News at St. Mike's
Posted July 7, 2010:
[The following article was submitted to the Kemptville Advance]
St. Michael Catholic High School Graduation 2010
St. Michael Catholic High School capped the 2009-2010 school year with its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, June 29. A highly supportive audience, filling the auditorium to its capacity, cheered as 131 graduates proudly walked across the stage to receive a diploma. It was a joyous celebration of the achievements of an outstanding group of students.
This marked the final graduation at St. Mike’s for Vice Principal Armando Lopes, who addressed the graduating class with some final words of wisdom. Mr. Lopes has been a valued member of the staff of St. Michael in large part due to his dedication and sense of fairness. School Council Chair Gord Wyse thanked Mr. Lopes for his hard work and congratulated him on his promotion to the position of principal with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.
To begin the evening’s program, Principal Donna Koekkoek introduced a pair of esteemed guests to address St. Michael’s Class of 2010. Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario Superintendent of Education Mark Musca, and St. Michael Catholic High School Council Chair Gord Wyse offered their congratulations. Gord Wyse has served as school council chair for the past eight years but with the graduation of his daughter Sarah, he retires from the position at the conclusion of this school year. Principal Koekkoek sincerely thanked Mr. Wyse for all he’s done for St. Mike’s in his time as chair and the audience acknowledged him accordingly. Bill Gooch, Mayor of North Grenville, Doug Struthers, Mayor of Merrickville-Wolford, Father Tom MacDonald of St. Ann’s Parish in Merrickville, and School Board Trustee Brent Laton graciously attended the ceremony as well. Next, Principal Koekkoek and Vice Principal Lopes presided over the granting of high school diplomas. Some students also earned the designation of Ontario Scholar (for an average of at least 80%) and others also received an honour cord for four full years of honour roll achievement. You can see the list of graduates and their achievements posted on the St. Michael website: www.smchs.ca.
One of the highlights of the evening was the valedictory address delivered by popular student Sade Francois. The teachers and graduates of St. Michael selected this accomplished young woman to represent her peers. Krista Van Gaal, a member of the teaching faculty, introduced Francois as the President of the St. Mike’s Student Council, a dedicated member of the school band, a highly dedicated student, and most importantly a great representative of the graduating class. The valedictorian combined moments of humour, words of advice, outstanding memories, and heartfelt thanks to the staff and her peers. Francois ended her speech with a line from A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh: “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together . . . there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart . . . I’ll always be with you.” Her message was well received as witnessed by a boisterous standing ovation.
Many graduates received recognition for outstanding academic and community accomplishments during the awards portion of the evening. Principal Koekkoek publicly thanked all of the sponsors for their contributions to our graduation awards. The following is a list of award winners:
- Badi Yazdani Memorial Scholarships: CARROLYN PICH and RUBEN BRETLER
- Bayfield Manor Bursary: LAURA KOHLS
- Carleton Veterinary Services Bursary: KAILA THIBEAULT
- Class Axe Bursary: EMILY OSTRUM and ANTHONY POLEGATO
- Compass Group Canada Math & Exercise Science Awards: SADE FRANCOIS and REBECCA CRONK
- CUPE Bursary: KAYLA DUGAS
- Curryer Foot Specialist Music Awards: LAURA KOHLS, SADE FRANCOIS, and ZACH FORTIN
- Eastern Ontario Model Forest Environmental Award: NICK WEISSFLOG
- Euclid Contest Award: SADE FRANCOIS
- Father Augustine Outstanding Effort Award: LAURA CASSELMAN
- Founder’s Award: RUBEN BRETELER
- Grant Brown Funeral Home Award: EMILY OSTRUM
- Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation Awards: JESSICA JUNEAU and SHAYNA LODGE
- Grenville Land Stewardship Council Environmental Bursary: NICK WEISSFLOG
- Hal Anthony Rotary Scholarship: REBECCA CRONK
- Rotary Club of Kemptville Bursary: MAURA EARL
- Holy Cross Parish Bursary: SHAYNA LODGE
- Jim Perry Motors Chemistry Award: SADE FRANCOIS
- Jonsson’s Independent Grocer Award: JESSICA JUNEAU
