Report to the Community
June 2016
Maples Collegiate - Seven Oaks School Division
Report to the Community
MESSAGE FROM
MAPLES COLLEGIATE
About Maples:

1635 students and
160 staff

2016 graduating class of
361 students
What an incredible and great 2015-16 school year it has been!

Maples offers dual diploma
courses from the University
of Winnipeg and Red River
year we changed our daily schedule to a fixed period day (with our continued
Inside this issue:
We have celebrated many student, teacher and community successes. This
late start Wednesday’s classes beginning at 10:00 a.m.). TA class was
switched to an hour long period held every Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
These changes met with success and we look forward to continuing with them.
Grad Pow Wow
2
Diwali
Aboriginal Student
3
4
Science Fair
5
Maples Good-Bye to Staff
6
School Priorities
6
Beyond Grade 12
CVE Programs
7
7
Maples GSA
Philippine Independence
Day
Cricket 2016
Athletic Awards Ceremony
Marauders Football
Maples Student Council
Maples Art Show
Maples Drama Production
Banff Music Festival
Grad Fashion Show
Valedictory Address
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Every year, Maples Collegiate develops a school plan that identifies our
prioritized school goals for the upcoming school year. This year we focused on
continuing to promote Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum,
supporting First Nations students from rural/northern communities, supporting
EAL learners, supporting strength based learning through inclusive practices,
supporting mental health awareness initiatives, Education for Sustainability
and increasing opportunities for technology. Curriculum meetings took place
throughout the year to give teachers a chance to meet as a group to share
strategies and to create Professional Learning Communities . Our Report to the
Community highlights many of these goals that we have been working on and
will showcase what we have achieved and what is important to our community.
We are very proud of our students, teachers and staff and we hope you enjoy
these snapshots of our 2015-16 year!
Report to the Community
June 2016
Maples Collegiate - Seven Oaks School Division
Report to the Community
ANNUAL GRAD POW WOW
2016
a First Nations cultural touchstone
Marking the 7th Annual 7 Oaks Grad Pow
Wow, Maples Collegiate hosted an
amazing night of celebration as we honored our 7 Oaks graduates, welcomed 300
plus young pow wow club members into the circle from our 7 Oaks community
schools, welcomed jiggers, fiddlers, Indigenous dancers, drum groups and the whole
diversity of our 7 Oaks community. One young graduate called it an incredible way to
celebrate graduating saying “I was crying when they honored us” and a dancer from
the summer pow wow circuit excitedly told us “I will be sure to come back next year
and every year after that” tells us just a couple of stories from the night. The pow
wow has grown so large since it’s humble beginnings that Maples Collegiate can
hardly contain all of it now. What a beautiful challenge as we think ahead to future
celebrations. For those of us, lucky enough to stay until the end of the evening, we
were able to witness the 8 drum groups (some 40 – 50 drummers) gathered at the
center of the gym singing out the final song. This was an unprecedented powerful
moment, a wonderful symbol of gathering strength within our 7 Oaks community and
the Indigenous community. Now that is reconciliation in the truest form!
This year’s Maples Pow Wow Scholarship Recipient was Jordyn Pepin from Sagkeeng
First Nation. Congratulations Jordyn!
Page 2
Report to the Community
DIWALI or MAPLES DIWALI MELA
Deepawali or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu/Sikh festivals. It's the festival
of lights which is marked by four days of celebration, which literally lighting the country with
brilliance, and happiness. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is celebrated with a
Maples Collegiate
is an Inclusive
community that
celebrates diversity.
Students are
encouraged to strive
for personal
excellence through
meaningful learning
opportunities. Our
goal is to guide
students to be life-long
learners who will use
their experiences to
make a positive
contribution to the
broader community.
Page 3
different tradition, but what remains true and constant is its celebration of life.
