1

W I N T E R

2 0 1 5

St. Laurent Express

Welcome back to the second edition of our school newspaper The St

Laurent Express. Mr. Joseph-Mitchell Marques, our chief editor and
founder of our school newspaper and Mr. Tom Patrick our close assistant,
wishes us, students a wonderful winter session. Do not forget we are your
voice and we represent all students. Enjoy our winter news!
From our news team!

Bienvenue la seconde dition de notre journal The StLaurent Express.

M. Joseph -Mitchell Marques, notre diteur en chef et fondateur de notre
journal et Tom Patrick notre prcieux collaborateur, nous souhaite toutes et
tous, tudiantes et tudiants, une excellente session dhiver. Noubliez pas,
notre journal est votre voix et nous vous reprsentons tous, sans exception.
Dcouvrez avec plaisir nos nouvelles hivernales.
De notre quipe des nouvelles.
Published by Students for Students
Find us online at: www.stlaurentexpress.weebly.com

How to stay active during

Winter?

Working out seems less desirable
during the winter. After all, who likes to put
many layers and go out for a run, or risk
slipping on the ice when out for a walk? Even
heating up the car in the wee hours of the
morning to get to the gym can be quite
tough!
Although you may want to stay
snuggled up in your warm bed, winter
shouldnt be a time that your fitness plans
hibernate. With the right attitude and mix of
exercises, winter can actually be a fantastic
year to mix up your workouts, get creative
and even reignite your love for fitness by
trying new fun activities. Not to mention,
winter exercises can help you beat your
winter blues!
Here are 7 tips to stay active during the
winter:
1. Prearrange your thoughts and set your
priorities:
2. Go out and play!
3. Take up winter sports
4. Get creative at home
5. Try something new!
6. Set big goals
7. Get 96motivated!
-Marc Angelo De la Cruz,
Secondary V Student

Things To Do During Winter In

Montral
Theres nothing like that first shock of cold air on a brisk
winters morning to remind you that youre alive. And so it is that,
during the coldest solstice of the year, Montreal positively
overflows with life. From Igloofest to Montral en Lumire,
Luminothrapie, Happening Gourmand, a crazy little something
called Barbegazi and much more, Montreal has everything it takes
to brighten winter nights and knocks the grey out of your day
page 2

Save the Date!

Winter Break
st

Dec. 19 Jan. 5

th

Month of Love
Feb. 14

th

Spring Break
Mar. 2nd Mar. 6th

We hope you enjoy

this winter break! Be
back on Jan. 5th well

Wishing you a lovely

week-end! Be back
on Feb. 16th well

Hoping you enjoy

this spring break! Be
back on Mar. 6th

rested & ready for a

great session!

rested and very

happy!

well motivated &

energetic!
!


2|LITERARY

Clues for Winter Blues

Happy January!

Although you might be reminiscing on the sunny summer days that

have
passed us by not to worry there is still a great deal to look
forward to during the winter months! Keep reading to find out more. J

Winter Trivia and Facts!

I woke up in the morning
By the window, I see people walking
I can hear them with joyful voices.
The winter arrives with a warmness and joy
For a moment, I sat in the chair
Wind blows a humming cold air
Im ready for school and dressed up,
Prepared in breaking the limits to gear up.
Suddenly it pop out into my mind
This thing in me that always rewind
How can we beat winter blues?
Because students still have no clues.
The winter darkness is still a mystery
But only for people who give up easily
Dont forget the most important thing,
To get lighted by the sun in the morning.
Get some air and try to exercise
For the reason youll then realize
Relax! Just embrace the season
Cherish the time as life goes on

Did you know that?

v The largest snowflake recorded in the
Guinness World Book of Records fell in
Montana in 1887 was 8 inches by 15
inches wide
v Winter Blues or Seasonal affective
disorder (also called SAD) is a type of
depression that occurs at the same time
every year.
v Chionophobia is the fear of snow
v Every snowflake has six sides
v The coldest temperature ever recorded
was -128 degrees in Antarctica in 1983
(Source: http://www.22facts.com/winter/)

