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This Grade 8 track-and-field athlete is a true Spartan. Liam is dedicated to his training, is humble and is a great teammate. In his last RSEQ race, Liam led from start to finish. Having to complete five laps of the track, he never broke stride and kept up his fluid running style until the end. For his age category, he is in a class of his own. The goal was to finish the race under 7 minutes in the race and he confidently cruised through the finish line in 6:59. For his amazing results this season and for always letting his performance do the talking, your Athlete of the Week, from track & field, Liam Sumun.
As this school year draws to a close and I slowly prepare to leave Stanstead College as a young adult, I find myself reflecting on my experiences here. It is my hope that this speech will enlighten those who will remain here next year as to how they can approach their responsibilities in welcoming the new students next year and in the next 150 years to come.
Originally, my plan was to come here and give everyone the basic speech about life, getting out of your comfort zone, and trying new things. However, I had a conversation with Mr. Van Dyke that changed my mind, and I rewrote my prefect speech. What him and I talked about was not always taking the easy way out.
This Grade 12 student-athlete from Ottawa, Ontario has been a dominant force on the senior boys rugby pitch as of late. He led the team in tries this past weekend and had a great performance last week at the BCS Jamboree. Zac pushes himself to the limit in every contest, and he plays the game the right way. Now that he has learned to run north-south, you hear fewer chants of “run straight, Soif!” and more moments where he is one of the biggest threats on the field. For his outstanding growth as a player, for being a student of the game and for his breakout performances this past week, your Athlete of the Week, from senior boys rugby, Zachary Soifer.
This past Saturday, Stanstead College welcomed back a record-breaking 250 alumni, former faculty and past/current parents to campus for Homecoming and to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
These three senior students have been dominant this past month in ETIAC badminton tournaments held weekly at Alexander Galt High School, winning medals at each event. For context, these tournaments involve five schools and over 100 badminton players across 14 courts. The competition is intense and tough. In the first tournament, Béatrice and Alice won gold in women’s doubles while Ryan won silver in men’s. In the second tournament, Alice captured gold in women’s singles play and Béatrice and Ryan teamed up to win the senior mixed doubles event. This past week, Béatrice went undefeated, taking first place in the women’s singles competition. Alice and Ryan qualified for the medal round but had to beat the two teams that had narrowly defeated them in the round robin. They did so and won the gold medal. In addition to being outstanding players, all three are fantastic role models for our younger players and provide help and support to all of our team members and coaches. Your co-Athletes of the Week, from the badminton team, Alice Sauriol, Beatrice Perron-Roy and Ryan Yung.
In my February post, I tackled the first part of impostor syndrome. (If you haven’t read it, check out the definition, basic info, and a little quiz here.) In a nutshell, impostor syndrome makes you feel like a scam, like you don’t belong. You fear that others will find out soon, very soon!
From the day you're born until the day you eventually pass away, you are exposed to millions, maybe even billions of choices. Some of these choices are as simple as choosing to snooze or not to snooze your alarm on Monday morning or even as easy as picking what color socks to wear that day.
I am the 19-year-old version of yourself about to graduate from the school you are about to go to. Tomorrow will be your first day at your new school, Stanstead College. You are now also living in the town as a day student and as you can see, it is VERY different from the city. You went from having 6000 things close by to, now, having only six. The town will grow on you, though.
This Grade 8 student athlete from Orford, Quebec has had a fantastic start on the junior girls rugby team. She was a force on the pitch during last Friday's GMAA sevens tournament-- initiating plays, making strong tackles and earning her team points through tries and conversions. Emilie has been putting in extra time on the field since day one of the season, doing her best to learn the ins and outs of the game. Her calm and confident approach in the face of strong competition will be an asset to her team as the season unfolds. This week’s athlete of the week, from junior girls rugby, Emilie Labonté.
Having a good balance is essential to having a healthy and entertaining life. Having the perfect balance between our personal commitments like being with friends and family and work commitments is one of life's most challenging aspects.
The second Academic Assembly of the year took place this past Monday at Centenary Church, recognizing those students who had achieved academic excellence during the past term.
This Grade 11 student-athlete from Newport, Vermont had an amazing weekend in Canton, NY with the girls lacrosse team. She fought through another scary finger injury in the game but continued to make incredible saves between the pipes. Maddie is a quiet leader who is always team first. She is brave, works hard every single day and finds the good in every experience. Maddie is a real Spartan warrior teammate. Athlete of the week, from girls lacrosse, Madeline Lippmann.
