The Sacred Beat 2022 - Summer Issue 2022, Vol. 6

SUMMER ISSUE 2022

VOLUME 6

THE SACRED BEAT Sacred Heart's Quarterly Pulse

Journeying into Summer Prayer 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

GET IN THE KNOW:

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

03 SACRED'S CULTURE DAY

07 SPRING CONCERT

10 GRADUATION

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

Principal's Message Summer is here and so is the opportunity for rest, relaxation, time with family and friends, vacations, continued studies, summer jobs, and travel. At this time, I am also reminded of the outstanding year we have had at Sacred Heart High School.

In athletics, our student athletes of the year are William Forhan, Samantha Kelly and Katie Newman.

While their contributions to the athletic life of the school are many, certainly, their involvements in the spiritual and outreach programs of Sacred Heart are also noteworthy.

As a school, we are also well known for our outstanding arts programs. Of note was our recent Arts Concert held on May 31st, that performed to a packed house and on June 16th we held our Drama One-Act play performances. Mr. Huang, Ms. Hubbard, Ms. Repa, Ms Fazzari and Mr Warda hosted these evening’s events and coordinated all details from idea to reality. Their dedication and their contributions to the arts have assisted in providing an exemplary year for the arts.

On June 28th, approximately 250 students graduate from Sacred Heart at a memorable ceremony at Sheraton Parkway. Certainly, their work at Sacred Heart will have prepared them for the challenges they now face in their new academic lives. We wish our graduates well in their new endeavors. In September, we will also be welcoming some 260 students who will begin their high school careers with us. An orientation session is planned for incoming grade 9’s on September 7th. We look forward to once again meeting our incumbent grade 9 class.

At this time of year, I must also express my best wishes to staff that will not be returning to Sacred Heart in September. We bid farewell and best wishes to Leigh Armata (Religion) and Angie Duggan (Guidance) who began their retirement after many years of service to Sacred Heart Catholic High School and the York Catholic District School Board.

Cassandra Fazzari (Art/Science) will continue her teaching career at Father Bressani Catholic High School and Rachele La Neve (English) will take on the role of Librarian at St. Elizabeth CHS as of September.

Teachers completing term assignments at Sacred include Amilia Di Chiara (Coop), Sarah Ladouceur (Math), Kimberly Luu (Math), Sarah Montanaro(Math), Sabrina Pasut (Moderns/ ESL), Anthony Pelosi (Math), Silvia Sloane (CWS), Angela Van Delft (English) and Alessandra Venneri (Math).

We wish them well in their continued careers! We must also bid goodbye to Susan Pogue, member of Student Services department and Sophie Cunha, member of our office staff who will be taking an assignment in a different school next year.

Congratulations to Vice Principal Danny DiLallo. Next year, Mr DiLallo will assume the role of Principal at Sacred Heart Catholic High School. Mr. DiLallo is very familiar with the needs of the Sacred community and he will do an excellent job working with all stakeholders to keep Sacred Heart a great school.

It is my heartfelt hope that our Sacred Heart community enjoys a restful and healthy summer. May God’s blessings continue to shine upon you.

Mrs. Vander Doelen

It's my heartfelt hope that our Sacred Heart community enjoys a restful and healthy summer.

STUCO ELECTIONS By: Olivia Stone

As the school year comes to a close, we take this time to reflect on our accomplishments and work towards crossing the finish line. We often direct our focus on endings, but we also need to look forward to new beginnings. The beginning of June marked election week for Student Council, a time where the leaders in our school community step up to take on executive council roles. Posters were hung up in and around the triangle, and students campaigned to their peers. On Thursday June 2nd, during 4th period, the candidates all anxiously lined up to say their speeches to the school. One would think that teenagers competing against each other for a coveted spot on student council would create tension in the room, but the candidates all displayed nothing but respect, encouragement and support for one another.

There is a certain buzz that comes with elections. An anticipation that finally reached its peak, Friday at the start of 2nd period when the results were announced.

Congratulations to all those elected, and congratulations to all those who took the initiative to run. Everyone should be proud of themselves for the time and effort they put into displaying their leadership skills.

Grade Rep applications will be coming out in the fall and all are welcome to apply. We look forward to seeing what the 2022-2023 Student Council team will bring to Sacred Heart.

STUCO 2022-2023

SUMMER 2022

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By: Olivia Stone

Sacred Heart is a place where the arts are fostered and thrive due to the many talented individuals

These performances showcased the wide range of talents, from dance performances, to vocal and

within our school community. On Monday June 6th, Sacred Heart gathered to celebrate these

instrumental music, an improv skit, and live art. This night was a true testament to the dedication and

artists' accomplishments with the Arts Banquet. Artwork lined the halls as you entered into the Caf

passion that students have for the arts.

which had been transformed into an enchanted forest. The night consisted of performances from all disciplines as well as a series of awards

celebrating

individuals'

contributions to their craft.

