The Current

Just days away from the midterm elections in the USA, the Trump administration proposed an Anti-Trans action, which would stop people from being able to identify themselves as a gender other than their physical gender, or the one that is presented on their birth certificate. This means that transgender, instersex, genderfluid, or anyone else who doesn’t identify as cisgender, would be forced to be known as the wrong gender. This even hinders fully transitioned people, because it includes their birth certificate as a gender identifier.

The New York Times were among the first to discover this draft policy, and among the first to report on it.

This is not the first time we’ve heard anti-LGBTQ threats and actions from the Trump administration. According to Trans Equality, on “October 6th, 2017, The Justice Department released a sweeping "license to discriminate" allowing federal agencies, government contractors, government grantees, and even private businesses to engage in illegal discrimination, as long as they can cite religious reasons for doing so.” On the same day, “the Department of Health and Human Services issued a regulation allowing employers and insurers to deny coverage for birth control, as long as they can cite religious reasons for doing so. In April, President Trump and Congress overturned a regulation that protected Planned Parenthood, one of the nation’s largest providers of care for transgender people, and other family planning clinics from funding discrimination by states.”

Basically, healthcare providers, federal agencies, and other government businesses in the US are legally allowed to deny services (like birth control, surgeries, and protection) to LGBTQ people, particularly trans people, if they cite religious reasons for doing so.

According to Erica Green, Katie Benner, and Robert Pear at the Times, this action “would define sex as either male or female, unchangeable, and determined by the genitals that a person is born with.”

Another law that Trump has passed, which discriminated against Transgender people, was in July 2017, Trump reversed Obama’s plan, which was set to start January of this year. Of course, in classic Trump style, he announced on Twitter that the plan had been abolished, and transgender individuals were not allowed to serve in the military in any capacity, because the military “cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

The New York Times wrote an article stating that even though the ban was lifted due to civil rights groups suing and tremendous outcry from the public, almost none of the applications from transgender people have been accepted. Some have been pending for months. The Times wrote that “Sparta, an organization for transgender recruits, troops and veterans, says that out of its 140 members who are trying to enlist, only two have made it into the service since Jan. 1.”

Just after Trump and Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos took office, another Obama policy was reversed. This policy was to protect transgender students’ rights to use the bathrooms of their choice at school. Now, students are forced to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender at birth or physical gender.

After Trump’s newest policy proposal is making his stance on this subject pretty clear. People are calling out as an attempt to erase transgender.

“...It’s suddenly harder to keep up the mask of confidence,” Shakina Nayfack said to The Guardian “It’s just that gentle touch reminds you how weak you are.”

“It makes me feel unsafe … and I’m very white,” said Will Davis, a theater director, in New York to The Guardian. “It’s trans women of color who bear the brunt of it.”

People are protesting using the hashtag #wewontbeerased and #iwontbeerased on social media and marching to draw attention to the issue. Hopefully, the US government doesn’t go through with the policy. Until then, we can only support each other and hope for the best for our neighbours in the US, and for the future of human rights everywhere.

Chances are, you’ve heard of this health drink. If not, well, you’re about to. First off: What is Kombucha? Kombucha is fermented tea, it is made with a S.C.O.B.Y which stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. Appetizing, right? Despite how gross it sounds, the drink actually has many benefits. Kombucha aids in digestion and it is rich in probiotics. It helps to manage diabetes, and there is some evidence that shows that it could help fight against cancer. So, now that you know what it is and its benefits, where can you get some? You can find it at grocery stores (although it can be a little pricey, depending which store you’re at) or, you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

Large jar

8 tea bags, either black, green or a mix of the two

1 cup of sugar

1 scoby (You can buy these on online stores like EBay, or make your own by buying a bottle of kombucha and letting it sit, or asking around.)

2 cups of unflavoured kombucha

At least 6 empty bottles, usually beer bottles

Herbal tea of your choice

Water, and lots of it

Cheesecloth

Step 1. Bring 14 cups of water to a near boil, and add the black/green tea bags. Turn of the heat and let it steep overnight.

Step 2. Empty the black/green tea into the large jar and add the scoby and unflavoured kombucha.

Step 3. Let it sit for at least 2 weeks, the longer it sits the more bitter it will be. Do not let it sit for more than one month.

Step 4. Once at desired sweetness, make the flavouring with 7 cups of water with your flavouring of choice steeped overnight. In the morning, add it to the bottles along with the kombucha you’ve made with the scoby. Burp the bottles everyday until fizzy and enjoy.

What is D.I? What do you do?

DI is basically something where you and a team work together and use your imagination and skills to do a task.

What are the competitions like?

Well, you show up at wherever it takes place early in the morning and your team has a set schedule. In our case our team did our skit first. The skit is always 8 mins max, and there are always different rules we have to go by when making the skit. We usually have about 2 or 3 months to prepare. Then we have the instant challenge which we take a pledge to not say anything to anyone about what we do for it.

It's usually building a structure or preforming a improv skit.

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What is the best D.I challenge you have done?

This year's actually,  it went mostly all the way we were hoping and no one missed a note. [The competition was called] Remember! Change of Tune. We had to make a musical and it had to have two team choice elements (we chose saxophone and flute), and a spectacle (we chose black lights).

Where is the coolest place you have gone for a competition? Why?

Vancouver. Well, it was just really cool I guess, plus it’s the farthest I’ve gone for a competition.

What is your favourite part about being in D.I?

The team in general, being in a group of people that work so well together and help each other, really gives us a feeling of gratitude to do so well together.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining?

I’d tell them they won’t regret joining, they are gonna have a great time and everyone here is really nice.

The long anticipated reveal of next year's musical has finally happened. Drum roll please! Next years musical is... School of Rock!

