THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH

'Twas the Night before leaving,
And all through Brentwood,
Every person was stirring,
As soon as they could.

The students had nestled all snug in exams,
While dreaming of everything they had to cram,
But now teachers in costumes, the students all done,
They’re just settling down for some winter’s fun.

The countdown had ended, the exams had been written, and it was time for a final meal in the dining room. On the last night of term, the Houses eat out, going to restaurants for a Christmas meal. The last opportunity for a school gathering is therefore the lunch just after exams. In order to celebrate the end of what is a long ordeal for many students, several things are changed. Normally, students serve themselves, taking what food they want, then sitting down. For this lunch, though buffet-style serving is preserved, merry little elves swarm around the tables, bringing treats and drinks to the students. These little elves (actually the teachers) volunteer each year to help the students relax and enjoy their final hours at school before they fly off to the multitude of places which they call home. Though their serving was skillful, what was truly graceful about the teachers was their skill in avoiding the students’ questions on exams. Often reluctant to give out preliminary results until the marks have been completely tabulated, teachers try to give out approximates without revealing exact scores. However, their joy was certainly unfeigned as they, and everyone else, wished a

Story by: Nicholas Chesterley (Grade 11)

SANTA AND REINDEER AND ELVES — OH MY!

On Sunday afternoon, the SAC held its annual staff children's Christmas party. Dressed as elves and reindeer, the SAC members facilitated colouring, "Pass The Parcel", Christmas tree decorating, a rowdy sing along, a "fish pond" where participants could try his or her hand at fishing for little presents for kids ranging in age from 6 months to 10 years.

Matt Franklin and Taryn Bodrug checked in the kids at the door, passing out name tags which labeled their age groups (reindeer, candy canes or christmas trees), and they were then ushered into the cafeteria where an eager gang of SAC members awaited them with games and smiles.

About an hour into the party, Santa (Mr. Rodrigues) arrived to pass out gifts to every child in attendance (traditionally shopped for and wrapped by the Alex house SAC members), and listen to their Christmas wishes as each one climbed onto his knee. Families and SAC elves then snacked on fries, chicken nuggets, apple juice, egg nog and cookies for dessert provided by the dining room.

The party, usually around two hours of fun-filled merriment, is awaited excitedly by many staff children who look forward to it well in advance, and it was evident by the facial expressions of arriving kids that they had high expectations based on previous years. A huge success, the party ended around four o'clock and tired but elated kids returned home with parents, each with a gourmet gingerbread cookie, present and great memories.

Story and Pictures by: Ellen Kutscher (Grade 12)

A CLOSE CALL IN THE GINGERBREAD COMPETITION

In the past week, Brentwood students have been busy writing exams and decorating their gingerbread houses. The seven houses submitted gingerbread entries on Wednesday at the Brentwood Christmas Luncheon. While staff and students lined up for their lunch, they were able to view the spectacular houses as they were served their food.
The Privett House entry (which won an honourable mention in the competition) boasted a colorful array of jujubes, although no one was quite sure what this entry was supposed to depict. The Gwynneth House entry won a mention for “the most creative use of ingredients,” using everything from colored icing and candy, to plain everyday cereal. The boys from Whittall House depicted a somewhat disastrous skiing scene featuring edible skiing bears on a snowy slope, for which they too won an honourable mention. Alex House won “most original” for their gingerbread variation of “Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry", including not only the Hogwart's Castle, but the Whomping Willow tree and Hagrid’s Cottage, adapted from the very popular Harry Potter books.
For the four judges, the final decision as to who won the overall gingerbread competition, was a very tough call. The judges found themselves desperately in need of a tie, however, ties are against competitive gingerbread regulations! It was close, but Mackenzie House won first prize, and Ellis House won a close second. In fact, this is the first second prize ever to be awarded in the gingerbread competition. Ellis House produced the largest entry of all with a snowy ski slope, complete with chair lift and ski cabins at the bottom of the run. Mackenzie House however, came in first with a “perfect” little gingerbread house with children playing in the snow outside. They also won the “most detailed” title. The prize itself, is a special dinner for Mackenzie House in the New Year, and Ellis wins a special dessert, also in the New Year.
Congratulations to Mackenzie House and Ellis House, and all the other houses who participated in the gingerbread competition!

