Charles Deogratias

In Semester 1, members of West and the World went to a community breakfast to hear guest speaker Charles Degratias, and his experiences living in a Rwandan refugee camp. It’s an amazing story of someone growing up in deplorable conditions amongst a civil war. He somehow makes it to the USA, and finally Canada, eventually settling in Elmvale. Charles is a Canadian Army Chaplain and brings a unique story for the West and the World course. We will see this semester how the Western powers exploited the developing world and left these areas with little growth or infrastructure. Mr. Degratias represents  a story of hope in hopelessness. Hopefully you were able to see him speak at MSS last semester. Watch the videos and comment on his experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

Angels with Backpacks

ANGELS WITH BACKPACKS

The Grade 12 Society Challenge and Change class once again organized and motivated MSS to donate 11 backpacks full of supplies for the homeless this winter. The class collected items and stuffed the packs, delivering them to the Angels with Backpacks organization. The packs are then distributed to the Midland Police Service and Out of the Cold. Mr.Jenkinson and the Angels with Backpacks organization would like to thank students and staff of Midland secondary school for their interest, enthusiasm, and generosity.

Remembrance Day

11/11/11/11 – November 11th – a day of Remembrance and a time to remember Canadian sacrifices in world conflicts. Click on the Remembrance Day title, watch the video below by the Trews, and comment if you wish in the blog that follows.

Community Breakfast

 

 

Thirty MSS History Students will be attending the Community Breakfast on October 19th to hear Reverand Captain Captain Charles Deogratias speak about his experiences in Rwanda and Afghanistan (see details background below). Some MSS students crossed paths with the Reverand in the Netherlands in 2010, at Holten Cemetary, during a visit to the 65th Anniversary of VE day services for Canadian soldiers.

MSS Community Involvement: Fall 2011

 WEST AND THE WORLD HOMEROOM WINS TERRY FOX FUNDRAISER!

Mr.Jenkinson’s West and the World History homeroom history class won the Terry Fox Fundraiser in a landslide victory. Students brought in pledges and participated in the 10km walk-a-thon to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Congratulations class!

MSS VOLUNTEERS FOR VETERANS

On September 16th, Midland Secondary students from Mr. Jenkinson and Mr. Faragher’s grade 10 history classes placed over 700 crosses on the gravesites of Midland residents who participated in WWI, WWII, Korea, and even one Veteran who participated in the Vietnam conflict as a volunteer from Canada.

9/11

9/11: A Decade Later

     It has been ten years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an event that changed the world. Most of you were just starting school when Al-Qaeda crashed planes into the WTC or Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a failed attempt that crashed in Pennsylvania. At MSS, students watched the events unfold live on television as the towers crumbled to ground zero, and September 11th suddenly became one of the most memorable moments in history.

     Visit the CBC link below and read some of the articles on the anniversary of the attacks. Post your thoughts in the blog below. Not sure what to write? Discuss how the attacks changed the world or impacts felt around the globe.

Comment on any new findings or interesting aspects of the story that you discover in your research. Review and/or research the topic using the link below. Click on the 9/11 blog, and post any or all of the above ideas in the blog window.

CBC News 9/11 anniversary issue

 

The Death of Jack Layton

I just heard the news and I think I am still in shock. What a terrible loss for Canadians! Mr.Jack Layton built up the NDP party and recently attained the status of official Opposition party in Canada. He was a voice for the social welfare of Canada and seemed like a regular, caring, hardworking person. I feel sorry for Jack, his family, and the entire country. There is a link attached here with Jack Layton’s final speech to Canadians. Read and comment if you would like. There are some interesting comments to young people,who seemed to gravitate towards Layton in the most recent election.

Summer Vacation

Summer School

Well, it’s June and Grad is tomorrow! What a great year at MSS. Next year looks to be even better, as we have a new house system in place, I’m coaching boys soccer, and the new MSS Hockey team. But first, summer vacation to recharge some batteries and enjoy life. A few trips to the cottage and spending time with my wife and daughters. Rock it out this summer MSS!