IRHS BRidge Day Closes The Gap Between Grade Eight And High School

On Thursday April 21st, over three hundred grade eight students from all over Oakville came to Iroquois Ridge High School for BRidge Day, this year’s exciting student engagement conference for grade eight students. These students had the amazing chance to spend a whole school day at their future high school and experience a conference with workshops designed to prepare these future Trailblazers for success at IRHS next September.

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A Night In Hollywood - IRHS Semi Formal

In only two days IRHS StudCo will be hosting this year’s semi-formal, A Night In Hollywood. To get some more details we talked to members of StudCo and asked all about the night. The old Hollywood vibe is an interesting choice and we wondered why StudCo chose it. Angelica explained, “Hollywood is a versatile theme, that really allowed us to do anything. The possibilities are endless in terms of ideas for decorations which we think truly is the essence of Semi-Formal. The inspiration came from the love for movies which so many of us have, we thought we could really bring to life the experience of attending an award show or gala”. The very

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"The Hills Are Alive" In Stratford!

Last week the Drama, Music and English students of the Ridge attended a performance of The Sound of Music in Stratford. The show was playing as one of the productions in the Stratford Festival, which is well known for it's productions of all of Shakespeare's works.

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Interview With Ms. White

Recently we sat down with Iroquois Ridge's new principal Ms. White to welcome her to IRHS and ask her about all the things that the Ridge wants to know. 

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8 Tips For Surviving Summatives

1. Don’t wait until exams to make your review notes. Since many summatives are open book, review notes will be your best friend. They allow you to quickly access all the information you have learned over the course of the semester easily, concisely and quickly. Even if your summative is not open book, creating review notes will help you go over all the relevant knowledge and establish the skills you will need to be comfortable with to get good mark.

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6 Essential Winter Style Basics To Stay Warm, Cute and Stylish For $20or Less

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Here in Oakville we have already seen our fair share of snow, but as December begins it is officially time to jump into our wardrobes and pull out all of our winter gear, but don’t fret! I will be your sugar plum fairy and supply you with all the help you need to make your winter ensembles perfect (and perfectly priced!).

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OSLC 2014: Leadership - The Future Is Now

On November 9th over 2500 student leaders from all over Ontario met in Niagara Falls for the start of the largest student leadership conference of it’s kind. 25 students from Iroquois Ridge were among them. The Ontario Student Leadership Conference (OSLC) is a 3 day event where students interested in, or pursuing leadership opportunities can listen to guest speakers, attend workshops, and meet with other students from around the province all while learning how to apply leadership in their own lives and their school community.

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The Facts About Victory Laps

      If you are considering taking a victory lap to better your grades, or just to give you another year as a trailblazer, there are some things that every student should know about the effects of a second go on your post-secondary education - they may just change your mind. 

     There are many reasons a grade 12 student would like to take another year at IRHS. Since the abolishment of grade 13 many feel that students are too young for university or college. Others may want another year to bring up their marks on one or all of their classes. Others require more credits for university or college programs. Despite the reason, the pros and cons of a victory lap must be weighed before your grade 12 year. 

     High school victory laps have become increasingly popular in Ontario, in 2007-2008 students over the age of 19 made up 3.7% of all secondary day school enrolment. Though, the trend may not be beneficial to your post-secondary path. It is important to look at what you want to be doing after high school even before grade 11. Even if you can't pinpoint your path yet, effort has to be your default mode. This is because universities may not see a victory lap as a victory. The University of Toronto's director of admissions, Merike Remmel says, "They won't consider, at all, students who have repeated, unless there are extenuating circumstances." This is true for the most competitive courses such as engineering and mathematics. A victory lap does not stop all progression, but narrows choice of school and program, which may not be ideal for everyone’s career goals.

     Lots of students feel stuck, either not having the grades, or the certainty to peruse a university major, they may proceed with a victory lap. This is not the only solution, some students decide to enroll into college and bring up their marks and experience other programs before entering university. This bypasses the hindrance that a victory lap could cause when indeed you would like to peruse a university degree. Despite this, if a victory lap is needed - it's not the end of the world. There have been success stories. Students who have taken a go at grade 13 can still have a chance at entering a competitive post secondary program.