If you haven’t seen the movie you are missing out. Some might go so far as to say it’s a classic. The story is about a wannabe rockstar who pretends to be a substitute teacher. When he arrives at the school and decides to start a band with the students.

Mrs. Williams will be directing the musical; therefore, practices will be held at Highland. That is a big positive because many of you probably already know her and will feel more comfortable with her. Auditions will start in the end of August and there will also be some in early September. No specific dates have been set. The performance will be in March. Official dates for rehearsals and performances have not been released.

There will be live music on stage, since there is a student band, people cast as certain members of the band will be playing instruments. If you play an instrument, this might be the show for you! They need a guitar player (male), drum player (male), bass player (female) and a piano player (preferably male). Of course you should be a skilled player and not pick one up the week before your audition since you would be playing live.

For more information and follow ups join the musical Facebook page:

District 71 Musical 2019! SCHOOL OF ROCK!

“Kids today are becoming the most narcissistic, self-centered generation.”

Ever heard something like that before? Probably. According to some adults, all teens have phone addictions, tattoos, no remorse, and are obsessed with Facebook.

First of all, Facebook is weird, and you should all know that by now. (The CEO of Facebook has faced charges of invasion of privacy.) (The memes. Yes, the memes.)

Second of all, anyone can get a tattoo if they want to, and having one should not inhibit someone from getting a job (unless it’s specifically rude or offensive and cannot be covered up).

Third of all, having no remorse is contradictory to only caring about ourselves, because to have remorse is to feel bad about something, and we feel bad about how adults are screwing us over by destroying the planet we’re inheriting, and then turning around and telling us we’re lazy for not cleaning up after ourselves or something.

Last of all, the phone addiction part might be true for many of us, but:

a). for some it provides a level of comfort in social situations

b). having a phone and liking using it for long periods of time should not define our entire generation.

I’m finding it increasingly difficult to get a word edgewise into adults’ brains because their already stuffed with their own opinions and views. Unless you’re blessed with an individual who likes to open their mind to new ideas and issues, you will not be heard! I know someone who will go around and around with me on a subject until they come back and say the exact same thing that I started with and end up twisting my words to make sense in their argument.

It’s exhausting trying to get people to understand that sure, our brains are being pruned billions of  neurons at a time, while our hormones run a muck in our systems, and sure, we do things or say things that might not be good, but we still have valuable opinions that deserve to be heard. In fact, how does one learn if not by sharing thinking?

Did any of you hear of the recent Kinder Morgan pipeline support rally? A bunch of people (all older than 50, I’ll add) gathered at the Victoria legislative buildings last week and were all like, “Enough politics! Just build the pipeline already! We want to retire and get our pensions!” They were holding up signs and everything. There was even a podium for speeches. I was watching this like, “Noooooo you don’t get it my friends. You’re not inheriting the Earth, are you? No. Then you shouldn’t be making decisions for the people who will.”

Who is inheriting the Earth you ask? YOU. And me, and our younger generations. All the millennials who get attacked by anyone over 40 online, and all the little kids who are still in elementary school, and you...we all are stewards of our Earth. That means that whoever tells you that you shouldn’t have an opinion in politics or education or environmental issues or has also just asked you, inadvertently, to pull up your soapbox, and bring up your powerpoint presentation about how wrong they are, and give them an earful (as long as your opinion is well researched, and you know what you’re talking about!). Otherwise they’ll just tell you that you aren’t making sense and they’ll go back to watching Wheel of Fortune.

Make yourself heard! I don’t care if the thing you’re passionate about is the lack of puppies in government positions, or the way USA’s sanity is about to take a nose dive off the deep end. It matters. People should listen. Even if they don’t agree. Adults should not only listen to you, but understand you. Understand that we are more than the stereotypes they’ve assigned us. More than the free wifi memes, and the bad comedy side of Instagram. More than self-centered, hormonal, “TeEnAgErS” who don’t know anything. We have opinions, and we deserve to have them heard, understood, and stood up for. Dialogue creates perspective, allowing for divergent thinking to be introduced. This is important for our future.

Who’s inheriting the Earth? You. Who’s not inheriting the Earth? The old people and adults who insist on shoving their problems in our faces. We are the ones who are going to be cleaning up after the messes left behind. We are the ones who are going to change the world for the better. We need to prove this and can start by engaging in conversations.

Reading to get the fire-y passion flowing through your veins:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/20/stepp.teens.followup/index.html

Hear a few sides:

http://tucson.com/news/opinion/young-voices-do-adults-listen/article_009dcdb8-2c97-59b1-898a-a27805c3103e.html

Features:

https://www.humanrightssummit.com/

The Kinder Morgan Pipeline has been a controversial subject for about a year and still not much progress has been made to resolve the issues involved. Kinder Morgan has recently stopped spending on the project due to the continued opposition towards the project costing them thousands of dollars. Clearly, the pipeline has created strong polarized opinions, hence why the project has been brought forth to the courts.

Pipeline supporters are concerned for what would happen to the economy and jobs if the project didn’t go through. The pipeline would give temporary jobs to thousands, and many people have retirement pension investments made in the project. If it is stopped, these investments would be made elsewhere, taking valuable money with it. In a protest outside the Victoria legislative buildings this past weekend, people spoke out with their concerns. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is now backing the project as well. In a release on Monday, the CTF says that they are taking intervener status* in the reference case for this project.

“Our modern way of life and our economic prosperity depend on oil and gas in Canada and the B.C. government should stop blocking this federally-approved pipeline,” CTF B.C. Director Kris Sims said in a statement to Chek News.

Others say that the project is too big a threat to our environment. Having a pipeline bringing bitumen over the province and through our water poses potential risks. A spill would be disastrous to our ecosystems. Although Kinder Morgan reassures that they have the money to clean up any spills or leaks, protesters are not convinced that recovery from a major bitumen event would be fixed by money alone. Many worry that damage may occur and would be long lasting, altering the land and water ecosystems permanently for many years to come.

