What’s up Wildcat! Welcome to John W. Gunn’s very first Student Newsletter
Written by students, for students!
Table of Contents
One to One: Ashley Get to know your new VP Languages Hailey Mental Wellness Kyna Friendly, Beautiful Manitoba Ashton Music Review Haylee A Day of a Grade 6 Student Ry-Anne Homework Tips Haylee Bullying Taylor Picture Day Tips Hailey One to One: Ry-Anne Sit down with Mr. Tratch 2030 Climate Change Elliott Christmas Movie Review Haylee Stanley Cup Prediction Student Newsletter Club
: One to One ! Get to know your new VP By: Ashley
Please introduce yourself. My name is Tami Pennell and I am the Vice Principal of John W. Gunn Middle School.
It is your first year working here at John W. Gunn. How is it going so far? “I absolutely love everyone- staff and students have been so awesome!”
Who is your best pal here so far? Mr. Honke because he brings me coffee!
What makes John W. Gunn different from other places you have worked at? How kind, hardworking and friendly everyone is.
Now that the serious questions are done.. let’s have some fun! Where is your favourite place to shop? Soho, London, England.
Do you have any special talents? Colouring, spinning a basketball on one finger.
Who is your celebrity crush? Hmm.. Daniel Day Lewis!
What was your favourite song when you were in middle school? Ah, so long ago! I think.. Beat it by Michael Jackson.
What is your favourite food to pack for lunch? A sandwich. Quick and easy!
Tell me a random fact about yourself! I grew up in Newfoundland!
Do you speak any other languages? Yes, I speak Newfie!
Interesting. Can you say hi in Newfie? Of course. “Whatruat?”
What is a cultural/religious tradition you follow? Catholicism.
What is your favourite quote? “A student has to know that the teacher cares before the student cares what the teacher knows.”
What keeps you inspired and motivated? My friends, my family and my job.
Did you know many of our fellow wildcats speak many different languages? Here are some! By: Hailey Tataysar She speaks Krio! So we asked her to say how to say hello in this language! “Kushe!” Grace She speaks Japanese! So we asked her to say hello in this language! “Konichiwa!” Jesse He speaks Tagalog! So we asked our fellow wildcat how to say hello in this language! “Kamusta” Alisa She speaks Russian! So we asked her to tell us how to say hello in this language!
Mental Wellness By Kyna Did you know that half of Canadians have had mental health issues?
I bet you didn’t. That’s because it is typically invisible to the eye and people are not comfortable talking about it. Because it is not really visible, it is hard to tell when someone is struggling. So here are some tips on how to know your friend is going through something:
* If they are not eating properly * If they are not doing things they enjoy * If they are behaving differently from usual. For example, they are often bubbly but lately they have been easily angered.
It is hard to determine when someone is struggling so the best thing to do is to be kind and compassionate to everyone. But, if a friend has openly talked about their struggles, here are some specific ways to help:
* Give hugs! They go a long way and help a lot. * Be sensitive of others’ feeling. * Let others know you are their friend and that you are here for them. * Listen to understand. * Sometimes, saying nothing does a lot.
Most importantly, don’t be so quick to judge that someone could be struggling. Help, be compassionate, and always remember to BE KIND.
I am no expert but hey, if you are struggling with something, there are ways to cope with these emotions. First, don’t be afraid to cry. Let it out. Talk to someone you trust and ask for help. Find something to distract yourself and always, I mean always be kind to yourself.
Friendly, beautiful Manitoba By Ashton
Manitoba was placed as the Top 10 Places to Travel according to The Lonely Planet for 2019. Although Manitoba isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of a vacation, there is an abundance of fun activities and breathtaking sights that make Manitoba a worthwhile stay. One of the most prestige travel guidebook brands has highlighted a few areas in Manitoba that are worth checking out. One of these places included Churchill. An amazing place to check out in Churchill is the Wapusk National Park. There you will be able to see much of the local wildlife and the beautiful, fantasy-esque Landscaping.