Students and staff at Seven Oaks School Division also celebrate Diwali every year at Maples
Collegiate. At Maples Collegiate, students find a way to connect with the culture. As Diwali
signifies the victory of knowledge over ignorance, students share the knowledge of cultural
values through dance, acting, songs, and music. Each year, more than 150 students
participate in the Diwali celebration and about 800 community members join the students.
Maples Collegiate Staff, administrators, the Seven Oaks Superintendents team with the
Seven Oaks Board of Trustees and other dignitaries enjoy the flavor of Indian Culture at the
Diwali celebration. Students of all ages are excited about the event, looking forward to the
opportunity to show their talent through cultural/folk dances. At Seven Oaks, we strongly
believe in community, so we organize events which bring people together in a cultural
celebration in our diverse new homeland.
Report to the Community
PROMOTING ABORIGINAL PERSPECTIVES
Capital Improvements at Maples Collegiate
MAPLES COLLEGIATE ABORIGINAL STUDENT
LEADERSHIP
Aboriginal Student Leadership at Maples Collegiate enjoyed another successful year. As more and
more students realize the importance of learning who they are as Indigenous people, the opportunities continue to grow. The students took the opportunities outside this year, embarking on many out
of school adventures learning the importance of being outside and on the land. The students went ice
fishing, planted a garden, went medicine picking, and took part in walks across Winnipeg supporting
initiatives surrounding MMIW. The students also planned and organized the first Treaty Days celebration at Maples, scheduled and organized weekly meetings, and planned numerous fundraisers and
events around the school. As the students take part in these activities and opportunities, there is an
equal opportunity for education. The students receive the lessons from the teachers and elders they
take along with them. That is the goal of the ASL. As the students grow and learn who they are, live
life as Indigenous youth in Canada, and navigate the hallways of their large urban school, the goal of
the ASL is to combine the importance of learning their culture with the importance of a successful
high school campaign. For them, that is Indigenous education.
Maples ASL students
went ice fishing in
February 2016
Page 4
Report to the Community
MAPLES SCIENCE FAIR 2015-2016
Maples hosted two science fairs this school year - one for each semester on December 3rd and April 14th.
Over 200 grade 9 students and their projects were presented ranging from various topics such as: chemistry, biology, physics, social sciences, innovations, and sustainability. Students spent months preparing
for the science fair.
They all started by learning about the scientific method in their science classes. Afterwards, students
worked in groups to choose a question/problem they were interested in learning more about. They had to
plan the steps, perform their experiments, and put it all together to present. They were scientists!
Grade 9 student, Garizaldy Gerra, said, “From this experience I was able to improve on my time management and presentation skills. I will admit, I was really nervous presenting to the different judges, but looking back, I was proud with how it went. I was also impressed with the other projects in the fair; I was inspired and excited for next year’s science fair!”
Richard Luyun created a life vest from recyclable materials for his project and he said, “I learned about
all of the different fields in science. It was awesome being able to observe other peoples’ projects as they
were very creative! I was able to explore some of the areas that I was interested in that we didn’t cover in
class.”
Page 5
Report to the Community
MAPLES SAYS GOODBYE TO 7 OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS
Darrell Durling – Metals Teacher:
Darrell has been an educator for over 31 years has now retired.
Happy Retirement Mr. Durling!
Carol Sawka – Vice Principal:
Carol is moving on to be Principal at RF Morrison.
We wish her well!
Kari Lynn Watt – Clothing Teacher:
Kari Lynn is moving on to work at Grant Park High School.
We wish her well!
Sopear Chhin – Phys. Ed Teacher:
Sopear has joined the Maples Met School.
We wish her well!
Devyn Degagne – Phys. Ed Teacher:
Devyn is moving on to work at Miles Mac Collegiate.
We wish her well!
Janet McDonald – Educational Assistant:
Janet has retired after many years at Maples.
Happy Retirement Janet!
Natalie Johnson – Educational Assistant:
Natalie has moved on to RF Morrison.
We wish her well!
