Tag Archives: high school

June 26, 2023 · 06:09

St. Patrick Histories: Episode II-St. Patrick High School

St. Patrick Histories is a video series created and produced by history students at St. Patrick High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The series is designed to educate students and the general population about historical places within the city.

This episode is all about our home, St. Patrick High School. While we have only been at this location since 1988, the building itself has a long history stretching back to 1931. Watch as the students themselves take you on a tour of the current facility and at the same time recreate some of its history. The video was written, directed and produced by the Grade 10 students of CHC2D104 2023. Enjoy!

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March 6, 2019 · 10:37

The Latest-March 2019

History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are but, more importantly, what they must be-John Henrik Clarke

It has been a very busy start to the semester for the students and teachers of the Social Science Department.

At the beginning of February, St. Patrick hosted its annual Grade Information Night. Our department had an opportunity to showcase our amazing programs and courses, demonstrating all the possibilities that the humanities provide. We also had a display on EF Educational Tours, whom we are proud to partner with to provide exciting history and geography based travel opportunities.

Social Science Display, February 2019.

Speaking of travel, on March break 22 students and 3 teachers will be joining a group from St. Ignatius for an exciting history-themed tour of Europe. The group will begin their journey in Berlin, where they will visit such places as the Berlin Wall and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. From there, they will move on to the Netherlands, visiting the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. In Belgium, they will spend a day around the city of Ypres. In northern France, they will visit the Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel battlefields before proceeding to Normandy and Juno Beach. The last day of the tour will take the group to the many sites of Paris. You can follow their progress on this site and on social media.

St. Patrick & St. Ignatius students pray at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Cemetery, April 2017.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

 

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May 3, 2018 · 14:25

The Latest-May 2018

There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know-Harry S Truman

Spring has finally sprung and there are many great things happening in the Social Science Department.

In early April, a number of our students led by Ms. Cavar participated in the annual Mock Trial held at the Thunder Bay Courthouse. The trial was presided over by a real judge and the students, who filled the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jury and the accused, were assisted by practicing lawyers. Our students faced off against students from St. Ignatius, and when the verdict was pronounced, St. Patrick emerged victorious. They were able to convince the jury to return a “not guilty” decision. Congratulations to Ms. Cavar and all the students involved for their hard work!

St. Patrick Mock Trial Team, April 2018.

The teachers in the department were very fortunate to be involved in a new instructional initiative this year, known as NPDL-New Pedagogies for Deep Learning. Innovative lesson ideas were brought to the classrooms, some of which were described in previous newsletters. A number of teachers in the department were selected to attend the NPDL Global Deep Learning Lab (DLL), which was held from April 16-18 in Vancouver. It was an amazing opportunity to see what other educators are doing in their classrooms, who hail from across Canada, the United States, Australia, Uruguay and many other countries. We are excited to share these ideas with the students and our colleagues to enhance the learning experience.

NPDL Team in Vancouver, April 2018.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

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November 30, 2017 · 14:36

The Latest-December 2017

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them-Robert Binyon

November is always an important month for the Social Science Department, as it is the month of remembrance.

On November 10th, our school commemorated those that served in Canada’s wars, and especially those made the ultimate sacrifice, with a service in the auditorium. Students from Mr. Battistel’s Grade 10 history class led the event with readings, poems and prayer, including Lauraine McNeely who was the master of ceremonies and Mark Prodanyk, who read “In Flanders Fields.” Ms. Debruyne, our chaplain, led us in prayer, while several students donned their cadet uniforms to take part in the ceremony and the school band led by Mr. Soderlind played an introduction and O Canada. This year we were very privileged with the addition of students from Ms. Delpaggio’s drama class, who on short notice put together a skit to which added a wonderful visual element to the service. The skit was set to the music of The Trews “Highway of Heroes,” to which Breanne Yesno added her amazing vocals. You can view the entire service on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/StPatrickSocialScience/videos/1677590402271246/

Remembrance Day, 2017.

Remembrance Day, 2017.

Remembrance Day, 2017.

Remembrance Day, 2017.

Remembrance Day, 2017.

