Eat, Sleep, Breathe, DANCE - Georgetown District High School

1
Brought to you by the GDHS Media Class
REBEL REVIEW
Georgetown’s Youth Takes
Rock n Roll Scene By Storm
Nintendo’s First Step
for 2015
Page 2
Page 5
HOOL NEWS
Eat, Sleep, Breathe, DANCE
SC
By: Megan Dunscombe
This Issue
Includes...
• What’s Up in Georgetown
• This Month in history
• Big Hero 6 Movie Reiew • VP Interview
• Yeezy 750
The GDHS Dance team prepares for their upcoming STRIVE and CTK Dancers for Cancer
competitions taking place in Milton and Georgetown in April 2015. The team has practiced every morning and done fundraising to make going
to these competitions possible.
like running a dance studio in terms of all those
elements, so I try to make it as reflective as possible of a dance studio environment so that we
can do our best at competitions and so that the
students can get the most as possible out of being on the team.
The hard working dance coach Mrs. Bean
expressed her admiration for the dancers and
the behind-the-scenes details that make the
team such a success.
How do you manage the team so well as
the only teacher supervisor?
I don’t know the answer to that really. I think
because I’m so passionate about it, it makes it
easier. It’s a lot of work but I feel like if I wasn’t
as passionate about it as I am, it wouldn’t be
possible because I think it’s a lot easier to manage something if you’re really excited about
it and really driven to ensure that the team is
successful. I’m not stressed and if I am feeling
stressed, I just think of all the good things and
it just helps me out that way. I also feel that
the team has also always had a strong student
leadership which makes a really big difference in
terms of my work load and I feel like if another
teacher had to take over, it wouldn’t impact the
team as much. A great example of this is there
was a point where I could not temporarily coach
the team, our team took it upon themselves to
find an alternate location for rehearsals and basically they ran themselves. I feel like they do a
What goes on behind the scenes as far as
preparing for competitions?
Of course there’s a lot of rehearsal time that goes
into creating the routines. The choreographers
have to do a lot of work in terms of planning
for each rehearsal to make sure that they have
something to teach the dancers and to make
sure that the routine will work out really well.
There’s a lot in terms of the executive board of
dancers who are in charge of running the team
like organizing fundraisers, organizing team
bonding parties that we have. And then there’s
ordering costumes, making sure that everyone
has proper attendance. There’s also a lot of paperwork; registering for the competitions is usually pretty complicated and basically it’s kind of
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
• Zoolander Predicts Fashion
Trends
• These Boots Were Made
for Support
• The Glass Castle Book
Review
• OYAP
• The Secrect History Book
Review
• Halton PSAs
2
REBEL REVIEW
lot of the work and I do a lot of the administration work but they
definitely make it easier for me as a coach
What is your favourite part of the dance team?
That’s a tough one. I think my favourite part is seeing how happy it
makes all the dancers and watching them grow into creative, confident, artistic people. Also knowing that the dance team is making
an impact on their life and it’s something they are genuinely learning from, but is also something that they will cherish for the rest
of their lives. I think I value that so much because when I was in
high school, I didn’t have that opportunity. I was pretty shy so I
think that it touches me in that way just because it’s something I
feel like I missed out in my life and I’m happy to provide it for the
students who are on the team.
Q: What are your goals for competition this year?
Our goals for the competition this year are of course, to come in
first place. However, from previous years, we know there’s stiff
competition out there. A lot of the schools have dance teams that
have been running for a very long time and we all come with our
strengths and weaknesses; but in the previous years, we have
come in third overall so I would say at least come in third or maybe
even second overall.
The GDHS Dance Team received 3rd overall at the 2013-2014
CTK Dancers For Cancer competition held at Christ the King High
School in April 2014. Want to see the GDHS Dance Team in action?
On March 24th at 6pm, the dance team will be having their annual
pre-competition showcase. If you can not attend that one, their
annual year-end showcase will take place on June 2nd at 6pm.
Both will take place in the GDHS Theatre.
Georgetown’s Youth Takes Rock Scene by Storm
By: Cerys Evans
On December 27th of last year, a small crowd filled the basement
of nineteen year old Rhys Evans with angsty teens that screamed
and danced like maniacs to deafening music, as sweat dripped
down their grungy flannels and band t-shirts. A popular trend over
the last few years with local teenagers has been the formation
Casual Disaster has also made local success; and shared most of
the same shows and venues as both Standby. Casual Disaster was
founded in 2013, and consists of: lead vocals Ryan Keane, Guitar/
backing vocals Jesse Bydevaate, lead guitar John Muirhead, bass
Dulwin Jayalath, and drums by Jeff Hutchison- all of which are CTK
students. The band has released three of their tracks: If Something
Needs to Change, Low Heights, and Expiration Date, that can be
found on www.casualdisaster.bandcamp.com.
These adolescents took their passion for music and put in tremendous hard work and dedication in order to achieve their dreams.
Not only do they have to work part time jobs and do school work,
but these teens spent hours of band practising, planned and recorded on top of that.This shows just how enthusiastic they are for
music and performing.
Standby’s acoustic set during GDHS’ 2013 battle
of the bands. Shown on the left is Cameron Cerant and beside him is Liam Godden.
of rock bands. These young people have put their musical gifts
to good use by creating bands with their classmates and close
friends. Bands such as Standby, and Casual Disaster have gone
from jam sessions in their garages and parents’ basements, to
concerts and album releases.
Standby was formed in 2011 with band members Cameron Cerant, Liam Godden, and Jake Dunn, whom of which are graduates
of Christ the King. Standby has performed in various venues such
as: the basements of local churches,restaurants and town halls,
GDHS battle of the bands, Georgetown fall fair, and Georgetown’s
Rock the Hills music festival. These teens even created merchandise such as t shirt. Standby released their first EP in the summer
of 2012 and continued to release albums such as: Don’t Tell Your
Parents, Mother Earth, and Retribution. All of which can be listened
to on: standbyofficial.bandcamp.com.
2014 Rock the Hills music festival at the Georgetown Fairgrounds. On stage is Casual Disaster.
Although loud, heavy music isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea,” supporting local bands is definitely a recommendation. They show people
just how devoted and lively Georgetownians can be. These bands
will be performing at Rock the Hills musical festival next summer
located in the Georgetown fairgrounds. Please consider attending
and check out their shared music online.
3
REBEL REVIEW
Local Bands Search for Stardom
By: Kenny Young
Music is a fundamental contribution to a teenager’s life. It helps in
creating a coping mechanism when dealing with stress, while allowing teenagers to relate this music to their life giving them the
ability to express their feelings. In many cases teenagers would
say that music is a necessity to life, because of the influence it
has on their growth and development. This is evident in the band
“Small Towns”, a local band influenced by punk music that allows
their audience to relate to their music.The band consists of the
following members: George Walter (singer), Joey Fortin (guitar),
Carson Kilbride (bass) and Rhys Evans (drums). The band’s raw
talent has introduced them to many new opportunities that have
been contributing to their road to stardom. I had the pleasure of
interviewing George Walter, the singer and one of the guitarists
of the band.
As a young band growing up in Georgetown, what is your
inspiration?
A big inspiration to us is all of the local bands to have come before
us. Band-wise, we all love The Flatliners, a Canadian punk band.
They are by far my biggest personal inspiration.
Going into the future, what are some plans and goals you
hope to achieve?
We plan to record within the next couple weeks, after that, we
plan to play as many shows as possible. Goals, to get popular in
town, and work our way to Toronto.
