December Events!

Happy December Sulli!
Here are the events that are coming up this month!

December 5th - Winter Fest
Senior students (grades 11 and 12) are invited to come to the Winter Fest dance! On Thursday the 5th, students can come with their friends to enjoy a night of dancing, music and fun from 6 to 9pm! Tickets are $20 each and are sold until the 4th! Want to capture the memories? Schedule a picture session with your friends! Each session costs $10 per person per picture, so schedule your photos soon!

Mid-December - Candy Grams!
Want to say thanks to a friend? Have a special someone you've been meaning to tell your feelings to? Want to say "thanks for everything!" to a teacher? Then Candygrams are for you! Starting in the middle of the month, Student Council will start selling Candygrams! Though prices aren't set yet, there are rumours of VARYING SIZES being offered to students! Hmm... I wonder what kind of candy will be sold this time?
The Candy Grams are a traditional item sold in Sulli during the various holidays that happen during school. A Candy Gram is a combination of the words "Candy" and "Telegram". A person buys candy for whomever they like, and writes down a small letter; or telegram, to them. The candy and telegram then gets delivered to the person for them to enjoy!

December 20th - Winter Breakfast
To celebrate the last day of school and all the hard work put in by students and staff so far, Sullivan Heights is rewarded by a pancake and waffle breakfast put on by Student Council! The pancakes and waffles are handmade, served hot and ready with fresh fruit and a glass of refreshing juice! To top it off, a nice dallop of whipped cream!
At the same time, there are pics with Santa and Sullivan's Red and Green day! (I hear if you wear red and green on this day, you get extra whipped cream!)

December 20th - Winter Extravaganza
On the same day of the pancake breakfast, students are treated to Sullivan's Annual Winter Extravaganza! This day-long event is to celebrate the last day of school and our wonderful school's spirit! Every department and club in the school is to perform or present something to the school in order to sum up what has happened so far. Can't wait for it!

December 20th - LAST DAY 'TILL BREAK!
Ah, yes. Winter Break. 2 weeks to relax, hang with the family and go Christmas shopping with friends. The 20th is our last day of school until this wonderous break-from-reality! Sulli students are reminded that even though the festivities are fun, it is also very cold, icy and dark out there! Please stay safe!

Let December begin!

Movember Pics and Blog Link(s)!

Throughout the month, the Sullivan Leadership class; lead by Mr. Vaughn, worked together to create a series of fun, mustache-themed fundraisers for cancer research. In this case, the money particularly goes into the research of prostate cancer; which is in (based on American statistics) every 1 of 6 men in the current population.

Here is a link to Shabnum Bismel's post about Movember!
http://sullischoolevents.blogspot.ca/2013/12/movember.html

Below is a collage of the festivities along with pictures from our very own Mrs. Becker!
I hope you enjoy!

The following links below are of Mrs. Becker's flickr account. Here, you'll find her HQ pics of the Movember group photo!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lysmekah/11090042363/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lysmekah/11089919726/in/photostream/

All photos, unless earlier mentioned, belong to D. de Gracia.

Sulli so far!

Hey Sulli! With the semester winding to a close, the Newspaper Club has compiled a collage of some of the memories of Sullivan Heights so far!

 

 Have a memory of Sulli? Let us know in the comments! 

Pictures by:
D. de Gracia and N. Krzynowek

Sulli Spirit Week!

Last week, Sullivan students participated in Spirit week!
To read about it, click the link below to Shabnum's blog to read about the event!

http://sullischoolevents.blogspot.ca/2013/11/spirit-week-at-sulli.html

Below is a collage of participants of the spirit week at Sulli!
Enjoy!

Blog Link! Halloween at Sullivan Heights Secondary

H-hey! R-ready for Halloween? A-afraid about what's going on in S-Sulli...?
WELL THERE'S NO NEED TO FEAR! Our school event writer, Shabnum, has got you covered on what to expect from Sulli's spooky halls!

http://sullischoolevents.blogspot.ca/2013/10/halloween-at-sullivan-heights-secondary.html

The Gairdner Symposium - Celebrating Health Science and Technology

On October 21st, students from grades 10 to 12 who signed up in Ms. Mulji or Ms. Gill's class were chosen to go to the Gairdner Symposium in the Child & Family Research Institute located in the University of British Columbia. This symposium, now running for more than 50 years, was created to celebrate the advances of health technology and the obstacles doctors, researchers and patients had overcome together. Furthermore, students were treated with two, high-up-on-the-ladder guest lecturers as well as some of the facilities used in medical and health research in UBC. Unfortunately, we were not allowed any pictures in the Symposium, however, I will tell you my experience about this grand, internationally acclaimed event.