SCHOOL PRIORITIES 2016 –2017









Page 6
Education for Sustainable Education
Promoting Indigenous Perspectives in all curricular areas
Strength Based Learning through Inclusive Practices
Supporting English Language Learners
Supporting Students from Northern Communities
Supporting Student Mental Health Initiatives
Technology and Applied Arts
Collaboration with Wayfinders and Maples Met
Curriculum Focus and Teacher Advisory
Report to the Community
Beyond Grade 12 Now
This past year Grade 12 students had an opportunity to take one or more
dual credit courses offered free of charge by the School Division. Courses
were taught in collaboration with the University of Winnipeg and Red River
College.
In 2016-17, courses in Accounting, Calculus, Computer Science, English
and Canadian History will be offered.
The courses provided students with an excellent opportunity to get an
introduction to post-secondary instruction while providing the possibility of
college or university credits.
CVE Programs
Maples Collegiate is the home base for eight cooperative Vocational Education (CVE)
Programs that are offered in collaboration with Red River College. This year saw the
start of the Introduction to Electrical Trades Technology Program ran out of the IBEW
building on Portage Avenue. Next year, Garden City Collegiate will be hosting two
new programs—Refrigeration and Air Conditioning as well as Sustainable Energy. All
CVE courses are open to all students in Seven Oaks.
Our Co-operative Vocational
Education programs offer
the advantages of education
and experience — and those
advantages can mean the
difference between just
getting a job and launching
a successful career.
Page 7
Report to the Community
MAPLES GSA
Pep Rallies at Maples
Collegiate provide
opportunities for the
entire school to come
together and
celebrate our many
different interests and
talents.
Page 8
The Maples GSA has had another amazing and productive year! We start off the year with a
series of statements that help guide and focus our efforts for the upcoming school year. This
year, the group focussed their efforts on support and social activities. We hosted the Divisional GSA gathering in November, and helped plan and design the logo for the informative and
inspirational morning. All middle schools and high schools sent representatives to make connections with other schools. We spent the morning discussing relevant issues, watching entertainment from school groups, and listening to powerful messages from the local LGBTQ* community. Other activities during this school year included bake sales, movie nights, and visits to
our local feeder middle schools. We like to be an active part of Maples Collegiate, so we take
the opportunity during Pride Week to plan activities that include the entire school. We had our
Skittles welcome table, our Mini-Pride Walk, and of course, walking in the Pride Parade.
This is a great opportunity to connect with other schools in the city as well, and all of these
activities strengthen our group so we can continue to be a most inclusive and accepting
school.
Report to the Community
118TH PHILLIPINE INDEPENDENCE AND
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION
June 8th, 2016, 5:00—8:00 p.m., Judy Silver Commons, Maples Collegiate
The Philippines commemorated its 118th
Declaration of Independence Day from
Spain on June 12th, 2016.
Filipinos all over the world, including those
who are residing here in Winnipeg,
celebrate annually its Independence Day.
On June 8th, 2016, Maples Collegiate in
partnership with Seven Oaks Filipino
Employees Association (SOFEA) proudly
hosted another momentous event in
connection with Philippine Independence
and Heritage Day Celebration.
The program involved not only its
students and the schools in Seven Oaks
School Division but also the Seven Oaks
community, from the very young to
senior citizens. An exhibit showcased the
Philippine culture and traditions.
Capturing the huge audience’s attention
were the students special dance numbers
and special song numbers.
As well, a skit from Cine-gang drew the
hearts of the young ones in understanding
how courtship is done the Filipino way.
Many students and parents feel closer to
their roots and proud of their heritage
when they see such enthusiasm, love and
passion from this festive atmosphere and
from the way the participants perform and
deliver their lines. Indeed, the celebration
is worth repeating.
