An orientation book for Grade 9 students as written by other students providing advice for junior students on topics from everything including friendship, bullying, relationships, spirituality, media, the internet etc. This is also told through the use of beautiful graphics and artwork as well as comics written and designed by teens.

1. 1

2. introduction Can I give you some
advice? Just open this book to any page, just flip
through it a bit. You’ll see that there’s something
for everyone in here. And all of it’s true.
Grade nines probably have a lot of fears about coming to high
school: peer pressure, bullying, & the importance of good grades
can lead to stress. There’s also the constant stream of media
images that try to tell teens how to be instead of just being real.
With all these pressures placed on young people today our school
wanted to focus on helping grade nines develop character and Sangeeta Thomas
confidence by providing them with the best advice from students
who have lived, learned and worked on being real every day. Part Where Can I
of this book’s intention is to identify the role of spirituality in the
Go For Help?
lives of young people as well as identify their own role and potential Supports in your school:
inside the school community, inside their families and how they Guidance Counsellor,
can be a positive influence on their own life and the lives of their Chaplain, Social Worker &
friends. In this way every individual can realize the potential Child and Youth Worker
to be the hero of their own life.
Crisis Interventions
Student council asked the students of our school to share Peel Regional Police:
personal advice and stories for the grade nines coming in 2009- 905-453-3311
2010 as part of the SpeakUP Ontario Ministry of Education program
Kids Help Phone:
that began here in Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Our 1-800-668-6868 free 24/7
Leadership and Peer Support Classes helped to define the topics
and did a lot of writing along with student council members. Most Sexual Assault Crisis Line:
of this is written by kids who have lived through some difficult 905-273-9442 24/7
times and came through the other end – this book is about hope. Children’s Aid Society:
1-888-700-0966 free
This year our school’s Youth Ambassador program will see mentors
use this guidebook with their mentees throughout the year to help Victim Services of Peel:
train and assist grade nines to work on self-esteem, leadership and 905-568-1068 24/7 crisis line
personal development skills, as well as to assist them to meet the Youth Emergency Shelter
challenges they face in their everyday lives. This book has a strong Our Place Peel 905-238-1383
focus on the role of the teen in family and how to create more Peel Youth Village 905-791-
openness with your parents. We hope that parents will use this 5576
book as a means of starting conversations that have been Cross-Cultural Services
difficult to start. Catholic Cross Cultural Services
There are many great memories to make in high school along 905-275-2369
with a sense of the path you want to follow or the new ground you India Rainbow Community
want to break. There are also a lot of difficult decisions that need Services 905-275-2369
to be made. Conflict is also a part of life and so one of the biggest
African Community Services
sections of this book is about how to work through your problems 905-460-9514
and make good choices for yourself. The other biggest section is
on self-esteem and how to take care of yourself. If you started Chinese Community Services
reading this book then you are on your way to learning how to care 905-615-9500
for yourself and make your high school career a success. Muslim Community Services
905-790-1910
Just remember, Xavier’s a big school with a lot of options. Pick
the ones that are right for you. You have the opportunity here to be Counselling/Health
Rapport Youth & Family
whatever it is you want to be. Own your time; don’t rent it.
Services
Robert Brandstetter 905-455-4100
Leadership Teacher and Student Council Advisor Nexus Youth Services
St. Francis Xavier Secondary School 905-451-4655
1

3. How to be a Superhero and Other
Things You Need to Figure Out
Before You Graduate High School
Mary Nicole Tacuyan
A Grade 9 Transitional Handbook Written and Illustrated by
the Students of St. Francis Xavier Secondary School 2008-2009
contents
How To Survive Your First Year in High School (comic) 3
part one: Self-Esteem 6
The Real Me: The Essence of Self (comic) 18
part two: Spirituality 21
part three: Relationships 25
part four: Family 29
part five: Community 31
part six: All the Stuff 36
part seven: Conflict, Decisions & Choices 37
The Angry Man (comic) 40
How to be a Superhero: A Story About Confidence (comic) 46
2

4. Text by Lysan Sequeira Artwork by Mary Nicole Tacuyan
3

5. 4

6. 5

7. Part 1: Self Esteem
Rules for Life: The Three R’s
1. Respect yourself: Do you respect yourself? This means that you
are you happy with how you look and who you are. When you respect yourself you
are not easily persuaded to do things that are against your values.
2. Respect others: Do you judge people based on their appearances?
Never make assumptions about people based on their looks. Respecting others is
being able to accept people as they are.
3. Take Responsibility for your actions: If you did
something wrong; own up to it. Do not hide and turn your guilt into shame.
Sometimes we make bad choices. Part of learning and growing up is accepting
the consequences of our actions. David Torres
Finding who you are having any social life. You should have
Finding who you are, what you like and fun, but give school the time and attention
who you want to become are some of the it needs. Gwen Mendes
hardest things to discover in life. Although
giving up on that should never be an You are Important
option! Some individuals can discover who Every individual in the world has purpose
they are in their first couple of years of life, and importance. If you don’t know what
although others can struggle with this for it is yet then as years progress and your
years and years. Some people are just experiences increase you will find out.
born with confidence and an idea in their It is important to realise that everyone
mind of who they are and what they want is unique and no matter what anyone
to be. It doesn’t mean that they’re better says your life has just as much value and
than anyone else. It doesn’t mean that just importance as any other person. If there
because you are not sure of who you are comes a point where you feel that life is
that you’re lost or weird. Maybe it means meaningless, think about what life you
there’s a lot more to you than you realise. could have in the future. Take some time
Ragduhh Mather to reflect on ways to help overcome your
difficulties and envision the happiness
Opportunity is a Gift you will experience when the difficulty is
Opportunity is a gift – it’s not something conquered. Kaniel Gomes
we should take for granted. Whether it is
making a varsity team or starting a difficult Please, Take Charge!
semester, it is a new beginning to prove High school is a place for a student to
yourself and achieve something great and design one’s future. There are lots of
memorable. opportunities provided to students to
You will not always get a second chance help them identify their academic and
or even a first chance at something. You extracurricular interests. Participating in
do not always have full control over what these events will give you a sense of what
opportunities you will have, but you can the school community has to offer you.
control how you use them. Successful
use does not have to be a clear success One of the most important things that I
or victory or pleasure through the actual can tell you from experience is, Please,
activity. Do not underestimate the take charge. Please, get involved in
experience that can come with a great, classroom discussions, tryout for sports
teams, sports clubs, DECA, Student Sangeeta Thomas
unique opportunity, because the wisdom,
ideas, memories, and people will rock Council, etc. Getting involved in these
your world. Zain Syed Ahmed activities will let you develop key skills
such as leadership, communication, and Guidance
Guidance is direction and leadership
Find balance in life teamwork. These activities are designed
to help you show the best in yourself and that helps you make the most out of
You can never be happy at either I encourage each and every one of you opportunities and plans for the future.
extreme. Crazy parties and slacking in take advantage of our diverse Catholic Seek guidance early on in your years of
school will mean that you will never be community. If you are someone who education. That way you’ll be organized
able to achieve anything in the “real” enjoys challenges, take charge and go for and you can avoid confusion.
world. On the other hand, being a it! Nishant Raina Vanessa Traficante
complete bookworm can stop you from
6

