Mustangs Newsletter
Saint Michael
Catholic High School
Newsletter
8699 McLeod Road,
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6S5
Phone: (905) 356-5155
Fax: (905) 356-6626
www.saintmichaelmustangs.com
November 2013
This Fall Edition of the Mustang Newsletter
accompanies the mid-term Provincial Report
Card for semester one. Please take the time
to review the report with your son/daughter,
discuss their current achievement, process
teacher feedback and follow-up with any
strategies that might be necessary.
You are probably already aware that the
NCDSB has seen some significant shuffles
due to the well-deserved retirement of Mr.
M. Ciccarelli, former principal of Saint
Michael. After over three decades of service
to education, Mr. Ciccarelli is set to enjoy
some rest and work as an entrepreneur. The
shuffle moves Mr. A. Bartley to Denis Morris
CHS where his relentless work ethic and
professionalism will be embraced. As we bid
adieu, we thank Mr. Bartley for the service
and support he provided our community.
I am pleased to introduce our new vice
principal, Mrs. F. Brockenshire. Mrs.
Brockenshire joins us from Holy Cross. She
brings a wealth of knowledge and experience
with her and has already immersed herself
in the Mustang culture. We welcome back
some key members of the Saint Michael
staff including Mr. B. Candeloro (Religion/
Math), Mrs. A. Saltarelli (Religion), Mr.
J. Marcheterre (History/French), Mr. F.
Pietrangelo (Music/French) and Ms. K.
Molnar (French). We welcome new staff
members Mr. R. Casucci (Resource), Ms.
S. Kiley (Science), Mr. S. Willick (French,
Religion) and Ms. A. Villella (History). We
also welcome the technological support of
Mrs. S. Fung (ITA) as she provides support
for all computing systems. Several little ones
joined the Mustang family this summer –
Andrew (Mrs. K. Connor), Samson (Mr. F.
Pietrangelo), Amelia (Mr. R. Dudley) and
Sonia (Mrs. A. Luppino).
We have had the opportunity to share our faith
in the Feast of Saint Michael and our more
recent Memorial Mass in memory of any
loved ones that have passed. Bishop Bergie
joined us as celebrant for our Memorial Mass
and provided great insight into All Hallows’
Eve and All Saints Day. His explanation of
the direct connection to Halloween and our
Faith was wonderful and insightful. We are
blessed to have Bishop Bergie leading our
diocese and our students found out why on
November 1.
We share our faith through a variety of
social justice activities such as our hugely
successful Pilgrimage, Terry Fox Run and our
upcoming “out of uniform” day to support
various community projects. We are thrilled
with our Mustangs and their engagement in
social justice as evidenced by our Pilgrimage.
Our students set a school record for both
attendance and dollars raised. Almost 500
students walked and $21, 000 was raised
for the orphans of Rwanda. The 2013-14
school year kicked off with many successful
events including Spirit Week, our opening
school dance and our Grade 9 Parent Night.
All activities provided an opportunity for
students, parents and staff to get together and
celebrate the Saint Michael community.
Our first season of athletics is coming
to a close with all teams competing in
many tournaments and leagues throughout
the Niagara Region. Our competition or
involvement in golf, cross country, tennis,
football, boys volleyball and girls basketball
brought great experiences. Notable success
in cross country goes out to Simone Waller
who qualified and competed at OFSAA.
Simone becomes our first runner to compete
at OFSAA two years in a row. Simone was
joined by Amen Ehi and Julianne Miszk who
competed in the para-ambulatory events.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Both Amen and Julianne are examples of
excellence and perseverance. The girls also
competed last year in the province wide
track and field event and lead by example.
Our Senior Boys Football claimed the AAA
Football Championship for the 2nd time in
three years. Congratulations to ourboys for
providing the epitome of teamwork and to our
coaches for their commitment and excellence.
Many clubs and activities are bustling with
activity and are always options for student
involvement. Our Eco-club, band and choir,
MSAID, tech crew, chaplain’s crew and
many others always welcome new recruits.
Please listen to announcements for ongoing
opportunities to get involved with Saint
Michael. Please check our website at www.
saintmichaelmustangs.com for daily events of
the school. Keep in touch via tweets from Mr.
J. Whittard by following @saintmichaelCHS.
Exciting construction is well underway
for the Saint Michael expansion. We are five
months into putting our dreams into reality.
Our “Kiss and Ride” is making a massive
difference for traffic in the morning, fields
are almost re-oriented, all structural steel is
in place and the majority of masonry work
is complete. At the time of printing we are
24 hours from converting our gas main over.
This critical move occurs on our November
15th PD Day to minimize disruption for our
students.
We look forward to a highly successful
Pasta Night on the evening of November
14th. Many thanks to our supportive and
helpful STM Family and STM Catholic
School Council. Our goal at Saint Michael is
to have every student reach their full potential
spiritually, academically and using their God
given gifts. Go Stangs!
