CAREERS DAY

With over 25 presentations by Brentwood alumni, parents, friends and relatives of students, Careers Day was inspirational and informative for all. Students from Grades 10-12 attended three 45-minute sessions in place of regular Saturday morning classes followed by lunch and a normal sports afternoon.

The fields in each session ranged from geological engineering and entrepreneurial businesses to plastic surgery. Each presenter brought different tools with them to show students a bit of their professional lives, such as business cards, media presentations, books, and breast implants!

I attended three excellent and very random talks, the first with Mr. Guy Shockey who clarified immediately that he was not a “Furniture Manufacturer” as his bio stated. He is in fact, an

Many of the presenters traveled great distances to impart their wisdom and experiences to us (Mr. Brock Harris, for example, traveling all the way from California), but they can be sure that it was very worthwhile, drawing many positive comments from impressed students full of new ideas for possible career paths.

Story by: Ellen Kutscher (Grade 12)

INTER-HOUSE CROSS-COUNTRY DAY:
Staff Let Students Win Again!

A more factual report on the Interhouse Cross-Country run appears below, but first we must examine those ever elusive stars, the staff. Though the staff members were certainly the ablest athletes on the field, each faced a variety of obstacles. What follows is an analysis of several staff members and the challenges they faced.

Second in the Junior Boys category by a mere few meters was the indomitable Mr. Garth Nichols, history, law, and psychology teacher, as well as the Junior Boys rowing coach. Unfortunately, we can only assume his grasp of geography was not as strong as

his knowledge of history: without that, the five km route must have become a much more extensive trip. Learning about the history of Lewis and Clark or Marco Polo is just not adequate preparation for a mere 5 km run. The fleeces and Indian guides were simply extra baggage for the overburdened Mr. Nichols. Fortunately, we can all realise that had he not taken those detours, his victory would have been inevitable.

In possibly even more danger of losing himself was Mr. Paul Collis, lost as he is in the world of Dickens and Shakespeare. This English teacher, though familiar with hard running from his extensive hours on the soccer pitch, may have found it challenging to maintain proper focus on the run. We can only attribute his failure to achieve first place to the actions of some conniving wretch, leaving an errant collection of books alongside the road. Though Mr. Collis’ reading on Odysseus could have taught him much about determination in travelling, halfway through the run was not the proper time or place to reminisce in the details of Homer’s epic.

Mr. Harold Wardrop, representative of the math department, could well have found himself led astray by a tempting shortcut. A mathematician, unlike the others mentioned, can certainly determine the charm of a 3 km shortcut: five minus three is two, and 2 km is faster than five…a shortcut is a natural route. Fortunately, we can trust that Mr. Wardrop remained on the straight and narrow path, though who knows how many times he may have paused, calculating the exact time each new route would save him were he to just take that tempting turn? If only he had not paused to indulge in such arithmetic, he could have added trophies to his collection, not subtracted from his chances of victory.

Each of these teachers succumbed to their temptations and challenges, permitting the young’uns a modest victory. All know that young students, who at the minimum engage in sports three times a week, could never stand up to the potency of age. But, let us move on to those students, and congratulate them on their victory.

Cross-Country is the greatest point winning event all year, and so students raced quickly and hard. Some were faster than others, as always happens: we can only imagine how the junior boy hearts quailed as they watched Mary Nielson (Grade 8), first in the Junior girls, pass many of them, despite having set off fifteen minutes later. Nonetheless, the point system is set up so that every student who finishes, as long as they at least made an effort and did not walk the entire way, earns points for his or her house. More points are given for a first place finish than for a fifth place, yet what decides the competition is not getting first and second, but having the greatest proportion of runners in the top twenty or thirty places.

Story by: Nick Chesterley (Grade 11)

BRENTWOOD: YOUTH AND PHILANTHROPY

A relatively quiet and obviously nervous group of Grade 10 students assembled in the lecture theatre last Tuesday night, each one in immaculate #1 uniform. What inspired such a change from their normal boisterous and untidy selves? This was not just simply another class project for Mr. Clayton Johnston’s Philosophy 11 class — the students were there to make a major difference.