8. Believe in Yourself First
If anyone says you can’t do it, take that as a challenge and work hard and try to
prove them wrong. You will encounter many people in high school that will put you
down if you are not doing well in academics or if you are particularly not good in
athletics. Ignore those comments! You are entering high school; you have to create
a personality that will stand up against any negative remarks. You have the strength
to break down these walls and stand tall and face any challenge! Keep composure
and turn these negative comments into fuel that will only make you hungrier to go
out there and accomplish the task that you were told that you could not. Create an
identity for yourself that you can portray and rely on. You have to believe in your
strengths and most importantly yourself! There is nothing that you cannot achieve if
you work honestly and diligently.
Nishant Raina
Alexis Young
Self–Esteem: Who am I?
Personally, I know that sometimes it can be hard to feel good if we compare
ourselves to other people, such as celebrities or even those with better jobs or better
There is No Such Thing grades. It begins to feel as though there is always someone better than us in the
as a Dumb Question world. Some time or other someone has probably told you, “just be yourself,” but if
it were really as easy as it seems, we would never have to worry how to act in new
Statistics show that one of the main situations or question whether the self we presented to others was appropriate or
causes of poverty is the lack of not. It takes a lot of work to focus on thinking positively about yourself instead of
education. In a country like Canada, negatively. The trick is to just stop comparing yourself to others altogether.
we have the right to an education
and it is important that we take full Self esteem is concerned with how we feel about ourselves. It is
advantage of it. Education does not about how much value, respect and acceptance we allow in us and it
mean mindlessly sitting in a class is one of the most important qualities to make us feel happy and healthy.
and listening to the teacher lecture Prateeksha Ravi
on about different topics. To get the
education you want, you need to Attitude
be dedicated and responsible. Be Babies have the ability to start laughing in the midst of their tears. They forgive as
committed to your education. easily as they get upset. As we grow older, our ability to remain happy and carefree
slowly diminishes. From my experiences, I have realized that happiness is not merely
You are the student and you need to an emotion, but rather a way of life.
be in control of your own education.
Do not hesitate to look over the When I was a grade nine student, complaining was the fun thing to do. We
topics that your teacher may be complained about teachers, marks, school, and everything in life that was unfair.
going over in class the next day. Blaming life was the easy way to turn away from problems. However, what I did
Do not be afraid to ask questions not realize was that complaining and dwelling on the past did nothing to propel
because there is no such thing as a me towards the future. Once I made the choice to refuse to be unhappy, I quickly
dumb question. Do not worry about discovered that when I failed once, I would automatically succeed twice in the
what others will think if you ask for immediate future.
extra help. Everyone learns at his or
her own pace and in his or her own I urge you to take on this challenge, for there really is nothing to lose, and everything
way. It is alright to be different. Let to gain: Wake up tomorrow morning, open the door and forgive life for everything that
no one insult your intelligence and it has done to you in the past. Remember the young days when you lived life to enjoy
never be discouraged by criticism. it, and make up your mind to stop complaining and finally start living. It is a winner`s
No one is perfect and we are all here attitude, and I guarantee that you will win.
to learn. Your education will not finish Krishna Murali
at the end of school. In fact, you will
continue to learn for the rest of your
life.
One thing you need to know is, “Do not change yourself
Shreya Podder for anybody or anything.” Be you, and be an original
Education is a Gift
you. Because at the end of the day being a false you is just
Education is a gift that you can do
cheating yourself. Love yourself for who you are and don’t
just about anything with. Staying doubt yourself about who you have the potential to become.
in school and learning is important
because it shapes your future. With Be the best you can for nobody but yourself.
education you’ll go farther in your
Alexa Renzella
career, get paid more and live better.
Vanessa Traficante
7

9. TIP How to Build Confidence
1.Do something that you have not been able
to do for a while
This could include learning how to play a new instrument or a new sport, writing
poems, cleaning the house, cooking or anything for that matter that involves you
making a decision and sticking with it.
2.Remember all the things that you have
achieved
Make a list of all that you have achieved from when you remember. Achievements
could be as simple as learning how to walk, passing a test, saving money for
something, trying to help someone, becoming healthy and so on.
3.Listen to what you tell yourself
This means that if you tend to call yourself a loser, stupid, ugly, dumb, etc, then
you will not succeed in building self confidence. In order to boost self-esteem and
improve self-confidence, start by treating yourself kindly and respecting yourself.
Maria Nguyen These are small little things that really take you a long way in building your
confidence. Feeling good about yourself enables you to be the person you want
to be, enjoy life more fully, and allows you to offer more of yourself to the world!
Prateeksha Ravi
eally
Fight Through and This r !!!
d
Dream Big
When you are down know that you have a
or acceptance from others. We should
not wait for someone to make decisions
worke
chance. Reflect on who you are and form for us, because we know ourselves
a creative strategy to go for your success. better than others do about us. Believe in
You will either achieve your goal or come your own power. Have some confidence How I Got Higher Marks
extremely close, and regardless, you will and devote your efforts to make things Throughout the four years of high school,
feel victory in character. happen. You will be surprised and pleased I was labelled as “the girl with no self-
Zain Syed Ahmed to see the wonderful outcomes of personal confidence.” It was not until the very
Feelings leadership. Haily Moon end of grade 12 when I realized that if
It is inevitable that you’ll feel a fluttering I do not believe in myself, I will not be
mix of emotions having taken the plunge, Don’t Live in the Shadows able to believe in anyone or anything. I
or rather, the great step up from Grade 8 Confidence: every person NEEDS it; learned that my lack of confidence came
to Grade 9. You might have heard that the the majority lack it. In high school many from focusing too much on what people
transition from elementary school to high students show slim to no confidence in might think of me. With all my attention
school is comparable to that of falling off themselves. Many students decide to on their looks and their comments, I
a cliff. However, it is completely natural to live in the shadows, instead of being in lost my confidence and I used to put
feel a certain amount of insecurity. Sure, the spot light. Self-esteem, rejection, and myself down so much. But the surprise
older high school students can walk the fitting into the crowd are the main reasons was that I did not start enjoying what I
walk and talk the talk, but it’s important to why people lack confidence. There are was doing until I stopped caring about
remember that the very same people were many ways students can break this chain. the opinion others. To tell you the truth,
in your position at one point, also slightly It all starts within you. When you know once I started to belive that I was a smart
intimidated, or afraid of the transition. yourself, you give it your best; then, it is person who had the potential to succeed,
Eunice Kwan the best, and you should have confidence my marks went way higher than before!
Be Your Own Leader in your best. Greg Mason Youanna Daoud
Life is short and time waits for no one, yet
we often make ourselves a follower. We
are lazy or scared of leading ourselves,
so we wait for someone to save our
souls, lead us in the right direction and
tell us what to do. For our own good, we
should take charge of our lives. Everyone
has their own problems to get through.
We have ours, and being a leader, we
must be ready to take on the current
circumstances without waiting for approval
Art: Mary Nicole Tacuyan
8