Page 9
Re- Repo
the C
mun
Report to the Community
CRICKET 2 0 1 6
Cricket has been one of many extra-curricular team sports at Maples Collegiate since 2003. Over the
years, our teams have been frequent winners of high-school championships in
Summer tournaments at the Assiniboine Park.
Many of our players have been selected to play on Provincial teams and in inter-provincial cricket as
well as international cricket. Some of our past cricket team members have also
established their own teams in Maples.
Cricket practice takes place on Fridays in the Seaford gym in the Fall and Winter and at the Elwick
Sports Centre in the Spring and Summer.
We would like to invite parents of in-coming grade 9 students, who have played cricket or would like to
learn the game, to encourage their child to get involved.
Please contact me in the Fall when they begin classes at Maples, Room A115, Seaford Wing.
Mr. Pooran Singh, Cricket Coach & Team Manager
2016 ATHLETIC AWARDS CEREMONY
Championship Team Awards went out to:
K.P.A.C. JV Boys Track
K.P.A.C. JV Girls Volleyball
K.P.A.C. JV. Badminton
K.P.A.C. Varsity Badminton
K.P.A.C. Varsity Basketball
Other Awards presented:
Volleyball Awards
Football Awards
Vince Leah/Maples Letterman Award
Female Rookie of the Year Award
Male Rookie of the Year Award
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Sportsman of the Year Award
Female Athlete of the Year Award
Male Athlete of the Year Award
Awards of Excellence
Page 10
Report to the Community
MAPLES MARAUDERS FOOTBALL PROGRAM
The Maples Marauders Football Program was founded in 1981. Over the 35 years, we have experienced success as a program both on and off the field. Our football team starts practicing in the middle
of August, and we are excited to have students in grades 9-12 play on the team.
This season four Maples players (Mandeep Gaidu, Joshua Pacia, Michael Grivicic and
Mahesh Sewpaul) were selected to the 2016 Winnipeg High School Football League Senior Bowl. This
game is an annual all-star game for Grade 12 players.
Football provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable experiences that can transfer off the
field and into the classroom. This year, we are proud to have receiver, Kimwell Rodella, named as
co-valedictorian for the class of 2016. Kimwell is an excellent exemplar of how being involved in
athletics can help a student. His time at football has helped cultivate his leadership abilities. Kimwell is
also an active member of our Wayfinders Program, which also gives him the chance to be a role model
for younger students.
Football at Maples truly is an inclusive sport which unites students from a variety of backgrounds. As a
program, we are excited to work with players from every grade, and we always welcome students who
are new to the game. Being involved in football can help younger students meet new friends, transition
into Maples Collegiate, and experience more success within the classroom.
Page 11
ReRepo
port the C
to the mun
Com-
Report to the Community
MAPLES STUDENT COUNCIL
Maples Student Council works hard each year to plan and run events that promote school spirit
and encourages students
to work together and create a positive school
community. During every school wide event,
you will find our student council members
representing our school in their white ‘You are
following a LEADER’ t-shirts.
One of our biggest charitable fundraisers is
the Terry Fox Walk in which we have raised
thousands of dollars in the past 8 years.
We also hold school wide pep rallies that not
only support our sports teams but also our
extracurricular groups and showcases the
many talented singing and dance groups we
have at Maples.
We encourage our students’ individual talents
through our spirit weeks and lunch hour activities
such as the lip sync battle, flash mob, and the many dress up
opportunities.
Maples is a place of inclusion and developing student voice. The student council leadership
team plans and runs the MSVP (Maples Student Voice Party) workshop in early October to help
elected T.A. students find their voice which they use in the follow-up meetings that occur
throughout the school year with the support of our vice principal team. Maples Collegiate is
full of opportunities and this is one of the ways we encourage student’s growth through leadership.
