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~BOPINION PLENTY TO CELEBRATE AT JEAN VANIER SS STUDENTS THRIVING IN MANY WAYS, WRITE DEY AND KNYNENBURG AVA DEY & EMMA KNYNENBURG Column EEE Staff and students have experienced another suc- cessful month as they con- tinue to reach goals aca- demically, and athletical- ly. We continue fo come to- gether and celebrate as a spiritual community. Over the past month Jean Vanier's athletes have demonstrated persis- tence while competing against neighbouring Catholic high schools. All of the sports teams that are currently in sea- son have contributed to Jean Vanier's ongoing ath- letic success. Specifically, our senior girls basketball team com- peted in the Halton finals against Saint Thomas Aquinas and despite their loss, the team exemplified determination and team- work. The senior boys basket- ball team has started their season and have competed with ambition in National Julie's Hair Design Senior Circuit tourna- ments against basketball prep schools and in regu- lar season games. Moreover, from Nov. 3 to 5, a group of students at- tended the Ontario Stu- - dent Leadership Confer- ence in Niagara. They par- ticipated in workshops to develop leadership skills. With the values learned from the conference, the leadership students put these skills into action to help guide our Catholic school community and promote our motto "To Ac- cept, Include and Serve with Love." On Nov. 6, the Grade 9 students had the opportu- nity to participate in "Take your kid to work day," pro- viding them with the expe- rience to explore future ca- reer options and pathways. This day also provided a chance for our future Grade 9 students to be guided around Jean Va- nier by mentors in order to familiarize themselves with our school and learn about various courses of- fered. Additionally, - our school commemorated the sacrifice of Canadian sol- diers during war at our Re- membrance Day assembly. A teacher at our school, who is also a navy reserve, Lt. S. Livingston, guided res --3 0] Al our school! community in the ceremony as we re- flected and remembered all of those who have died or made sacrifices in the line of duty. Furthermore, the band and choir performed spiri- tual songs that captured the dedication of our Cana- dian Armed Forces. Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School advocat- ed the importance of Bul- lving Prevention Week by providing students with insightful prayers and games. Students were encour- aged to reflect and learn how to stand up for others and create a community of acceptance. Students were encouraged to participate in games during their lunches and promote the inclusion of others. Finally, female stu- dents were invited to Girls' Knight In, to celebrate the strength and empower- ment of women. The theme of this year's Girls'. Knight In was #LeadHership, focusing on inspiring women to be- come leaders: Using their voices, despite gender, eth- nicity or religion. ie" The girls engaged in workshops such as self-de- fence and social media awareness, and listened to a motivational speaker, Jam Gamble, about how to use their voice to empower others. Ava Dey and Emma Knynenburg are Grade 11 students at Jean Vanier Secondary School. AN ASTRONOMICAL CHRISTMAS TALE: THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM MANY THEORIES TO BE DISCUSSED AT MEETING, WRITES MARIO CARR - FETT MARIO | CARR "1 Column TT Was the Star of Bethle- hem shining in the east guiding the Magi to the Na- tivity simply an astronomi- , cal phenomenon, or a mi- raculous sign from above? Find out at the Dec. 13 meeting of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers. Member Kevin Salwach will be discussing the many theories to explain what ex- actly the Three Wise Men were following in his Christmas-themed talk. Please note that our 'meeting venue has changed. We now meet at the McMaster Innovation Park at175 Longwood Rd. S., Hamilton from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Free admission, door prizes and everybody wel- come. - An optional food bank donation of non-per- ishable goods is collected and appreciated. While you're there, you can pick up a 2020 Hamil- ton Amateur Astronomers calendar and support the club. It makes a great gift and all astronomical pho- tos were taken by local members. Recently, NASA con- firmed that there's water vapour geysers on the sur- face of Europa, one of the icy moons of Jupiter. That means the chances of the moon harbouring life are a little higher. Here are December star- gazing events, which are listed in the Hamilton Ama- teur Astronomers calendar. Dec. 10- Venusis just be- LIST YOUR CHRISTMAS BAZAARS WITH US ONLINE low Saturn in the southwest at dusk. Venus shines about 30 times brighter than Sat- urn. Every night after this date, Venus will rise a little higher, while Saturn falls a little lower in the sky. Dec. 13 and 14 - The Geminids meteor shower peaks unfortunately under a bright Moon. Dec. 21 - Winter official- ly begins with solstice. Dec. 28 - The crescent Moon is just below Venus in the west-at dusk. For more information, see the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers website at www.amateurastrono- my.org or call (905) 627-4323. The club offers a basic as- tronomy course for mem- bers. Mario Carr is the club's director of publicity and can be reached at mario- carr@cogeco.ca. Twitter: @MarioCCarr 6102 'G Jequadeq 'Aepsiny] | uoidweys uelpeued uolIN | 6 Jy Appointment Only! Julie Chang 416-558-7071 Designed Cuts & Styles for Men & Women Japanese SSP Straightening - Make your hair shiny, silky smooth & straight ~20 Years Experience Balayage - beautiful and natural looking Highlights & Colour Digital Wave Perm - for a modern & more natural style , gradual transition of colour woo' uo)eyapisul