Facing The Future

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. - Malcolm X , Muslim Minister and Human Rights Activist

American Diplomat

President of the U.S. and abolitionist.

THE TASK - As a graduating student you are facing a myriad of decisions that will impact your future. Post a reflection on "Facing The Future". Find a quote about the future and identify who the individual is. Explain your philosophy and how the chosen quote holds meaning for you.

Children's Author

EXAMPLE:

I have measured my life path against siblings and peers. I believe that the decisions I have made, about education, relationships and employment have led me to a life that I treasure. I had parents who tried to tell me what career to pursue, life partner to select and how to raise a family. I made my own choices, often contrary to their preferences, because I know that only I can create my future. I was raised to believe in myself and make conscious choices that will lead me to my goals. I don't think that one's FATE is predetermined, I think opportunities present themselves, sometimes in a very serendipitous manner, and it is in our power to act upon those chances or not.

Slammed By Poetry

Truth Is, Beth Anne and Fannon Holland

Kaitlyn, Megan and Sierra served as judges at the Guelph Spoken Word, Poetry Slam on Saturday night at the E-bar. Among the ten competitors, Fannon Holland knocked us off our seats with his content and delivery, and was awarded the $100 prize. Dan Murray was close at Holland's heels with his angry memories of elementary school track-and-field meets. A memorial video tribute to Zaccheus Jackson Nyce and spotlight performance by Guelph poet Amelia Meister added to an already entertaining evening.

The next Slam is Saturday, December 20th and will feature humourous poems.

How Can You "Remember" What You Didn't Experience?

Gen. Romeo Dallaire

Dr. Bill Winegard

On Monday, retired General Romeo Dallaire came to Lourdes and challenged you to get the dirt of a foreign land on your boots. By this he meant that you should experience first-hand the challenges faced in another part of the world, as he did in Rwanda. He expressed hope that mankind will achieve peace and suggested your generation, the global citizens, could accomplish this.

On Tuesday, we travelled to the Sleeman Centre were Dr. Bill Winegard pointed out that we lost more soldiers to suicide following their tour of duty in Afghanistan, than we did during the conflict itself. He criticized the Canadian government to expecting citizens to serve their country in war/peace-keeping and then abandoning them, and their families when they returned home with physical and mental health issues as a result.

What are your thoughts?

(use your notes from Monday if you have some)

Due by Saturday, November 15th at 8:00am

Below is the email Mr. MacPherson received about the Sleeman Centre Event.

Dear Sir,

 I was at the Remembrance day ceremony today at the Sleeman's centre and was sitting by myself when all of a sudden a bunch of kids from your school showed up and sat next to me surrounding me. All I honestly thought to myself is "Great I am not going to hear a word being spoken and they are going to be loud and obnoxious" 

 Well I must say I truly owe your students an apology, as they were not loud, rude or obnoxious. They were quiet, and very respectful of the ceremony.  The students that attended from  your school should  walk with their heads held high with pride.  They acted and behaved better then most adults do and it was a pleasure sitting with them. 

 In this day and age where teenagers get a lot of bad rap, I think it should be acknowledged when they are just plain good kids. 

 Sincerely,

Shirley Power

HALLOWEEN RANT

Post an opinion, a rant of sorts, expressing your views on the value of Halloween. Is it pagan cult, encouraging devil worship, or clean family fun? It is crass commercialism enticing us to buy cheap goods and unhealthy treats, or is it an opportunity for self-expression, community spirit and creativity? Pick ONE side and create a concise argument in favour of you view.

Finish this post by Friday, November 7th at 3:00 pm.

Slam Poet Guest Speaker - Oct. 29

Elora-based Slam Poet Racheal Walser

Racheal Walser is an fiction writer, poet and collage artist living in Elora. Her work has been included in numerous publications across North America. She will be presenting to our class on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to demonstrate her Slam Poetry skills and share with us videos by a couple of her favourite Slam Artists.

The content or Racheal's work, and the videos she will share by Asia Samson and Andrea Gibson are infused with raw emotion. Topics touch on depression and lost loved-ones, yet offer strong messages of hope and inspiration.

"I have friends, few, but friends all the same, that are self-motivated. They are initiators, self-sustaining moulds of motivation. And occasionally, we sit in coffee shops for hours talking about what we're working on. But I love it, every coffee, every conversation. These are the best days." RW

Slam Poet Videos that Racheal shared with us:
Andrea Gibson "The Madness Vase"
Asia Samsom - "Awakening"

Poetry Conclusion

WHAT IS POETRY TO YOU? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED  FROM WRITING IT?

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought 

and the thought has found words."

Robert Frost, 1874-1963, American Poet

"Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words."

Edgar Allan Poe, 1809-1849, American Poet and Author

"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: 

it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility."

William Wordsworth, 1770-1850 English Poet

"Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn."

Thomas Gray, 1716-1771, English Poet

"If my poetry aims to achieve anything, 

it's to deliver people from the limited ways in which they see and feel."

Jim Morrison, 1943-1971, American Songwriter and Musician

This post should be completed by midnight on Saturday, October 25th.

Lourdes' October Newsletter

The first issue of our new school newsletter has been published. Congratulations to the following contributing authors;

Sierra Martin - "Let's Get Physical"

Nadia Martins - "Our Buddies Are The Best"

Anh Pham - "Robotics Program Has Big Plans"

Emma Pickering - "New Technology At Lourdes"

Click the link below to see the layout. Authors should secure a hard copy from the office.

October Issue - OLOL Newsletter

Two stories that were submitted, but not used due to space, will be sent forward to the November issue. Those interested in participating should ask about potential assignments.