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 <h1>Acquiring Practical Learning Experiences Abroad</h1>
 
 The two-week March Break that staff and students at St. Michael’s College
 School (SMCS) have come to revere is not only a time dedicated to recharging
 after a busy academic year, but has also been a valuable opportunity for
 students to travel and bring the classroom out into the real world.
 
 
 While the pandemic forced the school’s annual March Break programming into a
 hiatus since 2020, three different experiential learning trips were able to
 resume this year, taking students through a total of 10 countries.
 
 <h2>Business Studies Trip</h2>
 
 Business studies students had the opportunity to visit three cities in three
 different countries: England, Hungary, and Austria. Their trip stretched
 from March 9 to March 23.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-businesstrip-story-2023-1-scaled.jpg"
 alt="Students by the Danube River, on the day commemorating the Revolution of 1848."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Students by the Danube River, on the day commemorating the Revolution of
 1848.
 
 “I wanted the students to get an international feel when it comes to
 business,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, Community Engagement and Learning
 Lead as well as co-head of the geography, economics, and accounting
 department. “I also wanted to know how these organizations work together as
 a team and how they use their creativity to design new products or attract
 new clients. The goal was also to relate what our students were learning to
 our key pillars at SMCS.”
 
 
 In total, students on this experiential learning trip attended six
 presentations by a variety of guest speakers and university professors, the
 most that has been planned for this type of experience.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-businesstrip-story-2023-2-scaled.jpg"
 alt="Visiting the Hungarian parliament building."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Visiting the Hungarian parliament building.
 
 “This trip had numerous memorable parts to it. During school we normally
 would not have the chance to speak with as many businesspeople as we did on
 this trip,” says James Simone, Grade 11. “It showed me how strong the St.
 Michael&#8217;s connections are worldwide and our reputation as a great school can
 open many doors around the world. It was a great opportunity to expand
 friendships, see a different part of the world, and learn about business in
 Europe.”
 
 
 Throughout the trip, students expanded their learning on ethical decisions
 in business, partnerships, the role of corporations, and profitability, all
 topics that they’re covering in class.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-businesstrip-story-2023-3-scaled.jpg"
 alt="Seated on the stairs of the British Museum."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Seated on the stairs of the British Museum.
 
 “This trip helped me get a deeper understanding of business because instead
 of just learning the concepts of business, I was able to see the concepts
 applied to real-world scenarios,” says Carson Weber, Grade 11.
 
 
 “Travel is one of the best forms of education,” says Lumsden. “Students have
 the opportunity to experience other cultures and their way of living.
 Therefore, we are providing an opportunity for these students to be
 well-rounded citizens.”
 
 <h2>History Trip</h2>
 
 Of all the March Break trips, students travelled through the most countries
 on the history experiential learning trip. The group visited Germany, the
 Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria from March 11 to
 March 22.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-historytrip-story-2023-1-scaled.jpeg"
 alt="Students just outside of Salzburg, Austria with the Swiss Alps in the background."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Students just outside of Salzburg, Austria with the Swiss Alps in the
 background.
 
 “In 2019, Mr. David Lee ’94 and I took a group of history students to London
 and Northern France to partake in the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day
 landings,” says Joe Tropea, history teacher at SMCS. “The trip was titled
 ‘In Their footsteps,’ as it followed the path of Canadian soldiers during
 both world wars. This year, we tried to offer the students a completely
 different perspective by travelling behind the enemy lines through the Iron
 Curtain of Central Europe.”
 
 
 The trip had the goal of providing students with an opportunity to explore
 the history courses in a deeper sense through real-life experiences.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-historytrip-story-2023-2.jpg"
 alt="Students gathered outside St. Vitus Cathedral, in the Wallenstein Palace Gardens of Old Town (Prague)."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Students gathered outside St. Vitus Cathedral, in the Wallenstein Palace
 Gardens of Old Town (Prague).
 