About three years ago, Brentwood Director of Studies Mr. Jim Burrows surprised Director of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Diane Elliot with a phone call enquiring about the Toskan Foundation's new program. The question caught Diane off guard, as she had been Director for barely a year, and initially developed the program solely for the Toronto region. After many conversations and the

passage of time, it was Philosophy 11’s turn to be introduced to the program.

The founders of the Youth and Philanthropic Initiative were the founders of M.A.C. cosmetics, a line no stranger to any girl on campus. Having sold the business, the founders felt it was time to give something back. Thus the Toskan Foundation was formed, and what brought the Youth and Philanthropic Initiative to Brentwood campus; a first for British Columbia. The idea behind the program is to have students choose a local charity, learn what it does, visit it, get to know the faces behind it, and find out how $5,000 could bring immediate benefit. It was the job of the hushed and anxious Grade 10’s to explain to Ms. Elliot and a panel of judges why their charity deserved that sum. And the winners’ charity would receive that so-desperately needed donation.

Not an easy job, for judges or students, and one that was not handled the least bit lightly by either. Each student, either alone or in a pairing, came to the front of the Lecture Theatre to explain about their charity to the judges and the many observers. Representatives from many of the charities were also present, a long and late commute for those located in Vancouver, to watch the students pour their hearts out for their cause. Parents, Grandparents and friends also gathered to lend their support. Ms. Elliot explained when everything was winding up, that no matter who was the winner, education is what mattered. “Now all of these people know about your charity, which is just as important as winning the money.” And each charity was indeed deserving of our attention. From helping children, those with learning style differences to those without homes, to burn victims and those fatally ill, wishing to spend their last moments in comfort. Each group spoke eloquently and passionately, but after two hours of presentations, only one winner could be chosen.

The judges, Ms. Eileen Mais, Mr. Andy Rodford, Mrs. Andrea Pennells, and Rev. Lou Thornton, deliberated long and hard, conceding to the fact that time was ticking, and though they would have preferred to reflect longer, they had a room full of people waiting.

It was left to Rev. Thornton to explain the judges' decisions, reminding the students the importance of selling themselves, as — while all presenters sold their charities amazingly well — only one group sold themselves strongly. That group was Kaitlin Phillips and Sara Gray, representing the Alternate Shelter Society.

The Alternate Shelter society is a refuge for teenagers who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves without a home. Sara and Kaitlin visited the home, situated in Vancouver, and spoke with the kids staying there. They realised that these people were no different from each and every student here, just much less fortunate. Kaitlin and Sara were ecstatic to inform them of the stupendous news and will be traveling to Toronto for the national ceremony, where they will present the cheque to their charity.

Congratulations go to Kaitlin and Sara for their hard work and to each member of Mr. Johnston’s Philosophy class for their dedication to such worthy causes. Thank you to Mr. Johnston, for setting the event in motion, to Mr. Burrows for taking an interest in the first place, and to Diane Elliott and the Toskan foundation for giving so generously to one charity, but in turn, to many children.

Story and Pictures by: Sydney Black(Grade 12)

Judges Andrea Pennells, Andy Rodford, Lou Thornton
and Eileen Mais deliberate

Sara Gray and Kaitlin Philips, receiving the cheque which will be going to the Alternate Shelter Society

THE BEST SECLUDED SPOTS ON CAMPUS

At Brentwood, one is rarely alone. When one is in class all morning and in fine arts or sports all afternoon, there is seldom any time for a quality moment with oneself. Now some people may not value “alone time” as much as others, but we cannot deny that every now and then, one requires peace and quiet and time to themselves. Students take their classes together, their meals together, their free time together and they share their rooms with one another. This week, students of all grades were asked the question “do you get enough privacy at Brentwood?” The response was almost unanimous; almost every student replied that they considered privacy at Brentwood to be almost impossible to find. One student even declared that the only place he could think of where he experienced privacy on a regular basis was in the washroom! Some students find it hard to acquire quality one-on-one time with a friend also. As it is only possible for people of the same sex to visit in each other’s

