Issuu

THE STAND York's Student Publication

Â© Tishawn Ross. The Gladiator

December 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS Edit or 's Not e............................................1 Social M edia at Yor k ...............................2 Hu n ger Has No Place Her e!....................3 Th e St u den t Len s.....................................4 Har r y Pot t er an d t h e Cu r sed Ch ild........6 Th e U Beat ................................................8 Th e Tor on t o Blu e Jays............................10 Sen ior Boys Bask et ball..........................12 Wh at Ju st Happen ed!?...........................13 Call f or Su bm ission s!.............................14

EDITOR'SNOTE The 2016-2017 year brings many changes to the Middle and Senior School, as you've more than likely noticed. However, moving forward into my last year at The York School, I expected many things to remain the same, regardless of the fact that the school itself is also moving "Fast Forward" towards future years. I suppose I didn't expect any significant changes since the IB programme is two years long and all the assessments seem to blur together, but now that the second year has started I've already proven myself wrong. I realize this as I continue to make new friends and take on marvelously new tasks, the biggest being this newspaper. My first contributions to The Stand were in Grade 8, and now I almost can't believe that I'm the Editor In-Chief, struggling for much too long to have the numbers line up in the Table of Contents (it's a rite of passage for all editors). Now that I've finally managed to keep those pesky numbers in line (more or less), I am very pleased to present to you, the reader, the first issue of The Stand for the 2016-2017 year. Thank you very much to all student writers for your contributions, and to Dr. Downey and Ms. Edwards for all of your help! - Eloisa Cervantes 1 THE STAND

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SOCIAL MEDIA AT YORK By I an Hanson The York School loves it when students and faculty work together to create something influential within our community. This year brings both groups together as they collaborate for The Social Media Initiative. The Social Media Initiative began holding discussions in early October, and since the beginning there have been sessions with over 200 students in over seven grades. The goal is to establish an understanding within the school community that focuses on social awareness and personal image. For the students leading it, the initiative means a little bit more. Twelve Grade 12 students are

"Any environment with older kids, I especially take stuff from it." leading the charge: Henry Bowen, Richard Nauman, Ian Hanson, Rupert Cartwright, Noah Yakobson, Josh Moses, Julien Gosset, Harry Pencer, Willem Atack, Bryn Harvey-Raymond, Kerim Kassem, and Jacob Kay. These students began working at the beginning of the school year, under the guidance of Ms. Elissa Klein-Beber and Mr. Justin Medved. Medved?s technological knowledge combined with the social media understanding that the leading students have allows for the Initiative to know a lot more about these topics than most. Klein-Beber?s 2 THE STAND

Country team. After his discussion with the Initiative, he had a few words on how he was going to take the ideas and facts that he learned and implement them into his social media.

passion and persistence is essential to the Initiative because it reminds the leading students of the importance of what they?re doing. It wasn?t something that any one person came up with; it seemed to have came into fruition when everyone started thinking about how they could create more awareness of how social media is used. The discussion system that was decided upon allows for the leading students to create a smaller and more intimate discussion space. This technique not only lets students in the discussion learn more about being conscious when using social media, but it also lets them interact and ask questions, developing their understanding more thoroughly than the conventional classroom talk.

"You need to uphold yourself when you?re on social media." Sasha Devine is a Grade 10 student who is very active within the York School community - he is part of the Debate team, the Ultimate Frisbee team, and the Cross

?I feel like I took a lot from it and that that seems like the consensus with the rest of the class,? he shared. Sasha said it was really important for him because he and his friends use social media platforms constantly and it is important to stay aware. ?Any environment with older kids, I especially take stuff from it, [...] and from [their] understanding of what it means and what it stands for, I think it did a lot for the people listening,? Sasha said when it came to the personable approach of the students conducting the discussions. Different discussions were constructed based on who the audience was going to be, so the Initiative could talk about issues that would most likely face those in Grade 6 instead of Grade 10. While there were ideas that were spoken about throughout all the age groups, Sasha said, ?I can repeat [their] message of awareness and of being able to be truly conscious when you?re on your phone. You need to uphold yourself when you?re on social media, and I think that?s important but [it] seems to be overlooked.? You can reach out to any person who is part of the Initiative at any time via email if you have any questions or comments.