Earlier in the month, students in Ms. Caza’s Grade 10 history class had the opportunity to view a interesting piece of local history related to WWI. Kathryn Lyzun visited the class with a photo album belonging to James Doak, who was a trumpeter and stretcher bearer with the 52nd Battalion (now the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment) during the war. The album gave the students a unique and local view of the conflict and those involved in it.

James Doak album presentation, October 2017.

James Doak album presentation, October 2017.

James Doak album presentation, October 2017.

James Doak album presentation, October 2017.

If you haven’t already heard or read, we are going back to Europe! The Social Science Department will be travelling to Europe in March 2019 to once again take in the culture and history of a number of countries. This will be an amazing opportunity to visit places such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Ypres, Vimy Ridge, Normandy and France; spots are still available but are filling up quickly. The cost of the trip is $3900. More information can be found in the brochure below or by contacting Mr. Battistel at the school.

From Vimy to Juno Brochure

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

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November 3, 2017 · 07:44

The Latest-November 2017

History never really says goodbye. History says, “See you later.”-Eduardo Galeano

October was a very busy month for the students and teachers in the Social Science Department.

Students in our Grade 9 geography classes had the opportunity to travel to Fort William Historical Park to participate in the annual Fall Harvest program. There they were able to learn about many aspects of Indigenous culture, such as harvesting wild rice, preparation of bannock and cleaning of hides. It was a great introduction to the history and culture of our First Nations people.

Fall Harvest, September 2017.

Fall Harvest, September 2017.

Fall Harvest, September 2017.

Fall Harvest, September 2017.

Students in Ms. Bernardi’s Grade 9 geography classes had a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in their study of geology. They used different types of chocolate, coupled with heat, pressure and time, to replicate the rock cycle. This unique application of hands-on learning allowed the students to see the process first-hand and more importantly, taste the fruits of their efforts.

Chocolate rocks, October 2017.

Chocolate rocks, October 2017.

Chocolate rocks, October 2017.

Chocolate rocks, October 2017.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

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October 1, 2017 · 00:00

The Latest-October 2017

The very concept of history implies the scholar and the reader. Without a generation of civilized people to study history, to preserve its records, to absorb its lessons and relate them to its own problems, history, too, would lose its meaning-George F. Kennan

This year plans to be an exciting one for the students and teachers in the Social Science Department.

We will be involved in many great hands-on activities and field trips that will engage students in the learning process. We are again in the process of planning another overseas excursion to Europe for March 2019. The trip will take us to such places as Berlin, Amsterdam, Vimy, Normandy and Paris.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

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May 4, 2017 · 21:17

The Latest-May 2017

What is history? An echo of the past in the future; a reflex from the future on the past-Victor Hugo

On April 7th, students from Ms. Cavar’s Grade 12 Law class participated in the annual Mock Trail at the Thunder Bay Courthouse. Our students emerged victorious against the team from Superior. Congratulations go out to lawyers Jessica Goettlicher, Jordana Casasanta and Bailey Hoard, victim and witness Jon Watts and witness Kailyn Haner. Jessica was named best lawyer at the trial. Great job everyone!

St. Pats Team with Ms. Cavar, April 2017.

With the trophy, April 2017.

From April 5th to 15th, 23 students from St. Patrick journeyed to Europe to participate in the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Travelling alongside students and teachers from St. Ignatius, the group was led by Mr. Battistel, Ms. Caza and Mr. Marcon. In addition to the Vimy commemorations, which was held on April 9th and attended by upwards of 25,000 people, the group visited Amsterdam, Ypres, Albert, Beaumont Hamel, Juno Beach, Honfleur and Paris. The trip was filled with an abundance of European history and culture. You can read a day-by-day account of the trip with photos by checking the archives.

The whole crew in Honfleur, April 2017.

St. Patrick crew, April 2017.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

 

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April 3, 2017 · 20:43

Vimy 2017 here we come!