-Kreztorv P. Fugaban,
Secondary V Student

Things to Do During Winter In

Montral

Revel in an atmosphere of light and warmth in the

middle of winter. Hundreds of exceptional gastronomic
and wine tasting activities, shows (music, dance, theater,
circus...) and a free outdoor illuminated site in the heart of
the Quartier des spectacles.
Where?
Neighbourhood : Downtown
Bordered by Ren-Lvesque, Sherbrooke, City Councillors
and Saint-Hubert
Montral
Metro : Place-des-Arts
When?
February 19 to March 1, 2015.
Who?
Family

Contact:
Telephone: 514 288-9955 Toll-free: 1 855 864-3737
E-mail:
montrealhighlights@equipespectra.ca
URL:
http://www.montrealenlumiere.com
-Saif Khaled Basha, Secondary IV Student
(Source: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-

3|BIOGRAPHY

Teacher
Biographies:
Ms. Sandra
&
Ms. Maroun

Ms. Denise Maroun: Vice Principal

Miss Sandra Topping: Sexuality and Reproduction Teacher

I was born on September 27th, 1962 in a small town

about 60 km south of Montreal. I am the youngest of four
sisters and we grew up in a town called Beloeil. We moved to
Montreal in 1977 where I finished my Sec IV and Sec V. I
hated school and was a terrible student, so no CEGEP
accepted me when I applied.
I worked for the Royal Bank from 1979 to 2000. In
2000, I applied at Dawson College for the Radiation Oncology
Technologist program but was refused. I was told I had to
redo many high school courses because it had been over
twenty years since I had been in school. I took night classes to
redo math and other courses. I reapplied for the program in
2001 and was finally accepted.
It took me four years to complete the three-year
program. My mother had her second open-heart surgery in
2002 and I missed a lot of school because I took care of my
father. When I finished school, I was offered a job in Ottawa
but I refused due the declining health of my parents.
I started working for the EMSB in 2006 teaching
Basic English at night. James Lyng was looking for a Biology
teacher and the school board offered me the job because of my
medical background. I accepted and have been teaching
academic courses ever since. I have had three careers in my
life but nothing compares to teaching. I love my job! J

Almost 30 years of experience as a teacher, with

all humility, Ms. Maroun says she is still learning.
School is our way to a better life to be a better person
she said.
Ms. Denis Maroun, the Vice Principal of the St.
Laurent Adult Centre, first attended school at the age of 4
and is continuing her studies at McGill. She started her
teaching career at 22 years old and still going. In addition,
she has been a Vice Principal for 4 years.
Ms. Maroun believes that school helps develop
ourselves to the better. Also being a student, she
understands the struggles of the students during winter
time. Hang in there she said, If you give up, your
chance is lost.. Knowing that the students are having
troubles during exam week (Jan 19-23, 2015) and
struggling with the cold weather, she understands the
difficulties we go through and would like to support us.
She leaves a message to the students saying:
Strength is to ask for help, ask for help is not a
weakness Dont give up, get up and keep moving.

-Kyla Isaac,
Secondary V Student

-Kreztorv P. Fugaban, Secondary V Student

Student Recipe
Boeuf Bourguinon

by: Norbert Cloutier, Secondary V Student

Portion Size: 8 People

Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) dried porcini mushrooms
3 lb (1.4 kg) boneless beef cross rib pot roasts
4 oz (113 g) thickly sliced bacon, chopped
3 tbsp (45 mL) vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
1 bottle (750 mL) red wine, (such as Pinot Noir or
Merlot)
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) beef broth
3 sprigs fresh parsley