10. Caring for Yourself & Caring for Others Learning
Why wouldn’t you want to take care of yourself? Why wouldn’t High school learning may seem like just
you want to be that happy person that complains about their jaw overheads and memorization. Are you
hurting from too much laughter? Why feel worthless when you are often asking, “Is it going to be on the
really worth everything in this world? If you have friends that need test?” It doesn’t have to be like that, and
to be asked these questions then perhaps they need a little help in in the long run it shouldn’t be. It is best to
their lives to help them realize that there is more to life than feeling understand and think about the meaning
down and trying to escape. of what you learn. It’s not just material to
When dealing with such people, we must have the heart to tell cover. Find something you like in a topic-
them about getting help. To do so, we must understand what something you can relate with, something
they’re going through and why they feel the way they do. This you feel for with passion. How you see a
way you can be there for them and you can be that shoulder to concept from class in the bigger picture
cry on. Another way to help would definitely be to keep them busy will affect how you think within the class.
with activities such as going out to see a movie or just cooking This doesn’t only mean trying to relate
something to get their minds off of certain things. Last but not to characters in a novel to understand
least, don’t judge them; just let them know that you are not going their personalities and the plot better. It
anywhere, no matter what. Martha Nagournaia could even mean understanding chemical
reactions by comparing them to your
social life- how different people interact.
Having Compassion for Yourself Find these patterns and connect yourself
We usually stand and talk about the importance of having to the knowledge, and your emotion will
compassion for the poor, the sick, the homeless, the rejected bring your learning to a new level!
and everyone. But we forget to have compassion for ourselves.
How can you expect to show compassion to others if you cannot The wisdom inside a topic usually relates
even show it to yourself? Having compassion for yourself does to a life idea outside the topic. Perspective
not mean self-pity but rather showing mercy for yourself. We are on a subject is also important. For
human and we make mistakes. But making mistakes does not example, math does not have to be all
mean that it is the end of the world. For example, you do not formulas- it could be an art. You can be
have to pull out your hair and start crying because you failed creative in ways such as using patterns in
one test. If you are sick, rest. Don’t work yourself so hard that Art: Alexis Young algebra to solve a Rubik cube and figuring
you make yourself worse. Have compassion for yourself! out a way to visualise 3D shapes to
Youanna Daoud make a problem easier. This view is more
exciting and paves for new exploration.
‘Giving Up’ Should Not Be in Your Vocabulary In the new mindset driven by a thirst for
To be successful in high school or life in general, you need determination, learning rather than marks, tests should
perseverance and faith. You need to have a will to learn and a mindset to keep going just be like contests- challenges but fun.
no matter what happens. ‘Giving up’ should not be in your vocabulary. It takes a lot of With hard work and this attitude, learning
hard work to be successful. Nothing in life comes easily; you have to work for it. With a will be sincere, and the marks will come
little perseverance, you will find it easier to overcome the obstacles on the bumpy road naturally. Zain Syed Ahmed
to success. Finally, you need have faith in yourself. Believe in yourself. You have the
power to do anything that you put your mind to. It is important to remain in a positive
environment so try to be surrounded by friends and family members who care about
you. Soon, you will see that you can accomplish anything.
Shreya Podder
Procrastination
Procrastination is a roadblack you make to defeat yourself. Procrastination is a habit
that once firmly a part of your daily life becomes difficult to get rid off. This goes for any
habit. For instance take the word habit and remove H, you are still left with ‘a bit’, now
remove A, you are left with ‘bit,’ then B still left with ‘it.’ You see how difficult it is to get
rid of habits? At the peak of my high school career I realized the importance of finishing
work and not letting it pile up. This gives you the opportunity to perform at your best
and in a relaxed mood. Always remember the time lost never returns and no amount of
mourning or money can bring it back, so make best use of it.
Rishika Sharma Art: Alexis Young
There are times when you lose sight of your goals in high school. That is why you must
constantly remind yourself, why you are trying so hard, and putting so much effort into
your studies. It is not just a pastime, a TV show where you just sit and let it pass by you.
The time in high school to study is literally an investment in the future. It shapes who you
become and allows you to succeed. Whenever you encounter difficulties in your studies, do
not give up, but look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Howard Pang
9

11. Art: Alexis Young
Staying Real – Positivity
Staying positive is not as simple as it may sound. The main trick to staying positive
is wanting to be happy. If you want to be happy and positive, then you can! When it
seems like the world is closing in on you, you should thing of ways to improve your
outlook or situation to make it a more positive one. Just like the saying goes, “When
life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” The smell of fresh citrus fruits often gives a
boost to your brain, making you feel happier :) Start a new hobby! Take up painting,
dancing, singing, yoga...something that interests you and makes you feel less stressed
out and more positive. Another way to lift up your mood is to listening to your favourite
tunes that are positive and upbeat. Prateeksha Ravi
Problems Are Not Always as Big as You Think
Something that always helps me stay positive is to try to see positives in difficult
situations. lf I get mad because I can’t go out I think, hey, at least I get to go out
sometimes. I also compare my problem to different situations to see how big a
deal it is. It’s not like my favourite pet died or there’s been a serious accident in my
family. You have to ask yourself, “is this problem really worth getting so mad over?”
Sometimes huge problems might not as big as you think. In the end, always remember
a problem can’t last forever. It might not get solved right away, but it eventually will get
better. Michael Luis
Failure & Success
I have realised that the type of person that Your Opinion Matters
others want me to be will never make me As a growing student in high school you will learn that you have different values in
happy. Instead, I need to reflect on who I your life, and with these values will come many responsibilities and challenges you will
want to be, and what will make me happy. have to face on your own. There are so many paths and decisions that you will have
I no longer label situations, occurrences, to make on your own and as a young student entering high school. You will have to
and events as either “failures” or cope with making your own decisions about what you want to do in life. In school there
“successes;” I merely see them as will be many opportunities to do things. As a students with your own beliefs you must
experiences that I will learn from. This always stand up for what you believe is right and voice your opinion for the things you
stops me from judging myself as well as believe in.
others. Denise Punzal You must always remember to believe in yourself and not let anyone tell you what you
can and can’t do because you have the power to make your own decisions.
Failure is a Stepping Stone Chris Soranno
Throughout your high school years there
are going to be numerous obstacles in
your way towards success. Everyone
Discipline
makes mistakes! We are just human.
There is no one on this earth who leads a
perfect life! Sometimes you are going to
fall down and feel like all hope has been
D
Discipline is training to lead a life of order.
lost. However, you have to remember
W
Without discipline there is no knowing right
that there are going to be more hurdles in
fr
from wrong, nor is there a sense of respect for
your way. But every fall will be a learning
yourself or others. Being disciplined enables you
opportunity to help you get stronger.
to naturally make better decisions and choices
Some have faced failures that one cannot
that will positively affect your life.
even imagine, but the path they took Vanessa Traficante
coming out of those failures made them
the human beings that they are. There
are going to tests, quizzes, assignments Don’t Stay Stuck in the Moment
that you may not do well on, but don’t When you’re in high school you’re going to come across many situations and
beat yourself over them! Learn from the experiences that might make you want to say, “my life sucks.” I know. I’ve been there.
mistakes and develop a strategy that will Bad hair day? “My life sucks.” You totally fail a math test that you thought you were
help you succeed in the future. Always going to ace? “My life sucks.” It’s so easy to sulk in our failures, but does that really
remember that failure is a stepping stone do us any good? The world is still turning, clocks are still ticking, and life can’t be put
and the path towards success. on hold while we mope around. What you should do is say “next”. Move on, because
Nishant Raina when you think about it, that little ‘sucky’ moment you just had probably isn’t as bad
as you think it is, and chances are that a couple of months from now, you’ll look back
Opportunity at it and laugh. So next time you embarrass yourself in front of that person you’re
Take every chance you get, and make interested in, or write down the wrong answer on the board in math class, don’t stay
the best of it. It’s better to take a chance stuck in that moment. Say “NEXT!” because you never what life’s got in store for you
and to fail, than to not take a chance and next. ;)
wonder what would have happened. Kathy Go
Tatiana Alvarez
10