Belle Gee spoke out at a protest in Burnaby recently saying, “I feel a duty based on science and facts to stand up and do the right thing which is to protect our land. I say this pipeline will not be built.”

“The interesting thing about the pipelines is that the biggest issue isn’t with the pipelines itself, it’s with the tankers that pick up the bitumen … and what happens if something happens to those tankers.” says Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs to Global News.

Another contentious issue with the pipeline is that it would be crossing over various Indigenous land. Again, some Indigenous peoples are in support of the potential economic support that the pipeline may bring, while others are against it due to environmental concerns, and worries about future livelihood of their nations if a spill should happen.

According to an Ipsos poll commissioned by Global News, 55% of respondents (how many surveyed is not mentioned) say they support the pipeline expansion, while 34% oppose it. 11% aren’t sure. Either way, the Kinder Morgan company has given governments until May 31 to resolve the pipeline dispute, so the decision will have to be made quickly. The project already has investment from the Federal Government of upwards of $7.4 billion dollars. This is not easy to walk away from; however, those against the pipeline tout this to be a drop in the bucket if a major disaster occurs.

*In law, intervention is a procedure to allow a nonparty, called intervenor (also spelled intervener) to join ongoing court case, either as a matter of right or at the discretion of the court, without the permission of the original litigants.

The girl’s rugby team is heading out to provincials soon, and the team is buzzing with excitement.

“I play rugby because it’s not just a game, it’s a family,” says teammate Kassandra Greenwood when asked about why she plays. “My favourite part about playing sports is that if someone gets hurt on the other team, we are still a family...and we don’t hold grudges.”

It’s important to get girls involved in sports like this because it’s common for girls to feel like they aren’t good enough to play sports that are considered male-dominated. “I do believe it’s important to have a girls’ rugby team, because girls can play boys’ sports and be strong as well.”

The team has been very successful this year, winning all of their games and coming out with 4 out of 5 games against Vanier. They are heading into a tournament in May to compete for the provincial championship.

“If someone was wanting to try it I'd say go for it because even if you leave the team it doesn't mean you're not a part of the rugby family.”

The Inkheart Trilogy

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Inkheart is a long time favourite for me. It is a relatively easy book to read. If you’re into fantasy, then this series would be great for you. When Mo is reading out loud to his wife and daughter, the villain of the book (Capricorn) enters our world and his wife vanishes in thin air. The book follows Mo’s daughter, Meggie, on her journey to defeat Capricorn.

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Flutter

Flutter is meant for a younger audience, but if you want a quick, short novel to read this is a good one. Baby Lily is being born too early and may not survive, so Maple and Dawn, her two sisters set out on a quest for a miracle to save their baby sister.

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Harry Potter

Chances are you’ve already read this series, but for those of you who haven’t, I highly suggest reading it. Seven books long, it should last you a good while unless you’re a fast reader. Harry Potter’s parents died protecting him from the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, and when a mysterious wizard shows up at his door on his 11th birthday, his entire life changes in the most magical way.

Pendragon

I am currently reading the Pendragon series, and am loving it. This book isn’t too well known, but it is still a good read. Bobby Pendragon is the average teen boy, or so everyone thought. When his Uncle Press takes him to an abandoned train station, all evidence of his existence disappears and the next thing he knows is that he needs to save all life, not only on earth, but on other dimensions too.

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The Owl Keeper

This is a good, easy book to read if you just want something short. Ever since Maxwell’s gran died, he has been allergic to sunlight. Just a ray of sunlight on his skin will make him bubble up and burn, killing him within minutes. When he goes venturing outside his house one night, he comes across an owl who should be extinct, all of them supposedly killed in the Great Destruction. After finding this owl, secrets are revealed and before he knows it, he is running from everything he’s ever known.

Mrs. Williams has announced that the district musical will be held at Highland in 2019. Unfortunately the show being performed is under lock and key. I know you are probably biting your nails and losing your mind with excitement; but don’t worry! Luckily there is not long to wait because she will be announced to show on Tuesday May 1st at lunch. Even if you aren’t positive that you will want to join next year it is definitely worthwhile to still come by and figure out what will be performed in the future. Who knows, maybe depending on what show it is, you will change your mind!

Lots of teenagers look to alcohol to help them get out of hard times or as a way out. A time where you can just relax and chill and everything just seems ok. Many of teenagers drink and do not know the harms and effects of alcohol on the body and brain. Teens think alcohol is alright and its not doing anything that can hurt them, but that is far from the truth. The effects of alcohol, short and long term, are quite harmful to teenagers.

Short term effects of alcohol are impaired judgement which can make you do things that you normally would consider too risky. Distorted vision and hearing can also make it extremely dangerous around roads and other hazards because you can not sense danger effectively.

Long terms effects can be more damaging to your health. Drinking a few beers every now and then, like most responsible adults is fine. When it becomes uncontrollable thats when it is a health problem. When someone starts to drink a lot, there are many effects on your life including mental health, physical health and social health. When you start to drink uncontrollably you start to distance yourself from your friends and family, you choose a "cold one" over your loved one. Your physical health takes a toll too. Your organs can get damaged over time, which can lead organ failure. When people heavily drink it's usually to reduce stress in life and to relax a bit but it's doing the exact opposite in the long run as it actually increases stress and anxiety.

Alcohol is widely considered as the gateway drug, which means teenagers try alcohol and then want to go on and try other drugs like marijuana which then could lead to other more harmful drugs which can be a lot more dangerous.

Most teenagers are just not aware of the information that has proof that alcohol is not good for you and probably don't care about it either, they are stuck in a dysfunctional mindset that makes them think its fine. Overall they think its fun, and they have a good time.