Your song “Factories” is a very meaningful song. What is
the message you are trying to send, and the factors that
have influenced the song?
My good friend Rhys Evans wrote the song, but throughout the
lyrics, he recalls the good and bad times he went through growing up in Georgetown. Touching on religion, partying and working. The message is that eventually, you have to grow up.
What made you guys want to start your band, and how
did everything come together?
The band before us was Chapter 64. It consisted of myself on
guitar, Rhys Evans (current drummer) sang and played bass, and
Joey Fortin (current lead guitarist) on the drums. We were getting bored and slowly stopped practicing. Eventually, I contacted
everyone and they all seemed excited. Two days later we got
together for the first time and wrote Factories.
Before the band, what got you interested in music? How
young did you start?
I always loved music. My family got a keyboard and I started
teaching myself the songs I heard on the radio when I was in
grade three. My little brother got a guitar when he was seven
years old, and I didn’t pick it up until grade six. Ever since then
I was hooked.
What advice would you give to teenagers who want to
pursue music in their future?
I would just say get a band together and be serious. Write music
you enjoy and get it out there. That’s at least what we are trying
to do.
How did music help you grow as a person?
I started understanding more about different cultures. I liked
Spanish guitar, jazz, and British rock. It teaches you what was
popular in a certain time and certain place.
Who were the biggest supporters and discouragers in
your life?
The biggest supporters I have are my family. More specifically
both of my parents and my girlfriend who always pushed me to
get out there. Discouragers... I’m not sure I have known any!
George and his band mates want to introduce their band with the
theme of “growing up in a small town, learning and discovering
new things, trying to find our way”. They would like to relay this
message to everyone in the community, so teenagers can relate
themselves to their music. Growing up in a small area such as
Georgetown makes it almost impossible to get recognized; therefore come support Small towns at their basement shows, dates
are posted on their twiiter page @oursmalltowns.
March Break Basement Show
By: George Walter
Are you looking for something fun to do over the break? Do you
like supporting local music? Rhys Evans, drummer for Small Towns,
has decided to throw a basement show. This will be Small Towns’
first show. They are backed with by super talented groups, The
Spokes, and Mill Pond.
This is not the first basement show Rhys has thrown. It’s just another to add to the collection. “This band is a new one-” He told
me, “this is our first show. The best way to introduce it is at my
house, with a bunch of kids around.” Since he was expecting a
decent turn out, I asked about how he avoided confrontations with
neighbours, he said “ I made a deal with the next door neighbours
a couple of years ago… I can have parties if they can have parties,
but the noise level never gets too loud to annoy them.” I asked:
if there could be one thing he could change from the last show,
what would it be? He said, “ Ah, better sound quality… a lot of our
equipment started to die down halfway throughout sets”.
The first band that’s going to play are The Spokes. They are a pop
punk band from Georgetown, consisting of 3 members: Cam Van
Ravens on Guitar and Vocals, Quinn Baker on Guitar and backing
vocals, and finally Josh Ivanishyn on drums. The band is set to
release a new album on March the 7th titled: ‘The Arson’.
The next band playing is Mill Pond, formerly known as We See
Bears, a pop punk band from Georgetown, featuring: Jesse Gunn
on guitar and vocals, Tom Stone on guitar and vocals, Jon doughty
on the bass, and Andrew Weisz on the drums.
The final band playing is Small Towns. They are a new, four piece
punk rock band from Georgetown. The band is composed of Joey
Fortin on lead guitar and vocals, Carson Kilbride on bass, Rhys
Evans on drums, and myself, George Walter on vocals and rhythm
guitar. The band is in the studio recording their first EP, titled ‘Empty Streets’.
Doors for the event open at 7:30, and you will just need five dollars to get in.
4
REBEL REVIEW
Local Shows Are More Popular Than Ever
By: Evan McCormick
As of late, local entertainment has started to become more popular
in Georgetown. With acts ranging from music events, to theatre
shows, to poetry readings, and everything in between. It seems
like its a good time to be involved in local entertainment.
Places like the Saint George, the McGibbon, and other local restaurants and bars seem to be hotspots for up-and-coming bands. As
time moves on, more and more local bands have been popping up,
many of these bands have been formed by the students at GDHS
and have been picking up gigs whenever they get the opportunity
to. For many students, chances to get exposure rarely arise for
them to put their acts out into the world, but with websites like
Soundcloud, Bandcamp, 8 Tracks, and YouTube, students are getting discovered more often.
GDHS is also doing it’s part to help these local bands get the recognition that they deserve, by holding the “Coffee House” events
every semester. Giving students an opportunity to put their music
out into the world, helps many bands and individual acts immensely. While bands are the hot committee at the moment, many solo
singers and rappers have also emerged onto the Georgetown music scene, so local events are now more appealing to a wide variety
of people. With all these opportunities available to musical acts, it
seems like Georgetown’s music scene is more diverse than ever.
Theatre shows are also on the rise. Local plays and musicals are
also becoming more popular, with opportunities available for kids
of all ages. Students ranging from the age of 6-18 are starting
to become more involved in musicals and plays as it opens many
gateways to future theatre gigs.
It seems like for the first time in a very long time, Georgetown is
more entertainment based than ever.
The GLPL’s Girls’ Softball League is looking of players for their
recreational youth division! Limited spaces are available in all
divisions, for girls from 4 to 19! For more information, please
visit the league website at www.glpl.org or contact Dee Dee
Ridley, at deedeeridley@gmail.com.
5
REBEL REVIEW
Nintendo’s First Step for 2015:
An Inside Look At Nintendo’s Newest Gaming System
By: Tanner Unsworth
It seems that Nintendo has done it again, they’ve designed yet touch-sensitive C-stick, which functions similar to the Trackpoint
another new and revolutionary gaming system, which has done button that was featured on Lenovo’s Thinkpad keyboards.
incredibly well during its first week of sales. The name of this new
system is the (somewhat) appropriately named: “NEW” Nintendo Another thing that should be mentioned is the added support for
3DS, which is the company’s latest addition to the 3DS line, which Nintendo’s Amiibo figurines, which are collectable figures that can
consists of the 3DS, the 3DS XL, the 2DS, and now the “NEW” unlock special content in compatible games, simply by tapping
3DS. Released on Februthem to the screen. One
ary 13, the new handheld
of the newer features that
has been priced at $229.99,
Nintendo has revealed, and
and has done exceptionally
probably the most interwell on the market, selling
esting, is that the system
around 335,000 copies durwill actually change the
ing its first week. So, what
brightness of the screen
is it about this handheld
automatically, simply based
that makes it different from
upon the lighting conditions
the previous members of its
that surround the handheld.
product line? Well to answer
However, with every sunny
that question, a closer look
day comes a rain cloud, and
needs to be taken at some
Nintendo has quite a few
of the additions and imwith this system. For startprovements that the “NEW”
ers, the system does not
3DS has received. First of
come with a charging cable,
all, the handheld has gotten
meaning that people have
an improvement to its “3D
to have either a 3DS, 2DS,
mode”, with the addition of
XL, or go out and spend
an infrared LED that actumore money just to get a
ally tracks the facial position
simple charging cable, on
An image of the box that the system comes in, showing off the front of
of anyone using the system,
top of the $229.99 that has
the system, as well as some of its new features.
a drastic improvement from
already been spent on the
the former 3DS systems,
system. And while North
which required one to stare at the screen directly from the front, America is getting the “New Red” and “New Black” versions of
which would eventually cause the player to get headaches, and so the “NEW” 3DS XL, Europe and Japan are getting the smaller verpeople would play the 3DS systems in 2D mode.
