Our generation has been called apathetic; we are often considered the generation who simply doesn’t care. Somehow, an image has been formed in people’s minds, in which we sit at our computers and listen to our iPods and text on our phones and ignore everything important that is happening in the world. This isn’t true. Young people care very much about global issues, and recently an event took place in Vancouver that proved just that.
On October 15th, over 18,000 students from elementary and secondary schools all over the province came to Roger’s Arena to attend WE Day. Featuring speakers such as Al Gore, Martin Sheen and Jesse Jackson, this event was nothing short of inspirational. The Kielburger brothers also spoke at WE Day, reprising their role from last year and sponsoring this event with their foundation, Free The Children.
Interspersed between the speakers were musical acts including the Barenaked Ladies, Hedley and Colbie Caillat, but it was obvious that those in attendance were really only there for one thing: to learn from, and be inspired by, the leaders of the human rights movement. They were given a battle cry, a simple “I am somebody. We are all somebody,” uttered by Reverand Jesse Jackson. Now, for the next year and until WE Day comes to Vancouver once more, the young people of British Columbia will spread this message. They will raise money and awareness for those in need. They will show that this generation is fuelled by compassion, not apathy. They will make a difference.
October 25, 2010
Thanks For Giving [N. Clark]
Once again, Delview Secondary has proven that a little school can have enormous accomplishments. Thanks 4 Giving is a huge event that takes weeks to plan, with teachers and students giving up hours of their time each day, well before the actual event takes place. On October 14th, however, it is all made worthwhile by the number of participants and the sheer generosity of the community.
This year, over 400 students and staff members came together to help support Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, either by canvassing the neighbourhood in chilly autumn weather or by staying back at the school to carry out the arduous task of sorting the collected canned goods.
The result was an incredible amount of non-perishable food items; a final total of 15,630 cans was reached, Delview’s second highest total since Thanks 4 Giving began. The record is 16,155, a total reached in 2008.
North Delta is a large community, and it is truly wonderful to see each resident come together on one night to support such a good cause. This year, canvassers were able to extend their boundaries and knock on the doors of houses that had never before been visited for this event.
Amazing stories always come out of Thanks 4 Giving because of the compassion citizens of North Delta have for others. This year was no different. The very first cans to be brought to Delview were not collected on October 14th. In fact, they weren’t even brought in by students.
Two people recently celebrated an astounding 70 years of marriage. Even more incredible than that was the request they made of their family and friends; they asked that instead of sending gifts, a donation of canned goods be made to Delview’s food drive. It was these cans, and this amazing act of kindness, that began the 18th annual Thanks 4 Giving event.
Since 1992, Delview has collected over 10,000 non-perishable food items each year, and the numbers are only getting higher. This event will only continue to grow in the coming years. Thanks 4 Giving is one tradition that will never be ignored, no matter how many graduating classes pass through Delview’s hallways. North Delta will always support those in need.
This year, over 400 students and staff members came together to help support Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, either by canvassing the neighbourhood in chilly autumn weather or by staying back at the school to carry out the arduous task of sorting the collected canned goods.
The result was an incredible amount of non-perishable food items; a final total of 15,630 cans was reached, Delview’s second highest total since Thanks 4 Giving began. The record is 16,155, a total reached in 2008.
North Delta is a large community, and it is truly wonderful to see each resident come together on one night to support such a good cause. This year, canvassers were able to extend their boundaries and knock on the doors of houses that had never before been visited for this event.
Amazing stories always come out of Thanks 4 Giving because of the compassion citizens of North Delta have for others. This year was no different. The very first cans to be brought to Delview were not collected on October 14th. In fact, they weren’t even brought in by students.
Two people recently celebrated an astounding 70 years of marriage. Even more incredible than that was the request they made of their family and friends; they asked that instead of sending gifts, a donation of canned goods be made to Delview’s food drive. It was these cans, and this amazing act of kindness, that began the 18th annual Thanks 4 Giving event.
Since 1992, Delview has collected over 10,000 non-perishable food items each year, and the numbers are only getting higher. This event will only continue to grow in the coming years. Thanks 4 Giving is one tradition that will never be ignored, no matter how many graduating classes pass through Delview’s hallways. North Delta will always support those in need.
October 11, 2010
TechStretch – An Electrifying Experience
Trades and technology will once again be front and centre this year at Delview Secondary. Our very own Sebastian Klinkenburg was part of an initial group of Delta students who attended the first ever Technology Stretch (TechStretch) session earlier in the fall term. In this program students participate in five practical, interactive sessions at Delta Manor under the guidance of Al Miles, BCIT Electrical instructor.
TechStretch gives students an introduction to the electrical trade as a viable career option and helps them see how elective choices during senior secondary school can facilitate the transition to post-secondary education. The TechStretch program is offered through an apprenticeship grant received from the Industry Training Authority and is open to grade 9 and 10 students upon recommendation of their shop teachers.
