Stanley Humphries staying positive amidst the covid-19 pandemic
The 2020-2021 school year is unlike any other, but the staff and students of SHSS are determined to make this year one for the books — while staying six feet apart of course.
Get to know the writer
— Claire Cartwright
Hi! My name is Claire Cartwright and I’m this year’s writer of the SHSS Student Column. I’m so excited to share the inside scoop about my school with the community and I can’t wait for you all to read it. I’m currently a grade 12 student and working my way to hopefully become a pediatric anesthesiologist in the future (fourteen years of school if everything goes to plan, sorry Mom and Dad).
In my free time I love to read and rewrite my school notes (yes, for fun). Keep an eye out for a book review from yours truly! I have also been a competitive swimmer for fourteen years and I plan to continue swimming in my future and maybe coach as well. Apart from my hobbies, school is one of my biggest passions. I love working hard and submitting work that I’m proud of, but with COVID-19 I’ve had to do that in a completely new way. So, what does it mean to be a grad in the 2021 school year? Let me tell you about it.
I believe the biggest thing for my grad class this year has been innovation. We are all working together to alter past ideas to create a new plan to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. The Grads have been a great example to the younger grades. It’s rare you see one of us not following precautions, either by wearing a mask in the halls or sanitizing at the door.
This year, our school year has been split into four quarters instead of two semesters. We have two classes each day, each three hours long. We go through two days of work every class with a short break in between. The long classes themselves are very challenging and put some strain on our brains, but we all get through it together, even if we’re all dying to go outside for fifteen minutes.
My grad class has been able to elect a new Grad Executive for this year and the team has been great to work with. They’re taking initiative and making the best decisions for our whole class. I am so, so grateful for them and their work with Ms. Hughes.
We are still able to host fundraisers amidst the pandemic, which is such a relief. Grads are also able to play their last year of high school sports and participate in their last year of student clubs. We don’t know what our end-of-year activities and ceremonies are going to look like, however, last year’s grads did a great job with that and I’m sure we can do the same. These are scary times but I am certain that my grad class is not going to let that stop them. We will have our last hurrah while wearing a mask and staying sanitized and we will continue to put our best foot forward and work hard for our futures.
Sports teams and student
clubs at SHSS
This year SHSS was concerned about their off-timetable activities, but the school has made them possible. Students are still grinding volleyball, rugby, field hockey, and mountain biking like champs. Band and choir are in full swing, which SHSS is thrilled about. Clubs including student council and environmental club are running as they should be. SHSS is so fortunate to see so many students representing their school with pride.
Grads vs. teachers slowpitch game — October classic
During the first week of October, the grads took on the teachers in two games of slow pitch during two lunch hours. Students came to watch all around the field and gave some encouragement to the players. It was a tough match, but the grads won the first game 6-3 and the second 6-4. Way to go grads!
Student government
making changes
The SHSS student body elected a new prime minister and deputy prime minister this year. Between a great selection of candidates, Reneet Kang was elected prime minister and Muskaan Uppal was voted in as deputy prime minister. SHSS is looking forward to seeing the change they want in the school and to see these two taking initiative. The school is certain that student council is going to be better than ever. Congratulations Reneet and Muskaan.
Grad bottle drive huge success
The grads are thrilled that their first bottle drive was insanely successful. The group raised a total of $3,844 after hours of sorting and counting. Big thank you to those who were able to donate and support the grad class of 2021. They are hoping their Halloween food drive is met with the same response on Thursday, October 29th.
Big things brewing in
the coyote cafe
The Coyote Cafe in the SHSS cafeteria is opening up sometime soon and better than ever with a new and improved menu. Super exciting for staff and students who need their coffee or tea in the mornings. It is run by three grade 12 students: Jarret Graham, Zach Tremblay, and Jayda Jones. The cafe is such a great addition to the school and SHSS can’t wait to try it out.
Your fun (but a little terrifying) fact of October
Did you know that Halloween has been around since approximately 4000 BC? That makes Halloween almost 6000 years old. How spooky is that?
A haunting riddle to
twist your head
On Halloween, a man was driving with his son in his car to their favourite neighbourhood to trick-or-treat at. They got into an accident and were in critical condition. Two ambulances from two different hospitals arrive. The man is taken to one hospital and his son to a different one. The doctor walks into the operating room, looks at the little boy, and says, “I can’t operate on this boy. He is my son.” How can this be?
ANSWER: The surgeon was the boy’s mother.
Please be safe this spooky season
SHSS as a whole wants to see everyone staying safe this Halloween. Please remember to wear your mask, keep your distance, and sanitize as much as possible while participating in your favourite Halloween activities. SHSS will be doing the same by doing their annual Halloween assembly via Zoom. Make good decisions and treat people with kindness. Happy Halloween!
