Murdoch MacKay

260 Redonda St.

Winnipeg, MB R2C 1L6

Phone: 204-958-6460

Fax: 204-224-5920

www.mur.retsd.mb.ca

Principal

Mr. John Muller

Vice-Principals

Mrs. Carol Kovacs

Mr. Don Kupiak

RETSD Board Office

Phone: 204-667-7130

Challenge Your Limits JUNE 2016

Beginning in the Second Semester at Murdoch Mackay, students set out to

challenge themselves in the following areas:

RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

KINDNESS

EXCELLENCE

INTEGRITY

Why? These are the five core

values of Murdoch MacKay.

From February to June,

teachers reinforced these

values with a class lesson and discussion. Every month, students had a

chance to receive a ballot for their positive words and actions. Winners of our

draw were rewarded with a prize. Congratulations to all Murdoch students

for reaching your goals and contributing to a positive school year.

Murdoch's Got Talent was held on Friday, May 20th and showcased some of

Murdoch's most talented students. There were singers, musicians, jugglers,

unicyclists and computer animation. A true showing of Murdoch Excellence!

MURDOCH’S GOT TALENT

BEST BUDDIES, HOOPING

IT UP!

Message from Administration...

For more details and other dates throughout the year please check our website at:mur.retsd.mb.ca and click on Murdoch MacKay Collegiate website

Calendar

June 13 - Locker clean out

June 15 - Last day of classes

June 16 to 22 - Semester 2 final exams

June 28 - Graduation Dinner/Dance

June 30 - Report Card pick-up

September 7 - First day of classes

A most sincere thank you to our students and their families for the tremendous support shown to us throughout the school year. We have been proud to work with your children and look forward to continuing to guide them on their educational journey should they be returning for the 2016-2017 school year. For those families leaving us for new pursuits, we wish you the very best as well. A special farewell to our graduating students. It has been our privilege to share in your learning and we do indeed invite you to seize each day as a new and exciting adventure regardless of where your path takes you. We are proud to call you alumni, and know that you will continue to be great ambassadors for our school.

As this year comes to a close, we wish all of you a safe and restful summer break!

AAA finished its year with a celebration hosted by the division at the Canad Inns on

Thursday May 26th. All the high schools’ AAA teams came together to enjoy stories of success,

mutual respect for our different initiatives, and to honour seven individual AAA members with

a particular Teaching. Murdoch MacKay’s own Jarrell Cook was gifted with the drum of

Wisdom for his attention and consideration of his mentee at our sister school Harold Hatcher.

Part of the story shared about Jarrell is as follows:

“Jarrell has been an amazing mentor to a young boy...at our sister school Harold

Hatcher. He has been unfailing in his attention and commitment to his mentee. Jarrell’s

mentee looks forward to time spent reading, talking, and just hanging out with him.

Jarrell’s calm manner, full presence, compassion, and straight forward common sense

approach are not only gifts he brings to his mentee but also to his other classes. When

thinking about the seven teachings and thinking about Jarrell, the sacred teaching

Wisdom comes to mind. He thinks about things, about others, and about ways he can be

useful for others, then he acts accordingly. This is a remarkable ability in one so young.”

- Ms. Dudek

Jarrell is reminded, as all AAA mentors are reminded, by Elder Wanbdi Wakita, to keep

walking and learning in their own particular teachings and to share their gifts with others.

ABORIGINAL ACADEMIC

ACHIEVEMENT

Murdoch AAA

Jarrell Cook

MURdoch fashion technology news

Here are some highlights:

March

The grade 12 Applied Textiles class joined forces with Silver Jeans Co. once again this year

for the Silver Jeans Competition. Students use pre-existing denim garments to deconstruct

then design and construct something new and fun. The garments are then brought to the

Silver Jeans Co. headquarters here in Winnipeg where their design team puts them

through the ringer and judges the outfits. The garments are judged based on wearability,

creativity, saleability, and construction. Three students each won $1000 for their designs:

Agnes Gusowski, Rae-Lynn Skoropad and Miriam Weiss.

April

Students competed in the Skills Canada Manitoba Competition in two different categories.

Fashion Design: students are asked to design, pattern make and construct a suit jacket in

6 hours, very Project Runway! It's a stressful situation with audiences watching and a vari-

ety of other competitions taking place in the same room.

Gold Medalist: Aurora Donaldson

Silver Medalist: Sarah Betz

Job Skills Demonstration: students are asked to teach a skill to a panelist of celebrity

judges. This year's MUR competitor chose to teach the art of Fashion Rendering.

