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The Week on Twitter: 2010-03-14

March 14th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News | by Travis Allison

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Surviving the sinking of the S.V. Concordia

March 8th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Boarding, Education, News, Private Schools | by David Field

“It was fifteen minutes.”

For Grade 12 student Callagy Ross that was the time between her history class and setting off in life rafts with her 63 shipmates from S.V. Concordia as the ship began to sink off the coast of Brazil on February 17, 2010.

The students, teachers and crew of West Island College’s Class Afloat then spent close to 40 hours on the life rafts, not knowing when they might be rescued and having to constantly bail water out of the rafts. Shortly after the wreck three of the four life rafts connected and were able to share emergency supplies and support.

The rafts smelt badly and people had to be held onto if they needed to go to the bathroom. “We held their legs and they squatted overboard,” said Callagy.

As day turned into night few people were able to sleep. Suffering from bruises many passengers developed serious rashes from being wet in the raft for such an extended period.

Then after 34 hours, a plane was spotted.

“It was probably the happiest moment of my life,” explained student Camille Charbonneau who was in another raft. “When you see it, it confirms that you are going to be okay.”

A few hours after seeing the plane, two Filipino cargo ships came to their rescue.

“They really took care of us, gave us blankets and places to sleep,” said Camille. “They were the nicest people I ever met.”

Now almost three weeks after the sinking of the S.V. Concordia both Callagy and Camille say they are ready to head to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to be with their friends and continue their studies on land. “I’m definitely going back to Lunenburg. I’m extremely excited to be back with the program, friends, teachers and crew,” said Camille who enjoyed riding camels into the Sahara dessert when the ship landed in Morocco.

Asked about if the opportunity rose again to attend school on the seas with West Island College Class Afloat both students had a similar response. “I would go back on in a heartbeat!” exclaimed Callagy. If she does go back, hopefully she can again absorb the sight of the colours and people in the markets of Turkey that was her most memorable experience with Class Afloat before the S.V. Concordia sank.

Arrival Photos

Our Kids’ owner and photographer Andrew Stawicki was on hand at Toronto’s Pearson Airport the morning that the students arrived from Brazil.  Click through to see his photos.

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What’s On: Week of March 8-14, 2010

March 8th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Camp, News, Private Schools | by Travis Allison

Welcome to What’s On, The Our Kids blog’s weekly roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the week ahead!

Monday March 8

Special Event | MPS ETOBICOKE
One week band performance trip to Cuba
MPS Etobicoke, Etibicoke Area, ON, View School Profile

Special Event | MPS ETOBICOKE
High School Europe Trip – 14 day trip to Italy and Greece
MPS Etobicoke, Etibicoke Area, ON, View School Profile

Tuesday March 9

March Break Camp | SPORTS WESTERN SUMMER CAMPS
March Break Camp registration ends March 11.
Sports Western Summer Camps, London, ON | View Camp Profile

Wednesday March 18

Open House | LYNN-ROSE HEIGHTS PRIVATE SCHOOL
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Open House.
Lynne-Rose Heights, Toronto, ON| View School Profile

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The Week on Twitter: 2010-03-07

March 7th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News | by Travis Allison

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The Week on Twitter: 2010-02-28

February 28th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News | by Travis Allison

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The passing of Canada’s Last Veteran of the First World War

February 26th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Events, High School, Teachers | by Agnes

The recent passing of Canada’s last WWI veteran, John Babcock at age 109, brought Christopher Shannon, Headmaster at Lower Canada College in Montreal, Quebec to discuss the implications of this loss with his grade 11 students. ” With the passing, our direct human link to the Great War also slipped away, never to be reclaimed” writes Mr. Shannon in his reflection posted on the Dialogue Journal for Private School Educators. “Will we risk becoming what some analysts call a society without memory?

Read Losing Touch With Canada’s Modern Historical Achievements

About John Babcock (July 23, 1900 – February 18, 2010)

John Henry Foster “Jack” Babcock was, at age 109, was the last known surviving veteran of the Canadian military to have served in the first world war. First attempting to join the army at age 15, Babcock was turned down and sent to work in Halifax until he was placed in the Young Soldiers Battalion in August 1917. Babcock was then transferred to Britain, where he continued his training until the end of the war.

He never did fight, and therefore didn’t feel he deserved a state funeral, but as Mr. Shannon identifies, “he surely would have liked to see all Canadians learn more and discuss our proud history with interest.”

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Toronto’s Private Schools Offer Much More than All-Day Care

February 23rd, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, News | by Travis Allison

Ontario’s new all-day kindergarten programs to roll out this fall are making Toronto’s public schools appealing choices for busy, working families. But the benefits that private schools offer GTA parents and children still extend far beyond before- and after-care.

With Dalton McGuinty’s full-day kindergarten programs coming to Ontario elementary schools this fall, journalists and administrators are concerned that private school enrollment will decrease. But Our Kids Media, Canada’s experts on private schools across the country, know that the private and independent schools of Ontario can offer much more to a family than just all-day care.

“Private schools have been creating responsible, successful graduates for decades,” said David Field, Editor of Our Kids Go to School Magazine, “Parents aren’t choosing private education just for the convenience of all-day classes.”

The benefits of private school are extensive and long-lasting. Smaller class sizes and lower staff-to-student ratios ensure that each child receives the attention they need to succeed. Private schools throughout Ontario are known for their safe and welcoming environments, allowing children of all ages to reach their full potential and make lasting friendships. Extensive extracurricular activities and specialized academic programs let students find their passions and explore them in an instructive environment. And parent-teacher relationships are open and strong, so families can make sure their children are receiving the education they desire.

For more detailed questions and answers about private schools you can visit our community section.

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The Week on Twitter: 2010-02-21

February 21st, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News | by Travis Allison

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