 “A trip like this aligns with nearly every history and law course taught at
 SMCS,” says Tropea. “Some specific tours were the Auschwitz and Birkenau
 Concentration Camps that are covered in our Grade 10 history courses.
 Additionally, the Nuremberg Trials are covered in our Grade 12 law course
 and teaches students about the origins and need for an international court
 and governing body that holds individual nation states accountable for their
 war crimes against humanity.”
 
 
 “The most memorable part of the trip was by far visiting the Auschwitz
 Birkenau concentration camps,” says Henry Hicks, Grade 12. “As someone who
 was fascinated by studying the past world wars, it is hard to avoid the idea
 of the Holocaust, and in turn, camps such as Auschwitz. I would always watch
 movies about the Holocaust or read about it in a book, however, words fail
 to describe the feeling of walking through that site. The feeling and memory
 of walking through there will last me the rest of my life.”
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-historytrip-story-2023-3.jpg"
 alt="Dinner at Caffe Italia (yes spelled incorrectly) in Prague, Czech Republic."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Dinner at Caffe Italia in Prague, Czech Republic.
 
 In addition to the direct ties to the curriculum, students learned more
 about the cultures and cuisines of the countries they explored, while also
 developing their creativity, financial literacy, and foreign experiences.
 
 
 Due to the relatively similar locations travelled as business trip students,
 these two groups were also able to meet up in Budapest to celebrate Sunday
 Mass together at St. Stephen’s Basilica!
 
 <h2>Modern Languages Trip</h2>
 
 France, Italy, and Spain were the three countries visited as part of a
 modern languages experience from March 14 to March 22. SMCS students toured
 alongside students from La Citadelle International Academy of Arts and
 Science.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-modern-languages-story-2023-1-scaled.jpg"
 alt="marchbreak modern languages story."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Near Alpilles Natural Regioinal Park: Site Historique Grimaldi De Monaco.
 Students are dispersing after receiving instructions.
 
 “Students had an opportunity to practice the languages they are learning in
 authentic settings,” says Kirt Charter ’82, Head of the Modern Languages and
 Classics Department as well as a French teacher. “It is essential for
 students to hear and use the language in authentic situations so that their
 acquisition of the language is not purely theoretical.”
 
 
 Students were regularly challenged to interact with native speakers and
 discover information by reading signs and subway maps in the areas they
 visited.
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-modern-languages-story-2023-2-scaled.jpg"
 alt="marchbreak modern languages story."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Monaco &#8211; In front of the Prince&#8217;s Palace just after the changing of the
 guards.
 
 “Hopefully students have gained a certain level of confidence in their
 ability to communicate in their language of study,” says Charter. “This
 should allow them to use the language more freely and regularly.”
 
 
 “As a school, we should offer these opportunities as they allow for great
 growth,” says Matthew Kondakos, Grade 12. “On these trips, students learn a
 new level of responsibility and have the opportunity to learn about
 different cultures and see different monuments. The trip I went on was
 extremely fun and allowed me to bond with the other students on the trip and
 form great connections.”
 
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async"
 src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marchbreak-modern-languages-story-2023-3-scaled.jpg"
 alt="marchbreak modern languages story."
 width="1200"
 height="800"
 class="size-full wp-image-12280"
 />
 Inside St. Peter&#8217;s Basillica during our Vatican City visit.
 
 Taking students outside the classroom to learn and experience the world
 around them is among the vast number of ways SMCS is preparing its students
 for university and life beyond high school.
 
 
 “I believe it is important the school offers these opportunities because of
 two main reasons,” says Hicks. “First, the ability to learn about a moment
 in history from the very spot it occurred is both a unique and enriching
 chance that you can do on a trip like this. Second, the opportunity to see
 the world with best friends is something everyone should try. Personally, I
 made new friends with people I might have not met if it wasn&#8217;t for the trip,
 and I forged memories with old friends that will last between us forever.”
 