Another great area on the list to check out in Manitoba is the Riding Mountain National Park. If you are big into hiking you will enjoy trekking through the forest and admiring the wildlife. If you love kayaking you will absolutely adore the many lakes this park has to offer. This is also a great place to hunt elk, bison, and bears. Whether you are a kayaking expert or a wildlife enthusiast, the Riding Mountain National Park will have something for you.
It is so easy to overlook Manitoba, us locals are guilty of that. While we tend to look outside for beautiful places, the outside world looks toward us instead. Manitoba has great things to offer. Let us start recognizing and celebrating our own home!
EVERYONE Top Songs Should Be Listening To Right Now
Just kidding. But here is a compilation of songs our fellow classmates and staff are listening to right now! By: Haylee
1. thank u, next by Ariana Grande
Of course our girl Ari makes it to the top of our list. Music video was released just a few days before December and it is everything. It pays tribute to Mean Girls, Bring It On, Legally Blonde, and 13 Going on 30 so feel free to show this to your Mom. If you ever get into a situation where you feel is not worth of your time, simply say “thank u, next” and move on. Except to teachers. Because next will be the office.
2. Meant To Be by Florida Georgia Line
Can’t forget about our country gals and pals. First off, this is a country song so I am a little iffy. But, it is pretty good. Plus I can’t really say a lot of mean things because Hailey will be mad at me. 6.5/10.
3. Gucci Gang by Lil Pump
Ah this one. This one we cannot recommend because of the inappropriate language. Maybe, if the person who is doing the rapping is muted and all we can hear is the beat and sound effects, we can say we approve. We’ll put this one up anyway for you Koen.
4. Baby you can drive my car by The Beatles
Ok, this one, not going to lie, was pretty good. Plus this one is Mr. Finlay’s favourite song. He is the Principal. So we had to put it on. It’s... alright. (I mean, Mr. Finlay, if you are reading this, it is AN AWESOME SONG!).
5. 2002 by Anne Marie
This song is not bad at all. Not the best but quite good. In my opinion, she kind of got a smidge more famous because of Marshmellow so I was surprised that this one became a hit. Overall, she has a good voice and it showed in this song.
A DAY of a grade 6 student By Ry-Anne
I woke up at 6 today, I felt tired. I went to bed at 9 pm that’s why. I wobbled to the kitchen and poured myself a bowl of cereal. “Good morning,” Mom says. I nodded. I went back to my bedroom, got dressed, it is now 7. Just in time. As I brushed my teeth, I remembered it was Monday and wondered how boring today was going to be. When I arrived at school, I seen Kyna and Carmen. My best friends. Running late, I ran as fast as I could to my locker before O Canada starts again. I closed my locker, ran to the room when halfway through, I realized I forgot my pencil case. Ugh. I’m going to be late. I arrive late and of course someone has my stool. I quietly get a seat. Ms. Smolinski has already started teaching. Awkward. Finally, the bell rang for my second class. I have math. Great. And then it rang again. Lunch time! I’m starving. I had no idea what Kyna and Carmen just said- I just devoured my food. The bell goes, and it goes again. And again. I am so tired. What a day. Tomorrow, we do this all over again.
How to do homework fast and still get good grades By Haylee
Tip #1 If you have homework do it as soon as possible.
Tip #2 Use the time you have and use it properly.
Tip #3 The earlier you do it, the less you need to stress.
Tip #4 Ask for help at home but don’t rely on them completely. You have to make sure you are the one that is learning.
Tip #5 Do your best!
Tip #6 And lastly, reward yourself!!!