Glitter is a wonderfully colourful aesthetic; shimmering and glowing on clothes, makeup looks, artificial flowers and more. But the deep, dark truth of glitter is that it is born from the depths of Hell that not even Satan could contain. It is a choking hazard, an environmental hazard and a mental hazard. It’s also often trashy looking.

Glitter goes everywhere but where you want it. It cannot be glued down. It cannot be killed with fire. It cannot be washed away. It cannot be caught. It cannot be contained by glass or metal or plastic. It will escape and come haunt you wherever it goes, like some psychotic, blindingly reflective, rainbow-coloured stalker. One touch is all it takes and you will be contaminated.This contamination is known as Glitter Herpes. (yes, this is a real thing.) The names was given for glitter’s known habit of clinging to everything except for the original object you found it on, and continually spreading from there.

Suggestions for protecting yourself from the shining, demonic granules of continued depression, are: hiding in the dark, keeping those with glitter herpes at a safe distance, and most importantly avoiding anything with glitter in, on or around it.

There are many people you see everyday who struggle with this lifelong trauma. “I found glitter in my laundry,” one dancer says.

“I can't get rid of it. It's everywhere. It's even in my food. I haven’t had a glittery costume in three years and there is still glitter everywhere!” another adds.

“My mom found glitter in our dogs fur. I have a glitter dog now.” Anonymous dancer no.3 stated.

You could practically see her sobbing dead soul in her eyes.

Please support those with Glitter Herpes and help spread awareness. Do not make the mistake of purchasing this hellish substance. You’ll regret it forever and will have to be detained. If you were forced into the glitter, please report it to the council. See your local councillor for emotional support. If you know someone with a glitter addiction, please treat them as you would an alcoholic or, more accurately, a heroin addict, as they have become obsessed with satan's sparkly cocaine (Yes we are aware heroin and cocaine are two separate things).

No hate - unless you’re Glitter in which case go back to the depths of hell you came from. Hell is made of glitter. Everyone must know this. Glitter originated from Hell. Instead of dirt they have glitter. Avoid the glitter at all costs. The Glitter Apocalypse is coming.

No hate

Xx

-L

Last weekend I attended the Summit at the Bay in Sooke. At the conference we were able to explore issues that we think are important (e.g. The treatment of animals in the entertainment business, preventing global warming, etc.) and we were able to come up with a plan for change to implement these changes to society. I chose to look into ways to make feminine hygiene products more accessible to homeless women or just any women who may not have access to them. A few other girls from Victoria and Kelowna wanting to work with this idea, and I decided to keep the organization going and are now working in schools across the island to achieve this goal.

Our ideas for this organization we are now calling Empowered. (period) were to have bake sales to raise money to buy these products and donate them to local shelters in need, as well as possibly having a “Hygiene Drive” to collect any hygiene products and bring them to local shelters. We were thinking of possibly putting a donation box in the girls’ bathroom but as you can imagine, there could be flaws with that idea. We have reached out to a few hygiene companies as well as other organizations like Empowered. for support and are working with them to reach our goal.

Right now we are still in the early stages but this organization of young people could make a real change our communities, if not the world. If you are interested in joining us please feel free to email me via the address below and I will be in contact with you.

Some t-shirts are a little too edgy for the classrooms and hallways. Choose what you wear carefully. You shouldn't be offending everyone around you with a piece of fabric. Express yourself but don't be a jerk. If they are derogatory, sexist, or racist leave them at home. Our school should be a kind place where everyone feels welcome. If your shirt is being rude, put it in a time out! Objects can have power and should be treated as such. We wear clothes too express ourselves but please show the good sides at school; you have an impact on the world and your shirt shouldn't make that a negative one. This is just my opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt. Be a kind person.  

Highland’s own Alinna Tiller won first overall while at Synergy dance competition in Vancouver. She did a lyrical solo to the song Medicine, by Daughter. The solo was dedicated to her sister who passed away from cancer. Lyrical is not the only style of dance that she does; she also does Jazz, Tap, Ukrainian, Hip Hop, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Acro, and Contemporary.

Tiller is a prime example of working towards your dreams; she has been dancing since she was two and a half.  Her first competition was when she was eight, performing an irish dance at NIFPA. When asked about pursuing dance as a career Tiller replied, "I would love to pursue dance, it’s been a dream of mine since I can remember, I know it’s a very tough business to get into. But I’m working on it!” Dancing is a huge part of Alinna’s life. When asked if she could only do one type of dance for the rest of her life she said “I honestly don’t know if I could live if I only did one type of dance, I’d honestly choose lyrical though because I can really express myself through lyrical because lyrical is very emotional and very tough to execute well.”

On the competition itself Tiller said that it had an accepting, supportive and upbeat environment. She loves being able to share her passion with an audience. On winning first place she said, “I was extremely shocked, it almost felt unreal, when they announced 10th and 3rd for my other solos. It made sense to me, but 1st was just unreal. I am so thankful.” Tiller wants all young dancers to know “do not give up! All you can do it keep growing as a dancer and if you put your mind to it, you can do it! All you can do in dance is grow and just keep that in mind!” She would like to thank “all my wonderful team members and my choreographer Haley, to all who made this all happen.”

Highland’s Track and Field team has just started up and is now preparing for the first meet of the season. North Islands are racing into view and the athletes are getting ready to compete.

“There’s some up and comers. News students who are in Cougars will do well.”

-Mr. Geoff Gummer

Last year, Highland lost two prominent athletes due to graduation. Lizzie Gummer, whose main event was 400m hurdles, is currently attending Harvard on a Track and Field scholarship. She set many records, and won gold at the 2017 Junior Championships. Reid Cochrane threw javelin all the way to the BC High Schools, where he took silver against fierce competitors. He is now enrolled at NIC.

“Students in the past like Lizzie Gummer started on the high school track team. It’s a good place to start.”