Silver Medalist: Rae-Lynn Skoropad

MAY 4 & 5

Murdoch MacKay Fashion

Tech Students showed us

what they can do!

Murdoch student volunteers enjoyed setting up for this years fashion show

May

All of Fashion Design

and Technology

student's in grades 10

through 12 participated

in the 36th annual

Murdoch Fashion

Show. All garments

were designed and

constructed and

modeled by our

students in our very

own Clanscave Gym.

Students strutted their

stuff on stage, worked

backstage, and planned

the whole event! There

were approximately

700 more attendees

this year than last!

Way to go kids!

June

Aurora Donaldson will be travelling to Moncton, New Brunswick, to compete in the Skills

Canada National Competition where she will vie for the title of National Champion. She

will be competing over two days against provincial champions from across the country. The

competition is fierce and the national champion then gets the opportunity to vie for World

Champion in Abu Dhabi in July of 2017. Regardless of the outcome, she has been working

hard and will make Murdoch and Manitoba proud!

In addition, the grade twelve Entrepreneurship students are settling down post-show, and

are working in a factory style setting creating baby buntings to donate to the charity of their

choice: The Manitoba Children's Hospital. These buntings will be cozy for both new babies

and their parents.

Denise Miller

MORE MURDOCH TALENT

In the Metal Fabrication Program at Murdoch MacKay, the Projects and Testing

students tested for their CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) tickets. Every student

obtained at least one CWB ticket, with two students - Evan Lefko and Dane

Derewianchuk receiving their "all position" tickets (5 tickets each). In all, Forty

tickets were earned by 15 students; a tremendous feat for high school students.

DigiGirlz Days

From left to right: Grace Minsky, Reanna Ramkalawan,

Kosi Hasani and Alaya Capella

Four Murdoch MacKay students had an amazing day at DigiGirls.

Microsoft offers technology programs that target youth and is a one-

day event, held at multiple Microsoft locations worldwide. It is

designed to provide high school girls with a better understanding of

what a career in technology is all about.

Grace, Reanna, Kosi and Alaya interacted with Microsoft employees

and managers to gain exposure to careers in business and technology

and had an inside look at what it's like to work at Microsoft. This

exciting event provided these girls with career planning assistance,

information about technology and business roles, thought-provoking

exercises, and interesting Microsoft product demonstrations. By

participating in the Microsoft DigiGirlz Day, these young women found

out about the variety of opportunities available in the high-tech

industry and can explore future career paths.

Clansmen Athletics Awards Banquet

When: Monday June 13th from 11:45 - 1:00

11:45 - Doors Open

12:00 - 12:30

Athletic Awards Presentations

12:30 - 1:00

Lunch provided by Sevala’s. Prizes!

Where: Susan Auch Gym

Who: Free to All Clansmen Student Athletes, Coaches, and

Staff Supervisors who participated during the 2015 - 16 school

year (Athletic Fees have to have been paid to attend).

What: Awards, Door Prizes, Luncheon

Why: To celebrate our athletic accomplishments and thank

our coaches, volunteers and student/athletes for their time and

efforts.

IT’S JUNE, MUST BE TIME FOR GRADUATION

June brings with it thoughts of summer and Graduation. Classes are wrapping up, exams begin and the final preparations for

our Graduation Exercises are upon us. Tuesday June 28th is that very special day. Here is a timeline of events for that day and

some of the exciting things our Graduates and families can expect.

12:15 – Graduates to meet at the Convention Center Hall B (3rd Floor) to put on Cap and Gown and line up for Convocation.

1:00 – Doors open for guests to enter the Convocation Hall C Skyview.

1:30 – Convocation begins with Processional.

Barney Charach Photography will take pictures of each Grad receiving their Diploma (pre-orders taken or you can order pic-

ture on site). Rebekah Eckert to deliver Valedictorian Address.

3:45 – Approximate completion time for Convocation. Graduates to return Cap and Gown to the racks on the concourse (3rd

Floor).

6:00 - Doors open for the Graduation Dinner and Dance – York Ballroom Convention Center. Make sure you have your tick-

ets.

6:50 – Parade of Graduates (Grads will meet in the Lobby outside of the Main Ballroom and walk in together to their seats.)

7:00 – Introduction of the Master Of Ceremonies – Ashley Williams

7:02 – Grace and Dinner Served

Menu

Variety Basket of Bread

5 Leaf Salad

Chicken Ballantine

Suzette Potato with Steamed Seasonal Vegetable

Chocolate Supreme Cheesecake

Coffee or Tea

8:00 – Speeches.