Soak dried mushrooms in 1/2 cup (125 mL) hot water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, trim
fat from beef; cut meat into 1-1/2-inch (4 cm) cubes and set aside. In Dutch oven, saut
bacon over medium-high heat until crisp; transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Drain fat
from pan. Add 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the oil to pan; brown beef, in 3 batches and adding
remaining oil as necessary. Transfer to bowl. Drain fat from pan. Add chopped onion,
carrot, garlic, salt and pepper to pan; cook over medium heat until softened, about 3
minutes. Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Reserving soaking liquid,
remove mushrooms and chop; add to pan along with soaking liquid, wine and broth.
Bring to boil, scraping up any brown bits. Tie parsley, thyme and bay leaves together
with string. Add to pan along with bacon, beef and any juices. Cover and braise in 325F
(160C) oven until meat is fork-tender, 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Meanwhile, in pot of boiling
water, boil pearl onions for 3 minutes; drain and chill in cold water. Peel and trim,
leaving root ends intact. In skillet, melt butter over medium heat; brown pearl onions,
about 5 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl. Add mushrooms to skillet; fry
until browned, about 5 minutes. With slotted spoon, remove beef to separate bowl. Add
pearl onions, mushrooms and brandy to liquid in Dutch oven; bring to boil over
medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened and onions are
tender, about 25 minutes. Discard herbs. Return beef to pan and heat through. Sprinkle
with parsley.


4|BIOGRAPHY

Ms. Ria Di Marco, Computer

Teacher

Ms.
Di
Marco
believes that it is important
to create school and a
community through school
events hosted by the Student
Body Council.
As the teacher who manages the Student
Body Council, she tries her best to play the role of a
listener, helping the Student Body Council
members with their ideas, by guiding, participating
and helping them become a great team. She finds it
necessary for her students to have leadership and
community skills, it looks great on their CV, she
says. Most importantly, she tries to make the
experience enjoyable. She congratulates her great
team and admits she can always count on them.
For Valentines Day, we can expect from the team
a chocolate and carnations sales and perhaps even
cards.
Being a teacher with over 20 years of
experience, Ria Di Marco has seen and noticed two
types of students. She calls the first type the
faithful students who will show up every day,
(usually those are the ones who succeed), and then
there are the ones who find excuses anywhere to
miss the day, especially during the winter season.
According to her multicultural backgrounds of the
students does not create any difficulties, but the real
challenge is the different learning levels, to find out
what have they already learned and bring them all
to the same level. Her advice for her students is to
work hard, set realistic goals and attend class.
Most of her family members were teachers,
so at a young age she decided to follow their paths
and found her passion. She says that there is always
something to learn and teach, she catches herself
teaching her grandchildren and says teaching is
just something that stays with you. Over time, she
thinks you must evolve as a teacher but also as a
person because she admits that teachers dont know
everything and there is always something new to
learn, you have to be open for it. Her motto is to
take one year at a time, you cannot know what is
going to happen, so focus on the present.
-Veronika Fendler,
Secondary IV English Student

Mr. Douglas, Math Teacher

At first sight, you could not

tell he is a mathematics teacher, but
stick to an old saying: Dont judge
a book by its cover. We see him
every day, if you get to know him,
he is extraordinary.
He is from Clarendon, Jamaica, born in 1973.
Although he has always had problems dealing with his
teachers since he did minimal work. He believes that it was
his destiny to be a teacher. As a child, he admired his
father. My dad is the greatest dad. His father does all his
best to keep them grounded in a way that he teaches them
discipline and manner. His father worked all his life for
them. When they moved to Montreal, his first job was
working in a Youth Centre with kids. Presently he is
working at St. Laurent Adult Education Centre, teaching
Secondary IV Mathematics.
He knows that he was blessed with the ability to
teach mathematics. Even in his high school days, he was
always involved in teaching mathematics. In their review
study, they form a circle and he will sit right in the center
and teach. He is driven by his students and he is the
happiest when he sees the look on his students face when
they see their grade. On the other hand, he also spends a
lot of time outside school. He loves to talk with the elderly
and believes he learns a lot by just talking to them. He also
likes to attend parties in his leisure time when hes not
teaching or doing volunteer work.
Being a teacher, the students attitude may frustrate
him sometimes. Attitude creates success thats my
argument and thats my goal he mentioned. He is a caring
teacher; he loves to share his ideology by demonstrating it
in his classes. His ways of teaching are a mlange of other
teaching styles. Im a guide, because I share what I
know Im a guide because I provide he said.
As we are familiar of him by now, Mr. Douglas
says our view of the world is always going to be different
and differences will always exist in society. You would see
him walking in the corridor, talking to someone, sharing
ideas. Approach him, ask him and you will learn.
-Kreztorv P. Fugaban,
Secondary V English Student

