Page 1 of 14

Volume 1, Issue 9

April 2018

Hillcrest School Council

"Encouraging Participation, Supporting Achievement, Promoting

Community”

Student Elections for 2018/19: Congratulations to: Habiba Hamed and

Ibrahim Said who were elected Co-Presidents and to David Noonan,

elected student Senator.

Parent Council Consignment Sale: Saturday 05 May - 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Volunteers and consignors needed. See flyer on back page of this

newsletter.

Algonquin College Connections, Woodroffe Campus, 3 May - opportunity

to spend a day learning about a College program of choice

Black Youth Conference - "A Day in the Life of a Black Student": Monday

14 May - Student driven/student participant conference focussing on

empowerment and excellence among black youth. Students from

Hillcrest, Sir Robert Borden, Gloucester, Lisgar, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Woodroffe,

EQAO Math Test Grade 9 EQAO Mathematics test will be administered

Wednesday, 13 June & Friday, 15 June. Parents wishing to get an idea of

what that test entails may click here.

OCDSB Parent School On-line Climate Survey - available 23 April - 11 May.

For Hillcrest parents, please use the following link:

http://www.ourschool.net/hill18

Provincial Election - Ottawa South - All Candidate Meetings:

Wednesday, May 16 - Open House Format - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Hunt Club

Riverside Community Centre

Tuesday, 29 May - Moderated Debate format: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Hillcrest

Upcoming Events

Hillcrest

Thursday 17 May - Music/Art night

Monday 21 May - Victoria Day,

school closed

Wednesday, 23 May - School

council meeting - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday 23 May - Guest

Speaker - Senator Murray Sinclair

OCDSB

Tuesday, 01 & 15 May -

Committee of the Whole

Tuesday, 08 May - Date with

Diversity (Robert Borden SS)

Wednesday, 16 May - Parent

Involvement Committee

Thursday, 17 May - OCASC

Secondary School Committee

Thursday, 24 May - Committee on

Equity

Page 2 of 14

Hillcrest is Expecting!

- an additional Vice- Principal position, and

- 4.33 additional teaching positions

All are due....September 2018

Hillcrest Is Proud to Announce the Arrival of....

- 108 new Chrome Books. Allocation is currently underway

- approval of the new Arts & Culture SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major), to commence Sept 2018

A Recollected History

Hillcrest High School has just completed its 24th annual Cancer Drive Blitz night to raise money for

the Cancer Society. For those mathematically inclined you will already have calculated that this

all began back in 1995. The initiator of the drive was a parent, Lynne Peterman.

Already active as a volunteer, Lynne had a lost a dear friend to cancer, a loss which provided

motivation for her becoming an East End area captain for the Cancer society. By 1995, already

having had children attend Pleasant Park and Vincent Massey, Lynne had a son in Hillcrest and

she had become a member of school council. It was this Hillcrest - Cancer Society connection

from which the Cancer Drive arose.

Back in 1995, in days well before social media and Go Fund Me pages, the most common means

of collecting for charity was door-to-door canvassing. Most of those canvassers were getting on in

age and there were doubts as to whether a younger generation would step into their shoes.

Hence came Lynne's idea of getting students involved. And out they did come, in many years by

the hundreds. While the call of duty was undoubtedly the driving force, having the opportunity to

sample pizza and wings which, for many years, were generously donated by Lorenzo's was an

added bonus.

Page 3 of 14

In many ways the early years were a time of discovery - not only that students enjoyed

participating in the drive but that their participation was highly welcomed by the community. The

most generous donations typically came (and come) from homes directly around the school

property. Being visited by local students collecting money for a good cause has allowed the

school's neighbours to see its students in a new and brighter light. This even held true the night the

rugby team showed up from practice. As canvassers, the team was perhaps somewhat less

presentable and certainly more intimidating than the senior citizens who had preceded them. But

they were effective!

For the students at Hillcrest, participating in the Cancer Drive has always been an enjoyable

activity. It gives them an opportunity to engage as a group at the school, towards a worthy goal,

and not uncommonly working to the accompaniment of rather loud music. It is also a time when

students see their teachers in an informal atmosphere and casual garb. On occasion that

informality has taken more extreme forms, such as teachers with hair dyed unconventional colours.