My three years at Stanstead College were the best time of my life, and I'm hoping it will continue into the next year and a half. I believe that many of you are having the best experiences as well playing sports and hanging out with your friends. However, have you ever felt that you don`t belong to Stanstead or you have had a complaint about something? Complaints can be about sports, academics, relationships, and maybe about food. However, this complaint can be changed to positive by accepting the fact and accepting yourself.
The student-athlete from Prague, had a very impressive start to the playoffs. After the long March break, he led the charge in our ¼ final game against Selwyn house posting 4 goals and 3 assists in 2 games. His was also very responsible defensively in the series. Athlete of the week, from Prep Boys Hockey, Trofim Godochkin.
Like a number of you, I've lived in a world of competition, pressure and expectations my whole life. I've lived in a world where my results and my success are often a direct reflection of who I am. Navigating through this demanding and tiring reality, I've had to find what truly fulfills me, what lets me escape my overwhelming lifestyle, what genuinely makes me happy – my passion. I'm lucky enough to have two: hockey and music.
Walking into Triolet last Saturday afternoon, you could feel the difference. For us, it was one last pretty cool thing to try to win, maybe not as important as CAIS or the Bailly or the MacLeod, but a worthy objective, nonetheless. I mean, SC had never won the playoff final in the seven years we’d been in the RSEQ – a victory today would be great. But it was different – it was more – for everyone else in the building. For the players, coaches, parents and fans of LaRuche and Trio and Seminaire who packed the floor and balcony of that sports complex that day, this was The Event of the basketball season. D3 Playoff Day. Everybody who was anybody was there.
Your Stanstead College Spartans punched their ticket to the RSEQ D3 championship game this past Tuesday at home with a comprehensive semi-final 61-33 victory over Les Carnicas from LaRuche. After a barrage of buckets in the first quarter where it appeared neither team could miss, the Red & White clamped down defensively, allowing a paltry 19 points the rest of the way while keeping the offensive pressure firmly on their opponents. In their most efficient game of the season, they went 28 for 67 from the field for an impressive shooting percentage of 42%, with no fewer than six players scoring 6 points or more.
Break is right around the corner, and like many of you, I am also excited. But what I realized during this third year at Stanstead College is that everything goes by fast. Many of your teachers have certainly told you that after break, you will not see the days go by. It is true, and I have come to experience it too.
Grade 10 student Melissa Kakayuk won her second senior girls basketball MVP trophy in a row, earning the Bess Ferguson Trophy at the close of a highly successful season that saw the team win multiple titles.
The award and others were presented at the Winter Athletic Assembly held at Centenary Church on Wednesday, March 22.
This Grade 9 student-athlete from Fort McMurray, Alberta has had an exceptional volleyball season. She is always looking to become a better player and most recently incorporated jump serves into her toolbox of skills. This weekend, at the team’s last tournament, she not only excelled on the court but overcame her hesitation and landed not one but three jump serves in a row. For her natural athletic ability all season and her incredible leadership on the court this weekend, Athlete of the Week, from girls volleyball, Madik Trottier.
Another full court press, an ill-advised pass, a half-hearted dribble. They steal the ball in our backcourt again and their Senior Night crowd erupts as their point guard scores uncontested to complete the comeback. From down 28-20 to start the second half, Salesien has gone on a thrilling 10-0 run to take the lead. The gym is a madhouse. I have to yell for the minor officials table to hear me.
If you’ve grown up playing sports, you would have to be among the luckiest of individuals to not have experienced failure. I use the word “failure” only to describe experiences where you may not have reached your goal at that time. However, I do not believe it is failure, but I will come back to this.
Throughout my three years at Stanstead, I have made different types of friendships, most of them with my teammates and others with my classmates and roommates. Throughout these years, the friendships I have built at Stanstead have brought me many benefits.
Head of School Michael Wolfe and Associate Head of School Joanne Carruthers are pleased to release the list of students who have achieved Term 2 academic success. For their efforts, these students have earned a place on the Academic Honours List, the Head's List and the Chair's List.
This student-athlete from Boisbriand, Quebec has been a rock all season for the prep girls hockey team. Her selflessness and game IQ generate countless chances for her squad. Finally, this past week, these chances materialized into her line scoring all four goals in a 4-0 victory over the St. Lawrence Steel on Saturday. For her part, Laurie contributed a hat trick. In the following game, she contributed 2 assists in the 5-1 victory over Rice Memorial. Not only did she have a great weekend on the ice, the Grade 9 student also led the team in a 2-hour karaoke session on the bus to Burlington. Congratulations, Laurie Aubin.
So, this is Stanstead College’s history with the RSEQ. We first joined the Quebec-wide league seven years ago in 2016 after our regular ETIAC basketball league folded due to teams defecting to the RSEQ. That inaugural year we ended up with 7 wins vs 5 losses.