Page 12
Maples Collegiate - Seven Oaks School Division
MAPLES COLLEGIATE SECOND ANNUAL ART SHOW
For the second year, the students in the art program in Ms. Abramson and Ms. Stephens-Yee’s art classes
have put on an exhibition of work in the Judy Silver Commons at Maples Collegiate. The work in this year’s
show was a representation of the diversity of the student body at Maples Collegiate. From subject matter, to
medium, to technical style, each work illustrated the strong creative abilities of each student in the art program. The title (as chosen by Ms. Abramson’s Grade 12 class) is a witty and contemporary take on the
“untitled” piece in 21st century art.
Portrait paintings were highlighted from Ms. Stephens-Yee’s Grade 10 class and filled a wall with colourful faces. Technical pencil drawings from her Grade 9 classes were displayed just around the corner. The Grade 11
and 12 students in Ms. Abramson’s classes demonstrated their understanding of conceptual and experimental
art through a variety of works including their experimental video works that took on subjects of everything from
wonder to isolation. The Grade 11s put out their guerrilla art pieces in and around the school which gave an
unexpected and positive make-over to areas that students see everyday. The Grade 12s displayed their inquiry
-based art works as well, showing their strong understanding of process in creating an art work.
We are already looking forward to next year’s show!
Page 13
Report to the Community
2015/2016 DRAMA PRODUCTION
This year at Maples Collegiate, students involved in the drama productions worked tirelessly to put on well
developed, entertaining shows for their family, friends and the community. We put on 3 productions this
year; two one- act plays: “Take Five” and “Uncool” as well as a stage rendition of “The Perks of Being a
Wallflower”. Each of these plays had a strong impact on the students performing as well as their audience,
the material chosen was very relevant to what the students experience (mainly in Uncool and The Perks of
Being a Wallflower) as young adults and felt they connected very well to the material. The students involved
in the productions have expressed that Maples Drama productions make them feel like they belong to something important, something they can be proud of. They see the efforts put forth in their long rehearsals come
to life when they get to perform for their community, friends and family members. They have dubbed the
Maples Collegiate theatre as a “second home” where they are welcomed, and free to be completely themselves.
Page 14
Report to the Community
BANFF MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Senior Choir and Senior Band travelled to Banff Alberta during the week of April 19-25 to attend the Rocky
Mountain Music Festival. Specifically our performance ensembles included the Senior Concert Band, Senior
Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Maple Sugar Vocal Jazz, and Loganberry Jam Jazz Band. In total, 168 students in
four buses made the journey.
It was incredible to see the faces of our students as many of them caught their first glimpses of prairie fields,
cattle, farms, and then mountains!
While at the festival, the students performed to audiences from across Canada, had the chance to work with world
class adjudicators and clinicians, and were able to watch and learn from performances of other choirs and bands.
The Chamber Choir and Loganberry Jam each performed additionally at the festival, as each group was asked to
present a special “Showcase Concert.” These hour-long concerts are a highlight of the festival, and it was a real
honour to be invited to perform.
Other festival highlights included seeing choirs such as Kokopelli from Edmonton, the New York Voices, and the
University of Pretoria Youth Choir from South Africa. All of our singers cited these concerts as being life changing
and inspirational, and they really were. Not only seeing these choirs perform, but rubbing shoulders with them,
talking to the singers, dancing and singing with them in the parking lot, and exchanging emails; it was a beautiful
thing.
While in Banff we also had the chance to do some site seeing, visited the Cave and Basin region, did some hiking,
and some students went trail riding and skiing in beautiful Sunshine Village.
It becomes increasingly clear as we spend time like this with our students that music changes lives. Music brings
students together in community, and through hard work and determination to reach musical goals, many other
incredible things happen along the way. Through music, students become more whole, and better versions of
themselves. We thank our 7 Oaks administration and board, and parents for supporting our choirs and bands,
and seeing the good that music does.
Page 15
Maples Collegiate - Seven Oaks School Division
GRAD FASHION SHOW 2016
The Maples Grad Fashion Show was organize3d
by Mrs. Watt’s Clothing 30G Class. They did
everything from curtains to set design, programmes, tickets & accessories.
