The Xaverian Weekly, November 2021 Edition

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@XAVERIANWEEKLY

CRYING TO ALL TOO WELL SINCE 1895

VOLUME 136 ISSUE 2 NOV 22 2021

Students and Faculty Gather for the Take Back the Night March 2021 KRISTINA DANYK

On October 21, 2021, many students marched in protest against sexualized and gender-based violence at an annually held event called Take Back the Night. Students and community members were able to make their own signs with words fighting for safer communities, as well as gather on the football field to hear several speakers voice their experiences before marching through campus in a unified group to make their voices heard. The march was organized by the StFX office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate Heather Blackburn with the help of her Visible @ X team. The Antigonish Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Centre, as well as the Women and Gender Studies Society helped to make this event happen. Dr. Nancy Forestell, a member of the StFX faculty and speaker at Take Back the Night, talked about her background in advocacy for women’s rights, saying, “when I attended my first march in Toronto … I was deeply moved, energized, and politicized by the willingness of so many to draw attention to the pervasiveness of sexualized violence and to act in solidarity with one another.” Since her first march, Dr. Forestell has continued to attend these marches each year, as well as advocate for women’s rights.

Dr. Forestell noted the importance of feminist scholars and the contributions they have made to understanding the underlying reasons of sexualized violence and the factors contributing to it. She recognized the significance of resources such as the Antigonish Women’s Centre and the professional staff that work there who can provide help with their specialized training in trauma-informed healthcare. Dr. Forestell went on to stress the need for change on university campuses. She brought up past occurrences of sexual assaults at various universities, including StFX, and mentioned that although each had some sort of response, the rates of sexual assault have not noticeably declined. She noted that histories of sexual violence cannot be explained away as a “culture problem” but rather are a problem with sexism and misogyny.

StFX graduate named Emma Kuzmyk. In addition to writing their book, they co-founded a peer support program at StFX, which is an on-campus program that supports students and helps them find mental health or sexual violence services. Next, Audra Jander, a fifth-year student majoring in political science shared a personal reflection of her last five years of being at StFX. Ms. Jander mentioned learning in her first week that “as a female university student, the responsibilities I carried were far greater than those of my male counterparts.” She spoke upon the issues of victim blaming, and the importance of believing the victim. Ms. Jander closed off her speech with a powerful statement to those listening: “just because I am a girl does not mean anyone has a right to my body. The responsibilities I hold as a woman just to ensure I am able to protect myself and my friends has put a weight on my shoulders that I should not have to carry. None of us should … it is not my job to protect myself against sexualized violence.” To close off the speeches of the night, Claya Way Brackenbury, a StFX nursing student, shared two songs she had written. The march around campus began, with all individuals who came out banding together to make their voices heard.

Elizabeth Yeo, the head of student services at StFX, said that this year’s Take Back the Night march was the most highly attended one yet and thanked all the guests, volunteers and organizers who worked so hard to make it happen.

Ending off her speech, Dr. Forestell had a few closing remarks to those listening. “We have to acknowledge that despite our many efforts, we still have significant challenges before us … I encourage you all to be brave, to speak out, to educate one another, and to take the issue of sexualized violence seriously.” Sid Van de Wiel, a recent StFX graduate, as well as the provincial Waves of Change coordinator with Antigonish Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Centre (AWRSAC), introduced the next speaker of the event, Addy Stickland. Ms. Strickland is a recent StFX graduate and a fundraiser for Students for Consent Culture Canada. She shared a few words to say from her soon to be published book called Writing Activism: Stories from the frontlines of campus activism against sexualized violence. The book is co-authored with another

Photo Credit: Addy Strickland


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EDITOR: IZAAK MACMULLIN xw.news@stfx.ca

Open contributor meetings are held Sundays at six in the newsroom: bottom floor SUB, left from the bookstore. X

StFX Maclean’s Ranking: Are We Looking at it Through Rose-Coloured Glasses? ISABELLE VAUTOUR