Tonia Medina takes a time out on the roof of Whittall House

rooms, students who have strong co-ed friendships with one another find it very difficult to find quiet places to talk or just hang out. There are, however, a few secluded spots around campus that make great places for getting away from it all for a while — some, maybe, that students may not even be aware of. Obviously, one can go down to the beach for a walk, to enjoy the view, or to talk quietly with a friend. The Millennium Trail in particular leads to an excellent spot on the beach, complete with a bench for ocean-gazing. And doubtless, some of you may have seen people perched on the stairway ledge outside of the Bunch Centre, reading. Also, the trail that leads to the waterfall past the Head of School's residence is a calm but breathtaking place, that is excellent for taking time to think and collect one’s thoughts. While many students wish they could have more privacy in their everyday life at Brentwood, the fact still remains that being at boarding school is like having a huge family; one that you sometimes like, and sometimes dislike.

Story and Pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

Benches by the water on the Millennium Trail

Maria Volk finds a rare moment of peace and quiet
in the Gwynneth common room

ACCOMPANIED IN STYLE

Last Thursday, Hanako Okana gave a cultural presentation in the school assembly on "Girls' Day" in Japan. She gave the history behind it and the modern day version which encourages boys to help girls on March 3rd. To honour her heritage she asked her grad class boys to put themselves up for auction to the girls.
Approximately 40 male grads volunteered to be auctioned in the auditorium last Friday night with Ralph Lang as the auctioneer. The process began slowly, with some great bargains on groups of boys, but heated up quite quickly as auction fever took hold. As the selected males floated down the make-shift runway, screaming girls raised their bids. Who would have thought that something so strange and unorthodox could be so good at raking in the cash! Stephen Pointon went for the top price of $110, with Julian Snellgrove and Ralph Lang going for $55.

The proceeds from the evening will be split between the charity organisation Women Against Violence Against Women in Duncan and the Grad Class Bursary fund. Later this week, all of the purchased males will be seen sporting the James Bond look, fetching coffee for their temporary owners, and helping girls all around the campus get through their day in style.

Story by: Beth Melhuish and Jennalee Desjardins
Pictures by: Jane Griffel (Grade 12)

THE CONTINUED ADVENTURES OF OUTDOOR PURSUITS

The leader of Outdoor Pursuits, Mr. Dan Norman shook things up from the normal comfortable kayak schedule last week, combining rock climbing in Nanaimo, a hike up Mt. Prevost, and a mini duathlon.

Rock-Climbing was a huge success leaving the group with sore forearms and a sense of amazement, especially after watching Mr. Wardrop scale a wall after starting from a horizontal position. Moving outdoors the following sports day, Outdoor Pursuits ran up Mt. Prevost following the leisurely pace set by Mr. Norman. The overwhelming view from the top was well worth the exertion. Saturday was met with the instructions to meet up with Mr. Norman at the Brentwood Ferry. Participants took advantage of the clear, sunny day to amble quietly down Mill Bay Road. From the ferry, kayaks were launched and spray skirts set in place for the trip along the coast, back to the school. Relaxing into the smooth stroke through the calm water, the second term Outdoor Pursuits group concluded their last session.

Story by: Andrea Norlund. Pictures by: Mr. Norman

The leader of the pack: Mr Norman.

Upon entering the Brentwood cafeteria, a seemingly genial aura fills the air. Students and teachers alike greet each other with courtesy and seemingly genuine enthusiasm. Friendships are formed as glasses fill with water and future flames ignite their burning passions while waiting for their bread to toast. Gossip, greetings, and good cheer flit back and forth across the salad bar, mingling with the cold cuts and potato salad.

However, a certain cold politics lies beneath the surface of all this easy conversation. A segregation that chills every last drop of chocolate milk, dividing the educated from the educators, the payers from the paid. What demon, you might ask, spawns these cold feelings of division? None other than the unspoken boundary which surrounds the first table on the left-hand side of the café, sealing it off from its fellow pine-nosed pillars of nutrition—the staff table.