5|SCHOOL UPDATES

Party in the Cafeteria

A Mini-Christmas party was

held in the St. Laurent Adult Centres
cafeteria last December 19th 2014. It
was about 10:30 am when the student
council body gathered the students,
teachers and office staffs. Fifteen
minutes later the event kicked off.
The party was well-prepared;
the choir members sang warm
Christmas songs accompanied by one
of the organizers and hosts. The
crowd was very excited and nervous
when drawing for the raffle ticket
started. The student council members
also prepared hot coffee drinks and
sweet cakes for the party.
I was shocked! It is a great
turnout said the host in the party.
The party was lively and
people were extremely happy. The
cafeteria turned out to be party hall.
Organization is important
said one of the organizers Enjoy the
holidays but do not forget school
she added.
Our St. Laurent Adult Center
Principal Marysa Barassi and Vice
Principal Denise Maroun were also
present and joined the event. Ms.
Barassi was very happy and pleased
while celebrating with the students.
She ended the Christmas party by
giving thanks to the organizers and
students.
-Kreztorv P. Fugaban,
Secondary V English Student

Message from the Science

Department

Winter Semester at St. Laurent Adult Center

The first week back from the two-week holiday break certainly
was a bone chilling one with the temperature on the coldest day,
coupled with the wind chill factor, falling to minus 37C. Freezing
rain, then bitter cold, icy roads and sidewalks certainly made the
commute to St. Laurent a challenging one. Approximately half of the
St. Laurent students, however, accepted the challenge and manage to
get on their classes.
Even at minus 37C Montreal was far from being the coldest
place on earth. Temperatures on earth can range, on average,
anywhere from 54.5C to minus 68C. The Industrial town of the
Norilsk, Russia, located inside the Article Circle, has a winter which
last 280 days per year with the lowest recorded temperature of minus
60C. In addition 45 days a year are spent in total darkness when no
sunlight at all is received. Children raised in Norilsk spend several
months indoors during the winter months, never going out, summer is
a bit better with temperatures ranging from minus 10C to 10C.
The coldest place on earth, however, is Vostok, Antarctica. In
Vostok people live and work in Geophysical Research stations. The
lowest recorded temperature was minus 89C. However, with winds
that can at times reach 340 km/hr., the coldest wind chill temperature
recorded was minus 124C! In summer the average temperature is
minus 42C. With the wind chill factor it can go as low as minus 73C.
The warmest temperature ever recorded in Vostok was minus 28C in
December 1989.
Compared to Norilsk and Vostok, St. Laurent students have it
good, even with the minus 37C. Next time students complain of the
bitter cold, giving it as a reason of why classes cannot be attended,
think of the people in Norilsk and Vostok struggling to keep warm.
-Kyla Isaac, Secondary V English Student

6|SECONDARY V ENGLISH SUGGETIONS

it would be nice to
have extracurricular
activities that reward
extra points for marks.
This would let students
be motivated and be
challenged with their
ability and skills

it would be an asset
to have a creative
writing class. This would
allow students to
practice using their
imagination and creative
spirit. It will be also fun
and exciting

we would like to suggest if we

can update the operating system
of some computers in every class
since it is already outdated and
also the applications are not up to
date such as the Microsoft Office.
Furthermore if possible to request
higher quality computers

it would be amazing
to have contests or
tournaments such as
math or literary writing
contest. This can be a
great and unique
experience that students
could benefit from their
school

to be visited by
outside speakers such as
athletes, a writer, a
politician or a former
student in this center
who could share about
his\her past
experiences

.it would be great to have
a library of free used books
that students use in the
courses which can be
borrowed especially for those
who cannot afford to buy but
can excel in their studies

