TERM ONE FALL 2007

Another term has begun... some new faces, some we've seen around before. Looking foward to seeing friends and taking courses together.

We're off to the annual Canoe Trip on Thursday. This has developed into the kick-off for the new school year and is an awesome opportunity for the “new” co-op group to get to know each other. These trips are considered highlights of the year and have created many good memories and friendships. This year we're headed to Bon Echo for a few days of canoeing and hiking and such.

Art Studio
This foundational art course will be instructed by Lisa Vanderwoude (B.A. Redeemer University College). Lisa, a Burlington artist, has taught the Art Studio co-op in the past and hopes to continue to encourage creativity, technical proficiency, and thoughtful art-making this coming term. The twelve weeks will include the use of drawing and painting mediums including pencil, charcoal, and acrylic paint (chalk pastel and water-mixable oil paint also an option). Among the activities and exercises are gesture drawing, a review of perspective drawing, and various small studies in preparation for a larger project. The larger project will involve making a spoof on, or somehow altering, a particular work of art from a master artist while maintaining the technical integrity of the artist's style. A class trip is in the planning stages as well.

Current Issues - grades 11 and 12
We will be using the book Great Questions of Canada which grew out of a major editorial series that the Dominion Institute and the National Post created to encourage debate ... about the major challenges facing our country. Great Questions of Canada provides readers with the opportunity to delve into the ideas, arguments and at times sharply contrasting points of view of the authors who contributed.
“…through the lively exchange of ideas, Great Questions of Canada will encourage not only better and more reasoned arguments in classrooms and around dining room tables, but also, at the end of the day, the prospect for national conciliation and the development of solutions to the issues that will define our collective destiny."
Here are the "Great Questions":
1. Does history matter?
2. Are we a nation of too many identities?
3. Are we a nation of institutions or ideas?
4. Where have all the heroes gone?
5. Is there life after unity?
6. When Canada speaks, does the world listen?
7. How do we build thriving aboriginal communities in the twenty-first century?
8. Is multiculturalism an asset or liability in a post-9/11 world?

Current Issues - grades 9 and 10
Using the book Growing up Christian by Karl Graustein with Mark Jacobsen, we’ll explore how having a solid foundation ourselves will give us the tools we need to meet life’s challenges; to be a witness and example to friends, colleagues, and neighbours today and in the future; to give a reason for what we do and how we do it; and to stand up for what we believe.
“Do you know teens that appeared to be Christians in high school, but later walked away from their faith? Young Christians that party on Saturday night and put on their Sunday best for church the next morning? High school students that are attracted to the values and practices of the world? This book is a unique resource that addresses the many issues that challenge teens growing up in a Christian environment. Packed full of practical suggestions, this book will help teens overcome these dangers and grow in their faith and love for God.”
The book has numerous sections throughout that make it more interactive with varied approaches -- “Think About It”, Questions for Reflection and Discussion, Self Tests, “A Look in the Mirror” and so on.

Photography
"Cast in a world of mystery, intrigue... having one's sight, but failing to see."
Want to explore the world through different eyes? Unpack the beauty of the simple things in life and gain a fresh appreciation for the world around you with Christian photographer and designer, Anna-Marie Colenbrander. With over 10 years experience in the field of photography, and a passion for people and travel, Anna-Marie brings a unique approach to seeing through the lens of a camera. With hands-on teaching, location field trips, and in-class projects, there's something for every kind of photographer to be challenged by.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyespyphotography

Woodworking
There was great enjoyment of this course last year so we are offering it again! Chris Norman (ex pilot, ex cop), really enjoyed having our group and is looking forward to having us again. Chris is prepared to work with a mixed group of prior students and new students.
This hands-on program will allow the students to build various projects to develop their skills and confidence, and they will also be able to design and build a custom project of their choice (ie: shelf, table, Muskoka chair, CD rack…). During the 2 hour weekly classes they will learn how to safely use various power tools – table saw, compound mitre saw (chop saw), band saw, router, drill press, sanders. They will learn about fasteners and the types of wood available, and how to oil and stain wood propertly. The focus will be on fun, safety and creativity.