sion of the systems, which come with collectable, interchangeable
faceplates, which have gotten just as popular as the Amiibos, and
They’ve also added a faster processor to the system, which will al- thus have caused a lot of complaining from members of the gamlow games and applications to start up much faster than previous ing community.
models of the system, which is a change that has been welcomed
by many gamers. In another example of hardware improvements I have done plenty of online research. and from what I have read
done right, the company has also increased the battery life that the and seen, people really like what Nintendo’s done with this new
system uses, allowing for an even longer period of play than previ- system of theirs, and that it has certainly become a hit. In my
ous models, especially the original 3DS, which had a ridiculously personal opinion, based on the research I’ve done, this new system
short battery life, requiring the user to charge it every 30 or so seems like a definite recommendation for people who love seeing
minutes. Moving back to additions that were made to the system, new technology, as well as people who simply love playing video
Nintendo has added some new buttons to allow for more control, games. While it does have its setbacks, this is definitely a good
including the ZR and ZL buttons, which allow for added control first step for Nintendo in 2015, and I can’t wait to see what the
to more games that use the simple L and R buttons, as well as a company does next.
RATING SYSTEM
Technological Enhancement: 8.5/10
Usability: 9/10
Price Value: 4/10
Box Contents: 5/10
Customer Satisfaction: Somewhat Guaranteed
6
REBEL REVIEW
What’s Up In Georgetown?
By: Tayler Evely and Kaity Boardman
There are many community events going on in March 2015, most that carry on throughout the year. The events listed below
go from Sunday, March 1st to Friday, March 6th. Community events are are wonderful way to bond with family and spend time
together. Everyone at Rebel Review encourage you to participate!
Sundays
EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS meets at 7pm, 39 John St. Emotions Anonymous is known to help those with depressions,
anger, anxiety, low selfesteem, guilt and despair, recover from these
harsh emotions through
a 12 step process. Contact Debbie at (519)
853-8262 Meetings every Sunday.
Mondays
HALTON HILLS TOASTMASTERS
CLUB meets at 537 Main St. from
7:30pm – 9:30pm. The Toastmasters
Club is an organization that empowers
individuals to become more effective
communicators and leaders. Contact:
contacts-5260@toastmastersclub.org
Meetings every Monday.
Tuesdays
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) gathers at 89 Mountainview
Rd, Main Hall in Georgetown to talk about ways to improve
your health. Gathering
each week at 6pm helps
for ideas and ways to
increase weight loss. all
participants encourage
each other and hopes for
success within the group.
Meetings every Tuesday.
ART SESSIONS take
place at The Cottage in
Cedarvale Park (181-185 Main St. S, Georgetown) from 7-9pm.
During these sessions you can paint or draw whatever you
please, all ages are welcome. Bring your own art supplies and
have fun!
HALTON HILLS CONCERT BAND is for ages 13+, brass,
woodwind, and percussion players welcome. Weekly rehearsals at 7:15-9:30 pm at Academy of Music, 330 Guelph St. Unit
9, Georgetown.Play your
favourite instrument or
experiment. Each season
of playing leads up to
many concerts. Join and
enjoy! Meetings every
Tuesday.
DUFFERIN CENTER DROP IN is hosted at an indoor sports
field and allows children and families to come within the times
listed to participate in swimming, skating, and other sports. No
skill required, just come and have fun! Meetings every Tuesday.
9am – noon, Dufferin Heritage Center, Prospect Park. Admission
– $2 Adults, Children free
Wednesdays
THE HALTON HILLS CAMERA CLUB meets at St George’s
Church Hall, 60 Guelph St.,
Georgetown at 7pm. During
these times the group takes
multiple pictures and compares.
Members help out others to improve in camera skills.
ACOUSTIC JAM is held
at The Shepherd’s Crook
86 Main St. S Georgetown
at 8pm. Players and singers of all levels are welcome to come and jam.
Spend time with people
that have the same passion towards music as you
do. Every Wednesday.
Thursdays
NORVAL GUYZ meets Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. at Norval United Church. Come or some lively discussion and company. Norval Guyz talks about anything and everything you want or need
to. Great way to make friends. Meetings every Thursday.
Fridays
An OPEN MIC is held at Silvercreek Cafe and Espresso Bar,112
Main St, every Friday at 8:30 pm. Enjoy some live music and
maybe even step out of your comfort zone and join in! Every
Friday.
7
REBEL REVIEW
Last Month in History: March
By: Kyle Peavoy
The “Famous Five” consisted of five exquisite and courageous
women who fought an uphill battle to obtain women’s rights and
equality in the senate. In March of 1928, these women from Alberta joined forces and challenged the Supreme Court over a section
in the British North America Act. The problem they were having
was the definition of “person” in the British North America Act did
not include female individuals which they believed was unfair and
unethical. On their first attempt to try the case The Famous Five
were denied the right to alter the British North America act so they
travelled to England to address the Privy Council and successfully
won their case and were granted equal rights in the court and
senate. This was a very significant moment for Canadian woman
rights and Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Henrietta
Muir Edwards and Louise McKinney should never be forgotten.
However, none of the Famous Five actually became senators. The
first Canadian female senator was Cairine Wilson from Quebec appointed four months after the ruling in 1929 . It also wasn’t until
eighty years later that the senate voted to make the famous five
honorary senators in 2009, this achievement of personhood for
women had been a monumental change which gave more power
to women.
The five devoted their lives to bettering womens rights as equals
and three had even been members of the Alberta legislature. Before and after fighting for women’s rights in the senate these amazing five were regular hard working women. In 1916, Irene Parlby
was elected as the first president of the United Farm Women of
Alberta and in 1921, was elected to the Alberta legislature and
received a cabinet post in the United Farmers of Alberta government, becoming the second woman in the British Empire to hold
ministerial rank. She served as cabinet minister until the downfall
of the government in 1935. Parlby worked with the Red Cross during World War I and later served on the Board of Governors of the
University of Alberta.
Nellie McClung’s jobs in her lifetime included teacher, author, social
worker and politician. In 1918, she was a member of the Dominion
War Council and the only woman representative at the League
of Nations. She represented Canada at the Ecumenical Council of
the Methodist church in 1921 and was the first woman on the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Board of the Governors. In
1921, McClung was elected to the Alberta legislature as an MLA
in Edmonton for the Liberal Party. She served one term, not being
re-elected in 1926. She was the most popular speaker of Political
Equality of Manitoba, of which she was a member and held a leading role in the Mock Parliament held on January 29, 1914 which
humorously discussed Votes for Men.
Louise McKinney became one of the first two women elected
to a legislature in the British Empire, and the first to take her
seat. She was a founder of the Woman’s Christian Temperance
Union in Alberta and the West; she served as the organization’s
vice-president for more than 22 years beginning in 1908, and regularly attended World Meetings of the WCTU. She signed the appeal
to the Privy Council in 1929. In 1931, she became president of the
Canadian Union, Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. McKinney
was also named to be Commissioner for the first General Council
of the United Church of Canada, and was the only woman to sign
the Basis of Union.
Henrietta Muir Edwards, author and researcher on women’s topics,
held an influence within the National Council of Women and held
chairmanship of the Committee in Law in the National Council of
Women for more than 35 years. She was also a Red Cross leader
during the war years. Edwards was the secretary of the National
Subcommittee which focused on thrift and economy in Canadian
homes.