Jim Whittard
Principal.
www.youtube.com/stmhighschool
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
On November 11th, the students of Saint Michael Catholic High School participated in the
annual Remembrance Day Service. During this service, students had the opportunity to
reflect on all the brave soldiers who risked their lives everyday for our safety and freedom. A
video was shown while we recognized the importance of all those who died fighting for our
country. Some students had the opportunity to attend a Remembrance Day Service that was
held at the Niagara Gales Center. Our mustangs, along with the people of our community
and other students and staff from schools in Niagara, joined together to remember those who
fought for our country so that we may enjoy living in freedom.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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Mrs. Brockenshire
WELCOME MRS.
BROCKENSHIRE
Saint Michael is glad to
welcome, Mrs. Brockenshire,
our new Vice Principal. Mrs.
Brockenshire is special needs
trained and our Mustangs are
very excited to have her as
a part of our school. We are
all looking forward to sharing
our Mustang spirit with Mrs.
Brockenshire and continue to
do our best everyday.
Mrs. Kirkup and Ms. Spencer-Hill’s grade 9 classes
GOODBYE MR.
BARTLEY
Our vice principal Mr. Bartley
has taken a position as Vice
Principal at Denis Morris
Catholic High School. The staff
and students of Saint Michael
will miss Mr. Bartley, his work
ethics, respect, and sense of
humor. We wish him the best at
Denis Morris.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
PILGRIMAGE
On Sunday October 27th
approximately 500 Saint
Michael Mustangs walked
our annual Pilgrimage to
support the Hope for Rwanda
Children’s Fund. Before
walking 11km in solidarity with
@SaintMichaelCHS
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those who are affected by
abortion.
MUSTANG ROUND
UP
Our annual Mustang Round
Up took place on September
9th when we welcomed all new
then meeting to celebrate mass Mustangs in all grades from
different school boards, cities,
with Father Tony McNamara.
and countries.
Saint Michael’s Pilgrimage
Committee is thrilled to report
that this year the Mustang’s
efforts raised over $22,000 to
support children and education
in Rwanda. All Mustangs
interested in helping with this
worthy social justice cause are
encouraged to join next year’s
Pilgrimage Committee, and
Marixa Parada, Olivia Lazinka, Jolene
continue raising awareness
Smith, Holly Galinec, Matthan Condez,
Mrs. Guglielmi
for Rwanda and to join us in
walking for hope.
GRADE 9 RETREAT
Grade 9 retreats took place in
September at Mount Carmel
Spiritual Center. Our newest
Mustangs were introduced to
some of their classmates and
we focused on friendships,
family and faith.
members of the Saint Paul
Catholic Community, students
and staff put their gospel
values into action by raising
awareness for three weeks,
LIFE CHAIN
LIFE Chain took place on
October 6th. STM students
and staff witnessed our faith by
standing with others, praying
in silence for those who cannot
speak for themselves and for
Saint Michael Catholic High School
CHAPLAIN’S CREW
Our first school mass took
place on September 26th. We
celebrated the Feast of Saint
Michael, our patron saint and
defender of faith. Thank you to
Fr. Peter Rowe for celebrating
with us and to our choir and
student council for leading us in
various ministries. Our student
council members were also
commissioned to be faithful
leaders.
THANKSGIVING
FOOD DRIVE
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Mustangs donated almost
1000 items to our annual
Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Food was donated to Project
Share, YWCA, and our own
breakfast program.
DIRECTOR’S
INSPIRATION
AWARD
In June 2013, the “Director’s
Inspiration Award was
launched.
This new award will be
presented annually to
to Niagara Catholic.
A nomination, endorsed by the
nominee’s direct supervisor, is
required for the consideration
of the Director of Education’s
Inspiration Award. Nominations
are reviewed by a Selection
Committee made up of
members of Senior Staff, with
the final selection being made
by the Director of Education.
Congratulations to the
recipients of the inaugural
Director’s Inspiration Award.
Vince Baldassarro
Teacher – Saint Michael
Catholic High School
Vince Baldassarro has been a
teacher with Niagara Catholic
is by spending his lunches with
Special Education students,
tutoring, or inspiring the next
generation of leaders. He is
also a coach dedicated to his
student athletes.
In 2011, Vince was diagnosed
with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
He faced this challenge by
learning as much about
his illness as possible, and
maintained a positive outlook
throughout his treatment.
Vince returned to Saint Michael
in February 2013 and his
return to health also meant
his return to coaching. He
is an extraordinary teacher
and mentor who continues to
shepherd students and staff at
Saint Michael Catholic High
School through his commitment
and courage.
Frank Ferraro
exemplary Niagara Catholic
employees who embody the
Mission, Vision and Values
of our system, our vocation
and our call to serve students,
colleagues and our community.
The Inspiration Award is
presented in recognition of
faithful, passionate, innovative
and extraordinary contributions
Vince Baldassarro
for more than two decades,
on both the elementary
and secondary panels. He
is currently an Educational
Resource Teacher at Saint
Michael Catholic High School,
where he has a profound
impact on students, whether it
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Head Caretaker, Saint Michael
Catholic High School
Frank’s sense of humour and
work ethic has made him a
beloved staff member at Saint
Michael Catholic High School,
where he is Head Caretaker.