8:45 – Music, Dancing and Photo opportunities near our famous arch.

Midnight – Celebration ends at The Convention Center. Be sure to get your Designated Driver to sign you out before you

leave.

SKILLS MANITOBA COMPETITION

JOB SEARCH SKILLS

Congratulations to Brieanna Nenka for receiving the

Silver Medal in Job Search Skills at the 2016 Skills

Manitoba Competition.

Brieanna Nenka RECEIVES

SILVER!

Brieanna spent

numerous hours

preparing for this

competition, where

she completed a

proficient cover

letter, resume, and

portfolio presented at

a professional

interview.

Day of Pink: Murdoch MacKay Visits Arthur Day April 13, 2016

PAGE 10

BEYOND THE HURT TRAINING

Arthur Day students

Murdoch MacKay Students...

PRESENTERS:

Matthew Roy

Kyla Rodrigues

Tyler Phrakonekham

Carter Heintz

Caleb Nash-Wollman

Sarah Lyons

Kendall Roy

Athira Rajitha

Kaitlin Haklar

Grace Minsky

Arena Mann-Baxter

RUN FOR WOMEN 2016

Congratulation to the staff and student who trained and participated I the 5 km Run For Women in

May. The cold day did not damper the spirit of celebrating the connection between exercise and mental

health in women. Ms. Mann-Simpson appreciated the dedication and commitment of training 3 times

per week so that all were ready to run/walk. Way to Go! LOVE. YOU.

On Thursday, April 21st,

Individualized students and

Best Buddies gathered

to put on their Annu-

al Spring Concert

to showcase their

musical expres-

sions with

Music

Thera-

pist, Allison

Shiach, from

the Murdoch Mac-

Kay music therapy

program.

It was a fantastic evening of

celebration to this year's

theme "Spread the Love" as

many students sang, played

an instrument, danced or

shared original lyrics

through music. The love was

truly felt in the theatre

that evening and stu-

dents and staff were

very proud!

-Allison Shiach, BMT-

MTA

Music Therapist

Best Buddies: Annual Spring Concert

PAGE 12

Reflections from the English Hallway….

“Why do I have to take English?”

“I will never write an essay in my life after high school.”

“I know how to speak English; this class is dumb.”

“I hate English.”

ords and phrases that burn my ears, and bring tears to my eyes. However, I have realized in

the last decade of teaching, that it is sad, but true; English is not everyone’s favourite subject.

In fact, there are very few people who enjoyed their high school English class. This has be-

come evident as I meet new people in my life who inevitably ask what I do for a living.

“Oh, you teach?” As their eyes become bigger, and their face has a slight smile, as they remember that favor-

ite teacher that helped them become a better person, that Kindergarten teacher that sang so nicely, and

helped them learn how to tie their shoes, or that Grade one teacher that smelled good and baked cupcakes,

or maybe their junior high volleyball coach, who taught them how

to curve that wicked serve, and the high school teacher who took

attendance? Or looked the other way when they ditched to get a

Slurpee?

“What grade?” The conversation continues, and as I reply, “high

school”, the smile slowly fades, as the memory of that horrible

four-year stretch of puberty, bad relationships, tough classes,

gym dances, zits, wanting to disappear into the lockers, but need-

ing to be cool enough not to get shoved in one, seeps back into the

memory bank. Many are glad that prison sentence is over, and

are very happy repeat offences are impossible for the rest of their

lives. It was so difficult back then to maintain themselves, rela-

tionships, and grades, maintaining the balance between parental

order and the teenage chaos they craved. Many people were una-

ble to make space in their world for the life-changing bond be-

tween subject teacher and themselves.

Next, their brains automatically flash to a phenomenon they no longer understand, those pubescent aliens

they see at the mall, with their pants down low, their long hair dangling in their eyes, swearing and bounc-

ing around like rabbits in a field, or glued to their cell phone squeaking and squawking at the latest “tweet”.

These people I am talking to have forgotten that at one point, a few

decades ago, they did the exact same thing, a right of passage, at-

tempting to be the coolest mall rat in town, with the exception of the

cell phone, but really, who didn’t crank call someone from the mall

phone, laughing and running away, an experience well worth that

quarter your earned from your allowance!

“Oooh, that’s tough, how do you manage?” Their excitement is dissi-

pating, and they are wondering how a five foot two, Ewok manages to

control a class of 25 gaggling pubescent geese for ten months of the

year.

“Oh, they are lots of fun. I like it. We get each other’s humor.” Think-

ing of my self-sufficient, independently nose-blowing, and shoe-tying

students.

