The Sacred Beat - June 2021 (Vol. 2)

SUMMER ISSUE 2021

VOLUME 2

THE SACRED BEAT Sacred Heart's Quarterly Pulse

Journeying into Summer Prayer

GET IN THE KNOW:

SACRED MEMORIES God of our journey, as we move on to new adventures this summer, we thank you for walking with us this year.

May we continue the journey with you by our side.

Principal's Compassionate God, Message Teach us to show gentleness and peace from within our heart, generosity and love in our actions, and reverence and wonder in our prayers.

May we grow in faith as we walk with you by our side.

And may we speak the words for the journey that resound with your devotion, wisdom, compassion, and harmony.

We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

From: Words for the Journey for Teens

04 LIFE IS A METAPHOR

07 SPIRIT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE FAREWELL

10 PANDEMIC POEMS

12 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 908 LEMAR RD, NEWMARKET, ON L3Y 1R9

Principal's Message Dear Sacred Heart Community: As I walk the halls one last time before the summer holidays, making sure that everything is in place, a feeling of nostalgia fills my heart. As I head to the Triangle, the only sound I hear are my own footsteps, reminding me once again that you, the heartbeat of the building, are not here.

I open the Chapel door and pause to say a prayer.

Thoughts of you and our Sacred family are a reminder of the many sacrifices we all made in order to make it through one of the most difficult times the world has ever experienced.

The sunlight coming from behind the altar, through the beautiful stained glass window, gives me a sense of hope for a better tomorrow. I am filled with hope and optimism, knowing that we will be together in the building in September. Look upon the sacrifices you made and use these valuable lessons to help shape your future.

They will support you in a world that has altered the way we work, play and live.

I am confident that the lessons you learned virtually, at the kitchen table, will help you to create a brighter future and inspire you to live a simpler and more meaningful life. Take the lessons we have learned through our faith and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and be the beating heart that gives infinite love to those around you. We eagerly await seeing you again in September.

To our President’s Council and student club and council champions, we thank you for the leadership you exhibited this year. You kept a sense of spirit, support, and an inclusive community mindset alive in a challenging time.

To the Graduating Class of 2021, know that you will always be a valued part of our school community. We can't wait to welcome you as distinguished members of our school alumni.

Thank you to our staff, our champions, who jumped on board a virtual platform without hesitation and, putting the needs of our students first, ensured that everyone felt safe and welcome. In particular this year I would like to sincerely thank our custodial staff, who worked with dedication to make sure our building was safe. We can shout with confidence that "We are Sacred."

Thank you to parents, guardians, and families for supporting our Sacred community and working together with us. We will always recall with gratitude how you, without any notice, pivoted to the virtual environment, being flexible and courageous when asked to drastically change the way we did things.

Thank you to our Vice Principals, Mr. DiLallo and Mr. Mittone, for their dedication and creativity during their first year at Sacred.

Mrs. Ferro

Look upon the sacrifices you made and use these valuable lessons to help shape your future.

SACRED CONNECTIONS

by Ms. L. Loffredi, Librarian & Co-Editor Every June, schools everywhere host an honorary ceremony to commemorate the academic accomplishments of their students. On this special day, students will don a cap and gown and parade down an aisle to the music of 'pomp and circumstance' as their parents proudly try to capture the perfect photo of their child.

Graduation, as this ceremony is coined, is a milestone that many individuals experience more than once in their lifetime. There is your graduation from kindergarten, from elementary school, from high school, and lastly, your graduation from college or university. It is a rite of passage marked by the deferral of diplomas or degrees to those who have earned them. However, even more than this, it is a moment in a person's life that marks their growth, their resilience, and their movement forward.

Have you ever wondered the reasons behind some of the graduation customs that we follow but have never questioned how they came about?

Why do graduates wear a cap and gown? Why is the song "Pomp and Circumstance" the official graduation song played at all graduation ceremonies? And, what is the reason behind the tossing of the graduation cap?

Stemming from British and European traditions, the graduation cap and gown date back to when the first universities were founded during the 12th and 13th centuries. Students and faculty would where their gowns all the time to distinguish themselves from the rest of the people who live in the university town. North American universities adopted these traditions at their first universities, however, shortly after the Civil War, this specific academic attire became reserved only for graduation.