Emily Murphy was the leader of the Famous Five, bringing them to
a victory in 1929. Emily was appointed to the office of Magistrate
of the Edmonton Juvenile Court in 1916 and later became the
magistrate of the newly created Women’s Court. At the time, no
woman had held such a position and many men objected. All of
the Famous five contributed to the uprising and success of achieving women’s rights. They were able to create a domino affect that
lead to many more positive changes towards women and equality
amongst the judicial system as well as the world as a whole. These
five amazing women should never be forgotten, they should live on
in our minds always reminding us that we are all equal and should
be treated as such.
This Month in History: April
By: Cameron Boyer
April 1, 1749 - April Fool’s Day - Quebec children enjoyed “running after the April fish”, pinning paper fish on people’s backs,
especially their parents and teachers. The custom probably
originated in France, possibly after Charles IX changed the
calendar so the New Year began on January 1 instead of the
traditional April 1; people who objected, were given rotten
fish. Some think that at the end of lent they gave their friends
candy and enemies rotten fish.
April 2, 1975 - High rigger Paul Mitchell secures the final piece
of antenna, topping off the CN Tower at 555.35 metres in
height, becoming the world’s tallest free-standing structure
until 2010 when it was beat by the Buri Khalifa 828-meters.
April 5, 2007- The MasterCard foundation,be came Canada’s
largest charitable organization.
April 7, 1977 - 44,649 fans brave snow and freezing temperatures as the Toronto Blue Jays play their inaugural regular season at the CNE Exhibition Stadium, the expansion team beats
the Chicago White Sox 9-5. Al Woods, pinch-hitting for Steve
Bowling in the fifth inning, hits a homerun in his First at bat,
This game was the first American League baseball game played
outside the United States
April 9, 1917 - was the battle of Vimy Ridge and is one of the
greatest battles in Canadian history. Canadian bravery and
valour led to the tremendous victory for the entire Allied Force
and was considered the turning point of WWI.
April 12, 1917 - was a big day for women in Ontario because
they got the right to vote.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
8
REBEL REVIEW
April 14, 1980 - Was the first time in Canadian history, a
woman was chosen as Speaker of the House of Commons.
Saskatchewan-native Jeanne-Mathilde Sauvé served as
Speaker until January 15 1984.
April 15, 1853 - Hudson’s Bay Company surgeon John Rae
sets out from Fort Confidence on an extensive search for Sir
John Franklin’ lost expedition, he will survey over 1100 km of
coastline, including the final undiscovered parts of the North
West Passage, the survivors of the trip resorted to cannibalism.
April 17, 1991 - Ottawa bans Meme breast implant, reports it
can break down, release cancer causing chemicals
April 19, 1904 - Great Toronto fire starts in tie maker E. & S.
Currie’s store at Bay and Wellington around 8:00 in the evening, and rages for more than ten hours, fed by high winds,
the city’s 200 firefighters call on crews from London, Niagara
Falls, Hamilton, Peterborough and Buffalo for help, but bitter cold and a lack of water pressure makes the fire hoses
almost useless. No people or horses perish, but the fire does
an estimated $12 million dollars damage and destroys one
hundred and four buildings, leaving fourteen acres of the
city’s business core in ice-covered ruins. Standing at the corner of Front and Bay streets, writes a Globe reporter on April
21, one begins to realize the extent of the awful destruction
that has been wrought. On every hand are ruins almost as
far as one can see.
April 21, 1918- During World War I, the Red Baron (Manfred
von Richtofen) was shot down and killed during the Battle of
the Somme.
April 24, 1615 - Samuel de Champlain leaves Honfleur for
New France, having established la Compagnie des Marchands de Rouen et de Saint-Malo with French fur merchants
and manufacturers.
April 28, 1968 - Montreal native Galt MacDermot opens his
rock musical Hair at the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway,
an off-Broadway version opened in October 1967, lyrics by
Gerome Ragni and James Rado, show will run for 1,729
performances, finally closing on July 1st, 1972, original cast
recordings of the off-Broadway and Broadway versions will
sell over 5 million copies, not to mention hit songs from the
show, including the medley of Aquarius-Let the Sunshine in
and Good Morning Starshine.
April 30, 1988 - Montreal native Céline Dion wins the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland with her performance of
the ballad Don’t Leave Without Me (Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi);
show watched by over 600 million TV viewers
Movie Review: Big Hero 6
By: Daisy Murphy
Disney has brought us yet another spectacular film! Don Hall
and Chris Williams direct the Oscar winner for best “Animated Feature Film” for Big Hero 6. This movie combines action,
adventure, comedy and science fiction to form the perfect
family animation movie. We’re taken on a journey through
the life of Hiro Takachiho, a young science prodigy, who after
a devastating turn of events must learn to harness his gifts
and use them to defeat a mysterious force terrorizing San
Fransokyo.
Viewers have especially liked the combination of diverse
characters because it gave a vast collection of different
personality types with their individual points of view on the
situation at stake, and their approach.
The emotional struggle brings out new sides to characters,
like Hiro and his lovable companion Baymax, a robot created
by his older brother Tadashi, who recruit his gang of friends
who then use their scientific genius to alter themselves into
high-tech super heroes. In order to put a stop to the evil
once and for all, the kids must put their abilities to the test,
and find themselves uncovering shocking twists...
Although some people may find that the film provokes
mournful emotions at times, I still believe that this is one of
the powerful qualities that can take this movie down in history similar to the other heart-wrenching Disney works like
The Lion King.
The story demonstrates the heart-touching powers of friendship and brotherhood that truly delivers an uplifting message, crucial to all ages and families.
The movie production budget for Big Hero
6 was $165 million, and made a box office total of $572.2
million. The movie took over five years to create. That means
Tangled, Wreck It Ralph, and Frozen all came out while they
were still creating this movie! The idea for the movie came
when the director Don Hall was scrolling through a Marvel
database and came across Big Hero 6 and was intrigued by
the title. Hall then pitched this idea as a possible movie to
producers, John Lasseter and Chris Williams. In June 2012
the adaptation of Marvel comics’ series was confirmed by
Disney, although Robert Baird admitted he did not read the
comic as a way to keep the story new and fresh, and the film
began its development.
When it came down to creating characters and settings, the
team of 103 artists and animators found lots of real life inspiration as a way to acquire the perfect personalities and appearances. To create the city of “San Fransokyo”, the production team took a research trip to Tokyo, and combined that
architectural inspiration with San Francisco. GoGo Tomango’s
cool, emotionally reserved traits came from actors like John
Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Gary Cooper, and they adapted
her body shape and movements from studying speed skaters. For Fred, artists looked at: snowboarders, skateboarders, and surfers which determined the basis for his posture
and mellow movements. And for the loveable robot Baymax,
his movements were based on penguins, which were much
out of the ordinary for stereotypical robotic movements. With
15 main characters and 701 additional animated characters,
Big hero 6 consists of the biggest cast ever featured in a
Disney film, and Disney’s first time teaming up with Marvel
for the big screen.
Movie Production
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
9
REBEL REVIEW
GDHS Welcomes New Vice Principal
An Interview with Mrs. Anderson
By: Paige Mitchell and Jamie Moore
For the school to get to know you more we would like
to know your past experiences at other
schools or our school?
I was an English teacher for 25 and a half
years. I was at Blakelock High School in
Oakville for 24 years, and I was at Nelson
High School in Burlington for a year and a
half as an English teacher as well as program
leader for English.
What were your first impressions of
our school?