Phys Ed
This will be a 4 week stint led by Redeemer Education students majoring in Phys Ed as part of their “training” under the leadership of Professor John Byl. Soccer, volleyball, and basketball skills and drills will be the focus of the classes.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S FUN

Set in Athens against the background of a Royal Wedding – Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" tells three intertwining stories: four young friends are involved in a dispute concerning an arranged marriage; six working men rehearse a play to be performed at the Wedding Feast; and the King and Queen of Fairyland’s constant arguing has upset the balance of the mortal world. Puck the mischievous sprite stirs these ingredients to create midsummer madness in the woods – or is it all a Dream?

Performed at Memorial Hall, home of the Village Theatre, on Tuesday May 29 and Thursday May 31.

Awesome work cast and crew!

ON DUTY

Supervising, talking, planning, sharing, cleaning, blessing.

We have a great team of moms -- here are just a few of them.

Thanks for your work and time and heart!

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM REHEARSALS

Rehearsals have started for our next drama production, Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". .

Nice wall Jordan. Beautiful moon Rachel! Hard at work?

Stage Manager Sharlene, Director Dave, Producer Keith.

Great work! Don't you think they look rather professional?

DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS

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Last year our Drama production was “Departures and Arrivals” by Carol Shields, directed by Rosie and Bekah.

The play was “a series of dramatic/comic scenes taking place in an airport, the circularity of life's departures and arrivals serving as a unifying theme. Relationships are addressed, as well as the differences between the private and public selves.”

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Some set shots -- great work Jordan!

Awesome work guys!

Looking forward to this year's production of Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream".

TERM TWO PLANS FOR WINTER 2007

Starting THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, plans are to continue the Current Issues and Art Studio courses in the mornings, and to work on our 4th drama production in the afternoons.

LOCATION is the same as this past term:

Christian Life Assembly -- 165 King Street West, Dundas

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CURRENT ISSUES will continue. This term we will discuss the book, Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, by Neil Postman.

"In this witty, often terrifying work of cultural criticism, the author of Amusing Ourselves to Death chronicles our transformation into a Technopoly: a society that no longer merely uses technology as a support system but instead is shaped by it--with radical consequences for the meanings of politics, art, education, intelligence, and truth."

"Born in Brooklyn, New York, and educated at the State University of New York and Columbia University, Neil Postman is a communications theorist, educator, and writer who has been deeply involved with the issue of the impact of the media and advanced communications technology on American culture. In his many books, Postman has strongly opposed the idea that technology will "save" humanity. In fact, he has focused on the negative ways in which television and computers alter social behavior. In his book Technopoly, Postman argues that the uncontrolled growth of technology destroys humanity by creating a culture with no moral structure. Thus, technology can be a dangerous enemy as well as a good friend."

Lisa VanderWoude will continue teaching ART STUDIO. This term will focus on weekly exercises incorporating more eye training using real life objects for students to copy. Lisa would work on small eye related assignments each week to help students grasp how the visual world works, how illusion works, how colour is not how we think it appears ("the black and red boat isn't actually black and red") and more! There would be an end of session project which would incorporate some (or all!) of the exercises attempted in the weekly lessons using actual real-life set up objects.

Yes, we are doing another DRAMA production! We know that this is a highlight of term two and are scheduling this in for Thursday afternoons. Even if you think you don’t like Drama, you may be surprised. We’ve heard that statement mentioned by a few timid souls who changed their minds once they got involved. There are many parts, both large and small, but there are also many behind-the-scenes jobs that need to be filled: Stage Manager, Set Design, Costume Design, Make-up, Props, Sound, Lighting, Programs/Promotion. So there’s something for everyone!

WOODWORKING FALL 2006

Chris Norman of Chris's Woodworking led classes that taught how to safely use the following power tools: Table Saw, Compound Mitre Saw ("Chop Saw"), Band Saw, Router, Drill Press, Sanders

This hands-on program allowed the students to build various projects to develop their skills and confidence, and they were also able to design and build a custom project of their choice. There was also time to make some projects for kids in the hospital and the elderly. They learned about fasteners and the types of wood available and how to oil and stain wood properly. The focus was on fun, safety & creativity!

Everyone started out by building a battle ship or cruise ship which allowed the use of each machine in the shop.

Then students took on a variety of individual projects including chairs, bird houses and feeders, Christmas decorations, shelves, candle stands, airplanes, and a horse barn.

Awesome work!

Stefan's chair - pretty cool!

so is Dylan's!