He is a dedicated employee,
with a sense of duty and
a strong work ethic, that is
witnessed and appreciated by
his peers daily.
Frank displays a genuine
interest in all Saint Michael
students and is often found
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counselling them on how to
live life as a positive contributor
to society. He frequently
buys lunch for students who
struggle financially and has
used his community contacts
to help students find parttime jobs. Frank advocates
for students with teachers
and administrators, often
Andre Quest, Ken Nyugen, Alyssa Keigan, Damian Van Der Klugt, Hambo Moyo,
Nick Gauld, Lyndsey Tiffin, Matthan Condez, Emily Miszk, Kaitlyn Willick, Hilary
making them aware of the
Belec, Matt Aubin
student’s situations at home.
volunteer information to
Pedagogy” Catholic Student
These things are done quietly,
students and teachers. This
Leadership Forum
and are only brought to the
opportunity helped students
On Thursday, October 24th
fulfil their Graduation and
nine Saint Michael students,
Community Service obligations. Mrs. Forte and school chaplain
A Volunteer Fair is also
Jolene Smith traveled to
scheduled for Semester two.
Toronto to partake in the biFather Michael Basque,
annual “When Faith Meets
Director of Vocations at the
Pedagogy” Catholic Leadership
Diocese of St. Catharines will
Student Forum. The day
lead a series of meaningful
long event was held at the
presentations about vocations International Plaza Hotel, and
in Grade 10 and 12 classes.
provided an opportunity for
Frank Ferraro
He has been booked to speak over 1500 Catholic Grade 10
again in Semester two. In
and 11 students from across
attention of others when
conjunction with a new Mental central, western and southern
students share that information
Health Unit being implemented Ontario to listen to and interact
with administrators.
in Grade 9 Religion, TAMI
with keynote speaker, Marina
The Saint Michael community
(Talking About Mental Illness)
is a richer environment
Presentations will be held in
because of Frank Ferraro.
a variety of Religion classes
Semester one and two.
NCDSB Student Symposium
RELIGION
STM students attended the
DEPARTMENT
NCDSB Student Symposium
Our Semester one “Volunteer on October 29th in Thorold.
Fair” was again a great
They provided leadership to our
success. Seventeen agencies elementary feeder schools.
and organizations provided
“When Faith Meets
NCDSB Student Symposium
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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Nemat, and representatives
from several Catholic
organizations whose mission
is to promote and support
Catholic Social teaching.
Students, staff and chaplaincy
leaders who participated have
come to better understand how
our faith challenges us to work
for the dignity and rights of all
people. Highlights of the day
included the Me to WE speak
Molly Burke and the Question
and Answer period with keynote
speaker Marina Nemat.
1st place winners Alistar Acob, Julia Spinosa, Olivia Jose and Cassidy Bell
SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
The Science department is
off to another great start.
Mr. Mills Grade 12 Medical
Science class completed
their unit on nutrition which
culminated with each students
bringing in healthy meals and
snacks to share and analyze.
Grade 10 students completed
their unit on body systems
and demonstrated their
understanding by undertaking
real and virtual dissections of
worms, frogs and fish.
Soon we will begin planning for
our annual Science Olympics.
If you are interested in joining
the planning committee,
please speak to Mrs. CarusoLeitch and listen carefully for
announcements. The event will
take place in the early spring.
2nd place team Xristos Assimakopoulos.
Vincent Pizzi, Cassondra Potter and Rea
Krutschke,
The science department has
five students working on
research projects through
Brock University this year.
Nikol Posnov is working
on an auditory selective
attention project, Caila Stante
is exploring bone strength
in athletes using ultrasound,
James Barty is working on
computer programing to control
gas pipes, Michael Tolentino is
investigating the importance of
the retinoic acid receptor in the
embryonic pond snail, Alexis
Guitard is studying depression
Saint Michael Catholic High School
in children with an acquired
brain injury.
If you are in grade 10 or 11
and are interested in a Brock
Mentorship Research Project
in your senior year, or want to
explore other opportunities in
science, please see Mr. Duns
or Mrs. Caruso-Leitch.
MATH DEPARTMENT
As a department this
semester, we are focusing on
improving mental math skills,
improving literacy skills (better
comprehension will help math
students better understand
math problems) and decreasing
the gap between male and
female students’ achievement;
especially in grade nine
applied math. Grade nine
teachers are working diligently
to prepare students for the
EQAO assessment in January.
Also, Mrs. Kirkup is preparing
this year’s mathletes for
competitions to be held this fall.
Math Contest Dates: Grade 9
(Pascal), Grade 10 (Cayley),
and Grade 11 (Fermat) February 20, 2014
Grade 12 (Euclid) - April 15,
2014
Academic Math
Mrs. Kirkup’s grade 9 academic
math class had a Barbie
Bungee Jumping Competition.
