By: Madeleine
Christmas Tree Donations Lots of times we think of donating toys and food but how often do we think of donating Christmas trees? Part of the fun of Christmas is decorating a Christmas tree. This year Madeleine and her family are going to donate Christmas trees to people who can't afford them. “I think that it's important that people have a tree for Christmas” said Madeleine Heidebrecht. “It's important because part of the magic of Christmas is decorating and looking at the Christmas tree” said Madeleine. Madeleine got the idea to start donating trees last year when her dad bought a Christmas tree but her mom didn't like it so, they decided to give it away. This sparked Madeleine’s imagination.This year Madeleine asked her mom if they could buy more trees to donate. “I'm planning to start small but eventually set up a charity” said Madeleine. Madeleine reached out to Nancy McPhee of Stephens backpacks for advice. Nancy McPhee Nancy McPhee mother of Stephen McPhee, a Calgary boy who started Stephen’s backpacks charity said “a way you can identify people in need is partner with a charity. For example, the charity CUPS Calgary could really use the support”. “Our first year of donating backpacks, we wrote letters asking for donations”. “In the letters we explained what we were looking for, who we were helping, and how we could use their help” said Nancy McPhee. How can we help. Nancy suggested fundraising initiatives such as bake sales, going door to door asking for donations, or maybe even selling popcorn.
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Why are girls dropping out of sports? Why do they need to stay in? By: Georgia
Historically, society has had a perception that sports are an interest for males only. As a result many girls are missing out on sports and the opportunity to learn from team-building, making life-long friends, and developing both mentally and physically in healthy ways. Society is starting to change slowly. The 2012 Olympics was the first Olympics that females participated from all countries and in every sport event. It wasn’t until the 1900’s that the first female Olympic athlete participated in a sport. Today, in high school or college there is still a lack of physical education so girls have to look other places where it is more expensive or is not close/convenient to their community. Girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunity’s to play sports in high school than boys have. Some girls who play sports around the age of 14 get bullied out of doing sports. Girls also choose to drop out of sports because they get pushed into thinking that girls who play sports aren’t pretty and perfect. Sometimes they get tagged as rude things. When girls are flipping through magazines they tend to see pictures of the tall slim women who are photo shopped to portray a perfect and pretty image. That changes their minds to thinking that is what a girl looks like, so you can’t do sports if you want to look like that. They want to be pretty and prefect, which is what “girls who don’t believe in sports”say. We need to get out and play some sports! At the end of the day, we need to realize that it is important to stay in sports. “Through sports kids and young adults learn very important life lessons. Some of these include teamwork, sharing, inclusiveness, team building skills and so on.” Said Madeline Skeans. “The lessons you learn on what ever playing field you choose will stay with you forever. Sports will teach you to be strong, move, motivate each other and stand tall with strength. KEEP PLAYING” said Serena Williams. As a society we need to support girls and give them reasons to stay in sports as they go through there adolescent years. We need to make more options for girls to be able to participate. As a society we need to change our perception to thinking that sports are for girls and boys. Girls keep on playing and keep on fighting! A cool website/ resource that you can go to is fastandfemale.com there are lots of different programs that you can sign up for and information to learn from. This winter, a family in Calgary is going to Cancun Mexico during winter break. by Samantha
This winter, a family in Calgary is going to Cancun Mexico during winter break. Some of the activities that they will be doing is swimming with dolphins, lounging by the pool, spa days and swim up smoothie bars. They are taking a direct Air Canada flight on Christmas Day. The hotel is called the crown paradise resort. The reason they are going on a trip during winter break is because the dad had made a new thing were every Christmas, he doesn’t get gifts and instead he takes his family on a tropical trip. Dad says “I chose Cancun because of the sun and the sand, also for the opportunity to swim with dolphins. I like that the hotel is all inclusive, I am looking forward to just relaxing and spending time with family.” The crown paradise is a 4 star hotel. it includes a spa, golf course, water park, child care, room service, big pool, swim up smoothie/drink bar, water slides, wheelchair accessibly, beach access, hot tub, free meals and laundry service. The crown royal is an exquisite place. Perfect for family. and this winter, a family will be lounging in the sun drinking smoothies and swimming with dolphins. Connect Charter school taking a different path of learning with are new program.By Teni