I had been to this school before because my
son plays basketball, so my first impression
was probably a long time ago. It was how big
this school was and the size of the building.
So coming in now as a new staff member
rather than a basketball coach my first impression was how friendly this school was.
From the office here, to caretakers, teachers
and right down to the first couple students I
met.
Where do you see our school in the next 5 years?
Well that’s a tough question because I’m still getting to know
where the school is today versus where it’s going to be in five
years. I suspect the bigger adjustments will be with technology.
I know there are many computer labs, and as students start
bringing more and more of their own devices it will change
how teachers teach. I think that’s the explosion everywhere
in education. Learning how to then making it so that students
are using their devices in such a way that they’re learning and
not using social media or using social media as a learning tool
rather than a distraction. How would you describe the community at our
school?
Our school has a very strong community. I think that when
you’re one of the only schools in the area, there is a huge community feel outside of school too because you become almost
the hub for the community. You can see the pride in the community, and the Rebel pride is big. You can feel it as a new
comer. You can see it in staff, you can see it in the students and
with the parents. I haven’t had a chance to venture out too
much into Georgetown to know what the talk on the street is
about the high school, but you certainly notice that community
feel, and the pride that everyone has for the building
How does our school compare to your previous
schools?
Size wise I would say it’s bigger than both of the schools that I
taught at. At the same time, kids are kids so I’d say that there
is a similarity there. I’d say that there is a similarity too in how
staff are there to support kids. However, I would say size is the
most noticeable difference.
Why do you think it is important for students to get
involved at our school?
I think that getting involved at school is important because
learning does not just take place in a classroom. Character
development takes places outside of the
classroom more than it will inside. There
are so many opportunities at this school to
get involved too. I think kids become happier when they’re doing something other
than going home and watching Netflix or
gaming. Kids will feel better about themselves and their learning is extended. The
data supports that too.
What is your favourite part about
GDHS?
I’ve talked about the friendliness and the
community feel. I haven’t had a chance
yet to get too involved in the school or go
out and see things. Tonight I am going to
do my best to go see the girls volleyball
because I’m an athlete so I’m huge into
watching the athletics here. I also have in
my calendar to go to Sears to watch the
Sears rehearsal tomorrow as I love the
whole drama thing. So, I think eventually my favourite thing
will be going out and watching kids be kids. I want to be highly
visible for students so that you know who I am and see me at
things.
If you could improve anything at our school what
would it be?
I’m not sure yet. I’ve had a very warm welcome here and what
I’ve seen so far has been very positive.
Do you have a favourite quote? if so what is it?
My favourite quote when I was teaching used to be “I’m not
crazy, my mother had me tested.” I have a bit of a quirky sense
of humour sometimes.
If you could only give one piece of advice to the students at our school, what would it be?
That’s a good question. It’s probably the advice that I would
give to any student which is to celebrate who you are. Celebrate your authentic self instead of trying to figure out who
you’re supposed to be. It’s about who you already are, and doing that to the best of your ability and loving yourself because
of that. You have to accept yourself first before you love.
Bonus Question: What are your thoughts on the severe
weather conditions and the students who have to walk
long distances to school in them?
I actually love snow but I don’t love this cold. At the end of
February it should all go away because March should be nice. I
feel sorry for them and they should definitely bundle up. March
is just around the corner!
Fun Question: what’s your favourite tv show?
This is a tough one. It’s between the Big Bang Theory and
Grey’s Anatomy. I’ve been watching the Big Bang Theory for a
very long time. I watched Grey’s Anatomy when it came out,
and just recently started watching it again when it came on.
10
REBEL REVIEW
Yeezy 750
By: Brennan Robinson
In 2012, Kanye West released his first pair of shoes in collaboration with Nike. Now, three years later he has given
the fashion industry another shot with his newest Adidas
shoe collaboration, the Yeezy 750 Boosts.
On February 14th, 2015 the Yeezy 750 Boosts were released
to the public during the New York Fashion Week 2015, and
to nobody’s surprise they sold out almost immediately. The
shoes are made of a suede material and come in two different colours of your choice, the two options being light gray
and light brown. Initially there were only nine thousand
pairs made, sold at $350 a pair, which made them a highly
desired shoe to own for any diehard sneakerhead.
During his shoe designing career, Kanye West has worked
almost exclusively with Nike which is why the release of his
new shoe is so significant since he has decided to switch to
Adidas. West has released two different shoes in the “Air
Yeezy” collection with Nike which were both a massive success. West also helped design shoes with Louis Vuitton and
BAPE, two highly respected clothing companies in the fashion industry. In an interview with the New York based radio station “Hot 97”, Kanye West discussed the switch from
Nike to Adidas in greater detail where he explained that the
reasoning was primarily issues with royalties and creative
freedom.
Shortly after the shoes had sold out they started popping
up on online retailers such as Ebay, Amazon, and Solecollector for incredibly inflated prices. On the day of release
there were one hundred and twenty one pairs listed online,
and by the next day that number had already climbed to
five hundred and thirty five pairs available for an average
price of almost $1,500, while the most expensive pair sold
for almost $5,500. While these prices might seem extreme
to your average shoe purchaser, these numbers pale in comparison to the last shoe that Kanye West released, the Yeezy
2 series which resold for an average of $2,500.
Light Gray Yeezy 750 Boost
Zoolander Predicts Fashion
By: Cameron Evans
As the release of Zoolander 2 approaches, fashion critics
have picked apart the original Zoolander film, starring Ben
Stiller, in which he predicts fashion trends of the current
day. In the movie Stiller is seen wearing some uncanny resemblances to current day fashion trends.
Zoolander was a 2001 comedy film starring Ben Stiller, Owen
Wilson and Will Ferrell. The film greatly centered around
fashion, and although it was believed to be a parody, it had
many underlying qualities that spelled out that the creators
of the film were true visonaries in terms of trends in the
fashion world.
Zoolander was released fourteen years ago, before many of
the trends featured in the movie had actually come into fruition in the real world. In 2001, it was fashionable for men
to have highlights in their hair, so that explains how peoples
fashion sense was back then, for Ben Stiller to have worn
clothing like this was downright cryptic.
Firstly, Stiller is seen wearing clothing with geometric patterns all across them. In underground fashion and especially
the Harajuku subculture in Japan, geometric shapes have
been a staple in clothing and accessories.
Secondly, Stiller and other characters throughout the film
wear full body pajamas, or “onesies”, a trend which recently
became popular in the holiday season of 2014. The one-
sie was popularized on social media as being a comfortable
thing to wear during the winter months. It was also somewhat of a novelty because it is normally something small
children wear to bed.
Lastly Zoolander predicted that athletic wear for primarily casual use. Athletic wear has become popular in recent
times, again due social media. Stiller and Ferrell are both
seen wearing athletic wear in the film at multiple different
parts.
Overall, fashion fanatics are anticipating the fashion trends
that Zoolander 2 may or may not predict in the world of
fashion.
11
REBEL REVIEW
These Boots Were Made for Support
By: Erin Docherty
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has very recently had a spot
light shone on it. People who are first responders or in
the military, experience an immense amount of loss and
hardships within their jobs. Organizers are now making a
big effort to help people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder return into a normal life and cope with the trauma that
they have experienced. Canada now has a new campaign
to help with PTSD called ‘The Boot
Campaign’.
The campaign is new to Canada and
is setting out with these two goals in
mind: The Boot Campaign sells Original SWAT boots, and all money goes
towards the campaign, and helping
out many different organizations;
such as the boot repurposing, but
the main goal is to help people with
PTSD get back into a normal and
daily life.
