VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1
December 2020
PIN TREE POS PINETREE’S FAB FOUR
THE LEARNING CENTRE PINETREE CLUBS 2020-2021 “FLY” (A ONE-ACT MUSICAL)
UPDATES ON SCHOOL SPORTS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STING MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE PINETREE POST
December
2 FIRST GLANCE P.4: SCHOOL
The Pinetree Post
STAFF
FOUNDERS Russell Kim, Felix Guo EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Briana Ho, Julia Ye
Updates on School Sports, Pinetree Clubs 2020-2021, The Learning Centre, “Fly” (A One-Act Musical),
My Experience with the Pinetree Post
P.21: FEATURED
P. 24: OTHER
ARTICLE EDITOR Briana Ho CONTRIBUTORS Kaleigh Morrow Alexandra Mandewo Aaron Kan Bryan Chen Jon Gough Sophie Zhao Florin Lee Amy Li Zoe Li GRAPHIC DESIGN Julia Ye ONLINE CONTENT Julia Ye SPECIAL THANKS TO The Pinetree Administration, Mr. Lau, Mrs. Lovelock, Ms. Choi, Mikella Mclaughlin, Ms. Andrews, Mr. Davies, Mr. Jack, Ms. Rioux
Pinetree’s Fab Four,
All You Need to Know about Sting, Ask Tommy
Comics
GET INVOLVED IN THE PT POST! Although we at the Pinetree Post try our best to represent the voice of the everyone at Pinetree, we are only a small group of students. To find the most pressing topics and interesting avenues to explore, we rely on input from readers to curate relevant content only. Anyone is welcome to suggest a topic or provide an opinion for Pinetree Post writers and
contributors to look into further. Do you have something to say that needs your voice? The Pinetree Post also welcomes guest content, any time, of any kind. Feel free to submit an article on a topic you are passionate for, a comic you think everyone deserves to see, maybe even a letter to the editor! You can submit your original content to us at thepinetreepost@gmail.com.
Have a question or a request? Contact us at: facebook.com/thepinetreepost
FIRST GLANCE
EDITOR’S NOTE
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Hi there, friend! Allow us to introduce ourselves. Briana Ho, Julia Ye Editors-in-Chief
Hey Pinetree, it’s time to celebrate! We’re back! If this is your first time reading, then welcome to the best decision of your day. We’re the official school newspaper - created by students, for students and we publish monthly issues with content as diverse as the people in our community. This crazy, upside-down year is coming to a close, and what better way to bid farewell to 2020 than with this month’s theme: “freedom.” Now, everything that’s happened this year has left their marks on history - the wildfires, the riots, the… murder hornets (remember when those guys were the most of our problems?) - and I’m not going to pretend that the arrival of January will “fix” anything. However, COVID-19 vaccines are rushing out into the world and there isn’t a Cheeto in the White House anymore, so maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Dream with us. Let us take you on a journey, bounding off from the past and onto the future, to glimpse back at what’s been and to focus on what will be - if only for a moment. Before school started up again this year, the admin worked their tails off behind the scenes to make sure everything was ready for all us hooligans (Pinetree’s Fab Four, page 19). Then, around the time we arrived, everyone was unsure about what to do with themselves, much less the world, but somehow we did alright. Services like the school’s Learning Centre adapted to the new conditions in the best ways they could (The Learning Centre, page 12). Next, school sports organizers did the best they could to keep students doing what they love (Update on School Sports, page 5). Grads kept a similar mindset, for while regular celebrations such as
One of our Editor-in-Chiefs has spent this quarter squaring off with the nefarious Hook (see page 15).
Source: Natalee Lovelock
Winter Formal and Senior Sail didn’t happen when they usually would, they still organized the annual chaotic, massive game of tag (All You Need to Know About STING, page 17) - and they even have Round 2 scheduled for after winter break! And here, now, may we dare to dream of an “after” and utter a “what’s next?” Maybe you’re astronomically excited to see the Treehouse Theatre’s upcoming musical short film (“FLY” (A One-Act Musical), page 15), a fitting tale of escape, adventure, and farewells. Perhaps you’re thinking of joining one of the clubs that now run virtually (Pinetree Clubs 2020-2021, page 7) - it may help anchor you to a year-long community that’ll contrast the ever-changing classrooms of the quarter system. Maybe… you’ll even join us, the Pinetree Post? If you have a passion for writing, photography, graphic design, website management, videography,
4 FIRST GLANCE
The hallway at Pinetree Secondary
or illustration, and you want to meet to new people (virtually or while practicing social distancing) and experience new aspects of student life, then consider applying to us through the link on our Facebook (The Pinetree Post) or Instagram (@thepinetreepost). We’re a place for growth and risk-taking, where ideas go to flourish! Our existing team is phenomenally talented, hardworking, and kind, so we can’t wait to welcome new people into our family. If you’re still unsure, one of our wonderful writers detailed her experience with us in an editorial this issue (My experience with the Pinetree Post, page 14) that might help you decide whether we’re right for you. However, unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to accept all applicants, but we always greatly appreciate everyone who takes the time to apply! The deadline for the virtual application (again, link on Facebook and Instragram) is Jan. 3 at 11:59p.m., so don’t miss out if you’re interested - and even if you’re just a supportive reader, then still like our page and follow us for updates on new issues! And I could never forget to mention the crowd favourite. Yes, indeed, we have recaptured - ah, rehired - Tommy Sharpe for another year of his advice column “Ask Tommy” (Advice Column: Ask Tommy, page 18). Email him all your questions, whether they be about how to pick a lock or how long your lizard has left to live, and while he may be
Source: Aaron Kan
immeasurably unqualified to answer many of those questions, he’s bound to bring at least a smile to your face. Speaking of smiles, we also have a treat for all those readers that flip straight to the back for the comics (you know who you are, you hoodlums!). We have two whole comics this month, just for our promotional issue, done by our two returning, amazing artists Amy Lee and Zoe Li (Comics, page 24)! Hope you enjoy this issue of the Pinetree Post! Remember to like us on Facebook for new announcements, check out our website for monthly highlights (https://pinetreepost.wordpress.com/), and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates (@ thepinetreepost). Message us on Instagram or email us (thepinetreepost@gmail.com) if you have a topic you’d like us to address next month or if you’re interested in writing a guest article yourself ! Missed the last issues? Read them at https:// issuu.com/thepinetreepost . Happy holidays, stay safe, and for the love of Charmin Ultra Strong Mega Rolls - please shower regularly Briana Ho & Julia Ye Editors-in-Chief
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SCHOOL SCHOOL UPDATES
Update on School Sports
New Rules and New Ways to Play
New Rules: Masks, Social Distancing and No Competitions
Source: discoveries.childrenshospital.org
Alexandra Mandewo Writer Pinetree Secondary has a long standing history of success in school sports, with awards in basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton. Many new and returning students were looking forward to joining different teams like cross country, track and field and wrestling- but this year, things look a lot different.
