MINOR CHANGES MAKE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS

Over the summer, after all the students return home, the Brentwood campus turns into a construction site. This past holiday, while the rest of us were tanning at the beach, the maintenance crew, led by the Head of Maintenance Tom Shadlock, was busy implementing several great ideas.

Described as the “shopping experience” by Christine Pierce, renovation of the old bursary is among the most exciting. Now, as high tech as a grocery store, you can walk in and browse the impressive selection of items, including the refreshing favorites, Snapple and Fruitopia! In their new layout, all the products are appealing, and with the modern computer system, a new binder is only a barcode scan away. With many creative ideas, the new Director Mrs. Kelly Ainley has adapted the store to meet all of our boarding school needs.

Barclay Martin on a shopping spree
in the "new" school store

Desperate for a face-lift, Gwynneth House finally got its wish and earned top place on the to do list. Formerly dark and gloomy, Gwynneth has taken on a new brightness. The exterior shingles, dominating the appearance of the House, had aged, turned a dark brown colour, and were growing moss, but after a severe power wash and a protective seal, the difference is amazing. In addition, the perimeter hedge was trimmed and the dirty walls behind it were painted white, all contributing to the House’s makeover. All of Gwynneth’s residents are impressed by what has been done.

Next on the list of renovations was the transformation of the old dance studio into a new gym space. The product of some heavy duty construction, the gym has become a much needed facility for sports, with a focus on basketball. Complete with a balcony and freshly painted wood floors, the new gym can also host other athletic events.

What once served as Head of Music Mr. John William’s office, has been converted into a brilliant location for the Key Learning Center. An important resource for students with different learning styles, this facility has been updated to produce a happy environment in which students can seek extra help.

The rowing docks were also upgraded this summer. Pile driving took place to help with support and the ramps were considerably improved. Concrete work was done to the docks, which now have a durable and clean look, and enhance the waterfront.

For all these campus improvements, we owe great thanks to Tom Shadlock and the maintenance team, who laboured all summer to create the exciting new changes.

Story and Pictures by: Alison Gillespie (Grade 10)

A HEAVY LOAD TO BEAR?

Much has been made in the press of late of the burdens that students bear in the simple act of transporting themselves — and their belongings — from point A to point B. Combine notebook, writing equipment, calculator, loose-leaf binders and those big, heavy textbooks, throw in personal possessions, the odd dictionary or two, paper, daily diaries, etc. and water bottles, snacks and some form of sustenance for the arduous hours ahead... and you begin to get the picture. Brentwood students are fortunate in that the maximum load is to cope with a stretch of three straight classes between 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m., after which bags can be restocked for the two classes following cookie break. In addition, Brentwood students do not have to pack clothing in their bags as their dorms or lockers are always within easy reach.

A quick survey of 40 students on the way to class Monday morning discovered that the average weight of backpacks to be a mere 15 lb (sorry, approximately 7 kg) with the "Hercules" award — a significant load of 30 lb — going to Adam Cocks (Grade 12). Pictures apart (and pictures never lie — at least, on this Website) students seem to be coping well with the burdens of life.

CULTURE SHOCK

It has often been stated that Canada is the breadbasket of the world, a country that has torn down cultural barriers, and replaced them with a celebration of diversity. This is what defines Canada from its “melting pot” of neighbours to the south, where being American takes precedence over background. Students from all over the world choose this country as an ideal place to go to school, but also experience the culture shock that comes with living in a foreign land.

Brentwood Grade 9 student Brian Cheong found Canada to be friendlier than his home in Hong Kong, as students there focus more on the the achievement of higher marks than friendliness with their peers (equating, as in Canada, higher marks with a better job). Yet, as Andy Velleryd-Zarco explained, Mexico is the opposite, the people being closer, especially when two members of opposing sex can “hug more” without creating a controversy in the student population.

The balance of focus within the schools also differs in other countries. In Hong Kong, the focus is on academics, with sport ranking second . Hong Kong students have maybe one hour or two hours of deliberate exercise per week, as compared to Brentwood, where sport is every other

Andy Velleryd-Zarco, Mexico.

day. Although it is not mandatory for students to do physical activity, Canadian public high schools glorify their sports teams and rely on them to boost morale, in the hope of bringing students together. That is not the case in Hong Kong, Brian says, where instead of bringing the general school population together, everyone wanted to be better than everyone else.

Stereotypes still exist, though. Norman Lentsch did not find many differences between Germany and Canada, yet apparently Canadians “say 'eh' a lot”. Most would deny that they could ever indulge in such a grossly exaggerated stereotype, but this cultural perspective brings the vernacular home for most.

Even as a former art school student who came to Brentwood at Christmas in her grade 11 year, Sonia Lub from Napa Valley, California, is grateful for the general air of acceptance in Canada. She feels that Canadians are more open to diversity. This biggest apparent rift between Canadians and Americans seems to lie in aspects other than cultural identity. They are quick to notice Canadian money is colourful, that it is not as cold as the generalization of Canadian weather would suggest, and a “beanie” is referred to as a “toque”. From the United States, to Peru, whether a Canadian living abroad or a Mexican with a rich ancestry, students are exposed to many different points of view and culture shocks both on and off campus.

Story and Pictures by: Meg Russell.

