Recent Events at Holy Cross
2012 Crusader Spring Sports Have Arrived!
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| Crusader Senior Girls' Soccer Team player Sydney Smith scores on a breakaway against Sydenham on Friday, April 20th. The score ended in a 1 - 1 draw. |
Warmer weather has arrived and Holy Cross begins an exciting 2012 spring sports season. The Junior Girls' and Boys' Soccer Teams are poised to defend their 2011 KASSAA championship titles. The Senior Girls' and Boys' Soccer Teams have set their goal on capturing their first KASSAA title in 4 years. The Girls' Rugby Team are invigorated after their return from an exhibition game tour of Scotland earlier in the spring. The Junior and Senior Boys' Rugby Teams are practising hard and hope to improve their game. Track and field athletes are excited to see what they can achieve on a legitimate track with the wonderful newly opened City of Kingston and School Boards' track facilities at the Invista centre. And the Holy Cross Field Lacrosse Team is working hard to make Canada's national summer sport grow into a KASSAA recognized sport!
Holy Cross wishes all of it's Crusaders a very successful spring sports season! Go Crusaders Go!
Free the Children Fund Donation from HC
 Photo by Ms. Claire Bouvier |
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| The HC students and staff on stage with Craig Keilburger (middle of the photo in brown jacket). A cheque for $8500 was presented to Craig on behalf of Holy Cross to be used to build a school in Kenya. |
On Tuesday, April 17th a busload of Holy Cross students joined hundreds of other students from schools across the Limestone and Algonquin Lakeshore Boards at Duncan McArthur Hall at Queen’s University to hear an inspiring presentation by Craig Kielburger, founder of “Free the Children”.
After Craig's talk about the importance of youth voluntarism in ‘Changing our World” , Grace Hill, a Grade 12 student from Holy Cross got up to thank him on behalf of all the assembled students. In her speech she mentioned “As young people, we can often find it difficult to find meaning or light the spark that leads us to helping build a better world, but you are truly a role model for us... and keep youth enthusiastic about the difference we can make in the world.” In an impromptu gesture, Grace presented him with a cheque for $8500.00 on behalf of Holy Cross and told him about our schools efforts over the past year to raise this money for a school that will be built through “Free the Children” in Kenya, Africa this July. She also informed him that one of our Holy Cross students, Caroline Lollar, will be part of this school building project. Craig invited all the Holy Cross students present to join their Staff Supervisors, Ms. Melo-Jordan, and Mr. Forster, on stage for an official picture and to thank us on behalf of his organization. An excited group of students gathered on stage with him for an amazing opportunity to meet a truly outstanding young Canadian who continues to inspire young people everywhere with a message of hope and encouragement.
Fashion Show Raises Money for Juvenile Diabetes
Photo by Mikayla MacDonald |
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| Over 30 student models and numerous other students involved behind the scenes helped put together the Creations for a Cure Fashion Show. Almost $1500 was raised to help in the fight against Juvenile Diabetes. |
Holy Cross' 3rd Annual Charity Fashion Show took place on Thursday April 12th at 7:00pm in our school cafeteria. The Creations for a Cure Fashion Show, organized by Grade 12 student Nathalie Jones and Mrs. Andrea Johnson, featured almost exclusively student designs and creations. For many months Holy Cross student designers have been busy working on designing and creating numerous outfits to be featured in the show. In addition to student designs, Stars Men's Shops in the Cataraqui Town Centre donated the use of some stylish suits to showcase in our Gentlemen's Runway.
With over 30 student models and numerous other students involved behind the scenes in tech, tickets sales and entertainment, the show was a huge success and showcased the wonderful talent in the Holy Cross community. The show, which hosted a sold-out crowd, raised $1485.00 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. At the end of the night, Nathalie Jones presented Grade 9 student Ryan Kinsella with a cheque for the JDRF.
Thank you to all the students involved and a special thank you to Mrs. Kim Grady for all her behind-the-scenes work
SHSM Toronto Field Trip
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| SHSM students Jessica and Taylor with MuchMusic guest Danny Fernandes. |
Students enrolled in the Holy Cross Specialist High Skills Major in Communications Technology travelled on a field trip to Toronto on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012. Grade 12 student Taylor Weaver described her anticipation, "I felt like a little child on Christmas Eve, the night before our trip, because I was so excited for our visit to Sheridan College and Much Music, I had a hard time sleeping!"
Students visited Sheridan College in Oakville, touring the general campus, buildings and facilities. Students focussed their excursion on the audio, video and photography production studios and programs. Grade 12 student Daisy Barrette discovered, "The experience at Sheridan College opened my eyes to new possibilities to pursue in post-secondary education. I was impressed by the balance between the focussed academic studies and practical hands-on learning within the Photography degree program offered at Sheridan." An added bonus, students had the opportunity to speak with HC SHSM grad Claire McLean who is a first year Sheridan student in Photography. Thank you to Sheridan staff and students Muhfuz, Marnie, Pierre and Susan!
Students then visited MuchMusic to be audience members in their live national broadcast of Much Music Live. The theme was Dance Competition Week and singer/dancer Danny Fernandez judged two dance performance groups; The Geek Freaks and The Projexx's. Students had the opportunity to meet and have their photographs taken with V.J.'s Pheobe and Jessie. Grade 11 student Braedon Couvreur shared his reaction, "Much Music Live was fantastic because the tech crew, V.J.'s and guests were extremely friendly, welcoming and professional. The different dance performances were awesome. The Much atmosphere of a live show was surreal to experience; loud music, bright lights, and impressive talent!" Thanks Tracy, T-RexXx, Phoebe, Jesse and Danny!
Grade 11 and 12 students in the Holy Cross SHSM Communications Technology program study animation, audio production, desktop publishing, graphic design, journalism, photography, video production and web site design. Students participate in various activities to enhance their media production knowledge and skills and to make informed decisions about post-secondary school studies and career pursuits. Interested Grade 10 and 11 students are invited to contact Mr. Esford in Room 218 to learn more about joining the SHSM program.
HC Students Participate in Youth Poverty Challenge
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| The HC students and staff who participated in the 2012 Poverty Challenge held on March 28th at McArthur College in Kingston. |
Ten Holy Cross students accompanied by Mr. Jeff Brady and Mr. Chris Forster attended the 2012 Poverty Challenge held on March 28th at McArthur College in Kingston. The day was filled with activities designed to highlight the poverty that exists in our communities and how it is affecting men, women and children in ways that we are all too often unaware of. As Grade 10 student Samantha Pascaol states in her reflection about the day, "It showed me that poverty is close to home and even exists here in Kingston."
The students and staff from schools across our Algonquin and Limestone School Boards participated in a number of simulation exercises throughout the day designed to give them a first hand experience of what it is like to be poor. As, Grade 10 student, Tylynne McEvoy shared afterward, "My favourite part was being able to step into the shoes of somebody actually living in poverty." All of us came back to Holy Cross with a much deeper appreciation and respect for those who must depend on social services to survive, and with a desire to share their stories of endurance, courage and hope. Our thanks to Craig Stevens and all the other volunteers who put together such an amazing and educational day.
Com Tech Students Win Skills Competition
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| Meggan Greyling and Jessica Taylor hard at work in the TV / Video Production Competition. |
Congratulations to Holy Cross SHSM Specialist High Skills Major Students in Communications Technology for winning big in the 2012 Limestone Skills Competition! The event took place on Wednesday, April 4th at St. Lawrence College, Kingston. The Limestone Skills Competition provides students with the opportunity to practice their technological skills in such diverse areas as carpentry, desktop publishing, and culinary arts.
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| The HC Team of Hayley Dykins, Grace Esford, Daisy Barrette, Jessica Taylor and Meggan Greyling was extremely successful at the 2012 Limestone Skills Competition. |
The TV / Video Production Competition had 15 students from Holy Cross, Sydenham and L.C.V.I. Hayley Dykins and Grace Esford won Gold Medals in TV / Video Production. Meggan Greyling and Jessica Taylor won Silver Medals in TV / Video Production. This is a repeat of last year's competition results! Hayley and Grace advance to the Eastern Regional Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College Saturday, April 14th.
