DATES TO Newsletter Mark it...ducted a dumplings workshop, where I taught the grade 10 class how to make Chinese dumplings. am so glad to see presentation, and the story behind the

Time has flown this year, and it’s been a wonderful 2018-2019 School Year thus far.

We have been very busy at St. Michael’s Choir School since the last Newsletter and we anticipate a busy conclusion to the school year. Our boys have done a fantastic job representing St. Michael’s Choir School in all aspects of school life. Our Athletic teams have worked very hard and have come home

with championships and beaming with school pride. Our extracurricular teams like W5H, Chess, CN Tower Climb etc. have also represented the school very well and have really cemented the fact that we flourish in all areas of school life. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all students involved in any team or Club. You have made SMCS very proud. Of course, I would be remised if I didn’t also thank our wonderful Staff who volunteer their time to make these opportunities happen for our boys!

As we approach the final quarter of this school year, we have many exciting things planned. Here’s a sneak pre-view: our final House Event, Beach Day, will be held in May. This event has become a tradition at the school, which is enjoyed by all. We can’t forget our NYC Tour which leaves April 25th, 2019. It promises to be excep-tional. For those who aren’t able to attend, classes will continue as normal, but with a modified schedule for Grades 5-12. Our focus on mental health and well-being, providing all students with a caring adult, and student leadership has made many positive dents in the school. We were recently awarded a TCDSB Exemplary Practice Award for our work, namely with an initiative called ‘Mike Talks’, which you’ll hear more about in the upcoming months and into next year. For many of the other events I encourage you to check our calendar on www.smcs.on.ca.

As we conclude this Lenten season in a mere three weeks and await the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are constantly reminded that there is always hope and light throughout our journey. As a school community, we focus on doing whatever little we can, like our ‘Loonies for Lent’ challenge, knowing that we are constantly striv-ing to be Christ to those we encounter. I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you and your fami-lies a blessed Holy Week, Easter Triduum and a joyous Easter season.

Blessings,

Linton Soares

J A N U A R Y , F E B R U A R Y A N D M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Linton Soares Principal

Newsletter

As I sit at my computer to write this article, the ambient sounds of beautiful music for the Lenten season fills the air. I would like to share with you all how deeply moved I was by the singing of our boys this past weekend. Our tal-ented conductors bring such expertise and passion to their work, and the results are astounding. As I sat in the Cathedral Basilica, I was reminded of our motto “bis orat qui cantat – he who sings prays twice”. The beautiful mu-sic we are so privileged to experience every week brings us all deeper into the mystery. In this reflective season of Lent, I am especially grateful to our boys for their unwa-vering dedication to our mission. As part of the St. Michael’s Concerts, a program of reflec-tive music for the Lenten journey, will take place in the Cathedral Basilica on Saturday, April 6th at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Mr. Bryan Priddy, our Schola Cantorum will perform two major works: Motet V – Komm, Jesu komm (BWV 229) by J. S. Bach, with cello and organ, as well as the Canadian premiere of Richard Burchard’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” with string orchestra. We are very privileged to have Richard Burchard, the composer, in attendance. Please mark your calendars. This concert will be a highlight of our concert season. Preparations are being finalized for our upcoming spring tour to New York. There will be a parent information meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30pm in the auditori-um. Detailed itineraries will be available, and staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have. The audition season is in full swing, and we are delighted to have such an excellent pool of candidates seeking entry to the school in September 2019. I would like to thank the choral, academic and office staff, as well as the student and parent volunteers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to ensure that every aspect of the audition process runs smoothly. I am deeply grateful for all you do. The Piano Recital season is also in full swing. A huge thank-you to our dedicated POST staff for their on-going com-mitment and dedication. The boys are also very excited to be playing our new Schimmel Grand piano.