As part of our ongoing commitment to trades exploration, the Career Department will be organizing tours and information sessions during the year to inform students interested in the trades as a possible career. We are planning site visits to construction projects and industry shops during the year as well as a trip to the annual Skills Competition in Abbotsford in the Spring.
Delview has a history of strong participation in trades-related programs. We have a number of students attending ACE-IT programs outside of Delview in Carpentry, Construction Electrical, Warehousing, Auto Refinishing and Baking and Pastry. We also have students taking work-based training as Secondary School Apprentices. If your son or daughter is has an interest in trades, have them speak to Mr. Prideaux or Ms. Derksen in the Career Centre.
May 26, 2010
Delview Youth Philanthropy Initiative 2010
There has been a long standing tradition here at Delview that all Planning 10 classes take part in the a project called YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative). The goal of this project is to spead awareness to youth, of charities in their local communities that are in need. This Project provides students with the chance to change the lives of the less fortunate in their communities. The project includes researching a charity, going to visit the charity, holding an interview with someone at the charity and finally, creating a presentation on the charity and why they feel their chosen charity deserves $5000. In the end there was a competition between 4 groups, all competing for the $5000. This years recipient was "Positive Haven" which is located in the Whalley area of Surrey. Congratulations to Kelsey Reid, Ashley O'Donnell, Alley Sheck and Nolan Wallinger, for putting together a wonderful presentation and for winning $5000 for this local charity. Way to go!
April 20, 2010
Rewarding Careers in the Trades
In Early April a special evening was held for students in the Secondary School Apprenticeship program who had earned $1000 scholarships from the Industry Training Authority. This year Delview Secondary had two well deserved winners of this award – Kevin Kirk and Travis Dickson. Kevin has been pursuing his interest in Auto Repair and Travis is now immersed in a career in the Plumbing industry. The Apprenticeship program provides secondary students with an earlier start to trades certification while earning high school credits. As well, working in industry enhances education by offering training and workplace skills not otherwise available in a secondary school setting. By following this path these two young men are well on their way to rewarding careers in the trades as well as $1000 dollars richer. We wish them every success in the future.
Captions Delta School District Trades Scholarship Winners and Kevin Kirk (Graduation Class 2009) and Mr. Prideaux (Career Coordinator).
February 9, 2010
January 22, 2010
Taking the NightShift [N. Clark]
Since WE Day came to Vancouver in September, Delview’s own Me to We Committee has been quietly planning ways to give back to the communities that support them. This January, they began to put their plans into action. Their first step was a trip to the NightShift Street Ministries soup kitchen in Whalley, where they did their best to make a difference in the lives of as many people as they could.
These Delview students spent a few hours handing out food, drinks and clothing to those who couldn’t afford to buy their own. They set up in many different stations, and spent some time chatting with the people they were helping. The Me to We Committee was lucky to have met some incredibly interesting people that night, all with a story to tell.
When they weren’t working directly with Whalley’s poorest citizens, the students were elsewhere in Nightshift’s building, sorting clothes to send to Haiti. After all, Canada certainly isn’t the only country to have citizens in need, and both NightShift and Delview students recognized that and spread their care and help outwards.
Whether they were handing out basic necessities directly to the people who needed them, or preparing other necessities to be sent to a different continent altogether, the students did it with compassion, and spent the night enjoying the warm, glowing feeling that spreads through everyone when they perform a few selfless actions.
NightShift is clearly more than just a soup kitchen; it gives more than just food to the community, but care and a sense of belonging, as well. Delview’s Me to We Committee was extremely fortunate to have been able to join in on their efforts that night, and they look forward to hopefully going back soon.
These Delview students spent a few hours handing out food, drinks and clothing to those who couldn’t afford to buy their own. They set up in many different stations, and spent some time chatting with the people they were helping. The Me to We Committee was lucky to have met some incredibly interesting people that night, all with a story to tell.
When they weren’t working directly with Whalley’s poorest citizens, the students were elsewhere in Nightshift’s building, sorting clothes to send to Haiti. After all, Canada certainly isn’t the only country to have citizens in need, and both NightShift and Delview students recognized that and spread their care and help outwards.
Whether they were handing out basic necessities directly to the people who needed them, or preparing other necessities to be sent to a different continent altogether, the students did it with compassion, and spent the night enjoying the warm, glowing feeling that spreads through everyone when they perform a few selfless actions.
NightShift is clearly more than just a soup kitchen; it gives more than just food to the community, but care and a sense of belonging, as well. Delview’s Me to We Committee was extremely fortunate to have been able to join in on their efforts that night, and they look forward to hopefully going back soon.
Help for Haiti [N. Clark]
Delview has always been known as a small school with a big heart, and this year that heart expanded to include all of Haiti when news reached students’ ears of the devastating earthquake that struck the already suffering country. The Me to We Committee acted quickly, and within the week they organized a simple donation collection that allowed all students and teachers to make a difference in Haiti, no matter what the size of the donation.
Lasting for only a week because of the semester break deadline, the collection amassed an astounding amount of money, nonetheless. In just those few five days, students donated $2,400. With the government matching the donation, the total was raised to an incredible $4800.