It is no surprise that COVID-19 has affected school sports as it has affected almost every aspect of our lives. According to Mr. Davies, Pinetree’s Athletic Director, school sports have strict rules that are unlike any other sports outside
of school. School sports are allowed to practice with measures like wearing masks and practicing social distancing. With those measures, most school sports are very limited to what they can do at practices. In addition, no school sports are allowed to compete against other schools. Even sports like tennis with well over the two meter social distance requirement are not allowed to compete. Pinetree is relatively quite fortunate compared to other schools in the district. Some schools have opted to not even hold practices because of all the new rules. Even so, don’t let these new rules discourage
6 SCHOOL
Source: cdn1.greenbrier.com
Is this the new COVID-19 safe way to play soccer?
you! Whether you’re a Grade 9 who was excited about playing their first high school season of sports or a Grade 11 who was looking forward to continuing their high school sports career, there are still things you can do to be ready for game day. Remember to stay active (with safe workouts like jogging or YouTube high-intensity interval training exercises), eat healthy and keep a positive mindset. Mr. Jack hopes that as the school year progresses, Pinetree sports teams will at least be allowed to compete with other SD43 schools. “[playing with other SD43 schools] is the best case scenario until the virus is contained or vaccinations
are available.” Mr. Jack said. Ms. Rioux also hopes school sports will come back soon- specifically before the academic year ends: “I personally miss the buzz and excitement in the gym (and on the field) that sporting events bring. Team sports bring such a sense of community for the student athletes, and add a lot of variety to the school experience. I especially feel sad for the Grade 12 student athletes who will not get to finish their high school careers playing the sports they love. ” Ms. Rioux knows how for many students, school sports are their favourite part of coming to school. Mr. Jack also wants students to remember that representing Pinetree in any school sport is a privilege and an honour - no matter what circumstance. He believes that once we get back to regular sports competitions, we’ll be reminded of the fun, the memories that can be made and the friendships that form while playing school sports.
Pinetree Secondary’s athletic trophy case showcasing the school’s many victories
Source: Zeina R. (Grade 11)
Stay safe Pinetree Athletes and we can’t wait to see you back on the fields and courts! Go T-Wolves!
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SCHOOL SCHOOL UPDATES
Pinetree Clubs 2020-2021
How can YOU get involved?
Sophie Zhao Writer
The new school year has been a major adjustment process for Pinetree, and especially for many passionate club leaders. Nonetheless, club members may meet on Teams this year. Read on to discover which clubs are running and how YOU can participate in their causes. The leaders invite you to contact them or their sponsor teachers with any additional questions! ANIME CLUB Led by Bryan Chen, Ken Duong, Amira Kung, and William Zhang Sponsored by Mr. Lu Provide a friendly environment for those who like anime and manga to hang out and meet new people. We also plan on hosting online events (i.e. trivia, gaming, etc.).
BOOK CLUB Led by Jordan Li, Michael Mo, Cleo Tong, and Sophie Zhao Sponsored by Mr. McMahon Love to read? Join us for book-related discussions, activities, and games, meeting new people along the way. Our goal is to create a fun and comfortable environment to encourage more people to read a variety of books and share their interests with others around the school!
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CODING CLUB Led by Harim Chang and Sophie Zhao Sponsored by Mr. Flores Interested in coding? Come join Coding Club to learn how to code in different programming languages like Java and Python - no experience needed! We’ll start from the basics and work our way up. Let’s get coding!
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLUB Led by Jonas Lam, Justin Kim, Sunghoon Kim, Eric Wang, and Justin Zheng Sponsored by Ms. Olujic To enable discussion of finance-related topics in Pinetree and help develop financially literate and responsible Pinetree students who are ready to make conscious financial decisions beyond high school. ENVIRONMENT CLUB Led by Sofia Cisneros and Caris Truong Sponsored by Ms. Darychuk The goal of our club is to fight climate change by hosting events and initiatives to raise awareness about environmental issues, take action against them, and encourage the community to discontinue unsustainable practices. Our club will provide members with opportunities to help our local ecosystem and make a positive environmental difference in our community.