-Mr. Jacques Nijhoff

Track and Field is a very diverse sport, because it includes so many events. These are often categorized into ‘run’, ‘jump’, and ‘throw’.

Run (coached by Mr. Jacques Nijhoff and Ms. Becky Sulek)

-Long distance (3000m Steeplechase, 5000m)

-Middle distance (800m, 1500m)

-Sprints (100m, 200m, 400m)

-Hurdles (100m, 110m, 400m)

Jump (coached by Mr.

-Long Jump

-Triple Jump

-High Jump

Throw (coached by Mr. Geoff Gummer)

-Discus

-Shot put

-Hammer Throw (practices only with cougars due to lack of equipment)

-Javelin

This year, the Highland team will compete in three possible meets. Leading up to BC High Schools, athletes must first compete in the North Islands, which will decide if they qualify to go on to the Islands. Athletes then compete to qualify to go to BC High Schools.

“[The best part is] three days off school. A good intro to Track and Field and a chance to try different events in a no pressure environment.”

-Mr. Gummer

“I really enjoyed track as a student myself and I like to pass it on to students today. I really enjoy giving back.”

-Mr. Nijhoff.

The team is always looking for new recruits for any and all events. They hold practices on Mondays and Thursdays after school, meeting in the gym or weight room. Contact Mr. Gummer or Mr. Nijhoff for more information.

On Wednesday, Ms. Jerome’s 9/10 Leadership class, along with members of Highland’s Indigenous student council, attended a reconciliation gathering at Valley View Elementary School. It was a full day field trip, centered around reconciliation in First Nations communities. It featured guest speakers Valeen Jules, Trisha McPhail, Rob Everson, and Highland’s own Jessie Everson.

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Throughout the day, students got to brainstorm ways to heal and help heal the communities affected by residential schools and other government issues. It is said that steps we take towards reconciliation should be taken by everyone.

“It’s a dark history that people don't want to know about; that people don't know about,” said Jessie Everson.

For 67 years, the Potlatch Ban was in effect. This prevented native peoples from meeting their kin and sharing stories and cultural practices. This ban, along with the Indian Act, were attempts at cultural genocide upon the indigenous peoples of Canada. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, “The White Paper, written in 1969, was a Canadian government policy that attempted to abolish previous legal documents pertaining to Indigenous peoples in Canada, Including the Indian Act and treaties, and assimilate all “Indian” peoples under the Canadian state”.

The meeting empowered the students with compelling stories and speeches shared by guests. Trisha McPhail, guest speaker and activist, addressed the body, saying “You are not our future leaders. You are our leaders.” Rob Everson stressed that education was the key. He stated that ‘education will not only save yourselves, but it will save the lives of many indigenous people.”

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The gathering was eye opening, and empowering. It was in important and exciting experience for all the students who attended.

Man do I love mayonnaise. It’s like my best friend in a way. I feel like everyone could use a mayonnaise friend in their life. Mayonnaise won’t gossip about you, it won’t try to hurt you and you can tell it all of your problems without having to worry about it telling anyone. Not only is it an amazing friend, but it has so many amazing uses! I use it as shampoo, body wash, and even as a lotion. You can cook with it (I make mayonnaise pancakes), wear it, and you can use it as hair dye. If you leave it in your hair for about a year without washing it out it will turn it a nice platinum, trust me I’ve tried it and I had looked better than ever. I smear it on my pillow before I sleep for its moisturizing properties. I swear I wake up and my face is smoother than a newborn squid, its absolutely amazing!

Although mayonnaise is amazing for pretty much everything, there are some issues that come with having mayonnaise as best friend. My boyfriend refuses to sleep in the same bed as me, saying that I “smell disgusting” and “reek of mayo”, which I don’t understand. Who wouldn’t want to smell like mayonnaise 24/7? He made me go to the councillor to get my “problem” sorted out a couple weeks back. I don’t remember much as it ended with me hitting my head on a tomato. Supposedly when the social worker tried to take my trusty 8-year-old jar of mayonnaise away from me I freaked and jumped out the window where I ran into a local Walmart, hit my head on a tomato and got a concussion. This just goes to show that you should never take away someone’s mayo, as it could lead to injury and in worst cases, death. Everyone has left me since the incident, including my boyfriend. Oh well, the only friend I need is mayonnaise. Mayo will always have my back when no one else does.

-Did you know you can use mayonnaise as a hair conditioning treatment? It makes your hair super soft!

-The U.S. consumes about $2 billion dollars worth of mayonnaise each year

-A restaurant once held a mayo eating contest and the winner won a trip to Mexico

-Mayonnaise is excellent for sunburns

Teenagers these days are struggling more and more when it comes to body issues and mental health. With social media and the Internet at our fingertips we are constantly seeing other people who perhaps look skinnier than us or have more curves.

Body issues are not a new thing but before technology it was less talked about. Back then you had three ways to see these people: they were people you knew, you saw them around town or you saw them in a magazine or other media. Now, we still have all of those things but with just the click of the button or a tap on a screen, we can see people from across the world. Just by searching up “skinny girl” over fifty-five million results come up. So it is much easier to see these images.

But it is not always by choice. Social media apps such as Instagram, have an explore or recommended tab where they show you posts based on stuff you have seen or liked recently. However, these are not always accurate. Normally about half the posts are things you look at regularly and half are things you’ve looked at once or twice. So maybe you look at a few fitness or body posts once, and then for the next week they’re on your explore page. You might be saying that we can simply boycott social media, but it’s often hard to communicate with friends when you don’t have it.

As of now the ideal body of a woman from a woman’s point of view is flat chiseled stomach, long legs, long straight hair, slim hips, good facial structure and a reasonably small bust. From a man’s point of view women should be very shapely; large bust, curved hips, long legs, a flat stomach and wavy hair. We can't forget that men struggle with body images too. According to women, men should have wavy luscious locks, muscular legs, a toned torso and large biceps. From the point of view of a man he should have shorter hair, a very chiseled torso, even larger biceps and again, muscular legs.