12. Acceptance Pt. 1
It’s common knowledge that being
accepted is really important for teenagers,
especially in your high school years. A lot
of people are just trying to test the waters.
When you enter high school you’re still
young. So many of us are just trying to
figure out who we are, what we want to do
and what we truly love. But acceptance
gets in the way of all of this. What we do
not know is that true acceptance can only
occur when you learn to accept yourself. If
you can’t accept yourself you can’t share
your real self with anyone.
Tina Tran
Acceptance Pt 2.
Speaking for myself, I know that entering
high school was a scary, scary thought.
All of my close friends had gone their own
way and now I was just tip-toeing onto
my path. I’m not going to lie; I’m pretty
pessimistic for an optimist. Thoughts such
as “Did she like me? I hope that didn’t
seem fake! Whoa… was that a dirty
look?” were constantly flowing through
my mind. But if you haven’t realized it
yet, you’re going to be told now: IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE EVERYONE.
But as soon as you find your place,
a common ground where you feel
comfortable, you learn that sometimes
YOU have to come first. When it comes to
acceptance, before you are accepted you
must accept yourself and who you are
becoming. As easy as, “Accept yourself
Art: Sangeeta Thomas
and you’ll be accepted sounds,” we all
know that saying something and doing Express Yourself; Don’t Change for Others
something is not easy. Just remember, we The act of being accepted is a very important factor in the lives of everyone. Whether
have a lot of time to figure out who we are we know it or not, we all yearn to be accepted into some kind of a society or group
and as long as we’re true to ourselves, of people whom we would like to be associated with. However, getting accepted
there will be someone to love us. sometimes means having to sacrifice your own unique individuality and live according
Tina Tran to other people’s customs and beliefs. In order to be seen as “cool” you might be
asked to live your life in an immoral or unsatisfactory way. This is not the right choice to
make, as God made all of us unique individuals and it is not right to give up that right to
express ourselves in any way we choose just because we want to be part of a certain
group. If you have to do something like that to become a member in a group then that
group is not for you. It is more righteous to express your own character than to be
someone who you are not.
Berty Baskaran
Acceptance is an Illusion
Students need to realize that the reality is that the pressure to be accepted is an
illusion. Think about it, we are always working to accepted, it never ends. For example,
some students like to convince their peers that certain activities are a must if you’re
in high school. Don’t give in to that crowd mentality. Sometimes people give parts
of themselves away and the only way to feel somewhat better is for someone to
experience that same feeling. The truth is you never need to do anything you don’t
want to in order to feel accepted.
The pressure of acceptance is a setback to your character. It just creates confusion.
Here’s some advice: Continue to move forward and keep up your efforts despite
setbacks. Once you accept who you are others will follow. In other words, once you
accept who you are the illusion of acceptance slowly fades away. Jamila Flake
Art: Sangeeta Thomas
11

13. Appearance
In my opinion, great appearance is what you wear; but not the type of wear that
you purchase.
What a good appearance to me is how to carry yourself and the attitude you
wear. A lot of the time you can look at someone and easily tell whether or
not they like how they look. Confidence and a good attitude are also envied;
you can’t go out to the mall and buy it. You have to develop it in yourself. So
don’t waste your time looking into the mirror or shopping at the malls; great
appearance is in you. Tina Tran
What Really Looks Good
We are taught from a young age that it is “what’s on the inside that matters, not
the outside.” Why then are 81% of 10-year olds afraid of being fat?
Growing up, we are surrounded by media that sends us messages of what
“looks good.” This “perfect” image of beauty is usually portrayed through what we
see on fashion models, Barbie dolls, and red carpet stars. Does it surprise you to
know that the majority of these “ideal” men and women are thinner than 98% of
the rest of the population?
Everyone wants to be accepted. But why is it that people think that the
determining factor is your appearance? Did someone call you ugly? Did someone
call you fat? Did someone make fun of your clothing?
One question: “Who cares?!” If someone is shallow enough to judge you
solely on your appearance, that person is not worth your time. One of the most
important lessons you will learn in high school is: Those who cannot accept you
for who you are have yet to accept themselves. Only one person is allowed to
say what is “pretty” and “ugly” and that person is you. Remember, beauty is in the
eye of the beholder, and everybody is beautiful. Kelly Le
Body Image: Only Your Opinion Matters
One of the hardest struggles that I’ve experienced in high school was hatred
for my body. In high school, there is a great deal of comparison between what
people look like and what is considered to be “skinny, thin, fat and chubby,” which
places a great deal of pressure on a person to alter themselves to be “attractive,
hot, buff and good looking.” The thing to think about is who really decides what
it means to be pretty or ugly? Even though we often look to the media, which
dictates what the norm should look like, what I have realized is that the most Art: Krishma Geer
important opinion is the one that we have of ourself.
Both boys and girls experience stages of denying the beauty of themselves because it is so
much easier to let others form our thoughts for us. I personally have bought into tactics of
not eating so I could be what others believe to be “thin” and have spent days of hating myself
because I was not pleased with my looks. The truth is not that I was unhappy with myself but
that I made myself think I needed to change based on what others thought of me. I have found
that body image is among the most commonly judged in high school because it is what people
see when they look at you. Although it may be difficult to do, truly love your body and no
one will be able to convince you of thinking differently. Form your own opinions and speak up
against that which offends you. Amanada Creary
Body Image: How to really see yourself
You’re too skinny. You’re too fat. You hate this world and you hate that. Hating the way you
look everyday isn’t exactly the cherry on top of a happy life, but why would anyone think that
they’re ugly? Why would anyone want to slap God’s gifts in the face? Some people may look
in the mirror and hate what they see, get depressed over it, but what they don’t see is the
beauty that everyone else sees. Just because we don’t have those bright green eyes, or that
flawless face, or those skinny legs that fit into any pair of jeans, does not mean that we aren’t
perfect.
To God we are more than just perfect while we avoid seeing what is really there. Each one of
Art: Alexis Young us is gorgeous whether we want to believe it or not. Imperfections come and go. The way you
look isn’t going to get you anywhere you want to be. Who you really are deep inside is the key
to happiness, not the way you look with mascara. Who you really are is what people love. So
love yourself and everybody will love you. Martha Nagournaia
12

