Powers of Superman:

1) Leap tall buildings in a single bound.
2) Superhuman Strength.
3) X-ray Vision.

Powers of Brentwood Supermen:

1) Pirouette on the very tips of their toes in a single bound.
2) Superhuman grace, delicacy, subtlety (traces of kryptonite may have interfered with these powers!).
3) Give the audience X-ray vision: audience sees far more than it ever wanted to.

The Beginning:
1) A rocket, from the dying planet of Krypton, crash lands on Earth, where the only occupant, a child, is saved from the flames. This child will grow up to become Superman.
2) Money to save wells, from Brentwood, is sent to Zambia, where it can save children from both flames, and more importantly, trachoma. These children will, we hope, grow up to be healthy.

But how, one has to ask, does this lead to the parade of tutus which appeared at Brentwood on Friday? Answer: through a very unusual incentive system. For individuals, rewards at Brentwood include such things as marks and commendee outings. For the students as a group, however, having several teachers dress up in tutus and dance in front of the school seemed to be the perfect reward. Can’t see why? Be thankful: due to the size of the participants, the smallness of the tutus, and the disturbing tendency of the tutu worn by Mr. Johnston to surround his ankles, there was very little else that could not be seen.

Of course, the teachers did not only wear tutus: skintight dancing costumes were also present, though these appeared to be made with the teachers in mind. A careful process had been followed: measurements were taken, the costumes were made to exact specifications, and then, as a final step, run through the wash enough to shrink them four or five sizes.

Despite the unusual size and endowments of these ballet dancers, they must be admired for their efforts, their courage, and in some cases, their skills. One wonders which the dancers feared most: mockery for a lack of skill, or compliments for an excess of it. Whether they hoped to be an undiscovered ballet prodigy (auditions are tomorrow, gentlemen), or to be gently sent back to their rugby pitches, in the end, they were impressive, in their daring and their sense of drama. We would suggest, however, that next time Mr. Johnston use a safety pin to stop that tutu from visiting his feet.

Story by : Nicholas Chesterley (Grade 11)

WELLS IN ZAMBIA

Quickly lost in the general merriment that followed, was the key component of the assembly: the presentation of a cheque to the Colin B. Glassco Foundation for $11,460. This amount, raised by the concerted efforts of the Brentwood students, will be matched by the foundation for a total reaching over $22,000. The money will accompany Colin Glassco on his next trip to Zambia, where it will provide four wells for communities in need of accessible water.

Sponsored by the Student Activities Council, this considerable sum was raised in many different ways: Colin Scott produced a rock concert, with ticket sales going to the charity; Corey Ranger donated the funds raised from the sale of postcards in his Entrepreneurship 12 project; Sarah Williams conducted an art auction; and Kathleen Sinclair hosted "Extreme Cookie" breaks; and Sonya Rokosh organised a T-shirt drive. All the members of the SAC sold Brentwood calendars and volunteered their time to the individual projects.

SAC members Sarah Williams,
Stephanie McClellan, and Kathleen Sinclair
with their Glassco Foundation apparel

BUGS AT LARGE

The Biology 11 class recently undertook a study to identify where bacteria grow at Brentwood College School. They wanted to determine where bacteria were most abundant on campus and which species of bacteria were growing. Bacteria were collected from door handles, water fountains, computer keyboards & mice, hand railings, hand sanitizer dispensers, washrooms and the common-use signing pen in the bursary. These bacteria were grown in an incubation chamber for 48 hours and then observed. It was discovered that areas such as the water fountain and washroom were growing some type of fungus and that the hand sanitizer and door to the library provided the greatest variety of bacteria.

Story and pictures: Katherine Mikes

REVIVAL

Scotch Broom. Gardeners hear these words and reminisce fondly over small battles fought with this noxious plant. Native plants on Vancouver Island have a different story to tell; one filled with fear and horror at this Scottish invader. Introduced slowly as an ornamental-type, Scotch Broom has shaken its innocent masquerade and shown the naive North American landscape its yellow flowered claws.

Standing tall and proud, Gary Oaks were once beacons in a vastly different landscape, now they are prey for the Scotch Broom, a bitter foe to all Pacific Northwest wild life. Dense and dark-leafed, broom spreads quickly through Gary Oak meadows, quickly choking out native wild flowers and grasses.