Even without the media, many teens are still struggling with body issues and mental health. There is, of course, the stress of being in a high school setting. Going to school with hundreds of other people, you see people of all shapes and sizes. As human beings we are bound to look at and study the people around us. This leads to jealousy and judging of our own bodies. You can simply walk into the grocery store and, while in line to pay, you are bombarded by photos of celebrities. An even bigger issue is tabloids. They line up along the shelf trashing celebrities who are working hard to make it into the public eye. These tabloids strive off of taking paparazzi photos and judging how celebrities look in real life. How do they expect us as people to stay positive when they feed us this information wherever we go? Not to mention that close to 100% of the photos you see in magazines have been retouched in some way.

The only way to save our generation of teens and students is to remove all the unnecessary pressure we put on them. For instance, the average high school student thinks that “I must try very hard with my clothes everyday to fit in.” “I can’t have blemishes so I must go use some cosmetics” and “The one test I didn’t do perfect on when I was younger defines me.” This is not okay! To everyone struggling with these I need to tell you something; wear whatever you want. If you want to wear sweatpants and a baggy shirt everyday, do it! No one is going to remember that one pimple you had two months ago. If you want to wear makeup for you then go ahead. It doesn’t matter that you messed up a math question in front of the whole class in grade eight. When you make a mistake, you learn from it, prepare for next time. Be nice to everyone because they might really be struggling. Even a small smile, a wave or a ‘hello’ can make a difference. Most importantly, each and every one of you is perfect in your own way. Society tells us to be perfect; we need to tell society that we already are and walk on with our heads up and a smile on our faces.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health please seek help. Go talk to a trusted adult or a counselor, or even a friend. We are all here for you.

To look at the study on the perfect body types go to https://www.maxim.com/maxim-man/perfect-body-shapes-according-to-men-and-women-2018-1

Do you still need a few extra volunteer hours? Then working some volunteering over Spring Break might be the way to get those hours up. Spring Break is the perfect time to volunteer because there's tons of free time and there are many different places to volunteer, for example you could volunteer for the Easter event that's benefiting YANA on April 2nd. Another reason you should choose to volunteer for this event is that it’s for a good cause and YANA is a great charity that helps children. You can also volunteer at the CRA on either March 26, 27, 28 or 29th between 8am and 4pm. These are just two of the many opportunities for volunteering over Spring Break. If you want any more information on volunteering you can check them out in the work experience office.

There are two wonderful plays being put on at the Sid Williams Theatre over spring break. Once Upon a Mattress and Humble Boy, are being put on by well known Theatre companies in the Comox Valley, Three Legged Dog and Courtenay Little Theatre. Be sure to look in to getting tickets!

Once Upon a Mattress is being performed by Three Legged Dog theatre company at the Sid Williams Theatre. It it is based off of the classic fairytale, The Princess and the Pea. The show begins in a kingdom long ago. The king is unable to speak and the queen is running the kingdom. The queen does not want her son to marry so she declares that only a girl who can pass her test may marry her prince. The prince takes a liking to one special princess. This show is playing from March 22nd-25th.

Humble Boy is being performed by Courtenay Little Theatre at the Sid Williams. This show is about a man returning home after hearing about the death of his father only to find out his mother has thrown out all of his father’s belongings. She even got rid of the bees his father kept and has been planning to re-marry another man. Their reunion is not a pleasant one. His mother sends friends to gain his trust and bring back information. He reunites with an old girlfriend -the daughter of the man who is in love with his mother- and she is now a single mother. This show is playing from April 6th-8th and 11th-13th.

Be sure to look in to getting tickets!

More than 1000 students from Downers Grove North and South High Schools were given detention after walking out on Wednesday to protest gun violence. The walkout was conducted nationwide in support and in honour of the students and teachers killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at a Florida High School.

Community High School District 99 representatives had spoken to students earlier, offering several alternatives to walking out, which the students declined. They wanted to provide opportunities for the students “that would not disturb the educational environment,” spokesperson Jill Browning said in an email to the Chicago Tribune.

The students intended to have a political rally around a variety of issues, and together, are accepting their detentions as a ‘badge of honor’. The students are protesting and standing up for their rights, even though it got them in trouble. Although about 3900 students stayed in class, an impact was clearly made here. In the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, on Feb. 14, the nationwide walkouts have been a representation of the students’ unwillingness to give up the fight until guns are banned and their schools are safe.

Many people know meringue best for its light, delicate and fluffy looking layer on a classic lemon meringue pie. Sugary and sweet, it is the highlight of many people’s thanksgiving, but for some like myself, meringue is a foamy sludge, collected by the devil himself from the depths of hell, sent to destroy a perfectly good pie.

Meringue is actually made by whipping raw egg whites, sugar and salt for an unreasonable amount of time until the mixture becomes stiff. It tastes a little sweet, but not enough to be called sweet. The texture could be described as frothy, seafoamy and a bit grainy.

If any of this sounds appetizing to you, you’re quite possibly sick. Seriously, raw eggs whipped so long your arm is no longer attached, enough sugar to give an army diabetes (not that you can actually taste any of it) and a texture like wet sandpaper.

“It tastes more like watered down mayonnaise…” Kalea Richardson stated as she too does not enjoy the enchanted looking foam. Meringue is extremely deceptive in its appearance, with delicate looking peaks, and elegant marshmallow-toasting. Beware the meringue. If you see meringue call 1-800- 267-2001, and hide in dark, lonely places. Do not approach the meringue. Do not look at the meringue and definitely do not make contact with the meringue, either telepathically, physically or verbally. Do not. Eat. The meringue.

