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St. Michael’s Choir School June Newsletter

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CHOIR SCHOOL NEWS June, 2015

The 2015 tour to Newfoundland will long be remembered as a wonderful ex-perience for our Junior and Senior choristers. They came to know more about the history and geography of our country, specifically the charms of the peo-ple and places of Newfoundland, as they sang to appreciative congregations and audiences wherever they went. It was great that the extended school com-munity could follow the tour by means of social media. This year, tour was later than normal because spring arrives later in New-foundland. We ended up being blessed with wonderful weather. The later

tour, however, has meant that June will be an even busier time in preparation for exams and the end of the school year. In June, as we race to the finish line, students are writing standardized tests including EQAO tests for Grades 3 and 6. Our Grade 8 class will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation at the noon mass on June 7th. Our annual ‘Jam Night’ in May was an entertaining evening of con-temporary music. On June 10th there will be another showcasing of student talent at our Festi-val of the Arts. As a school community, we look forward to welcoming our in-coming students and their families at the 10:00 am ‘Welcome Mass’ on June 14th. As we all know and appreciate, the boys of our school are gifted, talented students who work hard throughout the year. Our year-end closing ceremonies are a time to look back and recog-nize the many achievements, not only of our graduating students, but of the entire student body. We look forward to seeing all of you at our closing ceremony mass on Friday June 19 when, as an entire school community, we’ll celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings that, once again, have been bestowed upon our school this year.

Sincerely yours

Mr. B. White Principal

.


SMCS NEWSLETTER PAGE 2



Our concerts in St. John’s, Torbay, Bay Bulls and Placentia were full to bursting with enthusiastic crowds. The people of these towns wel-comed us with open arms – cooking lunches and dinners, providing activities, and even making banners – and made us feel like we were members of their community instead of tourists that were just stop-ping by. To me this type of welcome really characterizes Newfound-land and I’m so glad the boys got to experience the warm hospitality

and inviting community spirit of Newfoundlanders, as well as their love of music. I am deeply grateful to all of those communities for the kindness and open generosity that they shared with us. Over and over, in every town that we visited, I heard from parishioners, community members, concert organizers, and even politicians about what fine young men our choristers are. After concerts, people commented not just about their musical tal-ents, but about their good manners, their graciousness and their overall enthusiasm for new experience. Boys, you have been exemplary ambassadors for your school, your city and your province. I am proud of you, I congratulate you, and from the bot-tom of my heart, I thank you for the gusto with which you threw yourself into tour-ing in my home province. Parents, please know that your sons excelled all expecta-tions on this year’s tour, and I know that you are as proud as I am to be a part of their remarkable musical journey. I would also like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff who worked tirelessly to chaperone tour and keep our students safe, the parents who volun-teered, fundraised and worked on our behalf, and all the friends of St. Michael’s Choir School who followed us on Facebook, told their friends, came to the dinner dance, or supported the tour in other ways. Because you give of your time, your money, and your spirit, you give SMCS students the experiences that will mold the way they see the world and help them bond with their Choir School brothers in a way that will last a lifetime. As the school year winds down, I look forward to seeing all of you at Closing Cere-monies on Friday, June 19th, and to celebrating with the class of 2015 on June 20th and 21st.

Sincerely

Director

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MUSIC MONDAY

May

was a busy month for

our choirs! In addition

to our Spring Concert,

our tour of Newfound-

land various additional

performances, the high

school tenors and basses

were honoured to be in-

vited to participate in

the 11th annual Music

Monday celebration.

Many students had not

previously heard about

this annual initiative by

the Coalition for Music

Education in Canada, but learned that the purpose of this nation-wide event is to appreciate and value

music education, as well as celebrate music together as a community.

This year’s Music Monday anthem was "We Are One," by teen composer, Connor Ross. When the Tenor

Bass Choir was first introduced to the original composition, they knew that they would be singing

in a completely different style than sacred choral music. Add in the fact that they would collaborate with

another choir– Havergal College - it was a new experience for many.