As many students are familiar, Maclean’s Magazine ranks all Canadian universities based on a number of criteria including programs and student satisfaction. The magazine has a prestigious reputation and is generally regarded as a reliable source of analysis for quality in Canadian universities. According to Maclean’s magazine, the process of ranking universities starts by categorizing all Canadian universities with over 1000 full-time students in 3 distinct categories according to the type of programs offered at each institution. As the magazine explains, the first category is comprised of institutions that almost exclusively offer undergraduate programs, such as StFX, and is called the Primarily Undergraduate category. The second category is called Comprehensive and includes universities that offer undergraduate and graduate programs but have a penchant for research-based programs. The last category is called the Medical Doctoral category and is comprised of schools that offer a high number of graduate programs as well as medical programs. Overall, StFX university typically ranks high in most categories and the rankings for 2022 were no exception. In quantitative categories, StFX tied for 9th place overall with Ontario Tech and fell in the middle of the pack for all categories. The Primarily Undergraduate category in which StFX university finds itself is composed of 19 universities. The university tied for 10th place with Laurentian for student awards, ranked 11th for student/faculty ratio, tied 13th with Lethbridge for faculty awards, ranked 14th for total research dollars, 12th for scholarships and bursaries awarded, and 15th for student services. As boasted on StFX’s Instagram page and website, in qualitative categories, the university ranked first overall and ranked well in most performance indicators. StFX ranked first in course instructors and extracurriculars, second in residence living, third in administrative staff, academic advisors, and experiential learning, and fourth in student life staff. In their posts, however, the university failed to acknowledge its disappointingly low rankings in three very important categories: promoting Indigenous visibility, mental health services, and sexual assault prevention. Under these performance indicators, the university respec-

Antigonish Rememberance Day: In-Person AIDAN AHERN

The annual Antigonish Remembrance Day ceremony took place at Columbus Field this year at the eleventh hour of the morning of armistice. Due to the pandemic, the event last year was the only accessible through virtual streaming. Now, with just over three quarters of the province vaccinated, the ceremony this year was held entirely in person, and, by the new location of the cenotaph. Staff members of the Antigonish Legion have reported the remarkable total of over two-thousand people attending the event this year. Considering how many people were there, the relocation of the World War One cenotaph, from Chisholm Park to the more open Columbus Field, proves of clear benefit to the annual event. Alongside it, this year, stood several notable guests, including our Warden, Owen McCarron, MLA, Michelle Thompson, Mayor, Laurie Boucher, as well as MP, Sean Fraser; each giving speeches in accordance with the honorable veterans present. In unity with the event, a total of sixteen commemorative banners have been placed across Main Street’s lampposts, printed on each is the face of a deceased veteran. The banners are a collaborative effort on the parts of the veterans’ families and the Antigonish Legion. The funding for each commemorative banner has been paid for by each individual family, with organizational input and related responsibilities delegated to the part of legion. Representative staff at the legion report their current membership to be up one-hundred-and-fifty percent. The increase occurs in harmony with their building’s recent change in location, from across the town library on Main Street, to where it now is on Saint Ninian Street near campus. Staff report it to have been a great transition, and that the current building has already been very beneficial in terms of community events, social functions, and general utility. The current building further includes meeting and convention space for up to five-hundred people, as well as a whole museum all as part of the renewal plan.

tively scored 12th, 15th, and whopping 18th. While StFX generally does well in many performance indicators, it is frustrating that the university is not forthcoming in acknowledging its shortcomings in student safety. Despite promises made by the university administration over the past few years, the institution has consistently ranked poorly in the aforementioned categories. By looking at rankings going back to 2019, downtrends in those categories become obvious. In 2019, StFX ranked 13th in promoting Indigenous visibility, 11th in mental health services, and 18th in sexual assault prevention. In 2020, the university ranked 18th in promoting Indigenous visibility, 13th in mental health services, and 19th in sexual assault prevention. In 2021, the rankings were 16th in promoting Indigenous visibility, 15th in mental health services, and 13th in sexual assault prevention. In 2022, as stated above, StFX ranked 12th in promoting Indigenous visibility, 15th in mental health services, and 18th in sexual assault prevention. The university’s failure to address these issues concerning student safety is alarming. It is high time the university come up with a concrete plan of action to address these issues beyond Moodle forums and online surveys. The university has a responsibility to protect and educate students. Maclean’s rankings are in place to inform students, faculty, administration, and prospective students of the quality of life on-campus among other factors. The information has been public for years and has yet to be used by the university to implement real, lasting change. Is this the kind of reputation that StFX really wants to have in the eyes of the public?

