The newest students at GISS are settling in, and the verdict so far is a positive one. Moving from elementary school to a bigger campus can be a big adjustment, but the Grade 8s we spoke to say they are already finding things to look forward to, both in and out of the classroom.

When it came to favorite classes, English Language Arts (ELA) was the clear front-runner. Students pointed to fun projects and a teacher with a great sense of humour as reasons it stands out. Socials also earned a mention, with one student saying it keeps learning fresh because the work feels meaningful and there is something new to discover every day.

Freedom was the most popular answer when asked what they like best about the school. Compared to elementary school, Grade 8s are enjoying having more independence, from the flexible schedule system to the option of heading into town for lunch. For others, it comes down to the people, with friends and teachers making school a place they want to be.

Outside of class, this group is already getting involved. Choir, volleyball, and Vex Robotics are all on their list of activities, and some are hoping to make the school basketball team too. With Clubs Day behind them, it looks like the Grade 8s are well on their way to making the most of their time at GISS.

Marrella

Q: What is your favorite class so far?

A: ELA

Q: What is your favorite thing about the school?

A: Friends and some of the teachers.

Q: Are you taking any after-school activities, and if so, which activities are you doing?

A: I'm playing volleyball for GISS this season.

Finn

Q: What is your favourite class so far?

A: My favourite class is Mr. Lee's English because I think we get to do a lot of really fun projects and he's a super funny teacher.

Q: What is your favourite thing about the school?

A: Probably having the freedom to be able to leave campus at lunch and get food from town.

Q: Are you taking any after-school activities, and if so, which activities are you doing?

A: Right now I'm doing the Vex Robotics program and I'm going to try and join GISS basketball this year.

Aurelia

Q: What is your favorite class so far?

A: Probably English.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the school?

A: Maybe having a lot more freedom than in elementary school.

Q: Are you taking any after-school activities, and if so, which activities are you doing?

A: Yes, I am signing up for choir this year.

Lisa

Q: What is your favorite class so far?

A: My favorite class would have to be socials because we do actual work there and I feel like I am learning something new everyday.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the school?

A: My favorite thing is the freedom given to the students and the schedule system.

Q: Are you taking any after-school activities, and if so, which activities are you doing?

A: Yes, I just started volleyball on the GISS B team.

Of all the classrooms at GISS, one stands out as a staple. Even if a student never sets foot in the SHIFT lab, its presence is undeniable. One of many alternative learning options at our school, SHIFT puts the emphasis on student initiative and independent exploration while still providing a structured course outline under teacher supervision. While courses such as Physical Education and Interpersonal and Family Relationships have historically been undertaken through SHIFT, the real stars of the show are the Language and Humanities courses. Alongside the usual staples you might expect from those two departments, SHIFT offers several exclusive classes you won't find anywhere else in the school. Courses like Creative Writing, Physical Geography, Genocide Studies, and many more are part of what makes SHIFT such a special opportunity.

For students who prefer a specialized look at the subjects they love, or find a traditional classroom stressful or unpleasant, SHIFT comes to the rescue. The lab itself is structured to allow easy independent learning, but not in a way that restricts learners from collaborating. Some might not see the purpose of catering to such a specific style of learning, but the numbers don't lie: if you've ever tried to switch into a SHIFT class after the start of the year, you'll know the spots are well and truly limited. As a testament to the effectiveness of SHIFT, one couldn't ask for better.

Phoenix is a great place if you like to work independently and at your own pace. It's also a good option if you find regular homework and deadlines stressful. The teachers are really nice and helpful if you need anything. Sometimes it can get a little loud, especially in the back room when there are a lot of people.

The staff bring in treats, and there is always food for anyone to eat. Lots of students enjoy toast that the teachers provide, or they make their own food, like noodles. You can choose to work inside or outside. There are benches and tables outside, or you can sit on the grass while you work. You can also listen to music in Phoenix if that helps you focus. The teachers don't mind as long as you're getting your work done.