14. Eating Disorders: Binging You don’t need anyone to tell you how to feel about
& Anorexia yourself.
How many times do we say “I feel fat” Don’t let them dictate how you should feel. Be proud to be yourself and let the world
after enjoying a delicacy? Living under the experience something they have never before. You choose to be around certain people
media domination of unrealistic people, and those are the people that will influence you and shape your life. Being cool might
we have too often walked away from seem like the most important thing but you gain real friends when you are yourself. You
the bathroom mirror in shame and self- can say that you just hang out with certain people but you won’t be like them, but you’re
hatred. Following major disappointment, wrong. Eventually their habits will rub off on you; even their bad habits. If you are not
we punish ourselves by starving our body. true to yourself you will end up waking up one morning and wonder who you’re looking
After a dull day, we succumb to eating at in the mirror. People change you in good and bad ways. You have the power to
our way through mountainous piles of choose your friends, so choose wisely.
food. Such eating disorders as anorexia Tamlyn Louhing
and binges arise from low self-esteem,
depression, lack of control, anger or
loneliness. These create many serious
health problems, but more importantly,
they hurt our souls. Embracing such
hateful emotions about yourself will only
bring unhappiness and misery. A healthy
body is where a healthy mind resides. If
you feel positive about yourself, confident
and self-caring, you will become aware
of your strengths and eventually come
to love and respect yourself. Remember,
respect yourself and others will respect
you.
Haily Moon
Your Body Will Change
While coming into high school I was
very excited because of all of the unique Art: Sangeeta Thomas
changes and new challenges that I would Relax and Respect Your Body
have to be facing. Grade 9 was a very This morning you woke up to find a big pimple on your forehead, or maybe you’re
positive year because it was all about having a bad hair day. What now? You can’t go to school looking like this! Can you?
making new friends and meeting new Well yes, of course you can. It’s obvious that as a youth we worry about our weight
people. But as I approached Grade 10, and our looks, and it is important to remember to be clean and look proper, but not to
I began to notice some changes in my the point where we hide ourselves behind tons of makeup, or dye our hair so that we
body. Putting my uniform on to go into can be different from others. This can lead to really harming ourselves physically and
the new school year got me afraid. I emotionally. It’s a matter of respecting our bodies, and trying to show our true selves.
became aware that my pants were too We must try to remember that people shouldn’t accept us for the way we dress or the
tight. I started to have startling thoughts, way we look, but for who we are inside. That’s how we find real friends. Why would
“ Oh my gosh, did I get suddenly fatter? you want to be fake and hide your true self? We all have our flaws and differences but
Is it because I washed them too much?” that’s what makes us beautiful and unique. No one in the world is exactly the same as
and “Is there something wrong with me?” us, so there is no point to try to look good like the girls and boys we read about in the
All of these thoughts and more began magazines. It’s okay to wear some light makeup or add a little gel to control your hair,
to swim through my head, so I decided but don’t go overboard. Remember who you truly are and be who you want to be, not
drastically that I was going to drop ten who others want you to be. No matter what you think you are beautiful in your own
pounds. I wanted my body to look perfect. way and you should never forget about that.
Friends and family thought I was crazy. I Martyna Gadomski
Superhero Warning:
slowly skipped meals, and one day my
mom sat me down. She said, “ Chantel,
what has gotten into you? Do you know Are you a Media Zombie?
how beautiful you are just the way you You are a target for the media and it wants you
are?” I saw in her eyes how much I was to join its zombie army of good consumers. To be
scaring her, and that’s when I realized that in this army you must buy and wear popular brand
you should love your body just the way it names. It is also expected that you act and
is, changes and all, because there is no behave the way that people on reality shows and
such thing as perfect. music videos behave - as if any of that is real?!
Chantel Gyimah That stuff costs millions of dollars to make and
it‛s very carefully constructed to convince you
to give away your money to buy stuff you don‛t
need and pretend to be someone you‛re not. Don‛t
believe the hype! RESIST! STAY REAL!
13

15. When You Look At Me, What Do You See?
Race and Ethnicity
When you look at me, what do you see?
Depending on what race you
You see someone who’s black do you see a criminal?
are, the social group that you
Here’s some facts: I don’t steal,
associate yourself with will hold
last I checked my names not on the colour wheel.
expectations of how to express
and
a publicly display your ethnicity.
See I’m a human being, not a box,
As a person who comes from two
no you just mislabeled, I have a name,
different ethnic backgrounds, Jamaican
use it, your mouth isn’t disabled.
and Italian, I have personally had my
fair share of the “social pull” to act more
The time for suffering is over, the time to unite is now,
“Black” or be more of a “European.”
see if unity was a girl, I’d take her to the altar and say my vow.
Though I have yet to figure out exactly
You say you’re tired, you hate suffering, and you hate pain,
what this means, there is a great deal
we’ll come together, don’t worry the umbrella of unity will block out that rain.
of pressure to live out one ethnicity over
the other in high school. Despite the fact
How do we unite, well we’re one and the same.
that Xavier is a very multicultural school,
You got hair just like me, you got arms? Me too!
embracing your cultural background can
You have eyes just like me. Don’t deny it when you know it’s true,
sometimes be a struggle. It is through my
the next time you judge me on appearance I’ll say “I’m just like you.”
experiences, my struggles with race that
I have come to the realization that if your
My integrity, identity and everything that flows inside me,
skin is too light, then you are considered
defines who I am in today’s society. Which means I am not just a black man,
“white” and if your skin is too dark, them
I am a black man with a name,
you are considered to be “black.” This is
even me being black is a piece of my identity, nothing else.
expressed despite the fact that ethnicity
From what I know,
cannot be judged solely by outward
white, black, yellow, red and brown people are not a separate race.
appearances which are often deceiving. It
is labels such as being called an Oreo or
Some believe we are and it’s wrong that we think,
half-breed which have been a part of my
in the box of God the only thing white is his paper
high school experience that have made
and the only thing black is his ink.
me think about why a person can’t just be
what and who they are without having to
As far as I know we are one race
defend their heritage. Don’t be afraid to
from the back of our heads to the front of our face
show pride for where you come from and
and that is the human race.
know that race should not separate you
into categories of human. Embrace all
Because of what we decide, we are divided,
parts of your culture for one is not more
it’s time we put our differences aside and stand united.
important than another.
We must embrace not disgrace the world. Amanda Creary
It’s time we made a decision, we are one, its time we understand god’s vision.
Andre Walford How others see us
I am an Arab – or perhaps better known to
some as a terrorist. Apparently, something
about me causes a shiver down the
spine of anyone unfortunate enough to
sit beside me on an airplane. I don’t have
a beard that extends two inches off the
ground, I don’t own a gas station, and I
definitely do not have a bomb strapped
to my chest. The fact of the matter is
that these stereotypes actually share
no correlation with the race of a person.
Chinese people are not bad drivers, but
there are bad drivers who are Chinese.
Jewish people aren’t cheap, but there
are cheap people who are Jewish. I am
defined by my individual values, morals,
and traditions – not by my complexion,
my facial features, or the actions of others
who share my ethnicity.
Steven George
14

