Cancer Drive hits high

By Hilary Pitman

Lockerby has done it again! Cancer Drive, which was held on Thursday, November 8, raised over $34 000 in three hours. This beats the previous record of just under $29 000. Cancer Drive brings students together to raise funds to provide pediatric cancer care at the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre here in Sudbury. Pep rallies leading up to Cancer Drive were both inspiring and well organized. Lockerby Vikes continue to support this campaign which brings Laura Cotesta’s dream closer.
Laura Cotesta believed that people with cancer should be able to be treated in their hometown.  At the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre, a pediatric wing was added because of the outpouring of support from programs and campaigns such as Lockerby’s Cancer Drive.  Since its inception, over $250 000 has been donated to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
Greater Sudburians have embraced the campaign by opening their cheque books and their wallets year after year. Lockerby Composite School is known throughout the city as a school that takes the reins of leadership in the community.
Laura’s dream was not only to help people with cancer in her community to cope with cancer closer to home, but also to inspire those to believe that something like Cancer Drive is possible. “We have raised not only more money but we’ve also raised awareness for our campaign.  I believe that the community understands Lockerby’s reasons for continuing this tradition and, just as importantly, more students than ever are becoming involved in our annual cancer drive and understand why it’s so important” says teacher coordinator Mrs. Peloso.
Most people have been touched by cancer in their lives. Campaigns like this, led by students, can help in better treating the disease and find a cure. Laura was a fighter, and her spirit lives on through each year’s campaign which raises funds to make her dream come true. Laura once said “If you hope and pray enough for sunshine, the sunshine will come”.  Thanks to the dedication of students year to year, that sunshine is on its way.   Thank you Lockerby for continuing to support the community and Laura’s dream.

Taking time to remember

By Samrita Gill

Every day during Veterans Week, Lockerby students have listened to stories about Canada’s battles during the morning announcements with a Remembrance Day presentation over the PA on Friday. Students listened stories from the battle lines, and why we remember the soldiers, workers, citizens and others who have fought, worked and who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom.

However, it is up to each of us as individuals to answer the question why do we remember? In Heather Robertson’s book of selected war paintings and sketches by some of Canada’s most celebrated artists entitled A Terrible Beauty: The Art of Canada at War, it is written “We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.”

Whom do we remember? We remember the Canadian soldiers who fought to defend our country.  We remember the people left behind who worked in factories to keep our industries functioning.  We remember the families who lost a loved one to war.  We remember the innocent citizens who suffered or died for war.

What do we remember? We remember history and how ordinary Canadians put their lives in jeopardy for the future of their country. We remember those who fought in the name of freedom in wars such as the First and Second World Wars to the Korean War and the current war in Afghanistan. 

Halloween fun

By Hilary Pitman

Another Halloween has come and gone and even though the weather was cold and dreary, Lockerby students didn’t let the weather get to them. Halloween at Lockerby brought some interesting and distinct costumes such as: a taco, a can of Coca-Cola, fries, Smarties and a “chick magnet”. The creativity of this year’s costumes shows that their creativity is endless. Teachers distributing candy to their students brought for a day of goodies for students. For those who braved the fierce weather, the pay off was immense. Houses that had barely any trick-or-treaters unloaded their candy into the bags of the brave ones who went out despite it being cold and raining.

 On November 1st, Lockerby Vikings came out in droves to the “Things That Go Bump in the Night” dance. Halloween favorites such as the Monster Mash and the Ghostbusters were played along with today’s hit music. “Halloween has been great, even with the rain we still had lots of fun and all the Lockerby dances are great as long as everybody’s dancing” says one grade 10 student. 

Next years Halloween festivities are expected to have just as much enthusiasm and perhaps even more. Costume creativity will be hard to beat, however Lockerby student have shown that their creative boundaries are endless.

Lighting up Sudbury

By Amrita Gill

On the night of Thursday, October 25th, Lockerby students took to the streets to participate in Sudbury’s first ever Lightbulb Exchange.