W

“What subject do you teach?” And this is when I cringe, because I know what is coming next, I have experienced

the response to this answer many times. My body habitually reacts, almost as if trying to avoid being hit by a

spitball. My eyes squint, my voice gets lower, almost a whisper, and I actually back away a little bit, trying to

physically distance myself from my answer. “English.” And there it sits, out there, hanging in the air. And it does

hang there for a little while, as the person remembers, those memories flooding back…Shakespeare, Catcher in

the Rye, 1984, The Red Badge of Courage, genres, grammar worksheets, essays, comma usage, public speaking!

Agh! Then their eyes squint a little, remembering that crusty, old English teacher that pontificated about the

proper use of Who and Whom when writing a letter.

“Oh.” “I hated that subject, I don’t think I read one book in high school.” A nervous laugh escapes their lips as

they try to move on as quickly as possible to

the next person. I’m not sure if they think I

am secretly correcting their grammar, or

trying to talk about books with them, (of

which, I would be doing neither) or just an

innate response to get as far away from

those high school memories I now represent.

Left alone, I sigh and think to myself, I just

love books, and talking about life’s journey

and the human experience as we collectively

move through this life as one race on the

planet earth – well, maybe the possibility of

space travel and new civilizations.

However, I have digressed, as many English

teachers tend to do, and if you’re still read-

ing, you may be wondering what all this has

to do with Room 122 at Murdoch MacKay

Collegiate. In order to give students a less

“cringe-worthy” experience from their high

school English class, the Grade 9s and 10s

have been participating in a “Coffee and

Conversation” unit that promotes critical

thinking and awareness of current news

events.

For approximately a month, students

worked in groups of about four to five stu-

dents, examining local issues and then discussing how those issues affected us locally, nationally, globally or all

three. We examined issues like; the provincial election, environmental burials, American politics, the Syrian refu-

gees, the Attawapiskat Crisis, the Dave Wheeler issue, gender bias in the media, the hostage situation in the

Philippines, the use of vaccinations for children, the NFL draft and in particular Laremy Tunsil. Students were

encouraged to think about larger “themes of life” that these topics might fit under, (okay- that part was totally

“Englishy”) and then pull in other issues/articles from news sources that relate to their theme/topic. Once stu-

dents had a good handle on their group topic, other adults from the building were asked to come in and have a

“watercooler” experience with the students. We had a variety of adults within the building attend, from the Prin-

cipal, Vice-Principals to Educational Assistants, Teachers, our Safety and Security Officer, Teacher Candidates,

and even the Librarian, to listen to what the students had to say. They might have even given an opinion or two.

From an English teacher’s point of view, it was pure magic. Students were chatting away, making connections,

listening to others, critically thinking, giving their opinions, and not an essay in sight. No introductions, transi-

tions, conclusions, just talking, listening and thinking. They were excited, and loved it, and the people they were

talking to loved it too. The adults were quite impressed with the depth of conversation they had in 45 minutes. A

pot of coffee, and some pastries, and it was just like a “real-life” experience one might have in the staff room, or

around the water-cooler, even at a party. I did not receive one complaint from students during this time. They left

happy, and I looked forward to the next conversation with them.

Mr. Kupiak, Vice Principal, discusses a current news

topic with students for their “Coffee and Conversa-

tion” unit in English Class.

The thinking part is so crucial, because once we have thoughts, it becomes easier to write, and easier to read to

find out more information. But not all expression of thought is done on paper. Once students leave these high

school halls, they will realize that the four years spent here were just a blip on the screen of life, and that they

were right. Few of them will ever write an essay, or read another book, or write a letter using the proper use of

whom, and not who, or worry about comma placement. But 99.9% of them will hear a news story, form opinions

about it, make connections between that issue and their life, and they will think.

They may even take the next step, voicing to someone else; “Did you hear about…” or “what didja think about…”,

and then it starts, over coffee, a conversation where one person, agrees with, or opposes the thoughts of another

person. And the two will converse, and think together. Thinking is important. Thinking doesn’t fit into a subject,

but it fits into life. “I think, therefore, I am.” - René Descartes

By: Stacey Occhino

A nother school year has come to a close here at Murdoch and I’m

sure everyone feels that they are ready for a break after a busy

final term. As you head off on vacation don’t forget to pack a good book or

reading device, even a journal. Whether it be to a park, the beach, cottage, or a

new destination in your travels, reading, as well as writing, can pass the time

and provide enjoyment and inspiration. If you’re not leaving the city, reading

can be a vacation of sorts; it’s a great way to escape or discover new interests.