- Kayaking for Cancer Bursary: TYLER KOENJER
- Kemptville Building Centre Award: SADE FRANCOIS
- Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary Award: TARA RUTHERFORD-BLOUIN and LAURA KOHLS
- Kemptville Knights of Columbus 5333 Award: THOMAS GILES
- Kemptville Lions Club Bursary: SADE FRANCOIS
- Kemptville Truck Centre Award: JESSE BULLIED
- Kemptville Youth Centre Bursary: JOHN HICKS
- Mrs. Bonnie Green Bursary: SABINA CHARLAND
- Municipality of North Grenville Bursary: CAROLIN LADSTAETTER and LAURA KOHLS
- Nature’s Way Bursaries: TARA RUTHERFORD-BLOUIN and SAM OAKLEY
- North Grenville Historical Society Book Award: SHELLY FOSTER
- North Grenville Police Services Board Bursaries: CARROLYN PICH and THOMAS GILES
- Omni Lateral Driving School Awards: JENNIFER MCKEE, RYAN LAMBERT, JESSICA JUNEAU and CINNAMON BOULANGER
- Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association Bursaries: LINDSAY PARKER and SEAN THIBERT
- P.M. Vanden Tillaart Construction Award: CHELSEA GILCHRIST
- Randy’s Performance Automotive Awards: CHELSEA GILCHIRST and SABINA CHARLAND
- RBC Royal Bank Mathematics Bursary: SHAYNA LODGE and SHELBY GEURKINK
- R.J. McCarthy Religion Bursaries: JESSICA JUNEAU and CINNAMON BOULANGER
- RCC Institute of Technology, 21st Century Technology Award: RYAN LAMBERT
- Royal Canadian Legion Bursary: EMILIE WESTBROOK
- Royal LePage Gale Real Estate Award: CAROLIN LADSTAETTER and RYAN LAMBERT
- Seccombe/Girard Bursary: EMILY OSTRUM
- Senior Social Science Awards: JESSICA JUNEAU and NADIA ALEINIK
- St. Daniel Catholic Women’s League Bursary: RUBEN BRETELER
- St. Lawrence College Board of Governors Entrance Scholarship: MATTHEW MCVEIGH
- St. Mary / St. Cecilia Catholic Women’s League Bursary: LAURA CASSELMAN
- St. Michael Catholic High School College English Award: ANASTASIA HREBACKA and MATTHEW MCVEIGH
- St. Michael Catholic High School - Sister Doreen Withers Award: SADE FRANCOIS and JESSICA MURDOCH
- St. Michael Catholic High School Yearbook Award: LAURA KOHLS
- Synergy Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic Bursary: MICHAEL MCGAHEY
- The Gabriel Kuling Ability Memorial Bursary: KATIE BOUSHEL
- Thelma Gibson Perfect Attendance Award: ANTHONY POLEGATO
- Upper Canada Playhouse Drama Bursary: THOMAS GILES and LAURA CASSELMAN
- Village of Merrickville / Wolford Award: BOBBIE-JEAN SEABROOKE
- Vincent and Claire Morin Award: AMANDA MCELROY
- Warren and Jansen Award for Law: RUBEN BRETELER
- Weagant Farm Supplies Bursary: JESSE BULLIED
- WGP Professional Corporation, Chartered Accountants’ Award: RUBEN BRETELER
- Jaimie Alexandra Williams Anderson Memorial Bursary: JOHN HICKS
- Janet Cassidy Memorial Bursary: REBECCA CRONK
- Terry McEvoy Memorial Bursary: ALLISON GUTKNECHT
(For a full description of the criteria for each award, see the St. Michael website: www.smchs.ca)
The awards portion of the evening concluded with three prestigious honours presented to deserving candidates. Jessica Juneau received the Governor General’s Award for highest average in Grade 12 and Rebecca Cronk was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Pin for volunteerism. Finally, Ms. Koekkoek also honoured Rebecca Cronk with The Principal’s Award. After final farewells, bagpiper Matthew Goral, a member of the faculty, led the graduates out of the auditorium in celebration. The teachers and administrators of St. Michael offer their sincere congratulations and wish all the graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors!
The following photos are by Mr. Wong:
Rebecca Cronk receives the Principal's Award from Ms. Koekkoek
Sade Francois was the Class of 2010 Valedictorian.
A Change in Administration at St. Michael for 2010-2011
It has been announced that Mr. Armando Lopes will be leaving St. Michael to pursue a principal's position for the 2010-2011 school year. He will be replaced by Mrs. Joy Martel. We wish them both the best of luck in the new school year.
OFSAA Soccer Result:
The Senior Boys soccer team made it to the OFSAA bronze medal match in Windsor but unfortunatly they were defeated in an overtime shootout. The Senior Girls, in Sarnia, went 2 and 2 in pool play and did not advance to the medal round but, by all reports, had a great experience. We are very proud of these athletes and how they represented our school. Go Mustangs!
The Senior Boys soccer team posing with their OFSAA Antique Bronze fourth place medals.
The Senior Girls and Coach Camillone show off their hardware after claiming the Eastern Ontario AA Soccer Crown. Photo by Mr. Camillone.
