PECI showing its support, fun and focus

Kierstyn Bennett

More than 100 PECI students congregated on the front lawn of the school Monday, Sept. 17 with looks of determination on their faces, to take part in a peaceful protest against the Ontario government.  In face of the recently legislated Bill 115, the  students decided to show support for their teachers and stand up for what they believe in.
“We are the only voice,” said student Jessie Reed. “Support our teachers!”
The organizer of the protest, student Kierstyn Bennett, said the idea came when she “saw that Sydenham High School did it, and then Quinte Secondary and that’s when I decided that I wanted to organize one.”  The protest  also included the signing of a petition which students hope will make its way to MPP Todd Smith’s office.
In the face of heated debate coming from both the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and the provincial government, the students formed their own strong opinions.
“I believe that teachers should have the same rights as others” said one student who wished to remain anonymous.”
“They (teachers) are not allowed to strike. That’s why we’re doing it,” said Clara Schaab.
Many students created signs to express their feelings, and during the signing of the petition, a poster titled “What Teachers Mean to Us” was also created by several students using words such as ‘relentless’, ‘dedication’, ‘support’ and ‘my future’ showing the respect they feel for their teachers.
Although the politics behind these recent changes in Ontario secondary schools are complicated, and have a broader impact than just in the schools, the students seem to be well researched and interested on gaining as much knowledge as they can to get their points across.
With the population of today’s teenagers having a reputation for being disengaged from society and current issues, it can be hoped that adults will see this initiative as a serious effort made by the students of PECI to state their opinion and show how much they support their teachers.

ALL FUN AND GAMES AT GRADE 9 ORIENTATION
Last week, PECI held its Grade 9 Orientation, a day full of food, games, activities, and a chance for students to get to know their school and their new classmates better!
The day started with a hotdog barbecue at lunch. During period 4, students moved outside to the back field where water balloons were being thrown, and a mass of people were engaged in activities as our resident DJ blasted the tunes.
The day ended with a massive scavenger hunt throughout the entire school which aided in the Grade 9s learning what the school has to offer.
Many thanks to the ENT class, students’ council, teachers, and other volounteers for helping this day run smoothly, as well as all the Grade 9 students who brought their panther pride and made this day truly awesome!

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY VISITS!
Attention Grade 12s!
Every year, a number of Ontario universities and colleges visit PECI. This is an awesome opportunity to learn more about your dream school or discover more options concerning your post secondary education! Sign-ups are now available in guidance, and the calendar of university visits can be found here:

September: http://edu.hpedsb.on.ca/peci/index.php?option=com_jevents&view=month&task=month.calendar&Itemid=205
October:
http://edu.hpedsb.on.ca/peci/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=month.calendar&Itemid=205&year=2012&month=10&day=12

There is also information available concerning scholarships in the guidance office. If you have any questions concerning your plans for next year, the staff in guidance will be happy to help!

– Claire Stenhouse and Pati Kelemen, PECI Public Relations Officers

The PECI website is http://edu.hpedsb.on.ca/peci/ .  Follow us on Twitter @PECI_News and like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PECIPanthers