Rhinoceros [N. Clark]

One of the most exciting aspects of drama class is the fieldtrips. Previously, Mrs. Hillman would take her students to see performances at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre. That is no longer possible. However, the ever-resourceful drama teacher has managed to work her way around that restriction. Most recently, her drama students from grades ten to twelve had the unique opportunity of visiting the Burnaby campus of the Simon Fraser University in order to watch a free matinee performance.

Written by Eugene Lonesco, Rhinoceros is a highly unusual play. It belongs to a school of drama which was aptly named the Theatre of the Absurd. Unsurprisingly, the premise of the play makes little sense when taken literally.
Over the course of three acts, the inhabitants of a small French town slowly begin to turn into rhinoceroses, one at a time. In the end, the only human being left is Berenger, the town drunk; an amicable, likeable fellow who is in love with one of his co-workers, Daisy. She is the last to succumb to the transformation.

For those who care to look for the deeper meaning of this sort of work, they will find that they are several subtle undertones which relate to the second World War. While the symbolism is not so evident as to nearly strike the audience’s collective face with the force of its intent, those who are more accustomed to searching for it will not find it too deeply hidden.

Berenger summarizes much of the fear felt by those who were being persecuted by the Nazis when he says, “those who try to hang on to their individuality always come to a bad end.” However, he stays true to himself, and refuses to conform. “I will not capitulate!” He cries.

The play was performed amazingly well, by an extremely talented little cast. One of the actors, Stephanie Henderson, assisted Mrs. Hillman and her students with Delview’s production of Grease last year. Those who went on the fieldtrip have Stephanie to thank for the experience, as she was gracious enough to extend the invitation to them.
SFU is home to many talented actors and actresses. Rhinoceros certainly is not the only play that they will perform this year, although it may be the only one that Delview students get to see. Still, if they have the opportunity to do so, dropping in on another performance would not be a waste of time. Almost certainly they would enjoy themselves immensely, and perhaps they might find an important life lesson amongst all the theatrical prose.

The Significance of "Thanks For Giving" [N. Clark]

We are never too young to save the world, or to help the people who live in it. Everyone can make a difference; even the smallest donation or the slightest effort is significant.

Delview Secondary gives students the opportunity to have a positive effect on the lives of many people. The Thanks 4 Giving canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching people who live in poverty from both communities.

Because it is a food drive, Delview enables anyone living in Delta to help without the inconvenience of leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone with a low income who does not have much food to spare can participate.

Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. Last year the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. This year Delview set yet another record, with a total of 16,220.

Perhaps the most important statistic, however, was the number of students participating. This time 434 people helped, either by canvassing or working behind the scenes, like the hard-working yet oft-overlooked organizing committee, which was a 14% increase from the previous year. A huge majority participated; 74% of the entire student body!

The reason for such a large percentage is not a secret; besides being a great way to give back to the community, Thanks 4 Giving is a ton of fun. An atmosphere reminiscent of parties and dances surrounds the entire event.

Because the groups of canvassers are chosen by the participants, and thus generally consist of close friends, the door-to-door portion of Thanks 4 Giving becomes less like a chore and more enjoyable.

When canvassers arrive back at the school they are provided with free doughnuts and pop, giving students a sugar high that lasts throughout the rest of the event.

In the hour or so before the total number of cans is tallied, students are free to hang out with friends, take an insane amount of pictures, and, in general, do as they please.

Prizes are offered, and winners chosen through a random draw. Winning is extremely exciting; this year students received tickets to either a BC Lions game or a show at the Omnimax.

By the time the final number is revealed, there is very visible aura of excitement and anticipation surrounding each and every participant. There is not a single person in the building who does not feel absolutely amazing when they see just how many cans they collected.

The best part about Thanks 4 Giving, however, is that the moment it ends people are already looking forward to the next one.

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Grad 2008 [J. Kung]

*For access to photos and videos, click on images in this article!

For only the second time in Delview's history, students walked out of our school as Graduates, young men and women, ready to take on the world. Graduating is quite an accomplishment at any school, but doing so under the conditions of construction and reconfiguration... well let's just say - HATS OFF TO YOU (note: the "no hat" rule is still firmly in place)!

As you will see in the photos and videos (click: photos1 / photos2), the evening began with the second annual "Parade of the Graduates" which got the crowd of dedicated parents, friends, relatives, andtotal strangers roaring with applause. Inside, scholarships and certificates were handed out. It all ended in traditional fashion with the "throwing of the caps" (see the video) which came just after our Valedictorian's (Rummy M.) speech.

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
T. S. Eliot

***Thanks to the Commencement Committee for organizing another amazing celebration of our grads. Thanks so much to Rahmath K. and Alia A. for spending almost 25 hours on scanning and putting together baby, grade 8, and grad photos as a backdrop for our graduates walking across the stage to receive their certificates. This went unmentioned in the credits of the program (which wrongly attributed the slide presentation to one Mr. Kung).

Finally, a warm congratulations and thank you to one of our graduates, Webmaster Edwin who made this website what it is today. You will be missed!

Devante and his Rubik's Cube [N. Clark]

If you happen to be wandering around Delview Secondary School at lunchtime, you can often see Devante solving a Rubik's Cube puzzle. Usually you will see him with an audience, as well.

Devante doesn't like to show off, but ever since he brought his Rubik's Cube to school one day, people have been clustering around him if they so much as catch a glimpse of the puzzle.

Not only does he appear to have several fans, but other people have picked up the skill as well. In fact, his choice activity has become somewhat of a trend among other students. He is no longer the only one lining up blocks of the same colour at lunchtime instead of eating, although he was the first.

Should you wish to also learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube and become one of a growing number, asking Devante is always an option. He has been teaching others how to complete the puzzle and doesn't mind sharing his secret.

The secret wasn't his in the first place, however. He readily admits that his skill was not self-taught. Devante learned how to solve a Rubik's Cube from a video he found on YouTube, which is easily accessible to anyone with a computer.

Devante didn't learn everything from the internet, though. Some of it came naturally to him. For those attempting the puzzle, Devante would advise you to "do every step without stopping."

Perseverance is also key. Although Devante began playing with his Rubik's Cube at the young age of eight, he didn't manage to solve it until he was 14. Now he can solve any Rubik's Cube you present to him in any state of disorder. Usually he manages to complete the puzzles in under five minutes.

Devante's record time for solving the puzzle is 45 seconds, but that isn't good enough for him. "I'm kind of competitive," says Devante, "so I try to get better." He practises in his spare time, so it is likely that he will beat his record soon.

It isn't very entertaining to only compete against yourself, however. If you think you can do better than Devante, he would like to hear about it. He would also like to prove you wrong.

Grad Cruise 2008