There was very little advertising or complex organization, and no incentive beyond simply helping out, so the collection was not expected to make much money. Students at Delview are known for their compassion, however, and they have always stepped up when the time came to help out, so perhaps it should not be so surprising that they gave as generously as they did. Simply standing by and watching a tragedy carry out has never been something that students at this school are willing to do.
The suffering that the citizens of Haiti are going through is unimaginable, but the world is reaching out to help them, and Delview students are among those doing what they can to aid those who are most in need, and try to make a positive difference in their lives.
Lasting for only a week because of the semester break deadline, the collection amassed an astounding amount of money, nonetheless. In just those few five days, students donated $2,400. With the government matching the donation, the total was raised to an incredible $4800.
There was very little advertising or complex organization, and no incentive beyond simply helping out, so the collection was not expected to make much money. Students at Delview are known for their compassion, however, and they have always stepped up when the time came to help out, so perhaps it should not be so surprising that they gave as generously as they did. Simply standing by and watching a tragedy carry out has never been something that students at this school are willing to do.
The suffering that the citizens of Haiti are going through is unimaginable, but the world is reaching out to help them, and Delview students are among those doing what they can to aid those who are most in need, and try to make a positive difference in their lives.
November 2, 2009
Thanks for Giving 2009 [N. Clark]
For some time now, Delview Secondary has provided an opportunity for students to prove that they are some of the most compassionate young people in the province, and it continued its efforts earlier this October at Delview’s 17th annual Thanks 4 Giving.
The canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching out to people who live in poverty from both communities. It enables students to help those in need, and it allows others to get involved as well; because it is a food drive, anyone living in Delta can help without ever leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone who is suffering the negative effects of the economy’s downfall can participate.
Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, then known as Ten in One, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. In 2007, the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. Delview set another record last year, reaching an incredible total of 16,155.
This year, students collected their second highest total ever, donating over 14,500 food items and more than $1000 in cash. A big thanks goes out to the Surrey Volunteer Fire Department, who wrote a $500 check in support of Delview’s cause.
Perhaps the most important statistic, however, is the number of students participating. Delview is a small school, but over two thirds of its student population helped out, either by canvassing or working tirelessly behind the scenes. Even former students came back to help out. Next year, Delview expects to see much the same, and students hope to set a new record for cans collected.
The canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching out to people who live in poverty from both communities. It enables students to help those in need, and it allows others to get involved as well; because it is a food drive, anyone living in Delta can help without ever leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone who is suffering the negative effects of the economy’s downfall can participate.
Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, then known as Ten in One, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. In 2007, the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. Delview set another record last year, reaching an incredible total of 16,155.
This year, students collected their second highest total ever, donating over 14,500 food items and more than $1000 in cash. A big thanks goes out to the Surrey Volunteer Fire Department, who wrote a $500 check in support of Delview’s cause.
Perhaps the most important statistic, however, is the number of students participating. Delview is a small school, but over two thirds of its student population helped out, either by canvassing or working tirelessly behind the scenes. Even former students came back to help out. Next year, Delview expects to see much the same, and students hope to set a new record for cans collected.
September 29, 2009
WE Day [S. Kallu]
On September 29th, twenty-six Delview students were given the unique opportunity to attend Vancouver's first ever WE Day event held at GM Place. A variety of inspirational speakers and performers addressed the youth on topics regarding the promotion of peace and taking the leap towards creating a better world. WE Day is an initiative put forth by a non-profit organization called Free the Children (which many of you may recognize as the power behind other programs like Volunteer Now).
The beginning of the day was definitely discouraging because of rush hour traffic, crowded busses and the even more crowded sky trains. The poor weather wasn't particularly helpful either but, once you entered the stadium, you couldn't deny the energy and enthusiasm of 16,000 eager audience members.
As the speakers and performers took the stage to promote awareness by sharing stories and statistics of social injustices around the world, they were greeted by cheers and roars from a spirited crowd of today's generation. Undoubtedly, those who attended the event gained plenty of knowledge to aid them in creating positive changes, whether they be small or large. This year's line-up included His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Jane Goodall, Mia Farrow, Jason Mraz, Jacob Hoggard, Spencer West, Sarah McLachlan and a number of other incredibly motivating acts and speakers (including the founders of Free the children: Marc and Craig Kielburger).
Although each honourable guest had different things to say, and different ways to go about getting across their message, the main ideas behind the youth rally were heard loud and clear. As Governor General Michaëlle Jean stated, we are “the leaders of today”. Students were encouraged to immediately implement a youth-driven movement in order to help others. After all, hope for a better future is influenced by the actions we take now. It's easy to feel small and insignificant in a world so large, but, like Jane Goodall discussed, it takes a ripple to create a wave.
The beginning of the day was definitely discouraging because of rush hour traffic, crowded busses and the even more crowded sky trains. The poor weather wasn't particularly helpful either but, once you entered the stadium, you couldn't deny the energy and enthusiasm of 16,000 eager audience members.