This year Connect Charter was introduced to a new program called EXPO. This article will be interviewing students that have recently come from connect to see what their opinions are about EXPO.This program is putting students in the shoes of someone else so they can have the privilege of seeing what its like in first person. The reason I chose this topic for my article is because I want to know how Connect impacts kids learning in positive and potentially bad ways. We know for sure that this program will happen this and probably for the years to come. EXPO has worked out very nicely over the course of time we have had it. Even though we’re just being introduced to EXPO . Connect has been doing very similar things like going on over night field trips such as camp sweet and forte steel. “EXPO has helped me experience things in real life” said Spencer Murray. “I like the fact that we go on over night field trips and iPads”. said Iraj Khan. Chris Evanston coming from Webber Academy said that “I have enjoyed filled work a lot more and it gives me more free time at home not having to do so much homework. EXPO is showing kids how to learn in new and hopefully Connect continues with the project. This is helping kids and is giving a new learning experience that the CBE does not have. Expo is setting the example that learning does not have to take place in a classroom and studying always isn’t in a textbook. Connect is always coming up with ways to make learning fun in school to, recently Connect had two green houses built by an expert that helped build them in the arctic. Unlike most middle schools, Connect gave all students the chance to do electives, giving students the choice to do something they love or enjoy. “The great things about electives for me is that there is always something you want to do” said Jack Mhendam. “Agreed” said Briana Dave’s. Connect is convenient for its perfect location. We are right next to the Tsuu Tina nation property which gives us advantages. Like being able to host a POWWOW. At the end of the day we need to remember that EXPO would not be possible without the parents and teachers helping in all sorts of ways from donating to the field trips to going on them such as Mr sweet helping with camp sweet and Mr Peg helping with forte steel. For more information about EXPO: https://www.connectcharter.ca Schools city-wide get ready to compete to win this year’s Canstruction all around N.A. By: Ammar
Do you like construction? Then get creative, and participate in this event! Canstruction is an engaging, fun activity that helps the Food Bank. It happens annually, all around the continent. Students in schools bring in items on the “wish list” that the local food bank gives online that less fortunate people ask for. Afterwards, the school creates a structure related to the theme of the year. There are teachers in schools arranging for the school to have this event. The actual city-wide event is organized by the local food bank, and the food bank is also responsible for judging the constructions. A student and teacher were asked on why they think Canstruction is a good event. “I think it is smart because it can improve your team skills, help the less fortunate and have fun at the same time” said Austin Wowryk, a student in 6.2. “I think that many schools participate because it’s an even balance between fun and help” said Mr. Fawcett, of 6.2. The most exciting, yet challenging part is to build the structure. Some teachers might think it is chaos, but it still is amusing to build. But before all of that happens, the group has to plan, discuss, bring in food, and then construct. In the end, many are happy with their results, especially if they win. When a group wins, that group will receive a visit from the mayor! Yet, if they lose, it is still quite fun to compete. In the end, everyone gives. Canstruction is a fun activity, it also helps the less fortunate. If your school doesn’t yet participate, ask your school principal if your school can participate. For more information, visit the Canstruction website, or go to your local food bank. The website address is: http://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/canstruction/ 6th graders from Connect Charter School have an amazing time at Camp Sweet.By: Forrest