Stephen Handrigan

Executive Director

New York Tour

April 25 to May 2, 2019

LUNCH PROGRAM

April 4, 11, 18, 2019

May 9, 16, 23, 30, 2019

June 6, 2019

CSPC Mtg. 7:00 pm Academic Building

May 23 2019

P.A. Day

Elementary—June 7, 2019

Academic Testing

March 30, 2019,

April 4 2019

Please check the school website calendar for regular updates.

smcs.on.ca

D A T E S T O

Mark it

Stephen Handrigan, Executive Director

J A N , F E B , A N D M A R C H

P A G E 2

School News Catholic Register—Friars' Writing Contest

The passage “justice, only justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20) portrays a deep understanding of God’s vision of our world. Catholics and Christians of different denominations can create a more just society and be examples of Christ’s healing grace in a broken world through their actions and decisions, as well as by their day-to-day interactions with others. All people deserve to live in a just world. To start, Catholics and Christians need to create a sense of unity instead of division amongst themselves. To create unity, people must accept and respect others for who they are, free of all judgment. It is important to remember that every person is created in the image of God and hence all should be treated with fairness and compassion. With this point of view, there is no room for division. This understanding can manifest in the day-to-day interactions between students and adults in how they embrace each other — ask others to join a group, embrace all cultures and traditions through gatherings, and ensure no one is lonely. Catholics and Christians must elect leaders who promote the best interest of the people they represent and who make decisions to benefit them. In the various covenants that God established with Abraham, Moses and David, He chose them to lead His people so they could have a better life, one that is just.

Abraham, Moses and David acted as messengers spreading the word of God through their teachings. Similarly, all people and leaders can be the messengers of Christ’s healing grace in a bro-ken world by spreading God’s love, teachings and way of life. People can lend a hand to someone in need, be good listeners and be loving and caring for one another. Also, programs and services must be available for all people to meet their needs. “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” said Mahtama Gandhi in a powerful statement that helps support how Catholics and Christians can be Christ’s healing grace in this world. All people wish that world hunger, poverty and homeless-ness could be abolished. It would be greatly just to end these crises. People must take action in continuing to fundraise, build shelters, create food drives and donate to families in need always. Moreo-ver, acts of kindness are powerful ways to help make the world a better place. If each person did one act of kindness a day, people would feel happier and experience a sense of belonging. This naturally and slowly can begin to improve the world, making it more just and compassionate, one act at a time. When people create unity, no one is discriminated against. When leaders and citizens act fairly with the best interest of all people, justice is served. Acts of kindness will always help create a more just society and are an example of Christ’s healing grace in a broken world.

By: Jean Ko Din is Youth Editor at The Catholic Register

Christian leaders are called to a higher standard, according to Grade 9 student Lucas Georgey.

In winning the annual Friars’ Student Writing Contest, 14-year-old Georgey wrote that leaders can look to the examples of Abraham, Moses and David to act as messengers of the word of God.

“We all see poverty and homelessness and we say, ‘We wish they weren’t in that situation,’ but like take initiative. Do something about that if you really felt that,” he told The Catho-lic Register. The Catholic Register and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Graymoor received a record 150 entries for this year’s con-test, which asked high school students to reflect on Deuteron-omy 16:18-20 and submit a 500-word essay on how Christians

can unite to make a more just society. “Justice, for me, is treating other people how God would treat you,” said Georgey, a student at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto. “God has so much love for His people... and being God’s people, we should take on that role for others.” Georgey said his essay was inspired in part by the his parents’ story of immigrating to Canada from Lebanon as young children. His father came at 11 years old and his mother arrived at age four. Georgey said his parents had a hard time adjusting to school life in Cana-da. They were often singled out as different from their classmates.

Lucas Georgey, Gr. 9, first place winner of the Friars' Writing Contest

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School News - Secondary

Page 3

Written by: Pictures by: Sean Wang—Grade 11

Pictures taken by: Ms. S. Gallah

After moving to Canada from China, sharing my culture has been a very special experience. In December, I con-ducted a dumplings workshop, where I taught the grade 10 class how to make Chinese dumplings.