This group of dresses were part of a redesign
project by the Grade 11 students at Maples..
These matching dresses were made from
scratch by a Gr. 12 student for herself and
her little sister.
Page 16
Maples Collegiate - Seven Oaks School Division
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS—
Nixie Miao and
Kimwell Rodella
Kimwell & Nixie: Good evening!
Kimwell: We would like to welcome you to the graduation ceremony of the 2016 Maples Collegiate Convocation,
Nixie: which consists of the most enthusiastic and talented graduates ever! We have exceptional Choir, Jazz and Band artists, formidable
Dance Groups, goal driven athletes, student leaders, and individuals with an insatiable thirst for knowledge!
Thomas Carlyle once said, “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: It is
this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” Indeed, we have done so.
Kimwell: In life, we know that there are obstacles. There will be doubters and there will be mistakes. However, with hard work, there certainly
will be no limits and truly, I can say that we have mastered the essence of the term: “hard work”. Our hard work allowed us to survive through
numerous struggles: from waking up every morning to catching up with deadlines or acing our tests.
Nixie: I certainly agree. Until the end of our high school career, we did not yield – we persevered, persisted and have strived for the best of
our intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities. This special day is the evidence of our efforts and achievements. To our honored guests,
administrators, family members and teachers – you are the witnesses and contributors not only to our success, but also to the growth of
what was once a mere sprout, and for that, we humbly thank you!
Kimwell: Teachers and mentors, you are always in the frontline day by day, giving all of us challenges to overcome, but in time you would
guide us and help us on the way. However, you are never really there for us in the holidays. Still, we are grateful! To our parents and families,
thank you! You were always there for us ever since day 1. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives. It’s true that we fight and argue at
times, but we know that no one will love us more than you do. All the things that we do in school are really meant for me and you because
you bled for us and endured many barriers for us. And so, we plan to do the same thing, as soon as we get our diploma.
Nixie and Kimwell: Thank you!
Nixie: And to you, our fellow graduates, certainly, our hard work has finally paid off!
At this point of time, we would also like to thank you for granting us this opportunity to be able to speak on behalf of our friends and peers.
We stand here before you today with the purpose of sharing the lessons that we have learned,
Kimwell: to reflect on the memories that we have shared
Nixie: and to visualize the future ahead of us.
As children, we wanted to grow up hurriedly – to become “cool” teens. However, now that we’re teenagers, our ideas about “growing up”
have definitely changed. We became scared – scared of all the responsibilities and obligations, which are part of being an adult.
However, we soon realized that the “perks” of being an adult outweigh these fears. As our age increases in number, the wiser we become;
and the wiser we get, the more aware we get to be. As Morrie Schwartz said, “What a misery being young can be because the young have
very little understanding about life.” Some may also feel that a specific path has clearly been paved for us graduates to follow – the only path
that screams success, in bold red and in a highly capitalized manner is university. Our society places universities in such high regard, while in
reality, this option is merely one out of the many options that we can choose.
As Dr. Seuss said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” It may
sound nonsensical, but it makes sense: Who else but you, with the power to make your own decisions and the capability of taking the first
step, decide the path on which you will travel?
Page 17
Report to the Community
Kimwell: So, with that being said, we offer you the following valedictory address:
Choose the path that your heart desires. Don’t let anything, or anyone cloud your own decision because if you truly desire it,
then you’ll do anything to get it. It’s not a matter of “Can I do it?”, but rather it is a question of “How much are you willing to
offer?” Achieve the dreams that you have promised to yourself. After all, we are the masters of our own destiny!
Nixie: The future is ours to take. Do not depend on the future alone, for it is our decisions and immense potential as unique
individuals, in which the future will be constructed.
And how else can we reach the entirety of our capabilities and the limitless possibilities that lay within our full potential, but
to follow the vision that fuels our inner voice? However, don’t panic if you don’t hear it now. You will hear it soon enough.
