Senior School Updates — November 1, 2024

11/1/2024

Important Note About Remembrance Day
On Monday, November 11: Senior School Full Attendance Required

Remembrance Day is an important day on the School’s calendar. The Senior School will be honouring this day through a ceremony attended by faculty, staff, and students, taking place on Monday, November 11th from 10:30–11:30 am in Dixon Gym. The community (parents, alumni, and community at large) is invited to join this special ceremony either on campus or via livestream.

All Senior School students are required to be in attendance. Students should arrive at the School at 9:30 am in their #1 School Uniform and report directly to their Advisory classroom. Attendance is mandatory and will be taken in Advisory Group. Donations to the Poppy Fund will be collected, and poppies will be distributed. Students will be dismissed immediately following the Service (approximately 11:30 am).

Flex Day Recap

Our third flex day of the year was a spooky celebration as it fell on Halloween! Everyone looked superb in their costumes and the energy of the day was palpable!

The Grade 8s began their day with a language activity and spent the afternoon exploring Dunbar for community education and engaged in some important discussions about mental health. Then they split into groups where they focused on different activities. Some enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt in Pacific Spirit, and explored the Dunbar community, while others took part in digital citizenship and a leadership development activity.

The Grade 9s spent the morning in a Visual Arts and Band workshop at the School, followed by community and career engagement in the afternoon. They watched the movie Inside Out 2 to explore more about balancing school work, co-curricular activities, and the emotions that come with getting older. They emphasized the importance of managing anxiety and discussed strategies for how to cope when emotions become overwhelming.

The Grade 10s had an experiential activity in the morning in which they watched the Dishonesty documentary and took part in a werewolf activity. Then in the afternoon, they had a University Counselling and Career Life Education session.

Finally, The Grade 11s had a busy morning, where they travelled (many donning their costumes) to various locations for community placements. Some students went to Crofton Manor, a retirement facility, and visited with the elderly, some students went to elementary schools around Vancouver and worked with young students, and others went to the Salvation Army and served meals. One group served 200 meals in 30 minutes! Then in the afternoon, the students engaged in a Career Life and University Counselling Session.

The Grade 12s spent the morning with their University Counsellors, working through their application process and taking part in workshops for specific program needs. In the afternoon, they worked on their Capstone Projects, and had a Life Skills Toolkit (either Mental Health Strategies or using AI to support their learning).

Vancouver Youth Model United Nations Recap

This past weekend, 24 students from the Senior School attended the Vancouver Youth Model United Nations (VYMUN) at UBC’s Robert H. Lee Alumni Center. VYMUN’s mission is to introduce delegates to the world of Model United Nations in a setup helpful to newcomers.

Over three days, our delegates learned how to interpret, analyze, and deliberate on critical international issues in the practical format of committees such as the United Nations Environmental Protection Committee and the Marvel Cinematic Universe Committee (who debated restrictions on Super Hero Authority). Delegates had a ton of fun, working with and making friends with students from schools across Metro Vancouver to create diplomatic solutions. Congratulations to Ethan L. ‘29 for his Honourable Mention, Thomas C. ‘29 and Erwin M. ‘29 for Best Position Paper, Kaiden K. ‘26 and Jonathan L. ‘29 for Outstanding Delegate, and Brian D. ‘27 for Best Delegate. We’re looking forward to seeing you all at VYMUN in January!

BC Drama Teacher Of The Year Award

On October 25th, Mr. Donnici won the Drama Teacher of the Year Award at the Annual Association of BC Drama Educators Conference. This award is given annually to “an exemplary teacher and ABCDE member, who incorporates Drama in and beyond the classroom.” Mr. Donnici was thrilled to accept this honour and would like to thank the incredible Theatre Department, his colleagues at St. George’s School, and all the students and parents who have made the plays he directed so joyously and successfully.

The Visual Arts Department's
Big Fish Exhibition

This year’s Big Fish Visual Arts Exhibition celebrates the collaborative effort of our talented student artists, who have drawn inspiration from the themes, characters, and fantastical elements of the play Big Fish. Through a range of media and directional approaches, each project explores the play’s core ideas, such as imagination, identity, and the power of storytelling. We invite you to immerse yourself in these visual interpretations that bring the magical world of Big Fish to life, showcasing both the depth and creativity of our students.

In the Grade 8 Digital Self-Portraits, we explore the theme, “You’re not too big, this town is too small,” as a reminder of our potential beyond the boundaries that might define us. Through digital media, we capture and express aspects of ourselves that may not always fit neatly into traditional expectations or environments. Each self-portrait embodies a piece of who we are now and who we aspire to be; multifaceted, uncontainable, and pushing beyond any limitations. Our work challenges viewers to see that growth isn't limited by surroundings; it's only limited by the boundaries we choose to accept.