This year’s event in Toronto was led and conducted by Choir School alumnus Andrew

Craig at Havergal College. He did a remarkable job of instilling into us the theme and meaning of the Mu-

sic Monday anthem, through an interactive rehearsal at the Choir School, which was broadcast on CBC tel-

evision. The goal is that students across the nation will cherish their musical talents, experiences and edu-

cation amongst each other, drawing their voices together, hence “We Are One.” Music education in schools

provides the foundation for not only a successful career in music but in whatever endeavours they wish to

pursue.

Grade 12 Isaiah Yankech

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On May 3, eight of our students joined Pax Christi Chorale at Koerner Hall for the North American première of Parry’s oratorio Judith, by C.H. Parry. Congratulations to Daniel Cunic, Tristan Gysling, Michael Mochocki, and Liam Wright who sang the roles of the royal princes. Thanks also to Colin Fok, Nicholas Mochocki, Alex Rojik, and Timothy Stocker who understudied the parts and were ready to go on at a moment's notice! The boys did an excellent job and enjoyed singing with conductor Stephanie Martin, full orchestra, and soloists in that magnificent hall.

Elementary Choir visits the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

The TSO performed a wonderful concert on Monday, May 11. It was nice to hear all the different types of music from the Americas. They played this concert to honour every culture and nation in the PanAm Games that will take place in the city in the upcoming weeks. They also had a minia-ture of ‘play’ in the concert featuring an eight year old boy, Max, and his new best friend , Mambo the dog. They used different parts of America, listening to all the different types of music, like from the Andean Mountains, or music played during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Students also got to join in singing or playing the recorder in the French Canadian folksong ‘A la claire fontaine’. I think everyone enjoyed the concert- another spectacular concert by the TSO! by Oliver Aleksandrowicz (Grade 4)





VOCAL RECITAL

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Vocal Recital - Mr. Hegedus Mr. Heywood Ms. Churchill



Many in our community (especially those are in the generation of parents and staff) are likely fa-miliar with the Byrds song Turn, Turn, Turn. A worthwhile song to listen to if one is not familiar with it. The lyrics come from the Old Testament, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

I thought of this passage (and related contemporary song) because June is the time when we transition from the school year into summer mode. As the end of June comes nearer, this tends to bring a period of reflection….reflection for our soon to be graduates, reflection for students who have reaped success and failings in their academics, a time for educators to reflect upon the end of one school year, rest, and think ahead to a new school year. Whatever we—at an individual level—take away from this year (be it good or bad), may the knowledge that our work has pro-duced some small contribution in God’s sight bring us happiness. The latter part of Ecclesiastes speaks of finding happiness in the work God in-tended us to do: “I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it.” The work of a school year is complete. We have all toiled and played a role this 2014-2015 year, let us now eat and drink in pleasure at the end of this school year in celebration of the sea-son. In Christ, Mr. A. Hume


Physics Class

The Grade 11 Physics class created egg drop boxes that applied the safety features of a car such as crumple zones, air bags and seat belts. The idea was to use their knowledge of Newton’s laws and their knowledge of forces to help their egg survive upon impact with the ground. The boys de-signed unique boxes with a variety of materials. They tested their egg drop boxes as they dropped them from various heights, after a few trial runs the boys improved upon their design for the final drop. The majority of eggs survived the final drop; a reflection of well-designed vehicles!



St.Michael's Hospital: A group of science students had the opportunity to participate in an emergency room lesson at the St. Michael’s Hospital simulation centre. The boys became acquainted with the facilities purpose, equipment and terminology used at the centre.

Thomas Barrett Armstrong, age 12 years.

1941. Most Choir School alumni remember Msgr.

Thomas Barrett Armstrong, whether in his ca-

pacity as a teacher, conductor or colleague, but

there are fewer these days who still remember

him as a young man. This photo was taken in

1941, when Armstrong was only 12 years old.