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SCHOOL GAME CREATION CLUB Led by Toby Lin and Shahan Neda Sponsored by Mr. Lu Do you have a passion for games? Have you wondered what it’s like to release your own game for the world to see? If so, then this is the club for you. No prior experience is required! Choose between one of 4 roles: Artist, Designer, Programmer or Sound Engineer, and help us make an amazing game. We release all of the games we make onto the web; therefore this club can give you valuable experience and help build your resume as well!
GAMES AND ESPORTS CLUB Led by Alex Guo, Cynthia Leung, Benson Yan, and Evan Yan Sponsored by Mr. Lu Create a community for Pinetree gamers. We will be having game tournaments and casual game nights for students who are interested in playing competitively or just for fun. Games that we will be playing so far are League of Legends and Minecraft. HOT POTATO INITIATIVE Led by Erica Na and Kamilla Nyazullah Sponsored by Mr. Wong The Hot Potato Initiative, a registered non-profit working to educate & engage young Canadians in the conversation about homelessness. We recognize that due to the unprecedented circumstances posed by COVID-19, we cannot run Hot Potato Runs (sales), however, we are aiming to provide similar opportunities for students that allow us to achieve the same educational goal. Aside from the Hot Potato Runs, we have numerous other projects such as Hot Potato Talks, which are interview series featuring different stakeholders of homelessness. Moreover, we engage the students by holding meaningful conversations about the surrounding socioeconomic inequality.
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KEY CLUB Led by Harim Chang, Alex Guo, Zoe Li, Reeva Tamang, and Julia Ye Sponsored by Mr. Clarke Our attention will be focused primarily on community service and giving our members opportunities to contribute to the community despite the circumstances caused by the pandemic.
THE PINETREE POST Led by Briana Ho and Julia Ye Sponsored by Mr. Lau The Pinetree Post is an independent student-run newspaper that distributes one issue every month, available in both print and digital (now only digital in accordance to COVID-19 safety concerns). We cover relevant topics with honest perception. Pinetree Post is an excellent way to network as we’re constantly in collaboration with other clubs. We are made for the students, by students, looking to tell the stories of Pinetree in a way that no other organization can. Anyone can submit guest articles to thepinetreepost@gmail.com or opinions to facebook.com/thepinetreepost Fun fact: When the Pinetree Post underwent a major redesign in 2015, it kept the half-tree logo, but adapted it to a modern flair.
SENIORS CARE CLUB
Led by Alina Beg, Grace Lu, Isha Ruparelia, and April Zhou Sponsored by Mr. Wazny
The Pinetree Seniors Care Club’s goal this year is to help safely bring company and comfort to our local seniors. By working with nearby retirement care centers, students at Pinetree Secondary can create letters or drawings (no artistic talent needed!) for the seniors in exchange for volunteer hours. The students will be sending a scan of their creation to the executives. From there, the club leaders will then send the letters/drawings virtually (through email) to community retirement homes, where the art can be shown to the seniors. There will be no fundraisers for the club – we simply wish to (virtually!) spread some happiness to our elderly by writing letters. There is no commitment needed for the Pinetree Seniors Care Club, and the opportunities are incredibly flexible and up to you to decide! Join the club simply by clicking on the bio link of @ptseniorscareclub ‘s Instagram page. If that option is not available to you, you can go to this link: teams. microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a7716324ed11f423e9957e0d358f3e4be%40thread.tacv2/ conversations?groupId=55bb6fe7-cd94-420aae3e-af64686ace71&tenantId=d9658cef-02924252-9925-6442de24a44b, or email @130-iruparelia@sd43.bc.ca to request to join. New members are welcome anytime throughout the school year. Hope to see you there!
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SCHOOL SKILLS CONNECTION CLUB Led by Yuki Li, Pongsakorn Poovantana, Cindy Wang, and Suri Xiong Sponsored by Mr. Sheehan Pinetree Skills Connection Club creates a collaboration platform for club members to tutor their peers and mentally support each other. We provide our members with the opportunity to exchange ideas for academic improvement and make new friends. Fun academic contests are held every month and the winner receives a free gift!
SPCA Led by Queenie Leung, Nana Sim, and Lindsay Yan Sponsored by Ms. Martino Raise awareness for the spca and encourage fostering or support of the SPCA in general.
UNICEF CLUB Led by Grace Lu, Dan Shinn, Hanson Su, and April Zhou Sponsored by Ms. Korby The UNICEF Club’s goal this year is to help spread awareness on the UNICEF Organization’s projects. Club members will participate by creating digital projects that educate and inform the public on the services that UNICEF is working on providing. These projects are extremely flexible, which means that members can choose when to participate and work on their own schedules. Due to the situation that we are all in, there will be no fundraisers this year. However, members who participate in the UNICEF Club’s activities will still be able to earn volunteer hours. Nothing in this club is mandatory, so there is absolutely no risk in joining! For those who want to become a club member, click on the link in bio of @pinetreeunicefclub ’s Instagram page to request to join the UNICEF Microsoft Teams (this is where all of the updates and meetings will be held), or feel free to email @azhou3@sd43.bc.ca with any questions. We welcome new members anytime!
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The Learning Centre How is the Learning Centre Operating This Year?
