INSPIRED STUDENTS

During Learn-to-Learn week, Middle School students participated in a workshop where they expressed parts of their identity through artwork in the shape of a hand, with each finger representing a different part of who they are. The hands reminded students of the importance of seeing the good in everyone. 

Grade 6 learned how humans benefit from biodiversity during an outdoor education lesson with outdoor education specialist Ms. Hunt. They also explored the interdependence of relationships in natural habitats. Working with snowshoes, moccasins and an arrow, students discussed how antlers, deer hide, feathers and many other natural materials have been used traditionally to help humans thrive. They also prepared and shared cedar tea, a traditional

Indigenous medicine, as part of their investigation of the importance of all living things in our environment. Ms. Hunt shared traditional ecological knowledge from teachings she received while attending university. In small groups, students analyzed two methods of planting the Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash) and explored ways to enhance biodiversity. 

In Grade 8 Science, students learned about cells and how they function. Working with the largest single cell—an egg—students used their best chemistry, mathematics and biology skills to learn more about a world that is typically microscopic. After dissolving the eggshells in vinegar, students then proved osmosis theory by growing and shrinking the eggs in different fluids before calculating the percentage of change that occurred.

Finally, students worked in the laboratory to see if they could extract DNA from the egg’s nucleus. 

Grade 8 students enjoyed aerial games and ziplining during their treetop trekking excursion to Horseshoe Valley. Many of our students advanced to the most difficult ropes course—the black level. 

Mikhaila Tumarkin, Grade 7, launched Olives & Love, a small start-up business selling organic unfiltered extra-virgin olive oil alongside her nine-year-old brother. For every bottle sold, Mikhaila and her brother have pledged to donate $1 to the Aurora Food Pantry, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Youth Without Shelter and Covenant House. 

Seven teams of Middle and Senior School debaters faced off against their counterparts at Villanova College in a virtual debate competition. The debate was held on the resolution, “This House would support a zero-tolerance policy for cyberbullying in Ontario schools.” In an intense two rounds of debate, the government teams argued that zerotolerance policies send a strong message, while the opposition sides contended that zero-tolerance policies are often counterproductive and reactive. 

For the Grade 6 Co-curricular Program, students had the option of 3D design or arts and crafts. The 3D design group worked on designing