 
 Related links:
 
 
 <a
 href="/student-life/mentorship-leadership#community"
 aria-label="Community Engagement and Learning"
 >
 Community Engagement and Learning
 </a>
 
 
 <a
 href="/why-smcs/experiential-learning/programmes/clubs-activities/"
 aria-label="Experiential Learning"
 >Experiential Learning
 </a>
 
</div>

Acquiring Practical Learning Experiences Abroad

<div class="page-inner">

<h1>A Springtime Return For The Big M 50/50</h1>
A first for St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) was launched in November 2022 with the unveiling of the Big M 50/50 raffle. Now, thanks to a successful debut, it’s back!
Tasked with goal of raising money for the school’s Financial Assistance Programme, the new raffle — which raised over $17,000 in the fall — is set to resume for the month of April. Joining the already well-established tuition lottery under the Big M umbrella, the 50/50 raffle is another way the Advancement Department continues to engage the loyal SMCS community.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-raffle-story-1.webp" alt="SMCS Big M 50/50 Raffle | Ralph Montemurro holding cheque" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12305" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-raffle-story-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-raffle-story-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-raffle-story-1-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“Our commitment to diversify our fundraising efforts has allowed the school to continue offering $2 million in financial assistance to students,” says Kimberley Bailey, Director of Advancement. “The 50/50 raffle is a simple win-win for our community and our students. The support we’ve received illustrates the generosity of our constituents and the collective commitment we all have to our mission.”
The winner of the inaugural 50/50 is a gentleman that wears many hats within the SMCS community. Ralph Montemurro ’91 is a longtime supporter and donor, current parent, alumni parent, and a graduate.
“I was totally surprised! I do not usually win prizes. What a wonderful way to support future SMCS students and potentially win,” shares Montemurro. “I love supporting the SMCS community, the fact that the money collected goes toward helping boys attend the school is something I strongly support and want to contribute to.”
“By supporting school initiatives, it helps me to get involved in this great community, as SMCS is an excellent place for boys to grow in ‘goodness, discipline, and knowledge,’” he says.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-5050-logo-web.webp" alt="SMCS Big M 50/50 Raffle logo" width="1200" height="222" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12304" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-5050-logo-web.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-5050-logo-web-300x56.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-bigm-5050-logo-web-768x142.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
The Montemurro family&#8217;s connection to the school dates back to the 1970s. “I graduated from St. Mike’s, along with my three brothers and several other nephews and cousins, and my two sons have also attended (one is already an alumnus and the other is graduating in June 2023),” adds Montemurro. “The SMCS community has continued to be a big part of my family because we believe in what the school aims to achieve: graduating young men of great character, knowledge, and faith.”
“I am so grateful for the influence St. Mike’s has had on me,” says Montemurro. “Through caring priests like Fr. Zinger, CSB, OSM, amazing coaches, rigorous academics, and an incredible sense of brotherhood, St. Mike’s made an enormous impact on me. I was constantly taught to work hard and to have integrity and honesty. As a business owner, husband, and father, these traits guide me daily.”
The Big M 50/50 returns twice more this academic year – running from April 1 to May 1, and again from June 1 to June 30. Early bird draws will also be held throughout the raffle periods.
Visit <a href="https://smcsraffle.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank" aria-label="smcsraffle.com">smcsraffle.com</a> to learn more.
Related links:
<a href="/admissions/tuition-financial-assistance#financial-assistance" aria-label="Financial Assistance Programme">Financial Assistance Programme</a>
<a href="/smcs-give" aria-label="SMCS Give">SMCS Give</a>
</div>