Most people tend to make their speeches about helping others, serving your community and being kind to your peers. Honestly, as much as this does matter, being there for yourself is the single most important thing you can do to live a happy, successful life.
This student-athlete from Darien, Connecticut had a tremendous weekend on and off the ice. Ian put the prep boys hockey team and his teammates above his own personal objectives. He stayed disciplined, blocked shots and was a positive presence on the bench. His coach said, “It was awesome to see such a great attitude coming from one of the leaders on the team. As the team heads into playoffs, this is the character we need to see.” Ian was rewarded for his efforts by scoring the game-winning goal on Saturday. For his great overall attitude and his game winning goal, athlete of the week, from Prep Boys Hockey, Ian Nicholson.
Eating too much, too little, too fast, or not at all… If it gets extreme, then it might be an eating disorder. Last week was the National Eating Disorder Association’s (NEDA)awareness week, so I will tackle this topic today.
Mental health is a critical issue that affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. However, the way we approach and discuss mental health can vary greatly depending on one's gender, leading to differences in mental health outcomes.
This Grade 12 athlete from Gatineau, Quebec was a force over the weekend in Washington. She led the varsity girls hockey team to 4-0 record in pool play at the JWHL Challenge Cup. Her big contribution came in their game against NAHA where she found the back of the net twice. The team competed with just 12 or 9 players, and Karel dominated play in almost every shift she played. Athlete of the week, from Varsity Girls Hockey, Karel Prefontaine.
For as long as I can remember my birthday has been one of my favourite days of the year. A special day celebrating with my family and friends, and, oh yeah, gifts too, how could I not like it? But looking back, I realize I actually enjoyed aging. Why? I was always a really stubborn child and still somewhat am, and I loved doing things on my own and being able to say I did it.
Rachel Chan has been a dominating force on the swim team since the beginning of the season. Her performance during competition has been unparalleled. In fact, the word “competition” is barely applicable. This past weekend, she placed first in all three events in which she competed, but this has been commonplace all season. Beyond this, she has been a fantastic teammate, shown excellent sportsmanship and is always the first to offer help to her coaches. For her fantastic performance in the pool and her enthusiasm and dedication to her sport, this week’s Co-Athlete of the Week is Rachel Chan.
I could summarize this 63-36 RSEQ league victory with one of my usual tropes, i.e. some statistics (a 24-point third quarter!), or highlight plays (the sweet Valerie to Gloria layup), or standout performances (Henni’s 11 points & 11 rebounds or Melissa’s 15 points & 5 steals), or something silly and fun (the hip-thrust HOO-HA cheer) or maybe even some dramatic prose leading to a tense climax...!
There were a lot of memorable moments throughout this championship run (St Johns High School 56-16, Kanawake Survival School 60-18, Richmond Regional 60-15, and Quebec High School 62-15)
at the first Anderson-Bailly since 2020, and these are my personal favourites.
Like most students at Stanstead College, I have had a busy year, between balancing school, sports, social time and personal time, with various struggles thrown into the mix. As this is my second year at school, I’m still constantly reminded that everything is still somewhat new to me, whether I care to admit it or not.
Students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 presented their projects at the annual Junior Science Fair last Thursday. Thank you to Ms. Fraser, Ms. Hessian, Ms. Pajovic, Mr. Keet, Ms. Kirby and Ms. Smith for all of their hard work in helping the students be ready for this event. Thanks also to all of the students, teachers and guests who came to help judge.
It’s always dangerous playing a team for the third time, especially when you’d beaten them the first two times (40-23 in the season opener and 42-29 three weeks ago). It was 100% guaranteed that they were going to be hungry for revenge, and likewise it was unavoidable that we would come out a little complacent.
This past Tuesday, the curling team took to the ice against the traditionally strong group from Richmond. In their first meeting of the season, Richmond walked away with a 13-1 victory. This week, the Spartans brought their A-game led by skip Thomas LeBlanc. From Westmount, Que., the Grade 12 student skipped a superb game to beat Richmond 7-1. He was cool under pressure and led by example. This was an incredible team victory and an even more impressive individual performance from Thomas. Athlete of the Week, from the curling team, Thomas Leblanc.
Inspirational writer Israel Ayivor once said, “Giving does not only precede receiving; it is the reason for it. It is in giving that we receive.” The practice of giving has a long and rich history that stretches back to ancient civilizations. In many cultures, giving was an important aspect of social and religious practices and was often seen as a way to demonstrate one's generosity.
Did you just get an A+ and think, “That was pure luck!” Did you show up for the hockey game despite your stomachache, not play as well as usual and assume, “Any day, they will find out that I shouldn’t have been made captain.” Are you from a foreign country, struggling with the perfect English pronunciation and find yourself thinking, “I do not belong here, my English is just not good enough.” Well, this is imposter syndrome at its best. You feel like a sham, like you don’t belong and fear that others will find out soon, very soon!
