V.I.S. Newsletter

March 1, 2003

From: Marie Lardino

Kwabiyela Village Project

As some of you may recall, our school collaborated with the Kwabiyela Project last year to collect blankets to be sent to the small village of Kwabiyela in South Africa. This year, members of the Kwabiyela Village Project have selected V.I.S as the school in charge of designing their official logo. The logo will be placed on t-shirts that will be sold to raise additional funds for Kwabiyela. Apparently, the committee felt that in addition to having outstanding artists, our school's philosophy fits into their model of "working toward unity, equity and justice". Their mandate states that "in this time when the term "Global Village" is becoming frequently used, we must assist in defining spiritual and material ways of life for the world that embrace individuality, while offering support to uplift those in need". Currently, each of our students, with Cathie Webb's assistance, is embracing this theme to come up with a design. The designs will be judged on Friday, March 7 at 1:15pm by a panel of judges that include members of the Kwabiyela Project's board of directors, and a local artist. The winning entry (and artists) may be featured in local papers and will win a book. We thank Ms. Webb for taking the time to lead this project, and feel very honoured to have been chosen as the official participants. An article about our involvement with Kwabiyela this year has been featured in the latest issue of The Mirror newspaper.

Sports Update

The basketball season has come to an end, and I am pleased to announce that out of fourteen competing teams, our school finished in 6th place. Considering that we are such a small school competing for the first time, this is a fantastic outcome! I understand that members of the SSAF are surprised at our overall skill in sports, team spirit, sportsmanship and positive attitude. In addition, it is important to mention that this season, basketball was almost cancelled before it even started. That is, if Ms. Launay had not taken on the challenge of coordinating games and rules for all schools involved. A great big congratulations goes out to our team, and a very special thanks goes out to Liana Launay who made "basketball" a reality for everyone this season. Way to go!

Student Led Interviews

Don't forget our Student Led Interviews this Thursday March 6 from 6-8 pm. Details went out in previous newsletters.

Enrollment - Grades 7 and 8

"Option Payment" forms for the next academic year went home last month. I am aware that deposits are not due until April 1, 2003; however, we would appreciate it if you could let the school know as soon as possible if your child is returning next year. If possible, could you complete the forms required and return them along with a post dated cheque. Your prompt response will assist us in our plans for next year. The school needs to know who is returning in order to allocate teachers and/or fill spaces in grades 7 and 8. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

A great big thanks you to....

Bonnie Jamieson, Judy Kalyan, Lynn Kieran and Simmy Zaret who drove students to our final basketball game last week.

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