The Boot Campaign has recently
been able to send six RCMP offices
and their spouses to a retreat camp
to help them with PTSD. The campaign also has a boot repurposing
program, where they take new or
slightly used boots to homeless veterans so that they have a durable
and reliable footwear. The campaign
is also making efforts to get to community more involved in
to their cause. Their main source of donations come from
the Original SWAT boots that people are encouraged to wear
anywhere at anytime to make a statement and spread the
word. However, donations are encouraged as well.
sponders by purchasing his own pair of combat boots.
The campaign originally started in the United States, but
has recently moved to Canada. In Ontario, the program is
being run by a Halton teacher, Jason Lowrie and his wife.
Lowrie is motivated to bring light to this cause and in turn
help PTSD survivors in general.
An issue lies in the face that the main
focus of PTSD is on military personnel;
and that so many individuals forget there
are other people in various jobs like: police officers, firefighters and paramedics
and also people who have gone through
stressful ordeals in life have been exposed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Therefore, The Boot Campaign works
towards not only supporting military officers, but for the average civilian who is
working to make Canada and the world a
better and safer place.
These CSA approved boots are being sold
for about $129 a pair, and can be worn to
work if necessary.
If you are interested in getting involved
in the campaign or buying a pair of boots
you can contact Jason Lowrie at:
jason@bootcampaign.ca
The Boot Campaign is garnering support by having great
Canadians be seen wearing their boots for example, Jose
Bautista (seen in the picture above), a Toronto Blue Jays
player, has shown his commitment to helping out first re-
Movie Review: Big Hero 6 continued
Disney’s famous Easter Eggs
Disney has been commonly known to feature at least one
hidden “Easter egg” in each of their animated films. In each
movie you can find a hidden character amongst the background from a previous film, a tradition disney has continued for very long. These Easter eggs can be found in almost
all Disney movies, for example in Frozen we see Rapunzel
and Flynn attending the coronation. There is another Easter
egg in Big Hero 6! In the police station, behind and office
you can find a “Wanted” sign with a portrait of Hans, the
charming yet deceitful villain in Frozen. A very clever placement for this character.
That’s all i have on Big Hero 6. It really is an incredible
movie, and I highly recommend you watch it is you have’nt
yet.
12
REBEL REVIEW
OYAP: This Is Worth It
By: Blanca Errington
On February 12, 2015, I went down to talk to Mr. Jarvie, one of
the auto teachers, about the benefits of joining the Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship Program, also known as OYAP. He had provided
plenty of information about the program and how it should be
promoted for its benefits towards not just auto students, but all
students in general.
In November 2014, OYAP began to hold auditions to begin an apprenticeship for student interested in learning more about auto
mechanics and the transportation concentrated. OYAP or, Ontario
Youth Apprenticeship Program, is a program for students hoping
to reach into the automotive mechanical fields. It is where students can make a smooth transition directly into a post-secondary
apprenticeship program. Students
that are interested in the program
can join if they are: a full-time high
school student entering Grade 11
and are at least 16 years of age.
They can work towards a career in
the skilled trades by participating in
OYAP.
So, why should students consider going into the OYAP program?
Students should consider the OYAP
program because it can complete
the first level of in-school apprenticeship (level one automotive
service tech). Students can also
receive knowledge of: standard
first aid, Adult CPR, young worker
awareness and WHMIS training. And this program can be done as
a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). Also when the student is in
the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program they could get paid up
to $35+ per hour.
Furthermore, kids may also get to participate in field trips, for example, students went to the Toromont Caterpillar in Ottawa last
year.
This program offers so many opportunities and chances in becoming a: professional automotive service technician, an aircraft maintenance engineer, a motorcycle mechanic, a small engine mechanic, a truck and coach technician and a heavy equipment mechanic.
Students could also get an opportunity with a potential employer
through networking.
If students are looking into getting a job right after high school
then a apprenticeship pathway may be right for them, as students
still earn a high school diploma while learning a skilled trade in the
OYAP program. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program also
helps parents to avoid the costly tutition in our country’s colleges
and universities. Although there are fees incurred with college
courses later in the apprenticeship, the costs are far less than the
current rising costs of college and university tuition.
Registration fees for high school students are paid for by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Students are learning
hands-on, usable skills while they are young and, therefore have
a head start on their careers.
With the increasing demand
for skilled workers in Ontario,
securing a skilled trade ensures employ ability for your
son or daughter - with top
performers in some skilled
trades
earning
between
$40,000 and $100,000 per
year. Learning a skilled trade
may act as a stepping stone
for careers in management
and self-employment.
How does this program
work?
This program takes two semesters to complete. In the
first the semester, the student
must take a minimum of two
grade eleven transportation
credits plus two other credits. And in the second semester, the
student will take two grade twelve transportation credits, plus two
credits in the co-op in the students area of specialty. In order to
become a part of OYAP program: students must be 16 years of
age, have 16 credits, and must be attending school full time. The
education requirements are that students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.
To enter the OYAP program the student must be interviewed. Interviews started in November 2014 and finish at the end of February 2015. This is something to consider if you are entering grade
eleven in the next couple years.
If you you are interested simply sign up at www.onsorts.ca
And email Mr Jarvie at: jarvier@hdsb.com or go see him 5th period
in the auto teacher’s office.
13
REBEL REVIEW
Book Review: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Review by Nevada Boisclair
The Glass Castle is an inside story of the author’s poverty stricken
life with her family and all the life challenges they must overcome.
It deals with the tragedies of an alcoholic father and a mother
who abandons their responsibilities of raising a family of four children. The Glass Castle is a coming of age story written from the
perspective of the author herself, starting from her earliest memories and ending in present day. The title of the book originates
from Walls’ fathers constant promise of building the family a large,
grand solar powered home which he names the “glass castle”. The
hopes and visions for the glass castle change constantly, just like
Jeannette’s views of her father.
Jeannette writes her story shortly after her husband notices she
was not talking very much about her childhood. When she did she
would dismiss it completely. One day she finally tells him everything, and once she starts, she could not stop. The only thing he
could say was “that would make a great novel”. Her story becomes
The Glass Castle, a book that has been on the New York Times
bestseller list for more than six years.The book is an unmistakable
memoir that gives readers insight of the life that many live, but
we could never imagine.
Overall, The Glass Castle is both a compelling story of perseverance and a look into a deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant
family. The story takes place starting in the late 50’s from Jeanette’s earliest memory. She was only three years old cooking
hotdogs over boiling water on a stove and continues throughout
the late 60’s into and her childhood, teenage and adult life living in
New York in 2005. Jeannette has a wonderful style of storytelling
her experiences that I could never put the book down.
The book begins with Jeannette in present day New York explaining what prompted her to begin the book. She is in a taxi
feeling “overdressed” on the way to her event, while she notices
her mother picking through a dumpster. She immediately feels
ashamed and ducks down hoping her mother doesn’t see her. This
event makes her think, “Why am I hiding who I am?” Walls later
caught up with her mother and asks her what she is supposed
to tell people about her parents? Her mother simply replies with
“Just tell the truth. That’s simple enough” The book continues to
jump from the chapters of Jeanette’s life. Starting from frequently
moving through desert towns, the reader uncovers Wall’s mother,
who is a flighty artist and writer who never seems to accept reality. Embarking on the journeys to new homes, the reader also discovers the true reality of living in poverty, and basically homeless.