To defend the falling reign of Gary Oak majesty, preservation groups have sprung up all over southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, including one in Maple Bay. In time for spring, the Brentwood Outdoor Pursuits group volunteered to pick Scotch Broom from the preserve which will allow native plants to return.

It is estimated that it takes twenty years to clear the soil completely of Scotch Broom seeds, but the gorgeous day and friendly staff belaid any frustration over the futility of the task. A tour of the grounds, including the biggest Gary Oak in Canada, wildflower seedlings, and camus bulbs, as well as the sight of relatively broom-free areas, left the group smiling and satisfied. Only spring will tell if endangered wildflowers will begin to revisit their old haunts or if Scotch Broom will once more dare to lift its waxy green head.

Story by: Andrea Norlund (Grade 11)
Pictures by: Mr. Dan Norman

Kim Benda and Seghan MacDonald taking a break.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Heading to New York City for a once in a lifetime trip managed to be even more tiring than Brentwood could ever be. On arrival, the entire group's faces were glued to the bus windows for little glimpses of one of the most famous skylines in the world. First impressions were: bright lights, big city, and a never ending trail of hurried people in black winter coats. Although the initial faces of your average New Yorker were less than welcoming, the Brentwood tourists were ready to make the most of their little venture into their largest neighbour.

Waking to sirens and construction noises is less then pleasant, but a necessary part of the city experience. With a large gourmet breakfast in their stomachs, and warm clothing on their backs, the group set off on the TV

tour. Some highlights were seeing the Soup Nazi's kitchen, the 'Friends' building, and eating brownies that were the size of bricks.

Being fortunate enough to see two Broadway shows was overwhelming. 'Wicked', a fairly new show, was so catchy that the students are still humming the songs. After the show, they experienced a backstage look at the mechanic aspects of theatre and collected a few autographs. 'Hair spray', a must-see, was vibrant and vivacious. Afterwards, the students were fortunate enough to attend a workshop run by the dance captain. Even the male students on the trip managed to conquer the finale number. The Beijing Modern Dance Company was also in town, with a non-stop performance to Pink Floyd's 'The Wall.' Their performance was stirring and altogether unique.

For the dancers on the trip the biggest highlight was probably taking classes at the studios on Broadway. Beginners and experienced alike all hid in the back rows of the class while trying to keep up with professional dancers in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre styles. The classes were an eye-opener for everyone, as they came to realise exactly how difficult dancing really is.

Of course, one mustn't forget the aimless hours spent wandering and shopping. All sorts of things were bought, from the famous 'I Love NY' T-shirts, to the more expensive items bought on Fifth avenue. No problems were encountered, a lot of coffee was consumed, and the minds of the travellers were brimming with images that will never leave them. The group wish to thank the parents who tagged along and Mrs .Widenmaier and Mrs. Oxton, the mothers away from home.

Story and pictures by: Jennalee Desjardins (Grade 12)

THE SECRET LIVES OF MAINTENANCE MEN

They spend countless hours trimming and shaping our fields, unclogging our toilets, and keeping school vehicles in tiptop shape, silently maintaining the beauty of our manicured campus and its legendary lawns. Yet what do you know about these hardworking handymen? These masters of the maintenance mosaic? Close to nothing. Despite their enormous efforts they somehow manage to stay below the radar of most students, keeping themselves well hidden in their out-of-the-way headquarters. Some may perceive this as diffidence, but this reporter, forever seeking the larger picture, caught a whiff of something a little more dangerous in the lives of these brave men—mystery.

Unbeknownst to the Brentwood community, many of these brawny strangers come equipped with dark pasts and hidden identities. Due in large part to some extensive investigative journalism, and for the first time ever in This Week, this reporter brings you their true stories.

Thomas Albert Shadlock is perhaps the most well-known maintenance monger. A jovial man, seldom seen without a pair of sunglasses gracing his blonde curls, he is, at first, loathe to admit his love for ballet. However, once

his secret has been spilled, he lays down all of his cards, confessing his desire to design a ballerina topiary for the front garden of the T. Gill Bunch Centre and his love for hunting sewer plant sharks. However, despite his tough-as-nails facade, Mr. Shadlock is quick to reassure readers that he is secretly a "really nice guy", currently at the top of the maintenance pyramid.