One thing which has not changed over the years is the surprise in seeing which students will come

out and contribute. It is not always only the student who parents or teachers expect. Personal

experience, hopes and fears are motivators for everyone, including students. Collecting for a

charity and helping to fight a disease which has touched far too many of us can be a very

rewarding personal experience to adults and students alike.

Hillcrest's Cancer Drive Blitz night has not only been a major feature of life for the Hillcrest

community. Over the years it has drawn considerable attention from local media and people

prominent in the broader community. A Google search elicits video evidence of Hillcrest students

in previous years promoting the Cancer drive on CTV. In the years before Google was around to

record our social history, there were several occasions when J. J. Clarke of CTV broadcast the

weather from Hillcrest. The idea of bringing in guest speakers was initiated by Dr. John Bell's son.

Among the first speakers was his father, currently Scientific Director of the National Centre of

Excellence for the development of Biotherapeutics for Cancer Therapy and a fellow of the Royal

Society of Canada. That same year Dr. Bell invited students to tour his research facility (one of

those Hillcrest students went on to become a physician). On the 19th of April, this year, Dr. Bell

addressed the students again at a Cancer Drive assembly. Another speaker who addressed

students in earlier days was J. J. Clarke's colleague, Max Keeping. We are also thankful for this

opportunity to acknowledge how much the Drive has benefited over the years from the kind

support and coverage of our local Vistas paper, CJOH, and the Ottawa Citizen.

Naturally support, effort and encouragement has also come from the teachers at Hillcrest. So

many have given to the cause, it is impossible to name them all. However it is important to

recognize the contributions of Leigh Lonsbury, guidance counsellor who, from the beginning, was

involved in coordinating efforts at the school, including marshalling teachers staffing the tables

and guiding student organizers. Following Leigh, Kaarina Gagner, Nouha Obagi and Terri Powell in

turn took over as teacher lead. In 2007 Mona LeBlanc, current Head of Health and Physical

Education, assumed that role and has helped to keep the Drive and its spirit alive over the past 11

Page 4 of 14

years. And of course, Roger Taguchi, a former science teacher who, over many years, kept up a

fabulous photographic record of the Drive.

Why the Drive has continued to attract multiple generations of students is difficult to say with

certainty. Yet what we do know is that the Hillcrest Drive is a charitable activity with no overhead.

What's collected goes to the Cancer Society. All of it. And once each of these Ottawa based

donations go to the Cancer Society, all of those donations stay in Ottawa to support local

services. In participating in the Drive, each volunteer and donor knows they are helping others

but in doing so those "others" may just perhaps be someone close to themselves.

Back in 1995 when the idea of a Drive was first put into action, nobody, including Lynn knew what

would come of it . That first night of canvassing elicited $5,000 in donations. Heading into 2018

and over 24 years, Hillcrest had collected $581,192 for Cancer Society of Ottawa.

It's an accomplishment in which students, the school and the community can rightfully take pride.

Such an achievement rests upon enthusiasm and dedication. While credit is due to many people,

let's give primary thanks to the current and past 24 years of Hillcrest students. Their energy,

initiative and ultimately their creativity is what makes it all happen year after year. Year by year

they respect the tradition but improve the model.

Students may not say it, but Hillcrest and its students own the Cancer Drive.

Cancer Drive 2018 - Student Assembly

2018 - A student's perspective…in advance of Drive Blitz night (by Alexa Hajjar)

Students are extremely passionate about this event because more often than not it hits home.

Everyone will be impacted by cancer at some point in their lifetime whether it is themselves or a

loved one, and I believe that’s where the drive to continue comes from. Hillcrest has created a

legacy over the years with our annual blitz night. It is one of our many traditions that we’re super

Page 5 of 14

proud of. Coming together as a school and tapping out into the community for just one night can

make a huge difference.

Our target every year depends on the number of students we have come out to the event, but for

this year we’re aiming for around $20,000.

Dr. John Bell Student Cancer Drive Organizers, left to right:

Efran Ghani Kakhki, Patrick Ellis, Alexa Hajjar

I am one of the heads of this year's cancer drive. Over the years I’ve come out to the blitz night

and been part of the committee but this year's organizing and planning falls into my hands. Any

fundraisers, awareness projects, and the preparation for the night is the duty of myself and the

committee.