Jeanette’s father, Rex Walls, always seems to make their days
an adventure. One Christmas night they had no money to buy
gifts, so he took each child out into the desert and asked them to
choose their own present, a star. He explained that the Walls kids
are truly privileged. “Years from now, when all the junk they got
is broken and long forgotten, you’ll still have your stars.” Following these events they landed in a depressed town in West Virginia
where the kids understand the struggles of growing up with the
realities of raising yourself. Eventually, each child decides they will
not end up like their parents and they create a plan to escape to
a life of their own.
This book will captivate readers of ages fifteen and over. Some
chapters have mature content, that I would not recommend for
younger audiences. The Glass Castle has a surreal feel that Jeannette creates by recounting her memories of her childhood that
her parents always made sure she took as an adventure.
The only part of the book I did not like was how the truly tragic
parts Jeannette seemed to make light of, while the experiences
that were not as horrible in comparison she seemed to complain
about and dragged on far too long. In addition, I found in some
parts she visited too often in her memory. I was constantly anticipating certain events to happen and sometimes it seemed like
the family would never get there. I understand that the author is
recounting these memories from her mind, but I was often bored
with the slow depressing context of what she was trying to tell.
On the other hand, I loved every other aspect of the book. Jeanette is able to let her parents back into her life after everything
they exposed her to, thus teacher the reader the true meaning of
forgiveness. The Glass Castle really puts you in the authors’ shoes
the way it recounts events in an honest way, the author does
not choose to sugarcoat anything. The reader will accompany the
Walls’ family in all their dysfunctional glory.
Finally, I would recommend this book to anyone who would love
a tragically real coming-of-age story, or who would enjoy a good
story of adventure following the lives of the Walls’ family. Jeannette was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1960, and through years
of overcoming her family’s struggles with money she successfully
lives as a writer with her husband at age 54.
14
REBEL REVIEW
Book Review: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Enter the World of the Sublime
By: Isha Chaudhuri
I spent some time reading The Secret History over the last few
weeks. Oftentimes I would hide under the covers at ungodly hours
and read. When I finished the book I felt a bit sad. It had been a
while since I could actually get involved in a book and stay committed to it for so long. So I thought it would be prudent to review
the book for anyone who is looking for
a new book to read or someone who
is maybe on the fence for reading this
book.
The book centers on Richard Papen
a classics major from California, who
transfers to Hampden College in New
England seeking a new life away from
his negligent parents. But in reality, it
opens up with Richard disclosing the fact
that him and his friends had murdered
a boy named Bunny Corcoran. In true
Shakespearean style, he stresses the
aftermath of the murder instead of the
act itself, drawing more attention to the
events following the murder rather than
the ones preceding it. Upon his arrival
at Hampden, he joins a group of students already majoring in Ancient Greek
under the study of the clever and witty
Julian Morrow. Richard quickly becomes
friends with his new classmates; Henry
Winter, Richard “Bunny” Corcoran, Francis Abernathy, Charles and Camilla Macaulay who all exemplify the epitome of
wealth, with posh houses and expansive
trust funds. With this, Richard soon becomes inducted into a world of secrecy
when he finds out his friends have murdered an innocent man
during a Greek Bacchae, a ritual in which one loses their common
sense and acts primitively. Later on, the group is faced with another trouble, their own friend: Bunny Corcoran, who threatens to
expose their murder to the cops. After a turn of events, the group
murders Bunny out of paranoia for their own lives. As a result, the
book then begins to outline the search for Bunny’s body and the
eventual unravelling of the characters. All of them are driven to
near insanity with the ramifications of the murder but show it in
different ways.
sweet. So from one wordy girl to another, thanks for the additions
to my mental dictionary, Donna.
Something I found interesting was the choice of Richard as a narrator. Richard was the new inductee into the group, and there
were a lot of scenes in which the original members met up but excluded Richard. This led to the reader missing out
on many “behind the scenes moments”.
But it was cool in a way because it
added an element of mystery in a story
that was never meant to be shrouded
in mystery in the first place. It also led
to me wondering if Richard was really a
reliable narrator? Did he really fulfill the
role of “story teller”? He described his
new friends with reverence, to the point
where I couldn’t really differentiate one
character with another. I suppose that
imagery went along with Tartt’s writing
style, but I think that some passages
would be a lot more effective if she maybe cut some descriptive words.
Okay, let’s talk about what I liked and disliked. This book is fantastic, I can say this right off the bat. It’s not perfect, but was
hooked from the start, and would often stay up late at night to
burn through as many chapters as I could.
One thing I really disliked in this book
was Richard’s perception of women. I
feel like he had turned women into objects or symbols. One part of the book
was extremely disturbing, Richard in a
fit of rage from having the full details of
Bunny’s murder hidden from him, tinged
with exhaustion and paranoia contemplates raping his friend Camilla, an abuse
victim, in a fit of anger; “I felt a fierce,
nearly irresistible desire to seize Camilla by her bruised wrist, twist
her arm behind her back until she cried out, throw her on my bed:
strangle her, rape her, I don’t know what.” Throughout the book
Richard idealizes Camilla, she was his lighthouse, a beacon of hope
amongst all of the chaos that had befallen upon the group. To Richard, Camilla is a symbol of peace, the gentle, witty but feminine
spirit who managed to decimate all of the bad things. If he could
conquer Camilla, he would have at least a sliver of peace or understanding not caring that he robbed it from her. I think the problem
was viewing women as place holders, or symbols instead of real
life people. Viewing somebody as an object leads to disregard to
their humanity in lieu of a dormant fantasy about someone who
doesn’t even exist in real life. Altogether, that was one of the stand
out issues that I found with this book and something I wish that
could change about the structure of Richard’s character especially.
The first thing I liked was the evocative language used, Tartt
paints a vivid picture of life in Hampden College and New England. She gets away with this by having the narrator, Richard say
that his fatal flaw was: “‘a morbid longing for the picturesque at all
costs”. A pretty clever way of justifying her writing style, adopting
her own writing style into the narrator’s personality. However, I
wondered if this too was Tartt’s fatal flaw. Sometimes she got so
wrapped up in describing the most mundane things, often using
overly sophisticated language for no good reason. As a result, it
made her writing dry at times, and easy to get lost in. But I will
say that I added some new words to my vocab, so that was pretty
I think the best thing about this book was that it made you think.
You’d think about the characters, their development or lack of development. The night after I’d finished it I spent time deconstructing it in order to find critique. Yes, I have critique but that comes
after combing through details after reading the book mentally. In
the end I do suggest this book to anyone who is tired of reading boring Young Adult books. You want a book that will evoke
higher thought? Read The Secret History. You want a book that
has strong literary connections to some of the greatest authors and
playwrights this world has ever seen? Read The Secret History. It’s
definitely worth your time and energy, I promise that.
15
REBEL REVIEW
Book Review: Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
By: Abby-Jones Carr
Stephen King is on a roll with writing new books, he wrote four in 2014
alone! One of his most anticipated
books was released on June 3rd
2014, called Mr Mercedes. It’s about
a man who drives his Mercedes Benz
into a crowd and kills eight people. A
detective investigating the case later
receives a letter from a man who
calls himself Mr Mercedes, claiming
he knows details about the murder.
The story was inspired by a real
event which King saw on the news,
it about a woman who drove her car
into a McDonalds restaurant. Despite
the fact that Mr Mercedes has been
getting mixed reviews from Stephen
King’s fans, I thought it was a good
book overall.
