June, 2016

Volume 10, Issue 4

Gros Mecatina Times

Graduating Class of 2016..May All Your Dreams Come True

With another year come to an end, Mecatina School is saying good-bye

to the graduating class of 2016. This years graduates included: Chloe
Anderson, Josh Boland, Hannah Bateman-Organ, Connor Organ and
Kiana Gallichon. Throughout the last five years of secondary, each of
these individuals have made their presence known in our school and
community and will surely continue to do so wherever they may go.
Throughout the years their talents have blossomed, whether it be in the
area of music, public speaking, entrepreneurship (GrEau), sport or academics. It is bittersweet that after Saturday, June 25th, they will say goodbye to high school and continue their education far from home, making
their way to Montreal.

Page 2

Mecatina School welcomed

five musicians from Montreal on
February 18th & 19th. They have
studied in a variety of colleges
and universities in Quebec and
Ontario. They also performed a
variety of musical styles such as
rock, R & B, jazz, funk, classical
and gospel. There were a host of
activities during their presence in
our school. We had a meet and
greet with the band where they
introduced themselves, talked
about their musical backgrounds,
info about their bands, recent endeavours and a question period.
The musicians then held workshops according to their instrument of specialty. They taught others about their instruments. On
Friday afternoon, on the 19th, the
students got the opportunity to
hear/see the band perform. They
were blown away and really enjoyed their talents. Lastly, we
were able to hook up through
VCN with other secondary students of both Anglophone and
francophone schools. What a super opportunity for our students. It
took a lot of hard work to get it all
arranged but everyone was very
pleased with the turnout of the
events. Our students certainly enjoyed their days with The Handsome Uglys.

Pierre-Yves
Letellier

Kalil
FudakowskiJohnston

Dominic
Billet Bruyere

Jeffrey
Lauber

Benjamin
MayoGoldberg

Page 3

PARMINOU VISITS MECATINA & ST. LAWRENCE STUDENTS

Parminou Theatre Group visited Mecatina & St. Lawrence Students on

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016. Their play was a very powerful one called Face
It which explores the world of young people in search of their identities.
Its a touching fantasy-based story that unfolds in a school yard. A place
where everyone must define oneself towards others., learning with courage how to be himself/herself. The students really enjoyed the production
and asked many questions at the end. It is certainly another great opportunity for our students.

Page 4

Ranger Kathy Green goes to Montreal for training...

During April 10 - 16 of
this year, I was invited
to attend a Ranger
Training that was
given at Farnham
Army Base in Quebec.
It was a Canadian
Ranger Basic Military
Instructional Course,
which consisted of basic training in map and
compass, first aid,
search and rescue,
shooting range and
other military instruction. Being I am a second year Ranger, our
2CRPG Instructors
thought it was a good
idea for me to go. I was
one of 50 Rangers from
all across Canada that
had the opportunity to
take this course. While
on this training ,I was
chosen to be 2nd in
command of the patrol.

This was a very proud

moment. Becoming a
Canadian Ranger has
given me many opportunities to learn new
things, meet new people
and travel to new places.
I have enjoyed taking
part in all the training
and hope that there is
more to come.(Kathy Green)

Page 5

Gros Mecatina Times

Mario Berube visits with Mecatina & St. Lawrence students...

When Mario Berube visited our school on June 2nd, he certainly wowed our students, staff and community members. It was unbelievable to watch him work with the students of all ages and produce the results he did in the short
time that he was here. Students, who never thought they
had any artistic talent, were shown otherwise and everyone left the painting wall feeling very proud of what they
had accomplished. Even the community members came
feeling a bit unsure of what talents they had but certainly
felt a sense of pride in the finished product of the locker
area. Thank you to Mr. Joncas for making it a reality for
our students. A great souvenir for our school.

Page 6

Secondary 1 & 2 students complete a replica of the Flat Island Lighthouse!