After leaving SMCS, he completed advanced

studies in music and theology in Toronto and

Rome, and was ordained in 1955. He would re-

turn to the Choir School in 1958 as an instruc-

tor, and go on to head the Choral Department

by 1962.

Msgr. Armstrong`s contribution to the Choir

School was significant, both musically and aca-

demically. A scholarship is still given in his name

every year to the student that most exempli-

fies his values – faith, diligence, and Christ-like

treatment of others. Like many alumni who re-

turned to the School, his lifelong devotion to

music left an indelible mark on the students who came under his tutelage. Our music library

contains a great number of pieces composed or arranged by Msgr. Armstrong, including his

Magnificat, a Choir School favourite.

CHOIR SCHOOL NEWS June ,2015


Les élèves du 10ieme année ont participé au jour du Vote étudiant. Ceci est un évènement qui coïncide avec les élections officielles en visant

d’engager les adolescents dans la politique canadienne.

Tous les membres notre classe ont eu l’opportunité de jouer les rôles de scrutateurs et de greffiers du scrutin d’un bureau de vote. Aussi,

comme dans le processus électoral officiel, on avait la possibilité de voter pour les candidats de notre propre circonscription. De plus, le pro-

cessus de voter était très similaire à la réalité. Chaque membre de la classe a du signé leur nom, et puis encerclé leur choix en privé. Une fois que les bulletins de vote ont été comptés, on a transmis les résultats au directeur de scrutin de Vote étudiant. Après quelques

semaines, les résultats cumulatifs de toutes les écoles qui ont participé, étaient publiés et on a eu l’occasion de voir comment nos choix ont diffé-

renciés les décisions des autres élèves dans notre conseil scolaire.

En fait, les personnes qui votent ont tendance à conserver cette habitude; il s’agit d’un des meilleurs indicateurs d’une participation future.

Amit Nehru Gr. 10



You would be proud of Our FOTA15 team. The grade 7 and 8 students have been collaborating, and organizing this huge event. This Entrepreneurial Adventure is overseen by President Robert Longo who is sleeping FOTA15, dreaming FOTA15, eating FOTA15 and exercising FOTA15 so that no rock is left unturned. Our 4th annual Festival of the Arts has a new logo FOTA15. This was cre-ated by the artistic Marketing team led by President Logan Foreman. President Shane Farrell is overseeing the delicious Catering Team who have been scouting catering options for the event. President Joseph Pongonthara is overseeing the decorating/logistics/photography/artwork team so that everything is where it should be. President Jesus Serrano is “playing soccer” AND over-seeing the Choir/Theatre productions. The intermediate students have learned the intricate piec-es that are crucial to being an entrepreneur. Lucas Ben (photography team) – “It’s been an enlightening experience. It has helped me realize that we need to work as a team to obtain a big goal.” Alexander Rojic – “It’s been an amazing working experience and it teaches us how to work in the real world.”

Mme LoCurto



Congratulations to Connor and Alec for representing the Toronto Catholic District Athletic Association at the boys doubles OFSSA tennis championship. The boys played with passion, patience and persistence making a very strong team. Well done Connor and Alec! Ms. Merocchi



2015 SMCS High School Track season success:

Although the season only lasted from April to late May, I had the opportunity of participating in three separate meets: 42nd Nike Rowland Games in late April, The Father John Redmond Track Classic in early May, as well as the TDCAA Track & Field Championships which took place on May 21st/22nd. This season was an oppor-tunity for me to work on personal bests and focus on training for varsity soccer at university. Nevertheless, I primarily com-

peted in the Senior Boys’ 100m, 200m, and Long Jump. Positive highlights from the season would include improving significantly in the 100m event. From an ini-tial time of 12.6 in the 100m I was able to shave off my time down to a respectable 12.08 in competition and an 11.8 in training by the end of the season. I would like to extend an immense amount of gratitude to the Father Redmond Track Team, Ms. Merocchi (who helped me throughout the season, particularly with registration and specific protocols) as well as Mr. Peacock, who coached me throughout the TDCAA Championships. It was an honour representing the school on the track and I hope to carry this momentum forward with

me next year in varsity soccer at McMaster Uni-versity.