Anonymous Writer, Interviewer
This year, the world, and in most relevance to ourselves, our school has gone through numerous significant changes to accommodate the circumstances besetting our lives. These changes have affected not only the way we attend school, but the way classes are held, the ways homework is collected, as well as the way students can socialize. However, another notable change particular to this “new normal� are the programmes offered by the school, particularly relevant to those in need of assistance at school, for any reason. The Pinetree Post, for this reason, has interviewed Ms Andrews of the learning centre to inquire about how the learning centre will operate this year. PTP: What is different about how the learn-
ing centre operates? Where are the limitations in how students can seek help? A: The Learning Centre has always been a place for students to get extra support with their courses, plan for their education and time here at Pinetree Secondary, and access support in ways that may not available to them through their classroom teachers, counsellors, and administrators. This year, a new course called Applications of Learning is being taught in place of the traditional drop-in and in-class support. Students enrolled in this 4-credit course are taught skills that give them the edge to be successful in school – using technological skills, managing well-being, maximizing studying strategies, and cultivating personal growth.
Our success in working with students is highly dependent on building connections and relationship. Unfortunately, this is not always possible given the differences in student and teacher availability, subject or specialty area, and advocacy.
PTP: Who is the learning centre directed
towards? (what this question means is, what kind of students come to the learning centre, and for what reason?) A: The Learning Centre is available to help any student (or teacher) who may need some guidance with their coursework. However, we often have students who drop in to have a conversation with someone who will listen or just to pick up a granola bar and a juice box for that extra boost of energy!
PTP: What methods do the learning centre use to send help to those seeking it? A: Most of our support begins with a conversation with the student and their family before taking that conversation to the classroom teacher. A welcoming environment and an open perspective must be in place before adaptations, or learning for that matter, can take place. Some of the supports are set up in the classroom such as wiggle stools and standing desks. Some supports are found in the Learning Centre room such as our whiteboard table with colourful markers, which acts as a giant piece of scrap paper!
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“The Learning Centre is available to help any student (or teacher) who may need some guidance with their coursework.�
PTP: Do you feel that providing assistance to
those who need it at the learning centre has become more difficult as a result of the pandemic, or easier? A: As with any changing environment, our jobs have definitely become more difficult. Again, because the Learning Centre focuses on personal connections when providing service to students in need, the remote learning aspect of school has put somewhat of a dent in our ability to do our jobs. Just as many teachers are struggling with how to navigate the logistics of teaching a course, the Learning Centre teachers are adjusting and learning how we stay connected with our students.
PTP: Are you enjoying working in the learn-
ing centre even after the pandemic arose? A: I always enjoy working with students, and the pandemic didn’t change that. In fact, the need for school community support increased and stepping up the challenge made me value my job more than ever.
Source: cfe.educ.ubc.ca
PTP: Is there something you wish was han-
dled differently upon re-establishing the learning centre upon the pandemic? A: Sure, but I think that it would be unfair and difficult to say what should have been done differently. Everyone was struggling with the novel coronavirus and the impact on our lives, and we are still learning to rearrange all the aspects of our lives accordingly. I believe that as long as we are resilient and forgiving, that we can keep that meaningful connection with the school community.
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STUDENTS
My experience with the Pinetree Post And Why You Might Want to Join Too
Florin Lee Writer
I joined the Pinetree Post for the first time last year. My reasons for joining the school newspaper were a bit complicated. Ever since I first learned to read, I have been writing. It has been an integral part of my identity ever since I was a child, and it was something I was proud of. However, as I moved through the education system, I noticed that I started losing pleasure in writing. I was churning out essay after essay for school, but with none of the passion that had initially sparked my love for writing. So in joining the Pinetree Post, I was looking to resurrect that excitement, and learn to enjoy writing again. If you are similar to me, and love writing but need a specific outlet, maybe consider joining the Pinetree Post. As I began writing for the paper, I noticed one thing immediately. Flexibility. Writers here have freedom to choose their topics as they wish, and if you’re extremely busy one month, you can opt to sit it out and come back the next. I went through some stressful times last year, and sometimes it’s smartest to just lessen the amount of responsibility you have to bear.
A writer with “a new interesting idea to explore”
There is incredible flexibility in writing for the Pinetree Post,
and we are (Briana is) open to accommodating your ideas. Is there a particular social issue that you are passionate about, and want to share with our school community? Go ahead and pitch your idea, as Briana will probably be super excited to read whatever you have in mind. Once, I wrote about how teens are victims of targeted marketing by the vaping industry. You can write about recent school events, current news, life lessons, anything (as long as Briana says yes, which she probably will because she’s too nice). Also, we’re not just looking for writers to join our community - artists and photographers are welcome too, as in addition to articles, every monthly issue also contains a witty comic.
Don’t be afraid that you’re “not good enough” to write or draw or take pictures for the school newspaper. Everyone is learning and evolving by the day, and no one is perfect (not even Briana). If you’re someone who enjoys personal accomplishments, come to the Pinetree Post. With the Pinetree Post, every month - or every other month, if you choose - brings a new interesting idea to explore.