I’ve always been super passionate about making a difference in any aspect that I can. I love

taking initiative and leading a group of people to do amazing things. I’ve had multiple family

members and friends who have suffered from this terrible disease, and it can happen to anyone at

any time. I think it’s important that we acknowledge that it can be any of us, and as we are

healthy now we need to fight for those who can’t.

The event starts right after school. We organize a BBQ for the participants to enjoy and fuel up

before the big night. Students break out into groups of 2-3 to optimize as much as possible. The

students will then collect their routes and get dropped off at their location. Once done, they drop

off their donations at school and it is counted for the big reveal at the pancake breakfast the next

morning.

Our main goal is to get as many students as possible to come out and help. Of course everyone

has commitments, but we would like to see at least half our school population out there.

Each year we rely on parent volunteers and staff to drive the students to their location. Students

can bring home a form for their parents/guardians to sign. We cover anywhere from Bank street to

Riverside, Greenboro/Johnston area and up to Innes.

Page 6 of 14

Throughout the school we have organized a very successful bake sale, a teachers vs. seniors

volleyball game, selling snacks at any events, and a "pie the teacher" is set to happen.

--------------

POSTSCRIPT: A cool, rainy night did not deter students on Blitz night, who fanned across the

neighbourhood, collecting $14,900. Congratulations to the organizers, student and teacher

participants. And once again, sincere gratitude to our community for continuing to contribute

generously to this most worthy cause.

However, Blitz Night does not mark the end of the Cancer Drive. Donations can still be offered on-

line. A link to that on-line portal can be found on the home page of the Hillcrest High School web

site or you can click here.

Additionally, on Sunday the 3rd of June the school will be hosting a golf tournament in aid of the

Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. The tournament will be held at Pineview Golf

Course. All golfers and friends of Hillcrest are welcome. Details, including registration contact

information is provided below.

The school wishes to express its appreciation to John Fraser, MPP for Ottawa South who spoke of

the Hillcrest Cancer Drive in Queen's Park. You may view his address here: John Fraser re Hillcrest

High School Cancer Drive 04 18 18

Page 7 of 14

Science

“People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.”

Blaise Pascal, De l'art de persuader

“The plural of anecdote is not data.”

Marc Bekoff

Ah yes, science. Such an unsympathetic discipline which so clutters public policy with facts,

evidence and methodology. It bows to neither opinion nor hypothesis, appreciating the world as

it is rather than how we pretend it to be. In that of course lies much of its attraction.

Fortunately those who prepare the Ontario curriculum and courses still place value in evidentiary

truth, and high school students continue to be exposed to scientific discovery. In preliminary years,

grade 9 and 10 students receive preparation for the big three - biology, chemistry and physics - in

the event they choose to follow one of those paths in their senior years. But grade 9 & 10 students

will also delve into environmental science, climate science and ecology, as each subject is no less

important to their future. Their curriculum also evaluates the societal impact (both good and bad)

of science and technology. At these grade levels students also receive a primer on the scientific

method, learning to ask intelligent questions, conduct labs and write lab reports.

What science and its instructors wish to stimulate in students is curiosity, a good work ethic, and an

open but critical mind. Cultivating scientific literacy is important. But so is inspiring a realization that

the world makes sense and that each student can contribute to it in a positive way.

Human curiosity which sees light at a very early age never really dims. High school students remain

generally curious about everything. They want to know why things are the way they are. The more

they learn, the more they are drawn in by how things fit together.

Which Subject to Study?

The scientific field which will most incite curiosity will differ between students. For some, astronomy

sparks their wonder and imagination. It's easy to get excited about supernovae or space travel.

Electricity is more abstract and can be intimidating, but made fun as students build circuits. Plus

any theory that helps explain something as mysterious as electricity is rewarding. The study of

Ecology and Climate generate interest as students appreciate how important these are to our

future. And Biology answers our curiosity about ourselves. As students move into their senior years

they will make elections between the various disciplines of science. Choosing the best fit or

understanding which personal strengths align with which discipline can be a puzzle. The

perception is that biology requires the least conceptualization and the most memorization. The

corollary is that students who are strong in math gravitate towards physics.