The Secondary 1 & 2 Science
class of Mecatina School
worked on a project this year to
build a replica of the Flat Island
lighthouse. Their task was not
just to build the lighthouse.
They needed to first do a technical drawing that showed various
details of the lighthouse. Along
with their teacher,
Ms.McKinnon and the help of
Thomas McKinnon, technician,
they began their project. Students were a part of all aspects
of the lighthouse and learnt a lot
of valuable carpentry skills
along the way. The project is
now completed and is ready for
display. The class and Ms.
McKinnon has agreed that they
would like to have it showcased
in the village. It is a big part of
our history for families in our
village and so it will be on display for years to come. The Municipality, along with the Tourism animator, Mr. Tony Gallichon, will be preparing to have
the lighthouse erected in the village. For those of you who would
like to read more on the background of the lighthouse on Flat
Island, you can visit the following website
http://www.lighthousefriends.c
om/light.asp?ID=1768.

Page 7

Gros Mecatina Times

PUBLIC SPEAKING 2016.What a great job!

It was a pleasure to accompany Ocean, Josh,
Delaney, Kiana and Chloe to St. Pauls for the
Regional Public Speaking that was held April
7th, 2016. After a 10 hour delay in our departure due to the weather, we were on our way.
I was impressed that the students did not
complain and took everything in stride. It
was great to hear some speakers from the
coast enlighten us on different topics (and a
few of the same topics), as well as how they
went about expressing their opinions. We
live in an isolated region; however, the level
of competition is exceedingly strong. The
speakers from Mecatina School spoke beyond satisfactory and should be proud. Josh
and Ocean both had honourable mentions. I
applaud all five speakers for the guts to get
up to the podium and be able to deliver their
well-prepared speeches. Again, thanks for
making my job as chaperon easy and enjoyable.
(Kim)

The Making of Lobster Pots

Secondary 4 and 5 students undertook the making of three lobster pots in art class.
We were fortunate to have had all the materials supplied and prepared by Craig Jones.
We then proceeded to build the pots under the guidance of Thomas McKinnon and Brett
Marcoux, a Secondary 4 student who had learned how to build lobsters pots from Gerald
McKinnon.
The students did a great job and as a teacher and community member, I think it is
important that we pass on as many of our traditional skills as possible to our youth.
Submitted by Melinda Gallichon, Teacher

Page 9

Gros Mecatina Times

Jump Rope for Heart 2016

This event took place May 19, 2016 at St. Lawrence School. Once again our
students, their families and our communities, made this event a great success.
Together, we raised $2039.10 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Congratulations to the students on doing such a fantastic job! Thanks to everyone who gave
support in any way and thanks to Adeline Anderson, who served up a very tasty,
nutritional snack. Finally, thanks to Chlo Anderson and Kiana Robertson for
planning the activities as part of their leadership class.
Submitted by
Melinda Gallichon, Teacher

Page 10

Gros Mecatina Times

HIP HOP DANCERS GO TO BAIE-COMEAU.

Throughout the winter,
four of our secondary students from Mecatina
School (Ocean Gallichon,
Blaire Marcoux, Amy Willcott and Lakin Marcoux)
had the opportunity to
work with James-LeeKiddy, a hip hop dancer
that would visit our school
from time to time for lessons. Caitlin Collier,

Brooklyn Robertson and

Kaylie Bobbitt , primary
students, also joined the
group to learn. The secondary girls really enjoyed
the finale which included a
trip to Baie Comeau at the
beginning of June to participate with the bigger
group of hip hop dancers
from along the Lower
North Shore.

We are hoping that it will

continue next year. It was another great opportunity for
our students. Living in a remote region sometimes limits the amount of exposure
our students get. This year
our students were exposed to
so many things, thanks to
Mr. Joncas for his effort and
commitment to Mecatina &
St. Lawrence students.

Page 11

Cake RaffleProceeds go to Fort McMurray...