Following this work-shop, I conducted a Chinese New Year workshop for the grades 5 to 8 classes, in which we learned about Chinese new year, learned how to do paper cutting and Chinese calligraphy. I am so glad to see people are enjoying and appreciating my culture. I believe

everyone has learned a lot from the workshop, the presentation, and the story behind the customs.

Through cultural aware-ness I am trying to ex-press the idea that each culture is unique and valuable in its own way. In the future, I am look-ing forward to cooperat-ing with others to present other cultures to the school.

Cultural Awareness Initiatives

Eco Club

Hello parents, friends, students, and staff. I would like to formally introduce our young club to the SMCS community, which began earlier into the school year. Within our first months of existence, we have pursued many initiatives, though I would personally like to speak of one today: the documen-tary series.

The documentary series was our chance to show relevant and provocative films hoping that through knowledge and awareness, students would be inspired to live according to principles and values that nurture the environment and fosters love towards one another. The films watched were these following titles: Manufactured Landscapes by Ed-ward Burtynsky, Satoyama II by David Attenbor-ough, and Before the Flood by Leonardo DiCaprio. Edward Burtynsky shows us where consumer prod-ucts are made and the effects it has on people, inviting us to see beyond the product to its manu-facturing roots and its effect on the lives of living, breathing, conscious people. David Attenborough explores a rural Japanese village and its close ties with nature, showing us that we can integrate ourselves into the natural systems and live harmoni-ously. Finally, Leonardo DiCaprio shows us candid-ly the fruits of our actions and by example, calls us

to search for the truth amidst all the confusion by doing our own research and comparing it to our life experiences to find it. These films all have affected me deeply and although it hurts to think that our very lives and lifestyle are in of themselves causes of suffering and pain on a global scale, I believe that we can do better if we try.

In closing, these films are highly recommended and should inspire you to do your research and live in such a way that limits the effects of environmental degradation and social injustices if these words fail to do so.

I wholeheartedly thank you, the SMCS com-munity, for allowing us to continue our work and giving us a place where we can voice our thoughts and where our voices are heard.

May God bless you in all your noble endeavors,

The ECO Club

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School News

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U OF T LET'S TALK SCIENCE STEM CELL SYMPOSIUM

On February 19th, 16 grade 11 and 12 stu-dents attended the Let’s Talk Science Stem Cell Conference focusing on ocular diseases. The day included watching two debates on the

use of stem cells for treating diseases such as glaucoma and rare genetic forms of blindness. They also partici-pated in breakout discussions and competitions about stem cells. The best part of the day was getting to en-gage with researchers at the cutting edge of their fields and the exposure to science and careers outside the standard doctor and engineer.

ZEBRAFISH LAB TOUR AT ST MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL

Gr. 7 and grade 11 students participated in a tour of St. Michael’s genetic zebrafish lab. Zebrafish act as a step before testing new medicines in

rats. The boys were introduced to the methods by which the lab works. They got to look through fluorescing microscopes and see different experiments and different stages of growth. Our favourite fish were the casper fish that were see through.

SCIENCE CLASS Pictures and Written by: Ms. J. Buckley

ETHICS PANEL ON HEALTHCARE

Our first lecture was on patient experi-ence and care in our healthcare sys-tem. Participating was Dr. Licht (Martin Licht, Gr 12 student’s father) a nephrologist at Sick Children’s hospital and Kimberly

Whitchurch, a cancer survivor. We discussed issues around patient/doctor interactions, pa-tient autonomy, when a how to give infor-mation. This is the beginning of an ongoing series with the next panel in May. We would love to have contributions from economists, lawyers, caregivers who feel that they can con-tribute knowledge in the health area. If you are interested please contact Ms. Buckley.