The reason Mr Mercedes is different
from most of King’s books, is because it’s not paranormal or supernatural. It’s his fifty-seventh book,
which is probably why many events
that take place in the book seem
pretty cliche. At least the characters
are original, and very different from
one another. King’s excellent characterizations add to the general quality
of his books which are amazing, and
this one is no exception. One of the
things I disliked about this book was
the amount of plot holes. The reason
is most likely because the novel was
meant to be a short story. However,
the compelling story makes up for it.
It was a fun book to read, and it had a
satisfying ending.
I would recommend reading it if you
like suspense and thriller books, or
even if you’re a fan of Stephen King.
One of his other books that came out in
2014, Revival, has been getting better
feedback. It’s King’s typical paranormal
story, a genre in which he thrives in the
most. The story Revival is about the relationship between a boy and a minister, whose family dies in a car accident.
The story spans over five decades and
it is definitely one of his darkest books,
but also one of his best. King is writing two new books for release in 2015.
One of them, Finders Keepers, is a sequel to Mr Mercedes, which is set to be
a trilogy. The other book is called The
Bazaar of Bad Dreams, which will be a
book full of around twenty short stories. Later this year, a movie adaptation
of his book Cell will be released.
16
REBEL REVIEW
The Truth About Maldives
By: Arielle Heaps
If we gave you a chance to win a planned trip for four to Maldives would you enter? Before you enter you might want to
know more background information about the place you’re
going. Maldives Asia is a tropical island south of India. The
capital and largest city is Malé, and it’s official language is
Maldivian (Dhivehi). The main ethnic group in Maldives is
Maldiviansa and their religion is primarily Islam. The government is completely different than it is in Canada, they are a
republic and their president is named Abdulla Yameen. Their
human rights are ridiculous! For example, premarital sex,
homosexuality and nudism are against the law. To illustrate
the ridiculousness, back in 2013 a fifteen year old girl was
lashed one hundred times and was put under house arrest for
eight months because she had premarital sex. Sure, you’re
thinking she didn’t follow the law, as she was supposed to
be. But this girl had no way around it because it turned out
that she was sexually assaulted by her stepfather. This made
international news and Maldives tourism took a hit but now
the government is working to reform it. They say they realize
that it is not right and that they are changing their laws for
their population of 393,500 people. But people
are still ignorant towards the suffering of other people under
the oppressive laws in the Maldives. Now if that isn’t enough
for you, how about a cool way to spend your grad trip? Go to
Maldives for a week! The trip will take you on breath taking
scuba dives and on snorkelling trips at Manta Point. You will
also go to the National Museum for Education of the island,
on a whale submarine trip, and best of all, you’ll be spending time laying out on their white sandy beaches. GDHS is
auctioning off an all expenses paid trip for four in one room
at the Cocoa Island Hotel for July 5th to July 12th 2015 as a
graduation trip. If you are interested in entering the auction
there are a few things you must know how to enter. How do
you win? The answer is: a bidding war; designed to raise
money for our school. The bidding will start at $9000, under
ONE persons name who must be at least the age of 18. The
auction will be open for the month of April from the 1st at
12:00 in the afternoon and close the 30th of April at 12:00
in the afternoon, four people will be allowed in the room at a
time. To bid you are to go online to the school’s website and
submit your bid! The highest bid wins! Doesn’t sound too
bad, right? Little piece of heaven for a week. Right?
GDHS Robotics Course
By: Ethan Bishop
The Robotics Course is an opportunity for students who are interested in robotics, mechanical things and other technological
things. It’s a night course that takes place at Gary Allan High
School. This article will attempt to inform the students of Georgetown District High School and Gary Allan High School about what
the students will be doing and learning during the course.
How many days does the robotics club get together within a week?
The course is run during the “build season” when we have sixweeks to build a robot to certain specifications. At this time the
night course runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 PM and all
day Saturdays (8 AM- 4 PM)
The robotics course is for the students in grade eleven and
twelve, but grade nines and tens who are interested in learning
can work along with the seniors. The students that are in the
Robotics Course are mentored by electrical and mechanical engineers with multiple kinds of skill sets. The course has thirty three
students this year, and just by being in this course each of these
students has a chance to be able to work in their field of interest
such as mechanical, programming, design and many more things.
The students are also able to use a 3D printer to make small parts
for the robot they build.
What was the first kind of robot you guys ever made?
We built a machine that was able to throw a large ball that was
2 feet in diameter. This was during last year’s competition (which
was rookie year).
Last year, the team was able to show off their creations and ended up making into the semi finals of two competitions. This year,
in 2015, they are going to two competitions at the University of
Nippising and the University of Windsor. Each year they do fundraisers to help their organization, they did this last year by selling
cell phone cases and this year they are doing a bottle drive. We
were able to get an interview with one of the mentors involved in
the course, Mr.Lynds.
What made you want to get involved with the robotics
club in the first place?
Three years ago I was a mentor at Burlington Central High School,
and that made me want to be involved in robotics. I was already
teaching a robotics component in some of my Computer Engineering courses for many years.
Generally, what kind of safety precautions do you and
your team make in the workplace?
We have Safety Passports in place that have to be followed.
What sort of problems do you encounter with your machines?
For the most part we encounter programming issues because it
is new to students. Other problems such as mechanical are common as well. We had more programming issues last year than
this year. We have great mentors that know what they are doing!!
What sort of benefits could come from the robotics club/
course for students?
It could help them get into engineering colleges and universities
and it will further their technological knowledge. Mechatronics
and Automation are other areas and there are many more !!
The robotics club/course is beneficial academically and it is also a
fun way to collaborate with other students and teachers. To top
is off, most students get to learn from adults that work in this
industry.
17
REBEL REVIEW
Did you know that we run a “Breakfast Club” Tuesday-Friday from 8:00-8:40 a.m.
It is FREE for all students and can be accessed by any student at the school.
The Breakfast Club is organized and staffed by the educational assistants at the school and we
currently provide breakfast to 75-100 students per day.
It is presently funded by Halton Food
For Thought, but we are always looking for contributions or donations.
If you would like more information or would like to make a donation, please contact Mrs. Gerri Brent
(brentg@hdsb.ca) or Ms. Ruth Parent
([ mailto:parentr@hdsb.ca ]parentr@
hdsb.ca) 905-877-6966
You can also drop off a cheque at the
main office at any time. (Cheques
should be made out to Halton Food
for Thought)
Come enjoy some pampering at GDHS’s “Trendz Salon”! This semester we have eleven
awesome students enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program for Hairstyling, who
are working towards attaining their hairstyling licence!
We offer services for hair, skin care and nails at very reasonable prices. This gives the
students an opportunity to practice their practical skills, as well as, working in a team environment and customer relations. We also carry professional tools and products at discounted
prices for you to purchase, and for the students to practice retailing!
Many salons in the community have assisted in the training of our students , such as Red
Lemon, Fringe, Pro Cuts, Hair Headquarters, Trendz on Main, Salon Marcel, Salon Estilo, Salon 51, Great Expectations, Anna Christine’s for Hair, Salon Concepts, Hair in Style, Genhairations, The Beauty Supply Outlet and First Choice. We have a lot of graduates who are currently
working as apprentices or licenced stylists right here in Georgetown and the surrounding area!
Some even own their own salons!!!
So please call and book your appointment today!
Hours: Thursday and Friday mornings from 10:10am - 12:45pm
Phone: 905-877-6966 x217
*Students who would like to get their hair done may do so during their lunch period only.
18
REBEL REVIEW