One thing that makes Phoenix different is that there aren't regular due dates for every assignment. It's mostly up to you to manage your time and finish your course by the end of the semester. When you finish one of your booklets and hand it in, you can ask to see your grade the next day or a few days later. You can also ask to redo some work to improve your grade.

Overall, Phoenix is a great place if you enjoy working at your own pace, having supportive teachers, and being able to take responsibility for your own learning without too much pressure.

This school year has brought several changes to our school community. Along with welcoming a new Principal and Vice Principal, students are also adjusting to changes that affect their daily routines. One change that has caused discussion among students and staff is the new departure time for the water taxi. For students who live on the smaller islands, including Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna, getting home from school is not as simple as walking or taking a bus ride. After each school day ends, these students rely on water taxis to get them home. Depending on where they live and the stops that they have to wait for, their journey can take anywhere from approximately 45 minutes to two hours.

In previous years, the water taxi left at 4:30pm. This year, the departure time has been moved to 4:20pm. With school ending at 4:05, students now have only 15 minutes to pack up their things and walk all the way down to the dock. While a 10-minute change may not seem significant to everyone, for students who rely on water taxis every day, it can make a noticeable difference.

Some students report that a shorter amount of time can add stress to the end of their school day. Having to rush out of class, quickly pack up and grab their things and walk to the boat makes it harder to do other things after the bell rings, like talking to a teacher or getting things from lockers. This time change can also cause students to potentially miss the water taxi, which could potentially mean waiting for the next ferry to get off the island. On the other hand, there could be a few reasons for the change. Some students think it may be because the school does not want students to stop at the nearby stores after school to buy food or drinks and bring them onto the water taxis. However, this has not been confirmed as the reason for the earlier departure time.

As students adjust to the many changes happening this school year, the water taxi schedule is one example of how even a small change can have an impact on certain people in the school community.

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. GISS recognized the day and held an assembly the previous day, which began with everyone heading from their first block to the gym for a whole school assembly. The assembly began with a Land Acknowledgement, recognizing that we live and study on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish, Hul'qumi'num and SENĆOŦEN-speaking peoples.

After several moving speakers, there was a screening of a video featuring traditional First Nations dancing, followed by a news interview with a residential school survivor. The survivor interviewed had attended the residential school on Kuper Island, now known as Penelakut Island, just off the northern end of Salt Spring Island. The school is regarded as one of British Columbia's deadliest residential schools. The Penelakut First Nation has reported the discovery of more than 160 undocumented and unmarked graves on the island. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the school earned the nickname "Canada's Alcatraz."

The news interview and the drumming and dance video were followed by a song and drumming with GISS staff and First Nations representatives. After that, everyone participated in a march around Ganges to bring awareness to the day.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day in Canada. It recognizes the history of residential schools and honours the children who never returned home, the survivors and their families. The day is connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was created to investigate the history and impacts of residential schools. These schools were part of an attempt to take away Indigenous peoples' cultures, languages and identities.

It is important to remember and honour what happened to Indigenous peoples in Canada and to understand why Truth and Reconciliation still matter today.

The Earth Club this year is focused on continuing the projects they worked on last year. If you remember, they started a pilot program for recycling soft and hard plastics, but sadly, they were unable to keep the program running. The good news is that the clothing swap is still happening this year, so don't worry!

In an interview, Ms. Bateman explained that last year's recycling pilot program was designed to find out whether students and custodians would use it and how much it would cost. The school board was impressed with the project but didn't have the money to continue it. However, the Earth Club is not giving up!

The big message from our interview with Ms. Bateman is that the Earth Club is determined to keep working toward making our school a cleaner and safer place for students.

Join the Earth Club and make a difference at our school! Meetings are held every Wednesday during lunch in Ms. Bateman’s room, and you can join at any time.