HUNGER HAS NO PLACE HERE! Just one action can make an impact By Phoebe Rotman You're probably so used to it by now. After lugging your exhausted self out of bed, you drag your heavy legs down to the kitchen where there is plenty of food just waiting for you to prepare, or just there for you to grab for breakfast on the road. It?s almost like a daily routine. But wait, hold on a second! If you can call that your daily routine, you?re one of the luckiest people in the world.

This is injustice and it?s not right. But wait, we can do something! We cannot accept this happening in our world, so it?s about time that together, we start taking action! Even small actions can make a really big difference. These small deeds we can do in our everyday lives make a difference in someone's life and show someone we care. By changing someone's life, we are changing the world.

Living in Canada, it?s really easy to wake up just expecting to have three full meals a day. In many places in the world however, there are people who wake up hoping that they can have food at all that day. About 795 million people are malnourished globally. That's 795 million people too many! How can we go to bed at night knowing so many people go to bed hungry?

Some small actions we can do are: when walking into a store to buy a snack, we can buy an extra and hand it a person who is hungry on the street. Then that night, we can go to bed with pride knowing that we positively impacted someone's life, even if only for a few seconds, and another person we share our world with will go to bed knowing someone cares about them. Another small action we can do is donating to ME to WE?s We Scare Hunger movement! While York's initiative has ended with over one thousand donations collected across both buildings, you can still donate food to your local food bank year round. Small actions do make a really big difference, so come on, change makers, let's start acting now!

Too often, people live through every day, often getting caught up in first world problems. Yet, we have to realize that there are seven billion other people on this planet and too many of them experience hunger, lack of clean water, food insecurity, and threats to their personal safety. We all deserve to have our basic needs met!

Yes, small actions do make a big difference; we were all put on the earth for a reason and we all have a purpose. We can all make a mark and leave the world better than we have found it. So let's talk about some other initiatives we can put together to help the people we share the earth with. There are millions of ways to make a dent in hunger and we all have a different perspective, so we can all learn from each other and generate ideas to make change. There is one way that will always work and it?s simply one word: Together! We are so much stronger together and when we work together we can reach our highest potential and accomplish such great things! Let's go, York! Together let's act to make a difference because we CAN, one action at a time!

ÂŠ ME to WE 3 THE STAND

Th e St u den t Len s Featuring haiku written by Jonah Leibu

Run or sprint or walk © Ana Icaza. Color at the Terry Fox Run

Get colored blue and orange All to stop cancer

Come onto the bus And see the majestic camp Now let's go have fun

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Very busy year with many new walls and doors and constant drilling

From tee-shirts to ties from cotton to heavy wool a very big change

Ghosts and skeletons decorations and candy go and trick or treat © Elizabeth Hill. Costumesat Halloween Assembly

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HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD A review by Taufika Ekr am Quotes from the actual play are included; read at own risk! No major spoilers are present.

We all, to some degree, are aware of the legendary events within the equally legendary Harry Potter series. It is one of the most globally well known novels, featuring Harry Potter and his group of friends at Hogwarts fighting against the villain He-Who-, I mean Voldemort. Images from the past are stuck with us: the lightning scar on Harry?s head, Voldemort?s noseless face, Dumbledore?s lush snow-white beard, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (where we all want to go secretly, sorry Mr. Hamilton), and of course Dobby the house elf!

large part within the play. The protagonists are Draco Malfoy?s son, Scorpius and Harry?s middle son, Albus Severus Potter.

unique twist. The dialogue is still witty and fast paced and the stage directions help create the scenes in your mind.

As most fans will know, Harry and Ginny have 3 children: James Sirius, Albus Severus and Lily Luna Potter. Albus is named after the two greatest wizards of all time, our two favourite old guys within the Harry Potter world: Dumbledore and Snape. Ron and Hermione have a daughter named Rose, who strikingly takes after her mother.