16. When You’re Down on Yourself
Hatred from others is not as severe as self-hatred. Think about it for a second if
everyone likes you but if you are insecure about yourself, then no matter how much you
are loved, you will always have a feeling of worthlessness. Therefore the first step is to
believe in yourself, in who you are, a unique and capable individual. Many a times we
get carried away by what people think or say about us. But do someone’s words make
or break who we are? No, it is what we think ourselves to be that reflects in our daily
lives. Keep a positive outlook towards life, and believe in yourself, but only in that which
is truly right, and you will see impossibilities become possible.
Rishika Sharma
Art: Sangeeta Thomas We Have to Love Ourselves
Hating yourself for whatever reason is something that you need to talk to people about.
You’re a Beautiful Person Sometimes you think talking to people might not be the best thing to do because you
As you go through high school, people will think that they’ve never felt this way. They’re happy and everyone loves them etc. etc.,
tease, mock, and basically bully whoever but you have to know that everyone does feel like this at one point in their life. Self-
does not conform to their lifestyle. People hatred is the thing that stops you from accomplishing the things in your life that you
wonder why you may like the people you really want; you have to be able to love yourself before you can do anything worthwhile
like. Why that person? Why that gender? in your life. You’re a good person no matter what people tell you. You have to have a
You have to be proud of who you are. The better view on yourself or nothing will change. If you hang out with people that tell you
people who put you down are the people that you’re nothing, that’s all you’ll think that you are. Hang out with people who have
who are insecure about themselves. You a more positive view on life that will help you feel better about yourself. As people, we
have to carry yourself high. Know by not have to love ourselves, and if we don’t, it’ll be hard for other people to love us. Loving
fighting back that you’re not giving in, but yourself is always the first step to accomplishing anything in life. Love yourself and love
you’re not losing anything either. You’re a from others will always come around.
beautiful person, no matter what race or Krishma Geer
sexuality you may be.
Krishma Geer When You’re Really Depressed…
There isn’t one single high school student who hasn’t felt peer pressure, had family
A Spin On Life: Adoption problems, or had trouble with school at one point in his or her life. Life is like a roller
As I glanced at the paper, all these coaster; it has its ups and downs, but by the end, we can come out and be the better
profound memories were flowing through person, with the newly found knowledge that it wasn’t so bad after all. Being afraid
my head, and the tears coming from of what will happen on the ride or not wanting to experience the ride is never a good
my eyes like the fast stream of water reason to jump off the roller coaster midway. No matter how sad, angry, or frustrated
flowing down Niagara Falls. I did not you are with your life, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and whether you
quite understand what I had just read, sprint, walk, or crawl to that end, it will always be there, shining more brightly than ever.
but I knew that my life would never be Life is an amazing gift and high school is only one chapter of your life—your friends,
the same. Finding out you are adopted family, teachers, and guidance councilors are all and always there for you. Whatever
18 years after birth is something that will bumps or seemingly dead ends you’re experiencing in your life, with a will, there is a
make you a better and grateful person way, and you can always make it through and hold on.
for the rest of your prosperous life. Eunice Kwan
One should always be thankful for the …Reach Out
opportunities that are presented every day Whenever we feel like we want to hurt ourselves, we must remember that there is
and how amazing it is to be brought up for always someone who loves you so dearly that the mere existence of yourself
so long without the slightest of an means the greatest joy of all. That is, your life is inexplicably valuable and
me
idea. Our parents always scold old worthwhile, even if you do not realize it is. Never act on these thoughts.
w
us to make us the people we e Take a break and talk with a loved one you can trust and share your
are today; we have to learn feelings. Help is always around you, so please reach for it and never
from our mistakes and take give up.
everything in an optimistic Haily Moon
way. Not at any moment
did I ever think that this
would happen to me; however, ver,
the way I look at this situation is that I
on
am the most blessed person in the world.
n Wh
What to do when someone talks to you about
Today, when you go home just take one hurting themselves, or talks about suicide?
quick minute and thank your parents for 1. Know that there is no joke about suicide.
what they have done for you. I know that 2. Listen to the person talk.
if they were not there for me when I was 3. Remind that person that they are valued and loved.
first adopted from an orphanage in India, 4. Try to convince your friend to find help.
I most probably would be dead by now. 5. Tell a responsible adult immediately.
Thanks Mom and Dad, you saved my life. 6. Kid’s Help Phone 1-800-6686868 toll free 24 hours/7 days
P.S I love You
Sid Kannan
15