Story and Pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

Mackenzie House Entry

Ellis House Entry

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS

It's the most rigorous time of the year. The first exams of the year come with the yearly frost that always surprises students. And yet, walking around campus you would never had known that many are experiencing mental overload. How do they manage? Supplements? No, sheer balance. Everyone knows that there is such a thing as studying too much. The best way to escape the nagging worries at the back of one's mind is physical exertion. Exercise is the way to go-go.

Every afternoon during examinations for a two-hour block, a variety of sports activities are offered to students. Rowing, swimming, soccer, rugby, independent study; the possibilities appeal to everyone. Tagging along on the overflowing bus to

the rink, one would have to agree that skating is one of the most popular choices. Beginners and professionals alike all decide to spend two hours skating around in a circle.

So instead of staring at those logarithms or quantum theories, take a break, skate, swim or dance those stresses away — at least until tomorrow.

Story and pictures by: Jennalee Desjardins (Grade 12)

SECRET SANTA STRIKES AGAIN

Stress is a feeling that each student becomes closely acquainted with during exam week. Sitting still in the cold gym or auditorium, listening to the scratch of pencils and staring down into the mass of bubbles on the Scantron card, are rivaled only by the stresses generated by the Secret Santa operation — the tense forays to deliver gifts and the burning question: Who is my Secret Santa?

With the beginning of Exam Week, each House adds in something special to make things run more smoothly. In Alex House, along with dragging on a tired uniform and straightening the bed, the residents also engage in the subterfuge of becoming a Secret Santa.

First, each girl stealthily prepares a special packet. She is careful to leave no trace on the gift that might lead to the unravelling of her identity.

Secret Santa attack: Caitlin Sinclair

Handwriting, a key give-away, is forged on to the note in such a way that any analysis will only lead to confusion. Using one's left hand or having a friend write it are the usual methods although other successfully deceptive Santas use computer-printed notes as well. The rudimentary objectives, including buying or making the gift, are quickly overcome leaving all experience and skill to be harnessed during the final object of the mission: delivering the gift.

Method #1: James Bond
Careful deduction through reconnaissance of normal behaviour leads to a strike while the victim leaves for breakfast. The only downfall of such a move is the extreme stress of standing breathless as the target returns early or to grab a jacket. Only the quick witted can explain being crouched over a desk with a guilty expression.

Method #2: Inspector Gadget
Slipping up to the door and leaving the gift nestled against the wall. Although easier on the nerves, the chance of being caught lurking in the shadows remains. "I..ummm..was looking for someone?" sounds a little suspicious around this time of year.

Method #3: Charlie's Angels
Letting a messenger do the dirty work as you relax over study notes. This type is more of a cop-out than real Secret Santa behaviour. Besides, can you really trust someone with your identity?

Whichever method is selected, the game has another side. The surprise and joy of "They remembered me!" also serves to conceal racing thoughts as to who each Secret Santa is. Quiet pow-wows to discuss the potential candidates result in failure, the identity is not revealed.

Between exams, study blocks, and a variety of other activities there is little time for true detective work. As exams trickle to a close the countdown on Secret Santa begins. The final encounter coincides with the exam finale, the Wednesday night House dinner. There, in the midst of good food, friends, and Christmas spirit, all niggling suspicions are brought to a close with the revelation of each Secret Santa. Although maybe it is the anticipation that makes each gift more special, the last gift represents the end of exams and the reality of home on Thursday.

Story and picture: Andrea Norlund (Grade 11)

MACKENZIE HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

“Wait…Is that a good thing?” Mrs. Flynn asked uncertainly.
“Yes, Miss Flynn,” would reply some Mackenzie girl or another, “ “Ballin’” is a good thing.”
Mrs. Flynn found herself uncertain of much of the language she was hearing on Saturday night at the Mackenzie “Brent-hood” Open House.
If you survived the seizure-inducing strobe lit “underground” entrance you found the normally (relatively) restrained halls of Mackenzie house adorned with fluorescent spray paint and black lights, advertising fried chicken and calling to all those who could free style or break dance.
With each room emanating its tenants’ favourite songs, resulting in a confusing rhapsody of bass, the halls were crowed with hip hop beats and the browsing student body until the bell rang,

calling almost all attendants to crowd into Mackenzie’s not-so-spacious common room.