Source: Shutterstock
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students!). “FLY” (A One-Act Musical) “FLY” is loosely based off of “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie, but set in the modern day and I promise you’re not dreaming. with billions of new, creative twists on the story and its well-known characters. What if the Lost Briana Ho Crew was a gaggle of teenagers who escaped the Writer, Interviewer foster system, led by the street-smart Pete (Briana Have you ever dreamed of freedom? Of Ho)? What if the dastardly Captain Hook (Amy adventure, of escape - if only for just a moLee) was a corrupt police chief ? What if Wendy ment? Well, down past the cafeteria, across the (Danara Fletcher) was the one to save the day in hall from the band room, are where the Muthe end? In this world, where magical pixie dust sical Theatre and Theatre Production 11/12 only exists in storybooks, each character must rely students have been dedicating several hours on their own strength to find freedom - to learn every day to a phenomenal project: “FLY.” how to “fly.” Because COVID-19 protocols prevent them The entire film will be professionally shot from performing for a live audience this year, in locations around the school by Danny LoveMrs. Lovelock (formerly Ms. Fera) and her class lock, with sets, props, and lighting crafted by the are putting together a musical in the form of a amazing Theatre Production students. The finshort film. All of the music and lyrics were writ- ished product will be posted on the Treehouse ten by Mr. and Mrs. Lovelock, and the script is Theatre YouTube channel some time after Christthe brainchild of the Lovelocks and the theatre mas! students (with some scenes written entirely by Let’s hear some more about this project from Mrs. Lovelock herself:
The amazing, gorgeous, fantabulous tech crew!
Source: Natalee Lovelock
“Let’s go fly!” - Pete (lower) and Wendy (upper).
Source: Natalee Lovelock
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PTP: How long have you been working on
fact that there wasn’t going to be dialogue and now there is; it’s hard to let go of the expectations that you have this musical? and reinvent them - but I think it’s working! [laughs] NL: Danny [Mr. Lovelock] and I started working PTP: What are the final words you’d like to say on this almost two years ago. Danielle Jeal of Exult to people wanting to watch the musical? Dance, a friend of ours, came up with this idea for a dance show where it would be the story of “Peter NL: I would just hope that an audience would have as Pan” but from Wendy’s perspective, and the difference adventurous and as open a mind as we have had going [from the original] would be that, in the end, Weninto this. The story is not “Peter Pan” - it’s definitely the dy is the one that stays [to adventure in Neverland] bones, the structure, of the original, but after that it’s instead of Peter. completely different. So, everybody, just let go and enjoy It was supposed to resemble how Disney’s Tarzan yourselves! is scored, where Phil Collins wrote and sang all the songs rather than the individual characters singing - Thank you to Mrs. Lovelock for making so our songs started out with only my vocals in them. time for this interview! But then budget, COVID-19, and casting issues put Also, in case any readers are concerned, our project on the backburner. When we had an the Musical Theatre and Theatre Production opportunity at Pinetree to put on a different type of 11/12 are Mrs. Lovelock’s Block B learning musical in these conditions, I thought this might be fun for our class to do instead - but we’ve changed it cohort class, meaning that masks and physical distancing aren’t mandatory. However, they wear slightly so that the characters are singing the songs and the characters are telling the story rather than the masks as often as possible off-camera and sanitize dancers interpreting the music. their hands regularly. PTP: What were the main themes you want- Finally, go follow @pinetreetreehousetheed to incorporate? atre on Instagram to get the latest updates and NL: I would say freedom, adventure, youth, and sneak peeks behind-the-scenes! becoming the person that you were meant to be. Not necessarily defying your parents, but defying your own expectations. PTP: What are you the most excited about for this project? NL: I was, and I still am, the most excited about the enthusiasm that everybody has for the project while we’re making it. It is… it’s so beautiful to see everybody invested in this and everyone believing in it at the same level. That’s what’s excited me the most up until now and it’s still exciting me - and it’s going to be cool when we see it finished, see what our vision becomes, but I don’t have an end expectation, I just have an everyday feeling of excitement while creating this. So that’s the best thing, for sure! PTP: What has been the most challenging, or required the most creative thinking out of you? NL: Throwing my, Danny’s, and Danielle’s original ideas out the window and starting on a new interpreSource: Natalee Lovelock “Tell us a story, Wendy?” tation of this. For example, we had to let go of the - Jo (left), Wendy (centre), and Michaela (right).
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FEATURED All You Need To Know about STING Welcome to a game of tag, but for grade 12 and with MONEY Jon Gough Writer, Interviewer
Every year, there is an game exclusively for Grade 12s, facilitated by students. As you may have heard, it’s called STING! If you’ve seen students screaming and running amok in the halls/ outside wielding cameras, this is hopefully why. A great many Grade 12s have participated in it this year, and according to a poll run by the students running the event, 98% felt that it was fun. I had the opportunity to speak with one of the facilitators, Mikella McLaughlin, through Instagram at @stingptss2021.
Some of the videos can get a bit blurry. This is Jeremy Chung and Sun Sur, both Grade 12, stinging each other.
The winners of last round. Congrats!
PTP: First of all, can you tell me a quick sum-
mary of Sting? MM: It’s basically a game of tag! You pay money to play and everyone gets a target that you have to try to “sting.” When you get down to the last 2 people, the first person to sting the other wins all the entry money! PTP: Very cool! Who is eligible to participate? MM: Anyone who is in grade 12 and attends Pinetree Secondary PTP: Alright! But how can you be sure that one person stung another? Is there evidence? MM: Yes there are rules in place. For example. you must record it and say sting. If you request to follow the Instagram account you will see all the videos. PTP: That makes sense. Can people still join? MM: We just finished Round 1 on Nov 23. However, we are starting the sign up process for Round 2 after winter break! PTP: How can people join, and where? MM: We post on the Instagram account what days sign ups are. We usually do it outside the community centre at lunch times. Last round was $2 and we did a vote and majority said $5 for Round 2 since there’s a bigger jackpot at the end. PTP: Thank you very much for answering my questions! Have a great night! MM: Of course, no problem! You too!