SMCS Big M 50/50 Raffle | Ralph Montemurro holding cheque

A Springtime Return For The Big M 50/50

<div class="page-inner">

<h1>Exploring Creativity through the New Music Production Club</h1>
A new club at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) is inspiring student musicians while providing invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience with digital music production.
“I think the pandemic was a catalyst for digital creativity when we were all hunkered down and not able to share in the act of making music live and in person,” says Amy McLennan, SMCS music teacher and moderator of the Music Production Club. “Some great works have come out of that period and music production continues to be a creative outlet readily available to all who take advantage of the technology.”
<figure id="attachment_12277" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12277" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-1.webp" alt="SMCS Music Production Club | Students participating in presentation" width="1200" height="800" class="size-full wp-image-12277" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-1-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12277" class="wp-caption-text">The Music Production Club was launched at the start of the 2022-23 school year.</figcaption></figure>
The club meets weekly in the Midi Room where students can collaborate, share their work, and get valuable feedback from peers.
“This sets a safe and comfortable environment for the students to present their various ideas to each other and to help figure out what works best and hooks the listener and offer suggestions on how to make their music more catchy and enjoyable,” adds McLennan.
“Music has always been a great passion of mine,” says Elijah Allen, Grade 11, one of the club’s student moderators who helped launch it this year.
“I started producing music as early as 11 years old on my father&#8217;s iPad. I would spend hours creating something new,” he says. “My parents noticed my interest in music and purchased my first Digital Audio Interface FL studio. This expanded my knowledge of the music industry and taught me many valuable skills and strategies. Last year, I recorded my first ever song at a studio and I fell in love with songwriting and recording original music.”
<figure id="attachment_12279" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12279" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-3.webp" alt="SMCS Music Production Club | Elijah Allen and Braeden Leon-Williamson" width="1200" height="800" class="size-full wp-image-12279" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12279" class="wp-caption-text">Elijah Allen and Braeden Leon-Williamson launched the Music Production Club and now act as co-moderators.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Providing Opportunities to Explore the Industry</h2>
Allen had the idea to create the club earlier in 2022 to introduce his peers to the art of music production and provide a creative space for students to collaborate and build on their talents and ideas. He then partnered with his friend and classmate, Braeden Leon-Williamson, to co-moderate the club.
“I was truly excited about this opportunity as not only could I contribute to the creation of a community of individuals who share my passion for music, but also assist others in discovering a passion they did not even realize they had,” says Leon-Williamson. “Through the club, we were able to strengthen the school community, which is important to me.”
<figure id="attachment_12278" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12278" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-2.webp" alt="SMCS Music Production Club | Patrick Bodi, alumnus, speaking with club members" width="1200" height="800" class="size-full wp-image-12278" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-2-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12278" class="wp-caption-text">Patrick Bodi and Liam Jessup met with members of the Music Production Club to share their work, answer questions, and give feedback on student projects.</figcaption></figure>
In addition to the opportunities the club offers students in working and collaborating with their peers, they have also invited special guests to teach them more about the industry, while sharing their projects and critiquing the students’ work.
“We have some alumni who have dabbled in music production and who are actively working as musicians, sound engineers, and producers,” says McLennan. “Sharing their stories of how they got into the business and who they worked with gives students a tangible pathway to their future in this field, especially if they hear it from someone who was in their shoes in recent years.”
In early March 2023, Patrick Bodi ’15 and Liam Jessup, founders of 254sound, met members of the Music Production Club. The team showcased some of the songs they’ve worked on, demonstrated their process of putting them together, answered many questions from students, and listened to and provided valuable feedback on student projects.
“Producing music gives me the opportunity to express my feelings and share my creativity with others,” says Allen. “Ever since I started producing, I have become more confident and willing to share my music. Producing gives me the ability to create something from scratch and see the end result. When I complete a project, it provides me with a sense of achievement and boosts my self-esteem. There are no restrictions to music, and you can create as much as your heart desires.”
<figure id="attachment_12280" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12280" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-4.webp" alt="SMCS Music Production Club" width="1200" height="800" class="size-full wp-image-12280" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-4.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-4-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-4-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12280" class="wp-caption-text">Students were able to share the projects they&#8217;ve been working on with Bodi and Jessup.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Feeding Students’ Growing Interests</h2>
McLennan looks forward to seeing the club grow in numbers throughout the year.
“More minds equal more ideas and growth for the club,” she says. “I want the students to take ownership of the flow of the group, to engage each other and collaborate to create some music we can use on campus on our morning announcements, at sporting and school events, as well as the possibility of promoting the group with their own work online. They are in the driver’s seat here – I am learning from them, and they have inspired me to jump into this world to create my own music.”
The Music Production club is just one of more than 60 clubs and activities that SMCS offers students spanning a range of interests from arts and culture to service, sports, and many more.
“It is important for SMCS to invest in its student body and where their passions lie, whether it’s music related or academic, the students have a diverse range of interests that deserve to be acknowledged,” says Allen. “The SMCS community consists of many talented students, and they should have the ability to grow and build on these talents.”
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-5.webp" alt="SMCS Music Production Club" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12281" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-5.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-5-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-music-production-club-5-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
McLennan adds, “SMCS is a school full of creative types who want to express themselves artistically, through live performance, and now through this digital medium. By providing spaces and experiences that foster creativity, self/peer evaluation and collaboration, we are helping students reach their own personal creative and expressive goals while fostering individual and group work ethic through an artistic lens.”
“It is important for students to have the opportunity to discover their true passions and interests, whether it is becoming a business-person, an athlete, a music producer, or anything else, within their surroundings,” says Leon-Williamson, who’s passion for making music began while listening to and learning from his eldest brother, an artist in the industry. “I was fortunate enough to be introduced to my passion through my household, but many people do not have the same circumstances. We at SMCS must make the most of our resources and do everything we can to create a variety of opportunities because we are lucky to be in this position and be able to offer clubs that explore diverse interests.”
Related links:
<a href="/programmes/arts/" aria-label="Arts Programme">Arts Programme</a>
<a href="/programmes/clubs-activities/" aria-label="Clubs and Activities">Clubs &amp; Activities</a>