The Grade 9 2D Art students created double-headed self-portrait monster drawings, inspired by the growth of the main character, the boy, in Big Fish. These portraits explore the stage of adolescence when we navigate our own identities while holding on to our parents’ stories and values. This “two-headed” phase represents the inner conflict between adopting what we’ve been taught and developing our unique worldview. Each head of the monster symbolizes a part of this struggle: one connected to parental values, and the other reaching toward an independent self.

Our annual tradition continues as Grade 11 and 12 Media Arts students kick off the year by creating the official poster for the Senior play. This project brings together digital skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with in-depth artistic planning. Each student’s work begins with pages of brainstorming, research, and idea development in their sketchbooks, exploring the spirit of the play and translating it into captivating visual designs. Through this process, students develop their creative voices and technical abilities, creating dynamic posters that capture the essence of the performance and showcase the dedication behind each design.

Influenced by the understanding that the son gains from his father's wild stories in the narrative of Big Fish, Grade 9 Ceramics students were challenged to think of someone inspirational, a "Big Fish", that they aspire to live up to. Then they went through a process of putting an image of their chosen influential person onto a plate, a tradition dating back centuries. The students learned about the work of Roberto Lugo who challenges the conventions of whose image is placed on pots, dishes, and ceramic wares as he explores his influences in Hip Hop and black culture. Some students chose famous people who inspire them, and others chose family, friends, or even pets who bring them comfort and joy. The students learned molding processes, image development processes as well as techniques for decorating pieces with underglaze.

Through "Evolving Horizons," students in Studio Arts 2D 11 and 12 have created a painting that is not only visually compelling but also rich with personal meaning. Their artwork will serve as both a personal reflection and a statement on the broader theme of growth and transformation. The project encourages deep exploration of self and artistic expression, allowing students to visually navigate and communicate their evolving identities.

Inspired by their interpretation of themes in Big Fish, Grade 11 Ceramics students embarked on

a journey of personal storytelling through the design and construction of functional ceramic incense burners. Drawing from concepts of ambition, courage, family, and personal fulfillment, each student explored what it means to face life’s challenges to achieve one’s goals. Themes of truth, myth, and immortality as well as love, flaws, acceptance, and the redemptive power of laughter, guided the students in creating pieces that reflect their narratives. Through this project, students connected the timeless themes of the movie to their own experiences, crafting unique, functional works that speak to both personal and universal stories.

The Grade 10 students created personal narratives that reflect their unique journeys. With a painted crystal or gem as the focal point on each canvas, students surrounded this central talisman with symbols that represent aspects of their life stories. Drawing on concepts like ambition, courage, personal fulfillment, truth, myth, love, and acceptance, each piece explores the challenges and triumphs that shape individual identity. This project encouraged students to use storytelling as a way to celebrate their own experiences, values, and aspirations, creating meaningful and visually striking works of art.

The Grade 8 students explored personal expression through the imagery of graffiti fish. Each student began by researching an image of a fish that resonated with them, using it as inspiration to create a large, unique drawing. Then they experimented with spray paint, creating vibrant backgrounds that set the foundation for their work. Using paint pens, students then focused on creating contrast and intricate patterns, bringing balance and depth to their pieces. This layered approach allowed them to explore colour, texture, and their creative voices, resulting in a collection of diverse and visually striking artwork.

Each grade’s project contributes a distinct perspective on Big Fish, creating a rich tapestry of artistic interpretation. We invite you to enjoy this journey through a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, brought vividly to life by the remarkable vision and creativity of our students.

Athletics Updates

November has arrived, and the fall competitive season is beginning to wind down — but we still have several teams who are looking forward to their biggest tests of the season in the coming weeks. We are starting to prepare for the winter season as well, with tryouts beginning for some of our winter competitive teams. Here is what is coming up next week:

Tryout Info

Basketball — Junior Varsity

Tryouts are beginning for the Grade 10 Team next week on Tuesday, November 5th at 3:30 pm in Dixon Gym. On Wednesday and Thursday, they will be in the Junior School from 5:00 pm–7:00 pm.

Basketball — Juvenile

Tryouts for the Grade 9s will begin on Tuesday, November 5th at 3:30 pm in Wallace Gym. They will continue on Wednesday in Wallace Gym at 5:00 pm and Thursday at 3:30 pm in Dixon Gym.

CSSHL Hockey

U15 AAA

The U15 AAA Team will travel to Penticton for the OHA Showcase from November 1st—4th. The boys are set to play Prairie Academy at 4:30 pm on Friday, Calgary International at 7:15 pm on Saturday, OHA Edmonton at 3:00 pm on Sunday, and Edge School at 10:30 am on Monday. Good luck, Boys!