As the speakers and performers took the stage to promote awareness by sharing stories and statistics of social injustices around the world, they were greeted by cheers and roars from a spirited crowd of today's generation. Undoubtedly, those who attended the event gained plenty of knowledge to aid them in creating positive changes, whether they be small or large. This year's line-up included His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Jane Goodall, Mia Farrow, Jason Mraz, Jacob Hoggard, Spencer West, Sarah McLachlan and a number of other incredibly motivating acts and speakers (including the founders of Free the children: Marc and Craig Kielburger).
Although each honourable guest had different things to say, and different ways to go about getting across their message, the main ideas behind the youth rally were heard loud and clear. As Governor General Michaëlle Jean stated, we are “the leaders of today”. Students were encouraged to immediately implement a youth-driven movement in order to help others. After all, hope for a better future is influenced by the actions we take now. It's easy to feel small and insignificant in a world so large, but, like Jane Goodall discussed, it takes a ripple to create a wave.
May 12, 2009
Skills Canada Competitions [C. Prideaux]
At the end of April a group of students from Delview Secondary climbed aboard a bus bound for the annual BC Skills Competitions in Abbotsford. The common denominator for our adventurers was an interest in the trades and desire to understand the many opportunities, benefits and rewards of skilled trade and technology careers. The bus ride down to Abbotsford gave students considering trades as a career option a chance to mingle with and question other students already in trades apprenticeships or studying trades at other schools while remaining Delview students.
The apprenticeship program at Delview has seen increasing success as more young people have seen the value of and challenge in skilled trades and gotten a head-start on well paying careers that can last a lifetime. This year more than a dozen students in our senior grades have signed up for trades training at North Delta, Kwantlen and BCIT or will be working this summer as apprentices in a variety of trades. If trades and technology is of interest to you, drop by the Career Centre and speak to Mr. Prideaux or Ms. Livingston.
Once at the site, the competitions showcased a wide variety of activities and demonstrations of trades craftsmanship. Delview students could experience for themselves~different professions with hands-on activities or check out a wide variety of national skill competitions. These competitions are serious business. They provide an opportunity for young Canadians studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation. In September, winning students will travel to Calgary, Alberta to participate in 35 contest areas and represent Canada at the 40th World Skills competition.
The apprenticeship program at Delview has seen increasing success as more young people have seen the value of and challenge in skilled trades and gotten a head-start on well paying careers that can last a lifetime. This year more than a dozen students in our senior grades have signed up for trades training at North Delta, Kwantlen and BCIT or will be working this summer as apprentices in a variety of trades. If trades and technology is of interest to you, drop by the Career Centre and speak to Mr. Prideaux or Ms. Livingston.Photos can be found here: Photo Gallery
April 28, 2009
Graduation Day at the Bay [C. Prideaux]
Graduation day came early for one group of Delview students who were enrolled in the Bay Junior Management program earlier this year. Almost every Thursday afternoon after school since early October these intrepid students have been heading off to the Bay at Guildford Mall to learn management techniques at the Bay. 
The Bay Management program helped them realize the complexities of running a large modern department store in today’s competitive market environment. They were given practical lessons in sales and marketing such as building rela tionships with customers through listening and communication. As managers they came to understand how to motivate and inspire employees, select as well as develop leadership qualities. On a personal level they discovered how personal accountability can overcome obstacles, achieve goals and help create new opportunities. 
Like a scene out of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice”, they were given responsibility for a particular department in the store and presented with a final in-store challenge of a personnel, financial, merchandising nature. Their remarkable strategies and solutions were presented in a Powerpoint presentation to a group of Bay managers and School administrators in the “boardroom” on graduation day in mid-April. I am pleased to report that they all came through with flying colours. We congratulate them all and wish them many more successes in the future. We are very proud of them.
April 15, 2009
You Can't Take It With You [N. Clark]
Delview Secondary has always been known for its spectacular theatrical performances and the talent of the students involved in them. Now, having recently become a Fine Arts school, Delview is going even further. A total of four shows are being put on over the course of the year, though two of them have already run their course; Steel Magnolias and Our Town opened to much success. Next up is the mainstage production, and it promises to be a good one.
You Can’t Take It With You is light-hearted comedy that provides the audience a glimpse into the lives of two very different families and what happens when they finally meet. Alice Sycamore, played by Melissa Taylor, is used to her family’s quirky ways, but she also knows that her boyfriend’s family is radically different. While the Sycamores spend their days pursuing whatever activity makes them happy, be it dancing, writing plays, or playing the xylophone, the Kirbys are much more business minded, and prefer to stay on the straight and narrow. So when it comes time for Tony, played by Matt Franke, to introduce his parents to Alice’s rather extended family, it’s only to be expected that something will go wrong.
This play has been in the works since January, and no small amount of effort has been poured into it. Students who are involved as actors, stage crew, directors and techies have attended rehearsals four days a week, sometimes staying after school as long as six o’clock. Finally, months after the preliminary work began, You Can’t Take It With You is ready to be presented to the world.