There you have it, folks! If you have any further questions, go ahead and message the good folks at @stingptss2021 about it.
18 FEATURED ADVICE COLUMN:
with at the email Pinetreepostasktommy@gmail. com. Just put Ask Tommy in the subject line and tell me your name and grade. Keep it appropriate, and please don’t send me a 42-slide PowerPoint with notes and a script detailing what you want from Tommy Sharpe me! Otherwise, go at it! I look forward to reading and responding to your prompts. For example, last Hello all, year prompts include topics like advice for fitness My name is Tommy Sharpe. Are you one of and lifestyle habits, though you can certainly ask me the countless people in the school who are being about anything that tickles your fancy. bogged down by endless reams of homework, labs, As an example, here is the first prompt this or projects? Do you not have the slightest idea how year, from an anonymous Grade 12 with a very clevto speak to the strange specimens known as your er pseudonym. Here it goes: fellow humans? Are the expectations of the world weighing down upon you until you can barely gasp Dear Tommy, for breath? Well, say no more, because with the whenever I roll my neck it crackalackles like second year of the Pinetree Post advice column, a bag of enthusiastic marbles. How long do I Ask Tommy, you can ask me ANYTHING you have left to live? want (within reason)! You can’t ask me who’s in Area 51; the FBI’s watching. Sincerely, You can submit questions you want advice JigglyJoints31
Ask Tommy
Oof. I actually had an experience with this. I cracked my back so much that it actually pinched a nerve. It hurt a great deal, and I went to a chiropractor for it, so I don’t recommend continuing. According to Healthline.com, the ligaments in your neck could get stretched, you might puncture a blood vessel, or get arthritis. That said, it can release endorphins. But what do I know; I’m not a doctor! But yeah, beware. That is the end to our first column in our second year. I greatly hope for responses and prompts and am excited to read and respond to what the readers want. Have a great Winter Break! Until Then, Tommy Sharpe Source: memegenerator.net
FEATURED Pinetree’s Fab Four School Administration Interviews Kaleigh Morrow Writer, Interviewer
Pinetree is nearly halfway through the school year. It has been interesting after the changes that happened in the summer. Grade 12’s graduated. COVID-19 protocols were introduced. Grade 9’s came. Among other new staff, Pinetree welcomed vice principal Ms. Britt Walton. As the new year approaches, students might be curious about what to expect in the future. The Pinetree Post interviewed the school administration to find out how the school year has been going and hear what happens behind the scenes.
Mr. Jeremy Clarke - Principal
PTP: How is this school year going? C: I think considering that we are in a pandemic,
the year has gotten off to a good start. Students have been really great, resilient and flexible. We are very thankful for that. [The year] is definitely not what any of us thought this year would be like. Teachers have also been very flexible. It is a lot for them to do things one way, and then [switch] and do something totally different. I miss the things that we usually have; I miss the social part. I feel for the students and staff. Schools are usually a very social place and I think it is hard for people. Not that there is no social activity going on, but it is very different. But in the big scheme of things, we want to keep everyone safe, and I think overall the school year has been very good so far.
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PTP: Is there anything that you are hoping to do this year? C: I’m hoping that some of the things we’ve always done to celebrate our school and students eventually can start happening. I’m a pretty optimistic person most of the time, more of a glass half-full versus half-empty. It is a little hard to be that way right now, but there is talk of vaccines so we are all a little hopeful. I am hoping we can do something special for our grads. Four years of high school and 13 years in total of school! It is a lot of work for parents, students, teachers, and administrators, but we always like to do stuff for grads. We will do something. I am just hoping we can do as much as possible, but it is a balance. I’m hoping some [events] are happening. We did stuff to celebrate teachers this week (Dec. 7-11) and we will do a little bit more next week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we try to go around to classes and give cookies [to students]. It is the little things. And we might not get around to every student, but it is nice when we go around to those classrooms. People are happy that we are there. We are trying to do things, but we do not have specific plans, because it is hard to do them with all the safety protocols around the pandemic. At least with the bigger [events]. We have them planned and ready to go, but we just do not know [if they can be done]. With the smaller things, it is as-you-go. PTP: How do you think that the transition of graduating students from high school to post-secondary has changed? C: A lot is still the same as far as the application processes [goes]. The difference is that we do not have people [from universities and colleges] visiting us at the school. They [usually] come into the building and we have events where students and their parents can come visit them and ask questions. [The events are] still happening online. The dates and times of university applications and scholarships are still similar. It is just the process is a bit different, because face-to-face is not happening. The universities are actually being more lenient these days. I think it still will be okay for our graduating students. They are very focused, handling the quarter system well and having conversations [in order] to be successful for their post secondary applications. The hardest thing would be if we were still in pandemic mode in September. I talked to some people that had graduated last year. They were
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looking forward to going away for post secondary, but are still at home now (in most instances.) Most of them are understanding that it is out of their control. Handling it well. Rolling with it. They prepared themselves well. PTP: Here at Pinetree, what responsibilities do you have? What can students ask you about? C: They can ask me almost anything, but I might not have the answer. [School admin] works as a team and I trust students and the staff to do their work. Ultimately, as the principal I am responsible for almost anything. I am prepared for whatever comes up, like the pandemic, and I have certain departments that I oversee, but my main responsibility is to see what the goals of the school are that year and also in the future.
