Students from Mme. Tomaselli’s first period class spell out “CANADA” during Friday’s festivities. Photo by: Julitza M.
The jam-packed, week-long celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday came to a close this Friday. The Lasers went all-out, with many students not only wearing red and white, but also sporting temporary tattooes and Canadian themed face-paint. All Lasers were extremely excited with what was happening Friday, such a fun and an amazing way to end the week off .
The students of St. Joe’s started the day off with an exciting in-class activity to get their spirits up, then headed outside where the entire school spelled out “150” to commemorate Canada’s special birthday. The Lasers then set off on the Terry Fox Walk through the beautiful surrounding neighbourhood.
A ball flies towards the target at the Canada Knockdown station during Friday’s activities. Photo by: Mya B.
After returning from the Terry Fox Walk it was a mad dash by students to the hotdog lunch, prepared by Mr. Soks and his brilliant students. Boxes upon boxes of cake slices were also handed out by members of Parent Council. Many students sneaked back to get seconds and thirds.
The birthday party celebrations were run by SAC and Tech team members. Eddie G. (left) and Adam M. (right) look over as students play Twister. Photo by: Mya B.
The Lasers then made their way over to the football field where they were able to participate in a variety of games and activities led by members of SAC and the St. Joe’s Tech team. The activities created a way for all of the Lasers to come together as one to celebrate something so great. The birthday activities consisted of: Tug of war, hockey shootout, twister, some blow up activities,plinko, three legged race, egg race, fortune telling with Grace and Jenn, obstacle course, sled race, ball and bucket, CANada knock down, cup pong and road hockey tournaments.
When asked about the planning process of this event Sinan Al Najjar, of Student Council, responded, “We actually started talking about it during the grade nine orientation. We’ve had SAC meeting and stuff from there...” Some of the most popular stations included Tug of War, Twister, Obstacle Course, and Arcade Games. Keeping up the Canadian spirit, students who registered earlier in the week were able to play in the hockey tournament that went on all afternoon and attracted many participants and spectators alike. “...I think it was good that everyone was involved-there was a lot of spirit.” said Kiara R., a grade nine student.
Students laugh as they compete in the Sled Race during the Canada 150th birthday activities Friday afternoon. Photo by: Mya B.
Some students opted to sit and enjoy the beautiful weather while listening to the live music performed by Mr. Morson and former Laser, Dante Marra. Teachers and students sung along to the wide variety of songs played by the talented musicians throughout the afternoon. The Spitfire mascot Bomber also made a special appearance, prompting much excitement and many selfies.
As the thrilling day was coming to an end we had asked one of the teachers who had planned this wonderful Canada’s 150 week at St. Joseph’s, Miss Isabella, what inspired her to plan this week. She had explained that she had been in her car listening to the radio talk about all the Terry Fox events that were happening in Windsor. Miss Isabella was inspired by that and the idea of creating a community. As she was a former student of St. Joseph’s, she wanted to bring back the amazing feeling of coming together with the community and become a big family and celebrate something so important to all of us.