Cake Raffle
As part of an ERC assignment for Secondary 4 and 5, a fundraiser to help the residents
of Fort McMurray, in the form of a raffle took place June 9, 2016. There was a mouth watering
display of cakes and other baked goods. Some were prepared by the students and the rest
were generously donated by community members. Congratulations to the lucky winners of
these yummy prizes. Thanks to all who donated items and to all who came out to support this
event. We raised $495.00. This amount was donated to the Canadian Red Cross for the residents of Fort McMurray who suffered devastating losses during the wildfires. We hope our
contribution will help ease some of the burden these people are facing.
To quote Oscar Wilde, The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
Submitted by
Melinda Gallichon, Teacher

Page 12

Gros Mecatina Times

RSEQ NOMINEES.Delaney Collier and Connor Organ

Mecatina School nominated two athletes this year to the RSEQ (regional level for sports excellence) who demonstrated success in both academics and sports. We are very proud of their accomplishments throughout the year. Being able to juggle
academics and sports is very demanding but these two students really showed that it can be done.
Delaney Collier, a Secondary 3 student, was very active in sports this year. In September, she started with volleyball and was
a very big part of the Mecatina Cougars Volleyball Team. Her size, teamwork and dedication to practices was very noticeable with her coaches. In November, Delaney began practicing badminton as well. Her play in badminton was exceptional.
Her weekdays were filled with sports . However, she still managed to do very well academically. She attended the local badminton tournament in Blanc Sablon and came back with gold in the Benjamin category, which gave her the opportunity to represent the Commission Scolaire du Littoral at the regional level in Sept-Iles. Delaney and her very talented partner Nathan
Marcoux came back with bronze for mixed doubles. At the same time, her excellence in volleyball allowed her to be chosen
for the Volleyball Regionals as well. Here, with the Littoral Team, she even changed positions from setter to middle hitter/
blocker-and still managed to be a great asset to the Littoral Team. The girls team came in fourth at the tournament but it
could have very well been a bronze medal for them. Keep up the great work Delaney. Aside from sports and academics,
Delaney is also a vital part of Greau (hydroponic garden) as well as a member of the Canadian Junior Rangers. Delaney, you
represent Mecatina School very well.
Connor Organ, a Secondary 5 student, was also nominated for his excellence in academics as well as sports. Connor is a natural in sports and he makes everything look so easy. He was a vital force to the Mecatina Cougars Volleyball team this year.
Connor played middle hitter/blocker and believe me, you knew that he was there; just like a wall. His play this year was exceptional. So exceptional in fact, that he was chosen along with his teammates Victor and Nathan for the Commission Scolaire
du Littoral Regional Volleyball team. His willingness to learn new strategies and team plays throughout the year was also
highly recognized by his coach. His height of 6"2 also helps a lot being a middle blocker. His coach hopes that when he
leaves for college next year that he will continue to play volleyball as his skills are at the next level. He was also a big team
player for the local mens hockey team.Connor not only excels in sports but also in academics. This year he was doing online
courses in High Math and Physics and excelled in both these areas with a 80 + average. He is able to juggle his studies, academics and also be a member of the Canadian Junior Rangers since he came into secondary. In addition, he also balanced a
weekend job over the past three years. It was only this winter that he no longer had his weekend job. Connor, you will be
greatly missed by Mecatina School next year. We wish you the best of luck in your studies !

Page 13

Mecatina School receives new ping pong tables..students love it!

In late January, Mecatina School
received two new ping pong tables and the love of the sport has
taken off. One of them was placed
in the secondary student lounge
and the other in the gym. The students immediately began to totally
enjoy this sport. In the past, we
did have two tables but they were
from the 80s, so they were getting
pretty shabby, to say the least.
There isnt a free minute that the

students get that you wont hear

the sound of the ping pong ball
crossing the table. During recess,
between classes and after school
until 4:00, you can see them enjoying their new found sport. This is
very promising because we are
now looking forward to the competition next year. A big thank you
to Brian Evans who came in and
coached the students. Keep it up
guys & gals!