17. Resilience:
The Survival Skill
Resilience is a word that exemplifies
personal drive and integrity. In high school
there are many distractions including the
negativity of discrimination, the pressures
of social acceptance and the stresses of
your academic life. I personally know how
it feels to be discriminated against and
classified as something that I am not. I
felt hurt and I lost all confidence in myself
because I dwelled on what one ignorant
person believed. After a while I realized
that only I create my character and identity
and only I can allow others to influence
who I am. There are always distractions
when it comes to academics. Once you
have found what it is you like to do, work
towards it. The best way to do so is to
begin with the end in mind. It is easy to
work towards it but if you do not persist
and focus on your objectives, even during
difficult situations, that vision will become
distorted. If obstacles do occur, know that
eventually you will overcome them. You
will live through it and the recovery will be
a lot faster than you think. Understand that
what others want to make of you is their
decision. What is important is what you
My Mask, My Shield want to make of yourself. When you know
It is important in high school to be who you really are and not be afraid to do the things what that is, embody it, because there
you like to do. Often, when we feel insecure and vulnerable, we hide behind “shields” or will always be other people who think and
put on “masks’ so that others can’t get to know our true personalities. For me, a mask believe different from you. Jamila Flake
had been a form of protection from hiding the truth of feeling sad and lonely. Many times
I put on a smile to hide the tears that I‘m afraid to show. To hide your emotions is not How to Deal with Stress
the best choice to make. In doing so, you isolate yourself from the rest of the world and As a young teenage girl, I find myself
you prevent others from showing that they care. Through my experiences in feeling stressed all the time. The smallest things
vulnerable at many times in my life, I have found that the reason we fail to show the “real” put pressure on me and make me feel
us is because we fear being judged and disliked by others. terribly overwhelmed. It’s a matter of
We all care about how others view us and so we find a way to hide our imperfections and organizing my time and trying my best
cover the things that we don’t want to face about ourselves. When we hide, we prevent to relax and take in everything slowly.
ourselves from reaching our full potential because we are afraid to do so. What I have Sometimes I feel that there are so many
learned is that vulnerability can keep you from making the most of your high school things to do and that I have to do them
years. The best way to deal with insecurities, in my opinion is to talk to someone and right or else I will feel like a failure. Those
never be afraid to let others know how you are feeling. If you do this, you will find that are the times when I just want to quit, give
everyone at one point in their life has felt vulnerable and you can relate to those that you up and move on with my life, but in the
chose to communicate with. back of my head I know that I’m better than
Amanda Creary that and I can handle any challenge thrown
at me. So, what I do is make a plan, first by
They say bad things happen for a reason. writing out everything that has to be done.
It’s not going to stop the pain but you know what, it makes you a stronger person. You Next, I begin to doing each thing, and it’s
learn from your mistakes and you move on. You may think you have the worst life out a good idea to do it in parts, doing maybe
there, that you’re suffering alone, that you keep getting knocked back, that you just keep half of your math homework then switching
screwing up, but you’re not so long as you’re learning from what you feel. You have to science and then back to math again.
to recover from what you’re feeling, whether it be cutting, the thoughts of suicide, or a When something is finished I just cross it
breakup with your girlfriend/boyfriend. There’s so much out there that could make life off my list and move on to the next thing. I
worse. Living here in Canada has already put you on the upside on life. Look to the good; remember to find time for breaks that don’t
because, if you look to bad, that’s all you’ll see. You got to know that there are people include watching television or playing video
out there for you, but in the end you have to know that you control your own future, no games, but are things like taking a walk,
one else. Get back on your feet. Get back out there. Prove to yourself that you can do it. exercising and refreshing my body. There
If you do it for no one else, do it for yourself; because, at the end of the day you need to is really no reason to be stressed, we are
know that you’re always worthwhile. young and can handle anything. Who
Krishma Geer wants grey hair and wrinkles anyway?
Martyna Gadomski
16

18. Stressing Just Wastes Time Bad Habits- Gambling
Stress is one of the things you will face We’ve all been in the situation. It’s lunchtime and a meal at McDonald’s costs ten
in high school. I stressed out so much to dollars; you only have five. A boy in your English class is faced with the same dilemma,
the point that I used to believe that without but there’s a simple solution: gambling. Just think, one roll of the dice, or one draw
stress I would never achieve my goals of the cards and someone will emerge with a stomach full of food and a mind full of
and I would lose my motivation. How? I do pride. Sounds like a good deal, since the loser wouldn’t have been able to buy a full
not know! But I learned something and I meal anyways. Wrong. Gambling, like many other bad habits, rarely proceeds without
learned it the hard way! Stress does not do escalading. This means that losing 5 dollars now could turn into losing your house in
anything about the problem; it only makes a matter of years. A gambling addiction could be as destructive as a drug addiction,
it worse by making you unable to find the causing the devastation of lives, families, and relationships, and it all starts with a pair of
solution. dice. Think about it: is a short-lived satisfaction worth losing everything?
Steven George
And think about this: why stress? Because
your project is due tomorrow? Or because
you have three tests on the same day? Are Let Go of the Past and Accept Yourself
these things that are really worth you being Putting yourself down when you can be raising up the angel that you are is pointless due
under lots of stress? I am not saying you to the fact that we live in a beautiful world filled with amazing things to explore. Many
should have the “I don’t care attitude” but have heard this phrase over and over again but it seems to go through one ear and right
the key is CALM DOWN, LOOK WHERE through the other.
YOU WANT TO GO AND GO! Don’t stress Some ask themselves the same things every day but don’t seem to have answers. Why
out because stress DOES NOT show that do we let our past control us and why do we blame ourselves for things that are not our
you care, but that you cannot handle the fault? Why do we want to look like the celebrities that are air-brushed? Why can’t we
problem! accept what we’ve been blessed with?
Youanna Daoud
What people need to do is look at the good side of things because believe it or not there’s
Teen Addictions always a good thing connected with a bad one. We don’t see what we should see and
An addiction is not limited to alcohol, that is our beauty, our amazing selves. There is more to life than dwelling on something
drugs, gambling or sex. It can be anything that has already happened and there is more to life than crying over things you cannot
that separates you from things that are change.
important to you: family, friends, spirituality,
We are wonderful people, which is why we have friends and family around us that talk to
schoolwork and yourself. An addiction to
us and want to be around us. It is because they love us, because there is a lot to love
video games can be just as bad as one
about each person. If you are strong enough to continue your life with a smile on your
to cocaine. An addiction is defined by
face, then you know you are strong enough to let go of the past or any bad thoughts
its effects on the person not what you’re
running through your mind. Why wouldn’t anyone want to feel strong?
addicted to. Martha Nagournaia
It is possible to work through an addiction
once you realize you have a problem. If What IS a Superhero?
you can’t go a day without it or if it’s above This book is about how to be a superhero.
family or other things that were once Well, we can’t tell you to be something, if you don’t
important to you, then you may have a know what it is.
problem. You should not be embarrassed Now, you’ve all probably seen the media’s
or scared to seek help; in fact, you should superheroes. These people usually had some
be proud that you have the courage and sort of power, or amazing technology, or superior
peace of mind to change your life. intelligence, or amazing luck. I know I want to
be that, laying down justice with my fist,
There are many ways to find help saving people, the stereotypical rescuing
depending on the severity of the addiction. of damsels - basically being a “hero”.
There are likely many support groups,
such as Alcoholics Anonymous, centres for Is that what a superhero is? I don’t have
addiction and other similar establishments any of those things that a superhero has.
in your area. Your parents youth workers, There were times in my life where I wished d
guidance councillors and even teachers I was better in some way, because I felt
can help you find these groups. However, that I couldn’t care for the people I loved
these groups can only go so far - it is properly. I couldn’t be a hero.
important that you realize the importance I was wrong. I didn’t know what a
of ending your addiction and have the superhero was. It’s about loving
g
determination to work through it with help people. All you have to do is
from others. love others. You don’t need
Brittany Borowiec to do huge things, but it
can start with little things. Art: Mary Nicole Tacuyan
Validate people! Make them feel like they have superpowers too! A superhero builds the
superhero army, by using the powers of love, kindness, generosity, wisdom, patience,
courage, and other virtues to give people big boosts, and remind them of their superhero
ways.
Adrian Emmanuel
17