There is nothing pretentious about the way Dan James McClure wears his coveralls. Striped with grease, it is obvious they have been put to good use. McClure, a man at the top of the Brentwood vehicle order, claims he's a fan of buying new vehicles for the school, but even that sounds like small fry for someone who works as a race-car mechanic in his spare time.

Geoff Sheffield is known better for his best friend than for his on-campus work in landscape design. Beamer, a golden lab and Sheffield's right hand man, is often spotted in the driver's seat of his pickup, patiently awaiting his

Self-coined as the "field maintenance guy", Sean Hutchinson has been studying karate for five years, and although he claims to be no master, you might not want to run into him in the dark back alleys of Mill Bay. Not only is he physically sharp, but his unassuming yet wiry frame comes equipped with a sharp wit which, when asked about his favourite maintenance job, claims he's a fan of moving chairs on Awards Day.

John Brennan, known around maintenance HQ as Edward Scissorhands for his green thumb and penchant for all things horticulture, spends his weekends hunting and enjoying the outdoors with his seven children — the sheer number of which acts as a feat of its own. Perhaps Mr. Brennan would be equally as well suited to a job as Houseparent. He definitely has plenty of experience.

These men of mystery are just a few of the fix-it elite on campus, quiet and unassuming in their relentless landscaping, and maintenance of our great school. The next time you walk by a member of the maintenance crew, slow down and say hello. After all, it's always a good idea to stay in the good books of a black belt.

Story and pictures by: Berit Anderson, Grade 12

HIGH STEAKS

Friday night was a night of decadence and indulgence for one lucky house on campus. The Mackenzie girls at long last reaped the benefits of the effort put into their first place finish in the Christmas gingerbread house competition. Many students who have never experienced this glory may be wondering what could be worth the hours that, for the most part, Mackenzie’s Grade 10 girls poured into creating a house that provided neither shelter from the elements nor nutritional value. Their curiosity was spiked as they entered the cafeteria on Friday night to see four long tables adorned with white table clothes and decorative place settings. But only Mackenzie girls were the benefactors at this occasion.

Mackenzie's Grade 12's are smiling for a reason

At 6:15 p.m. the hordes of Lasagna munching commoners were escorted out of the dining hall as the Mackenzie girls entered for their feast. The reward for the best overall gingerbread house is one meal at the cafeteria with the menu chosen by the House. And Mackenzie chose well, with a balanced and scrumptious meal of baked potatoes (with all the toppings of course), asparagus, stuffed mushrooms, lazy daisy cake and — the cherry on the sundae — steak.

The girls relished in their red meat or mushrooms, savoured every sweet morsel of their cake and all slowly plodded back to their house, relishing the late start to prep.

Let this story serve as inspiration for all other Houses; better luck next year.

Story and Pictures by: Sydney Black(Grade 12)

AP EXAMS

It is now the time of year when, just as Grade 12 students thought they could relax after completing their applications, and Grade 11’s are feeling the relief of the end of the first term of what is deemed “the toughest year at Brentwood”, many are reminded of their Advanced Placement exam opportunities and study duties. The exams, held in April and May, require much preparation and in-class work. Offered in courses such as Literature 12 AP, Psychology 12 AP, Chemistry 12 AP and Art History 12 AP, the exams in these courses offer students a chance to boost transcripts and to better prepare for university courses.

Brentwood College School began offering the advanced placement (AP) option in 1996. Since then

it has become a popular choice for students and is offered in nine classes for Grade 11 and 12 students. When considering whether to bring AP options or International Baccalaureate to the school, Mr. Gerry Pennells and others chose AP because it caused the least interference with what the school believes most in, the Brentwood tripartite program. The balance of academics, fine arts and athletics would have been disrupted by the more time consuming IB program so the AP option was selected. Mr. Pennells stated that the school continues to offer the program because it provides better preparation in some classes for university. The rigour of the exam also gives the school the opportunity to design more stimulating course material. Mr. Pennells has seen students and staff make great progress with the program and says that the most rewarding part is the longevity, in that a third year university student can still experience the rewards of having taken a course and exam in Grade 11 or 12.

Those students planning on writing an exam in the next few months will have to set aside their total relaxation mode for now, and focus instead on shooting for that perfect '5'.