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| See some of Daisy Barrette's "Silver Medal" photographs. |
Twenty students were entered in the Digital Photography competition. Daisy Barrette won a Silver Medal in Digital Photography. Daisy advances directly to the Provincial Skills Competition in Waterloo, Ontario May 1st.
Thinkfast 2012 a Great Success
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| Close to 60 students, staff and other volunteers took part in Thinkfast 2012. The theme of Thinkfast 2012 was the use of land around the world with a particular emphasis on the benefits of small-scale, diverse farming. |
Close to 60 students, staff and other volunteers took time out of their busy schedules on March 30th and 31st to fast, pray, reflect on various social justice themes, and raise over $2000 in pledges for Development & Peace. The Thinkfast takes place every year at Holy Cross and is an important event in our Share Lent fundraising campaign. The theme of Thinkfast 2012 was the use of land around the world with a particular emphasis on the benefits of small-scale, diverse farming. Various speakers shared with us including Judy and Danka from the Sisters of the Drum who led a drumming circle and spoke about the relationship of our First Nations Peoples with the land and their desire that all peoples share in the gifts of God's Creation. Members of our Crusaders In Community Service Social Justice Club led many of the actvities including Jeff Arnold who facilitated our opening Prayer Service as well as Hannah Finn and Isaac Gazendam who led the ice breaker activities. On Saturday morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast prepared by staff volunteers. Special thanks to the staff who came out to share in the Thinkfast and to the many people who helped make it possible.
HC Grad Retreat - 2012
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| Over 40 grads and staff reflected on their years at Holy Cross and what the future may hold at the annual Grad Retreat at Rideau Acres. |
The annual Holy Cross Grad Retreat took place on Friday, March 23rd at Rideau Acres. Over 40 graduating students and staff from our school spent a day together reflecting on our years at Holy Cross and looking at how we make choices as to what to do after graduation. The day was facilitated by seven members of Catholic Campus Outreach(CCO) from Queen's University. These Catholic missionaries organized icebreakers, prayers, and various activities to help us to look at our hopes and dreams for the future. In addition, this year for the first time we were joined by graduating students from Regiopolis-Notre Dame C.H.S. and their Chaplaincy Leader. As a group we would like to express our appreciation to Christian and to the other CCO team members who put together such an excellent day for us.
2012 Italy Trip an Experience of a Lifetime
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| A trip through the canals of Venice on a gondola was one of the many highlights enjoyed by the HC students and staff who were part of the 2012 Italy Trip over the March Break. |
Article by Grace Esford
Holy Cross students enjoyed the "trip of a lifetime" to Italy this past March Break. Twenty six History and Visual Arts students and four teacher supervisors started their journey on Wednesday March 7th and returned home safely Saturday March 17th. They began their extensive 10 day tour of Italy in the north with a visit to Venice. Grade 12 student Gabriella Allegrini reflects "Venice was relaxing and a wonderful way to start off the trip. The gondola ride was my favourite."
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| Kelsey Hulton overlooks the city of Florence - one of the stops on the 2012 Italy Trip. |
The group then travelled to Florence via Bologna, home of St. Dominic. Students savoured the city of gastronomic food experience and then pressed on to Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance! While in Florence, the students enjoyed a trip to Pisa and the Tuscan countryside. Grade 11 student Andrea Findlay joked "Pisa was a Pisa heaven! It was breathtaking to see firsthand the Leaning Tower of Pisa and to take photographs of this iconic image!"
The students then visited the town of Assisi, home of St. Francis, along the route to Rome. While in Rome the students visited the Vatican. Grade 12 student Grace Esford described Asissi: "The small town of Asissi was like a quiet oasis to escape to in contrast to the larger and busier Italian cities. Climbing up to the Rocca Maggiore Fortress and the hilltop view of the beautiful village below was inspirational!"
Students will never forget their ten days of food, art, history, architecture and friendships made on this fantastic trip! HC history teacher Mr. McCombs would like to thank all who participated. And as the old Italian proverb goes "La pratica vale più della grammatica"... "Experience is the best teacher!"
Holy Cross and RND Experience "Peace, Unity, Love and Perseverance" in Jamaica
These words are from the pledge that members of the Performing Arts Band of St. Patrick's Foundation in Kingston, Jamaica repeat at every band practice and they summarize well the amazing experience that eighteen students and four staff from our two Kingston area Catholic High Schools had during their February 11th - 19th K2K Mission Trip. The team worked with the band and at various schools and other projects in the ghetto areas of the capital city of Jamaica. School mission trips to Jamaica sponsored by the Algonquin Lakeshore C.D.S.B. and supported by our Archdiocese have been taking place since 2004, with the two Kingston schools combining their efforts in 2010 and 2011.
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| The K2K Mission Group, workers from "Food for the Poor" and the family that will live in the house that was built. |
This year, for the first time, the students and staff built a house near one of the schools that they volunteered at in Olympic Gardens. The team worked with ten Jamaican trades people employed by Food for the Poor, a Jamaica non-profit organization which builds hundreds of houses across the country every year. And, joining them for the house build, was the actual family who were waiting to move into the house at the end of the day. Getting a chance to swing a hammer or paint, and to see the pride and workmanship that went into the house-build made this a worthwhile and exciting experience for all members of the Mission Team. The cost of the house build was covered by fundraising done at the two schools during last year's Share Lent Campaign. Already plans are underway to raise money for more house builds on future trips.
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to St. Monica's Home for Abandoned Elderly People. The group visited with the residents and then enjoyed a lunch prepared for them by the kitchen staff at the home. The hospitality shown to our group at St. Monica's was repeated wherever we went in Jamaica.
We returned to Canada with many fond memories and with the intention of sharing our stories and experiences with our friends and family here in Canada.
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| See a video of the Crusader Boys' and Girls Hockey Teams winning the 2010-11 KASSAA Semifinals. The Boys' won the KASSAA and EOSSAA Championships. |
Boys' Hockey Team EOSSAA Champions
The Crusader Boys' and Girls' Hockey Teams played in the KASSAA Championship Games on Monday, March 5th at the Invista Centre. The Crusader Boys’ defeated their archrivals the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Panthers 3 - 1 at the Whig Rink to repeat as KASSAA champions. At the same time, the Girls' Hockey Team lost a close 2 - 1 game to the defending champion Napanee Golden Hawks at the Swish Rink. The Invista Centre was a sea of green and silver as a number of fan buses carrying HC fans arrived from the school to cheer the teams.
On Tuesday, March 6th, the Boys' Team qualified for the provincial championships by winning the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) AAA Hockey Championships. The Crusaders recorded a pair of 4 - 1 victories over Fellows from Pembroke and St. Joseph's from Cornwall to repeat as EOSSAA champions.
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| The 2012 HC Improv Team at the Kingston Improv Games. |
HC Improv Team Has a Great Year
On Saturday February 25th, 2012, the Holy Cross Improv Team displayed talent and determination in the Kingston Improv Games with some inspired performances. Veteran team members Hailey Masterson, Grace Hill and Tyler Check lead the junior members Talia Phillips, Miguel Martins, Arianna Bullett, Matt MacGlashan and Michaela McGrath to a second place finish. This concludes the season for the team. However, fans of improv can look forward to the Canadian Improv Games in Ottawa, April 3rd-7th, 2012.
Boys' Basketball Teams EOSSAA Champs!
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| The Holy Cross Junior Basketball Team won the KASSAA Championship on February 19th, 2012 and the EOSSAA Championship 3 days later to cap off a great season. |
Both Crusader Boys' Teams won their respective EOSSAA Championship Tournaments to cap off a great week for HC hoops.
On Sunday, February 19th, the Juniors Crusader avenged their only regular season loss with a solid 63 - 54 victory over the previously undefeated against the Bayridge Blazers to capture the 2012 KASSAA Boys' Basketball Championship. The team completed their great season by winning the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) Junior Boys' AAA Basketball Championship on Wednesday, February 22nd.