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ST. MICHAEL’S CHOIR SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY

SPARTAN MARCH FEST ! - March 1, 2019

Article Written & Pictures taken by: Ms. S. Navaratnasingham

On March 1st, 2019, High school students enjoyed a day just for themselves. The first ever -Spartan March Fest! This wonderful day consisted of 6 different workshops including painting, hip hop dancing, karaoke, board games, build your own sundaes, and an overall favourite, teacher versus student pictionary. At the end of a very entertaining, and insightful day, the students gathered in the auditorium so that the teachers could thank them in the form of a thank you video that can be seen on our SMCS YouTube channel, a homemade cookie generously made by Ms. Dovigo, as well as a free civvies day on March 5th. Student paintings will be hung in an area of our school very soon for all to en-joy. With new and exciting things happening, we can look forward to more wonderful events like this in the coming months here at St. Michael's Choir school!

School News SHROVE PANCAKE TUESDAY - March 5, 2019

ELEMENTARY—CARNIVAL FEST—MARCH 1, 2019

Post News

J A N , F E B , A N D M A R C H

P A G E 7

Written by: Ed Leerdam (SMCS Class of ’76)

Alezandro Flores, Grade 3

Josiah Joshua Baptiste, Grade 3 Yujin Nicassio, Grade 5

Bryson Coln, Gr. 3 Adrian Diez, Gr. 3 Ethan Duan, Gr. 5

The

SMCSAA

Hand Me

Down Hand

Me Sound

program

takes gently

used donated pianos, and places them into the

homes of young SMCS students and their fami-

lies who are looking for a piano so the student

can practice and learn the instrument in the

comfort of their own homes. The pianos are

offered through the Alumni, either coming

from their own homes, the homes of their

parents (often used by the Alumni themselves

when they were students at the Choir School!),

or from someone associated with an Alumnus.

The program launched in November of 2014

under the auspices of St. Michael’s Choir

School Alumni Association, and since that

launch 21 pianos have been placed into young

students’ homes (and an organ placed into the

chapel at 66 Bond St.). 6 of those pianos have

been placed since the start of the current

school year. Students who have received

the recent 6 pianos are:

If you are looking for a real piano for your

son use in your home, or if you have a

piano in good condition that can be given

to a student, please contact Ed Leerdam

(SMCS Class of ’76) at fishined-

[email protected] or call Ed at 416-453-

4472, or you can contact the school office

who will forward your request to Ed.

Students are to be in Dress Uniform

TIME: 5:30 pm

LOCATION: Auditiorium

Piano Recital

Mar.25 Ms D.Chan/ Ms Z.Degtyar

Mar 27 Mr.W. Pengelly / Mr. M.Michalak

Apr. 2 Mrs. N. Krechkovsky

Apr. 4 Mr. Y. Krechkovsky

Apr.11 Ms. C. Pengelly

May 16 Strings

May 29 Vocal students

May 30 Organ students

A T H L E T I C S A N D S T U D E N T C O U N C I L N E W S

J A N , F E B , A N D M A R C H

High School Athletics From the President’s Desk

It is hard to fathom how quickly

the school year has passed. As

you have seen for the past few

newsletters, I love to reminisce

on what our council has

accomplished and now as we

approach the final quarter of the school year

that is just what I will continue to do.

During the dark and gloomy exam period, one

that can bring on a lot of stress for our

highschool students, council wanted to provide

a lighthearted event to help lift spirits. Thanks

to Choco Churros’ food truck we are able to

provide churros for all students, a sweet treat

during an otherwise sour time.

Following the end of the first semester, our

council worked alongside our administration to

agree on having weekly spirit days every

Thursday. This day will allow all students, both

elementary and secondary, to wear any form of

spirit wear over their uniform top. These spirit

days will continue for the rest of the year and

we hope we can carry it on for years to come.

On Valentine’s Day, we hosted a bake sale in

support of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.

Thanks to donations from numerous families,

alongside all the students who donated for this

great cause, we were able to accumulate over

$300 to support the less fortunate in our own

community.