       It's important for all students to know the implications of taking another year of high school. Putting your best effort in before crunch time will help leave you confident in whatever path is right for you. Make sure you talk to your school guidance councilor throughout your high school education so a victory lap doesn’t leave you in last place. 



                                                                                                                                    By: Alessia Collia 

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Something Wicked This Way Comes

       The Broadway production of Wicked has bewitched its audience since it's opening in 2003. Though it began (and is currently continued) on Broadway, popularity drove the production around the globe. And of course Toronto's Ed Mirvish theatres were host to the touring magic in 2005 and again in 2006 and 2010. Despite it's departure from our home and native land, Canadians will not have to cross borders to see the show again. As recently announced by Mirvish, the theatrical phenomenon, Wicked will return to Toronto on its latest tour.

Yes, thespians rejoice! The performances have been confirmed - Wicked will grace the Ed Mirvish stage from September 2nd to November 3rd, 2014 for the forth time since 2005. Tickets go on sale as soon as May 5th.

       The announcement has been met with great enthusiasm, and for good reason! Wicked has won over 50 awards, is critically acclaimed, and is the parent of mega-hit musical theatre tunes such as "Popular" and "Defying Gravity". This fall, the witches of Oz will be played by Alison Luff (Elphaba) and Jenn Gambatese (Glinda). The play follows their unlikely friendship in the emerald city, far before the arrival of Dorothy. The play is based off the book written by Gregory Maguire. Both explore the Wicked Witch's past and foreshadow her future in the classic original, The Wizard of Oz. 

       Though Wicked has smashed box office records across North America on previous tours, and presents a multitude of acclaimed and award winning professionals, not everyone is convinced by it's ongoing touring excellence. Many who had seen the original show (including Toronto Star critics) on Broadway were disappointed by the missing details in the play in 2010. Despite this, Wicked is back by popular demand and is optimistically awaited by producers, actors, and enthusiasts alike.

        From its astounding beginnings with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth to its newest incarnations of the characters, we can always expect great things from the musical. No matter the concerns, Canadians are ready to defy gravity once again! 

For more ticket information, proceed to the link below: 

http://www.mirvish.com/shows/wicked

                                                                                                                   By Alessia Collia 

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Being Friends With Boys (Book Review)

Being Friends With Boys - By Terra Elan McVoy

Book Review

The refrain featured on the cover is "these things can get complicated." For high-schooler and veteran girl amongst the guys, Charlotte that's exactly what she finds to be true.

Though at first glance the book may seem like a fairly standard 'fluff' novel, McVoy provides an engaging and down-to-earth storyline for readers to embark on with narrator, Charlotte manager and song-writer for her friend's band.

The story immediately begins with startling news for Char, one of her best friends Trip had suddenly left their band Sad Jackal. Drama ultimately ensues. She scrambles to find new replacements, and she is surprised to find that one candidate seems to have the potential to be more than just a bandmate. For Charlotte, the window of her life that we see, is a crucial time of growth for her. She is gaining new friendships, developing important relationships, recognizing valid friends, learning to let go, and ultimately finding herself and her voice. McVoy offers readers a variety of diverse and interesting characters. Including Charlotte, our seemingly shy but down to earth narrator, her family, entourage of boys, classmates and a few others along the way.  The story is a sweet representation of friendship and romance, one of my favourite bits being the notebook that Charlotte and Trip share as a running correspondence. They switch possession between classes and read each other's entries. The rest of the story is riddled with similar heartwarming moments, perfect for a feel-good read.

The story is a true-to-life portrayal of simply being friends with boys though high school. McVoy weaves a light story with insight and humour as we experience all of Char's ups and downs. Being friends with boys is the Bible of "Just being friends" and "being more than friends" as any girl who is surrounded by boys knows is a mammoth task to keep in check. All in all it is a truly enjoyable YA novel full of teen angst, hormones, drama and romance - As if we didn't have enough of our own.