Stage 5 Effects on Food Services around Campus HALLE CORDINGLEY

As the campus community gets familiar with the new rules of Stage 5, I decided to speak with Tim Hierlihy the General Manager for Sodexo Services to talk about the changes of on campus food services. On October 4th, Nova Scotia moved to phase 5. Many students were confused entering Starbucks finding that their favorite study spot no longer had a seating area! Just like in Starbucks, seating in the Keating Cafe was removed, many students wondered why? The answer is a long one; Essentially, when Nova Scotia entered stage 5, Public Health implemented a policy that required all people participating in non-essential events and activities (like going to a restaurant) to provide full proof of vaccination. With this new rule, keeping seating in both the Keating Cafe and Starbucks would require staff to check each customer’s vaccination status. Doing this would slow down service and wouldn’t create the best enjoyment for guests, thus, the choice to remove all seating. Tim says this decision won’t change unless Public Health changes their policies, but they are always looking at options and checking for updates. Tim says he has not noticed any significant changes regarding the volume of customers, business is going as usual. He says they are lucky that there are so many other options on campus for students to study and enjoy their drinks. Additionally, most people are very understanding of the situation. Students may wonder why only some spots on campus had seating removed, this is because Starbucks and Keating Cafe are places that the general public often uses. Whereas places such as Morrison Hall and Bloomfield Café are places typically only StFX students use. The school already has a system in place to know students’ vaccination status, so they don’t need to check their proof when entering mainly student dining areas such as Morrison Hall. But in places like Starbucks, it would simply be too difficult to decipher students and the public. Despite seating being removed, stage 5 has positively affected other food services on campus. Capacities are now bigger and social distancing no longer must be enforced, this has improved the experience at Bloomfield Café, especially when waiting in lines! Ultimately, Tim and staff on campus are following StFX’s safety plan, following all protocols and ensuring that students are having the best experience possible!


3 THE U PLANS 2021-2022 SHARMILA GHANEKAR Following the start of the academic year, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Student Union president Jack Irvin to discuss a variety of topics. Some that were touched on included how the U will approach phase 5 Covid restrictions, upcoming events the U has been planning, and how you can get involved with the Student Union. So far, the U has had a very amicable start to the school year. Orientation week was very successful, and following the Covid restric-

tions from last year, they were very excited to give the frosh students a chance to be properly introduced to the StFX community. The events ran smoothly, and the Student Union was both impressed and satisfied with the positive attitude the StFX community adopted during the week. September went very well according to Jack and the U has a number of events on the go at the moment. When asked about Covid restrictions, and how the Student Union will be working to stay within these guidelines, Jack wanted to reassure the public that all events will not only abide by the policies set by the province, but also those set by StFX.

Sadly, the U cannot disclose any specific information regarding upcoming events. However, the Student Union president was quick to ensure that there are plenty of exciting opportunities underway. Despite the newest phase 5 Covid restrictions, the U is working around them to ensure our safety while still maintaining fun. Currently, they are planning X-Ring Week – which should be similar to orientation week, but for the upcoming X-Ring recipients.

a part of the team, share an opinion, or help plan an event – contacting the U will get you there. Jack does encourage you to do so through the counsellors as they can then connect you to the appropriate executive member or the president himself. There are lots of committees and opportunities that the Student Union can offer. To Jack, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. To the rest of the StFX community, good luck and have a good year.

If you want to get involved in the Student Union or are worried that you missed your chance – do not fret! According to the president, the U is always very open. If you want to become

EVERYTHING WRONG WITH DRESSING FOR FALL GRACE STILL It’s a gloomy fall morning, the leaves are beginning to descend from the trees in a downwards motion, the feeling is nothing more than a step into a picture-perfect fall catalog. Picture this feeling; the smells, sounds, temperature all feel so welcoming, somewhat comforting. Now, a few hours later, somehow, the sun came out and although still picturesque, the gloom is gone and the sun is blaring in your eyes. I mean, why would you pack your sunglasses if the weather stated it was going to be 5 degrees and cloudy. In fact, you not only forgot your eye protection, but you forgot that fall weather is everything that it says it won’t be. That new chunky knit sweater you just bought: unwearable due to the surplus of sweat that will be escaping your body if you have to walk around campus in it midday. Each year, September 22 marks the start of Autumn. The season of sweater weather, cloudy days, and pumpkin spice everything is thrown in our faces for two months. Am I complaining? Absolutely not. The idea

