Grade 11

Highlights:

Academic #1 – Gold standard in School Speeches.

This year in the Collingwood School public speaking competition I did a serious speech on the controversial topic of euthanasia. I explored the views of the medical community and the religious aspects. I was awarded gold standard and was one of the two students to advance to the school finals. This was a very rewarding experience as public speaking continues to excite me and is a large part of my life.

Academic #2 – Social Studies WWII Test 

The grade 11 socials studies curriculum covers World War II. This was a very interesting unit that was filled with a lot of detailed information about specific battles and Canadian historical significance. On the test I received 90.5%. I was very proud of this mark as I felt it accurately represented how much effort I put in studying for it.   

Athletics – Horse show in San Juan Capistrano California

This year I competed in an internationally recognized horse show in San Juan Capistrano California. It was my first horse show on my new mount Oscar so it was a transition. I walked away from the show with multiple ribbons and a Sunday classic win! It was a very rewarding experience especially because I was so successful in keeping up with my studies. I proved that I was able to miss extended periods of school and still stay up to date.

Arts- School Play

This year in first term I was apart of the drama production 12 Angry Women. This was a very interesting play to act in because all the actors were on stage the entire time. You had to be completely consumed in your role to deliver a convincing performance. It was a very rewarding experience because you had a commitment to your cast and peers. All he shows were and great success and very fun to be apart off.

Service- Gr. 4 Project Hands

This year for service I contributed to Project Hands. Project hands is a medical mission service that provides free operations to people in developing countries. My family recently held a fundraiser at our house that was a great success! This was a very rewarding experience because it is a very worthy and important cause. I cannot wait to do more work with them in the future! 

Choice #1- Academics

Math has always been my most difficult subject. It has been a constant struggle for me to understand concepts and do well. This has been the first year my mark has risen so much. I am very proud of my accomplishments in math this year and I hope I can continue to improve and do well in the course.

Choice #2- Arts

This is the first year I have taken a photography class. I am very proud to have maintained an A in the course. Throughout the year I have learned about the use of aperture and shutter speed. I am happy with the work I have created and cannot wait to continually express my creative side through photos. 

Choice #3- Academics

This year I decided to go on the biology 11 trip to Bamfeild. I spend several days at the Bamfeild Marine Center and learned a lot about marine animals. I completed many labs and worksheets to enhance my knowledge on the subjects. I received 98% on my labs. This was a very rewarding experience and I would recommend to any up and coming biology students.

Reflections:

Academic: Gold Strand in School Speeches

This year in the annual Collingwood School Public Speaking Competition I decided to do my speech on the controversial and thought provoking subject of euthanasia. I decided to do my speech on this because I wanted to inform people on all the different perspectives surrounding this topic. I explored the views of the medical and religious communities. I looked into the Robert Latimer case and related it to the current debates. This was a particularly interesting topic for me especially because my mother works in medicine and said something to me that had a large effect. She asked me how I would respond if someone asked me to end his or her life. I did not know how to respond, and seemingly neither did she. This was a very rewarding experience because I was able to educate my peers and urge them to ask important questions. I was successfully able to write and deliver a sophisticated speech without offending anyone or divulging my personal opinion. I have always enjoyed public speaking as I can appreciate the power of the written word. The feeling i get when I stun an audience into silence is very exhilarating and satisfying. I cannot wait to see what I come up with for my graduating year! 

Athletic: Horse Show in San Juan Capistrano California

This year I was fortunate enough to take part in an internationally recognized horse show in San Juan Capistrano California. I had never competed at this venue before so naturally I was very excited! It was my first competition with my new mount I acquired this year.  His name is Oscar and we preformed exceptionally well together taking home the $1500 Classic win! This was a large class filled with experienced horses and competitive riders. Overall I was able to walk away with a variety of ribbons, a fair amount of prize money and most importantly I wealth of experience. My other horse Tene was also very successful as well. This was his first show since last September so naturally he was very excited to be competing again. This was also a very rewarding experience because I was able to keep up to date in all my schoolwork. To know that I can go away and ride for extended periods of time and still stay caught up in my academics is huge. I cannot wait to return to the heat of California to compete. It was a very well run show and I am very fortunate to have been able to compete there!

Arts: School Play

This year I took part in the term one drama presentation of 12 Angry Women. This was a very unique and interesting production to take part in because all the actors are on stage for the entire show. It is essential you fully immerse yourself in your character or else your portrayal will not be believable. Traditionally this play was only intended to have male actors so the fact that it was an all female cast made it all the more interesting. My character was a highly paid politician selected by the state to be a juror for a murder trial. I had many interesting monologues as well as an exhilarating moment where I got to slam a knife onto the table! I believe taking part in the Collingwood drama program is a very worthwhile experience because it forces you out of your comfort zone as well as you get to be a part of a very sophisticated production. The hair, makeup, and costume all have the added dramatic effect the director is looking for! Going into my grad year next year I cannot wait to see what the drama program has in store. I really hope to go out with a bang.

Service: Project Hands

This year one of my service initiatives was taking part in Project Hands. Project Hands is a medical mission service that provides operations to people in developing countries. My family recently held a fundraiser at our house that proved to be a great success! I helped create flyers and menus for the evening and by doing this I educated myself on the cause itself. I have a strong belief that it is very important to give back to the local and international community. Without the support of organizations like Project Hands the face of medical innovation could be quite different. I plan to continue my involvement in such a worthy and important cause. There is no greater satisfaction then to know that you are making a difference. Big or small it all counts. I encourage anyone looking to lead a more meaningful life to give back to their communities. With out the on going support of certain individuals the world would not be the place it is today.