Join the Winnipeg Public Library’s Online Teen Summer Reading Club from

July 4th thru August 28th, found at wpl-teens.winnipeg.ca. Register online and

receive weekly E-Newsletters with Trivia, Book Picks, Teen Programs and

more… It’s easy and it’s free! The Transcona Branch is open on a summer hour

schedule and can also provide you with new material over the holidays.

Thanks to all those students who faithfully signed out and returned library

books over the past year. Have a safe summer and best wishes to all 2016

Murdoch Grads in all your future endeavors.

Best wishes,

Ms. Sciberras

Co-operative Education Community Placements 2016:

Life Work Transition 40S & Management 40S

Students enrolled in Career Education have the opportunity to:

Challenge themselves to learn new skills

Make career connections with employers

HAVE FUN!!

A big Thank You to all of the employers who are hosting students this semester:

Wayoata Elementary School Harold Hatcher School

Concordia Place Canadian Diabetes Association

Park Manor Fountain Tire

Southside Electric Alpine Animal Clinic

Rona Home & Garden Safeway

Sears Health Science Centre

ATD Signs & Graphics

The opportunities are endless!!

Students working at Harold Hatcher and Wayoata Elementary Schools assist teachers with providing individual

help for students in need, making connections with students during recess supervision and having fun on field trips and

other school celebrations.

At Concordia Hospital, Health Sciences Centre & Alpine Animal Clinic students are working throughout the

hospital/clinic in Emergency, Day Surgery, Gift and Floral Shop interacting with patients (the furry type too!) & staff.

Our students help to make a difference for many people and pets in this setting.

At Park Manor and Concordia Place students are getting involved in the everyday recreational activities for resi-

dents. From Bingo, coffee parties and friendly visits, our students are helping to brighten the days of many seniors in

our community.

At Southside Electric students are learning about the electrical trade, making money and earning high school credits

all at the same time as a High School Apprentice (HSAP). These students are not afraid to get their hands dirty!

Rona Home & Garden, Sears, Fountain Tire, Safeway & ATD Signs & Graphics mentors are teaching students

the importance of working with a team, communicating with the public and providing specific training for being success-

ful in a retail environment.

Canadian Diabetes Society offered a unique experience that have provided students an opportunity to learn about

the “whole” business. Students have been tasked with helping to plan a major community fundraising event. From start

to finish, students have been instrumental in planning and organizing for this event.

GRADE 12

Apply on-line for Canada Student Loans

Available on-line at www.studentaid.gov.mb.ca anytime- response time is 2 weeks re: assessment

For further financial assistance information check out www.canlearn.ca

Check with your local bank/credit union for information regarding their student loan program

GRADE 11

45 students attended the Career Symposium in May 2016

Students will be called down by October 2016 to start credit checks for their graduation year

GRADE 10

Students participated in a voluntary mental health survey, put out by the RETSD Divisional Mental Health Committee

Summer School

Application forms for RETSD, LRSD, and Wpg#1 are available in the main office. Please check the courses available

and deadlines for applications. You can also access information and applications at:

RETSD- http://retsd.mb.ca/news/Documents/SummerSchool2016.pdf

https://www.lrsd.net/What-We-Offer/Summer-School/Pages/default.aspx (Louis Riel School Division)

https://www.winnipegsd.ca/PROGRAMS/summer-session/Pages/default.aspx (Winnipeg School Division)

University of Manitoba & University of Winnipeg held university registration sessions for our Grade 12 students. Over

60 graduating students have been accepted to either or both schools. Coupled with the number of students who are

attending RRC and schools outside of the city, Murdoch MacKay is seeing quite a growth in post-secondary attendance.

100 Advanced Placement exams were written this month, the most ever written by MUR students. Quite an impressive

number when you consider that would be approximately 1/4 of the grade 11 and 12 population who could achieve their

first year university credit.

Advanced Placement (AP) marks are only available on line. Students need to create a profile at apscore.org. The grades

will be posted by the second week of July. The AP scores are the results of the final AP exams and are used to apply for

University credit in the given subject area and do not impact the student’s final mark at MUR. To access your grades, go

to www.apscore.org

Timetable Conflict for next year? Students who need to make a course/timetable change for September must call the

office in August to make an appointment with a counsellor once they have received their timetable for 2016-17.

Counsellors will be available August 30th, 31st, and September 1st (Tues –Thurs) for course changes. Students are

encouraged to speak to a counsellor in June if they know they will need to repeat a course.