Even more so, the graduation cap and gown brings a sense of equity to all graduates, as wearing this uniform eliminates any differences and shows everyone is recognized in academic achievements.

Did you know that the title for the traditional graduation song "Pomp and Circumstance" came from a line in Shakespeare's tragedy Othello? This song was composed by Edward Elgar in 1901. After it was played for the first time at Yale University in 1905, several other schools of academia followed suite, and eventually it become the song to graduate to. No graduation is complete without those being honoured marching down the aisle as the music plays in the background.

THE ESSENCE OF GRADUATION LIES WITHIN YOU. Lastly, the tossing of the graduation cap, a tradition started by the Naval Academy in 1912, has become a symbolic gesture of the end of as chapter in a student's academic journey and the beginning of another.

As you gather with family to watch this year's virtual graduation and put on your cap and gown for photos, you may be missing the usual 'pomp and circumstance' associated with graduation. No one could have ever imagined that our graduation traditions would have had to be altered and modified as a result of a pandemic.

Regardless of the absence of the "pomp and circumstance" you would regularly expect, remember that the essence of graduation, with all its glory, still lies within you because of your resilience and ability to overcome this year's obstacles. Congratulations!

September 2019

PAGE 3

Issue 06 SUMMER 2021

"Playing Super Smash Bros with my teacher on the last day of school before Christmas break."

"My two favourite memories at Sacred would be the rookie dance and relay.

EVeryone got together and I got to meet new friends and both events made my grade nine year so much fun."

-Andrew H.

"My favourite memories were all when I participated in clubs and made many new friends"

-Czarina M.

-Marianne P.

"Hanging out with my friends in the field."

-Stephen P.

"I can't say one exactly, but it was nice to interact with my friends everyday. Meeting up at lunch everyday was a bare minimum but it's definitely the most enjoyable."

"My favourite memory at Sacred Heart is Relay for Life in grade 9. I enjoyed the lip sync battles, the fun activities, and the food of course! It was a time for all of us to come together for a cause."

-Eleni M.

-Affan A.

"Even though I only studied at Sacred for two years, my favourite memories here are joining various clubs and making lots of friends. I felt welcomed here even if I'm an international" -Cynthia L.

SUMMER 2021

PAGE 4

"Grade 9 relay for life: playing volleyball with friends, getting henna tattoos and listening to the band. It was a great event for a great cause."

-Madison M.

By the Sacred Heart Chaplaincy Team We are called to be a community of gratitude and

From the Sacred Heart Staff

hope. We are so grateful for our Sacred Heart

Nature

students who this year have demonstrated to be icons of God’s love and such a blessing to our

The faith that things are getting better everyday

school community. Despite this school year being

The end of the pandemic

a challenging one, with God’s help, the students and staff worked to build a community of love.

Vaccines Summer vacation

May we reflect on the lessons of our time together so we can work to make next year even

The support of colleagues and friends

better. May we also grow to understand that we’ve

Family & Love

sowed seeds that will not be harvested for some

Quality family time

time.

For our graduates, may they continue to be blessed in all that they do, today and always. May God fill them with strength and guidance, and illuminate their paths with love.

Community and Teamwork Sunshine The health and happiness of others around us The chance to rest, refresh and take a break

As we look forward to the slower pace that summer

will

bring,

may

we

grow

in

the

knowledge that God is always in our midst.

Many blessings to you and your families from the Sacred Heart Chaplaincy Team.

from a screen.

Our wonderful students who show up everyday and work to the best of their ability.

Ms. Gismondi, Ms. Sellecchia, and Mr. Aluzzo

PAGE 5

SUMMER 2021

g and Dear teachers n i h c a e t r o , f u Thank you for r u o Thank yo y f believing in me te all o a i c when times go e r p p a r o I u g . h g . t T n r i h e a p l nks to the teac mb he e m e r e h s e r a s who helped n! Ple me get to whe o i t a c i d e re I am and I w d ou:) y f o ouldn't be l l a e graduating wit we lov hout the suppo r e i s a e rt and t i encouragemen eb l t t i l a e t y ou've given me this tim ut o g n b i . Cheers! a k s a u m g r n o i f k u s a o it's just Thank y r ork e w h t e e m h o h W o us. g us n Thank you for all the teac n i v i g for all of r o , s hers s cla ! d e r e o p l f e e h b s who did their best to teac s, it ha our day d n e k e e h us w r ove ll the Thanks to a t me. h g u a t o h w teachers lly to the ia c e p s e s k Than class e d a m o h w ones yable fun and enjo ning with r a le g in k a m erience. p x e e u r t a them didn't o h w s r e h c a Te ut the o b a e m h c a only te and, but subject at h e as well. f li t u o b a f f stu

to the u o y k Than ught a t t a h t s teacher were s y u g me, you e the d a m d fun an ing. t s e r e t in classes SUMMER 2021

PAGE 6

young students.