Tickets are $8, but students and senior citizens can purchase them at the reduced price of $6. Doors open at 6:30PM on the nights of the performances: April 21, 22 and 23. Boasting an elite cast that are, as Mrs. Hillman, the director, put it, “the cream of the cream” of Delview’s actors, You Can’t Take It With You is a must-see show and one that nobody should miss out on.
April 14, 2009
EuroTrip 2009 [K. Nishi]
After two years of planning, Delview’s 2009 Globetrotters, consisting of 38 students and four teachers, spent this year’s Spring break experiencing the arts, history, architecture and cultures of central Europe.
After flying through the night, we arrived in Berlin. We were a little travel weary but excited and ready to explore the city that allowed us to step back in time to the Cold War when Berlin was divided by the Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie separated East from West. For many of us, it was our first experience in connecting what we learned in class with the real thing. Our tour then moved southward to the Czech capital. On the way to Prague, we had the opportunity to visit the city of Dresden. We were able to marvel at the remaining baroque architecture of this medieval city and could only sadly imagine what the city looked like before being fire bombed in 1945. As we approached the outskirts of Prague, we could clearly see the famous spires that people associate with this beautiful city. It is so fortunate for the world that this city, unlike Berlin and Dresden, escaped virtually untouched by both World Wars. Even though it was unusually cold and at times it even snowed, we particularly enjoyed touring Prague Castle, the oldest medieval castle in Europe, and exploring the Jewish Quarter of old Prague. It was difficult to leave the Czech Republic but we knew there was so much more to see as we headed to Dachau and Munich. The tragic history of the Holocaust hit us very hard as we visited the Dachau concentration camp. A common comment from our students as we walked through the camp was “…the things we whine about seem so small compared to what the people here had to endure.” While in Munich, we dined on schnitzel and sauerkraut and waited patiently for the Glockenspiel to perform. As Roger, our tour guide, predicted we were not “blown away” by the performance but it was something that we had to see so that we could cross it off our bucket list. We were not visiting Euro Disney on this tour but while in Germany we did visit the inspiration for the Disney castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. The castle tour was somewhat brief but the 45 minute hike up the mountain while the snow was heavily falling was quite magical. On our way to Switzerland, we briefly stopped in the Principality of Liechtenstein. In the shadow of the prince’s castle we rested and shopped before boarding our bus for the final leg to Lucerne. Our hotel was not the fanciest but the location was sensational. It was nestled at the base of snow capped mountains on the tranquil shoreline of Lake Lucerne. All that was missing were the sounds of yodeling, but our walks along the cobbled streets of beautiful Lucerne more than made up for the missing sounds of music. Our wake up call on our last day in Lucerne was 3:30 am, the early start was necessary in order to board the train which would take us to the last city on our tour, Paris. This elegant city which boasts amongst so many sites the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa was a highlight for our tour. The tree lined boulevards of the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the home of the Hunchback, Notre Dame, were post card perfect sites and provided a fitting end to our most memorable journey.
The 2009 Globetrotters was the largest Delview group to travel abroad. As with past groups, this group of young travelers were complimented by many of whom they came in contact with as respectful and eager to learn. Again, as in past trips, it is nearly impossible to fully describe all that was seen and experienced, but it is hoped that this tour was exciting, fun, and educational, and just the beginning of many more travels.
After flying through the night, we arrived in Berlin. We were a little travel weary but excited and ready to explore the city that allowed us to step back in time to the Cold War when Berlin was divided by the Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie separated East from West. For many of us, it was our first experience in connecting what we learned in class with the real thing. Our tour then moved southward to the Czech capital. On the way to Prague, we had the opportunity to visit the city of Dresden. We were able to marvel at the remaining baroque architecture of this medieval city and could only sadly imagine what the city looked like before being fire bombed in 1945. As we approached the outskirts of Prague, we could clearly see the famous spires that people associate with this beautiful city. It is so fortunate for the world that this city, unlike Berlin and Dresden, escaped virtually untouched by both World Wars. Even though it was unusually cold and at times it even snowed, we particularly enjoyed touring Prague Castle, the oldest medieval castle in Europe, and exploring the Jewish Quarter of old Prague. It was difficult to leave the Czech Republic but we knew there was so much more to see as we headed to Dachau and Munich. The tragic history of the Holocaust hit us very hard as we visited the Dachau concentration camp. A common comment from our students as we walked through the camp was “…the things we whine about seem so small compared to what the people here had to endure.” While in Munich, we dined on schnitzel and sauerkraut and waited patiently for the Glockenspiel to perform. As Roger, our tour guide, predicted we were not “blown away” by the performance but it was something that we had to see so that we could cross it off our bucket list. We were not visiting Euro Disney on this tour but while in Germany we did visit the inspiration for the Disney castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. The castle tour was somewhat brief but the 45 minute hike up the mountain while the snow was heavily falling was quite magical. On our way to Switzerland, we briefly stopped in the Principality of Liechtenstein. In the shadow of the prince’s castle we rested and shopped before boarding our bus for the final leg to Lucerne. Our hotel was not the fanciest but the location was sensational. It was nestled at the base of snow capped mountains on the tranquil shoreline of Lake Lucerne. All that was missing were the sounds of yodeling, but our walks along the cobbled streets of beautiful Lucerne more than made up for the missing sounds of music. Our wake up call on our last day in Lucerne was 3:30 am, the early start was necessary in order to board the train which would take us to the last city on our tour, Paris. This elegant city which boasts amongst so many sites the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa was a highlight for our tour. The tree lined boulevards of the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the home of the Hunchback, Notre Dame, were post card perfect sites and provided a fitting end to our most memorable journey.