</div>

Exploring Creativity through the New Music Production Club

<div class="page-inner">

<h1>Students Shine in French Public Speaking Contest</h1>
A group of St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) students put their French vocabulary skills to the test at a recent competition, offering them a valuable experiential learning experience outside of the classroom.
“The Concours d’art oratoire, hosted by Canadian Parents for French (CPF), is Canada’s largest annual French public speaking contest with thousands of students around the country participating in their respective cities and school boards,” says Dr. Caitlin Gaffney, French teacher at SMCS.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-2.webp" alt="SMCS students attend French public speaking competition" width="1067" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12259" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-2.webp 1067w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-2-300x225.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-2-768x576.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px" /> 
The contest is open to students in Grades 9-12 who are enrolled in French courses and offers the opportunity to win monetary prizes and university scholarships at both the provincial and national finals.
“The goal of the contest is to celebrate students’ countless hours of hard work,” says Gaffney. “In particular, it aims to stimulate students’ interest in French learning, improve French speaking skills, and provide students with experience in French public speaking.”
Students can compete in the categories of core French, extended, immersion, or Francophone. For their speech, they can choose either a traditional format, where they prepare a topic and memorize their speech ahead of time, or an impromptu format, where they’ll receive a topic 15 minutes before speaking. Both formats require students to prepare a two-to-five-minute speech and respond to two questions from the judges.
“The most challenging part of the competition was getting over my nerves and delivering the speech,” says Nathan Girma Kesete, Grade 9, who participated in the core French category. “Doing an impromptu speech is a challenge, especially when it isn’t in my first language, but overcoming that fear gave me more than I could have gotten from just giving up.”
“For most people, public speaking is their biggest fear. Competitions like this are the best way to get over fears and become more resilient and confident,” says Jennifer Lee, French teacher at SMCS. “Le concours d&#8217;art oratoire encourages students to develop and enhance their reading and research skills, organizational skills, process writing, and oral expression.”
Gaffney and Lee helped students prepare for the competition by helping those in the traditional format with their pronunciation, articulation, pace, and eye contact, and assisting those in the impromptu format with improvising on the spot in front of their classmates.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-1.webp" alt="SMCS students attend French public speaking competition" width="1200" height="900" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12258" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-1-300x225.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-french-speaking-competition-1-768x576.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“My teachers had been preparing me since January for this competition, and they made sure that my speech was the best of the best,” says Jaden Garaboto, Grade 9, who also participated at the core French level. “They also held practice sessions every week for us to practice, and even judged our speeches along with some of the other French teachers at SMCS. A special thank you to Dr. Gaffney and Mme. Lee for being so helpful. I could not have gone as far without their amazing support.”
Four Grade 9 SMCS students and one Grade 10 competed in the recent competition under the core, immersion, and francophone categories, with two participating in the impromptu format and three in the traditional format.
“We encouraged students from Grades 9 to 12 to participate in this incredible experience outside of the classroom,” says Lee. “It is a great opportunity to demonstrate the relevancy and applicability of French language instruction to the real world.”
For Garaboto’s speech, he opted to compete in the traditional format and spoke about the use of artificial intelligence in schools, a topic that interests him and one that he wanted to learn more about.
“There were multiple reasons why I wanted to participate in this competition. One of the main reasons was that I wanted to showcase my speaking and pronunciation skills in French,” he says. “I also wanted to do it for the experience, to prepare me for future competitions similar to these.”
This year marks the first time SMCS has ever participated in Concours d&#8217;art oratoire, but it will be an ongoing opportunity for students in the future. Lee hopes that more senior students will opt to participate next year, especially with the possibility of earning university scholarships in the Grade 11 and 12 age groups.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our students. They won four out of the five categories we participated in,” says Lee, adding that the four students who advanced will attend the provincial finals at York University Glendon Campus on May 6, 2023.
“All our participants showcased what they have learned in their French language over the years,” she adds. “Their success demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a willingness to challenge themselves to reach new heights of achievement. We hope that their success will inspire more students to participate next year.”
Related links:
<a href="/programmes/academics/" aria-label="Academics at SMCS">Academics at SMCS</a>
<a href="/news-events/" aria-label="News and Events">News and Events</a>