“One of the greatest experiences of my life!” said Tristan from grade six. Amongst the rolling wheat fields in southern Alberta, grade six students from Connect Charter School have an amazing camping trip out at Camp Sweet. The private camp is just about 10km west of Olds, Alberta, and is located at the intersection of Dog Pound Creek and the Little Red Deer River. The students had fun playing in these two rivers, playing the “animal game”, howling to coyotes, singing by the campfire, and sleeping in nice waterproof tents. Connect is a school in the southwest of Calgary, Alberta. They are known for the Apple Laptops and iPads that each student receives. They also have a new “EXPO” program that lets students learn off the school campus, and that is exactly what they are doing at Camp Sweet. The students are exploring the different trees and leaves in Alberta for science, and built a mini government in the forest for social studies. During free time, students went into the small woods. They found all sorts of logs and built a miniature town. Some people built houses, and some people decided to set up shop and sell more logs to people who were building hospitals or cafés. Then, a government was born, since that was what they were learning about in class. Everyone voted for a mayor, and were all given credit cards. But the city of “Forestland” did not last long, and the government was overthrown. One other thing that the students and teachers enjoyed was the amazing food. Prepared by the great parent volunteers who came on the trip with the school, all day they are flipping burgers and chopping vegetables for all 52 students and 8 adults. “The food at Camp Sweet was the best I have ever had!” said Samuel from the 6.3 classroom. The students also had fun playing in the Little Red Deer River, right before it meets Dog Pound Creek. Some years you could fully swim in the river, but this year the water only went up to the kids’ knees. “The water is the lowest that I have seen it in years” said camp owner, Mr. Sweet. Because it was so low, the grade 6’s built a dam using rocks from the shore in the water. They couldn't make it completely water tight, but it definitely held back water. In the river before the rock wall, the water was now up to your shoulders in some parts. In the middle of the dam, they created a makeshift water slide that was actually really powerful. Many who tried to walk up the the rushing stream of water fell down and got swept up in the waves. There were also many small bugs and critters that some kids were catching in a little pool, or scaring other students All the grade six students were very excited to get home and tell their parents about how much fun they had camping but also would miss all the fun they had building forts, playing in a river, howling with coyotes and sleeping in tents with their friends. To register your child at Connect, and let them have this experience, visit http://www.connectcharter.ca/. Going behind the scenes to look at the adventure of connect charter school’s young detectives By: Avery
Are you interested in mysterious cases and exciting activities? On November 16 we followed grade six students from connect charter school to Youth link where they got to try their hand at playing detective. Connect charter school is great for giving kids a learning expedition experience outside of school. The grade six students at Youth link were there to learn about the jobs that forensic scientists and police officers perform. When the class arrived, they were given a case to solve and divided into three groups that were lead by three hosts Fosia , Charles, and Rachel . They were the guides for this trip to youth link and helped the young detectives collect information about their assigned case. Rachel’s group was named Hawks, Fosia’s was the K9s, and Charles’ group was called Tac. The grade six students from connect got to look at the forensic lab. The forensic lab is where you can experience what forensic scientist do every day. Inside, there were activities where students matched DNA and fibres to find more information about the case. Charles is a forensic scientist who deals with bugs. Bugs are an important part of some cases like homicides and suicides. They had a tank of fake maggots where you stick your hands in. “Sticking her hands in the maggot tank Amy’s face expression was not so happy” said Amy, one of the young detectives on this trip. Later in the day, the students took part in a scavenger hunt. After four questions were answered, the group leader took the students to a hallway with a car and bike that police officers use. A few six grade students were playing cops and robbers. The robbers were being arrested for stealing. These cops put the robbers in the barred back seat of a car where they were watched by a camera. The kids got to experience what police use in their jobs and what they had added to the police cars to make safety precautions. The grade six students from connect charter school had an exciting experience. If you have an interest in action and mysterious cases and, you want to learn more about youth link visit this website http://www.youthlink.ca/YOUTHLINKAnnualReport07-08.pdf Connect cross country kids run to win and represent connect charter school By Tristan