By Alessia Collia

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Ava's Demon is Sensationally Sinister!

Ava’s Demon

Webcomic Review

http://www.avasdemon.com

Ava’s Demon is a haunting webcomic from upcoming artist, Michelle Czajkowski. The comic has been running since last year and with steady updates every Monday and Thursday, is gaining both substance and a fanbase. Skyrocketing after a recent kickstarter, we take a look at the evolving story of Ava and her creator.

Michelle Czajkowski is the lone creator of the Ava’s Demon comic, which she updates out of her home in upstate New York. Michelle graduated from the School of Visual Arts for Computer Arts and Animation, interned at Pixar Animation and has worked at Dreamworks Animation! Ava’s Demon is her first webcomic. The site (http://www.avasdemon.com) has a stunning facade for an even more impressive body of work. The detail and effort put into the evolving site is evident and appreciated. It truly is the icing on the cake, enticing new readers to venture further into Michelle’s captivating world.

          The story immediately plunges into the disturbed life of a girl named Ava. From the beginning we can identify a strange, modern world, that is somehow quite surreal. Ava Ire, our main character, is a fifteen year old girl with a demon. Literally. An alien life form’s spirit, by the name of Wrathia, attached to her since birth, has been turning her into a social outcast. Just after being expelled from her school, her world is under attack. Escaping her desolated planet as a stowaway with the mysterious transfer student named Odin and her once-friend Maggie. She then embarks on a strange journey to hunt down a seemingly godly deity named “Titan” as payment to her demon, in return receiving the "new life" that she wishes for. The plot is mysterious and you are truly unsure of all character’s, orientation in the story. Who is the protagonist? Who should you trust? The story, still rapidly evolving, has a long list of questions yet to be answered and the continually captivating setting makes it impossible for readers to pull away. Ominous overtones create a definite mood that is slightly unnerving but the outstanding creativity is undeniable.

Michelle displays her unique style even when other style references are implemented. Through the first chapter we can see the development of the artwork, watching as  styles evolve and become more detailed and clean while still staying true to the original character designs. Her art instantly sparks an interest, a whimsical style like no other feeds the imagination and enriches the equally unique storyline. Her art moves seamlessly throughout the slides, creating an almost stop-motion movie look with her beautiful and precise implications of movement. Czajkowski displays her animation and presentation skills with periodical videos and special slides showcasing animation. The videos are spellbinding and readers excitedly await anticipated videos! In these videos, Michelle chooses to use original works of music to enhance the experience creating a unique and truly refreshing break from her otherwise inanimate pages while further displaying her wonderful talent.  

Michelle has a corresponding blog on Tumblr which features highlights from the comic as well as fan made submissions and tributes. There is also an online store where Ava’s Demon fans can purchase everything from prints, to totes, to throw pillows. Certainly a great way to enhance Ava’s presence both online and in the homes and lives of readers everywhere!

Without a doubt Ava’s Demon offers something to be appreciated by anyone onlooking on the process of the comic. Whether it be the art, animation, music, storyline, characters, or simply the dedication of the author, Ava’s Demon is certainly one of the trailblazers of webcomics, and a wonderful escape into the enjoyably sinister world of Ava Ire!

By Alessia Collia

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The Pen and its Wielder (By Alessia Collia)

 Sometimes poetry,

feels like hyperactivity,

through a pen. 

Mental distraction,

in an action,

by the pen. 

But sometimes there is structure, 

the architecture, 

engineered by the pen.  

Sometimes just releasing, 

forehead un-creasing, 

thanks to the pen. 

We try to decode it, 

unload it, 

the thinking of the pen.

Though sometimes limitation is felt,

like the tightening of a belt, 

by the mind behind the pen. 

For furiously, 

curious is the nature 

of men.  

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Warmth (Poem By: Alessia Collia)

Warmth

I wrap myself up and try to hide.

To hide, to protect, to keep, what's inside.

I go out in armour but without sword.

Akin to a dragon, I'll smoke and I'll hoard. 

I leave from my stronghold, charge into the spray.

Hoping my treasure, with me shall stay.