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| The Senior Boys' Basketball Team celebrates their EOSSAA Championship on February 23rd, 2012. |
The Seniors were on the wrong end of a heart-stopping 58 - 56 loss to the Ernestown Eagles in the 2012 KASSAA Boys' Basketball Finals. However the team re-grouped and easily defended their EOSSAA Championship with victories over St. Joseph's from Cornwall and Thousands Islands from Brockville on Thursday, February 23rd. The Crusaders head to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Senior Boys' AAA Basketball Championship in Windsor on from March 5th to 7th.
Archbishop Celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass
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| Archbishop Brendan O'Brien celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass at Holy Cross. |
On February 22nd, Ash Wednesday, we were blessed to welcome His Grace, Archbishop Brendan O'Brien to our school to celebrate Mass with us. During his homily, Archbishop O'Brien spoke about the two symbols of Lent, ashes and water, and how they speak to the true meaning of our 40-day journey through Lent to Easter, as well as the sacrifices we as Catholics are asked to make during this holy season. At the end of Mass, His Grace blessed the Ashes that were then distributed to the students and staff of our school. Members of the 2012 Jamaica Mission Trip who had just returned from Kingston, Jamaica composed and read the "Prayers of the Faithful" during Mass. While the prayers were read pictures from the trip were displayed on the screen at the front of the gym.
Let us pray that all of us can enter into this Holy season of Lent through our almsgiving, penance and fasting, and that we can continue to reach out to those in need around us.
2012 Boys' Basketball Senior Night
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| The Holy Cross Crusaders 2011-12 Senior Boys' Basketball Team. Click on the photo to see the program for the evening. |
The Holy Cross Senior Boys Basketball Class of 2012 has demonstrated outstanding leadership. Each of the boys has contributed in different ways to the program and their legacy as a Crusader will be of hard work, loyalty, perseverance, and drive.
On Tuesday, February 7th, 2012, the Holy Cross Senior Boys' Basketball Team held its first ever Senior’s Night. Graduating players Connor Shkimba, Derek Fox, Pat Pospisil, Riley Tripp, and Trevor Reade were honoured for the five years of hard-work, heart and hustle that they have displayed each and every night on the basketball court. In their final regular season home game as a Crusader, the "Fab Five" led the Crusaders to a 62-29 victory over the K.C.V.I. Blues to run their record to 10-0.
The 23rd Memorial a Great Success!
 Photo by Meggan Greyling |
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| The enthusiastic overfllow crowd at the Memorial had a good time and helped raise over $10,000. |
The Memorial was established in 1989 by Paul Halligan, who was then a basketball coach at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School. Paul envisioned an opportunity for Regi and Holy Cross - then in its first year - to come together in friendly competition while raising money and awareness for cancer research. Founded in honour of Paul's friend and classmate at Regi, Peter Carty, the event brought together many in the community who had been inspired by the life of Peter, and who were saddened by his death from cancer, at 23, in 1984.
Photo by Meggan Greyling |
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| HCTV provided play-by-play coverage with multiple cameras of the action at the Memorial. |
Paul Halligan died in July 1997 at age 34, sadly a victim of the very disease that had taken his friend 13 years earlier – a disease he had worked so tirelessly to combat through his fundraising efforts. A pharmacist by trade, Paul had worked at Kingston General Hospital since his graduation from the University of Toronto and he had devoted himself to coaching football and basketball at Regi for many years. His integrity, commitment, kindness and generosity are well remembered by all, and in particular by those young people he coached.
The Memorial, held at Regiopolis on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 featured a doubleheader between the the Regi Panthers and the Holy Cross Crusaders Junior and Senior Boys' Basketball Teams. Playing first, Holy Cross Junior Team pulled away late in the game to record a 55 - 39 win. In senior action, the Crusaders prevailed over the Panthers 53 -24. More importantly, over $10,300 was raised for the cancer research through admissions, t-shirt and sweatshirt sales, donations, silent auctions and raffles.
This event is a tribute to two men, who died too young, and is a time to remember all family and friends who have fought or are fighting cancer. Most important, these are events of hope and inspiration. Much has been gained in research and treatment since the first Memorial. Much more needs to be done. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to gather in sport and spirit to carry on the battle.
The Memorial Fundraising Efforts
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| The tip-off of the Senior Game at the 22nd Memorial held last year at Holy Cross. See an HCTV report about the background of The Memorial. |
The Memorial is more than basketball. It is a tribute to two men who died too young, and is a time to remember all family and friends who have fought or are fighting cancer. Most important, these are events of hope and inspiration. Much has been gained in research and treatment since the first Memorial. Much more needs to be done. As part of this effort, money has been raised to carry on the fight against this terrible disease. Over its first twenty-three years over $298,000 has been raised. Thank you to all who helped us raise over $10000 to at this year's event!
Fundraising events included:
- A "Twoonie for Non-Uni" event at both schools on the day of the games, where students payed a Twoonie for the privilege of not wearing their uniforms.
- Admission to the games at Regiopolis-Notre Dame - there was the usual packed gym in spite of terrible weather.
- Sale of Memorial t-shirts ($15) and long sleeve shirts ($20).
- A silent auction on the night of the games for some incredible items through the generocity of our many sponsors.
- A 50/50 draw and "Twoonie Toss" event at halftime and between the games.
- A canteen at the games.
This year we also reached out to alumni and Kingston area businesses for financial support.
As this was the 23rd edition of the Memorial, we challenged all alumni to donate $23.00 in support of this inspirational, and certainly by now legendary, event.
A number of local businesses supported the event by:
- Donating $46.00 or more which enabled their business cards displayed on a sign located by the canteen and silent auction table.
- Donating $100 or more which resulted in one slide dedicated to their business displayed throughout the evening on a new projector / jumbo-screen in the gymnasium. This slide was part of a slide show that was played between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and please consider supporting the Memorial next year.
Cheques for donations can still be sent to Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, 1085 Woodbine Road, Kingston, ON K7P 2V9 to the attention of Robin Dzierniejko, Athletic Director. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario.
SHSM Students Broadcast the Memorial
 Photo by Meggan Greyling |
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| Senior Crusader Robert Halligan (Paul Halligan's nephew) prepares to shoot a free throw. See an HCTV report on the Holy Cross Senior Basketball Team. |
SHSM Specialist High Skills Major Communications Technology students were out in force to provide media production support to help make the 2012 Memorial Games a success! In conjunction with their community partner, the SHSM crew worked on operating TV Cogeco's mobile television production van. Students Airin, Andrea, Braedon, Grace, Nicole, Stephanie and Ted operated video cameras, slow motion, graphics, and audio to record the junior and senior Memorial games. The production was projected live in the RND gym during the game. Fans enjoyed viewing slow motion replays of fouls immediately after the infraction.
Photo by Meggan Greyling |
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Junior Crusader Jeremy Pendergast at the free throw line. See an HCTV report on the Holy Cross Junior Basketball Team. |
In addition, the Grade 11 and 12 SHSM students produced halftime shows for both games. Recorded in the HCTV studios at Holy Cross, students used blue screen and teleprompter technology to record news anchors Airin and Tyler. Student reporters Daisy, Grace, Hayley, Jessica, and Megan conducted video interviews of HC and RND coaches and captains to produce news stories on the teams.
Holy Cross is the only secondary school in the Greater Kingston area, approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education, to offer the Specialist High Skills Major in Information and Communications Technology focus program. The program provides students with enhanced opportunities to explore post secondary studies and careers in the media production industry. As part of the Holy Cross broadbased Communications Technology courses, students study; animation, audio production, graphic design, journalism, photography, web design and video production. At graduation SHSM students receive a special diploma with a red seal. Interested Grades 10 and 11 students are invited to contact Mr. John G. Esford in Room 218 for information on joining! The Memorial will be was cablecasted on TV Cogeco Monday, January 23, 2012 at 9 p.m. on cable channel 13 and digital channel 700 in HD!