The Light Bulb Exchange, an idea conceived and realized by Lockerby grade 12 students Matt Buttazzoni and Vedran Dukic, was a unique event in which about 50 Lockerby students set out into the Sudbury community to make a difference. Their goal was to go door-to-door and exchange 1000 energy-saving CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), provided by Sudbury Hydro, for 1000 energy-wasting incandescent bulbs. When asked what inspired such an original idea, Buttazzoni replies, “I got the idea after seeing a David Suzuki commercial for CFLs. He said that even though one light won’t make much of a difference, if we all have them, it will,” and with a laugh, adds, “Of course, Vedran also helped come up with the idea.” Buttazzoni admits that it was a rather daunting task to get students to warm up to the idea of volunteering for such a new project. Nevertheless, the students who did participate did so with enthusiasm and a dedicated effort, contributing to the overall success of the event. Buttazzoni, himself very satisfied with the results, puts in, “Even though we didn’t manage to exchange 1000 lights, I’m still extremely proud that we were able to pull off a project that benefits everyone in the city.”

With the completion of yet another successful event, Lockerby students continue to show their dedication and support to the many important issues facing our world today. In the Light Bulb Exchange, the issue at hand was our environment. By using more efficient light bulbs such as the CFLs employed in the exchange, consumers not only save energy, but they also save money. In fact, CFLs last up to ten times longer and use 75% less electricity than an equivalent incandescent light bulb!

The incandescent light bulbs collected in the exchange will be painted and decorated, to be transformed into Christmas ornaments and sold for $3.00 each, with profits going to the Blue Door Café, Sudbury’s local soup kitchen. They will be on sale at the Southridge Mall on November 17th, and at the New Sudbury Shopping Centre, as well as the Rainbow Centre on December 1st.

But the Light Bulb Exchange does not end here—in fact, it just the beginning; Sudbury Hydro, impressed with what was accomplished, has passed the idea on to the Ontario Power Authority, and they are currently reviewing the possibility of advertising what was done in the Light Bulb Exchange on a national scale, in order to get others involved with the same cause.  This just goes to show yet another way in which Lockerby students are helping to change the world…one light bulb at a time.

Vikes sports report

By Matthew Gatien

As the weather has gotten colder, boys football has wrapped up and winter sports have warmed up.

While the lakes have gotten close to freezing, Lockerby’s die-hard won’t let that stop them. Swim practices started earlier this year so that there could be a more serious competition this year, and so that swimmers could work more on their technique. Even though the team lost a good number of grade twelves, the numbers for the team are actually up, but “we are always looking for recruits for next year,” says Ms. Stanyon, one of the team’s three coaches, along with Mr. Abols and Mrs. Laliberte. One area where the team is lacking is in the midget boys, where there are usually low numbers, so the coaches are always looking for more midget boys. Wednesday November 14th saw the team go to Sturgeon Falls where Lockerby did well, getting top times in all events. While the swimmers seem to like warmth, our girls hockey team seems to prefer the cold as they have been spending lots of time on the ice during exhibition games preparing for their season. While a lot of strong grade twelves were lost last year, Mr. Abols says that they have been replaced by “strong grade nines”.  He also named Maddy Baird as a “strong leader” out of the new crop of grade nines on the team. Even though this year’s team is a young team, and will take a few years to rebuild, there is more enthusiasm this year, which one can only hope will get them through the season as smoothly as possible. With a one and three record in exhibition play, the girls have some room to improve.  Best of luck in the new season girls!

Winter fashions bring the heat

By Brianna Simeoni

As the first snow fall has occurred, you’re going to need something to keep you warm through out the cold winter months. So here are some tips for winter fashion that will keep you looking hot in the freezing months of winter.