Messages for the

School Principals
a club/group where students
can discuss, express their
thoughts and opinions even
sharing their experiences for the
new ones to build a better
student community and also it
well help the students to get
acquainted in the school and
meet new friends

an advance English
poetry and drama class
and also a high-level
writing and low-level
pre-writing class must
be very exciting and
challenging course if
we could have one
because there are many
excellent students

journalism contest
would be very
challenging to have
one
in the school

we would
appreciate to have a
secondary 5 math
class taught. Since
some students are
experiencing
difficulties

having a nurse or
infirmary at the school
makes the students feel
safe and comfortable
and also when
emergency comes

reading is fun and

educational. Therefore
we would like to request
more books to read in
reading club because it
helps the students to
expand their
understanding

an art class for an

optional course would
be very awesome. And
also it will help the
students develop their
creative skills and as
well as to enhance their
talents

we would
appreciate to have a
philosophy class as an
optional course since
we believe it can help
us gain more
wisdom

playing sports
benefits our body and
also our mind. A sports
club is very interesting
to join specially in the
winter/spring
season

7|SECONDARY V POEMS

You are
The one I love with all my might
The one Im thinking every night
The one that helps me make things right
The one I dream of when I sleep at night
The one I think of when I hug my pillow tight
The one Im not giving up without
putting up a fight
January is 1
Zuhal Ahmadi
February is 2
I lost my
You and I, together we were born,
mind the day
But how can I love you, if youre a
I met you
rose and Im a thorn.
Marvin

You are my heartbeat, my lover and

my friend,
I promise that I will always love you
and cherish you to the end
I felt chills down my spine when I
kiss you
Ever since I just cant resist you

Duons

Rohit Das

Anne Marie Allison

Without you Im
blue because my love
for you is true
Ryan Gero

Krez F.

He balances her unstable mind

She doesnt understand how he has
seemed to find
Something she had left behind
She was never to feel her heart
again
Only to hide and be afraid
Of the ones who said they would
be there
This time she looked back
And he was holding out a diamond
ring.

Kisseskisses kisses
Oh, what should I do?
All I want is just one kiss
From a special person like
you

Give me a sight
Ill give you my mind
Give me a kiss
Just let me dream.
Let us fly away to the point of no
return
We might have a chance of finding us
again
Norbert Cloutier

Secondary V English
Love Poems

Heartfelt love in disguise

Heart filled with love and feelings,
Holds so much excitements and thrilling.
The flattering butterflies inside your stomach,
Making us delirious and in silly act.
These are the thoughts we have when in love,
We gaze for fantasy like reaching for the stars above.
Overwhelming whispers of fictional voices, dreaming of infatuation and bed of roses.
Love for all we know it,
Passionate but we may also hate it.
Be careful for it is beautifully dangerous,
Dont feed too much from it for you may also lose.
Winona Siari Opalec

May my embrace shelter you, guide you

and love you
May my voice console you, sooth you
and serenade you
May my eyes reflect the beauty which is
you
May my heart whisper I love you
Nathan James

Love in Ottawa
When you came into my life
You showered my dark world with light.
You words of wisdom gave me hope and
courage through your solid guide
Youre my inspiration
My eternal love
Vilma Naces

Drowning my heart with his eyes,

Conjuring passion that never dies,
So irresistible the pair of green,
Engraved on my mind a beautiful
scene,
Bright, serene and filled with
mystery,
Amazing how it sparks the
chemistry,
Merely gazing at them makes me
cheer,
Gives me hope and sets my mind
clear,
Brilliance glaring from the mellow
iris,
Looking through them is truly a bliss.
Drowning in your eyes Umniah
Yet warm from its kindle
For our meeting of the minds is
immortal
We found each other in
serendipity
And it is honored in our nave
adventure
Continuing, forevermore

The Poem
My actions have an explanation
Although they make no sense
They are filled with love
And this painfully strong feeling
Drives me insane day by day.
If only I was loved back
But you dont even know I exist
I think of you for every moment
And in my mind you are perfection
But perfection is not a part if this world
There comes an explanation
You dont exist
You are a creation of my imagination
Deep inside my mind
And the desire for you to be real
Drives me out of this world
Into insanity and desperation

Philippe Angelo N. Ong

If I could be anything in
world,
I would be your tears:
Conceived in your heart,
Born in your eyes,
Live on your cheek,
And die on your lips.