CKWS Tour
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| Holy Cross students Brian Ridgley and Jacob LaFrance listen in to the live broadcast at CKWS's FM 104.3 |
Grade 11 Communications Technology and Specialist High Skills Major students recently toured CKWS Television and Radio Stations at 160 Queen Street. The students in Mr. Dusome's and Mr. Esford's Period 3, Grade 11 Communication Technology classes visited CKWS to explore career opportunities in the Canadian media production industry.
Students toured the television studio and tried their hand presenting a weather report in front of a "Green Screen" and read the news from a "Teleprompter" on the News Watch anchor desk. Live@5 host and producer Heather Butts spoke with students about post-secondary school studies and careers in the television news industry.
Students also toured the television master control room, promotions office, and the television commercial production edit suite. In addition, students visited CKWS's FM 104.3 radio studio and were interviewed live on air by DJ Jodi Decker.
Holy Cross Technological Education students had an exciting experiential learning opportunity to assist in making informed decisions on their educational journey.
Building a School in Kenya!
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| Caroline Lollar (3rd from left at top) and members of CICS hold red bricks representing donations to the “Brick by Brick” Campaign. Over $5400 was collected in the Holy Cross Ato build a school in Kenya through Free the Children |
The Holy Cross Student Council and the Crusaders In Community Service Club (CISS) coordinated this year's "Brick by Brick" Advent Collection. Homeroom classes collected money and some came up with creative ideas and activities to including Bake Sales by CICS on Friday, December 16th and by Mrs. Coombs' Bridges Class on December 20th.
Thanks to the generosity of students and staff we were able to raise just over $5400.00 to help to build a school in Kenya through the organization Free the Children. Holy Cross student, Caroline Lollar, will be travelling to Kenya in July to help with the school build.
In addition, students and staff members donated money and food for seven Christmas Hampers which were delivered to local families just before Christmas.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Advent Campaign one of our most successful ever.
Archbishop Spence Jr. Boys' Basketball Tournament
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| Justus Masucol climbs high over his opponent in the 2012 Archbishop Spence Junior Boys' Basketball Tournament. |
The Most Reverend Francis John Spence passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in 2011. He will be fondly remembered for his keen interest in youth and sports with the Archbishop Spence Junior Boys' Basketball Tournament which was previously named in his honour.
The 2012 edition of the tournament took place on Friday, January 6th and Saturday, January 7th, and involved six teams; St. Paul's Falcons (Trenton), Quinte Secondary School Red Devils (Belleville), Nicholson Catholic College Crusaders (Belleville), Bayridge Secondary School Blazers, Regiopolis Notre Dame Panthers, and the host Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School Crusaders.
Co-Captain Brent Martindale described the tournament which takes place over the Christmas school break: "The Archbishop Spence Tournament is a great experience. It provides the Junior Boys' additional game time to improve, a chance to brush the rust off before our regular season reconvenes after the Christmas break, and it gives us the opportunity to try out some new strategies."
The Junior Team is coached by HC Science teacher Mr. Steve Garrant, and assistant coaches / parent volunteers Mr. Rob Besselink and Mr. Adam Check. Holy Cross advanced to the finals against the Bayridge Blazers where they lost 65 to 52 to take silver honours. Co-captain Owen Connelly added; "Holy Cross worked well together to produce a tenacious defensive game."
Both the Junior and Senior Boys’ Basketball Teams now look forward to resuming regular season games including the Memorial Basketball Games on Thursday, January 19th at Regiopolis. A regular season game, "The Memorial" pits HC against RND in a fundraiser for cancer research and care. The two teams will join forces in the fight against cancer!
Goodbye Mrs. Berry
By Grace Esford
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| Mrs. Jeanette Berry, HC Attendance Secretary, retires this week. See part of her remarkable speech to the students at our Advent Mass. |
There are certain founding members of the Holy Cross community that truly live the Way of the Cross. Mrs. Jeanette Berry is one such person who has been a shining light in the Holy Cross community since its beginning, and we will miss her dearly as her retirement approaches at the end of this year. “Holy Cross is such an amazing school. I've seen it grow from a seed into a tree, its infancy to what it has become is remarkable! We had a vision of what Holy Cross was to be, we paid our dues, and it has been a great success!”
Mrs. Berry has been working in attendance since Holy Cross' early days in the old Victoria Public School, with 12 portables and sharing the KCVI third floor. “I changed from working in university and college offices into the high school atmosphere, and I would not trade it for anything. The friendships I've had and the bonding through faith has played a big role in my life.”
When time came for the new Holy Cross building to be constructed on Woodbine Road, Mrs. Berry transferred with it. She has heard entertaining student excuses for absences over the years. Past creative stories for being absent have involved aliens, UFOs, and military conspiracies. One story that stands out the most happened to her on her very first day at Holy Cross. “One memorable story was when I first made the switch from college to the high school atmosphere. One teacher at Holy Cross was a jokester, and phoned me to say that his daughter would not be at school that day because she had eloped over the weekend. I told Principal G.R. Williams the situation and he collapsed in laughter. I've heard lots of creative stories and heard many impersonations over the years, I've heard them all!” Mrs. Berry will be missed by all at Holy Cross, especially the staff and students whom she has seen grow up over the years. “I am so proud of Holy Cross, it is my family and I will remember them and keep them in my prayers.” Congratulations to Mrs. Berry on a successful career, and remember, “Once a Crusader, Aways a Crusader”!
Christmas at Holy Cross
Advent Mass
Santa's Workshop
Christmas Activities at HC
Phantom of the Opera an Outstanding Success
The Holy Cross Arts Department proudly presented Kingston’s first production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show in Broadway history, and the winner of over fifty major theatre awards around the world.
The “music of the night” opened on Wednesday, November 30th and played until Saturday, December 3rd. It showcased the artistic talents of over 110 Holy Cross student actors, dancers, musicians and scenic artists. The show played to overflowing enthusiastic audiences and rave reviews.
In addition, a special art exhibition entitled Muse was presented in the library during the week of the play. It highlighted the work of our grade twelve visual artists and communication technology students as they responded to the themes of Phantom.
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| See the advertising trailer created for Holy Cross Arts Department's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera |
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| See some of the "action" behind the scenes as the over 100 actors have a great time getting ready for the performance of Phantom of the Opera. |
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| See some of the highlightsof Phantom of the Opera that played to enthusiastic audiences and rave reviews from November 30th until December 3rd, 2011. |
Photo by Emily Archambault |
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| Mike Makula was one of the many HC students involved in the production. |
Muse Art Show
Photo by Hayley Dykins |
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"Blissful Illusion" by Hannah Finn is one of the more than 60 pieces of art created by HC art and communication technology students for the Muse Art Show. The show runs in the Library in conjunction with Phantom of the Opera. |
Article by Grace Esford
Holy Cross Grade 12 Visual Arts and Communications Technology students have been hard at work preparing for the “Muse” art show. Inspired by the theme of muse, inspiration is prevalent in the school's production of “The Phantom of the Opera”. Forty senior students have been working hard for the past month to perfect pieces for their portfolio and the art show which ran in conjunction with the play. Grade 12 Visual Arts teacher Mrs. Rae-Dalton describes how her class approached the task: “All artists have a muse. Our Muse asks us to be brave as we create. Making art is a journey and our Muse is our friend along the way.”
The students captured what their “Muse” or inspiration is through a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, creative photography and graphic design. Collaboration between Mrs. Rae-Dalton's Visual Arts and Mr. Esford's Communications Technology classes has resulted in a successful art show featuring more than sixty works of art. Grade 12 Visual Arts student Caitlin Kinsella had a rewarding experience exploring this theme “The muse theme is automatic for me, I don't think about it, it's just there.” Kinsella, along with her art student peers , were definitely inspired by modern artist Steven Shearer. “Steven Shearer is an inspiration, the colours he uses are phenomenal!” Grade 12 Communications Technology students studied surreal artists like Salvadore Dali. Hayley Dykins reflects “The project inspired me to conceptualize an image and learn to apply new computer techniques. It showed me the creative possibilities that Photoshop provides. I was able to take an abstract idea, produce the effect I envisioned, and the best part was that the end product is effective!”