</div>

SMCS students attend French public speaking competition

Students Shine in French Public Speaking Contest

<div class="page-inner">

<h1>VEX Robotics Club Celebrates Successful Season</h1>
A successful season for St. Michael’s College School’s (SMCS) VEX Robotics club has come to a close with three teams advancing to the provincial championships in early March.
&#8220;SMCS recently rounded off a great year in robotics at the provincial VEX tournament in Niagara Falls,” says Patrick Feghali, science and chemistry teacher and co-moderator of the club. “Two teams made it into the elimination rounds, competing against the best in the province. We are proud of the work and dedication they put in, with special thanks to our Grade 12 team, 6060Z, who acted as role models and mentors for the younger teams. We wish them the best of luck next year!&#8221;
Team 6060X, made up of Grades 9 and 10 students, was able to make the top 20, placing just 17th in the provincial tournament that featured 64 teams.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-3.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club" width="1200" height="658" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12168" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-3-300x165.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-3-768x421.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“Throughout the years we have been fortunate to have some terrific teams that have qualified for the playoff round of the competitions, and have also won various tournaments,” says Frank Heijmans, Science Department Head and the club’s co-moderator. “This year&#8217;s success at provincials consisted of Grades 9 and 10 students, several of whom started this year. As they gained experience, they were able to build a competitive robot and become more skilled at driving it. We are very proud of how they came together as a team this year and are looking forward to the next few years to see how they progress.”
The VEX Robotics club begins preparing for the season in September where they have access to the main robotics classroom along with an adjoining room that further expands their workspace when building their robots.
“Our team spent many late nights at school preparing for the competition just ironing out issues with our robots and getting driver practice in on our field,” says Kieran Cline, Gr. 10 student and member of Team 6060X. “Our team did well in most of our competitions, we were really efficient at fixing any problems we discovered during the matches, and they were all fixed before we next went on the field.”
A week prior to the provincial tournament, SMCS hosted its annual competition in the gymnasium.
“With tremendous help from Mr. Kuzyk and the facilities team, we are able to host the iDESIGN Central Toronto VEX Robotics Competition every February,” says Heijmans. “We just completed our seventh tournament a few weeks ago with 39 teams.”
According to Heijmans, the tournaments offer students a “reality check” on their designs which allow them to then make any necessary changes ahead of the next one.
“This whole process requires the mentoring of younger students and the sharing of ideas,” he says. “We are fortunate that our senior students naturally fall into the mentorship role. It is also nice to see our students grow as leaders.”
Cline offers a few words of advice for students interested in the club: “Know that VEX is a major time commitment. You will spend long nights at school in preparation for the competitions, but it is an amazing experience where you can learn a lot about robotics. Also never give up hope, there is always next year.”
Check out our photos from the recent competitions:
<div class="carousel">
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-2.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in provincial finals" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12167" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-2-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-1.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in provincial finals" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12166" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-1-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-4.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in tournament at SMCS" width="1152" height="768" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12169" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-4.webp 1152w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-4-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-4-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /></div>
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-5.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in tournament at SMCS" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12170" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-5.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-5-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-5-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-6.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in tournament at SMCS" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12171" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-6.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-6-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-6-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>
 <div class="carousel-item align-center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-7.webp" alt="SMCS VEX Robotics club | Invited schools and guests fill stands in SMCS gym" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12172" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-7.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-7-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-vex-robotics-tournaments-7-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>