This message was brought to you by The Current’s very own late assignment writer, Liv DeLuca.

No hate

Xx

-L

PS do not call the number listed here. If it seems familiar to you, it’s because it’s the Alarmforce number.

Skills Canada was a fun learning experience. There were many schools competing in  different events such as cooking, carpentry, welding, photography and many other events. This year it was held at Vanier. At the start of the day you would go to the classroom that your event was in and wait until the teacher in charge gets it started.

The teacher in charge handed out your challenge for the day and you just have to get your project in by the deadline for it to count.

It is really fun and you even get a free pizza slice and pop. I think it's a really good experience and I recommend it to all.  

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Winners from Highland

2D  Animation Niomi Espinili Bronze

2D  Animation Jacob Tauber Bronze

3D Animation (Sec) Crystal Pond Bronze

3D Animation (Sec) Kenneth Knudson Silver

3D Animation (Sec) Halen Sieffert Silver

Jr. Skills ‐ Carpentry Alex Piatkauski Silver

Jr. Skills ‐ Carpentry Justin Meredith Silver

Jr. Skills ‐ Sumo Robot Zane Henderson Bronze

Jr. Skills ‐ Sumo Robot Sawyer McClellan Gold

Jr. Skills ‐ Sumo Robot Graham Tattrie Silver

Photography (Sec) Morgan North Bronze

Welding (Sec) Devon Riley Bronze

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Heathers. It was such a spectacular show! I had the privilege of seeing both casts and they were both amazing.

Heathers is a show discussing the struggles of being a High School student but with very unique and relevant issues. It shows a girl being manipulated by a boy who she thinks she’s in love with. This boy convinces her to kill three popular kids at their school because they do not treat her well. When she decides to stop he doesn’t take it well. He decides to carry on without her in an attempt to blow up the entire school. This musical also covers other important topics such as sexuality, suicide and bullying.

Let’s begin with my favourite numbers, ‘You’re Welcome’, ‘Meant to be Yours’ and ‘Dead Gay Son’. ‘Dead Gay Son’ and ‘You’re Welcome’ are quite out of the box and funny! Needless to say, the talent in each of these numbers is incredible. We are honoured to have such talented actors and singers in the Valley! ‘Meant to be Yours’ however, was the complete opposite. The loud sound effects and powerful lyrics were absolutely captivating.

Now, let’s focus on the crew. The lighting and sound was impeccable. I especially appreciated the strategic placement of spotlights to conceal where the cast might be hiding, even sometimes on stage. The sound was timed perfectly to the second and I couldn’t entirely tell what was real and what was an effect. I’d like to give a round of applause for the backstage crew and stage managers. You couldn’t hear a sound coming from backstage and that can be a very difficult task. It was also wonderful that the cast helped with set changes.

There was also an amazing band led by Highland’s own Ms. Nancy Cox. Be sure to congratulate her when you get the chance! The band had a variety of different instruments these include violin, reeds, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass and drums. The music was very well performed and you could tell that there was a lot of effort put into playing those songs. At the beginning I wasn’t sure if there was a band or if it was a recording playing. We are very lucky to have such talented musicians in the Valley. It is especially great that our school has a musical director as talented as Ms. Cox.

Heathers was an amazing show to watch and a wonderful choice for this year’s district musical. The arts program has a great impact on the district. Not only with the students participating but also those who just watch. I can’t wait to see what show we will do next year. Be sure to stay tuned in the drama department and on the announcements for when they announce next years musical and which school will be directing it. Another huge congrats to those involved with Heathers.

Every year, Highland Secondary offers its students the unique opportunity to travel abroad for three weeks. This year its to Germany, the German exchange is an amazing cultural experience. Students go to Germany for three weeks and stay with a family from the ‘sister school’, St.Hildegard, for the majority of the time. It’s a great way to make new friends and travel across Germany. In this exchange they are traveling to a city called Ulm, with a population of around 120,000. The students will stay there for 10 days, then travel to Cologne and Munich, and finally Paris, France. They’ll stay there for four nights before making their way back to Canada. In October of 2018, the German school involved in the exchange comes over to Comox to stay with us for 10 days, then fly back. Exchanges have a big positive impact, in some cases you will make a lifelong friend you will never forget. Going into a new culture and language is very good for kids, you can learn the language and learn the culture and this makes students more well rounded. The impact of International exchanges are amazing and it's an experience that you will never forget. The students become more connected with one another as they travel together, they become better friends and have more fun when traveling. After 10 days, you become such good friends and get to know the family it will be very sad to leave, but you leave knowing that you had an amazing time that you will never forget.

Many of you may think that vaping is fine. I mean hey, everyone's doing it right? Well, it’s  illegal. That’s right, it’s actually the law in B.C., Canada that sales and supply to minors under 19 is banned. It’s also illegal to smoke or vape within 5.2 feet of any airways, doors, or windows, or in any public space that is not specifically for puffing fake strawberries, so maybe try (even a little bit) to not be so obvious.

Vaping was mainly advertised as “Better than Smoking” researchers are studying it's long-term effects, and aren't yet sure if it could be worse than normal cigarettes. Key word in the adverts? “Better Than”, not “Golden new, perfect angel of a cigarette!”  Many of you have probably suffered one or more of the following side effects: dry skin, dry mouth, rash or burning sensation on the face, puffy and/or dry eyes, caffeine sensitivity and minor bloody nose.

If any of you have tried to quit out of the blue, you may have noticed some extra acne popping up. Yeah, that’s also because of your e-cig. And not flossing isn’t the only thing that can cause your gums to bleed- because of your cutesy habit, your immunity is lowered, your skin is disgusting, you can’t sleep, you’re dizzy, and you’re coughing with a dry throat. That’s a lot of pain for a semi-cool but very overused snapstory, and common sense might say inhaling any chemical substance is not such a bright idea. The chemical flavorings are addictive and often contain nicotine, so don’t try to tell me “It’s not drugs, it’s vaping.” and something tells me those flavours are kind of like those foamy banana candies that don’t really taste like bananas at all. Oh yeah, and it just might be shriveling your lungs. Like a grape into a raisin.

