Lions Pulse

Winter Edition
Volume II, Issue 1
Has anyone noticed a student influx? Harry Cole investigates.
HARRY COLE STAFF REPORTER
A few months ago it would be fair to say I knew most of the general population at Monarch Park Collegiate. That was until September of this year when I walked into my grade 12 Philosophy Class. I scanned the room, and to my surprise I barely recognized anyone. Did some kids get bigger? Were there a few dozen oversized grade nines in my grade twelve class? As the attendance was read out I started to feel like a stranger in my own school. As the day went on, more unknown faces appeared around the halls. It was not until the end of the day that I learned that we had many new students and that more than half of my Philosophy Class had came from Riverdale Collegiate Institute. Although the school can physically support this influx of students, the ratio of classes to students had teachers pulling in extra desks left and right. A number of the students who are entering the school this year are from Riverdale or Jarvis and are taking their fifth year. But what puzzles me is: why hasnt this been an issue in the past? INFLUX continued on Page 2 The halls and locker bays of Monarch Park are now filled with new students.

THE

December 16, 2011

Is Monarch Park a growing trend?

elizabeth hawtin/the lions pulse

Out of service
SARAH MULLINS STAFF REPORTER
Todays generation is no doubt one of technology; cellphones have become an integral part of society and nowhere is their use more prevalent than in the life of a teenager. So why arent they allowed in the place where we spend nearly half of our waking hours? This was exactly the argument raised by two student trustees earlier this year, and on May 18th, the TDSB voted to lift their cellphone ban in schools. Despite this ban being officially lifted, it hasnt been introduced into Monarch Park - yet. That means there will be no change in the cellphone regulations. Mrs. Abernethy has chosen to wait for the policy, which is still in its early stages, to be finalized. So even though these new regulations do not have any effect on the students of Monarch Park, it does recognize the increasingly important role that cellphones play in the learning of todays youth. Even months after the decision was made, this new policy remains a highly controversial topic, one which has equally strong arguments from either side. For example, one teacher I spoke to is vehemently opposed, stating that, Regardless of good intentions, students are not using cellphones for learning. Theyre texting their friends, updating their Facebook status and making weekend plans. It is hard enough trying to engage students without having to fight Facebook for their attention. Students are going to see the headlines and assume they can simply use their phones whenever and wherever they like, which is not the case. Many would agree, while others believe that, Embracing the fantastic potential technology brings to the classroom could have a very positive impact on the learning experience if its properly regulated. CELLPHONES continued on Page 2

elizabeth hawtin/the lions pulse

There are some strange health fads out there. Seemi Qiaser, Health Correspondent reports. - Page 3

Is the image of a school related to the prowess of its sports programs? Aidan Carroll explains. - Page 4

Movember has been quite the hit at Monarch Park. A look back at a great month. -Page 6