The 2009 Globetrotters was the largest Delview group to travel abroad. As with past groups, this group of young travelers were complimented by many of whom they came in contact with as respectful and eager to learn. Again, as in past trips, it is nearly impossible to fully describe all that was seen and experienced, but it is hoped that this tour was exciting, fun, and educational, and just the beginning of many more travels.
March 31, 2009
Sunstone Construction Tour
How many times have you thought to yourself as you relaxed after a long day at work or at school …. home sweet home? Home certainly is a great comfort from the hectic pace of our daily lives. And what exactly goes into making a home the sanctuary we so cherish? Contemplate this question the next time you turn the front door key (locksmiths) and enter the hallway that leads to the rest of the house (carpenters, drywallers, painters). Think about this when you turn on the lights (electricians) and make your way (floor and carpet finishers) to the kitchen (cabinet makers and installers) where you pour yourself a cool glass of water (plumbers). As you peer out the window (glaziers, framers) consider the protection our homes provide from the rain (roofers and masons) and cold (furnace and heating, metal fabrication, welders). No doubt you will realize that our modern homes result from the skills of many talented and hard-working tradespeople.Before this year’s spring break, ten Delview students got to see first-hand the many trades and professions that contribute to the building of today’s contemporary home. A visit to Radiance at Sunstone (a large scale housing development on Nordel Way in North Delta) gave them an opportunity to witness the construction of a town-home through all the various stages - from framing the first walls and raising the roof to adding the final finishing touches to kitchens and bathrooms. At each stage, tradesmen and women were only too pleased to explain the skills and training required for their particular specialty. When the tour was done cookies and juice awaited our students in the gorgeous model home that was the last stop for the visit. We are very grateful to Dan Johnson and the whole team at Polygon Homes for their efforts in making the tour inspiring and informative.
The Sunstone tour is one of a number of visits planned for the term to help students to explore various careers in the trades. Upcoming tours in April and May are planned for BCIT, VCC, North Delta and Seaquam as well as a special event visit to the Skills Competitions in Abbotsford on April 22nd. If these explorations are of interest to you please contact the Career Centre for more information.
December 16, 2008
Grade Cruise 2008 [J. Kung]
A frigid night on the water, clear sky, city lights, good food, great friends, who could ask for anything more?
December 8, 2008
My Take on Twilight - The Latest Best-Selling Fad [N. Clark]
Stories have been around for as long as man has been around to tell them. Passed down through spoken word, tales of magnificent gods and mortals who were close enough to that status have remained embedded among us since a creative mind thought them up, or a meticulous person took the time to recall the events that he had seen occur before him. Later, such things were written down; ink flowed onto paper, the writing an intimate exposure of more than the words, but also the face behind them. Efficiency soon pushed aside such romantic thoughts, however, leaving behind the impersonal coldness of a printing press’ mindless repetition. Eventually stories were everywhere; among the rich and the poor alike, feeding the imagination of children and supporting the failing creativity of adults. Yet there were a few among many which spoke to the masses, earning themselves a higher status among the multitude of devoted readers who placed the books on a towering pedestal. Some have been there for centuries: the works of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the like. More recently, though, we may recall the widespread popularity of the Harry Potter series, and directly before that, the Lord of the Rings novels. At present, it is Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series which draws such a consuming, fanatic obsession.
If there is a formula for successful sales, S. Meyers has taken whatever rudimentary knowledge most authors may possess and elaborated, rewriting it until she could be certain that it would never fail. Tapping into the hormonally overwrought minds of teenage girls could have easily been foreseen; following in the paths of many previous romance writers, she presented her readers with what they desired most: a physically young man with flawless features, an intelligent mind and, most importantly, and all-consuming, never-ending, fated-to-be love for one woman. Then, recognizing our fascination with the dark, brooding stereotype of vampires, she added that to the equation. The undead make the perfect anti-hero; they are, by nature, monsters, and yet, with careful tweaking, they can be given human emotions and a heavy conscience which provides them with such heart-wrenching torment thatno emotionally connected person could possibly remain unmoved. Add to that the easily read style of writing and just enough action to appeal to one’s more adventurous side, and suddenly those who aspire to become a published author have an obvious path to follow, complete with huge directional signs and billboards.