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SUMMER 2022

By: Olivia Stone

Sacred

Heartists Dance

Drama

MVP: Isabella Polito Spirit: Emma Burke Most Improved: Davin Chhoeun

MVP: Kayleigh Strong Spirit: Ameli Kishkimbayeva Most Improved: Gabriella Kremeris

Senior 11/12

Senior 11/12

Junior 9/10

MVP:Juli Ann De Lemos Spirit: Ashley Yap Young Most Improved: N/A

Instrumental Music

Junior 9/10

MVP: Reese McKean Spirit: Isabella Tiongson Most Improved: Katerina Khilov

MVP: Hana Liu Spirit: Erin Tagudin Most Improved: Karina Szubert

MVP: Qiu Zhang Spirit: Nicole Manumbas Most Improved: Miguel Alfaro Perez and Daniel Pasishnik

MVP: Nicole Geroche Spirit: Ella Manuel Most Improved: Antwon Leadbetter Senior 11/12 MVP: Claire Spano Spirit: Alex Bugeja Most Improved: Yulia Khlutchina

MVP: Madison Lai Spirit: Suzanna Scieranski Most Improved: Maya Balon

MVP: Janelle Marie Serote Spirit: Olivia Stone Most Improved: Emilia Crisostomo

Senior 11/12

Junior 9/10

Junior 9/10

Senior 11/12

Photography

Visual Arts

Media Arts

Senior 11/12

Senior 11/12 MVP: Marco Nardozi Spirit: Audric Baguio Most Improved: Ethan Stanesic

MVP: Alyssa Bradley Spirit: Vanessa Curran Most Improved: Erin Tagudin

iRap

Junior 9/10

MVP: Kyle Lan Spirit: Leon Macabenta Most Improved: Marco Abbaglivo

Junior 9/10

Vocal Music Junior 9/10

MVP: Vanessa Baldissera Spirit: Julietta Giorno Most Improved: Abby Scott Senior 11/12 MVP: Katelyn Shulver Spirit: Rachel Ayson Most Improved: Emilia Zali

Culture Day

By Angelina Azar El-Hajj

On Friday, May 27th, Sacred students expressed their culture by wearing their culture's traditional attire. It was a big day to appreciate everyone's background and allow people to express their ethnicities. No matter where anyone was from, they had the opportunity to wear something related to their culture. Some people wore flags, traditional clothes, and hats, and carried traditional items like Italian or Portuguese sauces.

Some sacred cultures included Lebanese, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Ukrainian, Italian, Dominican, and many more. It was a day where everyone could show how unique they are to their peers without feeling ashamed. Diversity is what makes Canada a wonderful and inclusive country, and portraying that on culture day brought us closer as a community.

What is culture?

Culture refers to the customs, traditions, and beliefs of a specific group of people, and it is what makes everyone unique and special in their own way.

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SUMMER 2022

ESL 2022 GRADUATION

By Chenmin(Linda) Mao

On behalf of the entire ESL department Ms. West and Mr. Talamo would like to congratulate all of the English language learners who successfully completed the ESL program this year. We are very proud of you and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. --- Daniel Talamo

I learn from you every single day, and I am proud of what you accomplish every single day.

Congratulations and good luck!

---Catharine West

I feel super proud and happy to be able to say that I was part of the ESL program. --Faver C. a m is nity a r g ro mu SL Ping com guided E e Th elcom d and hool w e sc very has help out this who through year! . me aF amel ---J

Mrs Ferro The ESL Program helped me in var ious way s t o perfect my Engli sh which I thank them for.

---Lucas C.

It feels like a big lo ving family and I like it very much here.---Chr isty P.

Ms West &

Mr Talam o

I loved being an ESL ambassador. Also I made a lot of friends and became close with them. These people here are very funny too. --Samantha A.

SUMMER 2022

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the lines of a poet By: Ethan Rania The Mouth Of A Shark i)

I heard no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.

Indeed We had to leave to live Flee to be free Wind up here or end up dead.

Yes, no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark But where else do we begin?

Why struggle to escape the beast, if you can’t swim? ii)

Words From Natasha: "I write poetry to express myself. “The mouth of a shark,” while inspired by Warsan Shire’s “Home” poem, was motivated by my experiences in and out of my home country. My home is a part of my identity, and I believe that it is important to show people who you are; be it to inspire, or to confront. For this reason, I entered the OECTA writing contest. It takes plenty of courage to share art and the contest was a great starting point. Having said that, it is an honor to receive the provincial level award for grade 9/10 poetry.