Brian Cheong,
Hong Kong.

Norman Lentsch,
Germany.

THE NEW SDS SYSTEM

This year, Brentwood's teachers keep track of students with the new SDS, or Student Data System. This online database allows the faculty to keep track of student attendance, marks, schedule and a host of other information. It was first developed more than two years ago by Mr. Curry, the head of Information Technology, as a tool for him to keep track of the students in his classes. The final work was done this summer by Jonathan Rhodes and Chris Kloosterman (former students at the school enjoying summer employment in the Brentwood computer labs, while taking a break from their post-secondary education).

Before the new SDS, student data was handled by a computer in the staff room, which was not accessible to teachers and thus was of no use to them when they were writing reports. This computer had to be accessed by typing information into a UNIX command line, a powerful but not very user-friendly interface. The new system can be accessed over the intranet and uses a webpage-style interface which is quick and easy to use. While the system does have a few minor bugs, "The core is very stable," says Mr. Curry.

Story by: Jonathan Dunstan (Grade 10)

MACKENZIE BARBECUE

The fourth annual Mackenzie Barbecue, which took place last week, was different than in previous years. Usually, this event takes place in the backyard of Houseparents, Mrs. and Mr. Flynn. However, due to the construction of the T. Gil Bunch Center, the Flynns no longer have a backyard! Despite this, the barbecue, now held on the field behind the Ogilvie’s home, was enormously successful. After new and returning girls had a chance to mingle, eat, play horseshoes, and lounge on blankets and bleachers, “Mack Family” groups were announced. These groups, small families within the house composed of girls of different grade levels, competed in volleyball. And, although competitive during their games, the girls walked cheerfully back to Mackenzie House together, ready to enjoy ice cream and a shortened prep.

Julia Allard, the House Captain of Mackenzie, has attended the barbecue every year. According to Julia, the barbecue is “a

great opportunity for the house to get together, for the girls in the house to get to know each other, and for everyone to appreciate the last bit of sun.”

Story and Pictures by: Amy Silbergeld (Grade 10)

VANCOUVER ART GALLERY TRIP

“On this journey to the past.” Those words from an Aaliyah song also illustrate what fifty of the students enrolled in Brentwood art classes did on Saturday last. Senior art students substituted a day of classes for a journey to the past of art through a trip to the Vancouver Art Gallery. At the Gallery, a once-in-a-lifetime chance awaited — the chance to see the “Drawing the World: Masters to Hipsters” art exhibit.

This exhibit consisted of four different groups: Italian Drawings, South Asian Paintings, Where the River Widens (Drawings from the Collection of the Osoyoos Museum), and Drawing Contemporary Life. There were three hours to cover the exhibition, but few could refuse the opportunity of venturing to the upper two floors to sneak a peak at Gallery's other works. The beautiful building that houses the

Gallery also contains examples of the work from many British Columbian artists. Nineteenth-century mountain landscapes sit proudly beside modern photo-based artworks and the largest and the most significant collection of work done by Emily Carr. With all of this to see, as well as the sprawling city of Vancouver itself, the students and staff now have a day’s worth of stories to tell for years to come.

Story by: Jill Dearden (Grade 11), Pictures by: Gina Sacotte

Alison had been asked by Head of School Mrs. Andrea Pennells to find a "hot shot" field hockey coach, and she wasn't about to disappoint. As a coach, Ms. Peters was truly something to write home about, and Alison decided that she had also something to write to school about. After discussing it with the surprised coach in a hotel hallway, Alison e-mailed Ms. Pennells, telling her that Ms. Peters was just what Brentwood needed. Soon afterwards, Director of Sports Mr. Tony Medina confirmed a job offer.

Mr. Josh Burk

Who is this blond man with the devious smile? Why, it's Mr. Burk, Ellis's new resident teaching intern who teaches Economics 12 AP. He came wanting working experience to help fulfill his dream of someday becoming a university professor.

Mr. Burk spent the last six years at McGill University in Montreal, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with minors in English and Psychology. Having lived all his life in New Brunswick, Mr. Burk has never before experienced the beauty and charm of the west coast. We certainly hope that he has a wonderful time at Brentwood, and that he enjoys the experience.

Story and Pictures by: Jill Stothart

INTERHOUSE VOLLEYBALL

Twelve players stand on the court surrounded by competitive House fanatics; the adrenalin starts to rise as the scoreboard starts its ascent towards the victorious number: 25.

By 7:00 p.m. last Saturday evening, the campus was speckled with orange, red, blue, and green; it was yet another event for the students to emerge from the classroom and sport the color of their competitive Houses. With spirit and grit, t-shirts and shorts (spandex for the Privett House boys) were donned, knee-pads were pulled up, and daunting facades were worn, all in the effort to win the big points and to encourage the players on the floor.

Thus the stage was set for neophytes and volleyball experts alike to

bump, set, and spike their way to glory while others plunged and tripped their way to bitter defeat. The Whittall team — with their spiffed up sports agent, Brennan Mallory (below middle) — took the gold in the junior competition, but the sweat and effort of Rogers and Ellis was not overlooked. In the senior division, the color blue that evening did not represent sadness, but rather triumph as Privett House took the gold.

Story and Pictures: Vicki Ha (Grade 12)

 Ryan Earthy-Mousseau