journal entry

April

Journal

Teacher: Ms. Babb

Name: Helena

Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

            I always wondered when I would go to university or college. I would think it would be a gigantic place, a school but a lot larger, and there would be a ton of people. That's how I thought about it when I was young. I would always pretend to go to University or College at home, acting like a teacher and teaching my pretend students. That's how my big imagination was. I would say that everyone would love to go to university or college just like Heather, Holling's sister. During dinner in the Hoodhood's 'Perfect' house, heather talks about wanting to go to a college called "Columbia College." But, Mr. Hoodhood does not allow her to go because the school is on a strike to protest against the Vietnam War and racism, which means, no classes are going to be in session. Mr. Hoodhood did not allow her to go to college for many reasons. The most important one was that he wanted to keep her safe from that entire riot that is happening there. He also does not want her to go to college because she already has a job here, which is working as a secretary at Hoodhood and Associates. With Mr. Hoodhood's reasons, I strongly think that he is both right and wrong. Parents should care about their children when they are moving out, or in this case, moving in to college. Things could happen to them, so he is just being protective. I also think he is wrong because even if she has a job, children need to learn new things, which are the purpose of going to college. But I think Mr. Hoodhood's attitude towards Heather is like most parents today. He reminds me of my parents sometimes, but not about the fact about him caring about his job than caring about his children. Overall, I think Mr. Hoodhood should put her into college for intelligence and for her to be a more responsible young adult and as a student.

                                                   

Two Daring Competitors
Name: Helena
Teacher: Ms. Babb
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Two rivals with the same goal. In a book called "The Wednesday Wars", a boy's father, Mr. Hoodhood, and a girl's father, Mr. Kowalski, are two architects who work for the same thing and he same thing.They are
the same because they are both architects and they want their models to be built as the new school. Their differences are that Mr. Kowalski is the more selfish one and Mr. Hoodhood is the smarter one. Mr. Kowalski is selfish because he was the one who copied off Mr. Hoodhood's scale model for the highschool design and he knew it was Mr. Hoodhood's yet he still copied as if it were his own. Mr. Hoodhood
is the smarter one compared to him because I bet he wouldn't of done the same thing and if he would, he would've asked Holling to ask Meryl Lee for her father's drawing. I think Mr. Kowalski should be a good
sport about this. I can understand that their work means a lot, especially the money that they earn, but at least play fair. Instead of just copying over Mr. Hoodhood's drawing, Mr. Kowalski's drawing would've been pretty good compared to Mr. Hoodhood's and maybe his drawing would actually get built as the new school design. But who knows, maybe Mr. Kowalski might have a chance at winning against Mr.
Hoodhood further in the book. But, that's just my opinion.

Homework is NOT a Waste of Time
Name: Helena
Teacher: Ms. Babb


Parents want the best for their children. To have a brilliant life, encourage them to have good grades, and help them to not be lazy. This is when homework is needed. I understand that homework is a bother at times, but without homework, how would children succeed in life? At times like these, homework is actually a good thing to do.

My first opinion that I would like to clarify is that homework prepares children for the next lesson. Homework is when they need to practice on the work they did on that day. If they don't understand the previous lesson or if they forget about it, homework that is based on the specific lesson can help them understand, therefore, they could reminisce to it. Furthermore, if there is an up coming test, the homework can teach them the lesson again and they could study over it to prepare.

My second reason of why homework is not a waste of time is because homework is actually worth 60% of our grades! I quote from my teacher, Ms. Babb. If students do their homework, the 60% will count in their
grades, have a better chance of going into their future careers and it will benefit in their entire life. If students don't do their homework, they won't acknowledge the lessons that they learned on that day.

My last stable reason of why homework is not a waste of time is that homework can entertain them. Instead of watching TV or surfing the Internet, they could do homework. I know, this doesn't necessary sound
like a reasonable statement, but TV and computers could damage their vision. Moreover, it could even affect their brains! Certainly, parents would not want to risk that, therefore, homework is a lot safer than it would actually sound like.

Homework is not a waste of time. Why do you ask? Answer is simple. Homework affects students' grades, entertains them at the times when they are bored and have nothing to do, and gives them time for them to
prepare or study for the next lesson. Some people may disagree with this, and I know many will, but surely, mostly every answer to many different topics is a 50, 50% chance of answering them, just like this one. At least, that is what I think. So, as you can see, homework is not evil, horrible, or something that will eat you whole, it's just something that teachers give you to show that they care about you; you're grades and such.