Story and pictures by: Ellen Kutscher (Grade 12)

SO MANY DRESSES, ONE GRAD

As this year’s graduation ceremonies draw closer and closer, excitement is rising. Grade 12 students are eagerly looking forward to their grad weekend with family and friends at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. As this special weekend of festivities starts to draw near, preparations are underway to ensure that the weekend of May 21st is nothing short of fantastic. Students are beginning to consider their options as well; who will be at their table, what music they would like played, who their dates will be, and of course what they will wear. The young ladies of the graduating class in particular find the question of attire a very strenuous and sometimes tiring one to answer. Traditionally, the graduation dance and dinner is thought to be a time for the young female graduates to shine in their gowns of all styles, cuts and colours. No doubt grad/prom fashions have changed over the years, but the different tastes, likes, and dislikes of Grade 12 girls vary as much today as they ever did. Young women today seem to be in search of dresses that are unique to their personalities. Every girl wants to stand out in her own way at her grad and the array of dress styles today makes that more than possible. One-piece and two-piece dresses can be found, and some of the most popular dress cuts can be strapless with a corset-like bodice, or they can have thin straps or a halter top with a low-cut back. While some girls prefer slimming, streamline dresses that conform to the figure, some prefer the ball-gown look, achieved by wearing a crinoline underneath the dress itself, to give it a “puffier” feel. The price for an elegant grad dress can range anywhere from $100 to $900, maybe even more, depending on the quality and label of the gown.

Gilly Milne and Katherine Higginson
ogle dresses in a prom magazine

GiGi McQueen, Kat Davy-Traynor and Kiri Bleecker get dress advice from Hollywood's leading ladies.

The chic, sophisticated look is definitely in this season, but it can be spiced up if desired in different colors; pinks, reds, golds, greens, yellows, maybe even oranges! Some girls are even looking to the ladies of Hollywood’s red carpet for inspiration. Nowadays having your dress custom made is also popular as it allows the girls to create exactly what they are looking for in a gown. For the gentlemen in the graduating class, selecting a tuxedo is generally less of an ordeal. However, black, the standard tuxedo color, can sometimes be replaced in favor of a white tux, or in some cases (if you are of Scottish ancestry) a kilt, as we saw evidence of last year. Once the dress is found, the next step is to find matching shoes (that aren’t too problematic when it comes to dancing) and accessories. It is possible the girls may even have to help their mothers find dresses to wear! Once the attire has been decided on, hair and make-up are next. Some girls may treat themselves to manicures or nail sculpting as well. Although these procedures have been known to burn considerable holes in the pockets of the girls’ fathers, the expense will be well worth it when the magical night finally arrives!

Story and Pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

DEBATING

The Debating Club attended the Commonwealth Student Conference in Victoria last weekend. The ubiquitous Natalie Charette finished 6th and the redoubtable Cirisse Stephen finished 3rd among 30 delegates. Cirisse has also just discovered that she has qualified to join Nick Chesterley at the Provincial Debate Championships in Vancouver March 4-5. This weekend, the Club will send a skeleton crew to the Bruce-Lockhart Tournament at Shawnigan given the conflict with Careers Day and rehearsals for the musical.

Rob MacLean

Jr. A Girls 8+: 1st (27:03). The girls beat Shawnigan for the first time this season.
Jr. B Girls 8+: 4th (32:07). This was the first race for seven of the girls in the crew. They were extremely nervous but in the end had a great time competing for the School.
Jr. A Lwt Boys 4+: 1st (27:33). This was a long way for the guys for their first race together. They are looking forward to more of these races in the future.
Jr. A 1X (Single) 1st (29:50). This was Ambrose’s first race in a single over this distance. There was no one to help pull him down the course. Ambrose finished 5th overall, but 1st in the Jr. A category.

Jr. B Boys A 8+: 1st (23:12). This crew were first in their category by two minutes and forty five seconds.
Jr. B Boys B 8+: 3rd (29:10). For most of the crew, this was their first race. To get them out on the water, down the course, back up the course with the same number of athletes shows that we have made progress!
Jr. A Nov Girls 4X+: 2nd (31:00). There was a strong head wind to finish off the day, so times are hard to compare to the first flight.

Brian Carr, Head Coach

T. GIL BUNCH CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Future presentations:

Acting 11 / 12.

Waiting for the Parade by John Murrell. Humorous and touching, this is the major work of an important Canadian playwright.

The War of the Worlds. Lights, sound effects, film-clips and scenes fill the stage as we create our version of the original radio broadcast.

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