Page 14

Gros Mecatina Times

Launching of C is for Coast Book

In February, we excitedly opened boxes containing our long awaited for C is
for Coast books. It was awesome to finally have copies in our hands after having worked on
it for three years! This was a joint project by Mecatina and Harrington Schools so logistically
it wasnt always easy to do. However, with perseverance, dedication and belief in this project, we were able to complete it. For this project, Maureen Collier was an invaluable volunteer.
The whole school gathered together as the authors were each presented with a copy of
the book. There were smiles and cheers all around. Students and staff then had a few moments to look at and read the books. It was great to see the interactions that went on during
this sharing time.
Since then we have been selling the books up and down the coast. Many copies were
sold to Coasters who no longer live here. It was even featured on CBC Radio!
We are very proud of publishing this book and we hope Coasters near and far enjoy
it. Of course, we hope that through this book, others eyes will get a glimpse of our cherished
corner of Canada.

Page 15

Gros Mecatina Times

A fieldtrip to Sept-Iles-Salon du Livre

This past year the students of Mecatina School were given many opportunities to travel outside the Coast for various
events. One such event was the visit to the Salon du Livre in Sept Iles. The Salon du Livre is a yearly event that showcases various authors and their books along with publishing companies presenting some of their material as well. The
elementary students of Mecatina and St. Lawrence schools were asked if they would like to attend the event. And while
not everyone was interested in attending, 3 teachers and 8 students decided that they would like to go for the two-day
excursion which was planned for May 5th and 6th, 2016.
The trip got of to a difficult start as fog was the problem. The group waited almost 7 hours for the fog to lift but around
1:30 good news came that the plane was on the way to pick everyone up.
The ride was a smooth one. Everyone was excited and for some it was the first time being away from home as well as
away from their parents. Even a night in a hotel was new for some of the students. There were scheduled events like a
visit to McDonalds for supper, the visit to the Salon du Livre to listen to author presentations and publishing venue, visits with extended family members, a walk and play along the waterfront and of course some shopping. In a little more
than 24 hours, the students participated in many activities and truly had a wonderful time. Upon their return each student
was presented with an award for their awesome participation and stellar behaviour. They are hopeful that another trip
like this will take place in the near future.

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Newsletter Title

What a great winter/spring it has been for our athletes..Bravo gang!

Page 17

Our students on the move...

Page 18

Gros Mecatina Times

GrEAU wins the Provincial DEFI OSENTREPRENDRE..

What a last couple of weeks it has been for GrEAU. They won at the local school board level. Then then won at the Regional
level and finally the goal that they had worked forwinners of Defi osentreprendre . Wow, what excitement for the founders
of this project; Mr. Christopher Wong, Brandon Leon, Benjamin Collier and Josh Boland. Our school and community were certainly filled with pride as the original four were in Quebec City to accept the award.
GrEAU is a hydroponic based agricultural business founded and run by the students of Mecatina School. We are very proud
of our students and happy to see that we have expanded with students even from Cycle 3 Primary this year. It shows that this
project has a bright future. Here are some pictures from the night in Quebec City. Thanks going out to Joyce Collier, Kenneth
Collier and Jolene Bateman for attending the Gala with the students as well as helping with the pick-up, etc. It is nice to know
that you can always count on Coasters to help out when needed.

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Newsletter Title

Governor General Academic Recipient at Mecatina School.Connor Organ

Academic Medal
Governor General's Academic Medal

Lord Dufferin, Canadas third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic
Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they
have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.
For more than 140 years, the Governor Generals Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student
graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or
university programs. Pierre Trudeau, Tommy Douglas, Kim Campbell, Robert Bourassa, Robert
Stanfield and Gabrielle Roy are just some of the more than 50 000 people who have received
the Governor Generals Academic Medal as the start of a life of accomplishment.
Today, the Governor Generals Academic Medals are awarded at four distinct levels: Bronze at
the secondary school level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at
the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level. Medals are presented on behalf of
the Governor General by participating educational institutions, along with personalized certificates signed by the Governor General. There is no monetary award associated with the Medal.
Congratulations Connor on your academic success at Mecatina School. We are sure
that your success will carry on to the next level. Best of luck!