Clubs Day happens every year during the first week of school to introduce students to the clubs on offer. It covers sports, academics, team-building and more, with the goal of helping students feel included, find hidden passions, and have fun. And if one club isn't for you, our school has plenty of others to try.

Club Day lets students explore everything the school offers in one place. Every club sets up a booth in front of the Caf to show what it does, so it's easy to see what each one is like and find the right fit. We spoke with a few students and a club leader, and their opinions were similar. Juliana Lange said, "Clubs Day is really unique because you get to learn about new clubs that you never would have heard of otherwise." Winston Lefsrud added, "I think it's a good way for people to find new clubs and opportunities." Ryan Massey, who runs Athletic Leadership and Student Council, said, "It's a really good way for kids to find out about many of the things that are happening at the school, all in one place, at the start of the year, and they can actually sign up for things on the spot."

In conclusion, Clubs Day is a great way to explore what the school has to offer and decide which clubs to join at the start of the year.

On the night before the first day of school, Grads followed GISS tradition by camping at Duck Creek. The night started off at 9 o'clock sharp, though some had arrived hours early to set up their camping spot. The music started blaring, playing the best party music, also a GISS tradition.

Everyone made sure to wear a white T-shirt to get signatures from anyone who had a pen. From some stories of seniors, glow sticks, glow stick sunglasses, and glow balloons had been brought to the party, making the night even more special. Little did anyone know that those same glow sticks would be used as weapons later into the night. After about 11 o'clock, the night took a turn. After talking to some of the seniors who can recall that night, they said that they saw people jumping on others' tents. This severely damaged the tents, making it hard for those who were supposed to sleep in them to fix them in the darkness. There have also been accounts of phone stomping, whether it be on purpose or accidental. A student woke up the next morning to their phone smashed and ruined. Although some negative aspects of the night occurred, they were overshadowed by the positives.

The dance circle was a popular spot for the night with an upbeat playlist, playing hit after hit. For those who didn’t particularly love dancing, they were seated by the propane fire. The music enclosed the area, even though it was a large open field. The memories made that night will surely last a lifetime for the grad class of 2027 and will set an example for the following graduating classes.

Weeee’rrrrree Baaaa-aaaack! We are so happy to welcome readers back for our second year of publishing The STING at Gulf Islands Secondary. We have a team of passionate story tellers and skilled graphic designers at work in the GISS Media Lab class, and we are working one day a week in our class schedule publishing The STING (we also are creating this year’s Yearbook ‘The Scorpion’ on the other three days.)

School newspapers are a ton of work, but really great work. Personally, I feel there are not enough places in high school where the work you do in class produces a real product that matters to others. Although we are a little short staffed this year compared to last year (one class instead of two,) due to the positive feedback we received last year and the pure joy (well maybe not totally pure) of making it, The STING returns!

This year, we are fortunate to have some design veterans, who were in the class last year for one or both semesters. We hope you enjoy the new/evolved look of this first issue, and the design team looks forward to continuing to experiment and improve this year. We also have both veteran and new storytellers, and in our editorial meetings so far, the talk has been around ‘what kinds of things would students and staff really want to read about?’ And, ‘what’s our angle in the story that captures a reader’s attention and draws them into the story?’ We hope folks will take their time and spend their (limited) attention span reading through ALL the articles, as The STING is designed to be absorbed in one sitting!

Lastly, this is a message for teachers, The STING is looking to connect more with classes this year to publish excellent student work. Have an amazing essay submitted? Some deep and inspiring poetry? An incredible talent on the field? We want to hear about it, tell the story, and publish their work so the community can see and enjoy! Reach out to me anytime to talk about collaborating and sharing student work.

GISS students of all grades are familiar with the state of our hallways between blocks. The flow of traffic is intense, corners are prime spots for collisions, and of course, the dreaded cluster of chatting friends smack-dab in the middle of the hall is impossible to avoid. It's likely that you've been on both sides of this equation, and I’m certainly no different. These issues are small when isolated, but considering that most of us encounter at least two out of three each time we switch classes, their scale has grown beyond being manageable annoyances.