The first lecturer was Mr. Kim Nasmyth, a 2007 Gairdner International Award Recipient who is currently a Whitley Professor of Biochemistry in Oxford University, England. He lectured students about two main things: What him and his team of researchers are working on right now, and the principles he thinks are important when you're doing science. So firstly, what him and his team are researching about right now. Mr. Nasmyth and his researching team are trying to find out how our cells know how to go through mitosis. Mitosis, if you haven't learned it yet (or have forgotten) is the process in which cells' DNA splits apart in order to make new cells in order to create a new living organism. Mr. Nasmyth's team was trying to answer these questions in their research: Why do they split apart? How do they know to split apart? How do they know to do certain steps? And many more.

The other idea that Mr. Nasmyth talked to us about were his principles to science. By that, I don't mean "make sure to wear gloves" or "don't run in the lab". (However, those ARE still important!) By "principles", I mean morals, values and virtues. In this part of the lecture, Mr. Nasmyth basically said this: If you believe something is worth researching, stay with it. If you believe it's not, don't be afraid to stop and do something you think is worth your time. Many students listening to his lecture agreed that his message of sticking to what you believe in was very uplifting and motivating.

The second lecturer was Sir Gregory Winter. He won a Gairdner International Award this year, and is currently the Master of Trinity College; the same college Sir ISAAC NEWTON attended, located in England. Specializing in therapeutic antibodies, Sir Winter lectured about this and told the group of students one of his favourite success stories. The antibodies that he creates with the many companies under his wing are made in order to combat the deadly and sensitive issue of cancer. In fact, these antibodies were the reason that he was knighted for his life-changing and ever accepted results by the Queen of England. A quick summary of these antibodies, they are 95% humanoid antibodies and 5% mouse antibodies. By a very difficult process; so difficult that he himself said that if he told us "how (they) changed these antibodies, (we'd) be both confused and stuck (in UBC) for days", they were able to genetically engineer these antibodies together, and create a concoction of DNA that ate away and eradicated cancer.

One of the success stories he told us was of an elderly woman who had a large, cancerous tumor in her pancreas. After 1 day, it dramatically decreased in size. Being one of the test patients, Sir Winter recalled asking her why she wanted to try this treatment. He told us that her reply was to see if it would help her live just 2 months more. When he questioned, he explained to us that she told him her husband was dying of dementia, and that he had only 2 months. She then said; and Sir Winter quoted this, that "I'd like to die right when he does so I don't have to feel lonely". Needless to say, some tears were shed in that lecture. Sir Winter explained that that was why he did his research. He told us, and we agreed, that those are the people that make the hard work feel so worthwhile.

After the lectures, students were then put into groups and were given tours around the research facilities available at UBC. The facilities ranged from specializing in microbiology, the study of pregnancy, nutrition, technology in artificial limbs, and more. All the while, students were treated with kindness as they questioned about many things such as college life, courses and is it scary to have college homework?

For a bit more on the Gairdner symposium and the award itself, check out their website!
http://www.gairdner.org/

Sulli Highlights: Niigata Visitors!

Every year we meet
At ten days, you will then leave
But memories stay

Every year, Sullivan Heights' students are given the opportunity to host and entertain Japanese students for 10 days. Students who signed up in the office had the opportunity to then bring them to their third and fourth blocks, and show them what Canadian schools look and function like.

This year we got students from Niigata Meikun, a high school located in the Niigata prefecture in Japan. They arrived on the morning of October 12th and stayed until the 23rd. During that time, they did many activities such as a tour of our school neighbourhood, hockey, and the Haunted House! As per tradition here at Sulli, they then held a cultural fair for Sullivan's students to participate in Japanese games and win prizes from Japan.

Here are some students with their Japanese buddies!

The Niigata prefecture is famous for its high quality rice and watermelon crops, firework displays in summer, as well as the many all-year events that take place for locals and tourists alike!

Did you participate in the cultural fair? What did you do? If you didn't, would you have liked to? Comment below and tell us what you think!

Blog Link! We Day 2013

Want to make a difference in our world? Interested in helping children from the dangers of human trafficking, war and hunger? Then We Day is for you! This article, written by Pallvi S., recalls all the events that took place at We Day and insight on the exclusive, event!

http://thestarboxx.blogspot.ca/2013/10/we-day-2013.html

Blog Link! Sulli's Annual Haunted Mansion!