After the events during the actual series, there is a cautious peace that is sustained for quite some time. Leaving us at platform 9 Âž?s, this play picks up from the same scene. The Potter family passes through the barrier and arrives at the station, but things don?t go as well as the ending of the Deathly Hallows had fans hoping for. When Albus finally goes to Hogwarts, his biggest fears come to life.

Nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts, and nearly a decade since the last book was published, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has come out. It is an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. Written as a play, it follows the events of our favourite trio?s lives. Even though they?re older and more mature (except Ron) they play a

James Sir ius: Mum! I can't give a professor love."

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" Ginny Potter : Don't forget to give Neville our love!

This quote, I feel, perfectly displays the gist of the play itself. Even though the characters have all aged, their relationships are still intact, and the children bring humor and a new plot to the situation. The script format is a different way of approaching a Harry Potter story and adds an

With life not going according to plan, he turns bitter and argues a lot with his father. As we know, Harry never grew up with his parents, thus doesn?t have much to base his role as a father on. It pains him to watch Albus distance himself from him and go through what he is all by himself. Living up to Harry?s legacy is a tough one and Albus feels intense pressure to do something with his life, even

though neither of his parents expects this from him. As a kid with only one other friend, he decides to go on his own adventure and right some wrongs, leading to several problems and mischievous acts. With the young Malfoy and Potter boys being best friends, past tensions arise between Harry and Draco: "Dr aco: Flipendo! ... Keep up, old man. Har r y: We're the same age, Draco. Dr aco: I wear it better." While Hermione holds a high position within the Ministry of Magic where Harry also works, Ron runs a joke shop. Ron is just as funny as before with his goofiness, usually not taking anything seriously and saying the randomest of things. His side comments are the most entertaining, they can turn even the most serious of situations into laughable ones. You could be frowning at the page waiting for the ?Avada Kedavra!? to come and he would say something and have you smiling. "Her mione: If some part of Voldemort survived, in whatever form, we need to be prepared. And I?m scared. Ginny: I?m scared too. Ron: Nothing scares me. Apart from Mum." ---

Because we're all on the same team, aren't we, Ron? Ron: Fine. I, um, I think you've got really nice hair. Draco.

" Scor pius: Stand over the baby ? and just repeatedly shout HELP. HELP. HELP. I mean, it might traumatize the baby slightly.

Her mione: Thank you, husband."

Albus: Only slightly."

There are certain references that have true fans grinning. For example, when Hermione munches on some candy and talks about her parents being dentists. We have a special appearance from Amos Diggory, father of Cedric, as well as Moaning Myrtle. A familiar patronus charm reammerges. Godric?s Hollow is visited, where the momentous beginning of the entire Harry Potter world began one night with Harry being orphaned. And of course, a Harry Potter book is never complete without some Polyjuice potion.

Overall, the play was an ultimately different experience compared to the Harry Potter novels, but added it?s unique take of their future. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between characters, specifically between Albus and Scorpius. Ron?s constant side comments were always a joy, especially within the darkest of situations. I?m glad they didn?t age him into maturity, he was never meant to grow up in anyone?s heart. It contained certain elements of childish adventure similar to the previous series, but the integration of a more mature world where one could see the direct consequences that everyone faced. This could be seen more directly due to Harry and Hermione working within the Ministry of Magic. One thing that I did not especially like would be the actual plot; the implementation of a certain magical artifact seemed solely to serve the purpose of bringing back moments from the previous book. There was a perfectly poetic ending to the Harry Potter series at the end of the Deathly Hallows, and no matter the plea for more, to reopen this series was a large risk. I feel that this addition didn?t add too much, and die hard Potter fans might be disappointed in areas where this could just be seen as lacking. Thankfully, it did not turn into a disaster. It was an entertaining, fast read and I would recommend it to fans who are just in it for more Harry Potter.