Thank you to the teachers who made me a better person and a better student.

Cheers TO

YOU,

CLASS

OF

2021!!

Thank you to all the teachers that provided useful knowledge to help my future goals and to all that didn't stop at just teaching the curriculum but taught life lessons as well. te my I greatly apprecia ast two teachers these p lped me years; they've he and not forget to work they even when I did, e helped me get th rk and motivation to wo ver with. get my courses o

LIFE IS A METAPHOR FAREWELL MESSAGE TO OUR GRADUATES BY MS. A. CHERUBINI Metaphor. Ask any English class to define

We saw this in you this year. With

Grade 12’s, our pride for you in

the word and they’ll know it by heart. I tell

traditional school onpause, you put your

particular shines. You’ve carried the

my students that as humans we think in

energy into online learning and

burden of this long winter perhaps the

metaphors. It’s the way we connect to

extracurriculars. As teachers, support

greatest. We see that you’ve lost so

each other, to experiences, and to the

staff and the administrative team, we

many things. We also see your gains and

world around us. John Steinbeck wrote,

saw that despite your isolation and

we urge you to recognize these in

“What good is the warmth of summer

worry, despite the way your world

yourselves. On Dr. Martin Luther King

without the cold of winter to give it

turned upside down, and the way you

Jr’s memorial, this is engraved: “Out of

sweetness?” In every literal and figurative

had to adapt over and over again, you

the mountain of despair, a stone of

sense we’re now filled with anticipation at

thrived in so many ways. You worked

hope.” Grade 12’s, the pandemic has

the signs of summer as we put the cold

hard, you kept your sense of humour

brought a mountain of despair and

winter behind us.

and gratitude. You stepped up as

there’s no erasing that. Yet we see in you

students, as leaders, as community

a stone of hope. You’re gifted and

Students, we missed you this year. The

members. We’re immensely proud of

resilient. Great things will come in the

pandemic brought us a cold winter. The

you.

future with you as the foundation. Keep

school building has been in hibernation

hope in yourselves and in the world alive

for over a year now: empty, quiet, still.

because as the Sacred Heart staff we

Yet, we wait in eagerness for you to bring

place our hopes in you confidently.

life to the school again with your noise and learning and activity. Just like flowers and trees burst back to life, we look forward to the days ahead when the fields and gyms are full of athletes, the cafeteria and Triangle are buzzing with your laughter and chatter, and the classrooms are pulsing with your energy.

Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.

Families, students, graduates, on behalf of the Sacred Heart staff, we wish you a joyful summer. May the warmth and sweetness that you deserve come upon you this summer until we meet again.

- engraving on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's memorial

But … Remember, English class! Life is always layers of metaphor and winter is just a pause. Winter trees are still alive and regenerating.

PAGE 7

SUMMER 2021

Words of Wisdom Graduate F r om ou r

SUMMER PAGE 42021SPRING PAGE2021 8

s

SACRED

Heartists!

PAGE 9

SUMMER 2021

a Spirit council Executive farewell

My time on Spirit Council has been one of the most memorable parts of my high school experience! It was definitely a bonus that everyone on the council was always so fun to be around. When I joined in Grade 9 I had no idea I would get to be a part of so many fun events throughout the years. Getting to set up haunted houses, handing out candy grams, and hosting the Christmas door decorating contest are going to be some of my favourite memories to look back on. But, the best thing about being a part of this council was being able to bring spirit into the school to let everyone have a break from all of the stress and hard work. I'm definitely going to miss being a part of this council after I graduate!

Amanda M. Spirit Council Vice President & Graduating Student

by Oluwakemi O. Spirit Council President and Graduating Student Spirit Council was the first club I ever joined in grade 9 and I am so happy I did. I've been able to do so many fun things and was able to work with and get to know other people. One of my favourite things to do was our annual haunted house. I remember it doing so well when I was in Grade 10, I'll never forget the fearful faces of my peers as they walked in and were successfully spooked!

