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February 28, 2019
The function of Mulgrave's Board of Directors is to guide the long-term direction of the school. This volunteer group meets regularly - both as a complete Board and through sub-committees - to set and monitor key strategies.
As with all progressive Boards, their own governance is something that the group regularly reflects upon, asking questions such as: Do we have the right processes and policies in effect to efficiently and effectively govern the organisation? Are we able to access the knowledge and information we need to make sound decisions that align with our mission, vision and values? And, how do we know that we are, in fact, delivering our 'promise' to our community?
Through this process, Mulgrave's Board decided to invite a student member to join their cohort. "Having students on the Board brings a valuable youth perspective, which we anticipate will complement the views of our members, who are current and past parents," explains Harry Wierenga, Board Chair. "They will enable the Board to build a stronger connection to those that we ultimately serve."
To fill the position, a call went out to Grade 11 students for applications and three were short-listed by the Senior School Leadership Team for interview with the Head of School, Grade 12 Student Board Chairs, Board Member Helaine Shepard, and Senior School Principal Dr. Chiara Tabet.
Click here to find out who was selected and learn about their motivations for applying.
Last week, our Grade 11 and 12 students had the privilege of listening to Sachi Rummel, a Hiroshima survivor. Sachi was only eight years old when the nuclear bomb was dropped, and lost her father to radiation poisoning ten days later.
Dressed beautifully in a traditional kimono, Sachi spoke of her memories being like a painful grain of sand in an oyster, rubbing and rubbing for many years. When the Fukoshima disaster struck, she made a conscious decision to turn that grain into a pearl - a pearl of wisdom to be shared. In addition to speaking engagements, Sachi has documented her story in a book entitled Hiroshima - Memories of a Survivor.
Ingrid W (G12) shares her thoughts on the event:
The presentation given by Sachi Rummel and her husband Charles Rummel was impactful for me not only as a History student, but as a member of the student body.
Recounting her own experiences as a survivor of Hiroshima further illuminated the breadth of impact that nuclear weapons have on the lives of many. It served as a moment for students to reflect on the privileges we have in Canada, and specifically the peace that we enjoy.
What stood out to me most from Sachi's talk was the harsh reality that nuclear weapons affect the long-term health of survivors.
To wrap the speech up, Sachi asked students what peace meant to them. This certainly made me, and many others, reflect on both her experiences and ponder this question more generally. What I concluded is that peace is not only the absence of war, but a way of life.
Thursday, February 27th was a very special day for 45 people who became Canadian citizens during a ceremony hosted at Mulgrave. Hailing from 24 countries, they gathered to fulfill the final step of obtaining citizenship - the recitation of the Oath.
As Judge Hart, who presided over the ceremony, welcomed these new families and individuals, she recognised the sacrifices that some may have faced on their journey, and stressed the importance of Canadian values as well as the responsibility that comes with citizenship. In closing, Judge Hart said, "In Canada, diversity is our strength and we truly hold precious the qualities of respect, honour, tolerance, and kindness. Despite our diversity we have a collective spirit of unity as proud Canadians."
Mulgrave had many special connections to this poignant event, making it even more meaningful for our community. Our Grade 3 students, as part of their curriculum, were active participants in both the preparation of the ceremony as well as the proceedings themselves. Students fulfilled a number of duties including welcoming guests, MCing the event, and speaking about Canada to help welcome candidates to our nation. The Clerk of the Ceremony, Sonia Rosenfeld, is a Mulgrave alum (2007), who particularly enjoys coming back to the school in her professional capacity. And last, but certainly not least, three Mulgrave families became Canadian citizens during the ceremony.
"It was so meaningful to be a part of this ceremony at our school - at a place that has special meaning to us," says Sarira Molaie, Mulgrave parent. "My whole family could not be here today, but I have my other family around me."
By Meridy M and Kiana N (G12)
On Wednesday, the HeadsUp, Gender Sexuality Alliance, and the Pink Day planning teams collectively hosted Pink Day at Mulgrave. Followed by interactive activities in Upper School on Tuesday, all students wore pink shirts on Wednesday to take a stand against bullying. The theme this year was intersectionality, embracing identity, and cultivating an attitude of acceptance.
Upper School students completed a quiz in homerooms about identity and acceptance with an introduction to new key terms regarding this subject, and throughout the day, students could place sticky notes on boards that celebrated and shared what they are most proud of about their identity.
All civvies day donations went towards Kids Help Phone - Canada's only 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals, and volunteer-led support to young people in both English and French.
Now in their 30th year, the organisation works through phone, text, mobile app, and their website to ensure they can reach as many people as possible, whenever. They're also a charity, meaning they rely on donations and funds to continue their work - thanks to everyone for their support!
By Rob Eakin, Middle School Math Coordinator and Design Teacher
This past Saturday at UBC, 20 Upper School students from Grades 7 to 10 put their skills to the test in the Lower Mainland Regional competition of Math Challengers. Students compete as teams of five against top mathematics students from around Vancouver and the surrounding area with the goal of qualifying for provincial championships in April.
Students complete two individual stages - short answer and then longer problem solving tasks - before moving on to the Co-op Round where the five team members work collaboratively to solve a set of problems. After a lunch break, the top ten individuals at each grade level go head-to-head in the high pressure Face-off Round.
Results are as follows:
- Grade 8 Team (Tony T, John L, Joyce Q, Andrew P, and Jason B): 3rd place. This should qualify them for provincials.
- Grade 8 Individual: Tony (G8) 8th place individual and Alex K (G7) 9th place
- Grade 9 Individual: Kiernan L (G8) 5th place. He had to compete against G9 students because he has participated in the event since Grade 6.
- Grade 10 Team (Sasan G, Sadaf GM, Connor W, Ryan L and Sophie Y): expected to qualify for provincials.
- Grade 10 Individuals: Sasan G 6th place and Sadaf GM 7th place
All the teams now await other results from around BC to confirm if they have qualified for provincials in April.
The International Schools Theatre Association is bringing their Primary Theatre Festival to Mulgrave at the end of April! This is a unique opportunity for students in Grades 3-6 to participate in a world-renowned programme. Registration opens March 1st.
In preparation for the HSBC Rugby 7s Tournament at BC Place next weekend, Mulgrave will provide training turf for several National Rugby 7s teams.
Team South Africa, defending world champs, will lead a community visit and training session on Tuesday March 5th from 2:30-3:30pm.
Everyone from the Mulgrave community is invited to meet the players, get some photos and autographs, and even play some 'touch' rugby with the athletes.
Swing by the MStore on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to pick up a new uniform item and re-stock staples.
The Upper School 1/4 zip is now available. It may be worn with both #1 and #2 uniforms and is a great item as we transition into spring (we hope).
And if the dryer has mysteriously eaten a few of your daughter's socks, there's a new supply in store, as well as tights.
On Monday, we will all delight in the beautiful decorations that honour Navroz and Norouz, the New Year as marked by the equinox. Please click here for more information on both celebrations, and be sure to sign up for the community event on Friday, March 8th, 4:00-6:00pm.
The West Vancouver Art Museum is piloting a free, family art project all day on a drop-in basis this coming Sunday, March 3rd from 10:00am to 4:30pm as part of the North Shore Arts Crawl.
You'll be inspired by the exhibition, Ron Stonier: A Concept of Time, and create a colourful painting that toes the line between abstract and figurative art.
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