The “Muse” exhibit was viewed before the show and at intermission during “Phantom” performances and the audience were given the opportunity to vote on their favourite pieces. Over 800 votes were tabulated to determine the winners. The “Most Creative” work of art was awarded to Jonathon LeBlanc for his Surrealism inspired painting “Breakfast”. The “Best Technique” award was shared between Madeline Clark's self portrait “Blue” and Chelsea Lang's “Conflict”, both acrylic on canvas paintings. “Viewer's Choice” winner was Grace Esford for her series of three large canvas panel paintings entitled “Impressions of France”.
HC Student Honoured by Afro-Caribe Community
Article by Jessica Taylor, Grade 12 Communications Technology Student
Photo by Daisy Barrette and Jessica Taylor |
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| HC student Jesse Sibanda was recently honoured by the Afro-Caribe Community for his achievements at school and community involvement. |
The Afro-Caribe Community recently honoured a Holy Cross student at the 15th Annual Awards Banquet for their achievements at school and involvement in the community. Grade 11 Holy Cross student Jesse Sibanda was one of the recipients of this award. “I was happy to receive the award, but I felt that I should have done even more.” says Sibanda, who is greatly involved in Holy Cross academics, sports, and arts, as well as his own church community.
Jesse Sibanda is an Honour Roll student, achieving over an 80% average in his courses, with his favourite subject at school being biology. Of his future plans, Jesse says that he is “hoping to go to university to study business.” As to which specific school, he is unsure. Jesse Sibanda is heavily involved with his parish, The Salvation Army Church. He is especially busy during the Advent season, where he volunteers with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle program and helps create Christmas Baskets for families in the community. Jesse also attends Youth Club nights at his church, where young people can play games and socialize with other youth in his church community. Sibanda also enjoys volunteering and preparing meals at Martha's Table, a soup kitchen for the needy who struggle during difficult economic times. Being very involved in volunteer work is an immensely rewarding experience, and opens up the doors to greater possibilities to make the world a better place. Jesse reflects; “I was inspired by a speaker at the banquet who told of their experience in Haiti, which makes me want to do more volunteer work as well.”
Sports also feature prominently in Jesse's life, as he is a member of various school teams here at Holy Cross. At the moment, Jesse is working hard at Cheerleading practices in the off-season after Senior Football, in which he played fullback. He was also part of the wrestling team, and has participated in volleyball, basketball, soccer and curling.
As for the Arts, Jesse Sibanda has dedicated much of his time to various artistic endeavours. He won a Genesis Award in Grade 9 for Drama and was part of the lighting crew for the Holy Cross production of West Side Story in 2009, and assisted with Pippin in 2010. More recently, Sibanda has been a part of the school's Glee Club and is currently in the Grade 11 Vocals class. Jesse was a model in the 2010 spring Fashion Show, which focused on the use of recycled materials in the outfits, and was a fundraiser for a variety of non-profit organizations. The Afro-Caribe award is well deserved of Jesse Sibanda, which can be seen through his dedication to academics, extracurricular activities, and his church and community involvement. Jesse offers some advice to his teenaged peers: “You need to try different things, because at least you gave it your best, as opposed to not trying anything at all.”
The Movember Challenge Final Photos
The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember. Movember challenges all gentlemen to change their appearance and the face of men's health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men's health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days. The women join the cause as Mo Sistas by proudly rocking light blue ribbons.
Details about Movember at Holy Cross are found on our special Movember page. This page will inform you about how Movember works and what we are doing as a school. Let's come together as a school and support the fight against prostate cancer by growing a little bit of luxury on our upper lips and wearing light blue ribbons.
The HC Movember Gallery
OFSSA Girls' AAA Basketball Championship
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School Crusaders played host to the top high school basketball teams in Ontario for the OFSSA AAA Senior Girls' Basketball Provincial Championship Tournament at Holy Cross and other gyms in the Kingston area November 24th - 26th, 2011. Congradulations to the St. Mary's Crusaders from Hamilton who captured the gold medal with a convincing 49 - 30 win over silver medalists AN Myer from Niagara Falls. A big thank you to all volunteers and all the sponsors who made the tournament possible.
As part of hosting the tournament, HCTV provided live streaming from the Holy Cross Gym and the Queen's Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC) throughout the tournament using Livestream. The operation was a great success which will no doubt lead to many future events being shown live in the future!
Communication Technology Photography Exhibit
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| Kingston This Week Senior Photographer and Reporter Rob Mooy gives Jessica Campbell some advice about her architectural photography. |
Grade 12 Communications Technology students mounted a photography exhibition in the school foyer November 16th and 17th, 2011. In late October, students participated in a field trip to Downtown Kingston to photograph architectural images. Students were challenged with the task of capturing 12 architectural styles / themes / techniques; modern, heritage, religious, etc... After the field trip students used the computer software Photoshop to manipulate their images.
Kingston This Week Senior Photographer and Reporter Rob Mooy visited the students in class, critiqued their photography and computer skills, and selected winners in 4 categories. The students then displayed their work for the school community to view. HC staff and students had the opportunity to vote on their favourite image. The “Best Effect” award was won by Nicholas Robidoux, “Best Technical” Daisy Barrette, “Most Creative” Jordan Bulhoes, “Best Architectural” Jessica Taylor, and “People's Choice” Hayley Dykins.
Grade 12 Com Tech student Daisy Barrette reflects: “The artistry of architectural photography can be surprisingly complex. It's an interesting challenge to make a photo of a building look personal. I have learned that even familiar places and buildings can be perceived in new ways. Everything and everyone has layers that aren't visible from the surface.”
Some of the students' images will be published in Kingston This Week newspaper. The students received numerous compliments on their photographic technical skills and creativity from their teachers and fellow students. Congratulations to all Com Tech students for their achievements!
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| The Holy Cross students and staff who travelled to Toronto for their annual Street Retreat make a donation to Sam (l), a volunteer at St. Francis Table. |
Toronto Street Retreat
Eight Holy Cross students and staff travelled to Toronto for their annual Street Retreat on November 14th-15th. They joined students and staff from Regiopolis-Notre Dame for the Awareness Walk with Patrick Sullivan of Sanctuary Ministries on Monday, learning first hand what life is like for homeless youth on the streets of downtown Toronto. Then they made sandwiches at St. Patrick's Church and hit the streets after supper to provide food, encouragement and love to the homeless whom they encountered there. When they came back to the church late Monday evening, Fr. Santo celebrated an amazing Mass for them in the Church. On Tuesday, they worked at St. Francis Table, a soup kitchen in the east end of Toronto which provides lunch and supper to the less privileged of our society seven days a week. As one student wrote in her evaluation: "Things would be so much better for everyone if we could all learn to live more simply so that others could simply live."
Girls Basketball Teams Sweep KASSAA Finals
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| Kelsie Norman drives the basket during the Junior Girls' Basketball Team's victory in the KASSAA Final on September 14th, 2011 at the Queen's ARC. The Juniors defeated the Frontenac Falcons 33 - 22 |
Article by Grace Esford
On Monday November 14th at Queen's University's Athletic and Recreation Centre, the Holy Cross Junior Girls' Basketball Team battled a very physical Frontenac Falcons squad to capture the 2011 Junior KASSAA title, beating them 33-22. There was a slow start for both teams, but the Holy Cross Crusaders soon got into the swing of the game. Trailing 5-4 in the first quarter, the Crusaders started to improve, hitting their shots and defending against tough opponents in order to lead 18-7 at the half. Kelsie Norman, who led the Crusaders with 13 points in the final, described why the girls prevailed: “We all played our best game, we shot well and played tough defense.”