That is not to say that Twilight is a glittering diamond of perfection among coarse stones and craggy rocks. Money and fame may have been awarded to S. Meyers fairly unconditionally, but there is still a darker side to it all. Amongst grammatical errors and faulty English that slipped through her editor’s net, behind plot holes and a story that is, at times, far too removed from reality, lies a frightening, dark message. S. Meyers’ female lead, Bella Swan, is not the strong, independent woman that we have come to respect and admire in this day and age. Within a few short days, she becomes completely dependent on a creature who could kill her as easily as we may squash a particularly abhorrent insect between our fingertips. Just the thought of being in a separate room from Edward brings depression to her thoughts; when he leaves her, she throws herself off a cliff, into the roaring fury of the ocean below. Her survival becomes secondary to her longing for Edward. She would give up anything to be with him: her family, her friends, her life. There is such a complete imbalance of power in the relationship that it poses a danger for anyone trying to imitate it. Bella sacrifices too much, and receives little in return. Her body plays host to the offspring of a vampire, whose violent tendencies are little suppressed; there would be no normal birthing process for her. S. Meyers drives a hard-hitting anti-abortion message home as Bella would rather have the child eat its way out of her belly like a chick pecking an egg, leaving it broken and destroyed, than consider a different option. Edward’s stalker-like tendencies in the first book complete the dark, disturbing portrait of what lies behind Twilight’s glowing outer shell.
S. Meyers’ novels must be taken with a grain of salt, as with most others. It is important to remember that appearances can be deceiving, and perfect, plastic exteriors can conceal horrors within. Twilight may seem innocent, a tale in which vampires sparkle in the sunlight and true love perseveres, but a critical eye may find evidence to the contrary. Duplicity resides within the series, each joyful moment juxtaposed against a darker, less pleasant one. Nothing is perfect, despite what S. Meyers’ most devoted fans would have you believe. Greatness can be drawn about a person or object like a cloak, covering any disfigurations; the more powerful the one, the more hideous the other. The brightest sun always casts the darkest shadows.
November 14, 2008
November 13, 2008
November 12, 2008
Grade 9's Go To Work - Take Our Kids to Work Day [Y. Livingston]
On November 5th at the 14th Annual Take Our Kids to Work Day, all grade 9’s were given the opportunity to spend a day “at work”. Across the country, students set out to spend the day with Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Uncle, Aunt or friend to experience a work place setting, observe, ask questions and understand the importance of education, skills development and experience the world of work!. At Delview Secondary, students shared their thoughts and experiences as part of a Health & Careers 9 assignment.
Callum goes to “Eureka”
Spending the day on a TV show set with his Grandmother, Dixie Cutler was an amazing opportunity for Callum. His Grandmother is a “Unit Publicist” and her job is to arrange for press interviews with the actors, producers and/or directors as well as organize the written and photographic materials for the studio or TV network to advertise the show. A university degree in public relations, communications or journalism would be excellent preparation for this work.
Callum’s favourite part of the day was looking around at the sets for Eureka. He says the job of Publicist involves a lot of standing around waiting for information which he’s not sure he would enjoy. However, he had a chance to watch actors at work and in particular the “Special Effects Coordinator” whose work was very interesting to Callum.
Ashleen: a long commute to work!
Going to work with Dad on Wednesday morning involved going downstairs into the family’s garage. Ashleen’s Dad has owned and operated his own printing company “CanDel Printing” for the past 12 years. He’s very busy and has always relied on his daughters to help out with a wide variety of work – heat and screen printing of logos on clothing, design & printing menus, flyers, brochures, business cards and much more.
Ashleen says creativity and accuracy are very important – she looks forward to her media arts courses. Some of the printing machines require special training to run but a number of the jobs rely on computer aided design skills. Mr. Kumar also points out that when you run your own business, you must have knowledge and skills in billing and accounts management and understand how to market your business and provide good customer service.
A Day In A Metal Fabrication Shop for Dylan!
Dylan’s uncle Dave Humphrey designs and builds screening machinery for companies around the world. His machines are used to sort and size a variety of materials in the Forestry and Grain industries. His fabrication shop BM & M Screening Solutions is located in Port Kells and is a family owned business. Dylan enjoys being in the manufacturing area. He said something new is always happening as the huge machinery goes from one stage to the next in production – “sparks are always flying”.
Dave has seen a number of changes over the years with manual drafting and design being taken over by CAD and now 3D imagery computer modeling. Following high school, students can enroll in Mechanical Engineering Programs at places like BCIT. The company also hires grads trained in welding and metal fabrication. Dylan’s uncle encourages students to look into ACE-IT partnerships as a great way to get started in these trades.
Helping Others at Delta Community Living Society!
A very special day for Taylor working alongside her cousin Brandy Chapman in her job as Community Support Worker as she guides and helps young men and women with various challenges in life to enjoy a day away from their homes
The day started with Taylor helping to do a newspaper route, then back to the centre to help with lunch preparation. The afternoon includes helping with another job folding and preparing boxes. As Brandy says, this work requires patience and caring as you help with food and personal care. You have to work with people with a variety of challenges and getting training in a community support program at places like Douglas College will help you be prepared. Besides a caring personality, Brandy also noted that you need a special driver’s license to drive up to 15 passengers, First Aid and specialized training in Job Coaching.