19. 18

20. 19

21. 20

22. Art: Betty Jiang
21

23. Chapter 2: Spirituality
Your Relationship With
God
Having a strong faithful relationship with
God is an important thing. Often times,
when you have no one else to go to, you
can always depend on God to be there
for you and help you in ways you never
thought possible. He will always be there
to shed His guiding light upon you and
therefore you can depend on Him. That’s
important for grade 9 students as they
enter into high school and find themselves
in a whole new environment with very
little experience on how to get around
problems. This can eventually lead them
to make the wrong decisions based on the
wrong influences. In desperate times turn
to God for guidance on finding the right
path and achieving righteousness.
Berty Baskaran
An Education Like No Other
After having received only months of a
Catholic Education, I believe it is time
for me to share the good news of my
experience. At St. Francis Xavier I
have received, given and accomplished
more than ever before. With each day
that passes, my character continues to
form, my curiosity broadens, and my
faith strengthens. Perhaps the most
Art: Aaron Pinto
valuable achievement for me has been
to witness myself growing with integrity,
being moulded into a hopeful grateful, and
responsible leader.
Jesus – The Great Role Model
I consider St. Francis Xavier my second There was a time when I went to Church for Sunday service, and the pastor told us
home, and the people within its walls something. He said that he was going to tell us the most important thing to know in
my extended family. The atmosphere at being a Christian. Everyone that we know including ourselves follows a role model.
school, the positive energy, and the sense Some one that we admire a lot, and someone that is more powerful than us. Well, the
of aChristian community have motivated pastor asked us, is there anyone that we admire more than Jesus, and we replied no.
me to better myself in every way possible. And then he asked is there anyone more powerful than Jesus, and we replied no. Then
With Jesus’ teachings I have learned he said, there is no greater role model than Jesus himself. We as Christians should
to seek the greatness in everyone, to follow in his footsteps and do things in his name. That is the greatest importance of
always strive for my best and to live a well being a Christian; an imitation of Christ.
rounded life. Howard Pang
Claudia Dessanti
Prayer
To be truly happy, you Through our busy day to day lives we sometimes get so carried away that we have the
need God tendency to forget one of the most important things – our soul. The soul moves the body
Yes, it is true. You need to believe in and the living body moves the world, yet we get so concerned about the body, forgetting
something. Without having a relationship, the soul that is moving the whole body. Without that spirit the body is motionless or
or some form of a relationship with dead. This might sound philosophical but it is as simple as taking out a few minutes
a higher power you can never really during the day, giving yourself time to connect with your inner-self, your soul. This
understand why you are alive. In other allows you to attain peace and realize where are you heading in life, it brings you to the
words, you live so that one day you platform of your relationship with the supreme: God. However you may like it; closing
graduate, get a job and work the rest your eyes and freeing yourself from all thoughts and saying a prayer to God in whatever
of your life. In order to develop a better state it might be, will for sure help you mentally and emotionally in your school life. In
meaning to life, you need to believe in times of extreme distress, I always go to our school chapel, get down on my knees with
something. folded hands and look at God. And without saying a word it was like there was someone
Gwen Mendes who was listening to me with a promise of carrying me through. Rishika Sharma
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24. Forgiveness and Second
Chances
One of the hardest things to do in life is to
forgive. As easy as it may seem, think back
to the one time where you could not forgive
someone completely. Now, think back to
the one time when someone did not forgive
you right away. It is a challenge to find it
within ourselves to show compassion and
not hatred to others who hurt us physically,
mentally and spiritually. Throughout grade 9,
you will experience many obstacles, whether
good or bad, that will require a request for
forgiveness. Remember, show empathy for
others who hurt you and find it in your heart
to give them a second chance to redeem
themselves. It’s never too late to change
Art: Alexis Young and with strength from God this is always
possible. The greatest feeling is transforming
In a Catholic School Environment… you into an image of God mentally and
…we are able to experience God’s love for each human being. In class, a motivated spiritually. Having the courage to forgive
discussion or silent reflective prayer helps us come to terms with problems or others when they can’t forgive themselves
challenges we are facing in life. Things like this affirm a student’s basic goodness: to will help you to overcome greater obstacles
promote their dignity, to honour their fundamental rights, and to develop their gifts to in the years to come.
the fullest. Amaryllis Jones
Each day that I go to school, the education that I receive helps me grow to be a
better person. It helps me in developing good personality traits that are in Jesus’ It is Never Too Late to
teachings, in remembering the important things in life and in appreciating all of my
Change
blessings. Truly, if I had not gone through the Catholic education system, I would
God’s compassion and forgiveness is
definitely not be the same person that I am today.
beautifully portrayed in the picture of Christ
Ultimately, Catholic education has immense value to each being. For myself, it has opening His arms to forgive and accept the
formed me as an “entire person” - one who loves learning and serves others joyfully. thief who repents in the last few moments of
In this type of environment, I truly came to “know myself,” and I could not be better his life. On the cross, the thief says, “Lord,
prepared for the road ahead. Aaron J. Pinto remember me when You come into your
kingdom” (Luke 23: 42). Then Jesus answers
Judgment is God’s Job; Ours is Compassion. saying, “Assuredly I say to you, today you
Often when we see someone it is human tendency to judge them. But judging will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23: 43). IT
someone and passing on negative remarks, from one ear to another is certainly IS NEVER TOO LATE to change. Likewise,
not right to do. Every individual is a creation of God, whether tall, short, beautiful, God is waiting for each and every one of
fat, thin, dark or light. In criticizing anyone we are criticizing God and his creation. us to change and return. His unconditional
God has made every individual with utmost care and affection so then who are we love and compassion will never reject you
to judge? We must instead be kind towards each other to thank God and show him because he is the one who says, “The one
what beautiful people he has made. This will not only help you succeed but also who comes to Me I will by no means cast out”
make the lives of others sweeter to live in. Rishika Sharma (John 6:37). Youanna Daoud
Hope
It doesn’t matter that you are just a niner,
it doesn’t matter if you’re small, weak,
shy, scared, different, or disabled in any
way. YOU ARE STRONG! YOU ARE
POWERFUL! In your hands is the power to
change lives: hope. Don’t EVER give up.
Those people who became heroes on 9/11
didn’t give up hope, and neither should you!
No matter what you’re facing, you have your
friends, and teachers, and other people to
support you. You have your own strength
to carry yourself too! You have the same
power of love that I and every other human
has. Confidence, brothers! Courage, sisters!
Hope, friends! YOU, reader, are a hero! Now,
get to work! Show us, show the world, what
you can do! Adrian Emmanuel
Art: Alexis Young
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