It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then… that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation-Brigadier General Alexander Ross, Commander, 28th Battalion, CEF April 9th, 1917

So here we are, less than 48 hours away from a great journey. The excitement, and anxiety, is palpable. On Wednesday, 23 students and 3 teachers from St. Patrick will be departing for an 11-day trip to Europe, the highlight of which will be participation in the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The last week has been insanely busy for all involved; all the last minute planning and meetings tend to be very stressful. On top of that, we have had a lot of media attention on what will be a once in a lifetime trip. On Friday, March 31st, local MPs Patty Hajdu and Don Rusnak came by the school to present travellers from both St. Patrick and St. Ignatius will small gifts for the journey. Also present was Lieutenant-Colonel David Ratz, who is the commanding officer of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR). Our students will be visiting graves of soldiers from the 52nd Battalion and the Lake Superior Regiment in Europe, units that are perpetuated by the LSSR today. You can read more about the media conference on TBNewswatch, CBC and the TBT News.

MPs Hajdu and Rusnak visit students from St. Patrick & St. Ignatius, March 2017.

All of the travellers will come home with many great memories from the trip. They will also take home many physical reminders as well. Anyone who visits Vimy Ridge is presented with the Vimy Pilgrimage Medal, which honours not only the sacrifice of those that fought there, but also those who have travelled to pay tribute to the fallen. The medal features the central image of the Vimy Memorial, which is the Spirit of Canada, or Mother Canada, weeping for her fallen sons. The ribbon bears the colors of the 4 Canadian Divisions who fought together at Vimy for the first time; red for the 1st Division, blue for the 2nd Division, grey for the 3rd Division and green for the 4th Division.

Vimy Pilgrimage Medal

Wifi permitting, we will be posting a day-by-day account of our journey on this site. Please follow us as we weave our way through the Netherlands, Belgium and France on this one-in-lifetime journey.

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March 30, 2017 · 13:02

The Latest-April 2017

Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both-C. Wright Mills

It has been another busy month in the Social Science Department.

On February 28th, the school hosted its annual open house for prospective Grade 8 students. In a break with past practice, department booths were located in their respective areas, as opposed to the gymnasium, which was designed to allow students and parents to see more of the school. Social Science was located in the North Hallway across from the music room and there was a fairly steady stream of traffic by our booth. In case you missed it, you can view our department brochure here: Department Brochure

Social Science Display, February 2017.

Learning with hands-on activities is continuing in our classrooms. Students in Ms. Bernardi’s Grade 9 geography class were able to physically create the process of the rock cycle and also eat it too. Utilizing chocolate, the students used heat, pressure and time to form the three different types of rocks; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Once they had completed their “model,” they had the opportunity to savour their rock cookies as a snack!

The department trip to Europe to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is now only days away. Twenty-three students and three teachers from St. Patrick will be joined by students and teachers from St. Ignatius as they make the pilgrimage for this once-in-a-lifetime event. It is estimated that 25,000 people will attend the ceremony, along with representatives from the government and the Monarchy. In addition to Vimy Ridge, the group will be visiting Amsterdam, Beaumont Hamel, Albert, Normandy and Paris. You can follow their progress via our website, or on Facebook and Twitter.

Vimy 100 backpack and jacket, March 2017.

Please check back soon as we will posting details before and during our trip to Europe for the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge.

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February 2, 2017 · 09:44

The Latest-February 2017

If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten-Rudyard Kipling

With the arrival of exams, another semester is drawing to a close for the students and teachers in the Social Science Department. One of the highlights of the semester has been our work on an inter-disciplinary task revolving around climate change. Students in some classes were asked to view the documentary “Before the Flood,” which was hosted and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. They were then asked to write letters describing their thoughts on climate change, what they are doing to combat its effects and what they would ask of their elected officials regarding this issue. Their questions and ideas will form the nucleus of a video that will be created to address this important topic.

As we move closer to spring, the pace of preparations for the department excursion to Europe in April are increasing. Travelling together with St. Ignatius, 23 students and 3 teachers from St. Patrick will be in France on April 9th to take part in the 100th Anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. We will be joining thousands of Canadians from across the country that will be on hand for the event. Flight itineraries have already been received for this 11-day, once-in-a-lifetime trip and excitement is building. More updates will be forthcoming and people will be able to follow their journey via the department website.

St. Patrick students at the 95th Anniversary commemorations, April 2012.

St. Patrick students at the 95th Anniversary commemorations, April 2012.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and information.

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