Students created algebraic
models to describe the distance
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that Barbie would fall, based
on the length of her bungee
cord. Using their models, they
had their Barbies jump off
the railing into the atrium to
see who could get Barbie as
close to the ground without
hitting her head! First place
honours went to Alistair Acob,
Kassidy Bell, Olivia Jose and
Julia Spinosa. The second
place team consisted of
Xtristo Assimakopoulos, Rea
Krutschke, Vincent Pizzi and
Cassondra Potter. Thanks to
everyone for their efforts and
enthusiasm.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The current student council
of Saint Michael is an elected
group, comprised of 15
students from grade nine to
grade twelve. On Wednesday,
August 28th, Student Council
hosted a Grade 9 Orientation
day in which all new Grade
9 students were invited to
pick up their schedules, meet
new classmates, and see the
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Student Council
school! Student Council kicked
off the school year by hosting
a Mustang Spirit Week from
September 23rd – September
27th, with lunchtime games
and activities leading up to
the much anticipated “sports
themed” opening school dance
on Thursday, September
26th! The dance was a great
success, with students arriving
in spirited sports attire. That
same week, Student Council
also ran another special
election, looking for a fresh
Grade 9 representative to be
elected onto student council.
Congratulations to the two
successful candidates, Emily
Lostracco and Olivia Vacca!
Student Council hosted a
Halloween themed Spirit Week,
between October 28th and
31st! Another notable annual
fundraiser event hosted by
Student was held on Tuesday,
Saint Michael Catholic High School
October 29th at Johnny Roccos
on Lundys Lane. This event
contributed 10% of the patrons
bills to Saint Michael Student
Council.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
Students currently taking Grade
10 History will be heading to
the ROM later in the semester
for a chance to explore exhibits
of Canadian involvement in
the World Wars. There will
be an opportunity for them to
study artifacts and experience
new historical displays that will
keep our students interested
in Canadian and Ancient
History. The Grade 11 Ancient
Civilization class will also
be touring the Niagara Falls
museum to discover Ancient
Egyptian artifacts and actually
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examine what they have
studied in texts and articles.
The Grade 10 Canadian
History classes have been busy
constructing trench models
of their own that make trench
warfare come alive in the
classroom, while the Grade
11 Ancient Civilization History
class sculpted their own skulls
from Australopithecus to homo
sapiens sapiens.
All Grade 9 Geography
students are creating a plan for
a trip across Canada to learn
about the different regions and
diversity that Canada has to
offer. In the Senior World Issues
class, students are focusing on
developing a thesis statement,
completing research, and
writing an argumentative essay
about a current world issue to
help prepare them for postsecondary education next year.
Above are the art students who participated in the 2013 McMichael Art Trip
In the Senior Anthropology,
Psychology, and Sociology
classes, students are beginning
to study the effects of poverty
on the individual, and how
some people have had an
effect on others by volunteering
their time.
GRADE 9 ART TRIP
The Grade 9 Visual Arts
Classes accompanied by art
club members, travelled to
the McMichael Art Gallery
in Kleinburg on Friday,
Linda, Mico, Thomas, Amen and Julianne
Saint Michael Catholic High School
October 25th. At the gallery,
the students participated
in a printmaking workshop
and experienced Inuit and
First Nations artwork in an
interactive tour. This was an
enriching experience and Mrs.
DiMercurio and Ms. Yablo
were very proud of our artistic
Mustangs. Special thanks to
Mr. Casburn and Ms. Stante for
being additional chaperones.
SPECIAL
EDUCATION
Ghosts and guests liven up
D.M. gymnasium
The Saint Michael Special
Education class attended a
Special Needs Halloween
Masquerade Dance at Denis
Morris on October 25th. The
squealing throng of goblins
and ghouls steamed into the
gymnasium and partied the
afternoon away. There was no
disguising the fun at the dance.
Thomas Rabak proudly donned
his Dion Phaneuf jersey
and displayed his Toronto
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Maple Leafs memorabilia and CO-OP
collectibles. The Mustangs had With the first semester well
a wonderful time.
underway, our Saint Michael
Co-operative Education
students have found a home
in their placements, and have
been contributing a great deal
of time and effort to the various
businesses where they are
employed. The Co-operative
Education Department would
like to welcome back former
employers as well as a number
ESL Retreat
of new employers for the
students. The following new
ESL RETREAT
employers have joined the
At Jericho House
Saint Michael family:
Mustang English Language
•
Alltech Automotive
Learners traveled to the
•
Ontario Conservatory Jericho House in Wainfleet
of Music
on Thursday, October 10th to
•
Strada West
participate in the Board-wide
•
Bridgeview Animal retreat day. The ESL classes
Hospital
from all eight high schools
•
Deloitte and Touché
spent the day working together
•
Blue Knight Security
to promote cultural awareness
•
Brain Kite Animation
in order to break-down barriers
•
Turkstra lumber
that often challenge our new
•
Greater Niagara Canadians. Led by senior
General Hospital
students Valentina Castano and
they complete during their
coop placements, count
toward completion of their
apprenticeship hours. Mr. Kelly
and Mr. DiFrancesco would like
to personally thank all of our
employers in the community for
their willingness to take on a
coop student.
