Club Activity Within Western

 Katherine L.

 Mid-term season may be behind us, but there are still seven months of studying, essay writing, and homework to look forward to before summer break arrives. If you’re feeling a bit "bogged down" by the mountain of homework sitting on your desk (as I most certainly do), extracurricular activities are a great way to “de-stress” and add a bit of fun to your busy schedule. A variety of clubs and extracurricular activities are available to Western students, ranging from the academic to the social - whatever your niche may be.

Here is a small snapshot of the great many extracurricular activities available at Western:

• Model United Nations, or, as it is often referred to, “MUN”, meets every Monday after school. Students are led by MUN “executives” in simulations of the United Nations, encouraging participants to practice diplomacy and educate themselves about current events. The “executive” team is composed of experienced seniors that ensure they are ready for the conferences. Participants are assigned delegations to represent, and are required to do some research beforehand to familiarize themselves with their country’s foreign policy. All this work is in anticipation of the citywide Model United Nations conference, which is set to take place at the U of C early next year. Whether you’re in a crisis committee or the General Assembly, MUN is a great way to meet others and make new friends while obtaining a great understanding of the United Nations.
• “Inspire. Involve. Interact.” The Interact Club at Western is a student-run club that provides youth with volunteer opportunities across the city. In addition to providing volunteer opportunities through the Youth Volunteer Corps, the Interact club takes on one local, national, and international humanitarian initiative each year. The club meets on Wednesdays at lunch in Room 088.
•  The Western Photography Club is an ideal club for students interested in photography. Members can take photos of school events, students, and athletics for the Yearbook and school newspaper, and meet on Wednesdays after school in Room 276.
• The Math Club, which meets on either Wednesday or Thursday at lunch in Room 104, is the place of congregation for all sorts of students- whether you’re looking for a challenge, or simply wanting to improve your math skills. Topics that are not taught in regular math classes, like from Diophantine equations and Fermat’s Last Theorem are covered. In addition, members are given the opportunity to write challenging math contests throughout the year. 

 It may already be December, but it certainly isn’t too late to join a club at Western!

Model United Nations Conference

By: Romany N.
Western Canada High School’s Model United Nations team has had an ongoing rivalry with Sir Winston Churchill’s Model United Nations team for some time now, and on February 23rd and 24th at the University of Calgary High School Model United Nations Conference, Western received the Best Delegation Award for their strong efforts and unwavering dedication to success, as well as a Verbal Commendation for the Delegation of Indonesia.

The decorum and diplomacy that was displayed by Western Canada High School’s delegates during the conference was well above the expected level. Each delegate had thoroughly researched the policies of his or her respective country, as well as that of other states to ensure he or she was adequately prepared for intellectual debate on foreign affairs. However, the strength these students had did not go unnoticed, as many single delegates won the Best Delegate award in their council in addition to receiving Verbal Commendations and Honorable Mentions.

Although the University of Calgary HSMUN conference was the last of the season, Western Canada High School is very adamant about remaining one of the upmost competitive HSMUN committees in Alberta and is always welcoming new students who are interested in politics and debate, and who would like to become a part of this excellent organization.

Say Cheese!

By Clare T. 

Want to find out what goes on at Western’s Photography Club? Here’s an exclusive interview with two club members, Marc L. and Alex V.

CT: First question! Why did you decide to join the Photography Club?

ML: Well, I didn’t know anyone when I came to Western, and was told that the best way to meet people was to join a club. As well, photography has always been my passion.

AV: I joined photography club because I wanted to meet other people who were interested in photography, and learn new skills.

CT: So, what happens in a typical Photography Club meeting?

ML: It’s always chaos at the beginning! We’re never really organized! Usually we start by talking about upcoming events at school where photographers are needed, and pass around sign-up sheets so that members can volunteer to take photos.

AV: Every meeting, Mackenzie, our club leader, teaches us a new lesson about photography, on topics like framing and aperture. Then we go through the school taking pictures and applying the concept that we’ve learned.

CT: Why are you passionate about photography?

ML: Wow, that’s a hard question! I love how you can put so much thought into a simple medium. With photography, there is always more than one perspective, one way to look at something.