There were some exceptionally heartfelt nerdy moments between Scorpius and Albus, their friendship is adorable and very real: two misfits who just click. Scorpius, even with a sick mother, is such a good sport who is very loyal and misunderstood yet takes it in with almost no darkness in him. You almost can?t believe he could be Draco?s boy. " Albus: How to distract Scorpius from difficult emotional issues. Take him to a library. " --" Scor pius: No, (slightly grandly) it?s time that time-turning became a thing of the past.

"Ron: Fine. But if you say one thing about her or me...

Albus: You?re quite proud of that phrase, aren?t you?

Dr aco: You'll do what, Weasley?

Scor pius: Been working on it all day."

Her mione: He'll hug you.

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ÂŠ Queen's University

THE U BEAT With Caitlin Rose M or gante Snapshot: Queen?s University Location: Kingston, Ontario Year founded: 1841 Enrollment: 22,114 Programmes offered: Multiple, including: Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering Campus setting: Smaller city, urban Accommodation: Residence Tuition: From $7,500-$18,000 for domestic students, depending on the programme Acceptance Rate: 42% Queen's is consistently ranked among the best universities in Canada, and is located in Kingston, only a few hours away from Toronto. Queen?s strives to foster a community of action and inclusivity, with 60% of Queen?s students participating in community service and volunteer activities, and having over 300 student run clubs. I had the pleasure of interviewing Talia Wolfe, a 2016 TYS graduate, just beginning her studies at Queen's.

Caitlin: How did you decide on this par ticular progr amme and Queen's? Talia: For the longest time, I was so torn between Sciences at Queen's and Health Sciences at McMaster, a very small and selective program that I somehow (magically?) managed to get into. In the end, it came to a decision about where I could absolutely guarantee my own happiness, and I knew that the atmosphere and environment of Queen's would make me much happier than the prestigious program that I didn't fully believe in. C: How are you enj oying univer sity life so far and what has been the biggest sur pr ise or adj ustment for you? T: I am absolutely LOVING university. The independence and freedom that I'm given living on my own is fantastic, and something I didn't even realize I'd love so much. The biggest adjustment for me was definitely the downside of independence, which is having to do everything I need by myself. You know, there's no one going out to the store to buy milk when you're out -- you have to do that yourself. While somewhat inconvenient, there's something exciting about being all adult-y and doing things for yourself (but I guess my mind might change when it gets cold and snowy and I still need to find food...). C: How is Queen's different from TYS? T: It's different in a few ways: Firstly, going

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from a grade of 70 to a graduating class of 2500 in my programme alone is a wild experience. You can walk all over campus and never see a single person you know. While small schools ARE great, there's something exciting about having the opportunity to meet so many new people all the time. Secondly, classes are very very different here. Lecture halls of two to three hundred students have a very different dynamic than, for example, my grade 12 HL Chem class of 8. You have to get really good at teaching yourself material and being okay with not directly asking questions. It's not bad necessarily, but it's definitely a change from last year. C: How well do you feel that the The Yor k School and the I B progr amme have prepared you for the challenges you are now facing? T: Okay, listen up, IB students-Y'ALL ARE GONNA BE SO PREPARED FOR UNIVERSITY. I literally cannot stress that enough. The skills you acquire both in and outside the classroom will make your life so much easier. Everything that Ms. Elliott and the rest of your teachers say is 100% true. Two years in DP taught me how to manage my time effectively, take proper notes, good studying techniques, and the ability to analyze and apply information, not to mention the fact that I've already learned about 80% of all my courses' content. As much as I hated writing every IA and studying for every mock, working hard on all of those allows me to be less stressed and more comfortable now.

C: Outside of your studies, what are there in the way of activities and how are you spending your time? T: Outside of school, my life is pretty much consumed by doing the work for school. Science students have a lot of prep to do for lectures and labs so I spend anywhere between 4-8 hours a day working. Other than that, my

friends and I try to have a movie night once or twice a week, and I'll try to go out once a weekend just to relax a little. I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week to keep myself sane. Additionally, I'm on three different committees that allow me to acquire skills and make connections that will help me in my future.