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| Senior Crusader point guard Haley Gourdier brings the ball down the floor during the KASSAA Final. The Senior Girls defeated the Regiopolis- Notre Dame Panthers 45-24. |
At the start of the second half, it was evident that the Junior Girls were not afraid to shoot from long distance. Hannah King, Kelsie Norman and Meagan Kirbyson all executed threes, resulting in a comfortable lead going into the fourth quarter. With the final buzzer, the Crusader bench erupted in celebration. In addition to capturing the KASSAA title, the HC Girls have also secured the EOSSAA title because other regions declined invites to a EOSSAA tourney in Kingston.
The Holy Cross Senior Girls' Basketball team followed up with a well-earned victory over the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Panthers Ending a two year losing streak to the very physical Regiopolis team in the finals, Holy Cross won the game 45-24. Top scorer for the Crusaders was Sarah Besselink with 10 points. Besselink described what it meant winning the game, saying, “It's really sweet because most of us have lost to Regi four years straight, going from junior to senior. It's a really big win for all of us, especially the returning players coming back, it means a lot.”
The RND girls provided tough competition, with Holy Cross leading by a marginal score of 16-13 at the half. When the Crusaders re-entered the gym after a pep-talk from Coach Kelly Dixon, they were motivated to win. A definite turning point for the Crusaders was Grade 11 Shelby Kralik's three pointer from just past half-court, which set the tone for the game going into the fourth quarter. As the final buzzer went, the Crusader fans stormed the court and congratulated the team on a their exciting win.
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| Jordan Allan (70) and Will Peirson (4) celebrate the Junior Football Team's semi-final win over Sydenham on November 8th, 2011. |
Junior Football Team Win KASSAA Championship
The Holy Cross Crusaders Junior Football Team defeated the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Panthers 42 - 7 on an unseasonably warm Saturday, November 12th, 2011. The game, played at the new turf field at Queen’s West Campus, saw the Crusaders dominate offensively, defensively and on special teams. Three touchdowns were scored by Jake Gurnsey, two by Devon Christian and Jeremy Pendergast connected with Brent Martindale for the last major.
Running Back Jake Gurnsey reflects “Our team has poured their souls into this rigorous endeavour. The team faces a retiring coach and a recent family hardship... our boys have never wanted the Championship title more!” A bittersweet moment, Saturday’s match was the last football game for Holy Cross history teacher and junior football coach Mr. Pat McCombs who retires this spring after 31 years of teaching and coaching. Thank you Mr. McCombs for your dedication, Crusaders really are the best!
Holy Cross Midget Boys Win OFSAA Gold
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| OFSSA Midget Cross Country Team Gold Medal winners (L to R) Noah Breault, Jonathan Besselink, Chris Kimmerer, Cole Smith and Jordan Grady. |
On Saturday November 5th, 2011, the Holy Cross Midget Boys’ Cross Country Team competed at Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association Cross Country (OFSSA) Championships in Ottawa at the Gloucester Soccer Club’ Hornets Nest. On a beautiful, crisp morning they lined up with 235 other runners for an 11:15 a.m. start. All five team members ran very well and they captured the team gold medal. The team made Holy Cross history by winning the school’s first ever OFSSA Cross Country medal.
The team included Jonathan Besselink who finished 7th overall, Cole Smith who finished 18th, Chris Kimmerer who finished 30th, Jordan Grady who finished 126th, and Noah Breault who finished 137th. Together, the five posted the best overall time to capture gold.
Congratulations boys on a great season and fantastic end to all your hard training. We are all looking forward to next season!
SHSM Gets Busy!
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| Andrea Streicher was one of the SHSM students who participated in a training session with TV Cogeco and their half a million dollar High Definition mobile television production van. |
The last week of October was very busy for SHSM Specialist High Skills students in Information and Communications Technology.
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| SHSM students Nicole Courneya and Erin Shannon operate a swicher in the Cogeco HD mobile van as part of their training. |
Loyalist College Visit
On Thursday, October 27th, SHSM students participated in Loyalist College's (Belleville) "Media Mixer". Students toured six communications technology programs at Loyalist; 3D animation, Advertising, Journalism, Radio Production, Television Production and Television Electronics Technician. Students had the opportunity to tour facilities, production labs, view college student projects, and to talk to professors. This "Reach Ahead" experience is one of the six criteria of the SHSM focus program. Visiting college and universities provides students with enhanced preparation and educated decisions for post-secondary school studies.
TV Cogeco Mobile HD Television Production Van Training
On Saturday, October 29th, SHSM students participated in a training session with TV Cogeco and their half a million dollar High Definition mobile television production van. Students were instructed in the operation of professional television production equipment. Students were taught to operate video cameras, audio, graphics and slow motion equipment. The HD cameras are valued at $75,000 each which provides HC students an authentic "experiential learning" opportunity. HC students benefit from this exceptional community/business partnership with TV Cogeco. Students receive training to produce the KASSAA Game of the Week, where local secondary school sports events are recorded and cablecast on TV Cogeco Channel 13 and Digital Channel 700.
Man in Motion 25th Anniversary Relay Stops at HC
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| Holy Cross students Peter Gates (l) and Nick Cotman (r) pose with Jeremy, one of the organizers of the 25th Anniversary Relay of the Man in Motion Tour. |
Article by Madlynn Palmer
The 25th Anniversary Relay of the Man in Motion Tour is currently underway, following the path of Rick Hansen’s world tour across Canada. The relay commemorates the success of the original tour, celebrates the progress that has been achieved in spinal cord injuries research and accessibility, and inspires a new generation of difference makers. Participants from across Canada will pass along the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal throughout the nine-month journey.
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| Nick Cotman runs up to the main entrance of Holy Cross carrying the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal to the cheers of members of the HC community. Peter Gates (l) carried the medal and passed it to Nick earlier in the route. |
On October 31st, 2011 we were fortunate to have the Relay stop at Holy Cross. Holy Cross students Nick Cotman and Peter Gates were privileged to be medal bearers in the relay. They were selected from the Holy Cross student body because they are “difference makers” in our school community. As the relay team approached Holy Cross, more and more students came outside to support and cheer on their fellow Crusaders. Not only were there students from Holy Cross, but there were groups of elementary school students as well as single individuals supporting the relay along Woodbine Road. Nick Cotman said “I was exhilarated, I wasn’t expecting a large turnout of HC students, and it was nice to see all the support.” When Nick arrived at Holy Cross after the medal was handed off to him by Peter Gates, there was a discussion between Nick and one of the organizers of the event. The organizer talked to all about Rick’s original dream, and the importance of having dreams. Both Nick and Peter felt that the experience was phenomenal. They had the chance to chat with many people that are very close to Rick Hansen and who organized the tour. Nick said “it was stressed to me and Peter that we must be aware of inclusivity, and to be a part of building more inclusive communities”. These HC students were just two of more than 7000 Canadian participants involved in the 25th Anniversary Relay. Peter said “It was really cool being part of the bigger picture”. The ceremony concluded at Holy Cross with Nick Cotman passing on the silver Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal to another participant, who will continue the journey across Canada.
K2K Mission Trip Fish-Fry Fundraiser
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| The 2012 K2K Mission Trip Team poses in their tye dye shirts with the pumpkins that were raffled off as part of the Fish-Fry Fundraiser. The team is made up of students and staff from Holy Cross and Regiopolis-Notre Dame and will be travelling to Jamaica in February. |
Holy Cross and Regiopolis-Notre Dame held their annual All-You-Can-Eat” Fish-Fry on Friday, October 28th, 2011 as a fundraiser in support of their 2012 K2K Mission Trip to Kingston, Jamaica. Mike Mundell’s Surf & Turf cooked the main course with the refreshments and desserts provided by the students, parents and staff from the trip. The evening was a huge success with close to 400 people served which raised over $5200 for our cause!
A special thanks to Mino's Take Out which donated the salads, home fries and take-out containers and Mr. Ian Moore of Tompkins Funeral Home for the donation of the gift basket and for printing all the Fish Fry tickets and posters.
Since 2004 the Kingston Catholic High Schools have been traveling to Kingston, Jamaica to volunteer at schools, orphanages, homes for the elderly and other projects sponsored by St. Patrick’s Foundation. The 2012 Mission Team will be building a house through the organization Food for the Poor at one of the group's ongoing projects.