seems blissful, a season to celebrate the culmination of heatwaves and sunburn, leading into the dreary, grey, and bleak winter days. Where I’m from--Ontario to be exact--the enjoyable part of fall occurs within October. September is too hot. Somehow, I always end up putting on a pair of shorts or re-wearing my summer items because summertime just never wants to sizzle down. As soon as October hits, the leaves begin to tinge with orange, yellows, and reds with that slight chill to the air. That “chill” breezes through the morning air--well, until about eleven. That knit wool sweater you put on at eight? It looks seasonally appropriate, yet, you’ve never regretted anything more in your life. Isn’t it supposed to be Fall?

three months consist of dressing for the unknown, which, undoubtedly is a task that nobody--and I mean nobody, not even the guy wearing shorts when it’s zero-can succeed at. Truly, Fall is for the visual appeal. What I’m trying to say is just enjoy the changing leaves, chirping birds, and gloomy days inside--aside from the two weeks of real Fall. Truly, no one can be comfortable in the weather that just can’t make up its mind, so just buy that sweater and wear it proudly--all overheating aside. floods, storms and environmental disease are all negative impacts of environmental degradation. Yet I believe that it is not too late to rescue the planet so long as we – as a global community – commit to best practices for the care and preservation of the earth and its finite resources.

The answer is simple. Yes. It is, but the only thing “falling” is your motivation to keep buying these thick sweaters and jackets that only can be worn throughout the two weeks between October and November deemed as the real Fall. This time period is pristine. The other

MOVIE REVIEW: NO TIME TO DIE AIDAN AHERN A changing of the Bond – a pop cultural event in the purist sense. This autumn’s No Time to Die sees Daniel Craig delivering his final performance as the iconic 007; the role that the actor revitalized over the years in perhaps the most lasting approach to the character yet. Beginning in 2006 with Casino Royale, the Craig era has come into definition as sharp, modern, and rogue. In his latest and final installment, satisfaction comes in the brisk conclusion of Bond’s greatest era; admittedly, not before waiting through the somewhat scattered development of pace and tension in the first act. There are some quirks, also: the Billie Eilish theme is good as a song and performance, but a tranquilizer compared to Adele’s Skyfall or Madonna’s super fun Die Another Day. There is also a mild shift in the typical humour of a bond film, softer around the edges yet including really good gags and classic British wit intact.

Following enjoyable action sequences in the first act, things coalesce once Rami Malek takes the screen as this James’ last villain. Malek delivers an excellent performance, and, in traditional Bond fashion, almost steals the show. The face-off between the two in the final act also hits with bonus impact in that it features one of the coolest Bond/villain philosophical repartees yet. Although plot-dense, and not always in the best way, the film is carried out in a way that lets the classic, unapologetic style and refinement of a Bond picture shine through the cracks. Furthermore, the plot’s momentum becomes a delight in the second half. And, that ending really hits.

THE REOPENING OF THE STFX ALUMNI AQUATIC CENTRE KRISTINA DANYK The StFX Alumni Aquatic Centre pool reopened on September 13, 2021. New rules and procedures have been put in place to keep the public safe against the spread of COVID-19. Before entering the pool, guests first must activate their XREC membership. To do this, students should bring their student ID to the welcome desk at the Aquatic Centre. Next, they will need to create a profile through the XREC self-service portal. After creating their profile, members can book time periods at the pool through the self-service portal. Along with a booking, guests must sign a waiver and show proof of vaccination before being allowed into the pool or any of XREC’s facilities. Since reopening new policies have been implemented, such as asking that swimmers wear their bathing suits under their clothes to limit the time spent in change rooms. In the changerooms, disinfectant wipes are available for swimmers who choose to use one of the lockers provided. Additionally, it is required that swimmers take a shower before getting in the pool; this can either be done in the shower rooms attached to the changerooms, or with the showers that are on the pool deck. It is also asked that prior to entering the pool, guests place their masks in a plastic baggie and then retrieve them when exiting the pool. I was able to interview Bethany Theuerkauf who is the Aquatics Coordinator for the Aquatic Center. When I asked about the transition to being open once again, Ms. Theuerkauf mentioned that the biggest challenge they had to face was finding staff. The pool was closed for about 20 months, and many of the staff had been on hiatus. Lifeguards are required to have in-service training—training sessions about skills and responses in emergency situations—every month. Four hours is required each month for physical and first aid capabilities. The hardship in this is that the staff needed a place to