For women, colours that are going to be streaming through fashion are going to be rich violets, cranberries and golds. All of these colours are going to be showing up in just about anything from sweaters, “waffle” shirts, vests, winter coats, and showing up in accessories and shoes. Speaking of shoes, say goodbye to fall flats, and say hello to cozy and comfortable boots. Comfortable boots will make you feel as though you never left home, because of the slipper- like feeling. To match those comfortable boots, you’ll need a comfortable sweater. Swing sweater are the new winter trend and you can pair them with just about anything. Swing sweaters are a cropped top that have a flared arm.  If it is paired with an empire tank top or a long sleeved graphic shirt it is perfect for a day at school or a night on the town. To complete the outfit, the perfect pair of jeans. The new trends in jeans are dark trouser jean.  They fit like a pant but they are made with denim. However, the straight- legged or skinny jeans are still in style.

For the outdoors, you’re going to need a coat to keep you warm from the inside out. A thick pea coat, with a funky design, can be carried over from fall or a faux fur- lined jacket could be just what you’re looking for when it comes to buying the hottest thing out there. Both of those options are guaranteed to keep you warm in the winter months. To add a punch of colour to any winter coat, try matching vibrant scarves and mittens. Reds, bright blues and greens can add a “pop” of colour to any outfit. 

Use these tips for this holiday season to even buy gifts for relatives and friends, it’s sure to bring a smile this Christmas and winter months.

 Now for a look at men’s looks for this winter season. Colours that have been showing up for men are very natural and rich tones, such as; royal blues, grays, and browns. This winter men’s looks are very classic and put- together.
To begin, the very classic sweater or hoodie is a must again for this holiday season. Any colour is perfect to throw over a button down shirt or a simple, graphic tee. Layering is a big thing for this time of year, not only to keep warm but to be able to change the style of one item. You can dress up the classic button down shirt with a tie and dress pants or dress it down with a pair of jeans and comfortable loafers. Comfortable is the key component of a great look for men. The laid- back, but put- together ensemble makes for the best look this holiday season.
To round off the outfit, a dark pair of comfy bootcut jeans. Dark jeans are big for not only women, but men as well. Some distressing on the jean is a plus, but not necessary. Anything goes, for the winter season, so play with different styles and colours.
So there it is everyone, this season’s must-haves! But let’s not forget, it is always a great thing to be your own person, so have no fear in trying something new for a change. Happy Shopping!

Provincial election shows importance of education

By Mark Mancini

Education is, in itself, one of the most important things an individual can ascertain in life. It enlightens us to the many realities of human life, and of society itself. Even more importantly, it allows us to learn vital skills to lead a healthy and vibrant life. In the last provincial election, it was evident that all parties agreed on these counts, as education was the main issue.

However, that is where the agreement ended. Each party, or most parties, had an idea of their own system in which we could teach and instruct the vital skills needed to succeed. The Liberal Party supported keeping the status quo, and in doing that, increasing school funding and “supports” as they called it, for schools. Personally, I believe we’ve heard vague promises like that way too many times.

The PC Party of Ontario, in short, advocated extending public funding to private religious schools (in addition to the Catholic system), to create an all inclusive system. Now, I worked in Communications for the PC Party in the last election. Getting this policy out was extremely difficult, especially because a lot of people misunderstood the truth of the promise. Regardless, this promise would create an all inclusive system, and turn the education debate from religious vs. secular to private vs. public. That’s what should be happening.

On another note, the environment in which education blossoms is one where they are very little barriers, one where there is choice. Our reluctance in Canada to investigate large amounts of private schools and privatization in general is really unbelievable. Private schools-religious or not, provide choice, professionalism, and a different environment than the public system. The government should have no more than needed involvement in the system---and when the debate on religion comes up, we know government has stepped over the line in terms of its size. The public system is not dynamic, and privatization in general creates a system which changes to the beat of its students, patients, etc.