Also, note of common courtesy; just because it’s “Strawberry Cheesecake flavoured” doesn’t mean I want it blown in my face as I exit the school, same way you don’t want me to belch in your face when you walk past me.  Don’t be arrogant self centered teens. If you chose to vape, that’s totally fine. You do you, Boo, just be considerate. Be cool, stay cool.

A lengthy dispute broke out between two staff members of our school, late Thursday morning. Mr. Dale Hallier disrupted a grade 9 math class being taught by Ms. Nancy Cox, to confront her about a stolen gift card.

After a few minutes of strong shouting, Mr. Geoff Gummer, having heard the commotion from his classroom, stepped in and tried to split up the fight. Hallier continually interrupted Cox in her attempts to convey what was going on to the class. He told her to “show it to them,” and insisted that she’d “been lying to [the class] all along.”

“Mr. Gummer, I demand you see what’s on the inside of that card that she asserts I stole it from her home,” Hallier states in a video taken by Kieran McCluskey of the ordeal.

Cox claims that Hallier came into her home, without forced entry, and stole the gift card. There was nothing else stolen, however, Hallier stands by his actions.

        The two of them were each given a gift card worth $25 from a student. Cox didn’t notice that she had the wrong card, until some time had passed. Hallier had already spent the card with Cox’s name on it, but insisted that she was withholding stolen property, and that it should be returned to him. Cox countered that since he’d already spent her money, she should get to spend his.

        “I think sanction should be laid against Mr. Hallier for his unprofessional behavior,” said Cox, when asked for her opinion on the situation. No charges of grievance have been filed.

        In a final statement from Hallier, he said, “My only comment is that I have no comment about the...totally false accusations against me. She knows she is in the wrong, and she needs to admit it to everyone who matters.”

Most witnesses would say that the last 20 minutes of that class were more than eventful, and overall hilarious.

It’s almost spring, which means that track and field season is starting up once more. As of Saturday, March 3rd, Cougars Track and Field is opening its theoretical doors to all who want to join this year. For anyone who is interested in competing, or training just for fun, the Cougars are welcoming in new athletes now. For over 30 years, the Cougars track club coaches have dedicated themselves to helping kids, teens, and adults alike learn this fun and fulfilling sport.

        There are opportunities for people of any age group, and skill level to test the waters. Competitive and non-competitive athletes are welcome. The events offered include sprints, hurdles, long distance, relay, long jump, high jump, triple jump, javelin, hammer, discus and shot put. Weekly practices consists of group warm ups and conditioning, then groups spilt off to try two different rotation events, and ending with a cool down. For athletes who want to focus on one event, rotation is still encouraged, but not required if you are competing. The coaches, some of who have been with this organization since its founding, include John May, Graham Morfitt, Kathleen Smits, Mike Bridges, Adam Drummond, and Antonie Scholtz. All coaches have been trained for years and are skilled athletes themselves.

        Track is often looked upon as an individual sport, but it embodies a sense of teamwork. When a large group of people are all working hard together, bonds of friendship, and comradery are forged. The Cougars Track and Field Club is a place where friends are made, and support can be found. If you are ever stuck in a crowded bus or car on your way to or from a meet, you know what I mean. Whether you’re training with your coach and other athletes in your event, or cheering on as one of your teammates crosses the finish line, you’ll feel proud to wear the cougar on your jersey.

        Although Cougars Track and Field is always looking for athletes to compete at meets throughout the season, the Highland Track and Field Team is also searching for new members. School track and field is a great place to try it out if you’re not sure, or get some extra practice and a couple more meets in. It’s open for all grades and skill levels. This year, the team will be competing in Nanaimo for the North Islands, and Port Alberni for the Islands meet. It you qualify, you’ll be asked to join on your way to Provincials, which is a great start at a scholarship if you’re interested.

So, to all athletes joining a track and field team this season, dust off those running shoes and gear up for what promises to be a successful year. Cougars’ training days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. For more information about the Cougars, head to http://www.comoxcougars.org/ , and tune in to the announcements for more details about Highland’s team.

For some being a part of a musical might seem terrifying and stressful but for Grace Riley it is something she is always looking forward to.

Heathers is about intercepting the popular clique. “It’s about overcoming social barriers, and rendering them obsolete,” she said.

Riley has been working since the fall on this year's district musical, Heathers. She plays a punk in the larger of two ensembles. Being a part of something like a musical takes a lot of hard work and is a huge responsibility.

When asked about how being a part of the musical has affected her mood and stress levels she responded “Being in a musical... affects my mood in odd ways. It's the rush of performances, the stress of getting it right, the relief of having the audience clap if they enjoy it.” On the harder parts of putting on a show she said it is the hardest and most stressful during crunch week and performance week. “The stress of ‘is everything perfect’ and ‘will people like it’ is terrifying to say the least… It's truly a roller coaster of singing, acting, dancing, and internal screaming.” said Grace.

Fortunately there are many positive things that come with being in the musical. One of which is creating bonds with fellow cast and crew members. “I love being in a family,” she said. Of course, the ability to do things you are passionate about such as acting, singing, dancing or stage work. “I love singing!” singing is her way of expressing herself but it is different for everyone.  

Don’t forget to get your tickets for Heathers in the school office or at Benjamin Moore Paints on 5th street. $15 for evening tickets and $10 for the saturday matinee.

** Please keep in mind that Heathers has mature and mildly graphic themes. If you feel uncomfortable or have any issues involving mental health there will be counsellors on hand during showings.