11th Annual PH Girls' Basketball Classic
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| See the Junior and Senior Girls' Basketball team promotional posters created by members of Mr. John Esford's Communication Technology class. | |
Article by Madlynn Palmer
On July 21st, 1997 Regiopolis Notre-Dame lost one of its greatest supporters. Paul Halligan died of cancer after a two-year battle with the disease. Paul was a graduate of RND, a basketball and football coach, an organizer of the Alumni Association, founder of the Irish Ontario Basketball Club, and the driving force behind the Peter Carty Memorial. Above all else, Paul was a devoted member of the school community, continually demonstrating his Christian call to service. He was a man of faith who spread the message of the Gospel through the example of his life and the teachings he passed on to the members of his teams, or anyone who was touched by his work. He showed us what could be achieved with dedication and determination; what joys can be derived from self-sacrifice; what strength there is in warmth and kindness; and what power there is in accepting the will of the Lord.
This year’s PH Classic Basketball games between the Regiopolis Notre-Dame Panthers and the Holy Cross Crusaders Junior and Senior Girls’ Basketball Teams were played on, Tuesday October 18th, 2011. Held at the home of the Crusaders in memory of Mr. Paul Halligan, the event was a huge success. The games were to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, and to raise funds for the Breast Screening Clinic in Kingston. Over the span of 3 hours we managed to raise over $6000 through admission costs, apparel, the concession stand, and half-time intermission activities.
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| There was a great crowd on hand with many dressed in pink. |
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| Both basketball teams were triumphant. |
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| The PH Classic is more than just a basketball game! |
The evening started with the Junior game, where the Holy Cross Junior Girls Team played very well. With many great passes and baskets, the Junior Girls defeated the Panthers 31-18. There was much encouragement from the crowd as the stands were overflowing with people dressed in pink. The crowd was very loud, creating a positive atmosphere for the players. Before the Senior game commenced, Mrs. Halligan, the mother of Paul, lead the crowd in prayer .Following the prayer, she tossed up a pink ball in the ceremonial tip-off. The Crusader Senior Girls Team dominated the Panthers with a 51-28 win. The Senior Girls were led by Sarah Besselink and Hailey Gourdier who had many excellent shots and break- aways. Excellent game ladies!
A big thanks to all who came out and supported this very worthy cause.
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| Donations of food are "stacking up" for the Partners in Mission Food Drive which continues until Thursday, October 13th, 2011. |
2011 Holy Cross “K-Rock” Thanksgiving Food Drive
Did you know that close to 800,000 Canadians use a food bank for emergency food supplies each month, including over 300,000 children? In Kingston, over 6,000 individuals and close to 3,000 children needed help from the Partners in Mission Food Bank in 2010 - close to 50 each day. They also provide food to over 20 local shelters and hot meal programs.
Student Council and C.I.C.S. organized a campaign to collect non-perishable food and/or money up until Thursday, October 13th, 2011. The Holy Cross community again responded in typical fashion to collect over 7000 pounds of food to finish second to QECVI in the K-Rock Thanksgiving Food Drive. More importantly, your generous support of our 2011 Thanksgiving Food Drive will allow the Partners In Mission Food Bank to help those less fortunate in our community.
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| Members of the Student Council lead a cheer at the 2011 Fall Pep Rally. |
Green and Silver Day
On October 7th, 2011, the regular school uniform was left at home and the students had the option of wearing clothes with the school colours. This resulted in the school being filled with passionate students dressed in the craziest green and silver outfits flaunting their school spirit.
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| All types of green and silver dress were on display on Green and Silver Day on October 7th, 2011 |
With the students decked out in green and silver, the loud and spirited the 2011 Holy Cross Fall Pep Rally was held at the end of the day! Students Council prepared an entertaining dance/cheer routine for the audience which caused the crowd to roar with much laughter! To enliven the Crusaders even more, Student Council had a cheer off between two students randomly chosen from the student body to create a mega-human Holy Cross “C-R-U” cheer which encouraged all students to participate.
Photo by Mr. Scott Lillis |
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Jake Gurnsey powers through a Panther for a touchdown as Brent Martindale looks on in the Junior Catholic Cup Game won by the Crusaders. |
The routine was followed by multiple videos from the various fall teams including the HC Cheer Team, the Junior and Senior Girls’ Basketball Teams as well as a video rap prepared by the Crusaders Senior Boys’ Football Team, who unfortunately could not be present as they were travelling to face The Regiopolis Notre-Dame Panthers, for the Catholic Cup Game, this year hosted by the Panthers. As per usual, Green and Silver Day and the Fall Pep Rally were big successes!
Finishing off a successful day, a number of Holy Cross students as well as many other Holy Cross fans traveled downtown to Regi's Brother O'Gara Field for the annual Catholic Cup football games. The Crusaders swept both games with the Juniors pounding the Panthers 24 - 8 and the Seniors avenging their earlier season defeat at the hands of the Panthers 29 - 21.
HC Hosts Kingston and the Islands Candidates
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| Kingston and the Islands candidates (l to r) David Caracciolo of the Family Coalition Party, John Gerretsen of the Liberal Party, Mary Rita Holland of NDP, Rodger James of the Progressive Conservative Party and Robert Kiley of Green Party took part in an all candidates meeting at Holy Cross on September 26th, 2011. |
On October 6th, the citizens of Ontario voted in their provincial election. With only ten days remaining in their campaigns, the Kingston and the Islands candidates David Caracciolo – Family Coalition Party, John Gerretsen – Liberal Party, Mary Rita Holland – NDP, Rodger James – Progressive Conservative Party and Robert Kiley – Green Party, took time out of their busy schedules to visit Holy Cross for an all-candidates meeting. Grade 10 civics students and all Grade12 students took part in an assembly where Holy Cross students asked important and tough questions about the different party members’ platforms. Some of the questions meaningful to Holy Cross students included: “Does your party plan on continuing funding for Catholic School Boards?”, “What will your party do about rising University and College Tuition rates?”, and , “What is your party’s opinion and plan on the Wolfe Island wind farms, as well as other sources of renewable energy”? Holy Cross was treated to a heated debate as each candidate shared their party’s plan for Ontario.
Over 606,000 students across Ontario participated in a province wide Student Vote over a two day period on October 4th and 5th. Holy Cross Grade 10 civics and career students organized and ran a polling station in the library for each Holy Cross student to vote for one of the candidates in the Kingston and Thousand Islands riding. For more information about the election and the issues, please visit election.studentvote.ca. For more information on the Student Vote Program, please visit votecompass.cbc.ca.
Post-Secondary Information Sessions
In the upcoming weeks, Student Services will be hosting many presentations to provide students with the information they need to make post secondary decisions. On Tuesday, September 27th, 2011, staff from Student Services presented a Parent Post-Secondary Information evening at Holy Cross. Here is a PowerPoint presentation which highlights the key points from the evening.
Individual universities and college will also make a number of presentations starting on September 13th in the lecture theatre. Click here for a list of the schools presenting along with the date and the time of the presentation.
Senior Girls Win Pre-OFSAA Crusader Classic
Article by Grace Esford
This past weekend, the Holy Cross Senior Girls' Basketball team hosted the Pre-OFSAA Crusader Classic Tournament. Held at various locations in Kingston September 16th - 17th, 20 teams from across Ontario came to compete. Coach Dixon, head coach of the Holy Cross Senior Girls' team, was very pleased with the outcome of the tournament. “The tournament was a great success! It attracted many competitive teams from across the province. Twelve of the 20 teams had attended OFSAA the previous year. We anticipated lots of tough competition.”
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| HC Senior Girls' Basketball Coach Ms. Dixon instructs the players during a timeout during the Pre-OFSSA Crusader Classic Tournament which was won by the Crusaders. |
This came in the form of Dakota Whyte, who recently returned from representing Team Canada in Italy. Hailey Gourdier, point-guard, was matched up with Whyte. “I guarded Dakota who plays for Team Canada in our age group. She's a quick player and plays at a different pace, so I had to gap her so she wouldn't just fly by. She wanted to control her whole team but we shut her down and stopped her.”