An investigation of this phenomenon seemed inevitable, and as the past week drew on, a brave group of student pioneers braved the unspoken student-staff dining segregation. The first introduction of students to “the table” went smoothly, as no objection on the behalf of the staff was given to the entrance of several mature conversationalists, yet once the existing staff at the table excused themselves, the trial seemed to go downhill. Perched hopefully atop their chairs, the students smiled optimistically as several male members of staff approached the table, only to recoil in shock at the sight of several female students occupying their usual dining digs. A quick turn of the heels then ensued and, in retreat, a new male staff table was formed at the opposite edge of the cafeteria, crushing the egos of those young impressionable diners. Luckily, the female members of staff seemed not to have a problem with the feminine diners, joining them at the table for some delicious dining and a few witty words.

Did the estrogen suddenly oozing from the staff table perhaps intimidate the male staff-members, or could it be that their adaptive culinary instincts were less defined than those of their female colleagues? To his credit, Mr. Gord Clements, acted as the lone male staff member to join the collaborative dining experience, enriching the diversity of the already varied dinner conversation, and joining an environment of learning and acceptance in which staff and students easily conversed.

Despite a general feeling of dining division, it must be stated for the record that there are members of both the staff and student populations who do their best to bridge the gap of cafeteria dining. Through their continued efforts, we remain relentless in our dedication to the welding of two worlds; the teachers and the taught, the adolescent and the adult; into a single link of cafeteria chain. It is only once we can see past the labels with which we have all been plastered, and the chains that tether us to our respective tables, that we will be able to converse freely over a slice of cheese quiche and a glass of juice.

Story and pictures by: Berit Anderson, Grade 12

ROOMMATES: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

As many know, living at Brentwood can sometimes turn out to be very stressful. For some students, sharing their dorm with another person can help alleviate some of this stress, but for others it only adds to it. This week, some of the boarders shared their views on roommates and explained the positive and negative sides of the situation

Roommates can become life-long friends; the result is often a close friendship.
You can borrow their things! (clothes, cds, books, etc.)
Roommates are good people to tell secrets to or talk to when you are feeling low.
Roommates give great support.
They can help you with your homework during prep.
You can always ask them for advice.
Having a roommate helps prepare one for the possibility of living in a university residence.

Sometimes roommates don’t get along at all; you can fight with each other!

Eugenia Kwon, Kendra Floren and Rachel Reynolds are 3 of the 4 girls who share the four-person dorm in Gwynneth House.

If your roommate is someone you see outside of school a lot, it is easy to get tired of them.
They sometimes borrow things without asking.
They can snore!
They may have weird habits or may be really messy.
Some may be too noisy or distracting during prep.

Whether you get along fabulously with your roommate(s) or your relationship is less cozy, there is no doubt that the experience of sharing a dorm will stick with you for a long time and it may turn out to be a very valuable experience later on in life.

Story and Pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

Charles Angle and Matthew Clever:
roommates who get along!

A SATURDAY HIKE

Last Saturday, while the senior school were involved with Careers Day, the Grade 9 class went on a 2-hour morning hike by the Cowichan River. From the moans and groans at the beginning of the walk, all complaints of tiredness soon faded away, the whining quickly being replaced with laughter. One intrepid hiker, Jennie Cheshire observed, “Although Mr. Collis’ herculean fitness puts me to shame, I was almost able to keep pace with his six-year-old daughter. Not quite, but almost.” No student could complain, given that the experience was more exciting than the usual Saturday morning math lecture. The Grade was split into four groups, each with two teachers. Mr. Wardrop, looked, according to Lenutsa Reid, “Hot.” Indeed, the sun shone throughout the afternoon. The course was upriver, then across, then down river, and back to the buses. Although Anne Huis in’t Veld’s dutch clogs were caked with mud by the end of the day, the hike was a success: it was a well-organised event, and a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Story by: Theo Wittmann (Grade 9)

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.

Pacific Institute of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts Concert

www.celticperformingarts.com, 250-758-0208, 1-866-301-2358

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