Since the five minutes between bells can be a close call for those of us who have to move between wings or buildings, the rush is understandable. I think it's worth taking a step back and allowing the movement of the group to be stable, rather than frantic. The corner collisions can be solved with the same tactic… and keeping to one side. Generally speaking, sticking to the right side of the hall is a good rule of thumb.

Of course, there's no discussing the management of our corridors without bringing up the biggest obstacle of all. I'll be frank: the mid-hallway group discussions have got to stop. Nevermind how inconsiderate the behaviour is, attempting to weave through one of these clusters is a living nightmare. To those who do this, I beg of you, please let people pass you. The locker bays are probably the best alternative space to conduct these terrifying gatherings, but if you absolutely must take up the corridor, try not to root yourself to the ground and turn into an impromptu labyrinth. But don't just take my word for it — I spoke with fellow 12th graders who have seen this phenomenon for almost four years, and my own words were echoed right back at me. One commented with a simple "Yikes," while another shared a more personal encounter. A veritable wall of 8th graders, blocking the South Wing downstairs hallway in an impenetrable cluster. My source had to physically fight her way through to get to Ms. Soto's Career Ed class, all while facing the scrutiny of the masses.

Of course, this isn't meant to be a scolding. Nobody sets out to be the obstacle, and most of us have been the one who stopped mid-stride because a friend called out a name or a story couldn't wait. That's the thing about hallway traffic: it only works if everyone quietly agrees to keep it moving, and it takes just a few people forgetting that agreement to slow everyone down. A little awareness goes a long way. Glance behind you before you stop, drift toward the wall when you need to talk, and give a nod of thanks to the person who squeezes by. It costs us nothing, and it might just get everyone to class before the bell.

The lower north wing girl’s bathroom, commonly known as Bunyan Bathroom, was closed in the final months of school last year, due to serious destruction of the sink and stalls. Though completely reasonable and justified, the closing of Bunyan Bathroom had quite a few negative impacts on both students and teachers.

One main issue was overcrowding. Everyone with a preference for the lower north wing bathroom migrated upstairs, adding to the already existing group of people up there. Poor Ms. Bateman; she was unfortunately affected by this, as she actually needed to use the bathroom and was once blocked by a large number of people in there! Closing the bathroom also took away a gathering space for many people.

When you walk into the Bunyan Bathroom before school, during break or even during class, you are almost guaranteed to find a few people sitting, standing and hanging around.

Though there are many places to socialize in the school, this specific bathroom is quite popular, notably for alternative presenting people. On the surface, it might look like a space where all we do is get up to no good, but as someone who frequents Bunyan Bathroom, I can tell you that there’s more to it.

I often call Bunyan Bathroom my “home away from home.” I will admit I’m probably in there a little too often, but I think I have good reason. There are few places in school where students can go to relax and escape being constantly perceived by numerous students and staff alike. This bathroom is often described as comfortable and welcoming by fellow frequenters, and a safe community space for the people often in there. Quotes from fellow students say “I love it here! It’s home.” and “If you feel bad about yourself, go to Bunyan Bathroom - someone there will make you feel better.”

I feel that, though somewhat reasonable, this bathroom is treated as a bad space unfairly. It is understandable that staff don’t want people skipping and vaping in there, but these things are not unique to only Bunyan Bathroom. What people don’t understand is that having a place that many people gather in school isn’t a bad thing.

It provides comfort and a nice break from the busy day. Knowing where to go to seek some companionship is something that so many people love about the bathroom. “Closing it down is not the solution. Nothing terrible goes on in there, It’s just a popular bathroom,” says a fellow student. Mr. Bunyan, the namesake of the bathroom, shared his thoughts. He is thrilled that it’s open again, and believes that it’s not good to remove personal private resources from students. “We need more resources, not less.” He does however hope that the majority will respect the space, as vandalism is very selfish, and benefits no one. I hope that any staff and students who read this can better understand why the space is so popular. We are not bad people, we just want to see our friends.