Filip Czul (Grade 12)



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2015 Intermediate Soccer Team

By: Mr. Tarascio

The Intermediate Soccer Team had their Divisional Tournament on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Cedarvale Park. The team had a

very strong showing and did not concede a goal on their side throughout the tournament.

The team displayed great sportsmanship, team spirit and top level skills to secure an undefeated record and advance to the Re-

gionals. The matches and scores are as follows:

SMCS vs St. Francis of Assiss 5 – 0

SMCS vs St. Mary 1 – 0

SMCS vs St. Paul 3 – 0

SMCS vs St. Alphonsus 5 – 0

The Regional Tournament will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Earlscourt. We wish our Spartan Soccer team the best of luck

in the next round!

Team Members:

Daniel Avila

Vincent Gatchalian

Shayne Joseph

Viktor Lipinski

Daniel MacDonald

Adrian Radic

Stefan Riola

Rayleigh Becker (C)

Shane Farrell

Jack Flannery

Logan Foreman

Gabriel Gilhula

Martin Licht

Gabriel Mikina

Jonathan Pitino

Joseph Pongonthara

Louis Scaramuzza

Alexander Schwab

Jesus Serrano

Coaches: Mr. Tarascio, Mr. Suarez

Assistant Coach: Mr. Nunes







CSAC- June 2015 Newsletter

The year went by fast. It seems like we were just announcing the Fall Uniform Exchange. This school year has been wonderful of events. Comprising such as: Fall Uniform Exchange, the Multi-cultural Pot Luck, the Lunch Program, and the Spring Bake Sale, we have had a fantastic year. Just a few announcements: Lunch Program The SMCS Fall and Spring Lunch Programs were extremely successful, with over 190 Students and Staff having participated throughout the school year. Please note that there are only two lunches left for the spring session. Thursday June 4th (Mr. Greek) and Wednesday June 10th (Pizza Nova) Closing Ceremonies We are looking for Volunteers to help with Closing Ceremonies on Friday June 19th. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to assist with setup, preparations, and cleanup at the end of the even-ing. If you are able to assist, please contact us at [email protected]. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the parent and student volunteers who help

make all of the CSAC programs so successful. Without you, none of the CSAC run programs would

be possible. THANK YOU!

Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,

Pina Povolo

Geoff Rawlinson

CSAC Co-Chairs



mailto:[email protected]


Joshua Rossetti Student Council President 2014-2015

On May 8, student council presented our marquee annual event, Jam Night. Audience members were treated to a phenomenal evening of music performed live by our talented student performers. A sincere thank you to all who helped in the planning and preparation of the

evening- in particular to Mr Woodger, without whose help the evening would not have been possible. I would also like to thank the donors of the raffle prizes, and thank Grade 12 students Ben Codrington and Martin Gomes for serving as our hosts. Jam Night 2015 was a success and I am proud of everyone who was a part of it. A heartfelt thank you again to everyone who made it such an enjoyable night.

From May 19-28 members of our junior and senior choirs travelled to Newfoundland for our annual tour. I am sure that I am not the only student who was taken aback by the warm reception that we received from our hosts on ‘the rock.’ As a stu-dent that is graduating in just a few short weeks, I cannot have envisioned a better sendoff than this tour; from the daytime touring, to the experience of sharing Sacred Music. With sold-out crowds night after night, it really was an tour that I will always remember. A huge thank you to Mr Handrigan for sharing with us his home prov-ince!