AV: It’s a form of self-expression through images, and gives you the ability to capture a moment forever.

ML: The feeling you get when a photo comes together is priceless. That moment when you know that you’ve taken a good picture, is just about the best moment ever.

CT: In your opinion, what is the best part of being in the Photography Club?

ML: I love being part of this club because I love teaching and being able to share my passion. I learn through teaching too. It’s also an opportunity to help others develop an appreciation for the art. Most people don’t understand everything that’s behind a great photo.

AV: For me it’s having the opportunity to do what I love and to meet new people.

CT: What’s the best picture you’ve ever taken? Did you set it up or was it spontaneous?

AV: The best picture I’ve ever taken is one of my friend skiing. It’s a really great shot of him with snow in his face. I guess you could say it was planned.

ML: The best picture I’ve ever taken was for a project I did for a photography class. The assignment was to shoot something with a new perspective. I glued martini glasses to a board with a background, and filled the glasses with different colored liquids. Then I tilted the board and set up my tripod on the same angle so that it appeared the glasses were standing straight, but the liquid inside them was angled. I love this photo because it teaches that what you see is not reality.

CT: Who or what got you interested in photography?

ML: I’ve asked myself this question so many times! When I was a kid, I had a really old and [terrible] point and shoot. Then I got an old camera from a dental office that used it for insurance photography and was selling it after getting an upgrade. One day, while skateboarding, I fell and smashed the camera to bits. I was really sad when it broke, and it was then that I realized that photography was something I had really begun to enjoy, and decided it would be worth it to buy myself a new camera. I’ve been taking pictures ever since.

AV: My dad got me interested in photography. It was always one of his passions, and he passed it down to me.

Toast and Jam?

By Clare T.

Jam Club may be one of the newest additions to Western’s club scene, but it’s certainly not the quietest! Here’s an interview with Jam Club member Page H.

CT: First question! What is the purpose of the Jam Club?
PH: I believe the purpose of the Jam Club is to bring together musicians who normally would not have the grounds upon which to meet. Through our performances, we also aim to bring to Western a representation of the arts in a form different [than that of] a symphonic band or choir.

CT: How long has the Jam Club been around? Why did it start?
PH: The club began last year and was formerly known as the Toast and Jam Club. It was started by a few very talented musicians who wanted to share their talent and [to] encourage networking between musicians.

CT: Does the club have regular meetings?
PH: Technically, we don’t have regular club meetings, although we do have the freedom to schedule Mr. Selby’s classroom to jam with friends, band mates, or other club members [on] Tuesdays at lunch.

CT: So, how often does the Jam Club perform?
PH: We typically try to have at least one member perform in the cafeteria every week. Mostly, members choose to jam during lunch hours or [to] get together outside of school.

CT: How many students are involved in the club?
PH: Well, there are three aspects to Jam Club: the jamming, the performances, and the networking. Some students choose to partake in only one of these areas, while some are involved in all three. In total though, there are around fifty members.

CT: Why did you decide to join the Jam Club?
PH: Well, at the beginning of October, I went on a hostelling trip in Leadership. I’ve played acoustic guitar for over a year and decided to bring it along. While on the trip, Mr. Harker, who is one of the Jam Club supervisors, asked if I’d be interested in joining the Jam Club. I was hesitant at first, but I talked to my friend Evan, an electric guitar player, and we decided to join the club together to learn more.

CT: What have you been doing in Jam Club lately?
PH: Lately, I’ve been taking many Tuesday lunch hours to play with a percussionist and an electric guitarist. I love when the three of us get in sync and really connect. The music is amazing! I may see about performing, however the musicians who already perform regularly set an incredibly high bar with their talent!

CT: What, in your opinion, is the best part of being involved in this club?
PH: For me, the best part of being involved in the Jam Club is learning in an environment that’s more tangible than just pen to paper. You hear it, you feel it with your fingers, and occasionally you sing it, all while learning and enjoying yourself.

CT: Finally, how can other students get involved in the Jam Club?
PH: If you’re interested in joining the Jam Club, all you need to do is talk to Mr. Harker or Mr. Selby. Other than that, performance support is always welcome!