Page 20

Our students were also busy cooking too..

A big thank you going out to Adeline Anderson, BCNeF Animator who spent countless
hours showing the students how to prepare
healthy snacks and meals. She was always willing to help out, even at a last minutes notice.
When we needed something done, we called
on Adeline. Enjoy your summer Adeline because next fall looks to be pretty busy again.

Newsletter Title

Page 21

Mecatinas Secondary Honor Roll Term 2 (80%+ average in 4 or 6 credit courses)

Kiddie Korner at St. Lawrence

ELA (Sec 1-5)

SCIENCE (Sec 1-5)

Mackenzie Nadeau

Amy Willcott

Delaney Collier

Mackenzie Nadeau

Ocean Gallichon

Nathan Marcoux

Tyanna Bobbitt

Blaire Marcoux

Lakin Marcoux

Ethan Chubbs

PHYSICS (Sec. 5)

Paige Buffitt

Lakin Marcoux

Connor Organ

Hannah Bateman-Organ

Delaney Collier

Josh Boland

Chloe Anderson

Ocean Gallichon

Hannah Bateman-Organ

Connor Organ
Josh Boland

POP (Sec 3)
Ocean Gallichon

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Delaney Collier

Mackenzie
Chubbs History-Sec. 2

Lakin Marcoux
Tyanna Bobbitt
Noah Bobbitt

MATH (Sec 1-5)

Ocean Gallichon

ENTREPRENEURSHIP (Sec. 5)

Lakin Marcoux

Connor Organ

Delaney Collier

Josh Boland

Savannah Collier

HISTORY (Sec. 3 & Sec. 4)

Paige Buffitt

Ocean Gallichon

Hannah Bateman-Organ

Savannah Collier

Connor Organ

CONTEMPORARY WORLD
(Sec. 5)

FSL (Sec 1-5)

Josh Boland

Ocean Gallichon

Hannah Bateman-Organ

Lakin Marcoux

Chloe Anderson

HannahBatemanOrgan

Connor Organ

Chloe Anderson

HONORABLE MENTION-FSL
(75%)
Ethan Chubbs
Delaney Collier
Josh Boland

Page 22

Gros Mecatina Times

Inspiring Achievements by Mecatinas Alumni

Jessica Poole
Bachelor of Science, in Environmental Sciences, with an Ecology major
University of Guelph, 4 years
This program offered a diversity of course options in biology and environmental
science, that varied in lecture, lab and outdoor field learning. I was able to focus
my studies to have an aquatic specialty in hopes to one day get a career in aquatic
research. Since the program was well known in Ontario, I managed to get contract
jobs researching water quality and fish every summer!
I am currently registered to take a Masters of Science in Environmental Science at
the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres. This will take 2 to 3 years to complete,
and luckily I am able to study most of this time from the Lower North Shore. My
Masters project is to research a local seaweed
species and its potential to be an ingredient in
cosmetic products and building materials. This is
all possible thanks to the LNS Bioproducts Solidarity Coop located in St. Pauls River. Hopefully
one day this will turn into a permanent science
research position on the Coast!

Page 23

Inspiring Achievements by Mecatinas Alumni

Joshua Vatcher
Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre
1 year program
The best things I found about the program was that it was very hands on, it was a
small class and the teachers were very easy to get along with. From here the
skys the limit but for now I'm up north to get more experience.
I'd just like to say thanks to my family for pushing me to do the course. Now that
it's over, I'm glad I did it.