What could actually compel as many people to fit into that room as it did? One of the evening's feature presentations, the freestyle competition. Alonzo Westbrooks’ paper back “Hip Hoptionary” defines a freestyle as “unrehearsed, stream-of-consciousness rap” and rap, for those of us who clearly did not attend, is defined as “a verbal sport-word play competition”. So where does Brentwood College school, home of the tripartite program, have room for this? Obviously, in Mackenzie House. Matt Clever earned his applause as the unchallenged champion, though we shall not overlook the efforts of Artom Katkoff, Andrea Allan, and the unforgettable Darren Tardif.

Then the dance-off began. The already crowded room was forced tighter as everyone formed an adequate break dance circle. Winners are to be announced after the break and some meditation by judges Meghan McGuigan and Richelle Daves.
Between this highbrow entertainment, the open dance floor, and the excitement of being exposed to the dorms behind the girls of Mackenzie House, this evening had something for everyone.

At eleven, after everyone had left for the evening, the Mack girls and their choice escorts headed out to Kerry Park for an evening of skating. Prominent appearances were made on the ice by our very own Mr. Alistair Thompson trying his hand at skating for the second time ever, and Tom Dickens from Saudi who had not seen snow, much less ice, in years. Even if one's skills on the ice were not up to Mr Flynn’s par for his team, there was plenty to enjoy. From leaping and twirling figure-skaters, to leaping and twirling hockey players trying their best to be graceful, to Mr. Flynn joyously orchestrating the hordes of revolving skaters, the rink was full of good cheer until the evening came to a close and the rollicking came to an end. It was, after all, exam time.

Story and pictures by: Sydney Black (Grade 12)

Christine Yam and
Amanda Petersen

EXAMINATIONS

The many Christmas activities at this time of the year serve to generate some relief for for the students from the — dreaded by some, eagerly anticipated by others — end of term examinations.

In the final week of the term, all students write a minimum two-hour paper in each academic subject, thus — for some — a total of up to six papers. Most students have one paper per day, although in unusual circumstances there may be two. During the evening, the normal prep session operates in each House to facilitate preparation for the next day's paper. In the afternoons, students may use the time for extra studying, or partake in the various optional sports groups.

For the next few days, teachers will be busy marking the examination papers and assembling full reports on students' progress and standing. These reports will be mailed to parents next week.

MICE MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONS

2004 RECORD: 8WINS, 3 LOSSES, 1 TIE

This year's pack of rodents will go down in history as the most coachable, most polite and most improved over the course of the season. After some early season setbacks, the Mice, ably led by captain Sean McCarthy and assistant captain Nick Philippson, started to play

excellent rugby as many of the  neophytes began to play their positions effectively to help the team. In the pack, Myles Dickson, Rodrigo Amodio, Matt Adnams and Joe Thompson started to use their size and speed to get the team steaming forward, while the front row of Wam Huis int'Veld, Malcolm Gustafson and Darren Sage held their own against much larger rats in the scrums. The diminutive Jason Kim was a mighty mouse in the lineouts, reaching high into the sky to snatch the ball from the claws of the opposition. In the backs Sean McCarthy and Sam Pascoe were co-winners of the Mouse of the Year Trophy, Sean by virtue of his superb kicking and play-making, Sam for his solid tackling and hard inside running. Our outside backs, Nick Philippson, Jeronimo Cervantes, Felipe Urquiza and Alex Gausman had the speed and elusiveness to score tries, while playing tough defence to stop our foes from scoring. Taylor Pears was a force at scrum half, but preferred to play flanker where he could tackle and run more and Ben Thompson returned from injury (broken claw) to play superbly at a new position in the Mid-Island Playoffs.

The highlights of our season were two big wins over Shawnigan (the second game 57-5) and the Mid-Island championships, defeating George Bonner 21-12 after many years of finishing second. After the final game, both team's coaches commented on the high quality of play in the game. It was a truly an exciting and memorable sporting spectacle, hard-hitting, but played in a fair and sportsmanlike manner. Players from both teams met to shake hands afterward and pose for a group photo. Mr. Flynn and I were proud of all our players for their excellent accomplishments and their honourable behaviour. We congratulate the colours winners, Sean, Sam, Nick and Rodrigo, but also acknowledge the contribution of Gene, Michael, Jonathan, Tim, Matt and Tristan who may not have started in the playoff games but played with great enthusiasm and effort when called upon. This was truly a team in which every mouse played his part in its success.

Story and pictures: Steve Cowie and Mike Flynn

T. GIL BUNCH CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Future presentations:

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