Interested in the Haunted House coming up? Want some more info so that you're not as scared when you and your class goes? Well then, look below!

http://sullischoolevents.blogspot.ca/2013/10/sullis-annual-haunted-mansion.html

Article by: Shabnum

Sulli Highlights: La Bohême

On October 15, Sulli students in language classes were greeted with the warm smell, of hot, melted butter, sugar, lemon and chocolate with their classmates and teachers and were able to enjoy fresh, hand made crêpes in order to practice their communication and casual dialogue skills. There was a wide range of flavours, each satisfying every persons' tastes. Along with the food, the owners were very open and were happy to talk with customers. I, myself, was able to talk with one of the owners as he cooked, and he told me how to make crêpes! (It's all in the flour!)

People walking in on the cold, October morning and afternoon with a bit of extra money were even able to enjoy the sweet, welcoming food and atmosphere of La Bohême.

The menu was as follows:

Popular flavours were "Nutella" and "Nutella and Banana". The famous chocolate spread, born and raised from Italy, has become a hit sensation all across Europe and North America. It has become so popular, in fact, that in Europe, famous celebraties and athletes are displayed on the jars, making them collectable, memorable, and delicious, all at the same time!

Now, if you look closely at the menu... You'll see that there are three different languages on it! That is because both of the owners of La Bohême can speak and understand French, Spanish and English. This, again, is to help language students parctice their on-the-spot communication skills.

Upset that you missed out on the yummy goodness?

Well... Rumour has it that the Language Department is trying to make this an annual event!

Just something that I heard to make you forward to next year...

Nothing's final, of course!

But when it is, you'll be the first to hear it Sulli!

Blog Link! A Dedication to Summer Beats

Miss summer? Want to daydream about the warm summer days, fun nights and awesome, danceable music? Well then, check out Melissa's post! Properly titled "A Dedication to Summer Beats" this post will have you searching for some shade in no time!

http://sullimusic.blogspot.ca/2013/09/a-dedication-to-summer-beats.html

Blog Link! Artist Spotlight: Lorde

Hey! Do you know who Lorde is? You don't? Well then check this out and learn about the newest artist to hit our charts! Already know who she is? Look anyways, and enjoy some sweet, sweet music. ♪♫

http://sullimusic.blogspot.ca/2013/10/artist-spotlight-lorde.html

Article by: Melissa

Blog Link! Glee Season 5 Premier "Love, Love, Love"

Missed last time's episode of Glee? Chris L., one of our media correspondants, has got you covered!

http://starcolumn.blogspot.ca/2013/09/glee-season-5-premier-love-love-love.html

Blog Link! Glee Season 5 Episode 2 "Tina In The Sky With Diamonds"

Love Glee? Are you a total, hard core Gleek? Check out what our media correspondant, Chris L. had to say about the episode purely themed on the Beatles and their awesome classics.

http://starcolumn.blogspot.ca/2013/10/glee-season-5-episode-2-tina-in-sky.html

Blog Link! Jazzing up the New Year

Wondering what Sulli's jazz band is up to? Check it out!
Article by Maureen C.

http://sullimusic.blogspot.ca/2013/10/jazzing-up-new-year.html

Blog Link! Sulli's Global Issues' Mental Awareness Week

Want to know what the Global Issues Club is talking about? Check it out in Shabnum's post here!

http://sullischoolevents.blogspot.ca/2013/10/sullis-global-issues-mental-awareness.html

Grad Prank #1

And so, for the first time this year, they strike...

On the 20th of September, Sulli's grads pulled off one of the many-more-to-come, infamous pranks. Grads set up tents, sleeping bags, and barbecues in the hub and blasted out music throughout the school, much to the confusion of many staff and students. To add even more confusion, all of the participating grads wore camping attire; hats, shorts, pajamas, you name it! But why would the grads do this?

Just 'cause.

To any new students reading this, Sulli's graduates often prank the school and they do so throughout the whole year. They figured that since this is their last year at Sulli, they might as well play a few tricks on the staff and students.

Do you remember this? What were you thinking when you saw it? Comment below and tell us what you think!

Grade 8 Retreat!

On Friday, grade 8 students were treated to a whole day of fun activities for the annual Grade 8 Retreat! Here, grade 8s did a series of fun, team building excersizes throughout the school! Some of the activities, created and organized by awesome Sulli volunteers, included a scavenger hunt with the iPads, a whipcream eating contest, and more!