Nicole Cerminara
MUSIC
DEPARTMENT
The music department has
been very busy already this
fall. We started off with
performances in the Atrium
Laura Gaitan, the newcomer
for our Grade 9 parent night.
There are many students
students were given an
The band and choir performed
opportunity to practice English this semester that will be
at our opening school mass
speaking skills and learn about signing their Ontario Youth
honouring our patron Saint
Canadian culture and customs Apprenticeship papers. When Michael. The Saint Michael
surrounding the Thanksgiving a student signs their OYAP
music department was part
papers, they are then assigned
holiday.
of other Falls’ schools at
a number from the provincial
the annual Mayor’s Prayer
government that stays with
Breakfast. The bands that
them until they become a
participated in our Grade 8 Day
certified trade person in their
also celebrated Mass for our
chosen field. The hours that
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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Pilgrimage and honoured our
loved one’s who have passed
during our Memorial Mass.
Every Tuesday night a senior
and junior house band are
forming and on Wednesday
nights choir practices for
masses and school events.
SAINT MICHAEL
MUSTANGS WIN
‘AAA’ FOOTBALL
TITLE
Not only did Myles Methner
help Saint Michael win its
second senior triple-A football
championship in three years,
but the fifth-year offensive
lineman hopes he left a
winning culture for future
Mustang teams. “My biggest
goals coming back were
to win and be a mentor for
the younger guys,” Methner
said after a 21-16 win over
the A.N. Myer Marauders at
Kalar Sports Park, “so I think
front row (left to right): Mr. Lucchetta, Devan Truant, Riley Dunnett, Jerod Young,
Luca Dino, Tomas Tavano,Angel Pjepi, Nicholas Ierfino, Ryan Giles, Max Nazartchuk,
Jeff Lohnes, Zarek Giroux
Middle Row (left to right): Mr. Marcheterre, Matthew Potts, Stone Watson, Chris Sorley,
Charles Murdoch, Joshua Pirillo, Pietro, DeLuca, Tevan Gallen, James Fessler, Jerry
Nguyen, Jesse Roy, Mohammed Meragni, Jake Vaughn, Mohammed Nasser
Back Row (left to right): Cameron Fazekas, Nick Krutal, Narvaye Bailey, Dovan
Muncgal, Giuseppe Gazzellone, Bayden Bush, Jake Roy, Ryan Naar, Harry Walker,
Connor Davidson, Ethan Forde, Jean Paul EMaryo, Mr. Bomberry
I showed today that I definitely
succeeded in that goal.”
Giacomo St. Angelo and Dylan
Smythe scored the Mustangs
touchdowns. Noah Dino hit two
field goals, and Saint Mike’s
added a single point.
demonstrating exemplary
competitive spirit and a positive
attitude. The swim teams relay
meet will be on November 14th.
at Brock University. Come out
and support our mustangs.
The Jr Boys Football Team
finished the season with a 3
wins and 1 loss record. The
Mustangs had a fun regular
season and worked hard all
season. Go mustangs!
Junior Boys Volleyball tryouts
began during the first week of
school. Once the team was
selected, the grade 9 and 10
boys quickly started to develop their skills and strategies.
Regular season games began
in the third week of school and
saw the boys playing against
teams from all over the Niagara
JUNIOR BOYS
JR BOYS FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL
MUSTANG SWIM
Recreation and Leadership
The team has been
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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Region. The boys were also
blessed to attend two tournaments. By the end of October
the volleyball team had secured a spot in the play-offs.
During the team’s quarter final
game the boys took the opposing team to five games and lost
by only 4 points. Throughout
the season the boys developed strong relationships and
worked together with all the
class and dedication that one
would expect from the Saint
Michael Mustangs. This was
truly a building year for the
Junior Boys Volleyball Program and it has left all involved
excited for the 2014 season!
Congratulations to Sam Zappitelli, Austin Dero, Rubin Mateo,
Edrick Macdon, Junior Menendez, John Blyzchyk, James
Parker, Brandon Underhill, Kyle
Croase, Brayden Kostecki, and
Matthew Collison.
JUNIOR GIRLS
BASKETBALL
The Junior Girls Basketball
program opened its season
with close to 20 girls trying out.
With all the mustang talent,
fourteen girls made the team.
Team members include Kirstin
Michael, Cristina Ieraci, Kassidy
Bell, Kaitlyn Manlow, Madison
Keldson, Melinda Gabriel,
Victoria Ferguson, Brianna
Taylor, Kennedy Knezevich,
Harleigh Watkins, Ashley
Harris, Samantha Jenkins,
Emily Pasco and Samantha
Stante. This season was a
very positive one with all team
members playing an active role
in the success of the program.