Ms. Peerless has taken over as our new Art Studio teacher. Both she and her students are extremely excited about this opportunity to have some new and different ideas in the art room this year.

“What made you want to teach art?”

“For starters, Art Studio was always my favorite class in high school! And I continued my art studies at university. Before becoming a teacher, I studied art and design, graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Design, and later became an Interior Architectural Designer. This was my first career of 12 years. Even when I went back to university to study Science and become a teacher, I was enrolled in a series of master's level Art Studio courses out of pure interest. While at UBC I collaborated with my Oceanography professor to put on an Art & Science Exhibition featuring a large series of art pieces focused on bringing awareness to the problem of ocean plastics. It was a privilege to have some of my paintings included in this show! Art and design have always been an important part of my life; I hope to share this with others and help students see how important art is for the wellbeing of the individual and society at large, and above all, I hope to help students see that making art is available to everyone!”

“What are your plans for the art classroom?”

“Currently I am taking it one step at a time, there is a lot of planning to do. I have current plans to get my classes out to galleries, welcome some local artists into our studio. And this year students will have the opportunity to take part in Art Spring's SSNAP Youth Exhibition! I am also starting an Art Club on Wednesday evenings directly after class. We will meet in the Art Studio, so please get the word out. It will be a sort of "open studio" time for art students and any GISS student that would like to join. While I won't be teaching or leading any projects during Art Club, there will be an opportunity for members to come hangout and make art.”

“What new things are you hoping to do with art classes this year?”

“Oh, I have so many ideas! I hope to get the clay studio up and running again and reinstall a kiln. I plan to host a GISS Art Exhibition at the end of each semester where we will invite family and community to view student art. If I have the chance, I hope to diversify the Art Studio course offerings so that students can enroll in more Art Studio courses if they wish to, including a dedicated 3D Art Studio course featuring clay work and sculpture. I am a big dreamer who doesn't give up easily. I will have to keep some of my big ideas to myself until I can be sure they are all possible. Knowing is great, but surprises can be a lot of fun too!”

“Do you have any experience teaching art?”

“Yes, I do! Last year I taught the Art Studio 8 rotation here at GISS, I taught senior Studio Art out of a portable at David Thompson Secondary in Vancouver, we are so fortunate to have such an inspiring studio space at GISS! Lastly, I was the dedicated substitute teacher for South Delta Secondary's Art Studio. This studio was so inspiring; full of amazing student artwork, music playing at all times, so welcoming, it was truly the heart of the school! I think there is just as much potential waiting to emerge from the GISS Art Studio.”

Quote from a student

“Mrs Peerless has been awesome, I have really enjoyed her class and learned a lot through 3 weeks. I am interested in the class; she motivates students to be more creative and experiment with their art. She is understanding when someone is having troubles with an art piece, shes understanding and get on track. She is great at pushing everyone to do their personal best.”Anonymous, Grade 12

What do you think? How is Art this year?

Koen OdurukweGrade 10Ms. Peerless is pretty fun.

Henry LeeGrade 10It’s great.

Zehyr Guermoundi-BrowneGrade 10It's definitely a relaxed environment.

On October 2, the Gulf Islands Secondary Photography class held its first public exhibition in the GISS Multi. The show, called NOTICE, featured photographs intended to help viewers see subjects in new or unique ways. Students were asked, “What is something that you think is worth noticing?” Their images captured moments from their lives at home, in the community, and around the school. Students photographed, selected, and edited their work in preparation for the exhibition.

Local professional photographer Billie Woods was a guest presenter who worked with students individually and in small groups to help them shoot and edit their photographs. Billie shared her knowledge and techniques, offering both formal and informal feedback to help students recognize their strengths and make decisions that better captured their photographic intentions.