practice, even while the facility was still closed. Ms. Theuerkauf mentioned that this was a difficult hurdle to get over, but that they were successful, and all is running smoothly now that they are back open. Ms. Theuerkauf mentioned all the wonderful programs available at the Aquatic Centre. These include aquatic leadership training, private and group swim lessons, open swims, lane swims, family swim programs, aquatic group fitness classes, as well as emergency and standard first aid programs. Additionally, the intramural innertube water polo team has been able to start. The pool and all its facilities are accessible to anyone who wishes to participate, and a pool chair lift is available for use to allow those who need accessible access to get in the pool. It was evident that Ms. Theuerkauf works very hard and cares for the Aquatic Centre. She showed the sauna that is back in operation, mentioning that many guests feel the cold air of Nova Scotia really sink in and told me how she keeps the pool deck temperature around 25-26oC to keep a warm environment for those swimming. She added that she keeps the pool chemicals, like chlorine at the lower end of the spectrum so members don’t have to worry about the drying effects of the chemicals, especially those with skin conditions or sensitivities. Ultimately, Ms. Theuerkauf wants the pool to be open and accepting to all individuals and encourages everyone to visit and experience the therapeutic effects one can get from being in the water. From the tour I received, I can see first-hand why the Alumni Aquatic Centre is an inviting place to reduce both stress and anxiety that any students may be feeling!


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HOROScopes ASTROLOGY.COM & HOROSCOPE.COM Aries (March 21 – April 19) This month could find you questioning a lot of things, especially matters you’ve taken for granted. Dig deep and consider why you’re doing certain things. You might have resistance to change, but if you’re willing to keep an open mind, aspects of your life could change for the better. A lot of the issues you experience could revolve around finances, power, and business affairs. On the 19th, you might be ready to let go of something that has lost its appeal or is no longer working. Don’t hang on any longer than necessary; something better could be waiting in the wings. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Relationships may have been more intense at the end of last month. If you’re looking for love, there is the promise of meeting someone very special. Watch out for power struggles because you and others might not always see eye to eye. Reaching agreements or finding compromises may not be easy. If you’re going to move forward, it might involve some intense conversations. The 19th might be an opportunity to shed old skin and welcome new growth into your life. It could be a time of celebration & accomplishment but also of acknowledging what has outgrown its purpose so you can move on. Don’t ignore your feelings, because accepting and embracing them can help the more difficult ones melt away, leaving you free to flourish. Gemini (May 21 – June 21) Get to work, Gemini! As November begins, you’re in “taking care of business” mode. Tackle lingering tasks and administrative details. Put something clean and green on your plate—every day! Streamline your schedule, budget, and commitments, cutting out the excess. Bring on the change; you’re ready to face it! Slow down and avoid multitasking—if you can’t handle all that you’re juggling, ask for help! Have your self-care routines turned into a snooze-fest? Mix ‘em up! Geminis need variety. If your morning meditation no longer enlivens you or weightlifting is weighing you down, try something different. Swing out wide and say yes to novelty, even if it interrupts your carefully crafted plans. A fresh perspective can do so much to reboot your famous Gemini creativity. Cancer (June 22 – July 23) Let’s get loud! With the Sun blazing through Scorpio and your glamorous fifth house until November 21, there’ll be no hiding in that famous shell, Crab! The holidays might be a few weeks off, but you’re cosmically entitled to the pursuit of pleasure and playful encounters. Go forth and paint the town red or indulge your imagination. Make art, make a splash, make your voice heard. Just be mindful to keep things in “healthy drama” terrain and avoid people who push your buttons and provoke kneejerk reactions. Fall is getting fierce—and showing all its colors. With the Sun cruising through Scorpio and your dazzling fifth house until November 21, passion is running high. Since an extra layer of intensity could blanket everything, try to keep a handle on your moods and reactions, especially if you get triggered by all the changes or fast-moving energy. (Cancers, though adventurous, aren’t fans of things being sprung on them without notice.) Leo (July 24 – August 23) Sink a little deeper into those sofa cushions, Leo. The Sun is in Scorpio and your domestic fourth house until November 21, your annual time for nesting and resting at home base. Slow your pace, skip a few parties, and curl up with a mug of turmeric tea or a good book. Focus on home improvements; peruse interior design blogs. Try out some new recipes or invite loved ones over for cozy hangs and nostalgic reminiscing. But don’t get so hunkered down that you become stagnant Leo! Frankly, that won’t even be an option under this month’s star-map. Even if you have cozy slippers on your feet, you’ll still want to keep a pair of ready-for-business shoes by the door. The Sun is in Scorpio and your fourth house of home and family until November 21, motivating you to draft your holiday gift and guest lists and start hanging decorations. Leo IS the sign of celebration, after all, so you hardly need this nudge from the stars. Virgo (August 24 – September 22) There’s no slowing you down, Virgo, at least not for the first three weeks of the month. Gather (safely) with kindred spirits and new acquaintances alike. There’s no limit to what you can create when you put your heads together. Send a DM or an email to that intriguing contact and see where it takes you. Meet for coffee and catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Conversations could quickly turn into collaborations. New opportunities to travel, connect and forge alliances could arise. Get ready to widen your viewfinder as well as your social circle, Virgo. You might relocate to a new neighborhood (or farther), the seeds of which could be planted this month. Libra (September 23 – October 22) Get grounded, Libra. The Sun is in Scorpio and your stabilizing second house until November 21, turning your focus to practical matters. Work, money and settling into a routine are your top to-do items this month. Knock all those action items off your list