C: Who would you recommend Queen's to and, for what type of per son would it be a good fit? T: As much as I want to say EVERYONE COME TO QUEEN'S IT?S THE BEST PLACE EVER (I mean, it is, but still), this school is perfect for people who want an absolute balance in their life. Queen's lets you focus on your education AND having a good time, while living in a small but super fun and amazing city, close enough to Toronto to come in for the weekend but far enough away to make you feel like you really left home. Anyone who wants to have a really memorable 4 years in a place that feels like home the second you step foot onto campus should definitely consider Queen's. Additionally, Queen's is a good place for any student who isn't certain about what they want to pursue in life. The cool thing about Queen's that many other schools don't offer is a joint Arts and Science program. While you apply under a BSc or a BA, you can take courses from either of the fields without any hassle AND you don't declare a major until second year. While I'm the person who knew what I wanted to do since I was born practically, I have so many friends who are taking classes is diverse areas and making decisions about what they want to major in later on. This flexibility is a huge advantage for students who are unsure or who want learn more about a variety of subjects.

C: What do you think your future plans might be after gr aduation?

T: After I graduate I hope to go to med school, something I've wanted since I was a fetus. But, knowing that Canadian schools have an acceptance rate of, like, 0%, that goal might change with time.

C: I s there anything you would have done differently? Any tips or advice for us cur rent TYS students? T: If I were to do this over again, I think I would have stressed a little less about which school I went to, because in the long run it doesn't really matter. I stressed for months about prestige vs. my own happiness and I only wish that it took me less time to realize that I gotta put myself first. All schools are pretty much the same in terms of where they're going to get you, but you'll never be successful if you don't feel happy or at home in the school. For all the grade 11s and 12s who are starting to think about schools: keep your grades up (senioritis is compelling but your final exams are still important). Remember to participate in activities outside of school (because that's what really boosts your resume -- any extra curriculars that make you happy!), and really make the most out of your high school experience because it's truly an amazing part of your life! Caitlin: Thank you, Talia, for this interview, and best of luck with the rest of your time at Queen?s!

---

The U Beat aims to be a regular feature profiling former TYS students currently studying at varied universities to gain their impressions, insights, and experiences of university life through interviews, thus providing valuable wisdom for current York School students.

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THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS A song by Zack Shawn based on the Broadway musical 'Hamilton' How does a bad, awful, team playing baseball, Dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in Canada by Owners like Rogers, And expansion, go on to run for the World Series? The Canadian team with the most Canadians Got a lot farther by hitting a lot harder, By being a lot smarter, by being a trade-starter. In fifteen, they were trading like a charter. 'Cause at the start of the season as predictions were being made, And changed pundits told the fans to keep their guard up, Inside, they were longing for something to be a part of. The GM was ready to Beg, Steal, Borrow or Barter. Then a trade came and shock reigned. The fans saw their future drip, dripping down the drain. Fan favorite from the nation, connected to their pain, And sent to the A?s, for a guy making himself a name. Well, the word got around they said this team is insane, man. Took up a collection of prospects to trade for a man, ?Get yourselves some wins, don?t forget where you?re playin', man, And the country?s gonna know this team, what?s this team, man." The Toronto Blue Jays, This team is the Toronto Blue Jays, And there are a million runs they haven?t scored, But just you wait, just you wait. 2010, homers hit, that was it, loss ridden, Two years later, see ?em wearing new clothes, power hidden half-hopes, Trading with the Mets, quick. And the team got better, but were losing games, quick. 10 THE STAND

Got their hopes up, hopes thrown at the side, Left them with nothing but ruined pride, something new inside, a voice saying, ?Prospects, ya gotta fend for yourselves,? started retreating and reading every offer on the shelf. There would've been nothing left to do for a team less astute, Would have been moved or destitute without a fan or two, Started working, bargaining, for players they could afford, Trading prospects and losers, getting quoted word for word. Scamming for every offer they could get their hands on, Planning for no future, see them now as they?re standing to board a plane leaving the American dream. In Canada, you can be a good team, In Canada, you can be a good team, In Canada, you can be a good team, In Canada, just you wait. The Toronto Blue Jays, we are waiting in the wings for you, We will never back down, We are done taking our time! Oh, Toronto Blue Jays, When Canada sings for you, Will they know what you?ve overcome? Will they know how you played the game? The league will never be the same, oh. The plane is in the airport now, Found out by word of mouth, Another group of players coming up from the south. Cleveland destroyed their rep; Canada never forgot them, Donaldson fought for them. Reyes? He left them. Us? We trusted them. Canada? They loved them. And Odor? He?s the stupid fool that socked one. 11 THE STAND