The truth is all sciences require us to be able to retain a lot of information and the only way to do

this is for it to make sense. While no student will prosper in any science solely by memorizing facts,

learning things when young (multiplication tables, metric system, periodic table, algebra, etc) is

vital to understanding how things do fit together. But science is no different than other disciplines in

Page 8 of 14

that it success is supported by general attributes of motivation, interest, skills in reading, writing and

time management, together with the ability to work effectively in a team.

What to Expect

For many students the wonder of science comes alive with experimentation. In high school this

may consist of:

Grade 9 - Gas test lab. Students have to identify 3 unknown colourless, odourless gases by

performing glowing splint, flaming splint, and limewater tests. Additionally, Students build simple

series circuits and parallel circuits in the electricity unit. The then examine how these circuits affect

the brightness of lamps connected within the circuit, current, and potential difference.

Biology - dissections in grades 10 & 11 as well as experiments on biological processes (enzyme

reactions, respiration, digestion). In grade 11, a 3 day pig dissection. The students have to

determine gestational age based upon measurements of length and have to determine gender;

and examine and identify the parts of the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive system through

careful examination and longitudinal dissection of various organs. Also in grade 11, Karyotype lab.

Students receive paper copies of 23 pairs chromosomes that they must cut out and match up

according to size, shape, and banding patterns. Next, they create a karyotype and put the

chromosomes in order from largest to smallest, with the sex chromosomes pasted on last. Students

also receive an abnormal set of chromosomes whereby the affected individual has one too many

or one too few chromosomes. Students must once again create a karyotype and identify which

chromosome was affected along with the name of the disorder that this abnormality has created.

In grade 12, nutrient analysis lab (what's in some food samples); factors that affect enzyme activity

(catalase lab); yeast fermentation; spinach chromatography; how the type of light affects

photosynthesis; strawberry DNA extraction; urinalysis lab - (fake urine - not real)

Chemistry - where most experimentation occurs: titrations, making polymers, studying types of

reaction and rates of reaction, etc.. In grade 11, determining the amount of carbon dioxide in a

package of pop rocks; determining the formula of an unknown hydrate; titration analysis of

vinegar; determining the molar mass of carbon dioxide from a Polident tablet; synthesis ASA

(summative task). In grade 12, polymer lab (synthesizing a bouncing ball); determining factors that

affect reaction rates using Polident tablets; titration lab; building a galvanic cell.

Physics - where you get to throw things, drop things, roll things, and spin things. Students will build

circuits, investigate light, and make music. They will study rockets, satellites, and planets thanks to

online information made available through organizations such as SpaceX and NASA.

Environmental - study the effects of environmental conditions (soil acidity CO2 content in the air)

on plant growth. They will study recycling processes including an examination of the school's own

waste programs.

For enrichment Hillcrest students may be exposed to guest speakers. Recent speakers have come

from the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Researchers from the Ottawa General Hospital, and

Page 9 of 14

the Canadian Cancer Society. Kris Nanda, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable

Development spoke to environmental science students about the steps involved in submitting

Environmental Petitions to the Government. These petitions are a way of citizens engaging with

various Federal Government Departments to bring forward environmental issues that they feel are

important. Kris underlined the importance of evidence based research in the preamble. Students

had a chance to work with Kris to identify potential petition questions arising from the topics

studied in the Environmental Science Course. Dr Jennifer Provencher, a seabird biologist from

Environment Canada visited and presented her work about the effect of plastics in the ocean on

seabirds This was an interactive, hands-on session. Students were able to handle samples

collected in the field. This activity allowed students to experience the impact of plastic waste on

the oceans and wildlife in a personal and immediate fashion that videos and readings cannot

duplicate.