This month, we also held our student council elections for the 2015-2016 school year. I am very proud of all the students that put their names forward this year to repre-sent their fellow students. Through their speeches, they presented a number of fan-tastic ideas and I am confident that next year will be another excellent year for stu-dent governance at the Choir School. The 2015-2016 student council is:

PRESIDENT: JACOB BROZYNA VICE PRESIDENT: IAN CHEONG SECRETARY: SEBASTIEN DUCKETT TREASURER: BRIAN CHEONG SOCIAL JUSTICE REP: ALOYSIUS WONG SPORTS REP: EVAN BUZDON JUNIOR REP: JOSEPH PONGONTHARA



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Monday, June 1-4, 2015 Elementary EQAO and CAT/4 testing Thursday, June 4, 2015 Confirmation Practice—St. Michael’s Cathedral—9:00-11:30 AM Friday, June 5, 2015 Elementary P.A. Day High School Civvies Day Sunday, June 7, 2015 Elementary Choir—10:00 AM Grade 8 Confirmation—Cardinal Thomas Collins St. Michael’s Cathedral—12:00 PM Mass Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Vocal Recital—Mr. Hegedus, Ms. Churchill, Mr. Heywood Auditorium—5:30 PM Thursday, June 11, 2015 to High School Exams - Starting at 8:30 AM Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Monday, June 15 to Piano House Exams for Grade 5 to 8 Thursday, June 18, 2015 Friday, June 19, 2015 Closing Ceremonies Part One—Awards Ceremony at Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen Street—Queen St and Bond Street Time: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Everyone is welcomed. Closing Ceremonies Part Two—Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral—7:30 P.M. Following the Ceremony there will be a Reception behind 66 Bond Saturday, June 20, 2015 Graduation Dinner at Osgoode Hall Sunday, June 21, 2015 Graduates to sing at the 12:00 PM Mass Monday, June 22, 2015 Grade 8 Graduation—St. Michael’s Cathedral—10:00 AM Followed with a Luncheon at Li Ka Sing Institute 30 Bond Street Thursday, June 25, 2015 Last Day of classes for Elementary Students

June, 2015 CHOIR SCHOOL NEWS

DIRECTOR: MS. ANGELA GAUTHIER

SUPERINTENDENT:

Mr. J. Shanahan

(416) 222-8282 Ex. 5371

TRUSTEE 2014-2015

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

WARDS 1. JOSEPH MARTINO 2. ANN ANDRACHUK 3. SAL PICCININNI 4. PATRIZIA BOTTONI 5. MARIA RIZZO 6. FRANK D’AMICO 7. MICHAEL DEL GRANDE—CHAIR

8. GARY TANUAN 9. JO-ANN DAVIS (416) 512-3409 10. BARBARA POPLAWSKI 11. ANGELA KENNEDY 12. NANCY CRAWFORD—VICE-CHAIR

STUDENT TRUSTEE

Christopher MacDonald & Hannah McGroarty

TRUSTEE FOR ST MICHAEL’S CHOIR SCHOOL

[email protected] - www.jo-anndavis.ca


St. Michael’s Choir School Advisory Board

Rev. Ivan Camilleri, Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs

Mr. Jim Milway, Chancellor of Temporal Affairs

Mr. William Dunlop, Comptroller, Archdiocese of Toronto

Rev. Michael Busch, Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral

Rev. Brian Clough, SMCS alumnus, , Judicial Vicar

Rev. Larry Leger, Chair Nominating Committee

Dr. Constance Price

Dr. Joseph Gasser, SMCS alumnus— Chair

Mr. John Anderton, SMCS Alumnus, Chair of Finance

Ms. Patricia Parisi, Chair Governance committee

Ms. Anne Bolger

Ms. Andrea Chisholm

Mr. Stephen Handrigan—Director

Mr. Barry White - Principal

Dr. Paul Gauvreau, Parent

Mrs. K. Lagroix

SMCS 2014-2015 CSAC REPRESENTATIVES

Geoff Rawlinson - Co-Chair

Pina Povolo - Co-Chair

Angela Racco - Secretary

Jennifer Danahy - Treasurer

ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO

Chancellor: Cardinal Thomas Collins

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.jo-anndavis.ca

Documents

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