U15 Prep

The U15 Prep Team will host RINK Kelowna on Friday, November 1st at 1:15 pm at Protrans Arena. The two teams will rematch on Saturday at 6:00 pm at Father Bauer Arena. On Sunday, November 3rd at 10:45 am, the teams will face off one more time in Thunderbird Arena. Next Sunday, November 10th, the team will host BWC at Thunderbird Arena at 10:45 am.

U17 Prep

The U17 Prep Team will travel to Westhills Arena in Victoria to take on Pacific Coast Hockey Academy on Saturday, November 2nd at 2:30 pm. Then they will rematch on Sunday, November 3rd at 12:30 pm. Next weekend, on Saturday, November 9th, the team will host Coeur d’Alene at Father Bauer Arena at 5:15 pm.

U18 Prep

The U18 Prep Team will play a trio of games on the road south of the border this weekend. On Friday, November 1st they will take on the Wenatchee Wild at Toyota Centre at 1:15 pm. The two teams will rematch the next day at 10:00 am at Toyota Centre before our boys travel to Coeur d’Alene on Sunday to play at the Frontier Ice Arena at 9:00 am. Good luck, Boys!

CSSHL League schedules are available HERE

Cross Country Running

The Junior Team finished sixth at the Sea to Sky Zones, and have qualified for the BCSS Provincial Championship race which will take place at Jericho Beach Park on Saturday, November 2nd. The Provincials Team will include Declan K, Henry C, Baron L, Jack D, Zackary N, Sam M, and Ian T. Good luck, Runners!

Rowing

Attention Novice Rowers (New to Rowing — Grades 8-11), if you are interested in being a member of the Rowing Team, please reach out to Coach Jess at: jdavis@stgeorges.bc.ca and be prepared to try out on Tuesday, November 5th and Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 am in Wallace Gym.

The team is in action this weekend on November 2nd and 3rd at the ‘Head of the Lake’ in Seattle. Good luck, Rowers! Please reach out to Coach Duncan bduncan@stgeorges.bc.ca or Coach Jess at: jdavis@stgeorges.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Keep an eye on the Saints Rowing Instagram for updates!

Rugby — Grade 8 & 9

The Grade 8s season will wind down next week with an intersquad game on Tuesday, November 5th. The Grade 8s and 9s will have their Annual Awards and Season Celebration on Wednesday, November 6th.

Soccer

The 1st XI side played the Zone Quarterfinal on Thursday on Mortensen Field against Argyle. It was a well-played game by the visiting side and unfortunately put an end to a fantastic season for our boys. Congratulations to the players and coaches on their success this Fall.

The 2nd XI and Grade 10 seasons have come to a close. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all coaches and trainers, and congratulations to the boys of both teams on their fantastic seasons.

Swimming

The Swim Team competed at the Sea to Sky Zone Championships last Friday at Watermania with 38 schools represented and 670 swimmers looking to qualify for the BCSS Provincial Championships. The top six swimmers in each event from Zones automatically qualify as well as the top six relay teams in each event, with a max of two per school. Saints finished the day with 23 Individual qualifiers, and 12 Relay Teams set to move on to BCSS. Matthew C. ‘28 set a new Zone Championships record in the 200IM, with a 2:10.59 time; capturing the record from fellow teammate Ivan S. ‘25, who set the record back in 2022. Matthew now sits second on St. George’s all-time record list in that event. There were five event champions from Saints on the day, including Ivan S. ‘25 in the 100m Breastroke, 1:05.44, #3 Saints All-time; Aleph W. ‘26, 50m Freestyle, 0:25.70; Preston S. ‘27, 100m Backstroke,1:01.19; Raymond F. ‘25, 100m Butterfly, 0:58.55; and Aidan Z. ‘26, 100m Freestyle, 0:57.47. Congratulations on those fantastic swims! Saints won the Boys Division on the day as well as the Overall Zone Championship, edging out WPGA with 348 points to 322.

The Swim Team will have a Provincial Prep meet after school next Wednesday at Kerr Pool and will be set to go for the BCSS Provincial Championships, taking place on November 15th and 16th at Watermania in Richmond.

Follow us on Instagram @saintsaquatics for more updates!

Volleyball

Next week, the Seniors are hosting the Independent Zone Qualifier for Provincials against Vancouver College on Wednesday, November 6th. It will be a best-of-five set game, beginning at 3:30 pm. They are looking to punch their ticket to the Sea-to-Sky Zone Championships which are set to begin on Monday, November 11th.

The Junior boys are competing in a tournament being hosted at Burnaby North this afternoon, November 1st. Good luck, Boys!

Follow @saintsathletics on Instagram!

Saints eNews

Senior School Updates — November 1, 2024