before the holiday mingling season begins. Try not to get scattered. Sit down to prioritize and schedule the big “boulders” that matter most before you fill up your calendar. If possible, delegate the smaller stuff to others, or save it for later in the month. Break big projects down into small tasks and look for ways you can be more efficient with your time, budget, and habits. Keep it simple and don’t overload your schedule. Scorpio (October 23 – November 22) It’s showtime, Scorpio! Enough focusing on other people—this month is prime time to prioritize numero uno. Don’t be surprised if AWOL collaborators and contacts start reappearing in your DMs and inbox. Get ready for some extreme makeover activity to your identity, relationships, and the balance between “me” and “we.” Your focus will shift to practical matters before the holiday season, like wrapping up work and minding your money. It’s Scorpio season—and this year, it’s really your time to shine! But be careful because you can also get easily stressed out and snappish before you realize it, especially when life feels like it’s coming at you a little too fast. Sagittarius (November 23 – December 20) Power down, Sagittarius. Until November 21, take things at a slower pace, giving yourself space to rest, meditate and unwind. You may feel foggy and unfocused, perhaps processing some heavier emotions or dealing with fatigue as a long year winds down. Or maybe you’re simply in the mood to cocoon and finish up projects you don’t want to drag into 2022. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket scarf, brew some loose-leaf tea and get ‘em done! Conversations, proposals, and revenue-generating opportunities that slipped through the cracks could resurface this month. Don’t rush into any of them, but DO consider the appealing ones. Grab the birthday noisemakers! Sagittarius season sweeps in on November 21, waking you up and getting you in holiday mode for a month. You’ll be back to your effusive Archer ways. Capricorn (December 21 – January 20) Get out and circulate, Capricorn. As the Scorpio Sun soars through your collaborative eleventh house until November 21, this month is all about tapping into the power of teamwork. You’re extra inspired to make moves now that four of the six retrograde planets that jammed up September and October are back in direct (forward) motion. Don’t expect to slip quietly into the holidays...at least not yet. For the first three weeks of November, mingling and merriment are your marching orders. Focus on tying up loose ends before Capricorn season begins on December 21 and boosts your energy back up to full strength! Aquarius (January 21 – February 19) Go for your goals! While others slip into pre-holiday mode, you’re just gearing up. Your hard work could also attract well-deserved recognition. If your personal goals hit a speed bump over the past few months, you could make up for lost time now and finish the year strong. But get ready: Your personal and professional paths could be in for some interesting plot twists in the second half of the month. You can lighten up considerably after November 21, when Sagittarius season begins. This month it’s game ON when it comes to your goals and responsibilities. Deadlines and demands will ramp up, so you’ll have to be vigilant about managing your schedule and keeping firm boundaries intact. An exciting project could put your name in lights or position you for a promotion or leadership role. But still: You’ll need to get clear on the time commitment and spell out every expectation before you say yes. Pisces (February 20 – March 20) Expand your horizons, Pisces! Explore new vistas and wriggle out of confining situations. Book your holiday getaway, take a personal-growth workshop, or plant the seeds for a startup venture. Break out of your well-worn groove by speaking up and being honest with yourself and others. If some part of your life isn’t inspiring you, this is your moment to change that. The more you challenge yourself to spread your wings, the happier you’ll be. Others may get all holly-jolly when Sagittarius season starts on November 21, but your laser-focused on your goals. You’re hungry for new ideas and experiences—and eager to share the brilliant ideas that are pinging your brain at warp speed. Find a platform or use the one you’ve got, Pisces. Don’t worry if it’s just a handful of you taking on a giant challenge. Before you know it, your efforts could create a snowball effect.