Sec V Anonymous

Fady


8|FRENCH
& HISTORY

GENS DU PAYS
Le temps que l'on
prend pour se dire: je
t'aime
C'est le seul qui reste au
bout de nos jours
Les vux que l'on fait
les fleurs que l'on sme
Chacun les rcolte en
soi-mme
Aux beaux jardins du
temps qui court
Gens du pays c'est
votre tour
De vous laisser parler
d'amour
Gens du pays c'est
votre tour
De vous laisser parler
d'amour
Le temps de s'aimer, le
jour de le dire
Fond comme la neige
aux doigts du
printemps
Ftons de nos joies,
ftons de nos rires
Ces yeux ou nos
regards se mirent
C'est demain que j'avais
vingt ans

Les premires explorations europennes au

Canada
Les premires explorations europennes commencent sur les ctes du
Labrador et de lle de Terre-Neuve, lesquelles sont visites par les Vikings, les
Normands et les Basques depuis le 1er millnaire.
Lexplorateur islandais Leif Ericson serait en fait le premier Europen visiter
lEst du territoire actuel du Canada (le de Terre-Neuve) selon la saga dErik le
Rouge.
Par la suite, les Basques viennent pcher sur les grands bancs de morue au large
de lle de Terre-Neuve pendant prs dun demi-sicle, Ces derniers fondent la
colonie de Plaisance qui stend sur les les Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon et laquelle
deviendra plus tard un refuge pour les pcheurs franais en plus dune colonie
satellite pour lAcadie et le Canada.
Lexplorateur portugais Joo Fernandes Lavrador longe le littoral du Labrador
actuel (nomm en son honneur) et fait la cartographie vers 1500 en compagnie
de lexplorateur Pro de Barcelos, mais sans prise de possession des terres.
la recherch du Passage du Nord-Ouest, les explorateurs vnitiens
Giovanni Caboto (Jean Cabot) et son fils Sbastien dbarquent Bonavista
(Terre-Neuve) en 1497 pour le compte du roi Henri VII dAngleterre. Dautre
part, lexplorateur portugais Gaspar Corte-Real visite lle de Terre-Neuve en
1500, mais retourne au Portugal aprs avoir captur des esclaves amrindiens.
Les territoires qui forment Terre-Neuve ne seront cependant intgrs au Canada
quen 1949 pour former la province actuelle de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador en
dpit du fait que le territoire du Labrador tait une ancienne possession
franaise et faisait partie intgrante du Canada au XVIIIe sicle.

Brr... Quel temps!

Gens du pays...
Lexprience dune tudiante lhiver

Le ruisseau des jours

aujourd'hui s'arrte
Et forme un tang ou
chacun peut voir
Comme en un miroir
l'amour qu'il reflte
Pour ces curs qui je
souhaite
Le temps de vivre leurs
espoirs
Gens du pays...
-Gilles Vigneault

Je narrive pas comprendre comment on peut aimer lhiver. Il faut tre fou
pour aimer ce froid! Un jour le mercure baisse, un autre il monte. Cest lui le boss, il
dcide! Do je viens, il fait toujours beau. La temprature est entre 28 et 17 degrs tout
le long de lanne, donc je navais pas lhabitude de regarder la mto mais l cest
devenu ma drogue! Je ne peux plus vivre sans savoir quelle temprature il fait dehors
pour viter les surprises mais aussi pour savoir le nombre de couches de vtements quil
faudra. La monde jai oubli je ny fait plus attention je pense ma sant dabord. Jai
ralise au dbut de lhiver que je ne connaissais pas vraiment ce que voulait dire
lexpression << vaut mieux prvenir que gurir >> Cest le rhume que jai attrape qui
me la fait comprendre. Au Rwanda, jadorais faire la marche, mais l je ne peux plus
en faire surtout avec ma nouvelle dmarche de grand-mre (grce elle je ne suis
toujours pas tombe) je pense que si jen faisais, je me retrouverais la morgue plus tt
que prvu et le jour de mon enterrement on dirait que jaimais tellement la marche, que
ce fut la raison de mon dcs. Jexagre un peu: lhiver nest pas si pire que a. Les gens
arrivent le supporter donc je pense que jen serai capable aussi. Je compte faire des
sports dhiver pour passer le temps et apprivoiser le froid.
-tudiante du Francais Niveau 5

