL
Appearance
In my opinion, great appearance is what you wear; but not the type of wear that
you purchase.
What a good appearance to me is how to carry yourself and the attitude you
wear. A lot of the time you can look at someone and easily tell whether or
not they like how they look. Confidence and a good attitude are also envied;
you can’t go out to the mall and buy it. You have to develop it in yourself. So
don’t waste your time looking into the mirror or shopping at the malls; great
appearance is in you.
Tina Tran
What Really Looks Good
We are taught from a young age that it is “what’s on the inside that matters, not
the outside.” Why then are 81% of 10-year olds afraid of being fat?
Growing up, we are surrounded by media that sends us messages of what
“looks good.” This “perfect” image of beauty is usually portrayed through what we
see on fashion models, Barbie dolls, and red carpet stars. Does it surprise you to
know that the majority of these “ideal” men and women are thinner than 98% of
the rest of the population?
Everyone wants to be accepted. But why is it that people think that the
determining factor is your appearance? Did someone call you ugly? Did someone
call you fat? Did someone make fun of your clothing?
One question: “Who cares?!” If someone is shallow enough to judge you
solely on your appearance, that person is not worth your time. One of the most
important lessons you will learn in high school is: Those who cannot accept you
for who you are have yet to accept themselves. Only one person is allowed to
say what is “pretty” and “ugly” and that person is you. Remember, beauty is in the
eye of the beholder, and everybody is beautiful.
Kelly Le
Body Image: Only Your Opinion Matters
One of the hardest struggles that I’ve experienced in high school was hatred
for my body. In high school, there is a great deal of comparison between what
people look like and what is considered to be “skinny, thin, fat and chubby,” which
places a great deal of pressure on a person to alter themselves to be “attractive,
hot, buff and good looking.” The thing to think about is who really decides what
it means to be pretty or ugly? Even though we often look to media which dictates
what the norm and acceptable should look like, what I have realized is that the
most important opinion is the one that we have of our self.
Both boys and girls experience stages of denying the beauty of themselves because it is so
much easier to let others form our thoughts for us. I personally have bought into tactics of
not eating so I could be what others believe to be “thin” and have spent days of hating myself
because I was not pleased with my looks. The truth is not that I was unhappy with myself but
that I made myself think that I “needed” to change based on what others thought of me. I have
found that body image is among the most commonly judged in high school because it is what
people see when they look at you. Although it may be difficult to do, truly love your body and
no one will be able to convince you of thinking differently. Form your own opinions and speak
up against that which offends you.
Amanada Creary
Body Image: How to really see yourself
You’re too skinny. You’re too fat. You hate this world and you hate that. Hating the way you
look everyday isn’t exactly the cherry on top of a happy life, but why would anyone think that
they’re ugly? Why would anyone want to slap God’s gifts in the face? Some people may look
in the mirror and hate what they see, get depressed over it, but what they don’t see is the
beauty that everyone else does. Just because we don’t have those bright green eyes, or that
flawless face, or those skinny legs that fit into any pair of jeans, does not mean that we aren’t
perfect.
To God we are more than just perfect while we avoid seeing what is really there. Each one of
us is gorgeous whether we want to believe it or not. Imperfections come and go. The way you
look isn’t going to get you anywhere you want to be. Who you really are deep inside is the key
to happiness, not the way you look with mascara. Who you really are is what people love. So
love yourself and everybody will love you.
Martha Nagournaia
*Excerpt taken from Staying Real Publication page 13
23
“Excellence in
Catholic
Education”
DACX
Digital Arts Club
Xavier