The Grade 8 Retreat was established here in the school so that students attain the life long virtues of trust and teamwork while getting to know the other students in their grade and make some new friends.

I was able to catch up to a couple of grade 8s after school and ask them about the activities. I was also able to find one of the student volunteers for the Retreat and get her opinion on it.




Simran, grade 8
D: So what did you think of the Grade 8 Retreat?
Simran: I thought it was fun. It was kinda awkward doing stuff with people I didn't know, but I had fun.
D: What do you think is the best part of the Retreat?
Simran: I think the best part was the games in general. They were really fun and I had a great time playing.
D: If there was anything you could change, what would it be?
Simran: (Laughs) I know this is really random, but I'd love it if there was a magic show.
D: (Laughs) Magic is always nice! Anyways, thank you!
Simran: No problem!

Jessica, grade 8
D: Did you have fun at the Grade 8 Retreat?
Jessica: Yeah! It was fun.
D: What were some of the highlights from the event?
Jessica: Well, there was this game where people had to eat through a TON of whip cream to get to um... I think it was candy? And then they had to eat all the candy and the fastest person to do it won.
D: Wow! That sounds fun!
Jessica: (Laughs) It was.

Suesha, grade 11
D: So you helped out, correct?
Suesha: Yeah, I did.
D: What are some of your highlights?
Suesha: Well, it was tiring keeping up with the grade 8s. They're really full of energy so it was tough. But all in all I had a lot of fun with them.
D: Anything in particular that you'd like to mention?
Suesha: (Laughs) Why are grade 8s so energetic? Where do they get that from?
D: (Laughs) Maybe it's in their youth.

 Have anything you'd like to add? A fun experience? Something I forgot to mention? Any feedback for next year's Grade 8 Retreat? Comment below!

Athlete's Banquet

On June 5th Sulli athletes of all grades were treated to an athlete's banquet full of games, food and music! I was one of the athletes, so I had the pleasure of going to this event. Unfortunately I was unable to take pictures, but searched photos from google will help me show you the things that were there at the fun-filled event.

First of all, the food was great! It was a carnival-styled day with hotdogs, snow cones, ice cream sandwiches and popcorn. Mr. Pederson was a cook along with lots of kids either volunteering or helping out with their leadership class. Athletes and their guests/friends were given tickets to claim food and made lines as such. The food was good, but the piece de résistance were the games!

Unlike previous years, this banquet really was aimed at the whole carnival-type atmosphere. There were a couple of throw-the-ball games as well as a slap shot game where players had to hit the puck their hardest and their speed would be measured by a radar gun. But the best of these games were the big three, inflatable castles that took up the large gym and the small gym!

First up, in the middle of the large gym, the Jousting Area. Two people would be sent into the ring, would
put on helmets, stand on either the red or blue small pedestal, then try to knock the other off. Most people took part in this since it was the biggest "crowd drawer" in the large gym (people watching would cheer on the people jousting) and the whole thing basically looked like this (this is not from our school by the way) :




Now, during the video you do see the ladies slow down. But that's because you get so tired when doing this! As someone who did this in the banquet, I can proudly say that me and my friend did get crazy tired after jousting. (I won by the way.)

The other big game in the large gym was the Bungee Race. Two players on each side of the game wore vests with a bungee cord attached to it. They were given either a red or blue velcro pad and the object of the game was to beat the opposing player to the end of the bouncy track and put their velcro patch the farthest away from the start while the bungee cord pulled you back. This game was difficult for some since the bungee cord was a bit tight, but it was fun to take part in nonetheless.

Finally, in the small gym, there was possibly the most popular game in the banquet! The Slug-Fest. In a bouncy castle, partners would receive GIANT, padded boxing gloves to hit each other with. There were no other objects of the game. Just a minute and a half, you and a friend, boxing with foam gloves. People outside would cheer you on and you and a friend could laugh at each other. The only rule was to only hit with the gloves, which everyone happily obliged.

The banquet, in my opinion, was a HUGE success and a ton of fun for each and every athlete. With good food, nice music playing in the background from someone's (probably Mr. Vaughn's) ipod while having a good time, it was a great wat to end the athletic year.





Sources:
Hot dogs and snow cones:
http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6978522/il_340x270.344158365.jpg
Jousting arena:
http://www.rascalscastles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/inflatable-gladiator-joust.jpg
Jousting video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L86sdz-3GnA
Bungee race:
http://www.greatinflate.com/images/bungee_run_jpg.jpg
Slug-Fest:
http://www.incredijump.com/images/boxing_ring.jpg