Thank you to everyone who
came out and supported our
Lady Mustangs. Fan support is
greatly appreciated.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
SMTV
It’s as if we never really
stopped and took a break
for the summer. The crew
started the semester creating
the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Brandon Muise at ICE meeting with Jeff
Corey from Harrow Sports
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video, helping out with the
school Mass, getting our
youtube channel running
at www.youtube.com/
stmhighschool and then we
were asked to participate
in a pilot project initiated
by Premier Wynne called
ICE – Innovation, Creativity
and Entrepreneurship. ICE
will bring together students
from across the board to
create, manufacture then
sell a product. Thank you to
Felix Abcede, Emilee Hurst,
Brandon Muise, Brandon Ball
and Leeland McNamara for
putting their name forward
to help out with this exciting
endeavour.
MUSTANG ECOACTION TEAM
This fall, the Mustang EcoAction Team has been very
busy! Team members have
begun to plan initiatives and
work towards another year
of Gold Certification through
Eco-Schools. Students
recently conducted an energy
audit of Saint Michael Catholic
High School and results
were posted outside each
classroom. Also, students
have begun to prepare for the
Fair Trade Event on December
5th. Ten Thousand Villages
will come to sell Christmas
gifts from around the world
and due to the success of last
year, the Eco-Team are sewing
reusable eco-friendly gift bags
to sell. Mrs. DiMercurio, Ms.
Caruso-Leitch and Ms. Yablo
would like to thank all EcoAction Team members for their
dedication thus far! Especially
for all of the hours the team
spent weeding the overgrown
gardens when we arrived back
Mr. Vaiana and the Film Club shooting a scene for one of the movies to be featured at
the 10th Annual Film Festival.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
in September. Special thanks
go out to Landcare Niagara for
donating the new Tulip Tree
that we planted!
Above: Some of the Mustang Eco-Action
Team tabulate the results of our first energy
audit. Left to right: Jose Gabrie, Carlos
Colangelo, Daniel Gabrie, Olivia Lazinka,
Iris Chiu, Holly Galinec, Ariana Mayer,
Amy Wheeler and Matthew Aubin.
FILM CLUB
Ten Years and Going Strong
The Saint Michael Film Club is
hard at work producing movies
for our 10th annual Arts and
Film Festival, which will take
place in May right here in the
Mustang Theatre. So far, our
student filmmakers have written
five scripts, with several other
scripts in the writing process.
After such a strong showing
from out grade nine and ten
students last year, we have
high hopes for the quality of
this year’s films. Audiences
can expect to see a suspense/
thriller from the producers
of High School Psycho, an
adaptation of the story “The
Soul Game” by the producers
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Newsletter
of Insomnia, a comedy from the
makers or The Lazy Hitman,
a sequel to The Men’s Room,
as well as several surprises.
There is a great deal of hard
work ahead, but Mr. Vaiana
and all the members of the
Film Club and Film Class are
confident that the 10th Annual
Film Festival will be a night to
remember. Stay tuned for more
details in the next newsletter.
Hope to see you on the red
carpet next May.
MATHLETES
The Mathletes Club gives
students who enjoy solving
math problems an opportunity
to compete against students
from other schools. The
problems are not related to
any specific math course, so
anyone from any grade can
participate! The club will be
competing in tournaments on
November 13th and November
27th.
per semester or $50 for the
year. All students are welcome
to join, regardless of their
experience or athletic ability.
For more information, please
see Mr. McCarthy after-school
in the Fitness Centre
Recreation and Leadership
Mr. Carter’s grade 12 recreation
and leadership class displaying
their co-operative skills during
one of their group challenges.
This class runs intramural and
works with Loretto Catholic
Elementary School to promote
physical activity and wellness.
Myles Methner posing with his certificate
at the induction ceremony.
FITNESS CLUB
Strength Within, Pride
Throughout
The Saint Michael Fitness
Club runs throughout the
school year, Mondays through
Fridays from 2:30P.M. to 4:00
P.M. To join, students are
simply required to complete
a Participation Form, and
pay an Activity Fee of $30
Myles Methner locks out his final
repetition in the squat lift.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
MUSTANG
HORSEPOWER
Last year’s inaugural Mustang
Horsepower Strength
Challenge saw 16 participants
vying for the top spot on
the newly unveiled wallof-champions board. The
challenge consisted of two
lifts; bench press and squat.
Participants who successfully
pressed or squatted the
required poundages (Bench
Press 250LBS., Squat 400LBS.
combined Bench & Squat of
650LBS., and Body-weight
Bench press 15X), were
subsequently inducted onto
the wall-of-champions board.
Last year eight participants
were inducted. All participants
performed well, but two
mustangs Vito Perry and Myles
Methner, not only topped their
respective category, but greatly
exceeded the requirements.
Vito (weighing in at 165lbs.)
bench pressed his body-weight
an astonishing 24 times, and
benched an estimated onerepetition max of 275LBS.
Myles pressed an estimated
one-repetition max of 295LBS,
and squatted a jaw-dropping
450LBS. Myles is the sole
inductee on both the squat
and combined Bench & Squat
category. Overall, the event
was success and Mr. McCarthy
is looking forward to next year’s
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Newsletter
students information on how
to make smart choices in
order to make them safer and
happier people. If you would
like to get involved in MSAID,
we are always looking for new
members to help us with our
various initiatives that take
place throughout the year.