The public system should not be the be all and end all to schooling—and I think ultimately that is what the PC Party was saying. There are some many other options—the best in my opinion being private schools. The Liberal Party is so apt to keep the status quo, which does not leave room for students who wish for something better to investigate that which. These Liberals did not wish to investigate choice and freedom of schooling; they chose to investigate the status quo, which simply is not dynamic enough.

This week in Politics

By Kari Vierimaa

  As some of you may know, Stephen Harper, our beloved or beleaguered (you decide) prime minister hates the senate. But really, who blames him? The senate has been riddled with spending overruns and senators who are old and out of date with Canadian values. The senate, which is mostly Liberal, are so out to lunch that they probably think that the Leafs are going to win the Stanley Cup and we all know if you think that you need to get your head examined. So Monday, the NDP (or the nincompoop as I refer to it) announced that they will table a motion for the government to carry out a referendum on abolishing the senate (or the old fogies’ chamber). Good for them! It’s about time the (nincompoop) NDP do something that the average Canadian supports. Later that day, CTV News reported that the Prime Minister and his sheep flock of a caucus is going to support the motion. Though the numbers are from last December, Decima Research conducted a poll on what Canadians think about the senate (old fogies’ chamber). 64% of respondents want an elected senate, and 72% of respondents want to limit the terms of senators to 8 years from the current system where you can remain a senator until you're 75. Let’s see what the Liberals (aka the Fiberals or the Abstention Party or the grits) under the spectacular leadership of Stéphane Dion (sarcasm clearly implied) decide to do.

It’s been a bad couple of weeks for Stéphane Dion. This week isn’t much better. The Conservatives have released some more of those “Stéphane Dion is not a leader” commercials. This one is about Stéphane Dion’s comments he made after the mini budget was passed (which the Liberals did what they do best, ABSTAINED). Dion said he would raise the GST back to 6% if he was elected. No one and I mean no one says they’ll raise taxes if they are not in a majority government. I find these commercials amazing, they are hilarious and they make Stéphane Dion look like the town idiot (here is the link http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y27_sPqBDA4). Well most in Ottawa think that already, but that’s another story. The Liberals abstaining on every confidence vote is ridiculous. They are abstaining because they are afraid of going into an election with a leader who can barely speak the language that 73% of Canadians speak at home. The Liberal poll numbers are slipping faster than the amount of leaks the media gets from disgruntled grits. When the Conservatives break through 40% support, then watch out folks cause were going to be in an election and hopefully it’s later rather than sooner.

LATE BREAKING NEWS:
Brian Mulroney, the worst PM in Canadian history is back in the news again. Some fool named Karlheinz Schreiber is desperately trying to avoid extradition to Germany where he is also in a political scandal which caused the resignation of their Chancellor in 1999. He supposedly had discussions with Mulroney regarding a $300,000 payment, only days before his resignation as Prime Minister. Mulroney didn’t pay taxes on this money for years and it was the subject of an investigation by the RCMP in which Mulroney was exonerated. He sued the government for defamation and got $3 million in a settlement. Ottawa's going to have a hot winter with this bomb, could Stephen Harper be heading to the door?

If Stéphane Dion had any brains, now would be a perfect time to go to the polls. In the latest poll done for CTV News and the Globe and Mail, the Conservatives and Liberals are even in the polls and the nincompoop NDP behind the Greens! In Ontario, it’s even worse, the Fiberals have surged past the Conservatives.

 Monday night, CTV News reported that Brian Mulroney wants a full blown public inquiry. I’m really mixed on this idea. He is a liability to the Conservatives and if he did do wrong then it’s the end of Stephen Harper, but if he didn’t do anything wrong, then it’ll make the Fiberals and the Nincompoop party lose support because of the waste of money which this inquiry will cost.
 I love this poll that was done for CTV News and the Globe. Justin Trudeau, who I think will create Trudeaumania: Version 2, is leading in a new poll which asks who should be the Liberal leader. The numbers speak for themselves; he has a commanding lead. Go Justin!