I've learnt so much and was able to have such a wonderful and fun time in this club. I really hope that by next year things can get a bit better so that other grade 9's can experience what I was able to experience in this club, and maybe even become the President one day, like I was able to!

Spirit Council Events 2021 Halloween Costume Contest Deck The Halls Contest Spirit Week We love Sacred Video Sacred Book of World Records

Sacred's Book of World Records Holders: @spirit.council

SUMMER 2021

Vanessa C, Mary C, and Ethan R.

PAGE 10

Halloween Costume Contest Winners: Sabrina K, Anastasia B, Christian K, and Emmabelle G.

Spirit Council has been a huge highlight of my time here at Sacred Heart. It really allowed me to see the dedication that students and teachers alike have towards making the high school experience the best it could possibly be. I was impressed by everyone’s school spirit and am grateful to have had a part in celebrating our community. I will never forget all the events that we planned and the memories that were made. Some of my favourite events have been our haunted house (hopefully we can bring this back soon!), and the Christmas door decorating contest. Classes got very competitive and creative! I will definitely miss being a part of Spirit Council and I hope that future members will continue to celebrate Sacred’s spirit!

Sabrina K. Spirit Council Vice President & Graduating Student

S A C R E D

Mem ries

PAGE 11

SUMMER 2021

BLACKOUT PANDEMIC POEMS B Y

M S .

P A U L I N O ' S

G R A D E

9

E N G L I S H

S T U D E N T S

By Lauren O.

By Clarisse C.

By Raul R.

WRITER'S

By Nicolas B. SUMMER 2021

PAGE 12

FOUR QUESTIONS FOR GRADUATION DAY

by Sara Debbie Gutfreund Dear Graduates of 2021,

Here are four questions to ask yourself today to help bring you

You're at the finish line. Now what? You

closer to that alignment:

finish school and wait for a job. Then, what? You find a job and hope to find your future spouse? Next? You find your spouse and wait for children. You have your children and wait for them to grow up. They grow up, and then you wait to live. But you don't know what that means, to live, so you look back up at the clock and then at the watch on your wrist, and you wonder why you couldn't have been happier, dug deeper, reached higher? You can barely catch your breath; you are doubled over in pain, but you feel like you should keep going. You are waiting for that feeling of

1. Have I made the world a better place today?

2. Do I know what I want to live for?

3. Did I do something today that was hard for me?

4. Did I say thank you?

It's okay to be out of breath at the finish line. It's okay to check our watches and wonder if we could have

accomplishment to encircle you. You

done better, because the

are waiting for someone else to let you

accomplishment that we feel, lies

know that you have arrived.

within us, is a dynamic, constant process of us pushing ourselves

But here's the thing: No one is going to

against our limits. And there are no

tell you that you have arrived. Not now.

easy answers. No hidden shortcuts.

Not later. No medal is ever going to

No final arrivals in life. But there are

make you feel like you are done. No

hard questions and their answers

diploma is going to crown your life with

change as we grow.

lasting achievement. Because that sense of accomplishment and arrival is created

Take your gifts today. Run with

only by you and lies within you. It

them. This is it. You are crossing a

depends on how close you are to living,

finish line, and may there be many

the kind of life that you want. It depends

more to come.

on how intricately you are aligned with your goals and your direction.

Source: www.appleseeds.org

Samantha M. (gr. 11)

Chenmin M. (gr. 9)

Tara M. (gr. 10)

Anthony R. (gr. 10)

Shoneekaa S. (gr. 12)

Thomas Kupstas. (gr. 10)

Nathan M. (gr. 11)

Cierra A. (gr. 10)

Isabella Nunez (gr. 10) PAGE 13

SUMMER 2021

OUR

SACRED

COMMUNITY

School Administration Olga Ferro, Principal Danny DiLallo, Vice Principal Robert Mittone, Vice Principal

Superintendent Eugene Pivato

School Trustee Theresa McNicoll

Parent Council Co-Chair Rachel Egan Anna Pinga

Editors Lisa Loffredi Angely Paulino

School Address 908 Lemar Road, Newmarket, L3Y 1R9

DEVELOPING THE

WHOLE PERSON

@SacredHeartCHS

https://sahe.ycdsb.ca/