</div>
 
Related links:
<a href="/programmes/clubs-activities/" aria-label="School Clubs and Activities">School Clubs &amp; Activities</a>
<a href="/programmes/academics/" aria-label="Academics">Academics</a>


</div>

SMCS VEX Robotics club compete in provincial finals

VEX Robotics Club Celebrates Successful Season

<div class="page-inner">

<h1>Bringing Science to Life: Biology Presentation</h1>
Grades 11 and 12 biology students at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) recently had the unique opportunity to speak with and learn from a faculty member at Yale University.
In February 2023, Dr. Jennifer Coughlan, assistant professor in Yale University&#8217;s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, met with students over Zoom for a special presentation and Q&amp;A on the history of genetics, science in the media, gene ‘hunting’, diversity in STEM, and much more.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-2.webp" alt="SMCS biology students attending a presentation with a Yale professor" width="1200" height="801" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12137" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-2-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“I wanted our Grades 11 and 12 biology students to have the opportunity to learn about what is currently happening in the fields of evolutionary genetics,” says Jacob Lang, science and biology teacher at SMCS. “Furthermore, given who Dr. Coughlan is and her story, I wanted students to get a sense of possible career pathways in the subject areas as well as the current state and importance of diversity in STEM in general. I also felt it was important for the students to have the chance to see and hear from someone who might not be the first person who comes to mind when you think, ‘Yale Professor’, even though it’s 2023.”
The content of Dr. Coughlan’s discussion will be included in a future evaluation for students in Grades 11 and 12, so they will be responsible for their understanding of the topics. Grade 12 students also had the chance to submit a reflection for additional marks as part of a course bonus attained by attending virtual or in-person lectures by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-3.webp" alt="SMCS student participating in Q&amp;A with Yale professor" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12138" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“One of Dr. Coughlan&#8217;s strengths as a presenter and teacher is her ability to speak in a way that reaches many, especially young people,” adds Lang. “That combined with her brunt and honest demeanour, with a clever sense of humour, can bring science to life. In what was a whirlwind of a talk about a brief history of evolutionary genetics, Dr. Coughlan undoubtedly struck a chord with the audience when she connected the learning to what is happening in the world today with plenty of real-world data sets and implications for everyday people.”
Dr. Coughlan holds a PhD in biology from Duke University where she also received her certificate in college teaching. In addition, she has a master of science from the University of Toronto and an honours bachelor of science from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.
Her research includes the evolution of genomic imprinting and strong reproductive isolation and the genomic basis of climate resiliency. She has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous grants and awards for her work, including the American Genetics Association Special Events Award and the Harold Sanford Perry Prize for Best Thesis in Plant Sciences.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-1.webp" alt="SMCS biology students attending a presentation with a Yale professor" width="1200" height="801" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12136" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/smcs-biology-presentation-1-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“This talk is hopefully just the very latest in terms of helping our students to develop the inspiration to truly change the world through faith, character, and service,” says Lang.
“Discovering the various ways in which what students are learning in Grade 11 and 12 biology are being applied to the real-world in the fields of evolutionary genetics will hopefully provide some ideas for students considering career opportunities in those disciplines.”
Related links:
<a href="/programmes/academics/" aria-label="Academics at SMCS">Academics at SMCS</a>


</div>