Taylor says she enjoyed her day with her cousin as she got to meet some very special people and understand how important this job is!
Learning about Vancity Financial Services!
Rebekah’s Mom, Leah has worked at Vancity for the for the past 19 years and is a Financial Services Representative. Rebekah noted that everything moves at a fast pace, starting with counting cash and observing as the ATM machine was set-up and organized for the day. It is important to be organized, good at math and have good people skills. Leah says that Vancity provides training to high school graduates who want to learn financial services but there are programs in financial planning at places like BCIT that are also good preparation for this work.
Rebekah learned a very important piece of information about the people who come to Vancity for financial services such as bill paying and savings accounts etc., they are not customers but members and Rebekah enjoyed watching her Mom help all the members that she met on the job!
…and what about those who couldn’t go to the workplace?
Grade 9’s at Delview Secondary, who were not able to spend the day on the job, worked in groups in the school’s Career Centre completing an assignment and discussion about career ideas, work preparation and education planning.
Callum goes to “Eureka”
Spending the day on a TV show set with his Grandmother, Dixie Cutler was an amazing opportunity for Callum. His Grandmother is a “Unit Publicist” and her job is to arrange for press interviews with the actors, producers and/or directors as well as organize the written and photographic materials for the studio or TV network to advertise the show. A university degree in public relations, communications or journalism would be excellent preparation for this work.
Callum’s favourite part of the day was looking around at the sets for Eureka. He says the job of Publicist involves a lot of standing around waiting for information which he’s not sure he would enjoy. However, he had a chance to watch actors at work and in particular the “Special Effects Coordinator” whose work was very interesting to Callum.
Ashleen: a long commute to work!
Going to work with Dad on Wednesday morning involved going downstairs into the family’s garage. Ashleen’s Dad has owned and operated his own printing company “CanDel Printing” for the past 12 years. He’s very busy and has always relied on his daughters to help out with a wide variety of work – heat and screen printing of logos on clothing, design & printing menus, flyers, brochures, business cards and much more.
Ashleen says creativity and accuracy are very important – she looks forward to her media arts courses. Some of the printing machines require special training to run but a number of the jobs rely on computer aided design skills. Mr. Kumar also points out that when you run your own business, you must have knowledge and skills in billing and accounts management and understand how to market your business and provide good customer service.
A Day In A Metal Fabrication Shop for Dylan!
Dylan’s uncle Dave Humphrey designs and builds screening machinery for companies around the world. His machines are used to sort and size a variety of materials in the Forestry and Grain industries. His fabrication shop BM & M Screening Solutions is located in Port Kells and is a family owned business. Dylan enjoys being in the manufacturing area. He said something new is always happening as the huge machinery goes from one stage to the next in production – “sparks are always flying”.
Dave has seen a number of changes over the years with manual drafting and design being taken over by CAD and now 3D imagery computer modeling. Following high school, students can enroll in Mechanical Engineering Programs at places like BCIT. The company also hires grads trained in welding and metal fabrication. Dylan’s uncle encourages students to look into ACE-IT partnerships as a great way to get started in these trades.
Helping Others at Delta Community Living Society!
A very special day for Taylor working alongside her cousin Brandy Chapman in her job as Community Support Worker as she guides and helps young men and women with various challenges in life to enjoy a day away from their homes
The day started with Taylor helping to do a newspaper route, then back to the centre to help with lunch preparation. The afternoon includes helping with another job folding and preparing boxes. As Brandy says, this work requires patience and caring as you help with food and personal care. You have to work with people with a variety of challenges and getting training in a community support program at places like Douglas College will help you be prepared. Besides a caring personality, Brandy also noted that you need a special driver’s license to drive up to 15 passengers, First Aid and specialized training in Job Coaching.
Taylor says she enjoyed her day with her cousin as she got to meet some very special people and understand how important this job is!
Learning about Vancity Financial Services!
Rebekah’s Mom, Leah has worked at Vancity for the for the past 19 years and is a Financial Services Representative. Rebekah noted that everything moves at a fast pace, starting with counting cash and observing as the ATM machine was set-up and organized for the day. It is important to be organized, good at math and have good people skills. Leah says that Vancity provides training to high school graduates who want to learn financial services but there are programs in financial planning at places like BCIT that are also good preparation for this work.
Rebekah learned a very important piece of information about the people who come to Vancity for financial services such as bill paying and savings accounts etc., they are not customers but members and Rebekah enjoyed watching her Mom help all the members that she met on the job!
…and what about those who couldn’t go to the workplace?
Grade 9’s at Delview Secondary, who were not able to spend the day on the job, worked in groups in the school’s Career Centre completing an assignment and discussion about career ideas, work preparation and education planning.
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