Why? We see future lawyers, architects, pilots, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, scientists, mechanics, artists, doctors,
nurses and teachers! Having mentioned teachers, who knew that part of teaching consisted of getting pied in the face, lip
sync battles and cool rock bands?
Indeed, the time that we spent at Maples was fun.
Kimwell: The journey that we all took has been one heck of a ride! Now we carry a story where we can share all the adventures that we had and all the unforgettable memories that we made at our school. We will not forget our first game, our first
performance, our achievements, our first love, and our first breakup. Though we had some problems at Maples, it was still
our second home and we love every single bit of it.
Nixie: Don’t forget our first taste of Maple’s signature dishes – poutine, taco fries and breakfast wraps. They are so incredibly good that even our alumni would come back to our cafeteria, just so they could have, yet another taste.
Kimwell: Speaking of alumni, this ceremony marks the day that we become alumni of Maples Collegiate. I can still remember the day when we were in grade 9 and how we could not wait to become seniors – “to rule the school and have “senior
priority”. With that said, everything just happened in the blink of an eye and those images that you see are now memories –
memories that can develop into a lesson. A lesson that we will learn how our journey would yearn, how our bridges would
burn, but we will live and learn.
Nixie: Indeed, time flew by at a wickedly fast speed.
I can still vividly remember the first day of our freshman year – we had such an interesting mix of emotions – we were nervous, anxious, worried, excited thrilled and happy. We must have also looked clueless in the eyes of the seniors back then.
Maples seemed so big that the question we asked ourselves wasn’t where to go, but rather: “What are we looking for?” Yes,
I am talking about our old schedules, which consisted of A’s and B’s, rather than M for Maples Side and S for Seaford Side.
We entered this school knowing absolutely nothing of what would happen to us, our achievements, relationships, bonds and
memories, but we will leave knowing our origin and what we represent, which is a
Nixie and Kimwell: full-fledged Maples Collegiate Marauder.
Nixie: – A title that we should be proud to carry because our experience at Maples definitely required hard work and
dedication.
Kimwell: A graduate of our school is an individual who stayed up late finishing projects, or assignments, or studying for tests.
Nixie: A Maples Collegiate graduate is an individual who chooses not to sit back idly, but rather to get involved in things we
are passionate about. We are capable of taking our ideas into action. It may be risky and the outcome may be uncertain at
times, however we are not afraid to fail. We are brave, strong and determined.
Kimwell & Nixie: Wear that “M” proudly
Kimwell: because we are magnificent, majestic and marvelous! We are made to make our dreams into reality. So, we will
leave with our head held up high, leaving behind teachings, dreams and a legacy – a legacy that will guide and serve as a
beacon so that we may inspire countless of others.
Nixie: My fellow graduates, you might not have realized the reality of this day till you saw yourself wearing the cap and robe.
However, it is now the time to say our farewells.
Kimwell: This ceremony may bring tears to our eyes and broken hearts to some, as some of us will set out for a new journey.
However, we will all take a leap of faith on this day – not alone, but together as brothers and sisters. We will walk on this
crooked road that has already begun. Don’t lose hope and believe in yourselves because we will go very far. Don’t stop here
because we are not there yet.
Nixie: It has truly been a pleasure being a part of the class of 2016 – the memories and bonds that we have shared may not
remain as clear, as years go by. But, they will forever remain in our hearts and minds, even unconsciously. Thank you for
providing us a second home, in which we had the privilege of meeting people who continuously inspire and challenge us.
From up here, we can feel the immense potential that is oozing out of each one of you, so get on your way and take the first
step.
Kimwell: Believe in yourself. You’ll make it.
Nixie: Aspire to be happy in all the decisions that you make, above all else.
Kimwell: Don’t forget to write your own story
Nixie and Kimwell: And be extraordinary! Congratulations, Class of 2016! We made it!
Page 18