Have you ever been stuck in a storm or it raining so hard you can’t see the ground? Every morning at 7:45 cross country runners from all grades meet to practice in the freezing cold weather no matter what. Everyone who signs up for this thrilling activity is ready to wake up early and run in any weather. Runners practice long distance running and sprints, getting ready for the competitions. In the fall after school connect charter runners meet at 4:00 to compete in the wild races. competitions are held at charter schools that volunteer to host the meets. The race distance varies in your age from grade 4-5 one kilometre 6-7 one and a half kilometres and grade 8-9 two kilometres. After grade three, four and five run it’s grade sixes turn to run. Connect charter runners line up at the start intimidated, fallowed by other charter runners. Finally they fire the gun and the rapid races begin. Shirley Fleming who has been racing for 30 years said that “the start of a race is a relief because all of the hard training is done and you just have to focus on the race and do your best”. You can win a colourful and detailed ribbon if you get top ten in the race. Connect runners all look forward for the championships meet because the top three finishers leave with a special medal. Connect runners say a special thanks to their dedicated parents, every meet their mom or dad needs to drive them to the meet and get them organized and fed. Even through the rain or snow parents are cheering and yelling. The coaches are there to assist the runners and direct them Jake Bridges who is on Connect's cross country team said that him and others are fortunate to have such supportive parents. By participating in this thrilling activity you see major improvements in strength and running skills. For more information about cross country visit http://www.coaching-kids-sports.com. The skaters feel the friction again as they are competing for gold By: Eugene
Are you interested in putting your figure skating skills to the test? Then the Calgary STARSkate Invitational is the challenge for you. There are challengers from all over Alberta. The competition events include pairs, ice dance, free skate, free dance and synchronized skating. Skaters from all ages can compete. The Calalta figure skating club will be hosting the competition at Canada Olympic Park. The timeline of this exciting competition will be December 15-17. You can compete for fun or even to test your program. The competing is the biggest highlight. The competitors all work hard and try to succeed. The skaters sense gracefulness in their programs. The competitors feel like all their hard work for this competition has payed off.“ I feel like this is going to be a fun but awkward competition. I am very nervous. “quoted 6.2 student Brianna Davie. The results are a really big part of a competition. If skaters get 1st, 2nd or 3rd you get an medal but it also means you have obtained a good program. There are also element sheets which shows more clarity on what you could improve on. Having a dinner out with your family after competing is a rewarding time. You can talk about your skate that day and is a good family experience too. The skaters will go home with memories of their competition. They will remember the enjoyable experiences and the gloomy memories. This will be a step to improvement and even to success. For more information about the competition visit http://skateabnwtnun.ca/events/competitions/2017-2018-season-competitions/ Lady Baden-Powell and the challenge in her honourBy: Amy
Are you stumped on how to complete the Lady Baden-Powell challenge? In Girl Guides or want to learn more about Girl Guides? Girl Guides do so many things together, camping, cooking, crafts, selling cookies, making friends and so much more! Girl Guides is a world wide organization that has 150 countries participating. Agnes Baden-Powell was the creator of girl guides who was the sister of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the creator of scouts. Girl guides was created because in 1909 Lord Baden-Powell called together all people who in scouts. They all gathered together at Crystal Palace in London, thousands of boys came with their leaders and also a small group of girls. They wanted to join scouts, so Lord Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes to be in charge of the girls. Lady Baden Powell is one of the best known girl guide because she was the first World Chief. The LBP challenge was created to recognize the girls who are committed, and to give back to the community. This award can go on your resume and help you get a job and scholarship because it shows the interviewer that you are driven and responsible.To complete the LBP challenge you will need to complete all of the area program badges. You can give back to your community by shovelling driveways, help with grocery and more. You're only able to do the Lady Baden-Powell challenge in your 3rd year of guides. Some Girl Guide leaders thinks that they should make the LBP challenge more participant driven. Guider Iris said “I think you should have to do a project that show how you took action for a better world that is in honour of Lady Baden-Powell”. After you finish the Lady Baden-Powell its bittersweet. You’ll have to leave your guide group but you’ll get to go in to your next stage in Girl Guides Pathfinders. You’ll start your new challenge the Canada Chord. To learn more about girl guides go to https://www.girlguides.ca/web/ and to register your child go to https://register.girlguides.ca |
Fawcett News NetworkA collection of news articles written by students of 6.1 and 6.2 Archives
February 2018
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