SANTA CLAUS
PARADE
Mustang Horsepower Strength safety, having empathy for one
Challenge.
another, and having a positive
self-image. The assembly was
a very powerful and moving
tribute to females, and the
power that they possess.
While working together to
promote good decisions
whether it be anti-bullying,
safe driving, or making good
decisions in our personal
relationships, MSAID provides
MSAID
Other wise known as Mustang
Students About Impacting
Decisions, kicked off the year
with an all-female assembly
for Grade 9 girls, called “Girl
You’re Amazing”. Nadine
Wallace, a retired Niagara
Region Police Officer, came
to STM on November 4th,
2013 to speak to the Grade
9 girls about bullying, cyber
Edited by: Mr. Soares, Mr. Mayer , Samantha Stante
The Saint Michael Mustangs
are looking forward to our
participation in the annual
Santa Claus Parade! The
Mustangs are famous for
spreading Christmas Cheer
and are a favourite among the
public.
The parade will be held on
Saturday November 16th and
begins at 11A.M. in downtown
Niagara Falls.
Newsletter
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT
The English Department is
extremely excited about this
year’s new venture – STM
Press. Predicated by the
success of Writer’s Craft
students who have gone on
to publish poems in nationally
acclaimed literary journals
like The Claremont Review,
Saint Michael’s will launch
its own literary imprint, which
will publish full length books
written by Saint Michael alumni.
Book submissions are filing in,
and editorial meetings are set
to begin in December. STM
Press plans to publish and
launch its first book at the
25th Anniversary celebration
in autumn of 2014. Also,
literacy test preparation is in
full gear as grade ten students
are immersed in week long
preparation packages and
mock tests. Finally, Saint
Michael’s will once again
assume a leadership role in
the upcoming Inspiring Student
Writer’s Conference in May
of 2014, which will host and
introduce famous authors and
their works to our burgeoning
writing students. Stay tuned.
GETTING DOWN TO
BUSINESS
Students at Saint Michael
are once again enjoying the
opportunity to play the stock
market as part of the Nipissing
University Stock Market
Challenge. The students are
exchanging tips on buying
stocks, futures and funds each
day. The experience, as always
proves to not only be fun but a
fantastic learning experience
for many as well. I would write
more but I have to run….I
heard Apple was a good buy
today.
TECHNOLOGY
Jeffin Baiju trading stocks
On the last visit to the
apprenticeship training centre
for Mohawk College, teachers
at Saint Michael were surprised
to learn that a large part of the
enrolment at the training centre
was made up of University
graduates. I guess it takes
Saint Michael Catholic High School
a university degree to realize
there are great opportunities in
the skilled trades. In general,
work in the technological sector
is in high demand; unfortunately
the number of people entering
those areas does not match the
current job needs. Check out
your local university, college or
apprenticeship training centre
for more information about
careers in technology. Have
your son or daughter look into
the Specialist High Skills Major
programs available at the
school. This latest government
initiative will help prepare
students for post-secondary
studies and careers.
When Faith Meets Pedagogy L-R: Michelle
Cardoso, Matthan Condez, Julianne Peralta,
Chris Vecchi, Lindsay Crews, Andre Quest,
Melissa Peter, Thomas Mingle and Annaleza
Quaranta
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Newsletter
MOB
The Mustangs Oppose Bullying
(otherwise known as The
M.O.B.) has been busy this
year! We have several new
MOB members who have been
meeting with our “MOBerators”
every other Monday at lunch.
The MOB was involved in
Mary’s Meals and it was a
great success, raising money
for the children of Malawi.
Donations were made in
exchange for delicious
oatmeal. In addition to Mary’s
Meals, Friday, November
1st was also Random Act
of Kindness Day. The art
students created a banner
for the MOB who asked the
students to share their random
acts of kindness. Bullyiing
Awareness WeeK: November
17th-23rd.
Samantha editing the newsletter
you put in to make his publications a success.
KOREAN EDUCATION DELEGATION
Korean Education Delegation
visits Saint Michael Catholic High School. Seventeen
delegates from Korea and a
translator were hosted at Saint
Michael Catholic High School
by Principal Jim Whittard and
Fred Wilson on November 7.
The delegates were provided
with an overview of the Catholic education system in Ontario
and then toured of our facilities.
Our Korean guests were very
impressed with your fabulous
school by what they saw happening at Saint Michael Catholic High School.
UNIVERSITY
INFORMATION
PROGRAM 2013 A
SUCCESS
On Tuesday, October 1st,
Saint Michael hosted the
2013 University Information
SMTV would like to welcome
Program. With over four
Samantha Stante as the new
editor for our school newsletter. hundred people in attendance,
parents and students from
We appreciate all the hours
A NEW DAY
Saint Michael Catholic High School
across the Niagara Region
had the opportunity to speak
individually with all twenty one
university representatives and
learn about different admission
requirements, scholarships,
residence, the application
process, campus life and much
more. The deadline to apply
to University is January 15th,
2014.