THIS SEASON: SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL By M ichael Wolfe Back in The Colosseum after a thrilling and historic championship run, an exciting senior boys basketball team has fans carrying high expectations coming into the season. ?I am very excited for our team's depth this year. I think they can go the distance,? said superfan Kerim Kassem. ?The talent is definitely there. We might just beat the Warriors 73-9 record.? The team is welcoming many new additions this year, including several up and coming stars from the division 3 development league. ?Just excited to have the opportunity to get out there and spend some time with my teammates,? added incoming bench stud Noah Yakobson in a festive locker-room after practice. Young players like ?Big Yak,? are looking to the team's veterans for support.

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?I think the biggest improvement this year is definitely the bonds that the team is gonna have compared to last year,? mentioned starting point guard Ian Hanson. ?I think that will translate on the court.?

?Since I?m the best player on the team I should get more touches.?

An exuberant locker room has brought lots of energy to this year's group.

The team kicks off their season at a CAIS tournament in Montreal this November. It won't be an easy road, but the players are doing their best to be as prepared as possible. ?The culture we create is really competitive. It is extremely encouraging and constantly drives us to want to get better,? said Jacob Sofer, a recent acquisition from Toronto French School.

?The bench will provide a boost to the team throughout the year with our fun celebrations,? uttered the versatile 5 foot 3 guard, Harry Pencer. The coaching staff have also set a high bar for the squad. Coach DeMarinis pointed this out: ?I am excited about Rupert scoring his first basket. He is a dust. I'm also looking forward to coaching the Mugsy Bogues of York Basketball, Josh Moses.? Confidence hasn't been an issue thus far, either. Big man presence Rupert Cartwright expressed this in an interview:

With Henry Bowen?s self-described ?Silky jumper,? and Cartwright?s ?Kobe mentality,? the team has its sights set on another ring.

Fans can join in on the team's quest for another ring in The Colosseum. Be sure to stop in during several Friday Night Lights games from November onwards. And remember, go Gladiators!

ÂŠ Stock Images

WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? A short response to the 2016 US election results by Logan Daniels Trump won! After the 2016 American presidential election, Clinton and Trump were as close as close can be, but Trump won. Hillary Clinton had a slight lead in the polls before the election, although, as we just experienced, polls can be misleading.

Professor Allan Lichtman, who has predicted every presidential election correctly since 1984, had actually predicted Trump to win. This was very concerning for many Americans and now even I?m concerned, considering the turnout.

Even Trump?s running mate (Mike Pence) had condemned him at one point in an official statement by saying: ?I was offended by the words and actions in the 11 year old video released yesterday.? You can probably guess which video he meant.

Both candidates also had many scandals follow them along the campaign trail (mostly Trump), including those about emails, unbelievable video and audio tapes, ongoing court cases, and many, many more. Anybody else but Clinton could have beat him...but Trump won.

This is insane.

Don?t get me wrong, Clinton (in my personal opinion) would not have been the greatest president, either. None of them were perfect candidates, but she would?ve been a way better president than Trump. This election result is frightening to many people; luckily there is still hope that Trump could be impeached...or maybe he will leave some promises unfulfilled.

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Call f or Su bm ission s! Anyone can contribute to the student newspaper! This includes: -

Articles about school or current events

A short story or poem you wrote in class or on your own time

An experience: if you're going on a school trip, write about your preparation or the experience itself.

Opinion pieces

Comics

Art and Photography

Recipes

Etc.

Please email me at ecervantes17@yorkschool.com if you would like to submit work for the next issue. Submissions will be accepted until February 11, 2017.

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