Helena's Lent Paragraph

Lent
Name: Helena
Teacher: Ms. Babb
Date: Friday February 24, 2012
                           Lent is a time when we sacrifice something we love for Jesus. As
Catholics we give up something for 40 days starting from Ash Wednesday. We are doing this because in those 40 days, Jesus travelled alone through a desert without food or water. He did this to make
himself, his spirit stronger. Those 40 days was when Jesus was tempted to do anything. Once the devil showed up to him, he wanted him to make him turn something into bread or fall off a high ledge and save
himself. The devil made so many promises to Jesus, but Jesus denied  every single promise just to make him stronger. After I heard this story, I was surprised how Jesus can withstand without food and water
for 40 days straight, walking through a hot, dry desert. I couldn't do that, I might die. We're mortal and he is immortal. Mortal meaning we will die someday but Jesus is immortal meaning he will not die. On the
starting of Lent, which was Ash Wednesday, priests burn the palms from last year and it becomes ashes. They put those ashes on our forehead to symbolize that we are born from ashes, and that we will turn into
ashes once again. When the priests say that while they put ashes on our foreheads, I didn't know what that meant. I remembered when Jesus made Adam, the first human on earth, from dust and just by blowing
onto the dust, he became human. That is maybe why the priests said that to us because Jesus made us from dusts. Since we're mortals, we are born from dust and will turn into dust again meaning we will die
someday in our life. In respect for Jesus, I'm giving up something that I go on daily which is Facebook. I don't love Facebook, but it'ssomething that is my daily routine when I come home from school. I decided to give it up for 40 days because I think it will make me astronger and better person. I realized that it's not something I need every day in my life; it's just something that entertains me and lets me talk to my friends and family through the internet. Lent is giving me a chance to get stronger and I'm using this chance for an opportunity for me to do so.
--

Crete

ilite

I.L.I.T.E
Intermediate Leader in Training Event
Name: Helena
Teacher: Ms. Babb
Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
                    I've experienced lots of things that made my day 'The Best Day Ever', but truthfully, Ilite was the top out of all. Ilite stands for Intermediate Leader in Training Event. Ilite was taken place in high
school named "Mother Theresa". When we first got inside, we had to gather around with different schools. After, we were put in an atrium and were being entertained by music, people singing, and telling us stories. The comedian named Stu Saunders told us jokes and his lifestories which were depressing but some of them were funny. After that,we were assigned to different workshops; one in the morning and one in
the afternoon. The first workshop was called "Feed the World".
                   "Feed the World" workshop was teaching us about the environment, how our food from farms were processed, and ways to try to make people be eco-friendly. I forgot what my teacher's name was but he was very nice to us. It seemed like I was the only one answering most of the questions in the class because when he asks us a question, the class was dead silent until someone raises their hand up to answer. Our teacher showed us a video and a PowerPoint about the environment. We played a game after we were done learning and he was so funny when he was pretending to be a guy shooting at us but with a water gun. Class was over, and lunch was next in the atrium. We ate pizza and drank juice. In the atrium, performances were shown and Diego from "The Next Star" show was performing there too.
              Our next workshop was called "Big up Your Voice". I first thought it about singing, but it was actually about history. Before class started, I met three new friends named Samantha, Gabby, and Drazen.
Technically, I didn't really meet Drazen, but I knew him from my friend in another school. History class started and our teacher showed us a documentary on a T.V. Since it was Black History Month, he showed
us a documentary about that. I could hardly understand what was going on because half of the time, the computer wasn't working. At least the class was educational and fun! After the workshop was done, we went back to the atrium again to get ready go home.
                 My opinion on Ilite was that it was a great life experience and just plain "wow!" I liked Ilite because it was very unique out of all the other trips that I went to. It was nice how we got to meet new and
maybe old friends from other schools there. I hope another time Icould see Ilite again, but this time, I'll probably be in high school so I could talk and present prayers like Christiana and Natalie
(Students from our school who already graduated).