The blades as sharp as any dagger, arrow or mace.

Cutting and stinging as they swing by my face.

My eyes are downcast, though there is little sun. 

It seems that the battle is already won.

For now I can see through the horrible white. 

How can I just give in, give up the fight?

I try to find strength, to complete my task.

But now I can see it is too much to ask. 

Defeated, I give up and trudge back inside. 

Trying to regain what I could not hide.  

By: Alessia Collia 

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Raising the Curtain on Les Misérables

This Holiday season, on it’s 50^th anniversary, Mirvish theatre brings Toronto Les Misérables. Victor Hugo’s epic novel is brought to life on stage in a vivid explosion of song. The Princess of Wales theatre hosts the odyssey of Jean Valjean as he and those around him navigate through misfortune and misery in France during the 1700’s. The play includes a series of ethical dilemmas that contribute to its emotional complexity and intrigue. The story begins in 1815 with a glimpse at Valjean’s life in chains under Officer Javert. Followed by his attempt at integration into a prejudiced society. After one act of profound kindness Valjean is inspired to start his life anew and transforms from convict to gentleman by breaking parole. We are reunited with Valjean years later in his new life as “Monsieur Madeleine”; Mayor and factory owner. In his factory we meet Fantine, a single mother, and experience her descent to despair. Despite discovery of his true identity by Javert, Valjean promises to save Fantine’s child Cossette, who is lodging with the humorously sinister Thénadiers. We recap with Valjean and Cossette – now a woman- in Paris where we are instantly swept up in the early stages of revolution and the love story of Cossette and Marius. Instantly the story takes a turn for the worse when Jean and Cossette are forced to leave Paris to hide from returning rivals. Despite this the battle on the barricades still goes on, with Valjean among the schoolboys intent on saving his daughter’s only love. After many heart wrenching fatalities and the eventual fate of our two lovers, the production ends on a brilliant note of bittersweet hope. 

Immediately we are fixated in the world of France in the 1700’s by the scenery - complex and aesthetically interesting structures that move seamlessly throughout the scenes and envelop the characters in a beautiful display reflecting the essence of the setting. The costumes characterize the actors while communicating status, and of course the omnipresent theme of the time period and place. Special effects such as strobe lights and projections were used to create the more difficult settings, and were used in a way that astounded the audience. Props were used artfully and properly with thoughtfulness from both actor and stage director.

In all aspects the performance provided by the cast was stellar. Raw emotion was evident in their beautiful solos, and the echo of the time resonated in the chorus. Ramin Karimloo plays Jean Valjean and carries the audience seamlessly through the life of Jean Valjean with strong vocal and physical expression. Genevieve Leclerc plays Fantine, and shakes us with her supreme rendition of “I dreamed a dream”. The young Ella Ballantine sings an angelic version of “Castle on a Cloud” as young Cossette.  Lisa Horner and Cliff Saunders lighten the mood with “Master of the House” as Mr. and Mrs. Thénadier. “A heart full of love” is sung by Samantha Hill and Perry Sherman as lovebirds Cossette and Marius. The passion of the song was only rivaled by Melissa O’Neil’s dramatic performance of “On my own” as Éponine.

The music of les Misérables is the gleaming capstone of the production. The orchestra was divine, and performed with as much gusto and energy as the actors. The conductor and musical director James Dodgeson timed each song perfectly to the occurrences on the stage above. The lyrics bore the most weight, as they are the sole method of linguistic communication in the play. The melody set the mood and the lyrics voiced emotion in a haunting and thrilling specimen of auditory storytelling.  My favorite song, by far, was ‘The People’s Song” sung by the chorus of Frenchmen to rally the people to the barricades and fantasizing of a better tomorrow, appealing to the dreamer, hero, and human in all of us. 

Directors, Laurence Connor and James Powell have wielded all the elements of musical theatre and stage performance to their advantage fostering a unique experience of les Misérables.

The storyline in it’s entirety is very dark but the glimpses of hope, perseverance, and human kindness make it truly a tale for the ages. 

                                                                                                 By: Alessia Collia 

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