9|FRENCH & HISTORY

Black History Month Celebration:

Representing
Human Rights for Mankind

As we celebrate Black History Month, let me take this opportunity to remember all those
whose toil and hard work initiated Africas emancipation. We salute distinguished persons like
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J. B. Danguah, Dr. Nambi Azikwe, Hon. Jomo Kenyatta,
Mwalamu Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King and countless other men
and women whose efforts will forever be remembered. We also wont forget those leaders from
Africa, the West Indies and North America who led the struggle for the emancipation of people
of color.
Special mention should be made of Honorable W. E. B. du Bois and Marcus Garvey
two pan-Africanists who served as role models for and others in their struggle for
emancipation. They were the fore-bearers of this struggle. They explained the philosophy and
the meaning of the struggle and what was expected of us to achieve our ultimate goal.
What is the importance of Black History and why do we celebrate Black History Month? We do
so to remember the contributions of all black men and women. We do so to insure that their
contributions to world history are never forgotten and to keep them alive for future black
generations. We do so to keep alive our awareness of the contributions by people of color in
North America and to continue the process of educating people on the origins and history of
black people.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month every February? The idea of honoring the great
contributions of African Americans led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. It
was Carter G. Woodson, a black historian known by many as the father of Black History
who proposed this. Black History Week became known as Black History Month in 1976.
Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that
Woodson selected February because of two great Americans, Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick
Douglas, who played prominent roles in shaping black history. Both men were born in
February, Lincoln in 1809 and Douglas in 1818. At that time many people, both black and
white, know little about black history because it had long been omitted from school textbooks
and encyclopedias.
In furtherance of this process, a number of North American universities have established
courses, departments and conferences devoted to the teaching of African Studies in the hope
that all students, irrespective of color will gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture,
and origins of blacks and the slave trade which exported millions of people from Africa to the
Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean. We need to keep alive the story of slavery so that coming
generations may visit and to investigate its lessons.
We should never forget where we came from. It is part of our heritage and we must attend to it.

-Barbara Adokai Adoquaye,

Secondary IV Math Student


10|SPORTS

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon dOr

with Lionel Messi a distant second
Cristiano Ronaldo has been
awarded his third and least
unexpected Ballon dOr, with a year
of individual overachievement that
included 56 goals for Real Madrid
earning him more than twice as
many votes as Lionel Messi, his
one-time Ballon-hogging nemesis, in
the race for Fifas main individual
honour.
In all Ronaldo, who first won the award in 2008 and was runner-up to
Messi three times before winning again last year, took 37.66% of the
votes, with Germanys Manuel Neuer (15.72%) finishing just 0.04%
behind Messi.
It has been an incredible year. I would like to continue the work that I
have done so far. I want to try to improve, to become better as each day
goes by, said Ronaldo. I never thought that I would bring this trophy
back home on three occasions and I want to win it again. I want to
become one of the greatest players of all time.
(Source: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/12/cristiano-ronaldo-ballon-dor-lionel-messi)

Canadiens Can't Figure Sabres Out

By Mike Dennis, CBC Sports Posted: Feb 04, 2015

The
Canadiens,
Canada's
most
successful hockey team this season,
have one major problem. They can't
seem to beat the last-place Sabres. In
their fourth meeting of the season the
Habs and the Sabres played their fourth
one-goal game, and for the third time
the Sabres came out on top, this time
3-2.
Montreal won the first meeting but the Sabres won a home-and-home
series Nov. 28-29 prior to Tuesday's matchup. Buffalo was on 14-game losing
streak, their longest in history, and Montreal's Carey Price carried a lengthy
shutout streak into the game.
But a three-goal first period for the Sabres, capped by former
Canadiens' captain Brian Gionta's score, would be enough as the Sabres made
the most of their 18 shots against Price.
(Source: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-4-stories-from-tuesday-night-1.2944054)