The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Name: Helena
Teacher: Ms. Babb
Date: Monday December 12, 2011

                       Mitch Albom once wrote, "All endings are beginnings, we just don't know it at the time." Usually, a story tells a person dying at the end, but in this story, it is told at the beginning. I thought it was a bit strange. Why would anyone die at the beginning? But that is why he wrote such a daring quote, believing that someone dying could be the start of something new. That is what makes up this story. "We just don't know it at the time."
                     "A book that seems to be a gift to a soul" is what people say. With realistic characters, indescribable feelings, and a simple tale has been put all in one story. This story is about an old man named Eddie who dies and meets five people in Heaven. Why are they important? Well, they are people who were basically known to be there in his life. Some people in Heaven were people who Eddie didn't even remember and didn't really care about. But certainly, they all meant something to him. The story goes on and shows meaning, true aspects, and importance of life. Choosing this book was a very interesting choice.
I really think it is very mind-blowing even though I just started reading a few pages. Those few pages already grabbed my attention to read further one. I'm glad I chose this book; it is teaching me new
things every time I read for a specific reason.
                          A magnificent world that God made has come to life, Ruby Pier and Heaven. Ruby Pier was a park where people go and play, ride rides, and eats. It is just like the park where I live called Wonderland. It is near a lake so there is a little so called "beach" at the edge of the park. How Mitch described this place was like I was in the book as a character he made up. It was very fascinating. The other place was where Eddie went when he died, Heaven. In Heaven, it wasn't actually like fantasy worlds where you can do anything you want; it was where Eddie learned many lessons and met old friends who died before him.
          They taught him things that explain all his questions. Truthfully, in Heaven, it wasn't even his world yet. Usually, when you die, you go to Heaven and its where your memories lie, but when he died, he was in the memories his friends. That world was teaching him a lesson that meant certain things but he could not figure it out yet. Everything has changed in the world of Eddie.
         Last hour spent, death approaching. Eddie didn't know it at the time but he knew it was coming soon enough. Eddie was an old man with a hunch-back, barrel chest, short neck, and had a faded army tattoo on his right shoulder. He worked at the park as maintenance. Eddie just turned 83 years old and that day became his final day. Eddie seemed like a grumpy old man, but in the inside, he has a heart full of happiness. I really liked how he is such a nice person. He helps everyone who is in need, he makes most people happy, and he is trust worthy. When you get on his bad side, he just grumbles and ignores. He, in my perspective, is just like a real person even if he was made up. Daring, interesting, this is Eddie.
                   Have you ever read a book in your life? Well of course you have! At
least once in your life you have owned, read, or written a book. Books are part of your life and the book I'm reading teaches about life. "All endings are beginnings," and that is what I have learned. Even
dying could be the start of a new life, but you can never know. I've learned that life can be a threat sometimes but life isn't perfect, we all make mistakes and once in our life we all die and it's just how it
is.

Religion Parable

The Parable of the Two Sons

Matthew 21: 28-32

Name: Helena 

Date: Wednesday November 30, 2011

'What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today." He answered, "I will not"; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, "I go, sir"; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?' They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

             'A man had two sons and he asked his oldest son to go work in the vineyard today. The song answered, "I will not"; but still he went. The father asked his youngest song to go work and he answered, "I go, sir"; but he did not go. Which on of the two sons obeyed their father?' They said, 'The oldest one.' Jesus said, 'The tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed John the Baptist who was showing you the right path to take; but you did not believe him. The tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going to the Kingdom of God before you. When you saw this, you still did not change your minds.'

               The moral of this parable is not to lie. You shouldn't lie because in this parable, Jesus told the story of the man with two sons, and the youngest son lied and did not obey his father, yet the oldest song lied too, but he still obeyed his father. He also showed how the prostitutes and the tax-collectors believed John who showed them to take the right path, but the people, who Jesus were talking to, still did not change their minds even when they saw bad people obeying a good man. I think they didn't want to believe because the tax-collectors and the prostitutes did bad things before they believed in John, so they thought they were lying. The tax-collectors and the prostitutes lied before they believed John, so how would the people know that they can believe John too? That is why you should not lie, lying could lead to even more trouble and you cannot even tell which one is the truth.

Memorial Experiences at Teen Ranch

Name: Helena

Date: Friday November 25, 2011

Teacher: Ms. Babb

   

        Have you ever had a school trip that you will remember for your entire life? Well I have! Many memories and experiences lie within the most unforgettable trip ever. This trip, dare I say it, is named Teen Ranch. Teen Ranch is the first and most extraordinary camp I've ever been to that has food, cabins, activities, and much more!

         First, I thought the food wasn't good, but obviously, I was wrong. Each food that they made had such a unique flavour to it. If I were to rate it, I would rate it 4 out of 4 just because if I rated it bad, I'd regret me doing that. I was in the red group which meant that we were first to set up the tables 15 minutes before and after lunch and dinner. Some people thought setting up was "boring" but I thought the opposite. Setting up felt as if I was on the farm! We had to set the tables up with the usual. After lunch, certain people did certain jobs. All of us had to wash, soap, dry, and vacuum. I had to ask the staff a bunch of times to see if any of the deserts had peanuts or any kinds of nuts. The staff said, "Don't worry, all the deserts that we make have no traces of nuts!" and I was relieved to hear that. I'd say food was my 2^nd favourite part of Teen Ranch.