Field trips supplement the curriculum. Environmental study students made a three day trip for the

St Lawrence Student Summit. They learned about the importance of the riparian zone for water

quality in the St Lawrence River Watershed. Students received Innovation, Creativity and

Entrepreneurship (ICE) training from staff of the South Nation Conservation Authority. Working in

small groups with students from other Eastern Ontario students, they identified and proposed

solutions to problems facing the St Lawrence River and its tributaries. Students also took a

Leadership and Ecology field trip to MacSkimming in September where they engaged in

leadership activities as studied how trees are adapted to their environment. Students also

participated in the SHSM Snowshoe Day. This half day activity in Linda Lane Park and the Hydro

right of way behind the school combined Outdoor Education and Environmental Science. It gave

students the opportunity to hone their observation skills and learn how some organisms adapt to

winter while travelling by snowshoe. We were fortunate that there had been a 20 cm snowfall the

day before so the advantage of snowshoes was evident. In March of this year, a group of girls who

were interested in aviation travelled to Nav Canada to hear from their experts.

A Personal View of Science (A short conversation with Lawrence Nelson, Head of Hillcrest Science

Department)

What type of student were you? Was science an area of interest in high school and one in which

you excelled?

I was a good student - not well disciplined but I found school easy. I didn't find it boring. To me

thinking was never a waste of time. I did very well in physics, chemistry and biology but I also

loved art, music and English. I was not a great athlete. I was also terrible at history and

geography, subjects that I love now as an adult. When I'm teaching someone today who

struggles with math or science, I recall how I felt trying to understand history.

What science career/dream did you give up to become a teacher?

At an early age I felt that I would like to become a teacher. I went into physics as an undergrad

because I figured it was going to be a challenge, and it was. I managed to get some pretty

interesting work along the way. I was working as a junior engineer when I got the word that I was

accepted into teachers college. At the time I was also applying to get into graduate school to

Page 10 of 14

do a Masters in medical physics. Pretty much at the flip of a coin I opted for teacher's college. I

have no regrets.

What is the most annoying question students ask?

I don't mind any of their questions. A typical one is "when are we ever going to use this?" but I

hear that question more as a math teacher than as a science teacher.

"How can I improve my mark?" is not a question I hate, but it's a difficult one to answer. When I tell

them that they will have to review the basics, take better notes, write more clearly and ask more

questions in class, they are usually disappointed. Somehow that isn't the answer they are

expecting.

What is one skill or fact you wish all students knew?

I wish they knew how important they are to the future of the human race. It's not just about them

being smart, or knowledgeable, but about them being caring and careful, about learning to get

along, be accepting and not taking life for granted.

What is one teaching story that you still share because it makes you smile?

I once taught in a small town in Eastern Canada. I taught a student who lived alone in a trailer in

the outskirts of town. His parents worked out of town so the principal took him under his wing. He

was a genuine wild child, but a great kid. The principal had him on a tracking sheet to make sure

he would show up, properly dressed and well behaved. One day he showed up late for my class

and promptly went to sleep on his desk. I sent him to the office. The principal reported back to

me that the student was apologetic but tired. He explained that a bear had crossed onto his

property the night before so he had to kill it, and then dress it and put it away in his freezer. He

worked all night on it and cleaned up and came to class straight after - he had to walk a fair ways

to get to school. The principal sent him home. I will always remember that student. He was wild,

but he loved to learn, and education was not something he took for granted.

University of Ottawa Kinexis Hackathon

Earlier this year, Hillcrest sent teams of six students to the University of Ottawa Hackathon. The

students were given the task of creating a web-based application or game with an educational

focus. They were given a month to work on it and very little instruction. The students had to learn

Javascript and HTML5 on their own. Each team was assigned a mentor from Kinaxis, a high tech

firm here in Ottawa. They presented their final product at an event at the University of Ottawa in

early April.

Both teams did very well. The junior team with almost no programming experience created a

chemistry study game, where the player is given the name of a random compound (e.g. Sodium

bicarbonate) and has to choose the correct elements in the correct number from ones that

randomly appear on screen. The senior team made a conventional maze game (in the style of

Pacman) with a focus upon environmental issues. In their game, the hero Bin Boy must collect

bottles to recycle and place them in bins while avoiding acid rain clouds and oil spills.

Page 11 of 14

Both games were well made, with original graphics, concept and design. The junior team's

accomplishment was warmly acknowledged by the judges. The senior team (see below) took first

prize. Congratulations to both teams.

Senior Team:

Emily Webb, Haley Yerxa, Graham Djuric, Nick Charman, Hani El Khairy, Daniel Holmes.