Basketball is Life
No matter what your
age, basketball is fun and is a
cool game for everyone.
Basketball is a great way to
exercise and a great way to
have fun with friends and also
to make new ones. I love to
watch and play basketball.
Basketball is very entertaining.
Basketball is my passion.
In my opinion, playing
basketball is my best game to
play with my friends in order to
have fun while burning calories.
Playing basketball helps you to
be in shape. Rather than sitting
on the couch all day and
playing video games, watching
television and computer which
the majority of the adolescents
do, for me, it is better to play
game outdoors such as
basketball. Another reason why
I love basketball is because you
can play in a team. I prefer to
play with others rather than just
playing alone. There is only one
word that I can describe
basketball with basketball is
life. Whenever I play, I think
Im the best. What I have
learned in playing basketball, if
there is any second left, there is
still chance to win and you just
need to concentrate. It takes a
lot of patience and hard work,
trust and confidence to yourself
especially with your teammates.
Just remember, when you are in
the court, love and enjoy the
game.
-Daniel Miclat,
Secondary IV Computer Student

11|GALLERY

St. Laurent Express Gallery

School Pictures

Secondary V English Class

St. Laurent Express Team

You speak, we listen. We are your voice

Krez F.

Kyla I.

Winona S.

Marc D.

Veronika F.

Vilma N.

Mr. Tom P.

Mr. Joseph-Mitchell Marques

Chief Editor

Adokai A.

Saif B.

INSPIRING STORY

Winter 2015

A Letter for My Love

When I first saw you
I couldnt take my eyes off you
I loved you from that day
When you took my breath away

I need you more and more each day

I miss you more than words can say
My love for you is pure and true
I know you feel the same way too

I love you with all my heart

It hurts a lot when were apart
You are precious like the sun
Having you I know Ive won

Meeting you is a miracle

You showered me all your love and care
I love you for who you are and what you do
Ill do everything to care for you

I love the way you make me happy

Specially, during the times
I am lovely
When you embrace me so tight
It sustains me through day and night

The best decision I made is to love you

And Im happy to say
Its my pleasure to treasure you each day.

Kharia Gaen Guerrero

Secondary V English Student

Contact Us!
Mr. Joseph Marques: teach.jmm@hotmail.com
Mr. Tom Patrick: patricktl@hotmail.com
Vilma Nacis: nsi.1services@yahoo.ca
Kylia Isaac: miss_isaac@hotmail.com
Winona Siari Opalec: winonatskie@gmail.com
Veronika Fendler: vfendler@gmail.com
Marc Angelo Dela Cruz: Marccruz0911@gmail.com
Kreztorv P. Fugaban: krezymhon@gmail.com

Special Thanks to our two Angels, our support team Ms.

Annette and Ms. Lisa.
Many Thanks to our Honorable Ms. Marysa Barassi, School
Principal and Ms. Denise Marroun, Vice-Principal.
We hope you enjoyed reading the St. Laurent Express school
newspaper. See you in the next edition! J

Staff Tutoring Hours:

Mon
Block
A
Block
B
Block
C

Nandita
Rm 130

After
School

Sandra
Rm 130

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Murray

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

9 am to
3 pm

9 am to
3 pm

9 am to
3 pm

9 am to
3 pm

12 pm to
3 pm

Adele

Yaw
Rm 130
Yaw
Rm 130

Douglas
Rm 130

Joseph
Rm 117

Tom
Rm 114

Joseph
(Reading
club)
Rm 117

Lisa
P.
Rm
114

Betina
(French
and
English)

9 am to
3 pm
Block
A and
C

9 am to
3 pm

Block
C

Block
A and
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Block
C