This achievement is great encouragement to continue writing."

Natasha Abor Gabriel (Grade 10 AP) was honoured as the winner in this year's Grade 9-10 Poem Category in the OECTA Young Authors Writing Competition.

Natasha's poem was selected as the winner in the entire province and will be published in their annual book.

Ms. Cherubini PAGE 8

SUMMER 2022

I had a home, short days ago A home soon darkened by the fat man’s shadow First our dignity ran away Now wandering bodies, sure to follow Use our ribs to feed your wives And have us eat your rotting apples I had a home short days ago My motherland now drowned with sorrow “Oh, how I loved my home sweet home” I say, with tears on foreign soil

Something like

Synesthesia Something like Synesthesia i) I had a dream. I was at the Statue of Liberty.

As I enjoyed the view, a voice was narrating my life.

Well, not narrating- more like a voice over. ii) If you were to somehow, split me open from my soul If there was a way that you could peek inside me You’d awe at all the colours that express my very being You’d see a flood of tints and tones and wonder what they mean Or what if I would speak, and with my words arrive green air Or blue, or red, or purple, reflecting what moves inside of me Be it my emerald envy Or my violet fear My vermilion passion Or my ash shaded rage Be it my leafy green hatred, made of yellow resentment and cyan indifference Be it my marigold joy, Shining bright through my voice For I am a rainbow From rain after rain For this is my truth After pleasure and pain

SUMMER 2022

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Spring Concert

By Vita Kolesnikova

On Tuesday May 31, Sacred had its very first music concert in two years! The night consisted of performances from concert band, stage band, the vocal music class, dance class, and grade 9, 11, and 12 instrumental music classes, ending with a tribute to those in Ukraine.

All instrumental music students, as well as all students participating in concert band or stage band, played Kyiv composed by Brian Balmages, a piece written in awareness of global events, with proceeds going towards Ukrainian residents in distress.

The concert was a huge success, being attended by families and students, who all reportedly had a great time and were thoroughly impressed by all the talent within the walls of Sacred Heart.

This night could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the music council and all of the Arts department teachers. With such great support and determination of those putting the concert together, we can definitely expect more amazing nights like this in years to come.

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SUMMER 2022

SACRED'S ATHLETIC BANQUET

by Vita Kolesnikova

Thursday June 9 was the day of Sacred Heart’s Athletic Banquet, courtesy of the Athletic Council.

The event was Olympic - themed, with Olympic decorations, and games with very high stakes. The main game of the night was an elimination game, starting with around 40 people, and going down to just one winner. The (very lucky, if I may add) winner received the best prize a high school student could ask for - a basket filled with candy and snacks.

Awards were given out in every sport, one for junior and one for senior. Ending the night were the Athlete of the Year awards.

We would like to send out a HUGE shout out to the Athletic Council, Tech Cru, and the amazing teachers at the head of Athletic Council - Ms. Sikorski and Ms. Brennan. This was yet another event proving that Sacred is getting back to its full glory, and we all can’t wait for more events celebrating Sacred athletes like this one in the future.

MVP STATUS Boys Golf - Carter Campeau Girls Golf - Mikayla Lawrence Boys Hockey - Patrick Jackson Boys Curling - James Trepanier Coed Curling - Evan Silvestri Jr. Boys Basketball - Preston Cosentino Sr. Boys Basketball - Liam Moloney & Matteo Fattore Jr. Girls Volleyball - Addison Green Sr. Girls Volleyball -Tori Tissington Boys Track and Field - Kristian Flaszinsky Girls Track and Field - Isabella Melchiore Ultimate Frisbee - Shane Bondy and Sam Kelly Boys Baseball - Giuliano Trombatore Girls Varsity Soccer - Marissa Minassian Girls Rugby - Katie Newman Most Dedicated - Alanna Mrkobrada Jr. Boys Rugby - Briar Barron Sr. Boys Rugby - Harrison Canning

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS Jr Male Athlete of the Year - Preston Cosentino Jr Female Athlete of the Year -Isabella Melchiore Sr. Female Athlete of the Year - Katie Newman and Samantha Kelly Sr. Male Athlete of the Year - Will Forhan

TRACK

May

FIELD Participating in track & field this year was anything but disappointing. It was challenging, but also inspiring. Joining it allowed us to step out of our comfort zone and achieve something great. We may have had different reasons to join, but we all started out the same way: One morning announcement and one sign-up sheet on a wall.