During the exhibition, students and staff were invited to view the photographs and respond to what they experienced. They were asked to select their favourite images in three categories and explain why each photograph spoke to them:

Visitors recorded their responses to share with the photographers.

After the exhibition, the photographers sorted and read the feedback on their images, using it to reflect on what they had learned throughout the process. Grade 10 photographer Sophia E. reflected on her feedback, saying, “It really surprised me that the people really felt the happy emotion that I wanted to transmit when you look at my picture, that’s really cool.”

Sr. Boys Volleyball (6-6)

Sr. Girls Volleyball (1-11)

Jr. Girls Black Volleyball (2-2)

Jr. Boys Volleyball (5-0-1)

Jr. Girls Yellow Volleyball (0-1)

Jr Boys Soccer (0-3)

Sr. Boys Soccer (3-3)

XC Running Race at Glenora Park, Oct 1

Terrance Stanley Fox, better known as Terry Fox, was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Rolland and Betty Fox. His family moved to Surrey, British Columbia, in 1966, before settling in Port Coquitlam in 1968.

Terry tried to join his school's basketball team but struggled because of his height. He continued to improve, and in Grade 12, he won his high school's Athlete of the Year award. Terry enrolled at Simon Fraser University to study kinesiology, with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher.

In 1977, Terry was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right knee and had to have his right leg amputated. Following his surgery, he played wheelchair basketball in Vancouver and went on to win three national championships. During his cancer treatment, Terry witnessed many people, including children, suffering from the disease. He vowed to find a way to raise money for cancer research and help others facing the same challenges. On April 12, 1980, Terry began his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of running across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

He ran through harsh weather, pain, and fatigue, stopping in hundreds of communities to raise awareness and funds. Terry ran approximately 42 km per day on a prosthetic leg, covering 5,373 km over 143 days.

He was accompanied by his friend and teammate, Doug Alward, who drove the van, cooked meals, and provided support by helping Terry maintain his schedule and keeping track of his mileage. On September 1, 1980, Terry began experiencing sharp pains in his chest. After learning that the cancer had spread to his lungs, he was forced to end the Marathon of Hope near Thunder Bay, Ontario. He died on June 28, 1981, but his determination and accomplishments continue to inspire millions of people around the world.

This year, our school raised $1,813.64 for cancer research in honour of Terry Fox. This amount triples our total from previous years. Every September, when we participate in the Terry Fox Run, we remember his courage and determination to help find a cure for cancer so that others would not have to go through what he experienced.

Kaz came to GISS after working at Fulford school as Principal for past three years. Before that she was the Principal of Mayne Island School and has been a teacher in the district since 2015. She also taught in the Victoria School District.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I had a really challenging time in school when I was young. I had a really hard time learning to read and I didn't learn to read until later. And so I spent time, in the learning resource room and, it really affected my confidence in elementary school. So, I became a teacher because I wanted to make sure school was a happy place for everyone and not, just those that were excelling academically. I also believe that children and youth are the most important members of our community as they are our future. Investing in them is a way to secure a positive impact on the future for everyone.

What are you loving about GISS?

I am loving the students, and the people, the staff. It seems to be such a nice environment where people seem to genuinely be happy to be here. I am loving the later start of the day. Yeah, I love the cafeteria. I love all the events. There is a lot to love!

How long have you been a school administrator?

I have been, this is my official...fifth year as an administrator, but I did 2 years previous to that as an acting Vice Principal for half of a year and acting Principal for a year.

What's your favorite thing to do outside of school?

My favorite thing to do outside of school is to spend time with my family. I have a great love of my family. I have 4 children and a lovely partner. So my family is my favorite thing to do outside of school.

What would you like us to know about you?

I would like everyone to know about me that my door is always open. And that if people have things that they want to talk to me about, I want to hear it.