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5 EDITOR: EMILY KEENAN xw.opinions@stfx.ca

Colouring Page Hallie Pirie


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sports and health ‘MAKE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY’ JACK MILBANK Most Universities have an official sport. A sport that gets the most attention and the most funding from the school. A sport that brings in the most fans and has the most followers. When it comes to StFX, “the” sport could be almost any of them. Some would say the XWomen Rugby team; some might say the men’s football team. You could say that about any StFX’s sport team. StFX does extremely well in athletics for the size of the student body. But there is one sport that sticks out of the crowd when it comes to popularity and involvement. Hockey. To the naked eye, StFXs men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams might be the only sign of hockey at the university. During the first weeks of school emails and sign-up sheets get sent to the students for intramurals. Occasionally sports get cancelled for lack of participation - hockey is quite the opposite at StFX. Students are quick to respond,

and the limited spots are filled quickly, whether it’s making a team for your residence or a getting together a couple of studnets you met in class. The hockey intramurals are by far the most exciting and loved sport in the school. Intramurals consist of three different hockey leagues. WXHL is the Women’s Xavier Hockey League which consisted of 7 teams last year. The REC league comprises of all genders at a non-competitive level which usually occurs on Tuesday nights. The third league is XHL which is the men’s/women’s/nonbinary competitive league. Last year there was a total of 21 teams who participate in the three hockey leagues which was approximately 315 players/students, not including the student referees, the coaches and the fans. StFX is equipped with two fullsize ice pads with the main rink seating approximately 1500 people. Both rinks are located within the Keating Centre. In addition to hockey, the Keating Centre provides numerous opportunities to get on the ice for students and surrounding community members.

EDITOR: JACK MILBANK

The Keating Centre has Public Skates Monday through Friday in the afternoons. It also hosts the Learn To Skate program. This program is tailored to kids as well as adults. They run different session at different times throughout the week at a very affordable cost. The Keating Centre also puts on shinny (pick up hockey) for the students Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays free of charge - once again providing an opportunity and encouraging all skill levels to get out and have some fun. As the cold months are among us and Christmas break being right around the corner many are getting excited for a different reason. House Cup! House Cup is a tournament that involves all the residences and off campus students to compete against each other. This organized event has been a tradition for more than 40 years. It is one of the most anticipated events on campus. Lucky enough there are two tournaments - both equally as big and entertaining! Months before the big tournament residences are getting ready. From try-outs to making

posters to designing custom jerseys. The whole residence participates. This tournament even gets the attention of some of the surrounding community members coming to watch the thrilling games. At every chance it seems like StFX is trying in every way to encourage and provide hockey opportunities to the student body. In short, hockey at StFX is more than a sport, it unites many students and creates friendships that will last a lifetime. If it’s stuffing a ridiculous amount of people in a dorm room to watch the Saturday night game to participating the in Schwartz Business Society annual hockey tournament. It seems that StFX provides all these opportunities but it’s the students passion for the game that keeps it alive. Hockey continues to be a strong tradition at StFX and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it slowing down. Even for those who favour other sports, the hype and fun associated with hockey at StFX is still and always be contagious.