Junior Team:

Aaron McAfee, Amanda Featherstone, Jon Swayty, Nigel Wilcox, Erfan Ghani Kakhki, Kariina Altosaar.

Team Coach: Lawrence Nelson

ResearchED

researchED is a grass-roots, teacher led organization started in 2013 in the UK and was since

expanded to Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and South Africa. It's aims are to raise

literacy research, bring people together, promote collaboration, and increase awareness.

At Research events the goal is to bridge the gap between research and practice in education.

Researchers, teachers, and policy makers come together for a day of information-sharing and

myth-busting.

Nicole Charron, Hillcrest Science teacher, was invited to speak at this year's Ontario annual

conference in Toronto. Nicole spoke on the topic of Adventures in Science: Using Cognitive

Science to Improve Student Learning.

"Ever get frustrated about how little course material the students remember from year to

year, week to week, or even day to day? Ever had a student say “But I studied! Why did I

do so bad on the test?” Ever wonder if your students are really learning the course material,

or just memorizing it by cramming the night before the test or exam? How can we “Make It

Stick”? There are several effective learning strategies that teachers (and students) can use to

improve student learning for the long term. I’ll explain these strategies, how I am

implementing them in my classroom, and how it’s making a difference."

Congratulations to Nicole for this honour.

Page 12 of 14

News from the World of Hillcrest Music

Page 13 of 14

For the past four years the Music program has run a project for grade 10 students, nominating

renowned artists for the award. The project involves the students contacting the artist for their

approval, a task which is not as easy as it may sound - often requiring attempts via email,

Facebook, Twitter or their manager or record company. Following contact and approval from the

artist the students complete the nomination package, including a personal statement as to why

they believe the person they have nominated deserves to win. We submit 3-4 nominations per

year. It's a great project - from the discussion of who is eligible for a 'lifetime achievement' award,

through who is Canadian and who has won in the past, and all the way to the kids learning about

musicians they may not previously have been familiar with.

In previous years, Hillcrest students have nominated Sarah McLaughlin and Susan Aglukark, who

were indeed successfully awarded the honour.

This year, two Hillcrest students (both pianists), Haley Yerxa and Christianna Alexiou, will be

attending this year's Governor General's Performing Arts Awards on the 2nd of June, as their

nominee, Angela Hewitt will receive the LIfetime Artist Achievement Award.

Each year the Music Program goes on the road. An ensemble is developed from whichever

students do sign up for the trip. This year, they are off to Quebec City and Halifax with both the

Band and Orchestra. In Halifax they will be playing at Pier 21 (Canadian Museum of Immigration).

In consideration of the venue, they have created a program that represents the diversity of

Canada. They will be playing songs from around the world as well as some Canadian folk music.

Congratulations to the Music program for another highly successful Capital Music Fest, where 3

ensembles won gold and 7 won silver. The three awarded gold were invited to perform at the

Nationals.

OCDSB Committees

Committee of the Whole - Please note that the agenda for COW meetings is published in

advance on the OCDSB website. If an agenda item is of interest but you are unable to attend in

person, the meetings are live streamed via the Board website.

Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils - click on the link for detailed committee

information

Parent Involvement Committee - click on the link for detailed committee information.

Advisory Committee on Equity - meets monthly, usually from 6:00-8:30 pm at Greenbank.

Committee members include individuals drawn from the public.

Useful Links

Hillcrest School - https://hillcresths.ocdsb.ca/

OCDSB - http://www.ocdsb.ca/

School Board Trustee Chris Ellis - http://schoolzone6.org/

Contact Us - Suggestions for, or comments about, this newsletter can be submitted at any time to

hillcrestcouncilnews@gmail.com.

Page 14 of 14

CONSIGNMENT SALE

Gently used women and

Men’s – clothes, shoes,

and accessories will be

sold.

Shop or Consign & earn

cash

Consignors &

Volunteers needed!

Funds raised go to

enrich the student

experience at Hillcrest.

When: Saturday, May 5, 2018, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Hillcrest High School

Sponsored by Hillcrest School Council

For details contact: Eileen Brennan at–

cmaeb@sympatico.ca