Spring into Action – News from the Gifted/Enriched Program

It was a mad dash to the finish line for students in the Gifted/Enriched program. As the school year drew to a close, they took part in a range of initiatives that allowed them to further develop and demonstrate their leadership skills:

* Battle of the Bands, which was filmed by Rogers for High School Rush, featured numerous Gifted students. Top honours went to Dear Reader, showcasing the superb musicianship of George Chenery and Liam Stevenson. Placing first was a fitting farewell to George who is off to study jazz next year with a scholarship to George Brown.

* The May issue of Western’s student newspaper, The Hidden Agenda, was the largest since the paper was created by Grade 11 Gifted students Geoff Bercarich and Alda Escareno in 1999. This year’s editors Cindy Bui and Chelsea Viray are both graduating but will pass the helm to Gifted student Kaelan Myerscough.

* On Saturday May 22, several Grade 9 Gifted/Enriched students volunteered at the Junction’s annual Creative Children’s Dance Show, working behind the scenes with kids aged 5-11. The Grade 9s did such a great job that organizer Laurie Raymond extended an invitation for them to return next year.

* On May 19, Grade 10-Gifted/Enriched students joined senior Leadership students to participate in a project run by TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative at the Evergreen Brick Works Urban Environmental Park. Western students hosted and facilitated over 25 workshops for 600 Grade 5 students from across the GTA.

* On June 14, Gifted/Enriched students met with other WTCS students to plan Moving On Up, Western’s welcome to new Grade 9 students that is scheduled for September 1. The event offers orientation, information and celebration, and is a great way for current Gifted/Enriched students to model community leadership for younger students.

W.T.C.S. Student wins T.G.H./University Health Network Award

Once again, Western Tech wins the Bette J. Johnston Director's Award! This
year Kritika G. received the award for excellence and achievement in
a co-operative education placement at University Health Network.

Kritika did her co-op placement in the Cancer Pain Research Program at Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network. During her time at the placement, Kritika helped with managing data, research and updating the program website. Throughout the placement, Kritika demonstrated a quick
mind and meticulous work. We congratulate Kritika on her award.