Track and Field Team Sabrina Arena, Isabella Melchiorre, Mackenzie Lloyd, Abo Azimi, Kaidan McLinden, Kristian Flaszynski, Melanie Sipos, John Paul Castro, Kylie Kades, Mikayla Lawrence, John Villaraza, Keenan Yang, Theodore Igbeyi, Jonah James, Lucas Travassos, Tahira Unoos, Ray Chen, Thomas Aprile, Jamie Liu, Michael Wang, Avery Tribe, Amy Lorimer, Vienna Chiodo, Koren Kim, Joseph Maasarani, Joy Gorgy, Amani Silvera, Lucas Javier, Rafael Pamintuan, Hosanna Tang, and Vanessa Casuga.

CHAMPS!!

2022

1

Despite being mostly new to our events, we quickly got a sense of the “T&F” experience. Little did we expect that we'd be soaking outside all day in the rain! Somehow, whether hot, damp, mellow, or everywhere in between, those days felt special, not only because of all the fun we had together, but because they symbolized the beginning of something amazing.

OFSSA Qualifiers Mackenzie Lloyd, Novice Discus Isabella Melchiorre, Junior Discus Amani Silvera, Novice 300m Hurdles Sabrina Arena, Senior 3000m

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SUMMER 2022

Over weeks of practice, we all faced individual obstacles, and overcoming them made us grow closer as a team. Day in and day out we spent hours roasting under the blazing sun, with our dedicated coaches training us. On a sunny Thursday on May 19th, we woke up at the brink of dawn, excited, but naturally anxious, waiting to see if we would taste the fruits of our labour that day.

The buzz was in the air as thousands of athletes from across the York region filed in. The YRAA had begun.

We watched all of our hard work come down to mere moments as we participated in our events. After this event some of us made it to centrals, and some to OFSAA, facing seriously tough competition. At the end of the day, what matters is that we all tried our best and gained priceless memories.

Track and Field may be finished this year, but this journey is by no means over, because I’m sure we’re all going to be just as excited to do this all over again next year.

Above 2022 Track and Field Team with our wonderful coaches: P. Vittiglio, C. Deighan, A. Di Chiara, A. Sikorski , R. La Neve, M. Hayden, and J. DeLuca

At the end of the day, what matters is that we all tried our best and gained priceless memories.

By: Seyyed Abolfazl Azimi and Koren David Kim

SUMMER 2022

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DRAMA CLASS P 2 1 & RESE 11 E D NT A S GR

1 Act Plays

By: Olivia Stone

The curtain rises once again on the artists at Sacred Heart, this time the spotlight was on the Grade 11 and 12 Drama class as they performed their 1 Act Plays. The class was divided into two casts, performing Tracks by Peter Tarsi and The Internet Is Distract-Oh Look A Kitten by Ian McWethy.

The students had begun this process months ago, having worked hard to get to the point where they could finally present their show to a live audience. Mr.Warda, the drama teacher, served as a guide and mentor for the actors, but the plays were mainly student-led. Vanessa Curran (Tracks) and Alyssa Bradley (The Internet Is Distract-Oh Look A Kitten) took on the task of directing. Hours upon hours of rehearsals were spent running through lines, choreographing blocking, designing the set, figuring out lighting, props, costumes and more. There was so much work done behind the scenes to bring audiences the final product.

On June 14th-17th, classes gathered in the lecture hall during second period to watch the performances. Thursday night was the evening show, the night that many considered to be the ‘Big Show’. Family and friends gathered in the lecture hall - turned theatre, and as the lights dimmed, the audience was transported away into these stories.

Tracks follows the story of strangers from different places and with different stories brought together in a subway station, to answer the age old question, what happens after we die? The Internet Is Distract-Oh Look A Kitten, is a comedy about a girl named Micah struggling to finish an essay, as she keeps getting distracted by the internet. The plays are vast in their difference of story and tone but as Mr.Warda pointed out, both are united under the common theme of a distorted reality.

I had an amazing time working with my classmates on the one-act plays. It was such a cool experience to be able to direct a school production, and I am so proud of how the performances turned out.

-Alyssa Bradley (Tracks)

I learned how to be genuine and care for my friends and others -V. Safarian

After surviving Grade 9 and a global pandemic, I have learned a lot of lessons.

I did come across the most vital one though - nothing will ever be perfect.

Starting high school as a perfectionist and an AP student was a recipe for disaster as I stressed myself out a lot.

However, spending two years at home taught me to value my work not as perfect pieces, but as works in progress. Yes, some of my work might've been lower than my standards, the acceptance of them and motivation to do even better next time has taught me the growth mindset. So, the main thing you should take out of this is that you're doing great! It is only a step forward to becoming even better.

