Jarvis JargOnline 2005: Editorials

Water, Weapons, Weed?

A Time For Global Consciousness.

The Editors

In our third issue this year, we are proud to present two new sections: World Focus and Curriculum Blues. These two new sections have provided students the opportunity to question and comment on current affairs and criticize Ontario-wide academic policy.

Also, since our last issue in January, several shattering events have occurred that we feel deserve mention.

We are, of course, referring to the devastating natural disaster that shook South-East Asia and affected many students in Jarvis. The tsunami has claimed almost 300,000 lives and has left many people homeless and in danger of starvation and disease. A Special congratulations is warranted for Jarvis’s spectacular relief efforts that immediately followed the catastrophic events of December 26, 2004.

Closer to home, Canada suffered a grievous loss when four young RCMP constables were senselessly murdered in Alberta while conducting a drug bust.

This incident may have more long-term consequences on Canadian legislation. It may prompt harsher, overzealous anti-drug laws.

We hope the incident will only be taken for what it is: a terrible tragedy. It should not be used to further any political agendas.

This issue of The Jargon attempts to give Jarvisites a breadth of material that ideally will help extend our readers‘ global consciousness beyond the borders of Jarvis.

So look out, look around, and tell us what you think.

Principal's Corner: 

The Gold Review

Our Principal

Pathways to Success is a board-wide initiative that is attempting to make sure that all students have access to a variety of quality programs that allow them to exit secondary school well-prepared towards a number of different and valuable destinations. As we enter the final term of this school year and I reflect on the high quality of academics that are offered at Jarvis and the immense variety of co-curricular programming that exists in this building, I realize that you are offered learning for so many different "life" pathways. It is not unusual for high school students to have no idea what pathway they will choose to follow. It is even more likely that an intended pathway will change a number of times through one's life. Hence, I urge all of you to take advantage of the learning that this building and its staff offers.

Each of you spends 5 periods a day being given the chance to develop subject-specific knowledge. However, each of your courses also gives you the chance to develop a wider variety of skills beyond that knowledge. These skills are transferable from course to course, from school to work, from secondary school to post-secondary school and from school to life. Take advantage of all of these opportunities. Don't just worry about "what is on the test" but think beyond the test. All of our departments are also striving to offer a variety of courses in their subject areas. Take advantage of that breadth and consider a course that seems "off the path" for you.

Although classes run from 8:45 until 3:10, this school is open for programming and learning for many hours beyond those times. Sometimes it feels like we are a 24/7 operation. In this brief space I would like to highlight four broader areas that I hope each of you will choose to experience in the remainder of this year.

Community Service: This is not just a wonderful activity which allows you to give to others; you also develop wonderful skills in the process. Whether you are a club president, committee member or a helper at an event, Jarvis offers a number of community service opportunities. For example, consider becoming involved in E.S.P., the Jarvis Humanitarian Project, the Multicultural Club, the Environment Club or the Peer Tutors.

Communication/ Performance: These skills are critical in most (probably all!) pathways you would ever consider. Perform in a music night or "Jarvis Stars"; become part of the cast or crew in a drama performance; display your artwork; write and read a poem for Coffeehouse; research and write an article for the Jarvis Jargon; or design a set or clothing for the Fashion show.

Physical Health: This is important for career and life. Being active is a habit; you can't just start it when you get the urge or have the need. Play in a house league, join a team, exercise!

Leadership: For those who have been fortunate to experience the opportunities described above, share your knowledge with and mentor others.

One of my high school principals once told our class, "If you are going to be an accountant, then become president of the association of accountants."

This is another way of developing skills and giving to others. At Jarvis some of the ways you can do this include being a peer leader, running as a student council executive member this Spring, becoming a home-form rep. or a member of the B.A.A. or G.A.A. next Fall.

It is my sincere hope that you will have the chance to drop by the school 10 years from now and be able to recollect how an experience you began today took you down a pathway to the experiences that you’re having in life when you visit.