STFX FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY STUDEMTS ARE ENGAGING IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND WORL RELATED LEARNING (CEWIL) Preet Banga The StFX Forensic Psychology program organized a Meet and Greet and a training workshop for its undergraduate students on 23rd-24th September, which offered a unique opportunity to interact with each other. One of the advantages of being a part of the StFX forensic psychology program is the collaborative work and a sense of growing together. What better way to do this than to learn from each other. The Meet and Greet program was a great community building activity. In addition to the StFX faculty comprising Dr. Margo Watt, Professor, Forensic Psychology; Dr. Kim MacLean, Associate Professor; Christopher Lively, Assistant Professor (Psychology); Paul Murphy from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and practicum assistant Ryanne Chisholm were present at the Meet and Greet. Dr. Margo Watt. Professor, Forensic Psychology, STFX has successfully received a funding to support 40 students in practicum opportunities with the CSC as part of the Cooperative Education and Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) program at StFX. This unique opportunity which is funding 40 students (Juniors and Seniors) in the Forensic Psychology Program will train them to work with Community-based clients from Atlantic Region of Correctional Service Canada (CSC) in doing wellness checks and exit interviews. As part of the program, junior and senior forensic psychology students participated in a CEWIL Workshop on professionalism on 24th September. Ryanne Chisholm, also a former student of Dr. Watt who graduated with a BA (Hons Psych) from St. Francis Xavier University, and MFA (York University) discussed the importance of professional attire and engaged with the students in a conversation on “how to dress professionally.” In the Open House of StFX Forensic Psychology Program held on October 16th, students emphasized the importance of

professionalism and building a work ethic. Many students said they look forward to the interesting discussions in the classroom and also work collaboratively with each other as valuable members of the program. On Thursday, October 28, 2021, StFX Forensic Psychology students welcomed Carly McCuspic who was invited to give a presentation on risk assessments and urgent care for mental health and/or addiction crises. Carly is a “proud X-ring wearing grad of the class of 2013, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology.” Carly was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to take Abnormal and Forensic Psychology from Dr. Watt, which sparked a keen interest in mental health disorders and their treatment. Forensic psychology students had the great opportunity of learning about risk assessments and urgent care for mental health and/or addiction crises from one of our own graduate students in the program.

Photo Credit: GSDA Instagram

These opportunities are very exciting for students across the four years of the undergraduate program in applied forensic psychology at the StFX. It is a big moment for the program as the first batch of students was accepted into the new four-year Applied Forensic Psychology Program, this Fall. We are now a group of 120 students in the Forensic Psychology program across the four years. Forensic psychology — as an umbrella term for psychology and law, correctional psychology, police psychology and the psychology of juvenile and adult offending — has an extremely promising future. As Dr. Watt says, “It’s a very good time to be at St. Francis Xavier.”

Photo Credit: BLACC Society Instagram


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Word Search Hallie Pirie

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8

thursday march thirty first, 2016

SEND YOUR 4LINESFREE TOOUR INSTAGRAM @XAVERIANWEEKLY TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

It is Wednesday, my dudes. Road work ahead? Yeah, I sure hope it does. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck? Artificial eggs are an acquired taste, and I have acquired it! All heroes wear capes. Legends, wear cowboy hats. I solved the trolley problem! Move the one person over to the other group and then run over them all! Campus-wide shortage of back braces as STEM students study important things that arts students wouldn’t understand. Currently crying, screaming, throwing up. To all the people in happy, loving relationships, enjoy the holiday season. Xaverian tip: get hot cocoa and go ice skating <3 (I hope you break up on Christmas eve) She hit my ass with a cake pan. Attention boys: Hickeys stopped being cool when we turned 13 ;) I don’t believe in ghosts, but I want ghosts to believe in themselves. It’s 3:00am. Do you know where your Xaverian Weekly workers are? Boats ‘n’ Hoes To the guy I danced with at the Pub Friday, text me ;) Hi, welcome to Chili’s! What’s 9 plus 10? 21 The Xaverian Weekly believes in deadlines, do you? What’s the nation we all hate? Exam-ination How come you never see a headline like “Psychic wins lottery?” Mac galla Mmm….valium and cheesecake. Pòg Mò thòin


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