Bullying By Taylor
Everyone always goes against the bully, but have you ever thought about why they bully others? Or if they are being bullied as well? Well, here you will learn all about why bullies may bully. Remember, always treat everyone with respect even if they are not a friend of yours. Cyber bullying is one of the most common bullying, 43% of people get bullied online. Girls are twice as likely as boys to be victims of this type of bullying. 90% of teens bully on popular social media. Most people have said that they choose to ignore it but only 1 out of ten victims will tell a parent or a trusted adult. Physical bullying, on the other hand, is very serious. Bullies will get physical with you. Take it seriously, seek help. Verbal bullying. Verbal bullying is using your words to hurt someone and yes, the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is catchy but ideal. You think words won’t hurt you, but they really can hurt you, if they call you names, tease you, or threaten to cause harm that is verbal bullying. My opinion on bullying is never to become a bully or bully with someone. Instead, tell them it is wrong and if that does not work, just say “let’s go do something else” and they will most likely say “ok.” But if that still does not work, move on and hang with someone else. “But its ok if it’s my friends, right?” you ask? No. It especially counts if they are your friends because they are supposed to be kind, loving towards you. They should be helping and supporting you! Pick better friends.
How to have
the best picture day By Hailey
Know when your pictures are going to be taken.
Practice your smile in front of a mirror.
Pick out your clothes the day before.
Dress the way you normally would but don’t over do it.
Be confident!
: One to One Sit down with Mr. Tratch By: Ry-Anne
What is your full name? Jordan Tratch
What do you do at JWG? I am a Phys Ed Teacher!
Fun! How long have you been a PE teacher here at JWG? Not too long.. Just 22 years.
Who are your best friends here at JWG? Mr. Wankling and Ms. Ritlbauer…… and many others :)
If you weren’t a PE teacher, what do you think you would be? I believe I would be a Math teacher!
What are some of your favourite hobbies outside of school? Waterskiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, reading.
What is your favourite colour? I like red.
Can you speak any other languages? Yes, french and ukrainian!
Do you have any hidden talents? Juggling, construction.
What is your favourite store to shop at? RONA!
Who is your celebrity crush? Pink.
What was your favourite band/songs when you were in middle school? Can you remember? Ha! Barney Bentall.
What is your favourite food to pack for lunch? Pizza pops.
Who is your role model? My Dad.
Tell me a random fact about yourself! I love to go sky diving!!!
What are you looking forward to in the next year? Travelling with my family.
By 2030, in 12 years, the world will change
By: Elliot The heat will go up by 1.5 degrees. I know that that does not seem like much but if the world warms up by 1 degree, icebergs all over the world will start to melt. Because they melt, the sea level will rise. Once the sea level rises, places like California, the country of the Philippines and many more will disappear from the face of the Earth. Forest fires will occur more often in much crazier conditions. If we are not careful ALL OF THIS will happen. In my opinion, we humans could have gills and be sea creatures, but before we even find out if that is true, we could possibly be all dead by then. Shame.
Movie Review: The Princess Switch By Hailey
I did not think I would like the movie The Princess Switch so I was surprised how much I really liked it. But I do think I would not have liked it if it was not a Christmas movie. What made me really like it however is that there is such a good meaning behind it. My two favourite scenes are first, when Kevin found out Margaret and Stacy switched places, second was when Stacy married the Prince. I have 4 favourite characters: Stacy, Margaret, Kevin and Olivia. Their personalities were so fun and their characters were so funny. In the movie, Kevin and Stacy are best friends. Ever since Stacy and Margaret switched places, Margaret was falling for Kevin. Kevin also felt the same way but he thought he was falling for Stacy so he did not want to ruin their friendship. I liked that he chose the friendship over what he was feeling. Overall, I give it a 10/10.
WHO WILL WIN THE 2019
STANLEY CUP?
BOLD PREDICTIONS BY STAFF AND STUDENTS OF JWG! James 6C Winnipeg Jets Cole 6C Winnipeg Jets Zack 6C Winnipeg Jets John 6B Winnipeg Jets Elliott 6C Winnipeg Jets Korbyn 6A New York Rangers Ryland 6C Tampa Bay Lightning Hailey 6C Toronto Maple Leafs Mr. Paton Nashville Predators Mr. Yong Edmonton Oilers Ms. Smolinski Winnipeg Jets Mr. Finlay Winnipeg Jets