VOLUNTEER FAIR
AT SAINT MICHAEL
On Thursday, October 10th,
Saint Michael held a Volunteer
Fair from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
in the front foyer. Various
local organizations and
parishes were present to
discuss potential volunteer
opportunities with our students.
Our entire student body had
the opportunity to attend the
Volunteer Fair during both
lunch periods. This opportunity
to connect with local charitable
organizations assists students’
to complete their mandated 40
hours of Community Service.
It is the policy of the Niagara
Catholic District School
Board that students complete
a minimum of 10 hours of
Christian Community Service
and associated project(s) per
year. A second Volunteer
Fair has been scheduled for
February 20th, 2014.
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Newsletter
GRADE 8 DAY AT
SAINT MICHAEL
CATHOLIC
On Wednesday, November
6th, Saint Michael hosted
150 Grade 8 students from
our feeder schools: Father
Hennepin, Loretto, Our
Lady of Mount Carmel,
Sacred Heart and Saint
Joseph (Snyder). The students had opportunities to
experience first hand life
at Saint Michael Catholic.
Our class of 2018 had the
opportunity to participate
in a number of different
curriculum related activities that were planned
by our various program
areas. The day concluded
with performances from
our Saint Michael drumline, cheerleaders, dance
group and music program.
Grade 8 day is one of
many transition activities
that are in place to help
with the transition of our
Grade 8 students enter
high school.
Grade 8
Day
at
Saint
Michael
Catholic
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Our upcoming activity will
take place November 19th
to the 22nd when we will
be bringing some of our
Grade 9 students back to
their elementary schools
to discuss the “cheers,
fears and unclears” that
the grade 8’s may have
regarding high school.
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Newsletter
INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ICE Presented by Niagara Catholic Co.
tore
s
l
i
a
t
e
r
r
u
Visit o
at the
h
t
6
2
r
e
b
Decem
ll!
Seaway Ma
Niagara Catholic Specialist
High Skills Major (SHSM)
students are manufacturing,
marketing and selling youth
hockey nets.
Come out to the Seaway Mall in
December and support Niagara
Catholic Co.
This not for profit endeavor
focuses on student innovation,
creativity and entrepreneurship
skills in all industries.
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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Newsletter
IMPORTANT DATES
9 students from Saint Michael
Catholic High School joined
November 26th and 28th—Grade 10 Mock Literacy Test
parents, relatives or friends
December 1st—First Sunday of Advent
December 2nd—Christmas Baskets
at a work site. This provincial
December 3rd—Organization of the Board Meeting
initiative is an excellent
December 4th—Grade 8 Mass and Grade 8 Pathways Evening
opportunity for students to learn
December 5th—Fair Trade Event
first-hand the rigors and routine
December 6th—Saint Nicholas Awards
of the daily workplace. For
December 8th—Feast of the Immaculate Conception/Second Sunday of Advent
many, it is the first exposure
December 11th—Spirit Wear Day
to a professional environment
December 15th—Third Sunday of Advent
other than their school, doctor
December 18th—STM Family Mtg. and Out of Uniform Day
or dentist’s office. Some of the
December 19th—Advent Mass/Christmas Basket Delivery
December 20th—Professional Activity Day
interesting placements included
December 22nd—Fourth Sunday of Advent
a morning at the St. Lawrence
December 25th—CHRISTMAS DAY
Seaway, The Bird Aviary,
December 23rd to January 3rd—Christmas Break/Holidays
Scrap Metal Recycling, The
January 6th—Feast of the Epiphany and First Semester classes resume
Niagara Falls Arena, Niagara
January 8th—STM Family Mtg. and Spirit Wear Day
Falls Fire Department, Niagara
January 15th—EQAO Math (Grade 9 Assessment)
Regional Police Services,
January 21st—Markbook Report and Last Day of Semester I classes
Niagara College, and a behindJanuary 22nd to January 28th—Semester I Final Exams
the-scene look at our Greater
January 28th—STM Semi-Formal
January 29th—Professional Activity Day
Niagara General Hospital
January 30th—First Day of Semester II
and City of Niagara Falls
February 13th—Grade 8 Open House (6:30 to 8:30pm)
offices. Some students spent
February 17th—Family Day Holiday
the day at the offices of local
February 20th—Early Warning Reports
chiropractors, doctors, lawyers,
February 22nd—Saint Michael Family Trivia Night
dentists and real estate agents,
while others accompanied
students about programs
COLLEGE
parents to our local banks,
and career opportunities. In
INFORMATION
hotels and restaurants, retail
addition, Niagara College
outlets, and elementary school
had a large number of their
FAIR @ NIAGARA
classrooms. A special thank
programs on display. The
COLLEGE
you to the parents, relatives
equal consideration deadline
On Wednesday, October
and friends, as well as their
for college applications is
23rd, the Student Services
employers who made the day a
February 1st, 2014.
department brought fortysuccess!
six Grade 12 students to
TAKE OUR KIDS TO
the College Information
Day at Niagara College.
WORK DAY
Representatives from all
On Wednesday, November
of Ontario’s 28 colleges
6th approximately 180 Grade
were present to inform
Saint Michael Catholic High School
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