Mr. Finner called the soccer teams on stage to be acknowledged at the recent Athletic Awards Assembly. The Mustang faithful gave a roar of approval. Photo by Meaghan Murphy.
Some of the Girls Soccer players with Coach Camillone at this year's Prom!
In the spring of 2010, Rebecca Cronk receives her North Grenville Youth Civic Award from Mayor Gooch as Principal Koekkoek and CDSBEO Trustee Brent Laton show their support.
Mr. Souter and his students are pictured here helping out at The Giving Garden in the spring of 2010. For more information about the Giving Garden, click here, or speak with Student Council member Josh McEvoy.
Alumna Alysha Bonnick continues to Shine
In early 2010, soccer sensation and St. Mike's graduate Alysha Bonnick was selected to join the Canadian National Women's Soccer Program for a pair of exhibition games in China. In June, Alysha and the team traveled to Norway for exhibition matches. Alysha returns to the University of Missouri in the fall of 2010 to captain its soccer team in her senior year. Alysha was thrilled to hear that our girls soccer team has returned to OFSAA, the first time since her 2005-2006 team made the first ever provincial championship appearance.
St. Mike's Pipers in Action:
Rachelle Renaud and Alex Blockley at their first competition at the Smiths Falls Spring Fling on Saturday April 17, 2010 These pipers have been training with Mr. Goral on a regular basis all year long
Posted May 31, 2010:
DUAL Soccer Champions!
The Senior Girls and Senior Boys soccer teams both followed up LGSSAA championship wins with EOSSAA victories. The girls will travel with Coach S. Camillone and Coach T. Camillone to Sarnia to compete in the OFSAA Championship. The boys will travel to Windsor with Coach Campeau and Coach Lopes for their OFSAA tournament. Our soccer teams last competed at OFSAA in 2005-2006. At the recent Athletic Awards Assembly, the entire student body congratulated and wished luck to our players as they head off this week to compete for provincial supremacy.
St. Michael celebrates Earth Day:
Our students wrapping the school in green to celebrate Earth Day.
Another shot of the students celebrating Earth Day.
Parents Please Read:
Important Message from Grenville County OPP
From the Health Unit
Click here for information concerning H1N1.Blanket Drive
The Social Justice Team would like to thank all staff and students for their kindness during the month of February. We collected over one hundred blankets, towels, and sheets during the Blanket Drive – these will be delivered to local shelters.
EOSSAA Wrestling:
Tuesday, February 16, the wrestling team will be travelling to Athens for EOSSAA. Three high school wrestlers will be competing: Ken Kaczkowski, IIsaac Muhima, Nigel Sayah
St. Mike's responds to the Crisis in Haiti
On Friday, January 22, St. Michael CHS held various fundraisers to help the people of Haiti in their time of need. A prayer service for the victims of the disaster also took place. We are proud to report that our staff and students donated over $3000 to the cause. We continue to pray for the people of Haiti.
BABYSITTING COURSE
February 3, 2010 (PD DAY)
8:30am - 4:30pm
BABYSITTING COURSE
Location: Kemptville Campus Admin Building.
Ages:12 - 15
Fee: $65 (includes lunch & please bring a doll or teddy bear)
Contact: Firstaid4u.ca by phone 613- 314 -4299 or e-mail admin@firstaid4u.ca
Tips for Families to Reduce Screen Time
Screen time refers to time spent using TV’s, computers, video games and other personal electronic devices.
- Remove screens from your child’s bedroom. Screens in the bedroom draw attention away from family activities, and distract from homework, reading, thinking and sleeping.
- Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for family conversation. Families who have the TV off at mealtime have healthier eating habits than those who do not.
- Place clear limits on screen time. Allow 30 minutes each day or 1 hour every other day. Try being positive. Instead of saying “you can’t watch TV” say, “Let’s turn off the TV so we can…”
- Involve children in household activities and meal preparation. Make it fun! Have a make your own pizza night.
- Avoid using screens as a reward or a punishment. This gives screens more power.
- Don’t worry if your children complain that they are bored. Boredom often leads to creativity and physically active play.
- Replace your screen time with something more active. Look for family activities in your community. If you don’t feel like going out, put on some music and dance.
- Be a positive role model by being physically active and cutting down on your own screen time.
- Start a family routine like after dinner walks.
- Plan family “Theme Days” like Monday Madness, where every Monday the family chooses a different activity to do (e.g., Swimming, Skating, Cycling or Tag) or Wednesday Wiggle Day, where after dinner you put on music and dance.
Be Creative And Have Screen Free Family Fun!