        Being in a cabin was pretty hectic, if I do say so myself! Being with friends, handing out, out in the outdoors just enjoying wonderful cabin life! In our cabin, we have our own responsibilities. We have to take care of ourselves and clean up after ourselves. If we see one of our friend's spaces that aren't cleaned, then they do it, not me. I find that responsibility pretty fair. At night, things became pretty scary and funny at some points. We saw finger prints and an "X" on our door, this happened on the last night of Teen Ranch. Kimberley and I knew it was a prank but the others didn't, so we kept it to ourselves. Few nights before, the toilet got clogged and we all kind of panicked. We called in for one of the teachers for help and it was all good. Well, I guess being in a cabin takes a lot of responsibility but lots of fun.

   

        I was excited right when we go to do the activities. Skating; fun, horse back riding; awesome, rock climbing; scary, then had its points where it was thinking time, Frolf; very interesting, and last but not least, Predator and Prey; a real challenge. Skating wasn't that easy in the beginning. I didn't want to fall but then I fell 2 times. It turns out, falling is part of learning! Horseback riding, my childhood dream, was scary when you first get on the horse. My heart was racing when I got on to my horse. I had all these questions rushing into my head, "What if I fall? Why is it so high? Will we run away from where we were supposed to go?" But when Agatha told us what to do, I got it and it was pretty easy. Rock climbing had lots of thinking to it. I thought that it was smart because you have to think of where to go. When I was climbing, I got stuck halfway. I blanked out for a second and I didn't know what to do. I looked everywhere for rocks to climb and I didn't give up! I reached the top and climbed down. Mr. Samler said that I had perseverance and determination. Frolf was such a unique game. It's a mix between frisbee and golf. I had so much fun but at some points, it was getting annoying, but I kept going! Predator and prey had the feeling like I was an animal! Lots of work to it!  Now I know that animals have a hard life. Activities, I rate you as #1 out of all!

         Embarrassing, shocking, scary, fun, tasty, magnificent, unique; Words describing activities that I haven't done before and some that I have done before. Night #1; Movie Night. For movie night, we watched Karate Kid. It was happy, romantic, funny, and sad at points. I already watched the movie so I knew what happens. Night #2; Karaoke/Dance-off. Pretty Wild! We had to verse each cabin group, and it turned out that we won! Sadly, there was no prize to it. Night #3; Bonfire/Dance Party. Bonfire was kind of scary but hilarious and delicious! Scary, because people told ghost stories and we knew that people were probably going to prank us. Hilarious and delicious because we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and we told jokes sometimes too. The dance was a bit nerve racking because it was loud and it gave me a headache and I lost my voice just because I was sick. But other than that, it was amazing!

        Sharing these momentous stories makes me happy. I made space in my heart just to cherish these extraordinary experiences and share it with you. Encountering many unique and challenging activities, astonishing food, and great cabins were each part of a complete trip that I've ever been to. All of these memories will stay in my heart, forever.

John McCrae

John McCrae

      "Short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow." John McCrae wrote these words during the 1^st World War. John McCrae had a pleasant life until war called for him, and that's when everything changed.

       John McCrae was born in November 30, 1872 in Guelph, Ontario. McCrae was a doctor, a poet, and a soldier. His importance was that he helped the injured soldiers in the war. After the beginning of the 1^st World War in 1914, John was posted as a medical officer. On December 8, 1915, Punch Magazine published a poem remembering John McCrae's death. "In Flanders Fields", written by John McCrae, is still known today. On June 1915, he was transferred to Boulogne No.3 General Hospital as an officer in charge or the medicine. He was educated at the University of Toronto and he later became a physician. McCrae published other poems before the World War. He was not new to war; he served as an artillery subaltern in Canadian Contingent during Boer War in South Africa. John died, just a few years after war, from pneumonia on January 28, 1918. In my opinion, John McCrae was a brilliant man. After I heard the poem, "In Flanders Fields", I almost cried because I can feel that John was expressing his feelings about war and how hard it was to see so many soldiers dying in front of his eyes. I cannot even imagine how horrifying it was to look at them and he knew it was all because of war. From the poem, I will always wear a poppy to represent John McCrae, the soldiers who have died and for the soldiers who still are alive today.                      

                                By: Helena