Before we begin the hectic lenten season at the

Choir School, Shrove Tuesday provides an

opportunity for students to take part in our

annual pancake lunch. Courtesy of Denny’s,

pancakes and sausages were supplied for all

students, creating a fun-filled event, allowing

all students to take part in the annual Catholic

tradition.

As the year approaches its end, we are

disheartened at all the time that has gone

by, but are excited for what the rest of the

year holds.

P A G E 8

Joseph Ponganthara

This fall & winter, the St. Michael’s Choir School Spartans and the St. Joseph’s College School Bears

joined together once more to become the Spears Ultimate Frisbee team. Under the leadership of cap-

tains David Leong, Jonathan Hsu, Katie Szajbely, Agnes Andree and Rowan Christie, we have enjoyed a

great fall season including the TDCAA Ultimate league and St. Mary’s tournament. This winter season,

we have enjoyed three big wins at the TDCAA girls’ indoor tournament and the Catch the Spirit High

School Ultimate Tournament, hosted by the Toronto Ultimate Club.

This year has been the most fun and

successful in terms of building team

chemistry and skills! We’re all excited

for spring season to begin!

Let’s Go Spears!!

Konrad Orlowski, team manager and

player and Ms. Dakin

Ultimate Frisbee 2018-2019

Congratulations to the SMCS High School Swim Team which com-peted in the OFSAA swim meet at the Panam Centre on March 5 and 6. Our relay team captained by Calum Murray and including Ben Norton, Liam Wright and Andrew Wright finished #28 in the province of Ontario. In individual events, Ben Norton came in sixth place in the 50 meter butter-fly and won a bronze medal in the 100 me-ter freestyle. Very well done!

Written By: Mr. Woodger

OSFAA SWIMMING MEET—MARCH 5-6 2019

Keep in touch

Call: 416 393-5518 Academic Office

416 397-6367 Music Office

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Visit: www.smcs.on.ca

Get involved

Like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/stmichaelschoirschool

Follow us on Twitter: @smchoirschool

CSPC: [email protected]

Alumni: www.smcsaa.com

ST MICHAEL’S CHOIR SCHOOL

St. Michael’s Choir School

Archives

Parent Groups have always played an important role at St. Michael's Choir School. Here we have Mrs. Muldoon from the Parent Auxiliary Group honoring Monsignor Ronan with a gift in the 1960's. Thank you to alumni Dermot Muldoon (Class of '70) for sharing this picture with us.

Principal: Mr. Linton Soares Superintendent of Education: Mr. J. Shanahan (416) 222-8282 - Ex. 5371 Director of Choral Institute: Mr. Stephen Handrigan

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

SMCS 2018–2019 CSPC REPRESENTATIVES

ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO

Chancellor: Thomas Cardinal Collins

St. Michael’s Choir School Advisory Board

Dr. Joseph Gasser, Class of 1979 Alumnus, Board Chair Ms. Anne Bolger, friend Fr. Ed. Curtis - Rector, St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica Fr. Ivan Camillieri, Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs, Archdiocese of Toronto Fr. Brian Clough, Class of 1961, Alumnus Fr. William Dunlop, Comptroller, Archdiocese of Toronto Ms. Kathryn Lagroix, past parent, Finance Chair Fr. Larry Leger, friend, Nominating Committee Chair Mr. James Milway, Chancellor of Temporal Affairs, Archdiocese of Toronto Mr. John Nelligan, Class of 1980, Alumnus Dr. Constance Price, Office of Formation for Discipleship Mr. Geoffrey Rawlinson, Class of 1991, Alumnus Parent, Advancement Committee Chair Ex: Officio: Ms. Pina Povolo, Manager, Community Operations, Secretary to the Advisory Board Mr. Stephen Handrigan, Director, Choral Institute Mr. Linton Soares , Principal

Montserrat Reynolds - Chair Denise Tan– Vice-Chair Anita Agostino-Liut -Secretary Daniel Garcia-Moreno - Treasurer