Simply put, last Tuesday’s trip to Le Salesien represents the low point of Spartans Basketball 2022-23. We went in overconfident (we’d beaten our opponents handily back in November – always a curse) and proceeded to lay a real stinker. Despite a spirited push in the last four minutes in a last-ditch effort to salvage the game, we’d dug ourselves too much of a hole, and ultimately lost 40-38. An important lesson, that: points in the first quarter are just as important as points in the fourth quarter. Another lesson? Never underestimate your opponent. One more bonus lesson? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
This Grade 11 student-athlete from Chibougamau, Quebec has shown tremendous leadership over the past few weeks. On the volleyball court, she played a significant role by contributing both offensively and defensively. Léa has a natural talent for volleyball, but it's her work ethic, her quick decision-making during games and, above all, her exceptional sportsmanship towards her teammates that make her an amazing player. She remains positive through adversity and is the first one to encourage the others when the game gets tough. Léa is one of the rare players that keeps playing with a smile on her face regardless of the situation. Athlete of the week, from Girls Volleyball, Léa Matoush-St-Cyr.
Today I’m going to tell you a story about something that happened to me about two years ago when I first started applying to Stanstead. My best friend Jeremy Leroux, who was already a student at Stanstead, told me that he wanted me to come and that I would love it.
One of the highlights of Stanstead College’s 125th year was the visit by Governor General Romeo Leblanc. As guest speaker at the Baccalaureate and Prize-Giving on June 20, 1997, he urged the graduating class to go out into the world with open minds, open hearts and open voices.
The Chinese New Year arrived on January 22. For all Chinese, this is the time of the year when families reunite and celebrate the festival. Meanwhile, there are also other festivals from different cultural backgrounds, such as the Day of the Dead from Mexico, Christmas, Easter, Oktoberfest from Germany, etc.
On December 30, 2022, two of our Spartans traveled overseas to compete in the U18 Women’s Hockey World Championship in Ostersund, Sweden as proud members of Team Canada. Sixteen days later, after an experience of a lifetime shared with new teammates and their traveling families, these two Spartans were gold medal winners and U18 world champions. Congratulations to Grade 12 student-athlete Arianne Leblanc, who notably earned a game-winning shutout vs Finland in Game 1 of the tournament. And congratulations to Grade 11 student-athlete Alexia Aubin, who notably scored two goals in the championship game over host team Sweden. Felicitations les filles!
I have been lucky enough to live on campus for my whole life. My dad’s first year as headmaster was the year I was born. I have lived in the same house for 16 years. And during that time, I have lived some amazing moments that I will never forget, memories that have shaped who I am today. So many unique memories come from growing up on campus and I want to share a few with you.
Time running out in a depressing first half, one second left, and Sara Paquette heaves up one of those desperation shots from half court. And holy smokes it banks in!
In his first real year of competitive, organized basketball, this young man from Mexico is off to a wonderful start. The Grade 9 student is extremely dedicated and willing to take instructions. He implements what he has been taught with great effectiveness and as a result, has improved to be one of the most effective players on the Senior Boys Red team. He leads the group in rebounds, dominating the boards in our most recent match-up against Richmond regional. The most impressive part of his rebounding dominance is that he has accomplished much of his success because he listens, attempts and continues to work hard at every practice in order to improve on and strengthen the skills. His coach cannot wait to see what the end of the season will look like. Congratulations Santiago Meija Alvarez.
First game of 2023. The lights turn off, music starts playing, and RNS sprints into the gym from the hallway outside. The stands, packed with the RNS student body, look like a concert with everyone holding their cellphone lights out. After warmup, the starting lineups get officially introduced, and each announced starter shakes the opposing coach’s hand and, amidst the cheers, runs out to centre court.
To write and present a speech in front of so many people takes time management and definitely some level of sanity. The amount of stress we all have because of sports, school and relationships can be super overwhelming and damaging to our mental health.
The first Academic Assembly of the year this past Monday honoured those students who had achieved academic excellence in their first term of school. For Grades 7 to 11, the first term runs from September to November, while for Grade 12s the term runs until the December break.
Coming into 2023, I hope all of us have done our end-of-year reflection on the eventful, beautiful, and peaceful year. Now look around: it is the same dining hall we have been using for ages, not much changes. However, what about outside these walls? We stand on a globe that is shifting every second we are sitting here.
In recognition of his exceptional service, including 18 years as head of school, Stanstead College’s new junior girls residence will be named in honour of Michael Wolfe.