My favourite memory would probably be Mrs. Sikorski's habit of putting "Rasputin" and "Staying Alive" each time the class raced to balance some equilibrium systems.

Now I can't listen to Boney M. and the Bee Gees properly without thinking about the Unit of Death!

-A. Bubelich

-A. Bubelich

You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy.

-A. Naken

I want to thank you. You were there to make me laugh in the fun times and you were there to hold my hand and help walk me through the hard times. You are the reason I am here today. I will never forget you. It's been a tough 4 years but I'm moving on with all of the life lessons you taught me. Thanks for all the memories.

-A. Naken

SUMMER 2022

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Farewell Ms. Duggan, Ms. Armata, & Ms. Levidis Throughout her 34 year career Ms. Duggan has changed the lives of tens and thousands of students, inspiring them to reach their full potential and chase their dreams.

Before coming to Sacred Heart, Ms. Duggan began her career teaching Science at St. Brother Andre CHS. Her favorite course to teach was Biology, and she loved taking a hands-on approach to teaching labs and providing students with concrete examples of plants and animals. Her favorite lesson to teach was the evolution of plants which included specimens of algae, mosses, ferns, and even spores that exploded!

Ms. Duggan became a Guidance Counselor in 2014, and continued supporting, mentoring, and nurturing Sacred Heart students in a different way. She is passionate about helping students plan their post secondary pathways and loves the opportunity to help students by supporting their personal growth, and believing that every student has endless potential. She has built amazing relationships with her students and colleagues helping them get through tough times and celebrating their successes. Ms. Duggan’s words of advice for students are: “There is always a way to reach your goals, and although it may not be a straight path there is no hurry”.

Ms. Duggan will enjoy her retirement by spending time in the garden, traveling and hiking with her friends and family.

Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes as you embark on this new journey.

Written by Ms. King, Guidance Department Head

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SUMMER 2022

Leigh Armata is a graduate of Sacred Heart CHS and is retiring from her career in education at Sacred Heart where she has taught for more than 15 years.

Leigh taught at other schools and in a variety of subject areas, most recently in the Religion department. She has a passion for travel and always has a fun story to share!

We wish you all the best as you begin your retirement Leigh!

Written by Ms. Gismondi, Religion Department Head

Ms. Levidis was raised in Montreal and moved to Newmarket in the 1990s to pursue a career as a teacher with the York Catholic District School Board. She taught locally at Canadian Martyrs and Good Shepherd for many years before joining our Sacred Heart family. As a Special Education teacher, Department Head and OECTA representative, she worked tirelessly towards a more inclusive and nurturing school community for staff and students alike. Ms. Levidis always lived her belief that teaching was much more than a job, but truly her vocation. Even though she’s a Habs fan, we wish her all the best in retirement and hope that she will keep popping in once in a while as an occasional teacher!

Written by Ms. Wighton Student Services Department Head

SUMMER 2022

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Mikhail Totolyan (grade 12)

Maria Correa (grade 11)

Darius Satmari (grade 12)

Matthew George (grade 11)

Anhelina Diakova (grade 9)

Malena Pereira (grade 11)

Diana Ivanchenko (grade 9)

Janelle Serote (grade 11)

Svitlana Karpenko (grade 9)

Julietta Giorno (grade 10)

Vitalina Pelykh (grade 9)

Vanessa Casuga (grade 12)

Vanessa Baldissera (grade 10)

Mihail Plesca (grade 10)

SUMMER 2022

THE SACRED BEAT TEAM BRINGING YOU SACRED STORIES Senior Student Editor

Junior Student Editor

Allison Kalist

Nina Adout

Photographer

Graphic Designer Angelina Azar El Hajj

Ethan Rania

Resident Reporters

Katerina Khilov

Sydney Macdonald

AP Liaisons Vitalia Kolesnikova Rahavan Kuganeswa

Eli Moroney

Kristen Realejo

Carys Watson

Student Leadership Liaison

ESL Liaison

Olivia Stone

Linda Mao

SUMMER ISSUE 2022

VOLUME 2

OUR SACRED COMMUNITY School Administration Phyllis Vander Doelen, Acting Principal Danny DiLallo, Vice Principal Frank Nardi, Vice Principal

Superintendent Joel Chiutsi

School Trustee Theresa McNicoll

Parent Council Co-Chair Rachel Egan Janice Mellary

Editors-in-Chief Lisa Loffredi Angely Paulino

School Address 908 Lemar Road, Newmarket, L3Y 1R9

@SacredHeartCHS

https://sahe.ycdsb.ca/