Legion Contest Winners Announced
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville - Winners of Poster, Essay, Poem
Grades 7-9 Colour Posters
Second Place: Katherine Doucette, Grade 8
Grades 7-9 Black and White Posters
Second Place: Katherine Doucette, Grade 8
Grades 10 – 12 Colour Posters
Third Place: Kayla Pietariren, Grade 10
Grades 10-12 Black 7 White Posters
First Place: Ashley Keir, Grade 10
Second Place: Matthew Scott, Grade 10
Third Place: Amanda Giles, Grade 10
Grades 7 - 9 Essays
First Place: Michaela Rutherford-Blouin, Grade 8
Grades 7 – 9 – Poems
First Place: Harmonie Baxter, Grade 8
Second Place: Madison Gray Corkery, Grade 7
Poems Grades – 10 – 12
First Place: Taylor Rutherford, Grade 10
Second Place: Alexandria McMartin, Grade 10
Third Place: Harleen Kaur Grewal, Grade 10
Scholarship Information
Click here to download information on ways that our prospective graduates can earn scholarships by submitting examples of their writing.
Girls Hockey begins defence of LGSSAA title
Girls Hockey is about to begin another exciting season at St. Michael. Tryouts for this year’s school team begin Monday, November 23rd. All players must have a signed permission form to tryout for the team. See Mr. Doyle or Mrs. Leach any time for a permission form.
Father Fogarty Award Announced
Submitted by Mrs. Camillone
Each year, St. Michael Catholic High School recognizes a senior student for contributions to the Catholic identity of our school. This student is awarded the Father Patrick Fogarty Award – an award sponsored by the Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario.
The 2008-2009 recipient of this prestigious award is definitely a deserving student.
She has made her mark at St. Mike’s. She is a young lady filled with energy and spirit.
She is kind, helpful, responsible, dedicated, and what I find so impressive, is that she always has a smile on her face.
This student has been very involved in our school community. Over the past years, she has been a committed member of the Music Department – Junior and Senior Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Choir.
Last year, she traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico as a participant of the Poverty Exposure Trip. This experience gave this student the opportunity to share her gifts and talents on a more global level.
In addition, this Grade 12 student has been a key member of Student Council for the past two years. There she has devoted her time and her energy for the benefit of all St. Mike’s students. As president this year, this young lady continues to demonstrate that she is eager to move forward with ideas and enthusiasm.
On the athletic front, this award winner is well known to coaches not only for her awesome managerial skills, but also for her wonderful team spirit. She is also a well appreciated baby sitter to many future St. Mike’s students – including Wes and Chloe Finner.
It's an honour to present the 2008-2009 Father Patrick Fogarty Award to this deserving student whose faith comes to life daily, in the halls of our school.
Congratulations to Sade Francois!
Principal Koekkoek with Father Patrick Fogarty Award winner Sade Francois
Cuernavaca Poverty Exposure Mission
Ms. Bridson has selected her team of students for the Cuernavaca Trip 2009-2010. They are: Matthew McVeigh, Joshua McEvoy, Michaela Patterson, Matthew Scott, Allison Gutknecht, Ruben Breteler, and Emily York. Congratulations to all. Fundraising efforts will begin immediately. Please contact Ms. Bridson if you would like to make a direct donation to this worthy cause.
Yearbooks are now on sale!
They can be purchased online at www.jostensyearbook.ca. Buy them now before the cost goes up: $45 after November 1. Please ensure that the pink sales flyer (handed out in class) accompanies any purchases made at school.
Post-Secondary Info Night
The following three downloads will give an overview of the information presented to parents and students at our annual Info Night. If you have any questions, please contact our Guidance Department.
First Ever Junior Football Game:
The junior boys football team opened the season this past Friday with a thrilling 16 - 14 win over TISS from Brockville. A boistrous home crowd cheered on our Mustangs in the tense final mintues as the team preserved the win. This historical win marks the first juniorfootball game ever played at St. Michael. We hope for more great news from this small but mighty group of hard-working Grade 9's and 10's.
August 2009: St. Michael teacher Kevin Dionne and his Kayaking for Cancer charity group, including many past and present Mustangs, completed their 9th trip from Kingston to Ottawa this summer - raising over $44 000! It's not too late to donate - just click here for more info.
The kayaks arrive in Ottawa after over a week of paddling. Congratulations to everyone involved!
*Football News:The athletic department is offering Junior Football to the Grade 9's and 10's for 2009-2010. Try-outs begin on September 9th. No former experience is required. See Mr. MacDonald with questions.
*Great News! St. Michael will receive $10.6 million for an expansion to accommodate its growing school population. Click here to read about the details.
*Tuesday, September 8, 2009 is the first day of school for students. We look forward to another great year at St. Mike's.