The big thing this year is supporting students around mental health. I think we have a really good school, but every year we try to make things a little better. I want to help everyone. That might not be visible for everybody, but for some students, [getting used to school] might be a little more difficult, because they might not be able to fit in. I want everyone to have better opportunities, but also I want to help students that struggle. That is my goal. PTP: When it comes to students that receive any sort of support from the school, how do you think that the way they are supported has changed this year? C: Lots of ways. Unfortunately the face-to-face is different. Whatever they are struggling with, personal connection is very important. Some of that is still happening, we are not locked away, but it is different. It is not as easy to access or make connections with the youth workers or the counselors, because we have to monitor how many people are in a space. It is part of the public health order. Students that receive support, in spring and summer, we were having them in [the school] first. If students stay here [after school], because they might live far away or need extra support, we have talked to them and their families. We have found ways for them to get support at school. Maybe not everyone needs that, but for some students it is harder so we have provided support for them. PTP: Is there any program Pintree offers that students do not know enough about? C: Usually we encourage students to get involved, but it is very limited this year. Clubs are not really run-
ning. Sports are not really running. One of the things we have noticed and asked for feedback on, about the quarter system, is that because students only have to focus on two things and there are less transitions, most students are really good at finding support programs if they need them. There are more times to check in on students and how they are doing. We have been quite surprised. Most students are doing better. Attendance is doing better. I do not think there is anything that students are missing out on. PTP: In the five years you have been at Pinetree, what has made you love being here? C: My favourite part of my job is talking to students. Sometimes it is just someone coming in [my office]. Last June I had a student I knew well, and he just came in to chat and we had a conversation. I really enjoy conversations [that have] nothing to do with our jobs, and are just a conversation about something we might have in common. Students here really step up and it is a great school community. I always say that when I meet with parents. Students really want to get along with each other. Things happen where students are not kind, that happens everywhere, but overall there are lots of students here that will go over the top about making everyone feel like part of our building. I work with great people and great students. Students are very understanding and willing to have conversations and work with us. I like watching our plays and basketball games and going to leadership events. I miss them, because those are the things that I have always looked forward to. I actually really quite like those things. Sometimes they are better than being in school during the day. I love school, but they are something different. I am hoping to stay at Pinetree a few more years, but that is not always up to me. PTP: How is the quarter system? C: Like any school system, there are pluses and minuses. From a planning perspective, it was tough for us, and I give a lot of kudos to Ms. Payne and Ms. Walton because they did a lot of work in August. It was dropped on us with little notice, and we were planning for a semester system, but they did some wonderful work changing it all around. It is not perfect, because when you do things that usually take a couple months to plan in a week, there are going to be problems. Sometimes there were unbalanced schedules or [courses] were missing. Some of the positives were, and I think I mentioned this already, because
FEATURED there are less transitions in a day I think more students are focused. It is hard to sit in classes for as long as we have to, but when we look at attendance patterns, we do look at those things year-to-year, students have been attending better.
When we look at student achievement overall, we have less students that are unsuccessful in classes.
At least in the first quarter, versus when we looked at our data from last year, although [the data] is not complete yet. Students have told us too, “it is nice to focus on two things, instead of four.” My kids, both have said, “it is nice to focus on two classes versus four,” but the downside is the pace. For some students, and for staff too, it is really quick. You are basically putting a full semester into ten weeks. In some departments, like math and science, teachers are going, “okay, what do I absolutely have to cover? Because, I will not be able to cover absolutely everything.” Teachers are passionate about their curriculum and I think they are feeling in the quarter system [that it is hard], especially with the hybrid piece. If we were doing straight quarters without the hybrid, it might be a bit easier for people to cover everything. A positive from a scheduling perspective, is that if someone is not successful in a class we have the opportunity to [give them the class again in another quarter], so that they can hopefully be successful. There are some negatives in it, but that would be the same in a semester or linear system. It is not our decision to decide whether we continue in a quarter or semester system next year. That is a district decision based on what [information] is coming from the public health officer. PTP: Pinetree has a lot of different courses. How does Pinetree decide what is offered each year? C: Some of them are ministry courses. They are set by the ministry and there is a ministry curriculum. Some of those are math, science, english and social studies, but there are also ministry courses in elective areas as well. Then, there are opportunities for what we call “board authorized courses” and those courses are courses that are locally developed. So, there are teachers who have a passion for something, they develop a course, and that course has to get approved by the school board. And then we are able to offer it
21 and give credit toward graduation. It might not count when universities are looking at things, but it does count toward graduation requirements. One thing is, there has to be teachers that are passionate about [a course]. For example, Mr. Lockwood is an Advanced Placement (A.P.) science teacher. He is very passionate about [science]. If he was to retire or move to a different school, unless there was someone willing to take that on, it would be very difficult for Pinetree to continue offering [A.P. sciences]. Another thing is, there has to be students that are interested in a course. If you look at our course calendar we offer a lot of courses, but not all of those courses run every year. For example, some years we have offered two sections of psychology, but this year we offered five. More kids were interested in it [this year]. What students put on their course selection is what helps [us] make decisions about what will go on the final schedule. We can not pick everything, because we only get so much staffing from the ministry and the school district. Sometimes that might be disappointing for students. There might be a small group of students that are really interested in something, but if there are not enough students interested we can not offer it. PTP: Anything else you would like to say to Pinetree’s students? C: Keep doing the things that they are doing, because this is not forever. Like they are, I am hoping for things to be better. I feel for Grade 12 students. They have done a really good job. Focus on what you are doing and get through the school work. The social piece and all the extras that we like about school will slowly come back as things get better.