With players like this, the tournament attracted post secondary basketball coaches from Ontario and the U.S. looking for shining stars. Dixon says, “There were Division 1 coaches from the United States as well as many coaches from Canadian universities that had come to scout players in this tournament.”
Coach Dixon was pleasantly surprised with how the Crusaders started the season. They won 6 games on route to capturing the title against the Notre Dame Cougars from Ajax, Ontario, winning 45- 40. In Limestone Basketball Classics before, Notre Dame has won over the past few years.
Katie Chapman, a forward on the Senior HC team, described how the Crusaders captured the finals. “We kept our composure and controlled the game. They had strong rebounders so we boxed out hard and kept them off of the boards.”
SHSM Safety Prevention Training and Certification
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| Braedon Couvreur and Ted Loukas are hoisted on the scissor lift as part of their SHSM Safety Prevention Training and Certification which took place on Friday, September 16th, 2011. |
On Friday, September 16th, 20 students who are enrolled in the Holy Cross Specialist High Skills Majors in Communications Technology Program received fall safety prevention training and certification. As part of the SHSM focus program students receive 6 industry recognized certifications relating to the media production industry. HC students were trained in the proper use of ladders, scaffolds and a motorized scissors lift. The course was taught by All Safety Health and Safety Consulting and equipment was provided by Hertz Rentals. The highlight for the students was operating the scissors lift, elevating 20 feet to the ceiling of the Transportation Lab. Professional photographers and videographers are faced with recording images from a variety of vantage points. This certification prepares HC students for safety and success in their career pursuits.
The Holy Cross program is the only SHSM Communication Technology program offered in the greater Kingston area. A Grades 11 and 12 senior program, students study a bundle of Communication Technology courses, get certifications, participate on field trips to examine college and university programs, visit professional television productions (i.e. The Hour) in action, and take a Cooperative education course with a job placement in a related Communication Technology field (i.e. CKWS TV). Interested students should contact Mr. Esford in Room 218.
Opening Liturgy - The Triumph of the Cross
Article by Adam Brett
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| Members of the HC Student Council were part of the procession at the first liturgy of the school year |
The entire Holy Cross Community came together in the gymnasium for the first liturgy of the school year on Thursday, September 15th. We celebrated our school’s feast, The Triumph of the Cross, which praises Jesus’ love and faith in us, as He died for us on the cross. Fr. Labelle, our chaplain, welcomed all students, old and new, to the 2011/12 school year. In his sermon Fr. Labelle spoke about how we can get strength from God, and of God’s love and trust in us to do the right thing. God’s opinion of us is more important than our peers’, so we should not give into peer pressure, or be afraid to say that we are against vices such as drugs and alcohol abuse.
At the end of mass, the CICS Executives and the Student Council gathered at the altar to receive a blessing from Father. After this, a basket of wooden crosses were brought up to the altar to be blessed. These sacramentals will be handed out to all new students at Holy Cross as a symbol of their entrance into our community of faith.
The final blessing was done and Father was about to dismiss the students, but he could not let them leave without sneaking in a little humour.
- “Knock knock.
- Who’s there?
- To.
- To who?
- To whom!” –Father Labelle.
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| Members of the Junior Boys Football Team took part in the 31st AnnualTerry Fox Run for Cancer Research on Sunday, September 18th. |
Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research
This year, the 31st Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research was held on Sunday, September 18th. As usual, a number of Holy Cross students and staff took part in the run to raise money for this worthy cause.
Since Terry’s run in 1980, there has been great progress in cancer research:
- Almost 60% of people diagnosed with cancer in Canada today will survive.
- Incidence rates for most cancers are stabilizing or declining.
- Death rates for childhood cancers have fallen by more than 50% since the 1950's.
- Cancer treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects.
- Most children and youth who have the same bone cancer Terry had will survive their disease today, and most will not lose their legs or affected limbs.
Hopefully, we can all contribute to this worthy cause and walk, run, bike, or roll as participants in this great Canadian tradition.
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| One of the more popular events was the water slide! |
Grade 9 Orientation
Holy Cross Grade 9 students took part in a half-day orientation event on the morning of Friday, September 9th, 2011 to make them feel welcome here at Holy Cross. Regular Grade 9 classes in Period One and Period Two were replaced by a number of activities designed to help students get to know one another and some of the senior students.
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| The Crusader Mascot welcomes two new Crusaders to Holy Cross on the morning of Friday, September 9th, 2011. (Photo album updated with more photos!) |
The event started at the football field behind the school where the Grade 9 students were introduced to their activity leaders who were members of the Student Council and selected Grade 12 students. They began their transformation to Crusaders with the application of liberal amounts of green (washable) paint and the first of many school chants. The students then proceeded to Woodbine Field where they took part in activities such as "Water Balloon Toss", "Slip and Slide" and a series of unique races. At the end of the morning, they returned to the school for a hot-dog lunch and a bit of a clean-up.
Holy Cross Green Team Garden Project
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(From left to right, Green team members, Sarah Flisikowski, Mrs. Giddy, Melanie St.Cyr and Megan Wylie, work hard to create the raised beds on a cool November Saturday) |
It all started after Green team members attended the 'Best Foot Forward' Environmental Conference for high school students, at St. Lawrence in October 2010, Our students were encouraged and keen to start a Holy Cross vegetable garden after touring the garden at St. Lawrence which is managed by Living Cities - a locally run CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program).
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‘Garden Cru’ (also Green Team) members Eden Cameron, Melanie St.Cyr and Megan Wylie, pose with their 3rd harvest from the garden in mid-July. |
Work began in November 2010 to prepare the raised beds in the shape of a 'Cross', and the letters 'H' and 'C' in a location just in front of the portables at the back of school. Top soil was added in May and planting began in late May. The warm weather of summer produced a bumper crop of flowers and vegetables from our garden in its first season. Everything grown was donated to St. George's soup kitchen, in downtown Kingston.
Green Team meetings are generally held on alternate Tuesday lunch times or after school on Tuesdays or Thursdays in Room 202. The Garden Cru will meet one Saturday in September, October and November as the garden work requires closing the garden for the winter. We will then meet during regular Green team meetings over the winter and spring to prepare for Spring.
For more information on how to get involved with the Green Team or just the Garden Cru contact Mr. Gervais or Mrs. Hulse.
Highlights of the 2010-2011 School Year
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| Grade 9 Orientation in September was one of the many highlights of the 2010-2011 school year. |
Over the past school year, students in the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Communication Technology Classes taught by Mr. Esford created a number of videos to highlight some of the many newsworthy happenings that take place at Holy Cross.
At the year-end mass on Wednesday, June 1st, a compilation of some of the highlights of these events was shown to the great enjoyment of the students and staff.
Holy Cross Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony
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| See some of the highlights of the Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony which took place on June 28th, 2011. |
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| MC Mr. Sean Roberts "cut the graduates loose" at the end of the Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony. |
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| See the video of the Class of 2011 highlights shown at the conclusion of the Graduation Ceremony. |
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| See photos of most of the Class of 2011 receiving their OSSD. |
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| See photos of the Graduation Mass and the Graduation Ceremony. |
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| See photos of the Class of 2011 major award winners and their presenters. |
On Tuesday, June 28th, 2011, the Holy Cross Community gathered to celebrate the Graduation of the Holy Cross Class of 2011. On this evening, our graduating students received their Ontario Secondary School Diploma in front of proud family, friends and teachers. A big thank you to all those who made the 2011 Graduation Ceremony such a memorable celebration, especially Mr. Sean Roberts, our incomparable M.C. and of course all the graduates, their families and friends, and the staff of Holy Cross. We ask God to continue to bless our graduates and all those who have left our school community - to keep them safe on the path of life that now lies ahead of them.
See Principal Paul Walsh's address to the graduates.
See the list of students who earned the Awards for Excellence and the Subject Awards for Academic Achievement.
See a list of the Graduates and Ontario Scholars.