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Ms. Judith Payne - Vice Principal
PTP: How is this school year going so far? P: So far, it is going much better than I thought it
might. Students and staff have gotten on board with all the restrictions we have, so it has been okay. I mean, it is very different and not like it was last year at this time. There are ups and downs no matter what you do, however everyone is on board. PTP: How was scheduling this year? P: That was kind of crazy. As the students are aware there was a lot of waiting in the summer to see what the fall would look like. The levels of approval from the Province on down take time. There were more than a few days with a lack of sleep, as we were committed to the students receiving their schedules before the first day of school. It was very intense, but it worked out. I recovered! Things need to be done so you just do it and get it done. Students can relate to trying to solve a puzzle then suddenly, you wake up at two in the morning and go, “oh my goodness, that is what I should be doing.” I had a few of those moments. It is not as perfect as I would like it, and there are some things that I would like to change if we do this again. The long hours were worth it when we were able to get students and staff their schedules on time. PTP: How do you think the quarter system and hybrid system are working for Pinetree this year? P: It is interesting because we had the student survey and we put out a survey to staff. I was really surprised by some of the results. About 40% of the students that said they did not have any problems, they quite liked it. So, there are some things that are good. Students only have two courses to concentrate on, and
teachers only have two courses and a smaller group of kids. I really worry about students that might struggle with their course work, because [the quarter] is very short. If you do not understand something, there is not a lot of time to make it up; where in a semester, you have a bit more time to do that. But at the same time, it has been interesting. From the survey, half of the kids that did not like it so much, it was [because of] workload. Some of those [problems we found] happened because we did not have the chance to balance schedules. Some students had their math and their science in the same quarter. Others had career life education and physical education in the same quarter. There are pieces of it that are working well, so it is what it is this year. We will see what happens. PTP: What is your favourite thing about Pinetree? P: I moved here from Vancouver, where I taught most of my career. When I got to Pinetree, it was quiet. Everybody was very welcoming. It was not like, “wow, wow, we are Pinetree,” but there is a quiet pride that I really like and appreciate. The students are all polite and respectful. As I have gotten to know people more over the last three years, I have gotten to appreciate the choir and band and all the art that is around, and how students and staff are willing to try something out and run with it and see how it works. It is a really nice place to work, I really enjoy it. PTP: How has the pandemic affected Pinetree’s international students? P: My niece was in Australia finishing veterinary school. For her, she made the decision to stay in Australia. She was there for an extra six or seven months, not knowing if she was going to be able to finish her program and education. This gave me a perspective of the students that were here and stayed; I have a real appreciation for the fact that they might not be seeing their families for a long time. Not being able to see them directly and be in the same room is difficult. At the same time, I really appreciate the difficult decisions of families that decided to not come or could not come, because of the travel restrictions. The reality is that it affects their education. Maybe they were going to come in Grade 9 and now it is going to be Grade 10, or Grade 10 and now Grade 11.
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The enormity of the situation and the effect on people’s lives, you do not appreciate until you know somebody that is in it and you see what
they are going through.
PTP: Is there anything you would like to say
to Pinetree’s students or let them know? P: I think Pinetree’s students need to know that their efforts this year have really been appreciated. People are wearing their masks when they can, trying to be respectful, and we are not having some of the concerns and behavioural things that we have had in the past. There is a recognition by the students that we are in a global pandemic, and it is serious. It is affecting their lives, but they are taking it in stride. I have really appreciated the students when I have had a chance to talk to them. They sit and talk, and there is that maturity and niceness, the feeling of community [I felt] when I first got here. You can really tell this year, because everybody has been doing what they need to do to make sure everybody is safe. That says a lot about the students at Pinetree. And nobody has been complaining too much about schedules to me.
Ms. Britt Walton - Vice Principal
PTP: What does it feel like being new to Pin-
etree? W: It has been interesting in the middle of a pandemic. Meeting people with a mask on your face has not been like the same interactions as you normally have, but I am excited to be here.
I had heard lots of great things about Pinetree. The student body is wonderful, as is the staff.
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PTP: Is there anything about Pinetree that you have heard about, that you are looking forward to in the future? W: I am missing those extracurricular things about school, where you get to know kids outside of the classroom. Even the interactions in the hallways that you would have in a regular year—we are not in a position to engage in them. Everybody has to eat their lunch in their classrooms or be outside. I am just missing watching kids thrive in their clubs and extracurricular[s]. That was a big part of my upbringing and I really miss the importance of that for kids. PTP: Do you have any goals for this year? W: Really, my goals right now are to formulate positive relationships, get to know staff and students, and be part of this community. PTP: Grade 9’s are new to Pinetree, how do you think the pandemic has affected their experience starting out in high school? W: I think it has been challenging for them. School is not the way it used to be. The transitory things we would do in a typical year has not happened for them. They have not really gotten a true flavour for the zest and the place that Pinetree would be in a normal year. They have not [had time for] social interactions and increasing their peer groups. The clubs and sports that many kids love are not running the same way that they normally would. They get the virtual experience, but it is not the same as face-to-face. Even within your classes, they are structured differently now too. It is a different type of setting for everyone, but everyone is managing with that. PTP: Do you have a message for the students of Pinetree? W: Have a wonderful, restful break away from school and spend it in the comforts of your family. Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday. Happy new year!
24 OTHER Comic by Amy Lee
OTHER Comic by Zoe Li
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